Texas / Harris County

Moving to Houston, TX

Thinking of making a move to Houston, TX? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Houston, TX

Considering a move to Houston, TX? This welcoming community of 2,300,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $340,000 and average rents near $1,450. Commute times average 29 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (60% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Houston's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Houston, TX

Houston has a population of 2,300,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 33 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 24% White, 23% Black, and 7% Asian residents, and over 40% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
2,300,000
Density
3,600 per sq mi
Median Age
33.2
Gender Ratio
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
40.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
23.5%
Black
22.5%
Asian
7.0%
Others
47.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Houston, TX?

The cost of living in Houston is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 95.8. Median home values are around $340,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,450. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$340,000
Gross Rent
$1,450
Monthly Electricity Charges
$165
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$720
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 0.0%
Cost Of Living Index
95.8
Grocery
94.5
Housing
82.0
Utilities
103.8
Transportation
93.2
Health Care
97.6
Miscellaneous
97.0

Crime

Is Houston, TX a safe place to live?

Houston is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 1,120 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 22. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Texas.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
1,120
Property Crimes Per 100k
4,520
Crime Index
5,640
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 89
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 22

Weather

What is the weather like in Houston, TX year-round?

Houston experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 95°F and cold winters dipping to 46°F. The area receives about 50 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 60% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
46°F
Max
65°F

Summer

Min
75°F
Max
95°F

Spring

Min
58°F
Max
82°F

Fall

Min
60°F
Max
83°F
Average Rainfall Inches
49.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
60%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $58,900 and a low poverty rate of 18.0%. Over 80% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 34% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 29 minutes, and almost 5% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$38,500
Household Income
$58,900
Family Income
$71,500
Per Capita Income
$32,000
Income Male
$46,500
Income Female
$40,000
Poverty Rate
18.0%
Non English Speakers
45.0%
Rent
$1,450
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
Public Transport Usage
4.7%
Commute Time
28.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
79.5%
Bachelors or More
34.0%

Education

How are the schools in Houston, TX?

Houston offers quality education options, with public schools like Lamar High School and Bellaire High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Houston, Rice University, and Texas Southern University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Lamar High School
Street
3325 Westheimer Rd
Phone
713-522-5960
Students
3,100
Student Teacher Ratio
15.0
Name
Bellaire High School
Street
5100 Maple St
Phone
713-295-3700
Students
3,500
Student Teacher Ratio
15.4

Private Schools

Name
Strake Jesuit College Preparatory
Street
8900 Bellaire Blvd
Phone
713-774-7651
Students
950
Name
St. Agnes Academy
Street
9000 Bellaire Blvd
Phone
713-729-0012
Students
700

Colleges

Name
University of Houston
City
Houston
State
TX
Distance
0 miles
Students
47,000
Name
Rice University
City
Houston
State
TX
Distance
6 miles
Students
8,700
Name
Texas Southern University
City
Houston
State
TX
Distance
4 miles
Students
9,700

Healthcare

Houston residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Houston Methodist Hospital, Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, and CHI St. Luke's Health - Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 79.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Houston Methodist Hospital
Address
6565 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030
Phone
(713) 790-3311
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center
Address
6411 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030
Phone
(713) 704-4000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
CHI St. Luke's Health - Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center
Address
6720 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030
Phone
(832) 355-1000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage
79.0%
Health Care Index
72.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Houston, TX?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $340,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 42%. The market has seen a 2.8% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.2%. Houston offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$340,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,450
Owner Occupied Rate
42.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
2.8%
New Construction Rate
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Houston handle vehicle services through the Texas Department of Public Safety, conveniently located in Austin. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Texas
Department
Texas Department of Public Safety
Address
5805 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752
Phone
1-512-424-2000

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Houston, TX

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Houston, review the core fields on this page: population 2,300,000, median home value $340,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,450, commute time 28.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 60%.

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