OT: Houston, we've got a...., ... new Kalifornia transplant? Options

[Carlitos Way]

I had a phone interview with a company in Houston today. Looks promising. Could be relocating to the area.

Any thoughts/suggestions on moving to and/or living in Houston?

Thanks,

C:>

[JB 914]

I grew up in Houston and I've lived in Orange county, CA since 1993.

You should tell us where the job is located. Like any big metro area Houston has good areas and crappy areas.

Here are a few positives i remember:

1. Good People. Texans are friendly and outgoing.
2. Activities. There is plenty to do in Texas and it's all close to Houston. outdoor sports, hunting, fishing, rivers, lakes, oceans, etc. Texas has excellent state parks system and there is plenty to do and see.

3. Food. If you like to eat i think Houston is the "eating out" capital of the U.S. I used to travel all over the U.S. on my job and i've had to take clients out for dinner/lunch ALOT. Houston has some of the best restaurants in the US and alot of them are not expensive. BBQ, Steaks, Tex-Mex..... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/drooley.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/chowtime.gif) Pappadeaux for cajun seafood, Taste of Texas (steaks). the list is endless. I think you could eat out every night at a GOOD place and never eat at the same place twice in a year!

4. Housing. You can get a HUGE house in Houston for the cost of a crappy California condo.

5. Education. (assuming you have kids) Texas has an excellent university system. My brother's kids are in Ft. Bend County ISD and he said the schools are very good. Houston has some great University's U of H, Rice, and my school University of St. Thomas. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cheer.gif)

a few negatives

1. Humidity. nuff said, prepare to sweat from June thru Sept.
2. Pollution. The smog levels a few years ago were worse than LA
3. Humidity. yea, i know it's #1, but, it's that bad
4. Traffic. Last time i visited i couldn't wait to get back to Orange County
5. Bugs. Mosquitos so big they can carry off your pet. Roaches that will fight the dog for the food. Fire ants.


Really it depends on where the job is and where you are going to live. If you work in Downtown Houston you don't want to live in Sugar Land. The commute will make you postal. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ar15.gif)

The inner loop has some nice areas. When i left in 1993 the Heights area was a 100+ year old part of town that was undergoing a resurgence. I lived there until i graduated. Very cool with lots of night life, bars, live music, and eclectic old eateries and it's minutes from Downtown.

Wanna live in suburbia? plenty to choose from on all four corners of the city.

If you do decide to move you should embrace the positive aspects of the place. I didn't really do that when i moved to CA. Once i put the boots in the closet and got some flip flops and roller blades and started to enjoy the things CA had to offer it became much more pleasant.

I like living in CA now. but, i work from home and own my business. If i had to commute to LA from OC i think i'd have been out of here years ago.

Good luck on your decision! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/bye1.gif)