Houston Local Guide

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Houston Overview

What comes to mind when you think about Houston, Texas? Is it big ol’ oil refineries with old construction? Well, that’s a far cry from one of the fastest growing cities in the nation that’s ranked fourth in America. Houston is not a city you should dismiss so quickly, this Bayou City is home to a whopping 26 Fortune 500 companies and the number one job creator in all of America. Throw in a vibrant restaurant and entertainment scene and you’ve won your case for Houston, Texas as the best place to live in America.

What is the history of Houston?

Credited as a global city with its fast-growing economy and an enormous range of recreational and cultural opportunities, Houston is one of the best cities to live in. Two brothers who made a killing in the real estate business in New York, Augustus Chapman Allen and John Kirby founded Houston in 1836. They bought about 6500 acres with the sole intention of creating their city which they named after General Sam Houston, who fought and won the battle of San Jacinto.

The following year, Houston was incorporated, and a creation of a Chamber of Commerce kick-started the laying down of the city’s infrastructure. Shipping was the first business but by 1860, Houston had also grown into a railroad hub that saw Houston become a commercial exporter of cotton to Europe. After the civil war, efforts were undertaken by the city officials to expand the shipping business, and a deep water port was created to be in sync with the port of Galveston. But, in 1900, a terrible hurricane hit Galveston, which only sped up the development of the new port. The city continued to grow despite a few setbacks caused by the second war but today, Houston is fully recovered and has one of the fastest-growing and robust economies in the United States. As a result of the great wealth created, Houston has also grown to be home to the most diverse cultural scene with over 7 million visitors every year.

How is the weather in Houston?

Houston has undoubtedly one of the best weather in America. Here are some facts: Summer (the hot season) spans from May to September with the warmest month being July. The rainy season is seen in May. Average weather spans from March to May, then October and November. The coolest and driest month is January and the wettest month is May.

How do I get around town?

For most Houstonians having a car for transportation is a necessity, however there are some decent public transportation options for parts of the city. The METRO Rail is a convenient transport service to get around certain parts of the city including NRG Park, downtown Houston, Texas Medical Center and the Museum District. The bus system – you can board a city service bus that stops nearly in every route and corner or a Park & Ride for long distance shuttling. Taxis – there are thousands of taxis in Houston that offer convenient commuter services. You can even take advantage of ride-sharing services such as UBER that allow you to request a ride through a phone app.

What is the Houston commute like?

H-Town is full of an extensive highway system. If you're heading from the east side to the west side and vice versa, I-10 will serve as your primary highway, while the Westpark Tollway serve as another major option from those traveling between the west-southwest side of town and downtown. Houstonians out in the northwest in areas like Cypress often find their way into the traffic of 290 when heading into town, while folks in the Southwest in Sugarland and the surrounding areas get the spend some time on 59. The inner loop (610) provides access to many parts of the city and the Beltway (8) serves as a wider loop to help folks get around the outskirts of town. Running north and south residents have I-45 that will take you all the way through Dallas if you head out north and all the way down to the beaches of Galveston if you head south.

What are the local media outlets?

Houston’s cultural, financial and economic diversity is aptly reflected in the numerous online, print, radio and television outlets that provide relevant information to America’s fourth largest city. With over 2.2 million TV households spread across 20 counties, Houston is the tenth-largest television market in all of America. Some of the most popular media outlets including online channels are: The Houston Chronicle and its content site www.houstonchronicle.com, KTRK Channel 13 (ABC), KRIV Channel 26 (Fox), KPRC Channel 2 (NBC), and KHOU Channel 11 (CBS).

Why live in Houston, TX?

Houston is pretty big, and this is one of the top reasons why you should consider making your home here. You won’t feel limited when it comes to housing and best of all, it enjoys some of the lowest housing costs in America. If you compare Houston to 20 of the most populous metros, its housing prices are 36.6 percent below the average rate. Another appealing aspect of Houston is that there’s something for every age, social status and stage in life. Whether you are looking for an upscale apartment, a three-bedroom house with a playground or a reclusive home in the suburb, you are sure to find the perfect place to call home.

