Relocating to Houston

I'm a Houston native who has also lived in other states and countries, so I know what a big move feels like. I'll help you compare neighborhoods, commutes and homes before you ever get on a plane.

Why people move to Houston

• Texas has no state income tax
• Major employers in energy, healthcare (the Texas Medical Center), aerospace and the Port of Houston
• Two major airports: George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and Hobby (HOU)
• Housing costs that are often lower than other big U.S. metros

How I help you relocate

Video tours and live FaceTime or WhatsApp showings, a commute check for your workplace, and guides to every area I serve. You choose the neighborhood; I give you the facts.

Moving from another state?

• The states that send the most new residents to Texas are California, Florida, New York, Louisiana, Illinois and Colorado (U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 state-to-state migration).
• Moving from California to Houston
• Moving from Miami, Florida to Houston
• Moving from New York to Houston
• Moving from Louisiana to Houston
• Moving from Chicago, Illinois to Houston
• Moving from Colorado to Houston

Taxes, homestead and HOAs in Texas

• No state income tax: Texas does not tax personal income.
• Property taxes: Texas has no state property tax. Cities, counties, school districts and MUDs set their own rates each year, and around Houston the total often runs about 2% to 3% of appraised value. I'll show you the exact rate for every home.
• Homestead exemption: if the home is your main residence, school district taxes exclude $140,000 of its value, plus another $60,000 if you are 65 or older or disabled. You can apply in the year you buy; the general deadline is before May 1.
• Homestead cap: once your homestead exemption is in place, the taxable value of your home generally cannot go up more than 10% a year.
• Protest your value: each spring the appraisal district (HCAD in Harris County, FBCAD in Fort Bend, MCAD in Montgomery) mails your value, and you have the right to protest it.
• HOAs: most suburbs and master-planned communities have a mandatory homeowners association with yearly dues and deed restrictions. Before closing you can get the HOA's resale certificate (dues, special assessments, violations and rules), and Texas law gives owners rights such as access to HOA records and notice before fines.
• MUDs and PIDs: many newer communities also have a Municipal Utility District tax or a Public Improvement District assessment. Sellers must disclose it, and I include it in your monthly cost.
• Driver license and car: new residents must get a Texas driver license within 90 days and register their vehicle within 30 days.

Before you buy

• Check flood zone, flood history and insurance for every home
• Ask for the HOA resale certificate and any MUD or PID tax before your option period ends
• Plan your commute at rush hour