If you’re about moving to Houston, you might not know exactly what to expect. When people think of Texas, they sometimes conjure images of cowboys in their heads. However, while you can always find an old-fashioned saloon somewhere in the city, there’s plenty more to Houston than just hog-ties and rodeos. Here are a few things to keep in mind about Houston. 

The Sheer Size is Enormous

The Houston area and skyline / Shutterstock

Right off the bat, one of the first things you’ll want to remember about living in Houston is just how big it is. If you’re moving to The Woodlands and have friends you want to see in Pearland, expect to be driving for close to an hour. The Houston metropolitan area is the fourth largest metropolitan area in the country in terms of size, and there are close to seven million people spread out across the city’s five counties.

The Summer Heat is Intense

Dog cooling off in Houston heat / Shutterstock

“It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.” There are few places that phrase applies to more than Houston. Houston is among the most humid cities in the country, with the average humidity level hovering around 78 percent according to the Beaumont Enterprise. When summers roll around and temperatures start hitting 100 degrees, the humidity can really start to soak into your skin. It’s best to learn how to dress light for the humid summers. 

The Museums Are No Joke

Museum of Natural Science / Photo by Another Believer / CC BY-SA

For a lot of people, thinking about Houston means thinking about its sports teams and Texan culture. However, what many people overlook is the impressive number of museums in the area. The Museum District in Houston stretches out for about two miles, and it’s filled with museums of all sorts. From the gigantic and popular Museum of Natural Science to smaller but well-known museums like the Museum of African American Culture and the Houston Bicycle Museum, there’s a museum for people of all interests—and many of them are free

It’s Diverse and Has Great Food

Upper Kirby in Houston has a great culinary scene

In 2017, the Houston Chronicle reported on the fact that Houston was the most ethnically diverse city in the country. For residents, that means access to all kinds of food from all over the world. Diners can head to Chinatown for Asian food or enjoy Ethiopian dishes in Upper Kirby. As you drive around, you’ll find Southern soul food, Texas barbecue, Nigerian food, Vietnamese cuisine, and more. 

The Beaches Aren’t Far

Kemah Boardwalk / Shutterstock

A lot of people underestimate just how close to the coast Houston is. In fact, several coastal towns, like League City, are considered part of the Houston area suburbs. Houstonians can easily head over to League City for some fishing along Clear Lake. On the other hand, residents can also drop by Kemah to hit the boardwalk, which is filled with carnival rides, games, and restaurants. It’s also easy to get to Galveston Island—famous for its Mardi Gras festivities—for a day on the coast to enjoy some of the freshest seafood in the area. 

It’s a Sports Town

Toyota Stadium where the Houston Rockets play / Shutterstock

When it comes to local sports teams, Houstonians watch the Houston Rockets, Houston Texans, Houston Astros, or the Houston Dynamo. There are also a lot of smaller, less well-known sports teams in the area. Still, from Major League Soccer to professional basketball, Houstonians are not short of options when it comes their love of sports. Basketball fans will want to be particularly mindful of the rivalry that Houston has with San Antonio, a rivalry that dates back to the mid-90s—the days when the Rockets and San Antonio Spurs battled in the playoffs. It’s called the I-10 Rivalry, and after 25 years, it doesn’t look like it’s about to die anytime soon. 

It’s a Park Loving Culture

Discovery Green Park in Downtown Houston

Houstonians love their parks. When Discovery Green was first built in the heart of Downtown Houston, city planners were unsure of how many people would take advantage of it. Today, it’s one of the most popular destination in town and regularly hosts concerts and other events. There are also several very large parks across the city, like Memorial Park, Buffalo Bayou Park, and the greenspaces around the Houston Zoo. Loves of the outdoors have plenty of option of where to go in the summertime.

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