8 Reasons People Love Living in Houston, Texas

Houston has become a hot destination for homebuyers, and it's easy to see why. H-Town's thriving energy economy and diverse housing stock are some of the factors that draw newcomers. 

But the city's incredible weather, abundant outdoor activity, and expansive culinary scene make them stick around. Some folks prefer the urban lifestyle of the Skyline District, while others opt for the suburban atmosphere of Montrose. 

No matter what vibe you're looking for, there's a good chance Houston has something to offer. Yet, in such a dynamic city, it can be tough to pinpoint the qualities that appeal to you most. That's why the team at Prevu Real Estate compiled a list of the top reasons why people love living in Houston, Texas.  

Top reasons to live in Houston

• Low cost of living in a major city
• An abundance of housing
• A booming economy
• Ample opportunities to get outside
• Great weather all year
• Diverse culinary scene
• Traveling is easy
• Major sports teams and stadiums

Low cost of living in a major city

Houston is the fourth most populous city in the U.S., and its popularity is partly due to its cost of living, which is below the national average. 

This affordability can be attributed to Houston's lack of natural borders, such as an ocean or mountain range. The plains surrounding the city allow commercial and residential developers to expand easily, preventing the cost of living from escalating. 

To make things even better, Texas doesn't impose state income tax, allowing residents to keep more of their earnings. 

While many folks are moving to Houston because of its affordability, it still boasts a thriving Downtown complete with fine dining, museums, and a modern light rail system known as the METRORail.  

An abundance of housing

Whether you're looking for more square footage or hoping to upgrade your lifestyle, Houston's lower cost of living allows homebuyers to get more bang for their buck. 

For instance, areas like Northside Village, West University Village, and Greater Eastwood showcase sizable homes with multiple bedrooms, expansive lawns, and private driveways. These tree-lined streets commonly feature Mediterranean Villas and Queen Anne homes with double-decker porches. 

Folks who prefer alternatives to single-family homes can search for upscale apartments and condos in Downtown Houston, Museum Park, and Hyde Park. Often, these residences come with amenities like pools, indoor gyms, and rooftop terraces. 

Regardless of what home style you're searching for, the housing stock across Houston’s neighborhoods is flush with a wide variety of options. 

A booming economy

Houston's proximity to the oil reserves beneath the Gulf of Mexico has positioned the city as a key player in oil and gas production. As a result, energy giants like BP, Shell, Citgo, and ConocoPhillips have established offices on the Energy Corridor adjacent to Interstate 10. 

The combination of available energy and NASA's nearby Johnson Space Center has drawn aerospace and defense corporations like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman. In fact, these organizations have earned Houston its moniker as "Space City."

As these industries have grown, tech innovators have developed to bolster their efforts. Aspen Technology, for example, specializes in software for chemical, engineering, and energy companies. Likewise, Baker Hughes' technology gathers geological data to optimize the oil drilling process. 

With Houston's thriving economy, several universities have emerged to provide education and careers to residents. Directly south of Downtown, you’ll find the University of Houston and Texas Southern University adjacent to one another. Southwest of Downtown, Rice University and Texas Medical Center work closely together to advance medical research.

Ample opportunities to get outside

Houston offers a range of options for outdoor enthusiasts inside and outside city limits. 

Folks seeking a quick break from urban life can hop on the Buffalo Bayou Trail. The fully paved, 17-mile path follows the Buffalo Bayou through the heart of Downtown Houston and the Theater District.  

Golf enthusiasts have access to more than 30 golf clubs within Houston's city limits. While each course is unique, East River 9 is less than three miles from Downtown Houston, offering a breathtaking view of the city's skyline from several fairways. 

Folks who need a break from the city can explore the 2,083-acre Huntsville State Park just one hour north of Houston.

Likewise, Galveston Bay is about 40 minutes southwest of Downtown on Interstate 45. Water enthusiasts can explore the 600-square-mile estuary by kayaking, fishing, windsurfing, or barbequing on the shore. 

