Houston, Texas is a great city for some people, but it’s not for everyone. Here are 19 reasons why you should not move to Houston, Texas.
1. Heat and Humidity
Houston is known for its hot, humid climate. The summers are extremely hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The humidity makes it feel even hotter, and can make it hard to breathe. The winters are mild, but still quite humid.
2. Traffic
Houston is notorious for its traffic. It’s one of the most congested cities in the US, and it can take a long time to get from one place to another. The traffic is made worse by the lack of public transportation options, so you’ll need to rely on your own car or ride-sharing services.
3. Cost of Living
Houston is one of the most expensive cities in the US. Rent prices are high, and the cost of living is rising. It can be difficult to make ends meet in Houston, especially if you don’t have a high-paying job.
4. Lack of Cultural Diversity
Houston is a diverse city, but it’s not as diverse as some other cities in the US. The majority of the population is Hispanic or Latino, and there is a smaller African American population. There are also fewer Asian Americans and other minorities.
5. Crime
Houston has a higher-than-average crime rate. While most of the crime is concentrated in certain areas, it’s still something to be aware of. If you’re considering moving to Houston, it’s important to research the crime rate in the areas you’re considering.
6. Pollution
Houston is one of the most polluted cities in the US. Air pollution is a major problem, and it can cause health issues such as asthma and other respiratory illnesses. The water quality is also poor, with many contaminants in the water.
7. Poor Public Schools
Houston’s public schools are some of the worst in the country. The schools are underfunded, and the student-teacher ratio is very high. If you’re considering moving to Houston, you may want to look into private or charter schools for your children.
8. Hurricanes
Houston is located in a hurricane zone, so it’s important to be prepared for storms. Hurricanes can cause serious damage, and it’s important to have a plan in place to protect yourself and your property.
9. Mosquitoes
Houston has a lot of mosquitoes, which can be annoying and even dangerous. Mosquitoes can carry diseases such as Zika, West Nile virus, and other illnesses. Be sure to take precautions to protect yourself from mosquitoes when you’re outside.
10. Flooding
Houston is prone to flooding, especially during hurricane season. The city is located in a low-lying area, and it can be difficult to protect your property from flood damage. Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage if you’re considering moving to Houston.
11. Sprawling Suburbs
Houston is made up of sprawling suburbs, which can make it difficult to get around. The roads are often congested, and it can take a long time to get from one place to another. If you’re looking for a city with a more centralized layout, Houston may not be the best choice.
12. Expensive Healthcare
Houston is one of the most expensive cities in the US for healthcare. The cost of medical care is higher than average, and insurance premiums can be expensive. If you’re considering moving to Houston, it’s important to research the healthcare options and costs in the area.
13. Lack of Parks and Green Spaces
Houston has a lack of parks and green spaces, which can make it difficult to find places to relax and enjoy nature. There are some parks, but they can be overcrowded and not well maintained. If you’re looking for a city with plenty of green spaces, Houston may not be the best choice.
14. Poor Public Transit
Houston has a poor public transit system, which can make it difficult to get around the city. The buses and trains are often overcrowded, and the routes are limited. If you’re considering moving to Houston, you may want to look into other transportation options.
15. Limited Job Opportunities
Houston has a limited job market, and it can be difficult to find a good job. The job market is mainly focused on oil and gas, and there are not many other industries. If you’re looking for a city with more job opportunities, Houston may not be the best choice.
16. Low Wages
Houston has low wages compared to other cities in the US. The average wage is lower than the national average, and it can be difficult to make ends meet. If you’re looking for a city with higher wages, Houston may not be the best choice.
17. Limited Shopping and Entertainment Options
Houston has limited shopping and entertainment options. There are some malls and movie theaters, but they can be crowded and not very well maintained. If you’re looking for a city with more shopping and entertainment options, Houston may not be the best choice.
18. Poor Infrastructure
Houston has poor infrastructure, which can make it difficult to get around. The roads are often in disrepair, and there are not many sidewalks or bike lanes. If you’re looking for a city with better infrastructure, Houston may not be the best choice.
19. High Taxes
Houston has high taxes, which can make it difficult to make ends meet. The sales tax is higher than the national average, and there are also high property taxes. If you’re looking for a city with lower taxes, Houston may not be the best choice.
Houston is a great city for some people, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re considering moving to Houston, it’s important to research the pros and cons before making your decision.