What's Making Everyone Leave Houston? The Real Reasons People Are Leaving Houston, Texas

[@jus3278]

A lot of natives move from Houston just like natives from Cali, NYC, Chicago, Florida, etc are leaving now. Its mainly because as adults we tend to get sick of the places that we were raised in. What's typical to natives is a treasure to those who are new to a city.

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

Yes one mans trash is another mans treasure! Familiarity is def a part of it.

[@iyncity]

I am a Houstonian by birth, it's the weather for meeeee, growth and affordability now granted it's cheaper than the coastal cities. Being from Houston and Texas in general, I can't see myself paying those prices to live in Houston. Rent used to be around $700 and they want you pay $1200 or more to live in the ghetto and if you know, you know. I would rather live West or PNW. If I am going to pay those prices I want to have decent weather and options. I also hate the driving and the transit situation it's just unavoidable. H Town Boy for life but the city has changed into something I can't even describe. The segregation thing is real even for the suburbs. African Arab Asian Immigrants are West, Blacks are South and Whites are North and Mexicans are East. I left in 2013 for the east coast.

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@cliobhabie]

Do you like the east coast better?

[@soufwesthoustontx]

iyncity I want to move out as well. Tired of the environment and need growth opportunities.

[@Dunamis-oi6eb]

Moved to Houston in January and I’m leaving in December. It’s a illusionist city , WAYY to hot and the people for the most part are nice . Biggest downfall is finding a job took me 3 months to find a good job. Wages are pathetic in this city

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

Aww sorry to hear this. Outside oil/gas and healthcare it can be difficult. Do you mind sharing what field your in and where you moved from?

[@janae_aleesha]

Loveee this video! Finally a video with good insight on houston 🙌🏾 I still want to move to Houston 😂

[@deanikiliagwu1595]

😂😂😂😂

[@janedoe5180]

Why though?

[@israelism8398]

We are fully occupied

[@amandacaudill6029]

I moved here in 2018 n has been 6 yrs of a nightmare😢 I’m moving and will never come back ! The crime is despicable,the weather,pollution just everything really!

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

Really? Sorry about that. Where did you move from?

[@STELLARMIGHTY]

Sending love I’ve experienced a 4 year nightmare lol

[@ov9879]

First of all everyone is not leaving Houston. Houston had a population in 2022 of 2,302,878. So a 1/2 percent reduction is only 11, 514 people. That's a drop in the bucket for a place with millions of people. I lived in Houston for over 30 years. I love the place. I left because a company lured me away with a good job offer in another state. Yes, the economy is Oil & Gas and Medical based. But has other economy areas that are growing such as IT, Aerospace Industries, Real Estate, Life Sciences, etc. Researchers project that 300,000 jobs will be added in the Greater Houston area by 2027. You want to be in an area that is adding jobs and not losing them. It is up to you to get the training to take advantage of the growing Houston economy. Also Houston is very affordable. Houston housing prices are dropping. Houston homes sell for a median price of $352,000 in an average of 55 days. This is a 2.3% lower price compared to last year. There are plenty of houses in the Houston metro area under $150,000. The weather is the weather. No matter where you go there is going to be some weather phenomena. Right now there is a heat wave in the central US. So you are not going to escape weather no matter where you live. Houston also has plenty of entertainment. From concerts, rodeos, clubs, sports, bowling, shopping, etc. Anything you want to do you can find it there. So, if your bored then that's on you. If you can't make friends there then that's on you also. There are plenty of ways to make friends from going to gyms, churches, events, etc. People tend to be friendly there. So everything is your perspective I guess.

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

Great points!

[@PlanetVenus23]

Born Houstonian here, and the reason I really want to leave is because Houston is not really Houston anymore. Everything was really nice and then we had like so many people from California just fucking it up. The prices went up, Traffic went up, affordable housing no longer exist, crime also went up and atmosphere is kind of diminised. I kind of don’t want to say anymore, because I’m about to cry. This is my home I was born here my family was born here lived in Texas, all their lives and they are struggling to live in the city. I know some natives they get tired of it but I get homesick when I leave the city or the state because my family is here everything I love is here and it’s hard to see your home go to shit Which is why I want to leave I really don’t wanna leave but I know it’s gonna have to happen

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

Aww I appreciate your honesty. Alot of ppl move here because of the opportunities but we forget how some of our decisions may impact natives. I wish you the best.

[@PlanetVenus23]

@@EJIMANnenaNgozi thank you for respecting my opinion, when I usually say it people get upset, but it’s the truth.

[@hvrry]

Born San franciscan here and feel the same.

