Before you move to Houston, you’ll need to research visa types and requirements. An important first step is to consult either the US embassy in your country and/or the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
US work visas
The US offers a range of work visas. To obtain one, you’ll typically need to secure a job offer from a US company. They will then file a Petition for a Non-immigrant Worker, known as the I-129 Form, on your behalf. For specific work visas, your employer may have to obtain certification from the Department of Labor (DOL) to prove the need for foreign workers.
Once the employer’s petition is approved, you can submit your visa application. As part of the process, you’ll need to attend an interview at your nearest US embassy.
Work visas include the Speciality Occupation Visa (H1-B) and specific Employment-based Immigrant Visas (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, EB-5).
Green Card
Obtaining a Green Card (officially known as a Permanent Resident Card) is a gateway to becoming a lawful permanent resident (LPR) in the US. Securing LPR status often involves having a close family member or employer sponsor your application.
The steps you’ll take to apply for a Green Card will vary depending on your personal situation. When applying, you’ll need to meet all the requirements outlined on the US Department of State website.
Whether you’re looking for convenience, prestige or a close-knit sense of community, Houston has a neighborhood for you. We’ve listed some of the most popular areas below, all of which are close to our school. Each is also known for its family-friendly atmosphere and fantastic amenities.
Memorial
Memorial is a well-established neighborhood that boasts tree-lined, quintessentially American streets, great parks as well as excellent shopping and dining options. Homes range from charming ranch-style houses to upscale new builds. Many of our families appreciate being so close to The Village School, as well as the area’s community spirit.
Westchase
Located just south of the Energy Corridor, Westchase offers a mix of apartments, townhouses and family homes. The area is known for its accessibility, diverse population and flourishing business district. There are lots of green spaces nearby, as well as some international stores and restaurants.
Cinco Ranch/Katy
Cinco Ranch is a master-planned community in the west of Houston. The area is popular with families seeking spacious homes and resort-style amenities. Ideal for people who like to get active, Cinco Ranch boasts beautiful walking trails, lakes and family entertainment areas.
Spring Branch
Spring Branch is an up-and-coming neighborhood that contains a mix of older homes and newer developments. It’s known for its diversity, affordability and proximity to major highways, as well as several great parks, restaurants and cafés.
Energy Corridor
Popular with expat families, the Energy Corridor offers modern housing options and easy access to some of the city’s major employers. The area is eminently walkable, and includes several gated communities with pools, playgrounds and fitness centers.
City Center/Town and Country
A vibrant urban district near Memorial, City Center offers upscale apartments and townhouses within walking distance of good shops, restaurants and entertainment. It’s ideal for families who want a more urban lifestyle close to our school.
Healthcare provision in Houston is excellent, with international and US citizens traveling here for medical treatment.
Healthcare in Houston is usually associated with the Texas Medical Center (TMC). This world-renowned facility is the largest of its kind, made up of dozens of institutions that include hospitals, medical schools, nursing colleges and research facilities. This means that families moving to Houston will have access to high-ranking medical services, as well as some of the foremost professionals in America.
Health insurance
Health insurance is a must-have in Houston, as there is no universal healthcare coverage in the US.
Most employers provide insurance as part of their employment packages. It’s also commonplace for dependents and spouses to be covered. Most employer-sponsored coverage is limited to a certain type of plan, so newcomers with complicated medical issues may still need to organize health insurance independently.
Our guide to life in Houston covers activities for families, getting around, and more, ensuring you have all the information you need to settle into our incredible city.
The lifestyle you choose in Houston is whatever you want it be – whether you’re after Michelin starred dining, action-packed live sports, outdoor adventures or the peaceful charm of day-to-day Southern living.
Museums
Our families enjoy weekends at Hermann Park, where you’ll find pedal boats, playgrounds, and the Houston Zoo. Just steps away, the Museum District features 19 institutions, including the Museum of Natural Science, the Children’s Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Houston is also home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where families can tour historic spacecraft, explore interactive exhibits and learn about the future of space travel.
The arts
Houston’s Theater District is one of the largest in the country. It’s home to the Houston Symphony, Ballet, Grand Opera and multiple Broadway-style venues. It’s a cultural hub that hosts year-round performances – perfect for family outings.
Sports
Houston is a big sports city, with a professional team for every major league. These include the Houston Dynamo (soccer), Houston Astros (baseball), Houston Texans (American football) and Houston Rockets (basketball). Games are held in stadiums across the city.
Nature
Nature lovers can kayak along Buffalo Bayou, bike through Terry Hershey Park or take a short drive to Galveston Island for beaches, boardwalks and water parks.
Culture
Moving to Texas, you’ll discover that the Lone Star state's famed cowboy culture sits harmoniously alongside a thriving creative scene in Houston.
The city is home to acclaimed performing arts companies, who hold world-class performances at venues like the Wortham Theater Center, Alley Theater and Jones Hall. Thanks to the warm weather, outdoor venues – which include Hermann Park and the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion – host concerts, theatrical shows and more throughout the year.
Cuisine
Houston’s food scene is a major draw. Houstonians love to eat and the city’s most innovative restaurateurs combine Texan flavors with the culinary cultures of its diverse population. The Montrose area, the Heights neighborhood, the Market Square Historic District and Bayou Place are known for their great restaurants and comfortable cafés.
Apart from sampling local Tex-Mex and barbecue dishes, new arrivals should spend some time partaking in a great local pastime – big breakfasts at one of the city’s many brunch spots.
Festivals and events
Navigating Houston is easy by car or taxi. The city also has a recently modernized METRO system, which is good way to get around downtown and central areas.
Driving and car rental
While the city has made big improvements to its public transport networks, its size mean that driving is often the best way to get around.
Most of our families choose to buy or rent a car and Houston’sroad network make it easy to navigate. Car rental agencies are available throughout the city and the neighborhoods close to our school offer ample parking and easy access to major highways.
Taxis and ridesharing
Taxis are available throughout the city, but most Houstonians use ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft. Lone Star Taxis also offers a ride-hailing app known as Curb.
These services are particularly convenient for airport transfers and for getting around when you don’t want to use your car.
Public transit
Houston’s public transport system, METRO, operates buses and light rail lines across the city. It's an affordable option for commuting, especially in central areas. Riders can use the METRO Q® Fare Card or mobile app to pay fares and plan routes.
Cycling and walking
While Houston is a car-centric city, many neighborhoods have dedicated bike lanes and walking trails. Close to The Village School, Terry Hershey Park and Buffalo Bayou offer scenic cycling, jogging or walking routes.
The cost of living in Houston is around 10% less than the national average. This makes the city significantly more affordable than places like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
The housing market is generally more accessible, too. The median cost for homes in Houston is $146,600, which is significantly lower than the national average of $188,900. This means that you'll be able to find spacious homes or luxury apartments at more reasonable prices, including in popular suburban areas with great amenities. Our families also benefit from Texas’s lack of state income tax.
Want to find out more about relocating to Houston – or the educational opportunities we offer at The Village School? Our welcoming Admissions Team is here to help.
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