Relocating to Houston Featured Articles

Building Your Custom Home

Building Your Custom Dream Home
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 weather, which allows building... more »

Buying Your New Home

Your Toolkit to Prepare for Homeownership
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. According to the National Association... more »

Education

Learning From Kindergarten to College

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 Houston area.... more »

Essential Houston

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 your vehicle and getting around in the region, whether it’s in your car, via mass transit or light... more »

Financing and Mortgages

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 type of mortgage for... more »

Health and Wellness

Houston—Center of Excellence

The crown jewel of health care, education and research in Houston is the Texas Medical Center (TMC), considered the world’s largest medical center. It was first developed in 1945 with a dream to create a medical center where people from all walks of life could have access to the best health care anywhere, regardless... more »

Houston and Beyond

More Than 5 Million People Call the Region Home

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. The 2010 population of more than 5,946,000 ranks Houston sixth among U.S. MSAs. Houston MSA is among... more »

Houston at a Glance

Getting to Know the Bayou City

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 shopping. Find... more »

Houston Highlights

Many Houstonians relate to Continental Airlines’ 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 variety and depth of activities will keep you and the family busy all year long.... more »

Insurance

Protecting Your Family and Property
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 home, you’re... more »

Moving To Houston

Moving, Packing and Utilities

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 is discovering how... more »

Neighborhoods and Communities

Finding Your Home in the Houston Area
When Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine rated Houston in 2008 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,... more »

Relocation Timeline

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 you have to do all the heavy lifting;... more »

Remodeling

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 home will require some remodeling but not... more »

Renting and Leasing

Alternatives to Buying a Home
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. Houston is the fourth-largest rental market in the nation, with more than 550,000 total apartment units. This provides you with plenty of choice in... more »

Trailing Spouses â��Â Job Hunting

Plugging Into the Houston Job Market
This chapter is designed to assist the trailing spouse, a person who follows a marriage partner who is relocating to a new city, in this case, Houston. While your spouse’s employer may provide relocation assistance that includes job search services for you, you’ll want to do your own research and familiarize yourself with... more »

Vertical Living

High-Rises, Mid-Rises, Lofts and Townhouses Abound In Houston
If you ask urban professionals the difference between high-rise living in Houston and in other large U.S. cities, right away they mention the value—larger space and more amenities for the price. Similar to reasonable single-family home prices in the region, high-rise properties come in many varieties—lofts, condos and high-rises—that... more »

Working with a Realtor

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