The city of Houston is growing like crazy. One Texas demographer has projected that Texas as a state could double in population size by 2050. Even if that prediction might sound extreme, Houston is sure to keep up with the growth it has seen lately.  There are many Fortune 500 companies that bring employees from all over the world to live in the great city of Houston. Because Houston is so diverse, there is something for everyone. Museums, arts, foods, shops, history and so much more. There is a reason that Houston is the fourth most populated city in the nation, without the typical big city feel.

1. The Cost of Living is Incredible

You can enjoy having more disposable income in Houston. Houston was voted number one in terms of cities where a paycheck stretches the farthest by Forbes magazine. They stated the average annual income in Houston in 2011 was almost $60,000 a year which the eighth highest in the US. The median home price for a single family home is about $290,000 and while they are about to hit record highs, consumer goods, utilities food and other commodities are kept at very low costs.  There are also many job opportunities here in Houston.

2. Weather Can Have You Rethinking Your Beauty Routine

Since Houston is so close to Galveston and the Gulf of Mexico, air conditioning is not really an option here. Constant humidity will cause makeup meltdowns and it may require a half a can of hairspray to keep flyaways in shape. Some days taking multiple showers can be a lifesaver.  Knowing where pools and spraygrounds are in the summer are a must. Humidity is no joke for people who are not accustomed to it. It can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness and embarrassing sweating. Be prepared to take a while to become acclimated to the humid environment if you come from an area that is drier.

3. Traffic Is a Nightmare

The Traffic in Houston is a force to be reckoned with. Having a long commute to work can make this a nightmare. The traffic doesn’t even get better on the weekends. A typical 30-minute trip during rush hour can take over 50 minutes in the car. Rush hour in Houston runs from 7AM to 9AM in the morning and runs from 4PM to 7PM in the evening. Before you consider moving to Houston, it is crucial to find somewhere to live near your office… or choose to really enjoy sitting in your car going nowhere. There are public transportation options, but they are lacking. Many times people sacrifice having a larger house with a yard in order to live closer to work. If you do have to commute, carpooling or using the Waze traffic app can definitely help your sanity.

Despite the heavy traffic and humidity, Houston is a great place to live. The diversity and job growth keeps people moving here and it isn’t expected to stop anytime soon. The city of Houston offers so much to residents, you are sure to feel right at home.