If everything is bigger in Texas, then the Bayou City is a Texan special. This vibrant and diverse metropolis is sprawling and affordable, with a rich selection of real estate, great schools, and big attractions. If you can handle the heat and humidity, then moving to Houston should be a dream come true, what with the diverse communities teeming with southern hospitality and a world-class food scene. Here is a newcomer’s guide to help you navigate this gem.
Real Estate Market
Because it is a large city, Houston TX real estate agent Morgan Broussard explains that Houston has a complex real estate market. Homes for sale in the area range from affordable and mid-range to luxury homes selling in the millions. The median home sale price in 2024 is 334,000, with prices trending down. However, price points vary greatly across neighborhoods. This is evident in the rental market. In South Park, you can rent a one-bedroom unit for $725 monthly. This price shoots to $2,150 in Neartown – Montrose, Afton Oaks – River Oaks, and the Fourth Ward.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in the Bayou City is relatively cheap, especially compared to similar metro areas in the country. In the index of the country’s most populous metro areas, Houston ranked third in affordability. The cost of living here is 28.8 percent lower than similar cities and 5.8 percent lower than the national average. Housing costs also rate 84.4 percent lower than similar cities and 17.3 percent lower than the national average.
Houston Neighborhoods
Nowhere is the size and diversity of Houston best reflected than in its neighborhoods. The central urban center is surrounded by Interstate 610, or what locals like to call the Loop. If you live inside the Loop, you can expect all the perks of living in the city, including more arts and culture, a richer dining scene, and an easier commute. Neighborhoods that offer this include West University Place, River Oaks, and Houston Heights. Meanwhile, life outside the Loop is more suburban and laid-back, with highly-rated schools and family-friendly communities. Neighborhoods in this category include The Woodlands, Sugar Land, and Clear Lake, where you can find luxury homes in Houston for between $300,000 and $500,000.
Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment
Houston has a world-class dining scene featuring over 70 cuisines across over 10,000 restaurants. The entertainment space is also vibrant and booming, with residents able to enjoy rotating performances and exhibits in the Museum and Theater Districts, a rich collection of local breweries and distilleries, year-round exhibitions at the NASA Space Center, and green spaces like the Hermann Park and Buffalo Bayou. For shopping, Houston is home to the seventh-largest mall in the country and the largest in Texas, the iconic Galleria.
Ready to Move? Find Your New Houston Home with Morgan Broussard
If you can stand the heat and somewhat difficult commutes, moving to Houston is a worthwhile investment. The sprawling Bayou City boasts a lot of diversity and options, a low cost of living, affordable housing, fantastic food, and no state income tax. If you are ready to move here, contact local real estate expert Morgan Broussard to look at homes for sale in Houston. Morgan is a fifth-generation Houstonian with an impressive track record and years of experience helping homebuyers like you find their dream Houston homes.
