HOUSING
Property taxes in Houston remain a double-edged sword: while they fund essential local services in the absence of a state income tax, they are among the highest in the nation.
Surging property values are leading to higher overall tax bills.
Due to rising home prices and interest rates. Monthly mortgage payments have climbing 44% since 2021 not including increases in taxes and insurance. Few have received raises of a similar magnitude.
Beyond the purchase price, rising insurance premiums and climate-related costs (like flooding and extreme heat) are making homeownership increasingly expensive.
TRAFFIC
Houston traffic is increasingly viewed as unlivable, with commuters losing nearly four days annually to delays, a number that rose in 2026. It ranks among the worst in Texas, characterized by severe bottlenecks on I-45 and Loop 610, aggressive driving, and rapid sprawl, making it one of the least livable major US metros.