Moving to Houston: Your 2026 Relocation Guide

Are you planning on moving to Houston? Known as “H-Town,” “the 713,” and even “Space City,” Houston is the largest city in Texas and a popular destination for people relocating to the Lone Star State.

We’ve created a guide to all the things to know before moving to Houston, so you can know just what to look forward to in this heart of the American South.

Houston at a Glance

• Houston is the fourth-largest city in the U.S., with 2,397,315 residents as of July 2025 (U.S. Census Bureau).
• The Houston metro added 126,720 people in a single year, more than any other U.S. metro, and now tops 7.9 million residents (CultureMap Houston, March 2026).
• The city itself covers more than 600 square miles, making it one of the geographically largest cities in the country.
• Houston is home to 27 Fortune 500 headquarters, tied with Chicago for second-most in the U.S. behind New York (Greater Houston Partnership, 2026).
• Jobs in Houston are available in its multitude of thriving industries, including energy, manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace, transportation and research.

Moving to Houston: The Basics

What’s the Population of Houston?

Houston’s population is estimated at 2,397,315 (July 2025), and the city added about 11,000 residents in 2025 alone (U.S. Census Bureau). It’s the most populous city in Texas and ranks fourth-largest in the United States.

Aside from how many people live in Houston, one of the most remarkable qualities of this city is how incredibly diverse it is.

It’s a majority-minority city and has been described as one of America’s most diverse metropolitan areas – truly a melting pot in every sense of the term. It’s also a relatively young city, popular with students, young professionals and growing families.

Is Houston Affordable?

Yes. Houston’s overall cost of living runs about 6.3% below the national average, with housing the biggest savings. For a full budget breakdown, see our guide to the cost of living in Houston, and for rent by neighborhood and home type, see the average rent in Houston, TX.

With an outstanding variety of Houston homes for rent, from apartments near downtown to spacious single-family homes in the suburbs, you can easily find plenty of options within your price range.

How’s the Houston Job Market?

The Houston metro added 22,900 jobs over the 12 months ending August 2026, more than any other Texas metro (Texas Workforce Commission data via Hoodline).

When you think of jobs in Houston, your mind might go straight to the age-old Texan industries: oil and gas. And while there are many petrochemical jobs in and around Houston, you’ll also find a great range of positions in renewable energy, technology, healthcare, and other industries. 

Houston’s 27 Fortune 500 headquarters include several household names: ExxonMobil, Chevron, Phillips 66, Sysco, ConocoPhillips and Halliburton, to name a few (Greater Houston Partnership). 

Thanks to local institutions such as the University of Houston, Rice University and the Texas Medical Center, jobs in many fields are available. So, if you’re looking for a job in Houston, you won’t be disappointed.

What Do I Need to Know About Education in Houston?

Houston’s public schools are largely served by the Houston Independent School District, well-known for its specialized magnet and vocational high schools, along with suburban districts like Katy, Cy-Fair and Pearland ISD. 

There are also dozens of private schools (including faith-based institutions) and a wide range of charter schools throughout the city. See our guide to the best school districts in the Houston area.

For higher education, Houston offers a wealth of options. Here, you can find two Tier 1 research universities (the University of Houston and Rice University) and several smaller private universities, community colleges, and trade/vocational schools.

What Are the Safest Areas in Houston?

Some of the safest neighborhoods in Houston include Walden Woods and Dogwood Acres, two communities located in the suburb of Kingwood, TX (in the northern part of the city).

 Other communities that earn excellent safety ratings are in the far west region of Houston and the areas along Kingsland Boulevard and Baker Road.

The City of Houston provides detailed information and updated statistics about crime in Houston.

How Do I Get Around Houston?

Because of its immense size, Houston is a city where most residents prefer to travel by car. Many commutes run around half an hour, thanks in part to the myriad of business hubs throughout the region – you’re never far from the hustle and bustle of an urban area.

Houston’s public transit system, METRO, is pretty robust, especially its bus network. There’s also the METRORail light rail system, hundreds of miles of bike paths, and rideshare options like Uber and Lyft. In January 2026, METRO introduced the new RideMETRO card to replace the Q Card.

What’s the Weather Like in Houston?

On the hunt for somewhere warm and sunny? That’s just what you’ll find in Houston, where its location in a subtropical climate zone translates to mild winters and hot, humid summers.

January is the coldest month, though temperatures only get into the 40s – which will feel downright balmy if you’re from a cold climate! Hurricane season runs June through November, so new residents should learn their flood zone and keep an emergency kit ready.

What are Houston’s Fastest-Growing Neighborhoods?

Houston is a very large city seeing significant growth, but some of the fastest-growing neighborhoods that draw more new residents than others.

In Houston

• Edison Park
• Second Ward
• Garden Oaks
• Spring Branch
• Glenbrook Valley
• Northside Village

In the Greater Houston Metro Area

• Balmoral
• Bay Colony West
• Pradera Oaks
• Cinco Ranch
• Lakemont

Want to go deeper? Explore the best suburbs in the Houston area and the best Houston neighborhoods for young professionals.

