Relocating to Houston.
The practical basics for moving to the Houston area — before you pick a neighborhood.
Getting your bearings.
Houston is organized by rings of highways: Loop 610 around the central city, Beltway 8 farther out, and the Grand Parkway (SH 99) around the suburbs. "Inside the Loop" usually means the central neighborhoods. Major job centers include Downtown, the Texas Medical Center, Uptown/Galleria, the Energy Corridor, and The Woodlands.
Getting around.
Most trips around the Houston area are by car, so test your commute at rush hour before you choose an area. Houston has two commercial airports, George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby (HOU). METRO runs buses, METRORail light rail and park-and-ride service.
Taxes and costs.
Texas has no state personal income tax. Local services are funded largely by property taxes, and the total rate depends on the address (county, city, school district, and any MUD or special district). Homeowners can apply for a residence homestead exemption — see the Texas Comptroller. Ask for the tax and insurance costs on every home you consider.
Weather and flood.
Summers are long, hot, and humid, and the Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Before you buy, check the FEMA flood map, ask about the home's flood history, read the Seller's Disclosure Notice, and get flood insurance quotes — even outside mapped flood zones.
Utilities.
Much of the Houston area has a competitive electricity market, so you choose a retail electric provider. Water and trash are usually handled by the city, a MUD, or the HOA, depending on the address.
Buying from out of town.
We can tour homes by live video, send detailed notes and photos, and coordinate inspections. Ask your title company early which remote signing options it offers. Our Buyer Guide walks through each step.
Explore areas.
Compare prices, 2026 TEA school ratings, and drive times in our neighborhood guides: River Oaks, The Heights, Memorial, Bellaire, Montrose, Galleria/Uptown, Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland and The Woodlands.
General information for Texas home buyers and sellers, not legal, tax or lending advice. Talk with the appropriate professional about your situation.
Selling where you live now?
If you own a Houston-area home already, start with your number.
Relocation questions, answered.
How do I find a realtor in Houston?
Look for a licensed agent who knows several parts of the Houston area and is comfortable working with you from out of town. Confirm the license with TREC, and ask how they handle video tours, inspections and closing when you can't be there. MAC is a Houston team brokered by eXp Realty. Call 832-303-3630 or contact MAC to plan your move.
How do I choose where to live in Houston?
Start with your commute, budget and the kind of home you want, then test the drive at rush hour, since most trips here are by car. Our neighborhood guides compare prices, school ratings and drive times with cited sources.
Does Texas have a state income tax?
Texas has no state personal income tax. Local services are funded largely by property taxes, and the total rate depends on the address (county, city, school district, and any MUD or special district). Ask for the tax rate and insurance costs on every home you consider.
How do I check flood risk before I buy?
Look up the address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, review Harris County Flood Control District resources for Harris County homes, read the Seller's Disclosure Notice, ask about the home's flood history and get flood insurance quotes, even outside mapped flood zones.
Can I buy a Houston home without being there in person?
Yes. We can tour homes by live video, send detailed notes and photos, and coordinate inspections. Ask your title company early which remote signing options it offers. Our Buyer Guide walks through each step.
How do I set up electricity in Houston?
Much of the Houston area has a competitive electricity market, so you choose a retail electric provider for your address. Water and trash are usually handled by the city, a MUD or the HOA, depending on where you live.