Enterprise CDP vs Houston

Category / Metric	Enterprise CDP	Houston
Financial Overview
Median Income	$91,225	$62,637
Unemployment Rate	5.2%	4.8%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$484,800	$335,000
Price per SqFt	$null	$175
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,314	$1,135
Housing Cost Index	116.1	106.5
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	94.6	103.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	460.3	912.4
Bachelor's Degree+	35.4%	37.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	54	44

Houston vs. Enterprise CDP: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown

So, you're torn between the sprawling energy hub of Houston and the sun-drenched, military-anchored community of Enterprise CDP. It’s a classic clash of titans: the massive, diverse metropolis versus the booming, mid-sized city with a unique rhythm. As your Relocation Expert & Data Journalist, I’ve crunched the numbers, felt the vibe, and lived the data to bring you the straight talk you need. Grab a coffee, and let's settle this.

The Vibe Check: Big City Grit vs. Sunbelt Sweet Spot

Houston is a beast. With a population of 2.3 million, it’s the fourth-largest city in the U.S. This is a place of unapologetic scale and diversity. It’s a city of distinct neighborhoods—think the trendy bars of Montrose, the quiet, oak-lined streets of The Woodlands, or the bustling energy of downtown. The culture is a rich gumbo of Southern hospitality, Latin American vibrancy, and international business (thanks to the Port and Energy Corridor). It’s fast-paced, professional, and relentless. You’ll find world-class museums, a legendary food scene, and every professional sports team you could want. But it comes with big-city challenges: traffic that can test your patience and a sense of being a small fish in a very large pond.

Enterprise CDP (Census-Designated Place), often just called Enterprise, is a different story. Home to 243,802 people, it feels like a large town that hit the jackpot. Its economy and identity are deeply tied to Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker), the U.S. Army’s primary helicopter training base. This gives it a stable, patriotic, and family-oriented core. The vibe is distinctly Sunbelt: relaxed, outdoorsy, and growing fast. The climate is milder, the pace is more manageable, and the community feels tight-knit. You’re not just a resident; you’re part of a community with a shared history and purpose. It’s less about global buzz and more about comfortable, reliable living.

Who is each city for?

• Houston is for the ambitious professional, the foodie, the museum-goer, and anyone who thrives on energy, diversity, and endless options. It’s for those who want big-city amenities without the Northeast price tag.
• Enterprise CDP is for families, military families, retirees, and anyone seeking a balance of economic stability, a warmer climate, and a strong sense of community without the chaos of a major metro.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Get You?

Let’s talk cold, hard cash. You’ve heard that Texas has no state income tax, but does that outweigh Enterprise’s higher median income? We need to look at purchasing power.

First, the raw numbers. Enterprise CDP boasts a significantly higher median income at $91,225 compared to Houston’s $62,637. On the surface, it looks like you’d be much richer in Enterprise. But hold on—costs matter. Let’s break it down.

Cost of Living Snapshot

Category	Houston	Enterprise CDP	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$335,000	$484,800	Houston is more affordable to buy. This is a massive 44% difference.
Rent (1BR)	$1,135	$1,314	Houston is cheaper to rent, saving you about $179/month.
Housing Index	106.5	116.1	Enterprise’s housing index is 9% higher than Houston's, confirming it's more expensive.
Weather	59.0°F (Avg)	66.0°F (Avg)	Enterprise wins on mild winters; Houston offers milder springs/falls.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Here’s the key insight. If you earn the median income in each city, your money goes drastically farther in Houston. Let’s say you earn $100,000 in both places (adjusting for the local median). In Houston, that $100k is a top-tier salary, giving you access to great neighborhoods and a comfortable lifestyle. In Enterprise, $100k is closer to the median—you’re doing well, but housing costs will eat a larger chunk of your budget.

The Tax Breakdown:

• Houston (Texas): 0% state income tax. This is a huge win for high earners. You keep more of your paycheck.
• Enterprise (Alabama): Alabama has a state income tax with a top rate of 5%. However, Alabama’s property taxes are among the lowest in the nation. The trade-off is real: you’ll pay more in income tax but less in property tax.

The Verdict: If you’re moving with a high salary (say, $120k+), Houston’s lack of income tax combined with lower housing costs will likely leave you with more disposable income. If you’re earning closer to the median, Enterprise’s higher median income may be necessary to offset its steeper housing prices.

The Housing Market: To Buy or To Rent?

Houston:
The housing market here is massive and diverse. You can find a trendy loft downtown, a sprawling suburban home in Sugar Land, or a fixer-upper in an up-and-coming neighborhood. The $335,000 median home price is relatively reasonable for a major U.S. city. It’s generally a buyer’s market with good inventory, though competition is fierce for homes under $300k. Renting is a popular option, with plenty of stock, but prices have been rising. The key advantage? Space. You generally get more square footage for your dollar in Houston’s suburbs.

