Welcome to Houston, Movers!
“Houston, We Have a Problem!”
In 1970, the Apollo 13 famously relayed a message to Earth: “Houston, we have a problem.” Part of the problem was that they wanted to get back to Earth safely and not just Earth…perhaps Houston specifically! We don’t blame them. Not only is it home to the NASA’s Space Center Houston, but it is a place with many industries to work in and a great cost of living.
New to the Houston Neighborhood: Data to Keep in Mind
Cost of Living: The dollar goes a long way here in Houston. The median home value is lower here is $124,600; that’s lower than the media of Texas.
Schools: There are 11 universities and 3 law schools. WIth a fair number of both public and private institutions with solid rankings, you have ample choice with higher learned here. Some of these 4 year institutions include the University of Houston system, University of St. Thomas and Rice University.
(Fun fact: Of adults 25+ in Houston, 28% have a Bachelor’s Degree.)
Moving to Houston: Important Info for Moving Quotes
Population: There are about 2.2 million people residing in Houston, making it the largest city in Texas and the fourth largest city (population wise) in America. Median age here? 32.3 years old. It’s a diverse area with a range of ethnicities: 69% Caucasian, 35% Hispanic or Latino, 8% African American, 6% Asian and a little mix of other ethnicities as the final percentages.
Weather:- Scientifically, this climate is known as humid subtropical. This warmth and humidity comes from the Gulf of Mexico just south of Texas. Between June and September, summer months average a high of 90 degrees. (And that is with high humidity.) Residents here beat the heat with massive amounts of air conditioning, something you’ll probably want to make sure is installed in your new home.
Winter wise, weather here is quite nice. It averages 53 degrees and rarely snows.
The other things to look out for here are tornadoes and air quality. Tornadoes can be pulled in from the thunderstorms experienced in the “Tornado Alley” of Texas. As for air quality? In 2006 it has pollution equal to the somewhat unsavory air of Los Angeles. But with all the environmental work and projects going on, it is hopeful that will be lowered.
Jobs in Houston: Top Employers & Houston's Economy
Houston has opportunities in a wide range of industries, some of the kings being petroleum, manufacturing, healthcare and transportation. The top employers of Houston are Memorial Hermann Healthcare, Continental Airlines, Inc., The University of Texas M.D. Cancer Center, ExxonMobil, Shell Oil Company, Kroger Company, and National Oilwell Varco. The only city in America with a higher number of Fortune 500 companies? New York City.
As you may have already gotten a feel for above, most of the main employers are not run by the government. 83% of residents working for private institutions, it’s only 10% likely you’ll have a government job. (The other 7% constitute those that are self-employed.)
Now, what might some of these jobs pay? It’ll vary, of course, but the median household income is about $43,000. And with monthly rent grossing at a median of $823, that isn’t too bad!
Exciting & Fun Houston Attractions
- As mentioned previously with Apollo 13, the Space Center Houston is a fantastic place for tourists, residents and science lovers alike. You can take tram tours of the facilities and even book lunch with an astronaut!
- The Downtown Aquarium is an incredibly beautiful venue. After exploring the many exhibits they have, you can have a dining experience seated under and amongst glass walls of fish, who are eating underwater just like you!
- Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros major league baseball team, is nestled in downtown. Love America’s favorite sport? Hit the ballpark for some hot dogs and cracker jacks!
Fun Facts about Houston Movers Should Know
- Houston is big. How large? Bigger than the entire state of Maryland!
- If you love to eat out, this city may be right for you. Residents in Houston dine out more than any other city in the United States.
- Due to their strong connection with science and space, all their sports teams (except football) are named after such inspiration: the Astros, the Comets and the Aeros.