So you have decided to uproot your life and move to Houston, TX. Congrats! Not only is the weather amazing, but the city is full of opportunities for your career. It is well known as the largest city in the country, with a population of over 2.7 million. It is the 4th largest city in the world. These are all impressive statistics. But what is the city like? What are the ups and downs of life in Houston? Let’s dive in!
Pros
There are many positive things about living in Houston. If you are looking for an opportunity to advance your career, the city has some of the best universities in the country. If you are looking for a new challenge, the city has something for you. If you are looking for family-friendliness, the city is the best in the country. If you are looking for new experiences, the city is full of opportunities. If you are in military service, the city has great bases with lots of resources. If you have kids, there are plenty of parks and schools for them to attend. The list of pros goes on and on.
Cons
Just like any other city, there are some cons to living in Houston. But they are not as bad as you might think. First of all, the traffic in Houston is something to behold. There are certain times when it is hellishly crowded, and others when it’s an absolute gridlock. This is not good if you’re looking for a car-free lifestyle. The other issue is with the weather in Houston. It can be bitter cold in winter with the wind chill plunging to dangerous levels. It can get hot as Hell in the summer, and surprisingly humid too. Not healthy for anyone, especially people with asthma or other breathing problems. Another con about living in Houston is the crime. There is a lot of it, and it is very prevalent. It is a rough city, and not a place you would want to live if you’re scared of getting mugged or assaulted. Last but not least, and something to consider if you’re moving there for a fresh start, is that the cost of living in Houston is high. There are a lot of things you need to spend money on. For example, you’ll need a good home internet connection, electricity, gas, trash removal, etc. All these things add up and quickly mount up to a significant sum. If you are a single person living alone, the total can reach over a thousand dollars per month. This is assuming you are living a middle-class lifestyle with no frills and no family members visiting you. Renting an apartment or living in a house with others can push this amount up considerably.
Overall
Ultimately, the pros and cons of living in Houston are mostly relative. It all depends on where you are coming from and what you are looking for. If you are a fresh graduate, maybe moving to Houston is not the best idea. You’ll need to adjust quickly to the hustle and bustle of the city, but with all the opportunities it offers, you may find it a worthwhile endeavor. If you have been there and done that and are looking for a change, the city has a lot for you. If you have a family and the cost of living is a concern, perhaps consider suburbia or visiting the city only on weekends. Overall, if you are in a stable job with a stable income, and you have an interest in educational or cultural opportunities, then living in Houston may be a good fit for you.
