Whether you live in Texas, are moving to Texas, or just visiting, you know that Texan pride runs deep. And Houston is no exception. But what makes the largest city in Texas a favorite to visitors and locals alike? Read more to find out.
Should I Move to Houston?
Houston was recently ranked as the second fastest-growing metro area in the U.S. Which makes this a perfect place to learn and grow. Check out some other cool rankings:
- Lowest Cost of Living – March 2024
- Least Expensive Cities – February 2024
- #16 of 229 Most Diverse Cities in America
People say they come to Houston for its culture and cuisine and that is why they stay. Neighborhoods reflect these different attributes in their own way. If you are relocating your family to the area for work reasons, it may be a good idea to sublet something short-term and store your belongings while you search for the neighborhood that best fits your personality and needs. There are so many reasons to move to Houston.
Reasons Why People Love Living in Houston:
The Arts
The Houston art scene is unmatched – it is one of only a few cities in the country that comprises year-round resident companies for major performing arts: opera, ballet, symphony, and theater.
The Museums
Houston’s museum district is a concentrated area of 20 museums – ranging from fine arts, photography, health, children’s, science, craft, contemporary, Holocaust, to African American culture. Eleven museums are free every day, while others have free admission hours, typically on Thursdays.
The Food
Houston loves food. With more than 11,000 restaurants in town (and a claim that Houstonians eat out more than any other city), is it any wonder Houston tops major food lists?? Food is a big part of Houston culture. Check out some of these must-visit restaurants when you’re in town.
The Freebies
It doesn’t have to cost a lot to enjoy this city. Houston is home to a plethora of ways to have fun – for free. Miller Outdoor Theatre and Discovery Green are just two local venues that offer hundreds of free events in Houston each year, from outdoor movies to theater productions, concerts, and festivals.
While Austin is known for keeping it weird, Houston can be just as quirky. Here are some of the quirkiest off-beat attractions:
The Quirkiness
While Austin is known for keeping it weird, I think Houston can be just as quirky. Here are some of my favorite off-beat attractions:
- Houston is home to the world’s largest Art Car Parade each spring with 300+ entries. This iconic annual event is a must-see for newbies. Imagine an outhouse or Ronald McDonald’s shoe driving down the street. It happens in this parade!
- David Adickes’ huge sculptures and creativity keep folks smiling in Houston, from the 30-ft “We Love Houston” sign on I-10 near downtown to the 44 President Heads and Beatles sculptures. The detail is astounding.
- And best of all, the Beer Can House. The 18-year project of John Milkovisch transformed his home into a quirky art form dubbed the Beer Can House. He flattened beer cans into aluminum siding around the house and property. Hanging beer cans and tops swing like wind chimes on the front porch and ring in the wind. It’s estimated 50,000 beer cans adorn this quirky home on Malone off Memorial Drive. The home, now managed by Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, is open Saturdays and Sundays for public tours at $5 each.
The Outdoor Spaces
Despite the city’s urban sprawl, there are tons of outdoor activities in Houston – folks can get outside and find lots of options for green space. Houston has more park space than any of the nation’s 10 most populous cities, according to The Trust for Public Land: 56,000+ acres. Some Houston outdoor spaces to check out include Hermann Park (by the Houston Zoo), Discovery Green downtown, Memorial Park, and Terry Hershey Park outside the loop.
All this to say, living in Houston is awesome!
