Some quick facts before we get to a lot of the good stuff here in our Houston real estate guide. As the 4th largest city in the US, Houston proper has a population of about 2.4 million, with the metropolitan area housing a total of about 7 million folks. Lots of people, yes … lots of land space (nearly 640 square miles), yes … so, it isn’t a “shoulder-to-shoulder” environment. For loads of history and information, you can spend some time on this Wikipedia site. A city of this size has lots going on and lots of “branches” to what it offers.
Houston has many nicknames but takes its actual name after General Sam Houston. The city was founded by investors in 1836 and incorporated in 1837. Some of the more popular nicknames include “Space City” (because of the prominence of NASA and the city’s importance in space exploration), “Bayou City” (the ten wandering waterways of the city), and “H-town” (well, you know – “H” is for Houston!) This Houston Real Estate Guide will let you decide which nickname best suits Houston in your eyes!
For a city of this size, the biggest take-away is affordability. The cost-of-living index runs about 96. For comparison, New York City is about 170 and San Francisco around 240! Along with this affordability is the fact that only New York City has more Fortune 500 companies than Houston. Houston is a BIG corporate and global power player! The job market is strong with some of the biggest sectors being medical, gas/oil, technology, and finance/business. Your Houston Real Estate Guide also points out the diversity of the city – an ethnic melting pot! With cultural diversity comes ALL kinds of culinary options as well as cultural events, festivals, and exhibits. We will hit on some other great things, like recreation, entertainment, transportation options, professional and collegiate sports, and livability in a bit.
Of course, there might be a few “not so great” things to consider, and as your Houston Real Estate Guide it is my job to point out:
There are lots of opinions out there about the pros and cons of living in Houston, or anywhere for that matter! You can google away and find all sorts of thinking and judgment. Here is a site your Houston Real Estate Guide likes.
Economic Development is a big focus for this large metroplex, offering oodles of direction and incentives for businesses and entrepreneurs. Houston is competitive with other large cities with respect to relocation of businesses and business expansion.
If you are planning on living IN Houston, that means understanding the “square-ish” Interstate 610 loop that houses the central urban center of the city. Houstonians refer to life here as “in The Loop” or “outside The Loop”! In The Loop there is a higher concentration of nightlife and restaurants, events and happenings, and a much easier commute. Some great neighborhoods to look at include: Houston Heights, River Oaks, West University, and Hobby Area.
Proximity to loads of attractions and transportation options is one of the finest reasons to stay “in The Loop”! Huge green space is offered in Hermann Park, access to public transportation makes getting from here to there pretty simple, the Museum District offers options for everyone, options for cuisine and cocktails are over-the-top with choices, as your Houston Real Estate Guide it is impossible to list favorites because there are SO MANY options and cuisines to try!
