Welcome to Houston!
Congratulations on matching in Houston. This guide covers key planning questions for your move.
Build a Dated Move Plan
Work backward from your confirmed program start and required move-in date. Include time for written rent or financing scenarios, current property availability, virtual or in-person tours, lease or purchase-contract review, inspections and other diligence, utilities, moving logistics, and a backup housing option. The sequence and lead time vary with your transaction and should not be based on a generic countdown.
If your program is based at the Texas Medical Center, see Relocating to the Texas Medical Center for a sample July 1 purchase timeline, estimated route times, and questions to ask lenders and buyer's agents.
Buying vs. Renting as a New Resident
Compare buying and renting using your expected range of stay, total monthly cost, deposits or cash to close, purchase and sale costs, repairs, insurance, taxes, lease terms, financing terms, and the value you place on flexibility. Test more than one hold period and less-favorable scenarios; neither path produces a guaranteed financial result.
Read our detailed analysis: When Should Residents Buy vs. Rent?
How to Build a Shortlist
Use your exact hospital campus and likely shift as the starting point. Then compare:
- Current listings or written rent quotes for the housing type you want
- Route tests to the entrance or garage you will use
- Total monthly cost, deposits or cash to close, and expected reserves
- Property condition, maintenance or association obligations, insurance, and flood information
- Lease terms or purchase-contract and financing terms
Market availability and costs change. Verify current options and property facts instead of relying on a static neighborhood price band.
Four Houston Basics
- Plan for driving: Test the route from each address to the entrance or garage you will use.
- Check flood and insurance information by address: Conditions and requirements can differ from one property to the next.
- Budget for summer utilities: Ask for available utility history and inspect the HVAC system.
- Leave room to learn the city: Renting first can be reasonable when your long-term location is still uncertain.
Need Help?
CGP helps residents and fellows compare current Houston properties, address-level routes, and transaction questions using the criteria they choose. Schedule a consultation to get started.