African-American family searching for the "Good Life" (Houston: apartments, condo)

[madlion7]

Originally Posted by hans-thegreat

Whites live with whites because there are so many other races------birds of a feather flock together...
And there are so many other races, it's uncommon that you'll find a racist white person out of an already small population.
According to statistics, there are more blacks and Hispanics than whites, therefor, there wouldbe more racisim between these two racial groups. By the way, where do you work?

More racism between Hispanics and African Americans? Small population of whites? Where are you getting your statistics from? White Population in houston is 49% (980,000 whites), and AA population is 25%(500,000 AA). How is it uncommon that you'll find a racist white person out of an already small population?

I work and live in northern/central NJ and the cultural is more conducive for homogenies grouping. In Houston sub-division living is more diverse.

[Neoblu]

Originally Posted by Yetti0

Well stated socialwork. Houston is a mix. I find in Houston more people tend to gravitate with folks with similar interests and lifestyles and not race any more. Houston is too diverse and many newcomers like to be with other transplants for a while more than finding locals of the same race..

I like to think Houston is Plaid in terms of race. We like and respect unique differences and individuality. There is room for everyone. My neighborhood is a mini United Nations. Our commoness is our lifestyle and interests to a degree... There are parts of Houston or near Houston, Like Pasadena where I would NEVER think to EVER live and IF i ventured there, it would be daylight and just cutting through. Never liked the place or the lifestyle.

This is why I recommend to rent first and find the neighborhood that has what you like as a lifestyle and interest. If being with Newcomers is a safety net , then NW and SW , Katy, and Woodlands would fit the need.

I would like to know of good locations to move (townhomes) in NW. If you have any suggestions, let me know.

[somersetsoccermom]

Hello everyone,
I've been away on holiday for a while and have some new things to report. First of all, thanks for all of the responses to the post. Secondly, my husband did take that trip to Houston and LOVED IT! We are planning a trip together in November. If all goes well, we will be relocating. Thanks to the many varied responses on specific areas/neighborhoods, we have decided to rent first and take our time purchasing a home. As far as racial diversity and equality, we've decided to take our chances with Houston because it is a major U.S. city. We are now trying to educate ourselves on Texas culture and history by doing some pretty extensive reading and research. I am bilingual, but my husband and children are not. He will be taking a few community college classes. My children have some exposure at school, but how important is it for us to all speak Spanish? My hope is that within a few years of living there, my children and husband will speak Spanish fluently. How realistic of an expectation is this? I know that you can learn a language and then lose it if you don't use it. I'm hoping we will all use it. Our plan is to get our current home for sale this summer and if all goes well, have our home on the market early next spring. We both have great professions, he is an Assistant Principal and I am a Registered Nurse. Both of our professions require licensure. Does anyone know how easy or difficult it is to get all of the required paperwork completed? That's one of the things we are researching now. We also would like to know when school begins in Texas, as we would need to coordinate the sale of our home and the end of one school year with the beginning of a new one. If anyone has done this recently, please respond. Anyway, it's good to back on the Forum. Oh, and as for all of the racial discussions following my last post, isn't it funny how genuine we can be when we're not face-to-face. If only society could be less obsessed with being "Politically Correct" and focus more on the REALITY of how minorities live in these United States.

[Launi]

Originally Posted by bap_diva

Hi, I'm originally from NY, have lived in CA and now live in MD and I too am considering Houston. I'm responding to the part of your post about Austin. My girlfriend is originally from San Antonio and livedin Austin for years and she absolutely loves it, but, she is Mexican. After doing some research on Austin, I found that Austin may be one of the worst cities for African Americans to relocate to. Do a search and you will come upon a report created by a city official in which he is basically saying that Austin sucks for AAs, but, that the city is trying to make some changes to be more accomodating. Apparently, there are no opportunities for us to go out and socialize. The city is something like 9% black, the income disparities are awful, housing is great, but, unless your idea of entertaining or being entertained include sitting on your fabulous front porch watching the grass grow, i'd stick wtih Houston, a city consistently rated as one of the best in the US for AAs.

Bap_diva, is right on the money!!!
I currently lived in Austin TX. I relocated 4 yrs ago from Houston. I absolutely hate it! I came here for college and I graduated. I can't wait to move out of this joint! I heard rumors about Austin from blacks in Houston. I ignored it because I didn't want to pass up an opportunity for my education. I wasn't in this town for 6 months when I noticed the racism. I was in NW Austin, where it is all White folks, I was followed around the stores in the Lakeline Mall. One saleswoman at Dillards kept asking me, "Where you in here last week?" I said NO, why? She said, "Are you sure?" She kept watching my every move. I became uncomfortable and left the entire mall. I would eat out at restaurants(Chili's, Macaronni Grill, Luby's, etc) in NW Austin (Hwy 183 N) and get rude and unfriendly waitstaff. When they get that way, I would simply not leave a tip. People like that don't deserve to get paid any extra. My only black experience was a beauty salon and a black church. Thats where the AA locals gave more scoop on the city. I was informed to shop and dine only along IH 35. Thats where I saw maybe 2 or 3 more AAs and more Hispanics. I don't club although all I saw on 6th/Congress Ave is bars. Hardly any AA events or concerts. Not alot of entertainment at all, just a bore. It is a huge college town. UT is all people here talk about even the local AAs.

