Houston, Texas

Houston has a population of 1,953,631, with 4,715,407 in the metro area and is the fourth most populous city in the US. It is also very ethnically diverse: 90 different languages are spoken in the city. Living in Houston has many advantages: low tax rates, no state income tax, affordable housing, good education, and a mild climate.

Whoa, whoa, you say – how affordable? Houston has the second lowest cost of living among major American cities, and it has the most affordable housing of the 10 most populated metropolitan areas. Housing costs are 39% below the average of 26 US urban populations of more than 1.5 million.

And how mild? It's south Texas! Check out these averages: winter, 66F (18C); spring, 79F (26C); summer, 91F (32C); fall, 85F (29C). This means year-round outdoor recreation, from water sports to golf to beach excursions to backyard barbecues.

Houston is known as Space City as it is home to NASA's Johnson Space Center. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, the Port of Houston ranks as the nation's largest port in international tonnage and second in total tonnage. But it is perhaps best known for its role in the energy industry, particularly oil.

For those who love the cosmopolitan city life, Houston is one of the most exciting in the nation. Life here is uncommonly rich and varied. Whether you're single, a couple, or a family, neighborhoods abound to suit your tastes, from eclectic to small and personal to great master-planned communities.

An afficionado of the Arts? Houston boasts the third largest population of working artists in the US and has permanent ballet, opera, symphony, and theater companies. Houston's 17-block Theater District is home to eight performing arts organizations and more than 12,000 seats. (Only New York City has more seats concentrated in one geographic area.) And the Museum District has the city's major museums, galleries, and art and cultural institutions.

Prefer sports? Major league sports are represented by the Astros, Rockets, and Texans.

And healthcare professionals take note: among its many excellent healthcare institutions, Houston is home to the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world.

See our 420 Jobs in Houston, Texas