Houston, Texas is located near the Gulf of Mexico, and it's one of the state's largest cities. If you're moving to Houston, there's a lot you should learn first so you don't spend the first couple of months gawking at all the cool stuff the metropolis has to offer. Don't worry, though– Houston is an accepting city and you'll fit in quickly.
Before you hop in your car and start journeying to your new home, check out this trivia-worthy list of Houston facts:
Most people move for job opportunities, and if you're one of them, your new office should be the compass by which you navigate. Basically, find an apartment close to work. While it's an amazing city, Houston isn't exactly walkable.
You can drive, but traffic gets dense. People who are used to the public transit of cities like Chicago and New York will be a bit confused by Houston. Being within walking distance of work or close to a highway is a must.
Do note that public transit in Houston is in the middle of an expansion. So while you have to find your own way to work now, you may be able to look forward to train rides in the future.
The median age in Houston is 33, making the city one of the youngest, coolest places in Texas. It also means you're bound to find co-workers and neighbors who are also young. This is good if you're also in your late 20s or 30s. If you're not, don't worry– there are residents your age, too.
Another benefit of living in a young city? There's always stuff to do, whether you want to grab a drink, check out a swanky cafe, or see a live show.
It's kind of a chicken and egg scenario: Did the cool venues attract young residents or did the young residents attract cool venues? We may never know.
Get ready, future Houstonite, for hot and humid weather. You may think you're in Florida, but you're still in Texas. Living near the Gulf means the temperatures and moisture rise, but it's not all a bad thing.
It doesn't rain often in Houston so that baseball game or outdoor concert you were looking forward to probably won't get rained out. On the negative side, the weather means you really should invest in an air conditioner– unless you're some extreme-weather fanatic, in which case, you do you.
The Loop is a highway that circles Houston.
If you're inside The Loop, then you're in the downtown area. Knowing this lingo will make chatting with co-workers and meeting up with friends much easier.
Houston is art central, with museums, galleries, and shows galore.
Make use of this feature by enjoying what the city has to offer. Before long, you'll be so well-versed in Jackson Pollock that you won't know what to do with yourself.
The city is known for having tons of green space, which means you can have picnics, toss a Frisbee, go running, and walk your dog with ease. Don't let the weather prevent you from enjoying the natural landscape surrounded by an urban setting.
What's more, Houston is full of outdoor venues. From concert spaces to sports fields, you won't be bored when you're outside.
Two things Houston doesn't have: zoning laws and income tax. The former means your apartment could be next to a gas station, or a mall, or just about anything else. The latter means you don't lose money from your paycheck.
In fact, the no-income-tax situation is the case for the whole state! However, there is a downside: No income tax means fewer social services.
Moving to Houston is a great adventure– art, music, amazing food, and more money in your paycheck await!