Tropical climate and culture similar to Hong Kong and Singapore (Houston: apartments, homes)

[bmglab]

I have lived in Houston for the past nine years. My familty is from South East Asia and after recent visits to south east asia, spending much time in Hong Kong and Singapore I was surprised to note the climactic and cultural similarities to Houston, Texas. I noticed that the climate was very similar in terms of humidity and temperature. Singapore and Hong Kong are cities cities proud of their desirable climates and are viewed as positives in terms of climatic conditions, humidity and temperature when compared to cold cities throughout asia. Houston is a North American city that is subtropical city with climactic attributes that are identical to areas of south east asia. When compared to cities in the United States, Houston is often described as humid and uncomfortable. The reason: most people in North America are not familiar with humid climates common in Asia and are more familiar to cities with snow, cold winters such as New York, Chicago and San Francisco. When compared to climates throughout the world, Houston has the familiar palm trees, banana trees, coupled with air conditioning, high quality of life, metropolitan nature, international residents and culture, is an excellent place to live for year round warm tropical weather. In addition to warm weather and mild winters, Houston offers an excellent array of international cuisine, culture, employment and diversity that rivals many first class cities throughout the world. From a South East asian perspective, Houston is probably the most similar in US cities to Hong Kong, Singapore in terms of climate , food and culture. Houston has very large ethnic populations of Chinese, Vietmanese/ other South east asian populations with existing populations of Japanese, Korean, French, German, eastern europe and middle eastern. The primary difference with Houston compared to other tropical cities in southeast asia is the lower cost of living and availability of space. Instead of living in high density high rises/flats or apartments, for less cost than southeast asia you will have the option of living in individual homes complete with backyards and green space. Houston is the city of the future offering affordability, optimal climate, asian culture, food and language spoken, international cuisine, stability, employment and convenient location to other north american cities. Houston is the North American city of the future. Those relocating from Mid / South eastern climates will feel at home in terms of languages, lifestyle, food and culture.

[kpoeppel]

I was fortunate to go to Shanghai, China for 10 days a few years ago. Shanghai has a humid subtropical climate with a booming economy and seaport. I was quite impressed. From what I have read about Houston, Houston is similar except for having the added benefit of being much less crowded (like bmglab said) than places like Shanghai, Honk Kong, etc.

[worldlyman]

And thus an insight as to why Houston is a magnet for international immigrants. Houston is, as bmglab asserts, an awesome "city of the future." But it's happening now.

[chicagomama]

I LOVE Hong Kong!!!! It is one of my favorite places, and I would love to live there. The lush green parks all over the city are amazing. You're right- when they talk about the climate in HK it is always so positive, and if it is so similar to Houston in terms of humidity/heat- perfect! You can't have those tropical gardens in cooler climates, so I'm ready to take advantage of the heat..