When I moved to Houston a few years ago, I didn’t expect the pandemic to affect the housing market as much as it has, or to see so many people move here. Needless to say, a lot has changed in the past few years!

Now that I’ve lived through more seasons in Houston and have helped many families relocate here from other states (and even other countries!), I have a better understanding of what buyers are looking for before moving here. Here are some things unique to Houston that you may want to know before relocating.

Houston Housing Affordability

We’ve seen more and more families relocating to Houston because of necessity, job relocation, and housing affordability.

The cost of living in Houston is lower than in many states and even other cities within Texas. But with so many people flocking to Houston and Texas in general in the last couple of years, it’s not quite as affordable as it used to be.

In 2019, the average cost of a home in Houston was about $294,000. Fast forward to 2022, and the average cost of a home in Houston is about $410,000.

Back in 2019, there was about four months’ worth of inventory on the market. Currently, there is about a month and a half’s worth, so it can be competitive.

Home taxes haven’t increased much, but property value has gone up significantly. This has increased property tax value, especially if you’ve bought in the last few years. Buyers are usually okay with this increased cost because it’s still cheaper than where they’re moving from, and there’s no state income tax in Texas.

Houston Traffic

When we ask out-of-staters what it’s like to live in Houston, one thing that often comes up is just how massive this city actually is. It’s not until you live here and have to drive from one area to another that you realize just how long it can take.

Once you find an area of Houston to live in, everything you need is generally close by. It’s a big city with plenty of traffic, but out-of-state buyers have noted that it’s not nearly as bad as other states like California and Florida.

It doesn’t take long to understand the rules of driving on the Houston freeways. If you’re in the far left lanes, you should be going a minimum of 80 miles per hour. The speed limits on the freeways are just suggestions!

HoustonFlooding

The biggest concern we’ve heard from buyers is about flooding. Houston is a city prone to major flooding, which is a risk associated with many of our neighborhoods and homes.

The terrain is flat, made of clay soil, and sits very close to sea level. Houston has a lot of infrastructure and concrete that changes the terrain all the time. The city of Houston has spent billions of dollars in flood mitigation programs that are active today, especially since hurricane Harvey.

Houston has also seen a large amount of new construction and development. Builders are typically building several feet above sea level, and there are updated codes and plans to help reduce the risk of flooding. Engineers also constantly update the retention ponds and storm drain sewage systems to help with the flooding risk in residential neighborhoods. Although the risk is everywhere, it may be slightly less with new construction.

Houston Storms

While Houston has beautiful weather for most of the year, it has had its fair share of major storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes.

Houston has been lucky to avoid some major hurricanes that have hit nearby in the last few years, but you should always be prepared since it is a possibility. Hurricane season is from June to November. The silver lining is that these storms usually bring breathtaking sunsets and cooler air afterward.

Houston Wildlife & Nature

Houston has plenty of wildlife to offer. You can find turtles, frogs, squirrels, bats, raccoons, nutrias, foxes, coyotes, skunks, and boars here. There are some super cool birds in Houston as well.

Seeing all of these animals may not be a daily occurrence, but you just may spot them around Houston.

One animal you may see from time to time is an alligator. There aren’t as many as in Florida or Louisiana, but occasionally you’ll see a few hanging out by the bayou or the retention ponds in residential neighborhoods.

There are also snakes in the water and on land in Houston, although you may not see many near your home.

With its bayous, waterways, and very humid weather, Houston is a mosquito haven. The city sprays many neighborhoods, which helps decrease the number of mosquitos even when you’re going on walks near grass and water.

The humid climate also attracts creepy crawlers. Houston has ants, fleas, flies, and an impressive variety of spiders, especially in wooded areas.

All the wildflowers and the green trees blooming in the spring and summer make Houston a beautiful place to live. Many out-of-staters are impressed with how much green space and nature are actually in Houston. Although the Gulf Coast doesn’t have perfect blue water, there are many state parks and recreational activities for people to enjoy in the Houston area.

Lots to Do in Houston

A big reason why a lot of people are moving to Houston, especially to the suburbs, is that it’s a great balance for families. There are a lot of opportunities for professionals, as well as highly-rated school districts, new construction homes, and more master-planned communities and resort-style amenities than any other city in Texas.

It’s also nice to live in a city with so much to do close by. Houston is the new culinary capital of the world. It also has the largest Texas shopping mall, the biggest rodeo and livestock show in the world, and we’re just a short trip away from many Texas amusement parks.

Thinking of moving to Houston and want to know more about all the great things the city has to offer? Get in touch! We can help make the home building, buying, and selling process as seamless as possible for your family.