If you are moving to Houston, you are in for a wonderful experience! Houston is one of the fastest growing populations, and it is the nation’s fourth largest city. With a large job market, a bustling tourism industry, and an exciting food scene, Houston is one of the top places to live in the U.S.

Houston is Huge – Plan Accordingly

We all know the saying ‘everything is bigger in Texas.’ In regards to Houston, this saying is the absolute truth. Houston, commonly called H-Town, could fit Philadelphia, Chicago, Baltimore, and Detroit all within its 600 square miles. Due to its massive size, you should choose where you live wisely. It’s advisable to live close to your workplace because Houston is know for its terrible traffic. Mass transportation in this huge city is lacking, and walking to most destinations is out of the question.

Where to Live – Best Neighborhoods in Houston

Considering its massive size, Houston is bound to have a neighborhood that will fit your needs and desires. Here are some of the most popular areas to live in the city:

• West University Place is located around 15 minutes from downtown. It is located close to Rice University and near the medical center. While this is a trendy area for families and professionals, be prepared to fork over lots of money for the privilege of living in this centrally located, affluent area. According to Zillow, most homes here are well over a million dollars.
• Eastwood is just three miles from downtown. Unlike some of the other neighborhoods, the housing is much more affordable, so this is an attractive neighborhood for young urbanites and families. The average home in this area appraises for $163K, with approximately 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Many enjoy Eastwood for its varied architectural styles, which include many homes in the craftsman tradition.
• The Woodlands is a planned community 27 miles from downtown on the north side. This is an entire community in and of itself, with multiple shopping areas and neighborhoods. This popular community caters to upper middle-class families that want a suburban escape from the hectic rush of downtown. However, if you plan on commuting from here to a downtown office everyday, expect to spend lots of your time in the car as traffic is horrendous.
• Houston Heights is one of the fastest growing neighborhoods and has the highest number of artists per capita in the entire state. With multiple parks and great safety statistics, the Heights is a wonderful place to raise a family.
• Memorial is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Houston, boasting some of the finest (and most expensive) homes in the city. While homes here might be pricey, this is one of the most prestigious neighborhoods to live in if you have the money.

The Houston Job Market

You may be moving because of a new job, or may be forced to look for a new job because of your move. Though Houston has a wide diversity of industry, it has long been the state’s biggest producer of oil & gas. Thousands of Houston jobs are tied to the oil and gas industry, so the recent drop in oil prices has sent a ripple through the entire Houston job market. Oil & gas companies have seen massive layoffs in recent months, that in turn have affected the economy as a whole, as people tighten the grip on their wallets and stop spending. A recent report showed that the region lost 2600 jobs in March, which is frightening when you consider that over the last 25 years, the area has added approximately 14,000 jobs every March. Though things are looking bleak for oil & gas at the moment, there are several other big industries that still offer great job opportunities, including:

• Space research: Houston is the home to the NASA Astronaut Corps.
• Aircraft manufacturer
• Agriculture
• Biomedical: The largest medical center, Texas Medical Center, is located here.
• Environmental Services

Finding Good Schools

If you are a parent, the school district that you choose will be an important decision for your children. Houston boosts a number of universities and a large amount of public schools. These are a few of the best options:

• Carnegie Vanguard High School
• Eastwood Academy
• The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts
• Challenge Early College High School

Get Moving!

Houston is bound to have something to appeal to everyone. With a low cost of living and a population even more diverse than New York City, this city is an incredible place to live. To lock in the lowest rate on your Houston move, give Cheap Movers Houston a call for a quote. This local moving company helps with both local and long distance relocations in and out of Houston at some of the best rates in the city. They’ll move you fast so you can start enjoying your new life in your new hometown!