To move or not to move (to Houston)- That is the question my friend (Richmond: transplants, apartments)

[Scorpion3510]

Hi There!

I'm entertaining a possible job in Houston. Position pays a bit more than here in Ohio and of course no income tax in the State of Texas helps. I'm also excited about the subject matter of the position.

However, I've been doing some research and I'm concerned about the city. Anecdotally, it seems that 8 out of every 10 reviews of the city are negative. I've only been to Houston for an hour to eat at a steak house back in 2005 so my experience is quite limited.

Is it really as bad as I've been reading about? I lived in New Orleans for 4 years (one summer without A/C - don't suggest anyone do that) so I understand how hot it can get and the amount of bugs.

My real concern is that peoples' opinions are negative about the people that live there and the things to do. Yes, I realize they are people's opinions and just that, but there are quite a few of them and they say similar things.

The negativity seems to center around traffic, weather, crime, people's attitudes, lack of entertainment, lack of outdoor options.

Traffic, weather, and crime don't concern me as the other categories. I understand a lot of people live there and I would live close to work. I lived in New Orleans for 4 years so I know the weather. I lived in central New Orleans, Cleveland, and Baltimore City so I understand how to avoid bad areas and lock your door. Besides, if you're not in "the game" you are usually not a target of crime anyways.

I'm concerned about people's attitudes and how they treat new comers, lack of entertainment, and lack of outdoor options.

Any input would be appreciated!

[txdemo]

Originally Posted by Scorpion3510

I'm concerned about people's attitudes and how they treat new comers, lack of entertainment, and lack of outdoor options.

The squeaky wheel gets the grease. It seems that the most negative posters on the Houston forum tend to be the loudest. Typically you'll see posts like "we don't need any more folks like you in Houston", "it's the transplants that are the bad drivers", "leave your views back from where you came". That said, don't base your decision on the negative posters on this forum. CD posters are equivalent to about 0.000045% of the population of Houston. In my opinion newcomers are welcome with open arms as long as they're not jerks.

I'll leave the entertainment and outdoor options to other people to post on.

Good luck!

[ipuck]

Comparing Ohio to Houston and having a hard time? Maybe you should stay put because you probably got other reasons to stay.

I been to many cities over the years, Ohio is near the bottom. I actually met quite a few ex-Ohio people and nobody have ever rave to me about missing home.

Houston is happening, there is only 30000 reviews to back it up.

[swopoe]

I am originally from Baltimore (still have most of my family there), and my husband and I lived in Ohio as well. We moved to Houston from Ohio 10 years ago for a job and have not one single regret. Houston is an exciting place to live (don't let anyone else tell you otherwise), and I never felt unwelcome as a transplant to Texas.

Yes, there are bugs, but we have an exterminator. Yes, the summer gets hot, but we have a/c. On the plus side, winter is not miserable like in Cleveland.

[Scorpion3510]

Originally Posted by ipuck

I been to many cities over the years, Ohio is near the bottom. I actually met quite a few ex-Ohio people and nobody have ever rave to me about missing home.

I would agree that Ohio does have it problems. I'm a transplant to Cleveland so I'm an outsider. Despite it's harsh winter, it's actually a city that seems to be on the rise. It looks like it's poised to turn around within the next couple of years.

Originally Posted by txdemo

The squeaky wheel gets the grease. It seems that the most negative posters on the Houston forum tend to be the loudest.

That is true. However, I've researched other forums outside of C-D and a lot of those people echo their sentiments.

Let me add this, what about air travel in Houston? Is it inexpensive? My fiance lives in Las Vegas and will live there for the next year while attending school. I would like to fly to Vegas from Houston every 1-1.5 months.

I'll add some more depth to my original question. I'm a 30 year old guy and will be bringing a dog down there (should I choose to take this job). Is there a thriving scene in Houston for young professionals? (late 20's to late 30's).

Thanks again everyone, I appreciate your input!

[ipuck]

Originally Posted by Scorpion3510

Despite it's harsh winter, it's actually a city that seems to be on the rise. It looks like it's poised to turn around within the next couple of years.

That is true. However, I've researched other forums outside of C-D and a lot of those people echo their sentiments.

Let me add this, what about air travel in Houston? Is it inexpensive? My fiance lives in Las Vegas and will live there for the next year while attending school. I would like to fly to Vegas from Houston every 1-1.5 months.

The 70s call, the folks in Midwest want their manufacturing jobs back

I am sorry but just because Lebron is back doesn't mean Ohio is posed to turn around. That's like reading how Detroit is coming back.

Regarding air travel, obviously the bigger cities are going to have more flights. Does United still have a hub there?

[Scorpion3510]

Originally Posted by ipuck

The 70s call, the folks in Midwest want their manufacturing jobs back

I am sorry but just because Lebron is back doesn't mean Ohio is posed to turn around. That's like reading how Detroit is coming back.

Regarding air travel, obviously the bigger cities are going to have more flights. Does United still have a hub there?

Haha yes, people are excited about LeBron. I'm not focusing on that though. I'm talking about the RNC coming here, the revitalization in the area with major projects being constructed (Public square, east flats project, ect.) I'm talking about the steel mills upping production and looking for workers. Alcoa as well. I'm talking about revitalization from Tremont & Ohio City stretching west to Lakewood that is underway. There is a 6 month wait for apartments downtown.

But enough about Cleveland. Focus is on Houston. I read somewhere that Bush airport is expensive to fly out of? Is that true?

Also, I'm focused on the young professionals scene in Houston. Any thoughts on these aspects of Houston?

Thanks!

[testmo]

Fact - a lot of negativity about houston is based on thinly veiled racism. There are lots of asian, hispanic, and black people here from all types of religion. In reality this isnt a problem but people outside of texas arent used to it and more white cities in texas scorn it

[radiolibre99]

Originally Posted by testmo

Fact - a lot of negativity about houston is based on thinly veiled racism. There are lots of asian, hispanic, and black people here from all types of religion. In reality this isnt a problem but people outside of texas arent used to it and more white cities in texas scorn it

They're still a vocal community? I figured the negative stuff about Houston was coming from suburbanites way out near places like Richmond, Simonton, Fulshear, and past that. You mention Houston to them and they just cringe.

[sxrckr]

Originally Posted by testmo

Fact - a lot of negativity about houston is based on thinly veiled racism. There are lots of asian, hispanic, and black people here from all types of religion. In reality this isnt a problem but people outside of texas arent used to it and more white cities in texas scorn it

I never thought of it that way. Could be. Along with thinly veiled jealousy over its success and recognition in recent years.

But quite frankly, anyone who says it's not exciting or is lacking in things to do is not worth bothering with and you'd want to take what they say with a massive grain of salt.

Also don't listen to people who grew up in the suburbs 10-20 years ago and rarely went into Houston proper (especially recently)... they usually have no clue.