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Houston, TX is a vast city with a large population and an extensive land area. It has significantly shaped the history of the United States and remains a crucial hub for trade, energy, and logistics. It’s growing, with many people drawn to a great quality of life and fantastic amenities. The homes for sale in Houston, TX provide tremendous value and are very affordable compared to the national average. The beautiful properties here are often located in great neighborhoods. Add to this that Texas is a state that does not impose a tax on personal income and you have all the ingredients that make many choose to relocate to Houston.
It’s no wonder that so many from California, New York, and other high-cost areas are looking at Houston, to see if this is the place for them. Here we’ll explore the life you can expect when you buy a home for sale in Houston, TX, to help you decide if this place is for you.
Houston: A Brief History
Houston has had a colorful and at times turbulent history; that just seems to go with the territory when you’re part of Texas. Its first settlement was established in 1826 but this would be put to the torch only 10 years later during the Texas Revolution. The area would also become an important location during the American Civil War switching hands between Union and Confederate forces.
The Second World War saw Houston become an important area for both shipbuilding and petrochemicals. While this development was an important contribution to the war effort, it laid the foundations for something that would be even more influential in the history of the world, the establishment of the Space Center. It can be argued that from this came the shoots that would eventually propel men to the moon.
Today, Houston is a growing city that is diverse and prosperous. Jobs here have diversified and attract people from all over the country and from abroad. It’s a place that’s confident about its past as it develops and improves for its future.
Neighborhoods
There are a number of great neighborhoods in and around Houston, TX, and many of them are very different, not only in the homes for sale you’ll find, but also in the charm and vibe they exude. Here’s a quick look at just some of these neighborhoods.
The Heights
This community is in a historic part of Houston with many beautifully preserved homes. Only four miles away from downtown Houston, it’s the perfect location for homebuyers looking to be near all the excitement and activity but who want to live in relaxed and refined surroundings.
This being said, there are plenty of bars and restaurants within The Heights and in August during the festival White Linen Night the roads are packed with people having fun, eating great food, enjoying a drink, and taking in the music and art. In December, you’ll love the festive lighting affectionately known as Lights in The Heights.
There is a palpable sense of community in this area, and the idea of neighbors takes on a much more traditional sense of the word, with neighbors actually knowing each other and saying more than just a hello as they see each other on the street.
River Oaks
This neighborhood is leafy and green with tall oak trees dotted all around. The ambience is easy but luxurious and here you’ll find some of the more upmarket properties in the market. Here you’ll find grand mansions and other luxury properties that showcase some of the finest real estate in Houston. The neighborhood is generally affluent and there are many upscale amenities such as top restaurants, social clubs, and shopping options.
Memorial
This neighborhood would be a solid choice for many homebuyers. There is a good selection of properties, some of which are at the higher end of the spectrum, but there are also a good number of more modest options that present great value. The surroundings, like River Oaks are green with many beautiful trees dotted around.
Terry Hershey Park is set along the Southern border and provides a wonderful natural retreat even in what is already a beautiful location.
Katy
Over a hundred years old, Katy has long been a place where residents in Houston have moved to when they look to move away from the city for a more pleasant living environment but still want to live close to all the benefits Houston offers. Katy is a suburb only 30 minutes from Houston. However, travel a little further and you’ll be in Austin within 2 hours and San Antonio in 2 and a half hours.
With a population of 26,000, it’s a relatively small residential area but big enough to have all the amenities a family needs, so trips to Houston are more for leisure than necessity. The schools in Katy have a good reputation and students can receive a high-quality education all the way from elementary to high school.
Living in Houston
Education
Houston is served by the Houston Independent School District, the biggest in Texas and the eighth largest in the US. It oversees 274 schools in total, 8 early childhood, 160 elementary schools, 39 middle schools, and 37 high schools. Of course, some of these schools are crossover and can enroll students from middle to high school. The district has almost 200,00 students in its care from a diverse range of backgrounds with over 100 languages spoken.
There are also many excellent private schools in Houston such as St. John’s School, Awty International School, and British International School Houston. As you would expect, these private schools provide top-tier education and facilities. Not all of them are religiously affiliated, as can be the case with some areas, so parents can choose to send their children to either a secular or more religiously inclined institution.
When students have finished high school, there are several Universities within or near the city.
These include:
- Rice University
- University of Houston
- University of St. Thomas
- San Jacinto Community College
- Art Institute of Houston
- Houston Christian University
- Texas Southern University
With so many options in Houston and many more in the surrounding area, there is the opportunity for students to still experience a university lifestyle while not being too far from home.
Dining out
In Houston, you’ll find dining options that are equal to any part of the country. If you’re coming in from California or New York and believe that Houston will be a step-down, you’ll be in for a pleasant surprise.
Houston has a dynamic food scene that is constantly innovating. Whatever cuisine you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find it and even discover flavors you may not have previously considered. Here are just a few restaurants we’d recommend but bear in mind that Houston is huge, both in area size and population. As such you may not have immediate access to these recommendations but they are all well worth the visit.
