Houston area residents cite the diversity, local culture and entertainment options among the best things about living in the region, according to the findings of the most recent Kinder Houston Area Survey.

The wide-ranging annual survey looks at the sentiment among Houstonians. While the survey has traditionally centered on residents of Harris County specifically, this year researchers expanded their reach to include those living in Montgomery and Fort Bend counties—the region’s two fastest-growing counties.

Digging into the numbers: About a quarter of the respondents to the survey said the region’s diversity was the best thing about living here. With one-in-four residents being foreign born in Harris and Montgomery counties and no racial majority, the region is often cited as one of the most diverse in the nation. Others said the people and local culture that contribute to Houston’s vibe were the best thing about living here, while still more survey participants pointed to economic opportunity and a relatively low cost of living among the best attributes of the metro.

Finally, residents mentioned activities as the best part of living in the Houston area. While some focused on activities like sporting events and concerts, others pointed to the region’s food and restaurant scene. Roughly 15% of residents across the three-county region said activities were the best things about living in the Houston area, according to the report.

Rating the culture and vibe: About 9 in 10 residents view the overall culture positively, with more than 60% rating it as very good or excellent, and another 27% rating it as good. Additionally, roughly half of residents rated the area’s large-scale events such as concerts, theater performances, or professional sporting events as very good or excellent, and about 45% gave the same rating to small-scale events, the report showed. About three-quarters said the area’s parks and greenspace were good, very good, or excellent.

Key Takeaway: More than 80% of residents in all three counties said the Houston area was a better place to live compared to other major metro areas.

Written by staff