Moving is a huge deal because locating the right place takes considerable time, energy, and stress. Even if you’ve already secured a job, you have to locate a place to live, get familiar with neighborhoods, and establish what will work for you and your family.
Houston is a diverse and multicultural city that boasts an eclectic art scene, so if you’re planning a move, here are things you should know.
1. Hot and Humid Weather
Houston’s climate typically ranges from very hot summers to mild winters. You’ll notice high humidity in the summer months accompanied by hot temperatures. Additionally, it has a huge amount of cloudy and rainy days throughout the year.
If you’re planning a visit, October-April are the best months to avoid the heat. It’s also important to note that June experiences the most rain.
The city’s climate is the result of its proximity to the Mexico Gulf, meaning moisture and temperatures rise. Consequently, it doesn’t rain frequently in this city, making it ideal for outdoor concerts.
However, weather patterns here mean that you must invest in an air conditioner. You should also bear in mind that hurricanes and tropical storms are likely to influence coastal Houston and the city virtually never experiences measurable snowfall.
2. No Zoning Laws
Zoning functions as a permitting system that prevents new development from harming current businesses or residents. Local governments such as municipalities or counties exercise zoning although the state establishes the zoning scheme.
Zoning may comprise regulation of the types of activities that will be permissible on certain lots, the height of buildings, and the space that structures may occupy. Some commercial zones may even specify the kinds of products that particular stores may sell.
One of the features that make Houston unique is the lack of a zoning code, which strikes numerous people as peculiar, if not dangerous. The absent zoning code implies that your apartment could be beside a mall, gas station, or just about anything.
What’s unique about the city is that financial forces rather than compulsory zoning impel the division of land uses. Nevertheless, developers employ extensive private agreements and deed limitations, which function as a comparable zoning role.
The privately prescribed control of land use is efficient because it has a legal precedence and local government aids in its enforcement. Houston has also implemented development regulations that stipulate parking requirements and the subdivision of lots.
The regulations have contributed to its automobile-reliant urban sprawl by needing the existence of huge commercial parking lots.
Without zoning, numerous inner-ring suburbs, for instance Montrose have small businesses including hardware stores and restaurants blended among residential streets.
In spite of the absent zoning, Houston is no different from any other huge North American city for the most part.
3. Culinary hotspot
With over 11,000 different restaurants, Houston has grown to be a culinary hotspot. In a city that features cultural diversity, you’re sure to find options that satisfy varying taste buds.
From soul food, Tex-Mex, to southern barbecue, you’ll find some of the best eats worldwide. You’ll discover that the restaurant scene in Houston is as ethnically diverse as its residents.
With the numerous options, it isn’t surprising that visitors enjoy dining in this city, so if you’re a foodie, you’ll definitely enjoy your move to Houston.
If you’re planning a move to Houston, you’re not alone. Over the past few years, many people are relocating to the city owing to the numerous benefits. You’ll find that the city’s accepting and you’ll fit in fast.
For more information on moving to Houston, contact us at Apartment Agents or leave a comment.
