Your First 90 Days in Houston
By your third month in Houston, the essentials are handled and it is time to settle in for the long term. This checklist focuses on deepening your roots — from completing your hurricane preparedness plan to discovering Houston's world-class cultural attractions and building your professional network in one of America's most dynamic cities.
Complete your hurricane preparedness plan
Go beyond the basic supply kit and develop a comprehensive household hurricane plan. Identify your evacuation zone, establish family communication protocols, know how to shut off your home's utilities, and ensure your important documents are digitized and stored in the cloud. If you have pets, include them in your evacuation plan.
- 💡 Know your evacuation zone — Harris County designates zones A through C based on proximity to the coast and storm surge risk.
- 💡 Identify two evacuation routes and at least one destination outside the Houston metro area where you could stay.
- 💡 Consider purchasing a portable generator — power outages after hurricanes can last days to weeks. Learn how to operate it safely (never run indoors).
- 💡 Trim trees near your home and secure outdoor furniture and objects that could become projectiles in high winds.
- 💡 Keep a waterproof container with copies of insurance policies, mortgage documents, birth certificates, and other critical paperwork.
Establish a relationship with a TMC physician or specialist
If you have ongoing health needs or simply want access to world-class specialty care, establish a relationship with a physician or specialist at the Texas Medical Center. TMC institutions include MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston Methodist, Memorial Hermann, Texas Children's Hospital, and Baylor College of Medicine. Having an established patient relationship ensures faster access when you need it.
- 💡 MD Anderson Cancer Center is the number-one ranked cancer hospital in the United States — Houston residents have unique access to this resource.
- 💡 Texas Children's Hospital is the largest children's hospital in the country and a top choice for pediatric care.
- 💡 Most TMC institutions accept a wide range of insurance plans, but verify your coverage before scheduling.
- 💡 The TMC campus is accessible via METRORail (Red Line) from downtown and Midtown, reducing the need for parking.
Explore Houston's cultural attractions
Houston has one of the most vibrant cultural scenes of any American city. The Museum District features 19 museums within a 1.5-mile radius, many with free admission days. The Theater District downtown is the second-largest in the country. Space Center Houston offers a unique experience tied to the city's aerospace heritage.
- 💡 The Museum of Fine Arts Houston, the Contemporary Arts Museum, and the Menil Collection are world-class art institutions — the Menil is always free.
- 💡 Space Center Houston is the official visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center and offers behind-the-scenes tram tours.
- 💡 The Houston Zoo and Hermann Park are in the Museum District and make for excellent family outings.
- 💡 The Theater District is home to the Houston Grand Opera, Houston Ballet, Houston Symphony, and Alley Theatre — all nationally recognized.
- 💡 Discovery Green downtown hosts free concerts, movie screenings, and community events throughout the year.
Register for a voter ID if needed
Texas requires a valid photo ID to vote. If you do not have a Texas driver's license or other acceptable photo ID, you can obtain a free Texas Election Identification Certificate (EIC) from any DPS office. Ensure your voter registration and ID are in order well before the next election.
- 💡 Acceptable forms of voter ID include a Texas driver's license, Texas personal ID card, Texas Election ID Certificate, US passport, US military ID, or Texas concealed handgun license.
- 💡 If your name or address has changed, update your voter registration by submitting a new application.
- 💡 Texas does not offer same-day voter registration — you must be registered at least 30 days before an election.
Review your homeowners or renters insurance for flood coverage
After living in Houston for a few months, review your insurance coverage with your agent to ensure you have adequate protection. Standard homeowner's and renter's insurance does NOT cover flood damage in Texas. Confirm your flood insurance policy is in place and that your overall coverage limits are appropriate for your property and possessions.
- 💡 Request a CLUE report to see the insurance claim history on your property — this reveals past flood or weather damage claims.
- 💡 Consider increasing your flood insurance coverage limits if you have high-value personal property or if your home's value exceeds NFIP limits.
- 💡 Review your windstorm and hail coverage — this is sometimes a separate policy in coastal Texas counties.
- 💡 If you rent, renters flood insurance is available and relatively affordable — do not assume your landlord's insurance covers your belongings.
Connect with professional networking groups
Houston is a global capital for energy, healthcare, aerospace, and international trade, and the city has robust professional networking opportunities in all these industries. Join industry associations, attend networking events, and connect with professional groups to build your career network.
- 💡 The Greater Houston Partnership is the regional chamber of commerce and hosts frequent networking events and industry forums.
- 💡 Energy industry professionals should explore organizations like the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Houston Energy Association, and Women's Energy Network.
- 💡 The TMC Innovation Institute hosts events for healthcare and biotech professionals.
- 💡 Houston has a growing tech scene — check out Station Houston, Houston Exponential, and local meetup groups for tech networking.
- 💡 Young professionals should explore organizations like the Houston Young Professionals, YP4, and the Junior League of Houston.
Explore day trips from Houston
Houston's location on the Gulf Coast and in Southeast Texas provides access to excellent day trip destinations. Galveston Island is about an hour south and offers beaches, historical architecture, and seafood. The San Jacinto Monument marks the site of the battle that won Texas independence. Kemah Boardwalk is a waterfront entertainment district on Galveston Bay.
- 💡 Galveston Island is the closest beach destination — about 50 miles south on I-45. The Strand historic district, Moody Gardens, and Schlitterbahn waterpark are popular attractions.
- 💡 The San Jacinto Monument and Battleship Texas are 20 minutes east of downtown Houston and offer a meaningful look at Texas history.
- 💡 Kemah Boardwalk on Galveston Bay has restaurants, amusement rides, and waterfront views — about 30 minutes from downtown.
- 💡 Brazos Bend State Park (about 45 minutes southwest) offers excellent hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing including resident alligators.
- 💡 For a longer day trip, Brenham and the Washington-on-the-Brazos historic site are about 90 minutes northwest and include Blue Bell Creamery tours.
All Moving Checklists
Frequently Asked Questions
How serious should I take hurricane preparedness?
Very seriously. Houston has experienced multiple catastrophic flooding and hurricane events in recent decades, including Tropical Storm Allison (2001), Hurricane Ike (2008), Hurricane Harvey (2017), and Tropical Storm Imelda (2019). Even tropical storms that do not make direct landfall can dump extraordinary amounts of rain on the Houston area. Having a preparedness plan, supplies, and flood insurance is not optional for responsible Houston residents — it is essential.
What industries drive Houston's economy?
Houston's economy is anchored by energy (oil and gas, renewables, and petrochemicals), healthcare (the Texas Medical Center is the largest medical complex in the world), aerospace (NASA Johnson Space Center), international trade (the Port of Houston is the largest in the US by foreign tonnage), and a growing technology sector. The city is also a major center for engineering, construction, and professional services. Houston's economic diversity has grown significantly in recent years, reducing its historical dependence on oil and gas prices.
Is Houston a good city for cultural activities?
Houston has one of the most robust cultural scenes of any American city, often surprising newcomers who associate it primarily with energy and industry. The Museum District has 19 museums in a walkable area, the Theater District is the second-largest performing arts complex in the country, and the city's culinary scene is regularly ranked among the best and most diverse in the nation. Houston also has a thriving contemporary art scene, a strong live music culture, and year-round festivals celebrating the city's diverse communities.