After the pandemic, many have decided to call Texas home. One place that many migrated to is Houston, Texas. Although the great migration to Texas is slowing down, people are still moving to Houston and buying homes. If you’re considering moving to Houston, Texas, you may not want to decide solely based on how popular this destination has become since the pandemic. Here are ten things you should know before relocating to Houston, Texas, to ensure this is a place you want to call home.
It’s A Seller’s Market
To quell inflation and slow down the seller’s market nationwide, the Fed increased the interest rate several times in 2022. This slowed down many seller’s markets nationwide and even changed some markets into buyer’s markets. But despite the changes nationwide, Houston is still a seller’s market. So if you are looking to buy a house in Houston, sellers still have firm market control. Unfortunately, this means you may still encounter bidding wars and have trouble finding the perfect home once you arrive.
Housing is Affordable
Although it is a seller’s market, you can still find affordable housing in Houston. In some strong seller markets, affordable housing is hard to find because the inventory is low. But luckily, there are plenty of houses available for sale in Houston. And if the supply continues to grow consistently over the next five months, this could become a buyer’s market.
The Job Market is Growing
There are an enormous amount of Fortune 500 companies located in Houston. There are also plenty of other booming industries in the area, including energy, aviation, transportation, and manufacturing. So, if you are looking for a new career or a great job, Houston’s economy is strong.
It is a Diverse City
If you come from a town without much diversity, you’ll be happy to know that Houston has plenty of it. As a matter of fact, it is ranked one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. There are plenty of things you can do and many religious groups, cultures, and lifestyles in Houston.
Hurricanes Are a Threat
While you will enjoy mild temperatures most of the year, since the city is concentrated near the gulf, there is a chance you may experience a hurricane.
You May Need Flood Insurance
Besides threats from hurricanes, the area you decide to live in may experience flooding. Unfortunately, flood insurance is not offered as a normal part of many insurance plans in Houston. So, if you want to protect yourself, you will need to purchase a flood insurance plan.
The Weather Gets Very Hot
Besides hurricanes and potential flooding, the weather gets unbearably hot in Houston. So, if you’re coming from a colder climate, this could be a significant change you’ll have to get used to. Not only is it hot, but the humidity is also high.
Houston Has Insect Problems
Along with the hot sticky weather, you can count on mosquitoes lurking in your yard. You may also experience common pests such as roaches, ants, and rodents. Other dangerous insects that you may encounter are as follows:
- Black widow spiders
- Brown recluse spiders
- Striped bark scorpions
- Asp caterpillars
- Texas redheaded centipedes
- Red velvet ants
Traffic is a Big Problem
Before you move here, you must know the traffic is a big problem. Although there is public transportation, many people commute using their own cars.
Crime Is High
Another issue you may encounter if you plan to call Houston your home is high crime rates. The drug trade and gang activity is high, making it one of the top 100 most dangerous cities in the U.S.
Conclusion
If you want to move to Houston, make sure that you learn as much as you can about the city before moving. Just because it is a popular destination right now doesn’t mean you’ll enjoy the experience. Knowing these ten things will allow you to know a few critical info before moving here.
