Houston Texas is over 600 square miles and that is only the incorporated areas. If you also consider the suburbs that make up the greater Houston area, the sprawl is overwhelming. Houston Texas is the fourth largest city in the nation and is rapidly moving into the position of third. One day, this city just might take Chicago! When moving to a city like Houston, narrowing down where you want to live can be daunting. Do you prefer the hustle and bustle of city life or the peace and quiet of the countryside, or something in the middle? The world is your oyster in a city like Houston, but you’re going to need a REALTOR® to navigate this city. This city has 5 major suburbs by my count, and there are still suburbs on the way to those suburbs! We also love to give our streets more than one name and the pockets of central Houston go by many names too. We even have 2 cities INSIDE the city of Houston! How’s that for confusing? Narrowing down which Houston neighborhoods are the best fit for you is going to take some time.
In any city, there are 5 key factors to consider when searching for a new home:
Commute: Whether you’re commuting to work or school, if you have an idea of how long you’re willing (or not willing) to spend driving to and from, this will help narrow down the many choices to only a few that might work for you. It is my opinion that you can’t get anywhere in Central Houston in under 30 minutes. If you want to get to work in 5-10 minutes, you are going to have to live in the same area that you work.
Social Life: What you like to do for fun will play a large part in choosing where to live. If you enjoy theatre and the arts, you will likely find yourself in one of the many Houston neighborhoods in the central part of the city. If you prefer a big back yard with a pool and friends over for a barbecue, you may find yourself happiest in the suburbs. You will also find more nightlife and original restaurant options in the city (Houston is a food mecca) than the suburbs too – although, the suburbs are starting to offer more and more.
Cost: The entry point to rent or buy is the same in the suburbs as it is in the city. The difference is you are going to get a lot more for your dollar in the suburbs. Houses and lots are generally larger in the suburbs, but they’re more cookie cutter. Once you get into the city, you see more diversity in the housing styles, but the lots are smaller.
Accessibility: Do you want to be close to big box stores and grocery? What about boutiques and shopping malls? Maybe you need a pour-over spot within walking distance to get your day going. Perhaps you travel frequently and being close to an airport is necessary. Many of the people that choose to live in central Houston desire restaurants, coffee shops, nightlife, grocery, and retail all at their fingertips.
Schools: School districts in and around Houston are generally considered quite good, with some being better than others. In addition to the public schools, we have magnet programs, charter schools, and private school options. If schools are very important to you, this will significantly affect where you end up living.
Learn about the different Houston neighborhoods and find listings in these neighborhoods that are perfect for you!