It's pretty obvious why almost 2 million people call Houston home. The weather is generally sunny, the people are friendly, plus there is fabulous shopping, world-class dining, clubs for partying, and tons of unique attractions. To give you an idea of the layout of Houston that will help with your apartment search, the I-610 Loop that encircles Houston serves as a geographic marker. Neighborhoods are described as either being inside or outside "The Loop." Inside the Loop, you'll find the city's central business district and older residential neighborhoods that contain some of the most charming Houston apartments. With all the activities as well as Houston's reputation as the leading center for the energy industry, this city really presents a ton of opportunity for life-long residents and newcomers to the area.
The cost of living in Houston is below the average for most American cities. Within The Loop, you'll find the most expensive Houston apartments, with one bedrooms generally starting out around $1500. As a rule, the further you get from the center of The Loop, the more affordable rent becomes. For instance apartments in Houston's Downtown neighborhood typically cost a lot more than apartments in South Main or Greenway. Don't forget to find an apartment with a pool! Most complexes have one because of Houston's warm weather.
Although a large part of Houston's economy is based on energy industries, it has diversified over the two decades. Other industries include medical research and delivery, education and high technology. The Port of Houston also plays a vital role in the city's success. It is among the top ports in the U.S. for international commerce and one the largest ports in the world. Another interesting feature of Houston is that in addition to its downtown, there are several other business centers throughout the metro area, such as the Energy Corridor. This gives residents more flexibility about where they work and live when searching for Houston apartments. For more information about Houston living, check out what the locals recommend.