[@kimberlylewis7359]

I'm making a plan to leave Houston in the near future. I'm leaving due to the traffic and scary drivers. I was in a major accident when a driver purposely ran a red light and totaled my car, I have been hit by other drivers 4 additional times!! Unbelievable!! It is also too spread out, it seems like everything is an hour away and add the traffic on top of that. Lastly, the price of housing and rent has gone up dramatically.

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

Wow! Yes driving here is something else and things are spread out. Do you know where you want to move too?

[@TheTlewis3074]

A lot of the people leaving Houston/Texas are coming to Charlotte. Lately I see a lot of Texas and California tags driving around. Surprising because that didn't used to be.

[@anthonyjackson1446]

The same here in Indiana with those two plus Florida and I find it weird especially Texas..🤔🤔🤔🤭

[@mytowntrill5441]

Houppl don't move to Charlotte. Lol Texas plates probably transplants that were new to other parts of Texas or the D-Runners.

[@TheTlewis3074]

@@mytowntrill5441 Could be people from Cali who didn't like Texas as much as they thought, lot of them are here too, but they can't all be transplants. There are too many lately. They do move to Charlotte.

[@manb4war]

Those are nomads, not Houstonians. There are a lot of people floating across the country... Too much in Houston to move to a place like Charlotte

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

I agree(Ngozi)!

[@cliobhabie]

Native Californian and been in Houston for years. I’m planning on getting tf out. Abbot blocks bills for better transportation And jobs barely pay anything!

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

Wow. Are you going back to Cali?

[@cliobhabie]

@@EJIMANnenaNgozi I wish I could. It’s not affordable now

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

Yes so Ive heard. Goodluck with your move!

[@Ucant.-fade_us]

Go to Cuba 😂

[@cliobhabie]

@@Ucant.-fade_us you go to Cuba ho

[@jenellpratt1751]

I'm from TX and now reside in Cali. It does really seem like there is a migration to TX - especially Houston. I love the city, but with so many people moving there, I'm intrigued about the flip side (what's got people leaving). Thanks for your research on this!

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

Your welcome!!

[@tochidinneh2433]

How do you like Cali compared to Houston?

[@grayscar05]

Leaving? Seems like everybody and their mama wanna move to Houston

[@grayscar05]

@@Khad-b1g Anywhere that's majority Black is usually a good rule of thumb

[@Missbrimonae]

I’m from NC. lived in GA for 3 years. moved to houston 3 months ago and already planning on leaving in about 4 months. It justs not for me. the crime the traffic the heat, the lack of scenery, drove me crazy.

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

Where are you thinking of moving to?

[@cliobhabie]

Girl what’s than plan? I need ideas for myself. I’m sick of it here

[@soufwesthoustontx]

Yes dating here is a waste of time for many.

[@nimo4335]

Great video! When it comes to affordability that is truly a national and worldwide issue for at least 18 months. We've been in a true recession for about 18 months, even though they changed the definition to curb the true issue and inflation nationwide & worldwide.

[@robertsugarland]

Also, you spend a lot of hours driving from one part of the city to another, and paying highway tolls.

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

I agree!

[@MissMarcie23]

This is interesting because every time I turn around, people are moving to Houston. I believe there are pros and cons to every place. I do believe that since so many people are moving to Houston, the cost of living is definitely going to go up.

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

Right its supply and demand! Thanks for watching!

[@HennyNasko]

Well said. Your spot on!

[@jaymarie1282]

No zoning laws in Houston that’s why it’s so mixed up as far as a storage place next to a house

[@janeo8439]

Heyy Nnenna, can you do a video about your weight loss journey? You’ve lost so much weight and it seems like it was a slow, healthy process. Please teach us. 😊 And Ngozi, thank you for this video, very informative. I’m learning more about Houston.

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

Hey! Will look into it.

[@enzigenes]

You're focused on the people leaving. Talk about the people moving to Houston. Houston is lit. I'm not leaving no time soon. Peace.

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

I focus on both but this video is specific to why people are leaving. Thanks for watching.

[@TheEntrepreneur101]

​@@EJIMANnenaNgoziI wish more people would leave. This city is overpopulated

[@cliobhabie]

The video is OBVIOUSLY about ppl leaving 😂

[@nubiann104]

Wow never realized that people are leaving Houston! Was this happening before the pandemic?!

