When most people think about Houston, they merely think about oppressive humidity and colossal oil refineries. However, this is a far cry from one of the most up-and-coming cities in the nation.
From a growing global community to a rich theater and arts scene, there are various reasons why the city attracts new residents annually. If you’re planning a move, here’s a list of reasons why you should consider Houston.
1. Low Living Cost
Living well isn’t merely about high pay. It’s about the cost of everything and Houston ranks highly in this area. The cost of living here is relatively low when it concerns things such as consumer services and prices, transportation costs and utilities, and most importantly, housing costs.
When you adjust for living cost, the city has the highest pay nationwide at $73,418 ahead of places such as San Jose, which offers high wages but features very high costs.
While much of the state has witnessed an increase in housing costs, the city has managed to evade inflation. In Houston, the cost of housing affects living cost considerably.
The housing costs are 22% less than the national average, making it a great place to live. You’ll also discover that the city allows for suburban, ranch and farm living.
2. Job Market
This reason alone is enough to make you relocate to Houston. Amid financial crisis, the city continues to flourish with an unemployment rate that’s considerably below the national level.
Houston is also home to 26 Fortune 500 companies. It’s also experiencing a surge in entrepreneurship and ranks highly in job creation. The city has a renowned energy industry and it’s no surprise that it’s the country’s top export market, surpassing even New York.
Interestingly, the top sectors in its employment statistics are health and education services, which have historically witnessed uninterrupted yearly gains. Major employers include Philips, the Texas Medical Center, and Sysco.
3. Education
The city’s education potential is profound. You’ll discover that Greater Houston has 14 major higher institutions of learning and the education level in public schools is among the highest in the state.
The city has numerous charter schools that operate separately from school districts and some public school districts have their charter schools.
4. Aviation and Aerospace
The city is home to Johnson Space Center-a $1.5 billion complex that houses one of NASA’s R&D facilities. The space center is also a source of the best high-tech professionals in engineering and science in the country.
In addition to being home to America’s astronaut corps, the space center also functions as the place where international astronauts receive training to go to space.
The aviation community in Houston comprises more than 150 companies involved in space vehicle or aircraft manufacturing, technology, and space research.
5. Theater and Arts
The Theater District features nine main performing arts organizations and six performance halls. The District features an impressive entertainment and cultural center and ranks second nationwide.
The city further has performing and visual arts organizations. Houston is a stop for touring companies and hosts various shows, concerts, and exhibitions.
You’ll discover that the theater scene is far bigger than the Theater District with over 30 regional, professional, and community theater companies developing full seasons of theatrical productions.
Houston life attracts numerous people for various reasons. From diverse food to a thriving economy, you should definitely consider moving to this city.
For more information on why you should move to Houston, contact us at Apartment Agents or leave a comment.