Don't get me started on trying to find work in this town. I have years of administrative work experience. Sooo many interviews I was rejected. Coming from Houston, I never experience so much rejection. I would have phone interviews from direct employers. The interviewer would tell me they're excited to meet me and I am highly qualified. When can you come and meet us?, they would ask. When I meet face to face, all of a sudden, I am not right for the job. That is very hurtful. I had to work at a temp agency for a year just to have work. When I did find a job it was an underpaid low level office job that I was way overqualified for. I have follwed the City's forums for improvement of the AA Quality of Life. To me, it is a waste of time. AAs here are way out numbered. I moved here 2003, it was 8% AAs and after 2006 is now down to 6% according to a local city poll. Austin will never be a Houston. The Austin police dept is prejudice. You can check the records. Lawsuits out the a$$ There are archive articles on African American quality of life at The Austin American Statesman(local newspaper)www.statesman.com

I have met alot of friendly Hispanics who are family oriented, hard working. My Hispanic friends chose to ignore it. Austin is all they know. Which, I think is sad.

Austin itself is quite beautiful. It is hilly, lakes and scenic. But a lot of white people (not all) here are closed minded and prejudice. I have worked with alot who have relocated from white other cities, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, etc.

The nicest and warmest Whites I have met was at a non-denominational church.
If you do decide to relocate to Austin, don't get the attitude that you can change the world and the views of people. It will not work.

[Loiyan]

Originally Posted by nooneknowsmyname

A lot of us live for the day when people will be able to live in a neighborhood based soley on the beauty of the surroundings and not based the ethnic composition of the neighborhood. However, that day hasn't arrived yet and I understand completely why somersetsoccermom wants to protect her children "from the JUDGEMENT society places on them, solely based on the color of their skin."
When I had children at home, I felt exactly the same way.

As an African American professional who has lived in predominantly African American neighborhoods and predominantly white neighborhoods (I currently live in the SF Bay area in a predominantly white neighborhood), living in a predominantly white neighborhood is a challenge. While laudable, the idea that if well-educated, middle-class African Americans live and interact with whites, white Americans will realize the stereotypes is somewhat naive and Pollyannaish.

Sometimes this cross-racial interaction is productive but occasionally it backfires. When it is positive, white Americans can learn to appreciate and value their African American neighbors and colleagues and realize that their stereotypes do not apply to those particular neighbors or colleagues. Unfortunately, those insights are rarely extended to other African Americans. In other words, white Americans come to view these particularly African Americans as a special case, as exceptions to the rule, but their attitudes and views of other African Americans remain unchanged. And there are many instances where contact with African Americans, produces even more hostility among whites, particularly if the African Americans have more education and status. Personally, I've experienced both situations.

There is an extensive body research in social psychology that examines these issues and shows that mere interracial contact isn't enough to change the dominant group's ideas about other groups, particularly those the society considers to be of lower status. Dr. John Dovidio & Dr. Samuel Gaertner are two of the many individuals who have published articles on this topic. Things do need to change, but I reject the idea that African Americans are responsible for educating white people to unlearn their prejudices and stereotypes. somersetsoccermom is looking out for her children's well-being, something I believe African Americans must do in order to protect our children from the prejudices and stereotypes of the larger society.

Perfect! I totally agree with nooneknowsmyname. Thank you for your explanation, I don't think anybody could have said it better. I am a single mother and I also considering a move to Houston. My initial plan was to move to Atlanta. I would love for my son to grow up in a multi-cultural environment, but I DO NOT want him to be the only brown face in his classroom, I am his mother and it is my job to protect him and do my best to ensure he has a happy, pleasant childhood. I currently live in a suburb (if you can call this kuntry place a suburb) of Orlando, and my experiences here have not been all good, and there is no way I want my son to grow up here. Being a single parent of a male child, I must be in as close to a perfect environment as possible, to reduce the influences and traps of society. Education, safety and good housing are extremely important. Now to my question: in anyone's opinion, is Houston a better fit for a single female with a child? Atlanta was my initial top pick, I can't say that I love Florida summers and I know Houston is the same. But when I tell people that I am going to Atlanta, they suggest Houston. I hear about better pay for teachers, more affordable housing and no state income tax, like Florida. I love being an hour away from the beach in Orlando, but I cannot afford to live here on a teachers salary. I mean a 2BR, condo conversion for over 200k? Not me. Can a single earner find a decent 2/2 or 3/2 condo/townhome/house in a decent area, with good schools, within 30 minutes of the zoo (we love the zoo:-) for around 150k or that even unheard of in Texas?

