
Houston, the fourth largest city in the United States, is a truly metropolitan city that offers a diverse culture. The abundance of international companies here attract expatriates from all over the world. Houston has a relatively good economy compared to the rest of the nation and the job market is still good, partly because of its plentiful oil and gas businesses. Another reason Texas' largest city is so attractive is due to the abundance of entertainment, which offers expats a truly exceptional leisure experience. There is always something going on here, be it a sporting event of one of the professional major teams of the city, an expo, a cultural festival or a new show in the theatre; if it isn’t happening in Houston, it probably isn’t happening anywhere else in Texas.
This Hong Kong expatriate guide is your first step to gaining a complete understanding of Houston. It provides you with a wealth of information pertaining to the following areas-
1) Living legally in Houston
Texas is well known for its bureaucracy and expatriates here face complicated rules and regulations. The Expat Info Desk guide to Houston contains everything you need to know in order to ensure that you live and work here legally and file appropriate applications to the right people at the right time.
2) Setting up home in Houston
One of the most important considerations when making an international relocation is where to live in a city that is essentially unknown. The EID Expat Guide provides complete information on the many areas of Houston, allowing comparisons between Downtown Houston, Midtown, The Heights, The Woodlands, the Memorial and Galleria area and several others in regards to atmosphere, shopping experiences and residency style.
3) Navigating the infrastructure
The Expat Info Desk guide to Houston contains everything you need to know when moving to Houston and covers a wide variety of topics, from getting a Texas State Driver License, a Social Security number and a bank account through to setting up utilities, looking after your pets and organizing childcare. In addition the guide covers topics such as finding supermarkets, bookstores, furniture and places to worship.
4) Having fun in Houston
The EID guide to Houston will become invaluable when you are ready to relax and enjoy your free time in Houston. The guide contains comprehensive listings on entertainment, culture, nightlife and sporting venues, together with our advice on how best to meet people and form your own social network.
5) Staying safe and healthy in Houston
Our city guide to Houston contains full listings of all medical and health care facilities in an easy to follow format with detailed contact information for your convenience. We also provide practical advice on how to stay safe during your time in this amazing city.
6) Blending in
While Texans are renowned for their hospitality and friendliness, relocating to a new city is never easy. The city is big and the culture is southern. There are a number of Houston-specific traditions that expatriates need to be aware of. We provide you with our insights into the people here, what behaviors you can expect and how best to integrate with the locals.
7) Reality bites
The EID guide to Houston is written by an expatriate who has lived in Houston for many years and combines all her experience into one comprehensive guide. Use it as a preparation tool before you arrive, continue to use it as a practical companion as you begin to settle into your expatriate experience in Houston and refer to it as an invaluable resource even once you consider yourself a "transplanted Texan".
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The City was founded in 1836 and named for the president of the then Republic of Texas, General Sam Houston.