Thanks to a sound economy, Houston continues to welcome families relocating from all over the United States and around the world. As one of the healthiest real estate markets in the nation, Houston home prices remain affordable, especially for families moving from either coast. This chapter will help you participate ...
Staying Organized Before The Move
You’ve just received exciting news. Along with your new job title, you’re being relocated to Houston! After the excitement subsides, your next action step is to become proactive in the relocation process to plan for an orderly transition for you and your family. This doesn’t mean ...
As the fourth largest city in the United States, there’s a lot to know about Houston and the 10-county region that surrounds it. In this chapter, you’ll learn about the local geography, its strategic location and port, the city’s founding brothers and highlights that cover recreation, family entertainment, dining and ...
Finding Your Home in the Houston Area
When Houston was rated as the best city in which to live, work and play, a main criterion was reasonable living costs. Houston and the area don’t disappoint in this category, particularly regarding housing costs. According to the most recent ACCRA Cost-of-Living Index, the ...
While just the thought of relocating can be stressful, with planning and helpful resources, the process can be managed. In this section, you’ll learn about ways to pack, how to prepare for your move, utilities in the area and additional resources. Once you’re established in the area, a real plus ...
If you are relocating to the Houston area, you may not be ready to purchase another home. In that case, renting or leasing may be the perfect solution. The Houston region is the fourth largest rental market in the nation, with more than 550,000 total apartment units (nearly 347,000 in ...
As expansive as the Houston region is, many residents choose to live the high-rise lifestyle in one of the city’s high-density urban areas. To meet this need, Houston delivers with an amazing array of high-rise towers with upscale residences for rent or purchase with chic amenities that will please even ...
Your Guide to Financing a Home
Although a newcomer to the Houston region, you may not be new to the homebuying process. Even so, it’s helpful to review all the steps involved as well as Houston-area resources and conditions. Since Houston has a relatively healthy real estate market, finding the right ...
In this chapter, you’ll find information on different types of insurance, including homeowners, auto and medical, as well as practical tips on reading policies and shopping for coverage. As you organize your relocation to the Houston area, it’s also a good idea to review your family’s insurance needs. For your ...
Houston is known as being at the center of medical research, treatment and advancements, largely due to the presence of the Texas Medical Center (TMC), the crown jewel of health care, education and research in Houston and the largest medical center in the world. TMC was first developed in 1945 ...
Now that you’re relocating to the Houston area, it might be time to consider building a custom home. One good reason is that you can build a larger house with many extras at an affordable cost, particularly compared to building costs on either coast. A regional advantage is the temperate ...
Buying an Existing Home and Making It Yours
While house hunting in Houston, you and your spouse have found the perfect home—it’s well situated close to a high-rated school district, it’s within a decent commute to your work, and its nice pool and landscaped backyard really made a lasting impression. The ...
So you have decided to move to Houston, but since you have come to this chapter, it is likely you are not being recruited or relocated by your company. More likely, you are a spouse coming along with your mate’s relocation, or you’re simply looking for a change or career ...
While Houston is the most populous city, the Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown Metropolitan Statistical Area (Houston MSA), consists of 10 counties: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, San Jacinto and Waller. Houston’s Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area (Houston CMSA) covers 8,778 square miles, an area slightly smaller than Massachusetts but ...
Many Houstonians relate the slogan “work hard, play hard.” The New York Times said of the city, "Maybe that's what makes Houston such an unusual and wonderful place – there are so many different Houstons to see.” And as you explore and get to know your neighborhood and beyond, the ...
One of the highest priorities for relocating families is locating a new school for their children and providing a smooth transition so that learning can continue and new friends can be formed. This chapter will provide a good overview for learning more about the many educational resources available in the ...
Once you’ve settled in to your new home, you’ll want to learn more about Houston and the region, including population and climate information, local government structure, a Houston historical timeline and essentials like police, fire and Houston Public Library information. You’ll also find information about obtaining a driver’s license, registering ...