The city of Pasadena, Texas - not to be confused with Pasadena, California - is located near the Gulf coast in southeast Texas and within the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugarland metropolitan area. The city, which was founded by John H. Burnett in 1893, was actually named after Pasadena, California because of the lush vegetation that was growing in that area at the time. Despite the fact that Pasadena is only the 17th largest city in the state of Texas, it boasts the largest volunteer fire department in the entire United States.
This guide will provide you with some helpful tips and information on just about everything you need to know if you're going to be making the move to Pasadena. From the city's neighborhoods and school systems to the employment options and recreational activities available within the city, you'll find it all in this guide so that you can go into your move with the knowledge that is needed to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible.
Pasadena Climate
Pasadena's climate is primarily categorized as a humid subtropical climate. The city experiences long, hot and humid summers and very brief, mild winters. Temperatures can often reach the triple digits during the hottest parts of the summer in July and August. The city's location near the Gulf coast contributes largely to its weather and the humidity it experiences during the summer.
The city's location also means that it's susceptible to high winds and occasional strong thunderstorms and tornadoes during the summer months. The temperatures largely remain in the 50s during the winter, with snow being a very infrequent occurrence.
Pasadena Geography and Neighborhoods
Pasadena has a total area of 44.5 square miles, and part of the city borders on Galveston Bay, which feeds into the Gulf of Mexico. There are over 20 different neighborhoods located within the city of Pasadena, including Allendale, Bayport, Clear Lake City, El Jardin del Mar, Golden Acres, Old Downtown and Turtle Creek, just to name a few. The neighborhoods are spread out throughout the city and comprise the Pasadena area, with each one providing its own individual cultures and unique flavors that make Pasadena what it is.
Living Costs in the City
Pasadena is located in southeast Texas near the Gulf of Mexico and situated slightly to the east of Houston, the nearest major city. The city is located within the Houston metropolitan area, but is just far enough removed to reduce the impact on the costs of living. This factor contributes to the low cost of living in the city. The costs of living in Pasadena are relatively low when compared to other large cities throughout the country, and the price of rent is on par with most of the region, as are the various living expenses related to average living costs, such as transportation, food and utilities.
The median family income in Pasadena is $50,354, which is slightly below the national average for median family income. The median home price for an average home in Pasadena is around $99,035, well below the national average, but similar to real estate prices that exist in other cities throughout the region.
Registering Your Car
The first few weeks can be a busy time for anyone who is new to Texas. One must make sure to register their vehicle as soon as they can. In order to do that one can find a local car service provider who will inspect your vehicle. There are also vehicle inspection stations available where one must show detailed proof of adequate insurance and your driver's license.
Upon moving to Texas, one must also apply for a Texas Driver's license. One must go to a driver's license division office of the Texas Department of Public safety. Unless you are a student or a military member you must submit any existing license and apply for a new license here. One has 90 days upon arrival to have a Texas driver's license. You must also make sure to learn about the Texas point system as getting a ticket in Texas can be very expensive.
Pasadena Moving Resources
Moving and storage companies are ready and willing to help you with your move to Pasadena, whether you're moving from out of state or from another county in Texas. Make sure you get estimates from multiple moving services before you commit to hiring any (at least three estimates). Check back to our guides for tips on how to choose your moving service wisely with important questions to ask, differentiating between types of estimates, and mistakes to avoid. Visit the following pages at Movers.com to get quotes for the following services:
Pasadena Schools
The public school system in Pasadena is mainly operated by the Pasadena Independent School District. However, there are three other school districts which cater to certain smaller areas of the city. The Deer Park Independent School District serves some of the eastern part of the city and Clear Creek Independent School District serves some of the southern part along with La Porte Independent School District. There are also several institutes of higher education with campuses in Pasadena. Some of these include the University of Houston-Clear Lake, San Jacinto College and Texas Chiropractic College.
Pasadena Employment
Pasadena's largest industry is the petroleum and gas industry and other important economic sectors in the city include petroleum refining, petrochemical processing, aerospace and maritime shipping. In addition, healthcare is another major contributor to the city's economy.
The current unemployment rate is right around 6.9 percent as of April 2013, slightly lower than the national unemployment rate, and the job growth rate is currently on the rise at 15.57 percent. Some of Pasadena's biggest employers are the Pasadena Independent School District, Boeing, LyondellBasell, Bayer, Shell, ExxonMobil, Refining LP, Bayshore Medical Center, Wal-Mart and Chevron Phillips.
Public Transportation
Pasadena is served by several major highways which include Interstate 45, State Highway 225 and Beltway 8. A park & ride service from the Pasadena Town Square Mall is provided by the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO). The METRO also operates a bus route that runs throughout most of the city, including the downtown areas.
The closest major airport is the George Bush Intercontinental Airport, which is located only 23 miles north of downtown Houston and 32 miles northwest of downtown Pasadena. The airport is served by several major commercial airlines which operate daily flights with non-stop service to a number of regional, domestic and international destinations.
Culture and Contemporary Life
The city of Pasadena has over 47 different parks and 14 miles of trails for hiking, biking, or just enjoying the plentiful sunshine that the city has to offer. Aside from all of the great recreational opportunities available in Pasadena, you'll also find several great attractions and popular sites like NASA's Johnson Space Center and Pasadena Rodeo. You can also take a fascinating tour of the San Jacinto Monument and Armand Bayou Nature Center, or celebrate the city's bounty of strawberry crops at the annual Pasadena Strawberry Festival that draws over 50,000 attendees and visitors each year.
Moving to Pasadena
Whatever your reasons for moving to Pasadena, whether it be for a change of scenery or for employment, the city beckons you with its charm. The first step in the process of moving to Pasadena is choosing a moving company after first checking their BBB ratings, insurance and license. The moving rates are charged by the hour if you are moving within the state boundary, while for a long distance move the charges will depend on the total weight or volume in cubic feet of your belongings. In the latter case, you can ask about a flat rate or any special discounts that are available with the mover.