The weather is definitely a factor to consider. The weather is pleasant in Houston from October through April (most of the school year). It’s 50 degrees in Houston right now at 8:00 a.m. on 12/22, headed up to mid 70’s today. We are planning to eat lunch outside today, a bonus in the days of Covid.
It might be easier to assimilate as a transfer at Rice. The school is much smaller than Michigan, and students within a major get to know one another well. After first year intro courses classes tend to be smaller.
All incoming transfers are assigned to a residential college so there is an instant community. Incoming students are guaranteed housing on campus in one of the residential colleges. Rice does not have a Greek system as I assume Michigan does…
You have two excellent choices, a good problem to have.