5 Reasons Why to Move to Houston, TX

5 Reasons Why to Move to Houston, TX

For many years, Houston has been at the heart of the U.S. energy industry. Oil was first discovered in the area in 1901 and over the past century, the city has grown to become the 5th largest in the country. Over 600 oil and gas wells could be found in the region in 2017.

While the oil industry has dried up in recent years, with prices remaining low, the city has maintained its position as “The Energy Capital of the World.” Today, Houston is still defined by its energy roots with over 150 energy-related companies operating in the city and surrounding areas.

If you’re looking for a major city with a vibrant culture and plenty going on, then you might consider living in Houston. Here are just a few reasons why.

1. The Economy

The U.S. economy was significantly affected by the oil industry and although the city’s oil wells have dried up, the impact of energy on Houston’s economy still persists. Many of Houston’s largest employers are involved with the petroleum industry, including Shell, ExxonMobil, and Chevron. Additionally, hundreds of smaller companies in the area are either directly or indirectly related to the energy industry. All of this makes Houston a hub of activity that continues to this day.

While the energy industry has declined in recent years, with the price of oil remaining low, Houston has maintained its place as the 5th largest city in the country. According to a 2016 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 150,000 people in Houston were directly employed in the energy industry and it is estimated that another 200,000 jobs are indirectly connected to the energy industry. With so many jobs, it’s little wonder Houston is often referred to as the “Energy Capital of the World.”

2. Diversity

If you’re looking for a vibrant, multicultural community, then you might want to consider moving to Houston. The city is home to over 2.7 million people and nearly 1.8 million of them are of Hispanic or Latino origin. With 58% of the population being of a different ethnic background than you’re used to, it’s easy to see why people are often surprised by how friendly and welcoming Houston residents can be. The city is rich in culture and tradition with over 150 festivals a year and the 6th largest carnival in the world. Additionally, restaurants and bars in the city are frequented by people from all over the world and you’re sure to find something that appeals to you.

The energy industry had a significant impact on Houston’s population. Between 1901 and 2009, the number of foreign-born residents in the city increased by 400%. As a result of this, as well as the ongoing impact of the energy industry on the local economy, Houston is home to a diverse population.

3. Nightlife

One of the main reasons why people choose to live in Houston is the city’s vibrant nightlife. If you’re looking for a vibrant, culturally diverse city, then you might want to consider moving there. The variety of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants in Houston allows for a lot of diversity and choice, which appeals to a lot of different people. If you’re a fan of football or college basketball, the season begins in early autumn and ends in early winter, which means there’s always something going on in the city. During this time, bars and nightclubs are usually buzzing with activity.

15 Things to Know Before Moving to Houston - SmartAsset

The energy industry had a huge impact on Houston’s nightlife. Not only does the city host a variety of bars and restaurants, but it also has a higher-than-average number of nightclubs. Additionally, many of Houston’s most well-known and visited bars and nightclubs are located on the city’s famous drag strip, which is also the location of the annual Bud Light Super Bowl Festival. This year’s festival will be held on February 6th and 7th.

4. Weather

One of the most important considerations if you’re moving to a new city is how warm or cold it is. If you’re not familiar, the Southern United States is known for its brutal winters and pleasant summers. Even when temperatures are good, the humidity is such that it’s easy to feel miserable. While this might not be desirable, it’s important to take note of the region’s climate so that you can prepare for it. Houston is located in what is known as the “Texas Triangle” between San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas-Fort Worth, which is part of the reason why the area is regularly hit by extreme weather events. Between 2015 and 2016, Houston had the highest number of days where the temperature reached or exceeded 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average of 30.3 days per year. The record for the warmest month is September 1921, when the temperature reached an unprecedented 96 degrees Fahrenheit. To put this into perspective, the average temperature in Houston in September is 64 degrees Fahrenheit.

On the other hand, winters in Houston are typically mild, with the temperature rarely dropping below freezing and the rain being highly refreshing. If you love the feeling of fresh air on your face, you might want to consider living in Houston. Since there’s usually plenty of sunshine, you’ll be able to enjoy the bright sun and warm temperatures all year round. This is in stark contrast with larger cities, where the winters can be harsh and cold. For example, New York City’s average winter temperature is 35.9 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas San Francisco’s is 45.8 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Location

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Houston is located in the center of the country. This puts it at the heart of almost everything. Not only does it have access to major highways, it is also the home of the Houston Airport, which is one of the largest in the country. Traveling to other cities and taking public transportation to get there is simply not an option, as there’s no other place like it. Additionally, nearby towns and regions such as Katy and Livingston are also significant population centers with their own school districts, hospitals, and shopping centers. This makes it easily accessible from almost every location.

On the other side of the country, New York City is isolated. While it does have large highways running through it, getting to another major city is a lengthy process and traveling to other places, including smaller towns and villages, is simply not possible. Additionally, the public transportation system in New York City is incredibly unreliable, which, for many people, is simply not an option. For these reasons, people often choose to live in Houston, regardless of whether or not they’re originally from there. It’s not difficult to see why.

Overall, it’s easy to see why so many people would choose to live in Houston. Not only is the city culturally rich and filled with options for entertainment, but it’s also centrally located in the country, with access to major cities and amenities. If you’re looking for a new city to call home, Houston might be the one you’re looking for. Just remember to prepare for the warm Texas summers and extremely cold winters. With over 150 days of sunshine a year, Houston is definitely not your average American city.