[@PlanetVenus23]

One of the other things you really should include is the bad blood between native Texans and Californians or any outsiders. Ever since we had this this many people coming into the triangle cities native Texans have been really upset about it at first it wasn’t as bad because I think we probably thought maybe it wasn’t gonna last as long as it did but….it did. This came with some negative benefits for the natives but greater benefits for the outsiders and that’s what’s pissing natives off. There’s actually people who is petitioning for Californians to get taxed in the triangle cities from what I heard and the type of government we have, it might just happen. Abbott don't like Californians and if Californians is not benefiting him in a certain way, he likes he will try to do something I’m not gonna hold you to it. But this is not my opinion is more of a popular opinion personally, I don’t have issues with people based on where they came from but us Texans can intense sometimes

[@hvrry]

Californians are facing the same exact thing but with tech :/

[@rwall3450]

To be fair, segregation is everywhere….even in places like Los Angeles. And me being from the East Coast I can tell you that’s all I know from traveling around the East Coast cities. That said you can find diversity in the most segregated cities if you have something you’re passionate about or have a hobby and search (perhaps online) for people you have something in common with.

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

I understand this is an issue in many cities and like I said it is not necessarily a bad thing as most people choose to hang with people who look like them. My issue when the word diversity is used as it is not true diversity.

[@MajorCie25]

I’ve lived in Houston for a year now and like it overall it’s just last summer was extreme with the temperatures and humidity. The roads suck though and traffic is expected so can’t really complain there.

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

Where did you move from?

[@ivanrodriguez268]

it's very expensive to live somewhere decent in here, unless you want to live in a runned down apartment complex with little security and roaches. Wages are ridiculously low as well.

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

Your right. Pay isnt great here for the average job and cost of living is going up for sure.

[@PenguinInguinLodge]

I think that Houston's growth is mostly from international countries as opposed to people from other parts of the US.

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

Interesting observation!

[@user-oj8ss4zq3x]

When you’re saying Houston, are you talking about Houston proper or the surrounding areas as well? I ask is Houston in the metro areas are actually going up and population

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

Im referring to the city of Houston only. Not the metro area

[@jus3278]

I would also like to add that it's mainly white people leaving the greater Houston area and that is large in part due to racist attitudes of feeling more and more like a statistical minority. Blacks, Latinos, and Asians keep moving here though, which I love as a Black man. Something to keep in mind...Black people in Houston have a lot more economic and institutional power here in comparison to any other city in the US not named Atlanta. Weather, bugs, traffic, pretentious people, and even the media driven narratives about crime is something I can easily deal with when a city offers a great job market, lower cost of living in comparison to other major cities, good food, good nightlife, more dating options, plenty of culture, concerts, sports, entertainment, etc. I don't just say this because im a native either, because I've lived other places and have considered moving myself...But when you think about it, if you are a new single transplant moving to LA, The Bay, DC, NYC, Philly, Boston, etc the likelihood of home ownership drops which impacts everything.....Houston is sorta unique for those reasons, because it's a big city with plenty to do that is affordable. Its a great place to be for Blacks, Latinos, Asians, Arabs, Indians, etc...Honestly we need a small fraction of people to leave also, just so there is enough room for everyone Look up the KZbin video of Dr. stephen klineberg speaking on Houston being the next great American city. He breaks down the slight white flight. If someone doesn't want to be here because they're racist that is actually a blessing for us all. #HTownStrong

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

Great perspective! Houston is def a great city for people of color. I will check out Dr. Stephen. Thanks for watching.

[@avivavoz.]

All yours , I'm black and I'm leaving too, welcome to the hood😂😂

[@STELLARMIGHTY]

Everytime the thought hits my mind your videos pop up - yea I’m outta here I’ve grown attached to the city due to my work but I gotta go this ain’t it

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

Oh no! What about Houston is making you reconsider?

[@STELLARMIGHTY]

@@EJIMANnenaNgozi it’s getting too crowded

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

Thats fair. But is that necessarily a bad thing?

[@STELLARMIGHTY]

@@EJIMANnenaNgozi for me it is - i left nyc to get away from it

[@erocoptics5642]

I left because of property taxes and crime

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

Wow. Do you mind sharing where you went?

[@erocoptics5642]

@@EJIMANnenaNgozi other side of Huntsville

[@israelism8398]

Ain't nobody leaving houston 😂

[@williammckinney567]

All the New York City people ran down and invaded Florida. They use to come and visit now they just staying.

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

Very true!

[@DONJULIJUVY718]

Ny’ers been in florida for decades lmaoooo even rhe mafia yall just get on the internet and start chatting

[@kingjetty4332]

Talk about the increase in STDS Houston is gone crazy

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

😩😩

[@HeartWritesINC]

Bcs dirty freaks from ATL moved in lol

[@carolynjanise4086]

100% agree w/everything..... and being a border city is a huge issue with crime....

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

I started watching 11am news and what I hear is shocking! Thanks for watching.

[@bullrunready]

If you take a closer look at these complaints, they are petty. Houston one of the best cities.

[@jasminearcher7241]

I left I’m back in New Jersey

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

Oh wow. How are you liking it?