What Is It Like to Live in Houston?

There’s no shortage of things to do, places to go, and experiences in Houston. Even longtime Houstonites can quickly discover new adventures around every corner.

No matter what you enjoy, you’ll find that Houston is a fun place to live.

For Sports Fans

Whether you’re a fan of baseball, basketball, football, soccer, or any other sport, Houston has a home team waiting for you to cheer them on: the Astros, Rockets, Texans and Dynamo. It’s home to the world’s first domed stadium (the iconic Astrodome) and hosts the largest livestock show and rodeo in the world (the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo).

For Foodies

Houston might be in the South – and it’s certainly known for its Southern cuisine – but it’s not all biscuits and gravy here. In addition to an incredible Southern soul food scene, you can eat your way through cuisines worldwide.

Viet-Cajun is a popular fusion cuisine in Houston, and of course, Tex Mex and barbecue are two foodie staples. There are also dozens of craft breweries in Houston, so you’ll never go thirsty or hungry.

For Culture Seekers

Few cities can compare to the number and variety of museums in Houston, with the city’s famous Museum District attracting millions of visitors each year. The city has nearly 20 museums in the Museum District alone, while the Theater District is also home to an active performing and visual arts community.

Families will find many things to do with kids in Houston, including the award-winning Children’s Museum of Houston.

For Travelers

If you love to explore, you might have already planned your next great adventure. But here’s some exciting news: with so many things to do in Houston, you won’t have to venture far from home to find new experiences.

And when you do want to travel, it’s easy. There are two major airports (George Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby), and significant interstates put you within easy reach of the entire United States.

An hour or two will get you to the beach, forest, rolling hills, or the swamps when you feel like staying closer to home.

For Outdoor Explorers

Watersports are popular during the hot summers in Houston, especially with Galveston and Clear Lake providing plenty of open water to enjoy sailing, fishing, and more.

In the Texas Hill Country, you can enjoy camping and hiking, while many centrally-located parks are a hub for biking, running, and nature walks. The metro area has hundreds of parks and dozens of hiking trails to explore, so you won’t be running out anytime soon.

Interesting Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Houston

• Houston is the most diverse metropolitan area in Texas and is often considered the most ethnically and racially diverse metropolis in the United States.
• Houston’s land was originally home to indigenous peoples, including the Atakapa and the Karankawa, long before settlers arrived.
• The Port of Houston handles the most foreign waterborne tonnage of any port in the U.S.
• Houston is the southeast “anchor” city of an area known as the “Texas Triangle.”
• Houston’s unique lack of traditional zoning has allowed multiple business districts to flourish in addition to Downtown, including Midtown, Uptown, Memorial City, the Energy Corridor, and many others.
• If you live in the “Inner Loop,” you’re inside the roughly 97-square-mile area of land inside the Interstate 610 Loop (including Downtown). Living “outside the Loop” usually equates to a more suburban lifestyle.
• More than 145 languages are spoken in Houston.
• As a new transplant to Houston, you might be affectionately referred to as a “Newstonian” (a play on “Houstonian”).

 

Moving to Houston FAQs

Is Houston a good place to move to in 2026?

Houston is one of the fastest-growing metros in the U.S., adding 126,720 residents in 2025, with a strong job market (+22,900 jobs year over year) and a cost of living about 6.3% below the national average.

How many people live in Houston?

The city of Houston has 2,397,315 residents (July 2025 Census estimate), making it the fourth-largest U.S. city. The metro area has more than 7.9 million people.

What are the best suburbs to move to near Houston?

Popular suburbs for newcomers include Katy, Pearland, Kingwood, Atascocita, League City and Rosharon, each offering newer homes, strong schools and easy access to the city.

What should I know before moving to Houston?

Plan for hot, humid summers and hurricane season (June–November), expect to drive most places, check your flood zone before signing a lease, and enjoy no state income tax.

Related Houston Guides

• Cost of living in Houston – utilities, groceries, taxes and salary needed
• Average rent in Houston, TX – rent by bedroom, neighborhood and home type
• Dallas vs. Houston
• Austin vs. Houston
• Best master-planned communities in Houston

 

Find Your Dream Home in Houston, TX

If you weren’t already considering moving to Houston, you might be convinced, having learned more about this fabulous city.

Houston is a diverse, thriving metropolis that has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the best places to live in Texas and the U.S. In Texas, you don’t have to own to call it home! There’s a growing number of build-to-rent communities where you can rent beautiful single-family homes or townhomes, sometimes even brand new!

Wan Bridge has several excellent build-to-rent communities of homes for rent in Houston, including options for both single-family homes and townhomes.

From Clearwater at Balmoral and Edison Park to Bay Colony West and Mirror Lake, our build-to-rent communities offer a welcoming place to call home. We are a Texas developer dedicated to build-to-rent communities, where luxurious homes and beautiful neighborhoods are designed to suit the wants and needs of tenants above all.

Discover the perfect home for you when you explore our Houston rental communities today!

Image Credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock