Houston is wonderful, and Houstonians are incredibly nice—like, almost invasively so. You’ll see as you start to figure this place out. In the meantime, here’s a few handy things to learn about life in Houston as you settle in.

In This Feature:

Welcome to Houston, the Big, Overwhelming, Most Diverse City in America

You’re going to love it here. But there are some things we need to talk about.

08/30/2018 By Jeff Balke

100 Things Every Houstonian Must Do

Presenting your local bucket list: 100 things that simply must be done if you’re to experience the unique seductiveness that is Houston.

10/29/2014 By Houstonia Staff

Our 10 Favorite Parks in Houston

Houston’s new(ish) and newly redone urban parks will make you want to get out and get moving—yes, even on those 90-degree days.

10/06/2022 By Katharine Shilcutt and Stephanie Bartels

The 10 Hottest Neighborhoods in Houston in 2018

Seven excellent places to buy, three great locations to rent.

02/28/2018 By Roxanna Asgarian, Morgan Kinney, Laura Furr Mericas, and Dianna Wray

Houston's Standout Public School Districts

Here’s what you need to know about Houston’s 16 top-performing school districts and 4 top-performing charter school systems, as they stand today.

08/30/2018 By Laura Furr Mericas

An Insider's Guide to Navigating Houston's Private High Schools

Choosing the right private school for your child can be a difficult process. These insider tips will help.

10/02/2017 By Roxanna Asgarian

The Best Houston-Area Private Schools

Niche.com ranked the best private schools in Houston —these are the top 25.

10/02/2017 By Houstonia Staff

Houston's Essential 25 Restaurants

Want a crash course on Houston’s food scene? Start here.

08/30/2018 Edited by Gwendolyn Knapp

The 10 Best Bars in the Bayou City

The essential cocktail lounges, vinotecas, beer gardens, dives, and other watering holes for when you need a drink.

08/30/2018 Edited by Gwendolyn Knapp

Which Houston Grocery Store Is the One For You?

Consult our handy chart to find out.

08/30/2018 By Jeff Balke

Houston's 100 Best Shops

From dresses to denim, pillows to purses, boots to bracelets and beyond, the best of the best in the Bayou City.

04/24/2018 Edited by Abby Ledoux

Houston's Top Doctors

Here are the city’s best doctors, according to their peers.

05/09/2022 By Houstonia Staff

Calling Hou: The Bayou City's Biggest and Best Pop Culture Moments

Our city has exerted more influence on the American mass media landscape than you may realize—and we're not just talking about Beyoncé (but also definitely Beyoncé).

06/21/2017 By Sarah Rufca Nielsen, Katharine Shilcutt, and Gwendolyn Zepeda

Houstonia Magazine

Newcomer's Guide 2018