As you approach Artisans, the exterior will tell you that you’re in for a special dining experience. Once inside this feeling is confirmed with plush settings and warm lighting that sets you up for the real treat, the food. The French cuisine served here is exquisite and you’ll find the perfect partner for your meal in the wine list. Leave some room for dessert.
If you love Japanese food try Uchi, a popular spot for sushi lovers, Uchi serves up creative and high-quality Japanese cuisine with a modern twist. Their menu includes fresh sashimi, inventive rolls, and delectable desserts.
When it comes to a top-quality seafood restaurant, you can’t go wrong with Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood and Crab. This establishment manages to provide its guests with some of the freshest seafood in the city while maintaining sustainable fishing and ecological practices. Once in the restaurant, the produce and ingredients are treated with the utmost care and respect meaning that what eventually ends up on your plate is the finest expression of the dish. In short, it’s conscientiously made and delicious.
This establishment is a well-loved restaurant that consistently serves some of the best Euro-American fare in the city. There’s a fun bar area, quieter lounges where you can sit back and enjoy in a more leisurely manner, patios, and even private rooms. The menu is delectable and the wine and cocktail selection is extensive.
This being Houston, you won’t find yourself short of other great dining spots. There are a great number of fantastic steak houses. Some have a distinctly more American approach while others can be more European or even Brazilian.
Shopping
Houston has a number of great shopping districts where anything can be found, from your everyday shopping needs at national outlets to unique items at its many boutiques and specialty stores. Here are a few of the more prominent shopping locations:
This is a premier shopping mall in Houston, The Galleria features a wide array of luxury retailers, department stores, and boutiques. It also houses a large ice skating rink and a diverse selection of dining options.
This charming shopping district near Rice University offers a mix of national chains and unique local shops, selling everything from fashion and accessories to home decor and gifts. It’s a great spot for a leisurely shopping experience.
This is a a high-end shopping center with a sophisticated atmosphere, Highland Village is home to upscale boutiques, designer stores, and fine dining options. It’s a popular destination for those looking for luxury goods.
Located just outside the city, this outlet mall features a variety of brand-name stores offering discounted prices on clothing, accessories, and more. It’s a great place to find deals on top brands.
Montrose District
Known for its eclectic quality, the Montrose District is home to a mix of vintage stores, art galleries, and unique boutiques. It’s a great spot for those looking for one-of-a-kind finds.
Outdoor Recreation
Golf in Houston
There’s enough space in Houston to accommodate the most lavish and beautiful golf courses. In the metro area alone, you’ll find almost 90 courses. There’s the Memorial Park Golf Course, a public course in Memorial Loop. Although the course was built in the early 20th century it has been transformed and upgraded and is now capable of being a PGA Tour course. If you’re lucky enough to be a resident there’s the Bay Oaks Country Club. Here you’ll find beautiful greens, wonderful dining options, and other sports amenities such as a pool and fitness center. If golf is your game, you’ll have an endless array of options.
Hiking
While there are no mountains in Houston there is a national preserve just 90 miles away. Big Thicket National Preserve is a great place to hike with almost 40 miles of trails. The place is open to campers, for those who want to extend their visit. While you’re at it, you can also paddle along miles of waterways for a fully immersive experience.
This is not to say there are not good trails in Houston itself. Just a few trails enjoyed by residents include the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center Loop, the Seymour Lieberman Exercise Trail, and the Memorial Park Purple and Green Loop.
Culture and Education
For many, a museum will be a place of interest that they may not visit more than a couple of times a year, sometimes not even that. However, if there’s a huge zone that has 19 museums (yes 19) it becomes more of a place that is a center of learning and wonder. Whether it’s fine art, contemporary art, natural history (including a zoo), or a host of other interests, you’ll be able to explore it here. It’s a place where all members of the family will find something of interest and something new to discover.
Houston has a truly unique attraction that no other place has, the Space Center Houston. It’s almost impossible to quantify how important NASA has been to our technological and cultural landscape, and when we say “our” we don’t just mean the US, we mean all mankind.
Since the Center opened in 1992, over 25M have visited and in more recent times the Center welcomes over a million visitors a year. Visitors no matter how old or young can view hundreds of space artifacts including equipment from space vehicles and the suits used throughout the history of American space travel. There are even rides and simulators that give a sense of what astronauts experience during space travel.
The training programs and memberships the Center runs inspire young minds with ideas in Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM). This will help continue a tradition in the scientific field that is increasingly more important in a highly developed world.
Find Your Place In Houston
There’s so much to love about Houston, and there’s so much of Houston to love. If you’d like to explore your real estate options in this wonderful city, or the surrounding areas, get in touch with a team that helps you find the place you’ll be happiest.
Nan and Company Properties has the experience, expertise, and dedication to help you with your real estate ventures in Houston. Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Houston, TX, looking to sell, or considering renting, our team has what it takes to make your goals a solid reality.
Reach out to us at 713.714.6454 or click here to leave a message, and we’ll respond promptly. Let’s begin your journey to a better life in Houston.