Enterprise CDP:
The market here is tighter and more expensive. The $484,800 median home price is steep, especially considering the local median income. This is partly driven by the stable demand from military families and the influx of retirees. It’s a seller’s market in many desirable neighborhoods, with homes often selling quickly. Rent is also higher, and inventory can be limited. You’re paying a premium for the climate, the community, and the relative safety. You’ll likely get less house for your money compared to Houston, but the quality of life for many is worth the trade-off.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Under the Microscope

Traffic & Commute

• Houston: This is the city’s biggest challenge. The 2.3 million population creates legendary traffic. Commutes can easily be 60-90 minutes in peak traffic. The city is car-dependent, and public transit is limited. If you hate sitting in your car, this is a major strike against Houston.
• Enterprise CDP: Traffic is a non-issue. With a population of ~244k, commutes are typically short and stress-free. You can get across town in 15-20 minutes. This is one of the biggest quality-of-life wins for Enterprise.

Weather

• Houston: Welcome to humidity! Summers are long, hot, and oppressively humid (often 90°F+ with high humidity). Winters are mild but can be damp and chilly. The city is also prone to severe weather, including hurricanes and flooding.
• Enterprise CDP: More balanced. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+), but winters are mild and short, rarely dipping below freezing. The humidity is still there, but it’s generally less intense than Houston’s. It’s a classic Southeastern climate—warm and sunny most of the year.

Crime & Safety

• Houston: The violent crime rate is 912.4 per 100k. This is significantly higher than the national average. Like any major city, safety varies drastically by neighborhood. Research is critical.
• Enterprise CDP: The violent crime rate is 460.3 per 100k. This is much lower than Houston’s and closer to the national average. The strong military presence contributes to a lower crime rate and a greater sense of security. This is a decisive win for Enterprise if safety is a top priority.

The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Relocation?

There’s no single “winner.” It’s about which city aligns with your life stage and priorities. Here’s the head-to-head breakdown:

Winner for Families: Enterprise CDP
Why? The combination of lower violent crime (460.3/100k vs. 912.4/100k), strong community, shorter commutes, and good public schools (often benefiting from military base support) makes it a safer, more stable environment for raising kids. The higher median income ($91,225) helps offset housing costs.

Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Houston
Why? The sheer scale, diversity, and professional opportunities are unmatched in the region. The 0% state income tax is a massive financial boost for rising earners. You’ll find a vibrant social scene, endless networking opportunities, and a lower cost of entry for housing (median $335,000). It’s a city where you can hustle and grow.

Winner for Retirees: Tie (Leans Enterprise)
Why? It’s a close call. Enterprise wins on safety, milder winters, and a slower pace. The lack of state income tax in Texas is a huge draw for retirees on fixed incomes, but Alabama’s low property taxes can be just as beneficial. Houston offers world-class healthcare (Texas Medical Center) and endless cultural activities. For active retirees wanting a quieter, safer, and warmer life, Enterprise has the edge. For those wanting big-city amenities and top-tier medical care, Houston is the pick.

---

Houston: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• 0% State Income Tax: A major financial advantage.
• Lower Housing Costs: Median home price of $335,000 offers more space for your money.
• Unmatched Diversity & Culture: A global city with incredible food, arts, and entertainment.
• Major Job Market: Especially in energy, healthcare, and tech.
• World-Class Medical Facilities: The Texas Medical Center is the largest in the world.

Cons:

• Brutal Traffic: Long, stressful commutes are the norm.
• High Crime Rate: Violent crime is 912.4/100k—research neighborhoods carefully.
• Extreme Humidity: Summers are long and oppressive.
• Car-Dependent: Public transit is limited.

Enterprise CDP: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Strong Community & Safety: Violent crime is 460.3/100k—significantly safer than Houston.
• Short Commutes: Easy, stress-free travel around town.
• Milder Climate: Warmer winters and less extreme humidity than Houston.
• Stable Economy: Fort Novosel provides economic stability and a family-friendly environment.
• Higher Median Income: $91,225 reflects a strong local economy.

Cons:

• Higher Housing Costs: Median home price of $484,800 is steep for the area.
• State Income Tax: Alabama’s 5% tax rate impacts take-home pay.
• Smaller Scale: Fewer big-city amenities, cultural events, and dining options.
• Less Diversity: The community is more homogeneous compared to Houston’s global mix.

The Bottom Line: If you crave big-city energy, professional opportunity, and affordability, Houston is your powerhouse. If you prioritize safety, community, and a balanced, warmer lifestyle without the big-city grind, Enterprise CDP is your sunbelt haven. Choose the one that fits the life you want to live.