Living in Houston: The Definitive City Guide
Population: 2. 1 Million
Average Salary: $61,268
Average Home Value: $213, 375
Within the last 10 years Texas’s population growth has exploded, and subsequently this state has become one of the most desirable destinations to movers across the country. This comes as no surprise – Austin has repositioned itself as the new Silicon Valley of Texas, and San Antonio consistently tops the list for largest population growth by year due to its low cost of living and wealth of well paying jobs. Houston itself is no different. Currently the fourth largest city in the country, individuals and families across the country are flocking to Houston due to its low cost of living, wealth of cultural and recreational events, and its tremendous job potential. Indeed, outside of New York City, Houston is home to the second largest number of Fortune 500 companies in the US (most companies are centered around Texas’ robust oil and gas industry). Read more below to learn why families and singles across the country are considering living in Houston in Storage Sense of Spring TX’s definitive new movers city guide!
Discover the Beer – Visit Saint Arnold Brewing Company, Houston’s First Brewery
Recently, the craft beer scene has exploded throughout the US, and Houston further exemplifies this notion through its abundance of award-winning breweries and brewpubs. Previously, Houston’s beer scene lagged behind when compared to similarly sized cities; however, the recent relaxation of Texas beer laws has led to a sizable increase in brewery openings throughout Houston.
Any new resident might want to consider starting their tasting journey at Texas’ oldest craft brewery: Saint Arnold Brewing Company. Founded in 1994, Saint Arnold is aptly named in honor of the patron saint of brewing, Saint Arnulf of Metz, and was originally operated out of an old warehouse on the far northwest side of Houston, but has since reopened as a modern, sprawling three-story facility in the Northside district, just north of Downtown Houston. Fittingly so, Saint Arnold Brewing Co. built a cathedral to beer – its newest location highlights gothic-inspired features such as LED-lit stainless art depictions of the brewing process, and mural-covered “chapels”, or nooks with tables and dramatic paintings from local artists.
Most recently, Saint Arnold Brewing Company’s newest facility has grown to include a modern full-service restaurant and outdoor beer garden. Dine-in seven days a week and enjoy restaurant favorites like the fried pork grinds, or choose from a selection of scratch-made pizzas from the brewery’s new wood-fired oven. The outdoor beer garden itself is a true modern marvel. The feature is wrapped in steel mesh to mirror the surrounding industrial aesthetic of the Fifth Ward neighborhood, and offers its patrons open-air seating with unobstructed views of Downtown Houston. Perhaps the most prominent feature of the garden is its centrally located gleaming steel fountain; a popular attraction for kiddos and dogs alike. Feeling competitive? A series of Bocce ball courts and cornhole boxes round off this beer garden’s features making this brewery the perfect weekend destination for any new resident living in Houston.
Discover the “Space City” – Book a Tram Tour of Space Center Houston
Houston is rightfully nicknamed the “Space City“; a nickname signifying the city’s global importance to space exploration and historical role as a prominent center of activity for NASA. Thus, any new resident of Houston would be remiss without a visit to Space Center Houston. The center features both guided and unguided tours – the former more popular option is conducted via tram, and along its 90 minute tour you will visit exhibits like the Mission Control, the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility (where astronauts train on replicas of space vehicles), and Rocket Park (a facility that contains the only three Saturn V rockets on display in the world).
Beyond the tram tour, visitors can visit Mars in the space center’s Mission to Mars exhibit, or can suit up as an astronaut for the day in the International Space Station Gallery. Expect to spend at least half of your day in your visit – there is much to see and learn through your time spent at Space Center Houston.
Discover the Rodeo – Spend March at The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
What embodies the southern spirit more so than the rodeo?
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has grown to be the world’s largest event of its kind since 1932, and is an event that is steeped in Texas history, and can ultimately be seen as signature event of the Houston area. Each year, this expansive livestock show features more than 30,000 livestock and horse show entries proudly displayed over the course of its 20 day run time. The event is officially kicked off on March 1st by the Downtown Rodeo Roundup held near Houston City Hall, the Downtown Rodeo Parade, and the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest. Unofficially, the start of the rodeo is kicked off by Go Texan Day – traditionally held the Friday before the Rodeo begins, the day encourages individuals to celebrate their Western heritage and Texan pride through their style of dress. Don’t be surprised to see business men in full suits wearing cowboy boots and hats on their way to a client meeting during March.
Expect to spend multiple days touring and experiencing Houston’s rodeo. Over the course of its run you will find championship rodeo action, a carnival, barbeque competitions, sales and livestock auctions, and live entertainment performed almost nightly. Indeed, historically the rodeo has drawn some of the world’s biggest recording artists, including Beyonce, Bob Dylan, Justin Bieber, and Elvis Presley. Perhaps Houston’s most signature event, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is truly a spectacle as grand as the state within which it resides.
Discover Downtown – Experience Houston’s Thriving Nightlife Scene
Largely due to its recent substantial population boom, Houston is a remarkably young city demographically. In fact, the median age of a resident is 31, and Houston caters to this younger population with its thriving live sports scene. Readers should be familiar with the recent success of the Houston Astros, a team that won their first and only World Series title in 2017, or the NBA’s Houston Rockets, a team that has enjoyed franchise level stardom with its former players James Harden and Yao Ming.
Remarkably both Minute Maid Park (home of the Astros) and Toyota Center (home of the Rockets) are located in Downtown Houston, and both have acted as catalysts to the revitalization of Houston’s downtown area, transforming Houston’s center into a popular day-to-night destination. Subsequently, Downtown Houston is host to a number of trendy restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
Some of Houston’s trendier downtown visits include:
- Public Services Wine and Whiskey – A wine and whisky bar in the historic Houston Cotton Exchange Building located in downtown Houston.
- The Pastry War – Downtown Houston’s resident mezcaleria specializing in agave spirts from family-owned distilleries throughout Mexico.
- Xochi – Explore the culinary and indigenous richness of Oaxaca, Mexico through the expertise of James Beard award winning chef Hugo Ortega. Limited seating – be sure to make a reservation!
- Tongue-Cut Sparrow – Downtown Houston’s premium upscale cocktail experience (think perfectly chilled glassware, bartenders in bowties, and complimentary hot towels in the restroom).
Stop in at one of these choice restaurants or bars before you take in a game – Downtown Houston offers a plethora of exciting culinary options within its newly thriving downtown nightlife scene. Living in Houston has never gotten better for a 20 to 30 year old.
Storage Sense in Spring TX – 20 Miles North of Houston
Houston often might seem overshadowed by its Texan neighbors San Antonio, Dallas, or Austin, but as we’ve discussed in detail, the Space City offers much to entice a potential mover looking to settle in the Lone Star state. Are you finally ready to take the plunge? Look no further than Storage Sense in Spring, Texas for all of your moving needs. Located a mere 20 miles north of the city, Storage Sense of Spring TX is your first stop for affordable self-storage rentals in the greater Houston area. Amenities of this location include temperature-controlled storage units monitored via 24/7 camera feeds, and secured through electronic gate access. Additionally, moving and packing supplies are conveniently sold onsite – this feature is perfect for individuals looking to take the plunge and settle in Houston, Texas this summer.
Are you consider living in Houston TX? Secure affordable storage rental for your move and rent with Storage Sense today!