[@jasminearcher7241]

@@EJIMANnenaNgozi It’s ok haven’t lived here in 12 years this where I’m from but it’s expensive I live in the nice part the jersey shore area and I said I would never move back but I missed my family and I got a job offer but in the future I’m thinking about moving back south like Georgia or Alabama

[@manb4war]

Cslling Houston segregated is a bit strong.Houston is the most diverse city in the country .There are people here from all over the world.I think a lot of people come here from cities with a long history of segregation.What that means are the black people are all going to stick to a side of the city.Community will be steong and prevalent but opportunities will be scarce. Houston historically has a history of being one of the few cities that did not have forced integration. The people and businesses owners integrated on their own. Yhe blaxk people here built strong communities. Places like 5th Ward, 3rd Ward, Sunnyside may not look like much but those communities are rock solid. That means some may move to other parts of Houston but they do not abandon those neighborhoods.If youre a transplant, its hard to break into those communities because everyone knows everyone. So people hete are not divided along racial lines necessarily, they are divided culturally. I don't understand what people mean by they cant find a decent oaying job in Houston. If you sont have a field of expertise and think youre going to find a job working in a warehouse, factory, etc; those jobs are largely given to people crossing the southern border. If youre in the medical field, technology, energy, you'll do well.If you are an unskilled worker the first thing you need to do is take any job to pay the bills, then enroll in Houston Community College. They have a ton of Continuing Education classes, that are very affordable and they offer online classes. Houston employers prefer experience over degrees so with a little grind, you can double your income in less than a year, taking classes online. I know seceral people that have done that successfully. Lone Star college is also good.Last thing on jobs but the most important thing, Hostin is too damn big for you to be going around using the "y'all hiring" technique. Get a resume and get online!! Best places online are Indeed and LinkedIn. Link. The others are ok but those two are the best. Indeed will let you search for jobs in your area and you can apply for 20 or more jobs all at once!! Do this everyday for two weeks or more and you will get calls and emails for interviews. I tell my kids, "when you dont have a job, looking for a job is your job" you should soend 8 hours a day doing that until you find something. If you see jobs that you can do but don't meet the qualifications APPLY ANYWAY, some jobs will hire you on experience and just pay you the minimum salary. That's why some jobs say {$20-$35/hr). Last thing, don't be afraid to take temp jobs, that is one of the easiest ways to find perm work.Houston is too big. Big companies use recruiters, contact temp agencies and the recruiters will tell you where the jobs are.

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

Great advice! Thanks for watching

[@DrewPatterson-c5x]

I been worldwide and travelled to 4 different states houston best place to retire

[@danieltdavis9788]

Are those stats greater Houston or the city of Houston? Atx is also building heavily & adding tech jobs

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

City of Houston!

[@rojanamjadi6281]

Look at the real data. Houston has people moving here in far larger numbers than those leaving.

[@MichelleNgome]

🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾

[@manuelruffin5743]

Leaving Texas?? I thought everybody was going to Texas, Because i know there are Californians going to Texas Hell they even have a Slogan Cali to Texas 😅😅😅

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

Yes there alot of people from California coming to Texas but not Houston persay. Alot of people are leaving Houston in particular and going to other parts of Texas.

[@terrylove3079]

A lot of people are also moving out of Memphis!!

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

Really? Is that where you live?

[@rojanamjadi6281]

Google it. Houston metro area population has grown 1.6 percent in 2024 as compared to 2023.

[@annemathews2166]

Tornadoe hurricane flooding hot, no basements retiring somewhere else georgia.north Carolina

[@parler8698]

The crime.

[@Ms.HoneyH]

My friend live in Kathy, Texas she been their about 30 years she swear Texas is it and her car insurance is about 400 hundreds a month.😂

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

Nice! Katy is family friendly but closer to Houston then alot of the suburbs people choose to live in.

[@Peejayyesthetics]

Katy is nice, it's family oriented. Her experience might right. Katy is about 1 hr away from Houston, so she is away from the bs in Houston. I'm in Katy my car insurance is with GIECO is $142 ... so you have to ask why her insurance is $400 ... ask or visit, see things for yourself before assuming babe.

[@playasonlyDr777]

That nobody buy all y'all that's moving in to the city from other countries states and cities 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@alonzojordan8097]

I left an moved back to Dallas but I wanna move back to Houston lol

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

Wow why do you want to come back? I prefer Houston for sure but never lived in Dallas. Everytime I visit its too calm for me lol

[@alonzojordan8097]

@@EJIMANnenaNgozi I miss the excitement lol

[@marcuscole1994]

@@EJIMANnenaNgozidallas boring left dallas for Houston

[@TjaMadison-oh5il]

Yall women need husband's and stop chasing alot of money

[@EJIMANnenaNgozi]

Help us find ones who are worthwhile