Highlights

  • Moving to Houston means experiencing a humid, subtropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Be prepared for thunderstorms and tornadoes, and ensure your home is ready for the excess rain and potential flooding.
  • Houston boasts a thriving job market with major oil and energy corporations and 18 Fortune 500 companies. The city is also home to the world’s largest medical center, offering numerous career prospects. For those seeking higher education, Houston is home to over 40 universities, attracting students.
  • Houston stands out among major metropolitan areas for its affordable housing options. The average rent for one-bedroom ranges from $1,000 to $1,200, and a three-bedroom home typically costs around $2,300. Moreover, Texas does not impose a state income tax, providing financial relief for residents.
  • Houston offers a diverse array of entertainment options. The Theater District, comparable to New York’s Theater District, spans 17 blocks and hosts nine performing art organizations. The city’s Museum District attracts around 7 million visitors annually, making it a cultural haven for art enthusiasts.
Houston moving guide
The complete Houston moving guide by MyMovingReviews

The complete moving to Houston relocation guide. All the things to know before moving to Houston.

When planning a move to a different city and state, you should learn more about the new place.

Moving to a different state is a little like moving internationally. Tune up so that you will face things you haven’t heard of where you come from.

Here are some moving to Houston Texas things to know, relocation information and city data:

  • The Climate
  • Career and Education Opportunities
  • Housing and Living Costs
  • Entertainment in Houston
  • Hiring a Houston Moving Company

Once you have chewed over these main facts, you can then start preparing to move to Houston. Relocating to the biggest city in Texas can be a surprisingly refreshing move in your life. Houston is a dynamic, young city with tons of cultural and outdoor attractions.

Get a free moving quote now by phoning our relocation specialists at +1 (800) 680-6439.

Moving to Houston Texas things to know

The Climate in Texas

In this moving guide, we want to cover all the aspects of your upcoming relocation including the climate change you are about to experience, especially if you are moving to Houston from NYC or from Chicago. Prepare for a humid, subtropical climate.

It is warm year-round, with average temperatures varying each month, with the lowest around 42’F in January and December. Expect thunderstorms and tornadoes year around. Thus, besides good AC, make sure your house is prepared if you will live in a more remote area.

But hey, don’t let that fact get you! Stock up on sunscreen and get ready for 40’–50’F winter days. Just one more small tug, in the winter the excess rain triggers a lot of flooding.

Houston Moving: Jobs & Education Opportunities

Houston space center
The Houston Space Center is located 25 miles south of the downtown in the NASA/Clear Lake area.

If you’ve finished your higher education and now are only looking to start a career, Houston is your place. Some of the biggest world oil and energy corporations have their headquarters there along with 18 Fortune 500 companies.

Moreover, Houston is home to the largest medical center in the world – The Texas Medical Center. Thus, if you are looking for a job this vibrant city has a lot to offer. Now, if you are considering furthering your education, check out some of the over 40 universities in the city.

Houston is very much a students’ city because the excellent educational institutions attract a lot of young people.  Check out The University of Houston, Rice University and Texas Southern University.

Are you looking for a job in Houston, TX? Indeed.com will help you.

Housing and Houston Living Cost

The overall cost of living in Houston, Texas is one more thing that will make you want to move. Houston has the most affordable housing out of the ten most populated metropolitan areas. The average rent is between $1,000 and $1,200 for one bedroom and $1,300-$1,800 for two bedrooms.

All the houses and apartments for rent/buy can be found on Zillow.com.

The average price of a three-bedroom home is around $2300. The state of Texas, among nine other states, does not impose a state income tax, which is a big relief after all. Yet there are property and sales taxes in Houston. Texas sales tax rate is 6.25% and after adding local surtaxes goes up to 8.25% according to Houston.org.

Moving to Houston guide: Entertainment

After considering the most important factors affecting the quality of life, you should think about the entertainment opportunities in the city. The list of cultural venues and local attractions is quite long. The Theater District located in downtown Houston is on par with New York Theater District as it encompasses 17 blocks and holds nine performing art organizations.

Therefore, if you are a fan of theater and live music the Theater District is the right place. Houston also has a great Museum District that accommodates many art centers as well and overall attracts around 7 million visitors a year.

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Hiring Houston moving companies

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Ask the movers about the packing materials costs in advance. Decide whether you are doing it yourself or you’ll let them pack.

Now, after reflecting on all the necessary factors for leading a fulfilling life in your new place, you should roll up your sleeves and find out who will help you move.

In most cases, just the thought of your upcoming move to Houston relocation makes you sweat.

No matter if it will be a state-to-state moving job or a cross-country moving, just thinking of all the packing and moving you will have to do, you get dizzy, either because you have never done it or just because you are too busy.

So then, you should start planning what you want to 2move with you and set a budget. So, now make a moving checklist that will help you organize your move:

  1. Check each room and decide what you are moving.
  2. Organize a garage sale or donate things you are not taking.
  3. Call Houston moving companies and get moving quotes. (Now you can do it straight from your iPhone with the free My Move app)
  4. Ask for an in-house estimate as it is the most accurate.
  5. Decide who offers what for the money.
  6. Do not ever go for the lowest quote, it may be a moving scam.
  7. Check the Texas moving company’s reputation and customer satisfaction rate.
  8. Ask for packing materials, are they included in the estimated price? The packing material usually adds up to the total moving cost and increases it dramatically.
  9. Buy your packing and wrapping materials, it may be cheaper. You may ask the movers to pack things up for you, especially the expensive and fragile items.
  10. Follow up with all utilities, cable providers and postal services.
  11. After relocating, share your moving experience and write a moving review, it’s important.

Houston moving costs and rates

When considering a Houston moving company, one of the most important things to know before moving to Houston concerns moving costs. Look for companies that offer frequent routes discounts and flat rates. Some moving companies travel to Texas more often than others, and they may give you a better moving cost estimate.

The cost of the relocation very much depends on the weight and cubic feet of your inventory. Moving a two-bedroom apartment from the East Coast to Houston for example, may cost approximately $4000 for a move up to 6000 lbs. If you are moving from the Midwest to Houston based on the same weight the cost would be around $3000.

And again still will depend on how much and what kind of stuff you are moving. It is good to talk to a relocation consultant who can get you organized and will take care of everything for you. Research professional licensed and insured moving companies and ask as many questions as possible before making a decision on what company to hire.

Make your life easier, not just by moving to Houston, but hiring the right moving company.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is it worth moving to Houston?

If you value a strong job market, educational opportunities, affordable living, and a lively entertainment scene, Houston might be an excellent choice for you. However, as with any move, it’s essential to thoroughly research and consider all aspects of the city before making a decision.

What salary is needed to live comfortably in Houston?

The average national salary of around $70,000 after tax would be enough to live comfortably in Houston.

Why is Houston so popular?

It’s the 4th largest city in the US and it appeals to the lifestyle of many people. It’s more affordable and family-friendly than most of the cities in the nation.

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3 Comments

  1. This article summed up Houston well. I’m moving there in July of 2014 from Chicago IL. and I’m beyond thrilled on all the jobs and most importantly the low cost of living!

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