Great weather all year

Houston's climate is ideal for folks who love sunny days, especially from October to May when the weather is prime for getting outside.

Houston's proximity to the Gulf of Mexico keeps the winters mild so that the daily high is around 60 degrees, even during the winter. Autumn and spring temperatures, meanwhile, usually hover between 70 and 80 degrees. 

Locals take advantage of the favorable weather by having picnics at Eleanor Tinsley Park or taking out a pedal boat at Hermann Park. 

When the temperatures heat up from June to August, folks commonly head to the beaches of Trinity Bay and Galveston Bay. Likewise, the Gulf of Mexico is only an hour's drive from Houston on Interstate 45. 

Of course, there are ample opportunities to stay cool indoors, whether you're shopping at Galleria Mall, visiting the Downtown Aquarium, or touring the city's restaurant scene. 

Diverse culinary scene

Houston's diverse population and regional influences come together for a mixture of classic American and international cuisine. 

Texas is known for its BBQ, and Houston is no exception. Truth Barbeque is a favorite among locals, with signature dishes including Brisket and Tater Tot Casserole. The restaurant was founded in 2015 and reached the top 3 spot on the Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ List in 2021. 

Houston is only 300 miles north of Mexico's border, and the two cultures have come together to create Tex-Mex. Houston has plenty of Tex-Mex restaurants and food trucks, but Pappasitos is a community staple. For an authentic experience, visit the original location at Richmond and Hillcroft, where they've been serving margaritas and fajitas since 1983. 

For true Thai cuisine, try Street to Kitchen, founded in 2020 by chef Benchawan Jabthong Painter. Though the chef is new to America, Jabthong Painter was recognized as one of Texas’ James Beard Award-winning chefs in 2023. Since receiving the award, her restaurant has become popular, so be sure to arrive early for a table.  

With the Gulf of Mexico just 50 miles from Downtown, it's no surprise the city is filled with delicious seafood restaurants.

If you're into nigiri and sashimi, try MF Sushi in the Museum District. There, owner and sushi master Chris Kinjo serves authentic delicacies, sourcing his fish directly from Japan and the Gulf of Mexico. 

Finally, Golfstrømmen, which means "gulf stream" in Norwegian, blends a variety of culinary influences, including Norwegian, Filipino, Japanese, and French. No matter the style, chefs Christopher Haatuft from Norway and Paul Qui from the Philippines are dedicated to cooking with sustainable seafood from the Gulf of Mexico. 

Traveling is easy

Whether you're traveling for work, vacation, or visiting loved ones outside the city, Houston's abundant transportation options should make life easier for you. 

Frequent flyers can reach George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in less than 30 minutes on Interstate 69. There, major airlines such as United, Delta, and American, operate international and domestic flights. 

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is just 20 minutes south of Downtown Houston. Southwest Airlines uses the airport as a hub, making it a better option for domestic flights to major cities like Denver, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. 

Beyond air travel, Austin, Dallas, San Antonia, and New Orleans are all within a day's drive of Houston. 

Major sports teams and stadiums

Houston's warm climate and abundant land have made the city a hotspot for professional sports teams and impressive stadiums. With the NFL, NBA, and MLB holding major stadiums in Houston, there are year-round games to keep you entertained. 

Baseball fans can catch 2017 World Series champions, the Houston Astros, at Minute Maid Park from April to September. Then, from September to February, football enthusiasts can watch the Houston Texans kick off at the NRG Stadium. Plus, the NRG Stadium hosts the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo through February and March. Lastly, between football and baseball seasons, Rockets fans can attend NBA games at the Toyota Center from February to April. 

With so many major sporting events to juggle, golf lovers will need to carve out time in their calendars for the Houston Open Golf Tournament. This annual stop on the PGA tour frequently changes venues but is always hosted in November on a golf course in Houston.