Moving to Houston
Houston is an exciting, cosmopolitan city to move to, apart from being the US’s fourth largest city and Texas’s largest city, it also has a growing international community. With a population of over 2 million and with over 6 million residents in the Greater Houston area (comprising of the metropolitan area of Houston-The Woodlands – Sugar Land), it is also currently one of the fastest growing US cities.
This article is a guide for anyone moving to Houston including information about the employment sector, culture and leisure opportunities.), Buffalo Bayou – main
waterway flowing through Houston and surrounding areas.
The Economy of Houston
Since the discovery of oil in 1901 and the subsequent Texas Oil Boom, the city has attracted migrants coming to work in the energy sector. Work can still be found in the oil and natural gas industry as well as in renewable energy sectors such as wind and solar. Aeronautics (NASA Johnson Space Centre), transportation (The port of Houston for example) and rail) and healthcare (Houston is home to the world’s largest medical centre, the Texas Medical Center) sectors also offer employment opportunities for skilled migrants.
The city is also home to many Fortune 500 companies, corporate relocations to Houston take place on a regular basis. Academic institutions also dominate the city with the University of Houston and Rice University among many other Universities and Colleges, with many University Professors and academic staff relocating to Houston.
Houston’s Performing Arts and Theatre District
In terms of living in Houston, you will be able to find a lot of culture to enjoy. The city is home to many performing arts organisations, both traditional and progressive organisations. Music, Dance and Theatre performances all available as well as Broadway touring shows.
Houston’s Museum District
Houston’s museum district is also not to be missed. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Museum of Natural Science and two contemporary arts museum to name just a few attract millions of visitors every year.
Leisure Activities in Houston
Houstonians enjoy eating out and the restaurant scene is thriving with a great variety and range of cuisines thanks to the multicultural nature of the city.
Amongst the skyscrapers, the city is home to hundreds of parks and expansive green open spaces ensuring that there are plenty of opportunities to exercise during leisure time and participate in various sports and activities. Houston Zoo is also a great place for a family day out.
Many music genres are popular in Houston including folk music, Blues, Rock, Country, Hip Hop and Tejano / Tex-Mex music (Blues, There are sixe large performance halls as well as many other music venues so there are plenty of options to experience live music, shows and concerts.
In addition to regular arts performances, you can also enjoy annual festivals such as the popular Houston Livestock and Rodeo Show, the Bayou City Art Festival and the Art Car Parade.
Let’s not forget about sport – the city is a great place for sports fans. The Houston Rockets basketball team and the Houston Astros baseball team both have a big fan base in the city. Cheering on the Houston Texans American Football team at the Reliant Stadium is also a great experience for any expatriate. Soccer / football fans can also watch the Houston Dymanos team, founded in 2005.
Shipping to Houston
If you are moving to Houston from the UK, you can ship your household and personal effects either by sea or air freight or a combination of both. Sea freight options include sole use container, shared container or LCL shipment depending on your budget and transit time requirements. Air freight options can also be arranged and are usually suitable for smaller shipments or if you require a faster transit time.
If you are relocating to Houston, get in touch for further advice or to obtain a quotation and relevant US Customs information for household goods shipments.
