Relocating to Houston | Relocation Resources for Moving to Houston

As the fourth largest city in the United States, there’s a lot to know about Houston and the 10-county region that surrounds it. In this chapter, you’ll learn about the local geography, its strategic location and port, the city’s founding brothers and highlights that cover recreation, family entertainment, dining and shopping. Find out all the reasons why Houston is the best city in which to live, work and play.

The famous expression “everything is bigger in Texas” really applies to Houston and the region. Consider its size—Houston’s Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) covers 10,062 square miles, which is an area slightly smaller than Maryland but larger than Massachusetts (9,241 square miles). But don’t let the region’s size overwhelm you. As with all world-class cities, Houston and the region comprises many thousands of distinctive neighborhoods that reflect specific personalities and character.

Often described as welcoming and friendly, Houston was founded in 1836 by two brothers and real estate brokers, John and Augustus Allen. They purchased 6,642 acres of land near Buffalo Bayou for $1.40 per acre to develop the “great interior commercial emporium of Texas.” The city was incorporated in 1837 and named after the president of the Republic of Texas at the time, former General Sam Houston. General Houston had commanded at the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836, which took place 25 miles east of the city’s establishment.

QUALITY OF LIFE/FAMILY-FRIENDLY
According to ACCRA Cost of Living Index, the price of housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and health care in Houston are all below the national average. Based on an index of 100 percent, Houston is at 80.9 percent when it comes to housing. For many relocating from other parts of the country, they’re amazed at the choice of neighborhoods and quality of homes from which to select. Unemployment is well below the national average, and wages are high relative to income. Master-planned communities abound that offer families a total package of great amenities, including community centers with swimming pools, walking paths, excellent schools and more.

With an ideal location and moderate year-round temperatures, the region has a lot to offer to the whole family in the way of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, golfing, tennis, jogging, walking and biking. The New York Times said of the city, “Maybe that’s what makes Houston such an unusual and wonderful place—there are so many different Houstons to see.” As you explore and get to know your neighborhood and beyond, the variety and depth of activities will keep you and the family busy all year long. Whether your interest is in sports, the arts, shopping or gardening, the region has a lot to offer.

RELIGION
More than 25 Christian denominations canbe found in the Houston region. According to the website, www.usachurches.org, Baptist churches dominate with more than 830, followed by Methodist churches, Church of Christ, Church of God and nondenominational churches. Other popular denominations include Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopal and Pentecostal.

With the region’s diverse population, many different religious denominations flourish here. There are Taoist and Buddhist temples in the region as well as the third largest Hindu temple in North America: the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Stafford, just outside of Houston. The Houston masjid of Al-Islam is the oldest masjid, or mosque, in the Houston area. For practicing Catholics, the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston carries the status of a Metropolitan Archdiocese and is the largest private school network in the state of Texas. Today more than 1.1 million Catholics live within archdiocesan boundaries, making the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston the largest in Texas and the 11th largest in the United States.

Perhaps one of Houston’s most noted churches is Lakewood Church, under the leadership of Pastor Joel Osteen. Today, Lakewood’s commitment to community outreach continues to increase, and its international media broadcast has expanded into more than 200 million households in the United States.

As you begin to explore all that Houston has to offer, you’ll see that it is a city that embraces all newcomers and prides itself on being extremely tolerant of all cultures and religions.

GEOGRAPHY/CLIMATE
Houston is located in the state of Texas and encompasses 600 square miles. The Houston MSA covers more than 10,000 square miles and is almost the midpoint between the nation’s two coasts, making it an excellent distribution point for businesses. The region represents a wide range of vegetation, from the piney woods of The Woodlands and Lake Conroe to the north, to the prairie grasslands of Katy to the west, to the sandy coastal environment of Galveston and Clear Lake to the south. The official altitude of the city of Houston is 50 feet above sea level, but elevations in the MSA range from below sea level to 125 feet above sea level.

Nicknamed the “Bayou City,” Houston is known for its intricate system of bayous that run through the city and serve as part of Houston’s extensive drainage system. While they may be considered vital to the drainage of Houston’s relatively flat landscape, in many areas these bayous create a dramatic and beautiful backdrop for homes and businesses.