5 Tips You NEED to Know Before Moving to Houston, Texas

If you are thinking about moving to Houston, Texas, then there are a few things to look out for before making the big move. After living in Houston for six years, I’ve learned a lot about the city and the culture that may be able to help you in your Texas adventure.

Your Body Will Adjust to the Heat (Even if it doesn’t feel like it)

It is an understatement to say that it’s simply hot in Houston. The heat tends to be around 85 to 100 degrees in the summer time and it can feel like more. It’s definitely important to stay hydrated especially if you aren’t used to high heat. When I moved from North Carolina, I used to sweat a lot even in cool weather but when I moved to Houston, my body didn’t sweat as much which seems pretty strange. You’ll find yourself turning the air condition to the max in your car, or headed for a cool treat more often than not just to cope. Don’t worry though, you will still be able to move around and check out the city. Your body is amazing and will definitely regulate to the climate.

The extreme heat in the summers does mean that the winters are not as brutal (except for that one bizarre winter where the pipes froze around the city, but that’s a rare occasion). If you’re from a place where the weather gets very cold, these Houston winters will be a cinch for you.

The Traffic Takes Some Getting Used To

Unfortunately, a great part of living in this big city is the traffic. You will most definitely come across some serious delays getting from one place to another. It’s really good to invest in an E-Z tag to avoid some major delays but it won’t stop you from encountering the slowdowns altogether. Where ever you are heading, make sure you always account for the extra time it will take to get there due to the traffic. WAZE is a really great app that shows the best back route places to take if there is a major accident, which will actually occur more often than not.

Another thing to get accustomed to is that the driving can be a bit abrasive, and this is coming from a mostly docile individual. When I first got my license in Houston, I noticed that the driving style was more offensive rather than defensive, so getting over in another lane can be near impossible at times if you feel uncomfortable. This, of course, is the leading cause of accidents as well so being aware and alert while driving is especially essential in this city.

You Will Find Everything You Need (and didn’t know you needed) on Harwin

Ahh, Harwin Drive. If you are looking for literally anything, you will definitely find it here on Harwin. This street is full of shopping outlets and departments that fit all kinds of needs. If you are opening a business and need to buy clothing in bulk, or if you’re looking for nice furniture that won’t break the bank, you’ll find it here. There are a lot of different cultures in this area as well, so you can find what fits you and your needs. It is also good for just walking around and seeing all the different things to buy.

Good Food is Everywhere

This city is oozing with amazing food. There is a lot of Hispanic and Louisiana culture influence and it shows up in the food. Everything is indeed bigger in Texas and you’ll come to find that you get a lot for your buck here. When crawfish season comes around, it is imperative to attend a crawfish boil. In Houston, a crawfish boil is not just an event, but a cultural custom. When living in Houston, I had some of the best times laughing and bonding over a plate of crawfish. As someone who had never even heard of crawfish before moving to the city, it took me a while to develop an effective technique for eating crawfish, but I got used to it in no time. You’ll find a great part of the culture of Houston circulates around good food and it makes for great fun when you have everyone gathered together and enjoying each other’s company.

Unfortunately, vegan options are a bit harder to find in this city, but not impossible. If you do have a restrictive diet, the best locations for vegan-friendly options are near Midtown and Montrose. While in these areas, you can also check out the amazing nightlife after grabbing a bite.

Houston Loves Houston

The pride of being a Houstonian is one of the first things you will notice when moving to this city. Texas does have its pride in general and it is very noticeable on the streets and in front of people’s homes. When I first moved to this city, I was coming from North Carolina and their pride was mostly in their sports. When you move to this city, prepare to see the Texas flag everywhere you go. If you have children who go to public school, they will have to recite the Texas Pledge of allegiance right after the National Pledge of allegiance. Yes. The Texas Pledge of Allegiance.

Another great event that you’ll have to attend once you make the move is the Rodeo. It happens once a year in the month of March when concerts are held on every day of the month, featuring major country and pop artists. Even if you don’t catch a concert, the carnival and the livestock show are really something to marvel at. Though it does seem to be a bit of a culture shock to move to this city, you will find that you do warm up to the idea of the Houston pride and soon you’ll be representing the H before you know it.

Take Away Trail

If you are moving to Houston, you are in for an amazing adventure. You’ll be exposed to some great people and experiences that will impact your life forever. Living in Houston has been such a precious experience for me and I’ve made friends and family that I will forever cherish. It taught me to express myself in ways I never knew I could, and I hope the very same experience for you on your expedition to this remarkable city. These are the 5 tips you NEED to know before embarking on this journey.

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