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dy156 · 12-02-2003, 07:48 AM

I'm from Texas, and would not want to live in Houston. These are some of my impressions, based largely on a comparison with Dallas. Houston is famous for it's lack of urban planning. Yes, you'll see strip clubs and liquor stores, and they'll be right down the street from nice houses. There's basically no zoning, and downtown has been a mess for a long time. They built all this stuff like HOV lanes that are not helpful at all and a light rail system that goes between sports venues, which is great if you want to get the Olympics, but if not, no one goes along those routes, and it did nothing to relieve commuter congestion. Though some of them are very nice, there are massive suburbs and the commutes that go with them. Be prepared to answer, "What part of Houston are you from?" It's the first question people ask. It's by no means close to surf or mountains. The Texas beaches are good only for fishing, and they're ugly. Forget seasons, and it rains alot and is terribly humid. It is green though. If you'll only be there a year, I'd go to Miami, just to experience something different.

Just to be fair:
On the other hand, if you were looking to settle down or start your own business, Houston's economy is doing better than just about anywhere, and the taxes and property are relatively low. The same anything-goes attitude that leads to a lack of real neighborhoods would be helpful and it is easier to break into than in a more structured, older city. If you want culture, Houston actually has quite a bit, and it's world class. Many suburban public schools are great, and if you can get in, Rice is truly an incredible value, and the area around it is very nice. Houston's medical center is truly world class too. Houston is by far the most multicultural city in Texas. San Antonio has a huge Mexican population and influence, but in Houston you will find substantial numbers of Indians, Asians, Middle Easterners, and everyone else, plus the large number of Hispanics-proximity to Mexico, and African Americans-proximity to the deep south. I think this is due to the diversified economy, large multinational corporations and huge port, but it brings with it great restaurants too. Also, Houston drivers are the most courteously aggressive I've seen, if that makes sense.
Hope this helps.

12-02-2003, 07:48 AM	#20 (permalink)
dy156 cookie Location: in the backwoods	I'm from Texas, and would not want to live in Houston. These are some of my impressions, based largely on a comparison with Dallas. Houston is famous for it's lack of urban planning. Yes, you'll see strip clubs and liquor stores, and they'll be right down the street from nice houses. There's basically no zoning, and downtown has been a mess for a long time. They built all this stuff like HOV lanes that are not helpful at all and a light rail system that goes between sports venues, which is great if you want to get the Olympics, but if not, no one goes along those routes, and it did nothing to relieve commuter congestion. Though some of them are very nice, there are massive suburbs and the commutes that go with them. Be prepared to answer, "What part of Houston are you from?" It's the first question people ask. It's by no means close to surf or mountains. The Texas beaches are good only for fishing, and they're ugly. Forget seasons, and it rains alot and is terribly humid. It is green though. If you'll only be there a year, I'd go to Miami, just to experience something different. Just to be fair: On the other hand, if you were looking to settle down or start your own business, Houston's economy is doing better than just about anywhere, and the taxes and property are relatively low. The same anything-goes attitude that leads to a lack of real neighborhoods would be helpful and it is easier to break into than in a more structured, older city. If you want culture, Houston actually has quite a bit, and it's world class. Many suburban public schools are great, and if you can get in, Rice is truly an incredible value, and the area around it is very nice. Houston's medical center is truly world class too. Houston is by far the most multicultural city in Texas. San Antonio has a huge Mexican population and influence, but in Houston you will find substantial numbers of Indians, Asians, Middle Easterners, and everyone else, plus the large number of Hispanics-proximity to Mexico, and African Americans-proximity to the deep south. I think this is due to the diversified economy, large multinational corporations and huge port, but it brings with it great restaurants too. Also, Houston drivers are the most courteously aggressive I've seen, if that makes sense. Hope this helps.