simple question (Houston, Pearland, Atlanta: neighborhoods, deed, live)

[REM]

Is houston a liberal area? What's the city like? Do people of different races talk to one another or do they just say in their own areas? Is there a big gay population there?

[chris_ut]

I would say Houston is pretty much middle of the road. People are here from all over to work and as long as you aren't messing with their paycheck they don't mind too much.

[qt_batutie24]

houston is one of the most diverse cities in the country!

[houstoner]

Originally Posted by REM

Is houston a liberal area? What's the city like? Do people of different races talk to one another or do they just say in their own areas? Is there a big gay population there?

Moderate overall. IMO, contrary to popular belief, the conservatives here aren't your fundamentalist Christian conservatives, although they're here too, but mostly they're more of the fiscally and scientifically rational variety, due to the industries here. Houston is live-and-let-live and welcoming to all. I guess because there's plenty of room!

The city is kinda bizarre, kinda what you make it. There's no real urban planning and a lack of zoning, so stuff kinda doesn't make sense. You get used to it after awhile. I've lived other places and never noticed much of a difference. Plus, most neighborhoods and suburbs have deed restrictions and HOAs to keep things in check so it's not that bad when you're going home.

People of different races talk to one another in their own areas. The city is pretty diverse residentially, mostly in its suburbs. (See, people, I don't completely hate the 'burbs!) People are pretty friendly and genuine and we like to eat out. A lot. Enjoying good company and all that. We don't dress up much, even to go to the opera.

I think I read somewhere Houston has the 12th largest gay population in the nation. The historic "gayborhood" is Montrose, an Inner Loop nabe west of downtown, but people live all over now, from Westbury to Eastwood to Pearland and points beyond. There's a big pride parade in June, one of the biggest, if not the biggest in the South (maybe after Atlanta?). I think I also read somewhere it's the only nighttime parade in the nation.