What Houston landmarks should I see?

Though the future of Houston’s most popular landmark – the Astrodome, which was affectionately referred to the eighth wonder of the world – remains in limbo, here are some of the must-see landmarks of the Bayou City.

Williams Waterwall - This is one of the best stops to cool off your mind and have a quiet time or even take visitors. The big field is ideal for picnics, taking pictures and taking a leisurely stroll, though you should be prepared to get a little wet from being sprinkled by the waterfall.

Chase Tower – sky lobby - This is a must see building in Houston. This tower is super, super high. Take the elevator to the sky lounge which is on the 60th floor. Don’t worry if heights are not your thing or if you get motion sickness, seeing the view from the top of the Chase Tower will be well worth the effort.

George H.W. Bush Monument - The monument is in a beautiful park with green and well-kept grass. The best part of all is you can see the Bayou running through the city and the best city views.

What is there to do around Houston?

Being one of the most diverse places to live in, there are a ton of great things to do here. Houston is famous for:

Space and Scientific vibes - Did you know that ‘Houston’ was the first spoken word from the moon? Well, being home to the Johnson Space Center, Houston is famous for space and its scientific contributions. With its great resources, Houston provides the residents and tourists with educational assets and job opportunities.

Artsy vibes - Downtown Houston is home to a 17-block area containing a chock-full of art galleries, performing arts companies, plazas and movie theaters. The heartbeat of this part of the city is continually racing. The rich culture of the Houston community provides a plethora of live arts and entertainment. If you are a visual art lover, you are going to love the Museum District, which is a stone’s throw away from downtown.

Restaurants - If you are a foodie, you are going to have a feast, literally, of one of the most satisfying food scenes in America. Time to enjoy some good ol’ southern food!

Sports - This is the go-to city for baseball, basketball, football and soccer games. If you are sports person, all you need to do is grab your team’s cap and make your way to the Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park, BBVA Compass Stadium or wherever your team is playing.

Any annual festivals or Houston events to know?

Houston is known for its beehive of activities all year round what with major sports teams in all major sports and a fantastic annual rodeo. Some other fun festivals you can enjoy are: Chevrolet Houston Marathon, Tour de Houston, Bayou City Art Festival, Art Car Parade, Houston Water Festival, and Worldfest Houston International Film Festival

Where are the nearby vacation spots?

Looking for a quick getaway? Enjoy some of the best vacation destinations that are not too far off from Houston. Of course Galveston and it's beaches are a primo locale for Houstonions to get out and enjoy, but you might also try the Sam Houston National Forest for some camping, a day on Lake Conroe and much much more!

Where is the best place to move in Houston?

Houston suburbs are some of the best places to live in all of Texas with the top suburbs being: Montrose, Eastwood, Houston Heights, Midtown Houston, Downtown Houston, Woodland Heights, and Port Houston. With a rich and diverse culture, great schools and great neighborhoods at affordable rates, what’s keeping you from making Houston your new home?

US Population Rank for Houston, TX - ApartmentHomeLiving.com
Top 3 Local Schools in Houston, TX - ApartmentHomeLiving.comWest University Elementary SchoolT H Rogers SchoolMandarin Chinese Language Immersio

Frequently Asked Questions about Houston

How much are Studio apartments in Houston?

The pricing for 296 Studio Apartments in Houston currently ranges from $575 to $9,153 with an average price of $1,285.

What is the current price range for One Bedroom Houston Apartments for rent?

Today's rental pricing for One Bedroom Apartments in Houston ranges from $306 to $10,000 with an average monthly rent of $1,512.

What does renting a Two Bedroom Apartment in Houston cost?

The monthly rent prices of Two Bedroom Apartments currently available in Houston range from $396 to $10,000. Today's average rental price for Two Bedrooms here is $1,930.

How expensive are Houston Three Bedroom Apartments?

There are currently 1090 Three Bedroom Apartments listings available in Houston on ApartmentHomeLiving.com. The pricing ranges from $547 to $10,000 - averaging $2,493 for the location.