Why Are Californians moving to Houston?

Californians made up roughly 13% of the entire population that has migrated to Texas since 2010, more than any other single state. Last year, more than 80 thousand Californians moved to Texas, and Houston is a favorite destination.

Wanna know more about Houston?

Get a free Homebuyer's Guide.

Contact Form
Enter name
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Top 10 Reasons Californians Are Moving To Houston.

As Houston continues to grow into the third-largest city in the United States, more and more transplants are making Texas their new home. In fact, according to the 2020 Relocation Report by Texas REALTORS®, the Lone Star State took second place for the top relocation destination in the country. Texans love Texas, and it seems a lot of other people do, too.

Check out the top 10 reasons why so many people are moving to Houston.

Reason #1

Affordability

Living in a big city can be expensive. But despite being the fourth largest metropolis in the United States, Houston’s cost of living is far lower than other major cities, even its closest neighbors. Experts estimate that Houston may be up to 19% cheaper than Austin and 5% cheaper than Dallas. And for transplants arriving from other states, the cost of living could be 150% cheaper or more.

The low cost of living combined with higher-than-average household income means you'll get a lot more for your dollar in Houston. In years past, Houston has even been ranked number one by Forbes for paycheck worth.

Reason #2

No State Income Tax

Yes, you read that right! The state income tax in Texas is absolutely 0! That means incoming residents from states with high income tax like California could realize up to a 12% increase in take-home income by making Houston their primary residence. Compound that income over time, and you have a serious financial win. In addition, Texas has a per capita debt much lower than other states in America.

Reason #3

Real Estate

The housing market in Houston is extremely diverse. From single-family homes in quiet suburban neighborhoods to posh condos in the Inner Loop, there's a place in Houston for any lifestyle. In general, reasonably-priced housing is easy to find.

Homes in Houston are often large with spacious lots ideal for family life. And for those that want to feel the heartbeat of the city, several neighborhoods inside the loop are experiencing a surge of development into trendy urban communities.

Reason #4

Job Market

It's true that the oil and gas industry is huge in Houston, but there's much more to the metro area's economy. In fact, Houston is home to two dozen Fortune 500 companies, more than any other city except New York. Houston is also a well-known tech and aerospace hub, one of the top cities in the U.S for manufacturing and home to the largest medical center in the world.

The entrepreneurial environment in the Greater Houston area is booming as an influx of young talent has created a thriving startup scene. Houston was even included in Forbes list of "Best Places for Business and Careers."

Reason #5

Top Schools

Houston is well-known as an amazing city for families, and access to great schools is part of what makes Houston so attractive. There are quality options at the elementary, middle and high school levels, and many of Texas' most notable private schools are found in Houston and area suburbs.

Texas is also home to several top-ranked colleges and universities, including The University of Texas and Texas A&M. College students and residents of Houston qualify for a significantly discounted in-state tuition rate. While not a state school, Houston's own Rice University is considered the Ivy League of the South.

Reason #6

Food

It's no mystery Houston’s TexMex and BBQ options are every bit as epic as their reputations suggest. But Houston also boasts one of the most diverse culinary cultures in America. In fact, Anthony Bourdain once called Houston, “a Wonderland of Strange and Diverse.” From James Beard award-winning chefs to southern staples, Houston is a foodie's dream come true. You could eat at a different restaurant every night for a year and not come close to running out of options.

As the most ethnically diverse city in the United States, Houston has embraced unique fusion cuisine perhaps more than any city in America. Thomas Nguyen of South African Restaurant Peli Peli put it best saying, “It’s about unique flavors. It’s about putting a lot of different things together, sometimes if it’s weird, just to create something special. That’s what Houston has become, and that’s what our cuisine is about.”

Reason #7

Diversity

Forbes magazine once named Houston the coolest city in the USA, and it remains in the top five to this day. A significant part of what makes Houston such a special place to live is the wild diversity found here.

In fact, Houston has now surpassed New York as the nation’s most racially and ethnically diverse city, with an Anglo population under 40%. An astounding 46% of the population speaks a language other than English at home.

Reason #8

Entertainment

It's tough to get bored with so much to see and do in Houston. Entertainment in The Bayou City is a unique blend of Texas traditions and modern attractions.

Sports fans won't have to look far, with NBA, NFL and MLB teams all calling Houston home. Families also love the abundance of options for kids, from parks and museums to the Houston Zoo and the Houston Space Center. And of course, you can't talk about entertainment in Texas without mentioning the rodeo and other Lone Star traditions.

Reason #9

The Great Outdoors

Houston weather is beautiful year-round, and winter will feel more like fall to transplants from colder parts of the country.

Outdoor dining is popular, and so is recreation. Memorial Park just outside downtown Houston boasts more square footage than New York's Central Park, and that's just one of Houston's many outdoor recreation areas.

Water lovers can spend the perfect day kayaking the Buffalo Bayou or fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, and there are 5 major state parks within a two-hour drive of Houston, featuring hiking trails, mountain biking and rock climbing.

Reason #10

Community

Despite having the fourth largest population in the country, Houstonians still value small-town warmth and friendliness. Residents have seen their fair share of hardships, but always come together in a unique way, and the positivity that Houstonians display during tough times speaks to the city’s character and resilience.

Since Houston is so diverse, it's easy to find your place regardless of your personality or background. At the end of the day, whatever kind of community you're looking for, you can probably find it in Houston.