Texas is experiencing a boom in relocations rivaled only be the westward expansion. The Texas Association of Realtors reported that the Lone Star State was the second most popular state to move to in 2015 and that expansion doesn’t show signs of slowing anytime soon. Houston, in particular, is experiencing its time in the sun. Here’s why.

1. Job Growth

Houston is the energy capital of the world, and a surge in the desire for domestically produced gas and oil is fueling a huge number of job opportunities. But Houston is also making a name for itself as a leader in manufacturing, tech, and business services. This increased population and standard of living have also created an increased need for retail outlets, restaurants, and other basic service providers.

2. Housing is Affordable

Austin has quickly become the place to be for young professionals due to a combination of job growth and enticing culture, but popularity brings with it a steep price tag. Houston offers many of the same advantages along with housing options that are exceedingly more affordable. Additionally, a lack of regulations means that you’re bound to be paying significantly less on your utility bills than you might somewhere else.

3. The Neighborhoods Are Both Diverse and Distinct

Texas may bring to mind images of ten-gallon hats and giant belt buckles, but the people who live in Houston are incredibly varied. Get in the ground floor of the hippest new neighborhood with a move to downtown, set your children up with one of the best education systems around with a move to Cypress, or enjoy the upscale and trendy nightlife of Garden Oaks.

4. It’s the South’s Greenest City

If you’re looking for a place to live that’s more than just cement and skyscrapers, Houston has you covered. There are over 50,000 acres of park space within the city limits alone. The most prominent is George Bush Park, which is recognized as the largest park within any U.S. city. It boasts 8,043 acres of green space.

5. The Food is to Die For

Everything’s bigger in Texas, and that’s especially true in Texas’ culinary scene. Wherever you sit down, you can expect hearty meals with a focus on rich sauces and perfectly seasoned meat. Their commitment to tex-mex cuisine is only rivaled by their decadent barbecue, and restaurants range from down-home cooking with checkered tablecloths to some of the finest and most experimental dining experiences around.

6. It’s a Hub For Space Exploration

Houston has played a pivotal role in America’s space exploration, and that doesn’t show any signs of slowing down anytime soon. NASA’s Johnson Space Center is home to an expansive museum that lets you explore the history of America’s infatuation with the stars, and it’s also the home of the Christopher C. Kraft Jr. Mission Control Center.

7. Education is Very Accessible

Whether you’re a student yourself or you’re looking towards your children’s future, Houston is well positioned to provide you with access to Texas’ top universities. Texas A&M, the University of Houston, and Texas Tech University are all very close to the city limits, and Houston boasts some of the most well-funded primary education districts in the state.