Thinking about packing your bags and heading to Houston? Before you pack your bags let me tell you seven reasons why Houston might not be the right fit for you and your family.
This isn’t your typical “Houston is amazing!” list. So, grab a glass of iced tea (you’ll need to learn to love it here) and let’s break it down.
My Youtube Channel: Living in Conroe Texas.
1. The Drive Time – You Basically Live in Your Car
If you think your current commute is bad, Houston will humble you. There’s a joke here that goes, “It takes 50 minutes to get to Houston from Houston.” And it’s not really a joke. The city is massive, and public transportation is…let’s just say it’s still a work in progress.
You’ll need a car. Period. Want to run to the grocery store? That’s a 15-minute drive—each way. Thinking of living in the suburbs like The Woodlands, Conroe, or Sugar Land? Commuting to downtown Houston during rush hour can easily turn into a two-hour round trip.
But, here’s the thing: If you’re willing to put up with the drive time, you can find great homes in the suburbs like Conroe, where you’ll still have easy access to the city but without all the hustle and bustle. If you need help navigating the real estate scene in Conroe or its surrounding areas, let me know.
Interested in finding a home with less traffic? Reach out to me HERE today!
2. The Congestion – It’s a Never-Ending Construction Zone
Houston is growing FAST! Conroe, for example, is the 9th fastest-growing city in the U.S. While that’s exciting, our roads and highways didn’t exactly get the memo.
You’ve got roads in Conroe like highway 105, 242, and 1488 perpetually under construction. In fact, you might be convinced that the orange traffic cones are part of the city’s permanent decor.
But here’s the silver lining: If you’re willing to brave the traffic, you can find more affordable housing options in suburban areas. I can help you navigate the market and find the perfect home without the headache of living in the city.
Looking for a home in Conroe or The Woodlands? Let me guide you to a neighborhood that’s both peaceful and accessible.
3. The Heat – Houston Is Basically a Sauna (With a Side of Hormonal Weather)
Let’s talk about Houston’s heat. It’s not just hot; it’s humid. Imagine stepping outside and feeling like you’ve been wrapped in a warm, damp towel that you can’t take off. Sound fun? Didn’t think so.
During summer, temperatures routinely climb above 90°F, but the humidity makes it feel closer to 110°F. If you’re coming from a place with dry heat, Houston’s weather will hit you like a sweaty slap in the face. And it’s not just the heat—it’s the unpredictability. Houston’s weather is as hormonal as it gets.
One week, you’re wearing shorts and tank tops. The next, you’re digging through your closet for a jacket because a cold front just blew in. And then there are the extreme weather events. In the past year alone, we’ve seen hurricanes, tornadoes, freezes, and flooding, all thanks to being so close to the Gulf of Mexico. While we don’t get hit as hard as Galveston, Houston’s wind damage, fallen trees, and flooding are enough to keep you on your toes.
Pro Tip: Invest in a great air conditioning system (and maybe a backup generator for when the power goes out during storms). Also, make sure your home insurance includes coverage for wind and flood damage—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
Want help finding homes with great protection against the elements? Contact me Here to talk about your needs and find your perfect home.
4. Allergy Season – Pollen Is Public Enemy #1
If you think you’ve experienced allergy season before, let me introduce you to Houston’s version: pollen-palooza. Thanks to our lush greenery, springtime is an endless war against itchy eyes, runny noses, and sneezing fits.
Pine trees? Beautiful to look at, but their pollen turns everything (including your car) a lovely shade of yellow. If you’re not popping allergy meds on the daily, you’re probably not surviving Houston’s peak allergy season.
Need help finding homes with fewer trees or better indoor air quality? Let’s chat about your needs and I’ll find the best fit for you.
5. Bugs – The Real Landlords of Houston
Let me introduce you to your new roommates: mosquitoes. These little bloodsuckers are practically the size of small birds and seem to have an endless appetite.
Texas humidity creates the perfect breeding ground for all kinds of bugs, but mosquitoes reign supreme. Summer evenings? Forget enjoying them outside unless you’re covered in bug spray or sitting under a bug zapper the size of a small satellite dish.
Flashback to My Childhood: I still remember fishing trips as a kid where I spent more time slapping mosquitoes than actually fishing. And don’t even get me started on the West Nile virus scares of the early 2000s. Good times.
Want to live in a bug-free neighborhood? Reach out Here today, and I’ll help you find a home in a more pest-free area!
6. Property Taxes – No State Income Tax, But…
While Texas is known for having no state income tax, it’s important to keep in mind the trade-off: property taxes. They can be a bit higher than you might expect.
If You Have a Mortgage: Most homeowners have their property taxes included in their monthly mortgage payment, so your monthly payment may be a little higher than expected.
If You Own Your Home Outright: You’ll receive a property tax bill every January. It’s a larger payment, but with some advance planning, it’s manageable.
Pro Tip: Before buying a home in Houston, be sure to check the property tax rate in the area. Budgeting for this in advance can make a big difference and help you plan for the year ahead.
Want to know what your property taxes will be? Get in touch, and I’ll provide a tax rate estimate for your potential home.
7. Flooding Risks – Houston Is a Flat Sponge
Houston’s geography is about as flat as a pancake, which means water doesn’t drain—it pools. Heavy rains can quickly turn streets into rivers, and flood risks are a serious concern for many areas.
If you’re buying a home, you’ll want to check if it’s in a floodplain. Flood insurance might not be required everywhere, but in many places, it’s highly recommended.
PRO Tip: Check out FEMA’s flood risk maps to avoid surprises when house hunting in Houston.
Want to avoid flood risks in your new home? Let me help you find a safe, flood-free property. Reach out to me HERE for more details.
Houston: Love It or Leave It?
So, should you move to Houston? That depends on your ability to adapt. While it has its downsides—heat, traffic, bugs, and more—it also offers incredible job opportunities, diverse culture, and some of the best food you’ll ever taste.
Still Interested in Moving to Houston? If you’re considering relocating to Houston or its surrounding suburbs, let me help! I offer a FREE Buyer’s and Relocation Consultation to help you find the perfect home (and avoid flood zones).
Let’s Find Your Dream Home!
Feel free to reach out for a FREE Buyer’s Consultation. Let’s make your relocation process smooth and stress-free!
My Youtube Channel: Living in Conroe Texas
Ryan Givens, REALTOR®
Phone: 832-401-3999
Email: [email protected]
Broker: Top Guns Realty -The Corp Team