[cla]

I am a single mother transplant from the New Orleans area and although I miss some things about New Orleans, this has been an excellent move for me and my daughter. Between the pay rates being higher in Houston in my industry, and the housing being cheaper, I have been able to buy a house in a neighborhood I could never have afforded in New Orleans.

There are many good suburbs in Houston that will allow you a great school system and a lot of home choices in the $150,000 range.

Racially, I have found a lot of diversity. My daughter's best friends are a great example - from India, Iran, Korea, Nigeria. I have not seen the level of racism here that I saw in New Orleans, but I think you'd have to have lived in New Orleans to see and understand the difference - but that is a different subject.

As a parent, the first place I started was the Texas dept of education. I picked the school district of my choice from this site. I have been here 2 years and have been very happy with my choice.

Here's the link to the TX dept of education site...

http://www.tea.state.tx.us/perfreport/aeis/

[Launi]

Originally Posted by Loiyan

Perfect! I totally agree with nooneknowsmyname. Thank you for your explanation, I don't think anybody could have said it better. I am a single mother and I also considering a move to Houston. My initial plan was to move to Atlanta. I would love for my son to grow up in a multi-cultural environment, but I DO NOT want him to be the only brown face in his classroom, I am his mother and it is my job to protect him and do my best to ensure he has a happy, pleasant childhood. I currently live in a suburb (if you can call this kuntry place a suburb) of Orlando, and my experiences here have not been all good, and there is no way I want my son to grow up here. Being a single parent of a male child, I must be in as close to a perfect environment as possible, to reduce the influences and traps of society. Education, safety and good housing are extremely important. Now to my question: in anyone's opinion, is Houston a better fit for a single female with a child? Atlanta was my initial top pick, I can't say that I love Florida summers and I know Houston is the same. But when I tell people that I am going to Atlanta, they suggest Houston. I hear about better pay for teachers, more affordable housing and no state income tax, like Florida. I love being an hour away from the beach in Orlando, but I cannot afford to live here on a teachers salary. I mean a 2BR, condo conversion for over 200k? Not me. Can a single earner find a decent 2/2 or 3/2 condo/townhome/house in a decent area, with good schools, within 30 minutes of the zoo (we love the zoo:-) for around 150k or that even unheard of in Texas?

I grew up in the Houston area. I always wanted to travel and see what was outside of Houston because it's all I know. Since moving around and currently living in Austin, I truly miss my home. I came to realize what a great city I left.

I have lots of family in the city and a few are single mothers. They all do very well and are professional women. I haven't heard any good reviews for HISD. I know that Cypress-Fairbanks ISD (NW Houston area), The Woodlands, TX (under Conroe ISD) are good districts.

Houston is very large and multicultural. It's literally like a NYC no exaggeration. There is always something to do. Always! Lots of events hosted. Mostly all areas are diverse. Inside Loop 610 is very upscale (Galleria, River Oaks, Rice University, West University, Memorial Park) and is the heart of the city. There is a Museum District, Downtown(Main St, lots of live theathers, music venues). Galleria, Highland Village, Uptown Park ( for shopping).

Loop 610::::Goes around Houston, you can get lost on it very very easily, but remember it loops around Houston, so you'll find it sooner or later. Inside the Loop is the (713 area code) Outside the Loop is (281 area code)....we use 10-digit dialing here in Houston. Inside the Loop you will find; Medical Center, Downtown, Heights (not a great area), Memorial Park (near the Galleria area) big joggers area about, Polo Club, etc....


The Medical Center, has:

1. Lots of Hospital (World famous)
2. Houston Zoo
3. Science Museum
4. Houston Art Museum
5. Childrens' Museum
6. Rice University (very beautiful area)
7. The Womens Hospital
8. The Reliant Stadium (Rodeo, Concerts, Monster Truck Rallys, etc....held there)
9. Astro-dome
10. Downtown is about 5-10 minutes away
11. River Oaks (very affluent area)
12. Rice Village (lots of cool shopping, hangouts)
13. Galleria Mall (has a huge Indoor Ice Rink & famous name brand stores) is about 15-20 minutes away from Med. Center
14. Lot's of historical Churches in the area down Fannin.
15. Lot's of traffic
16. Also home of the historical Warwick Hotel.
17. Lot's of construction going on over in the Medical Center now on the streets....(causes alot of delays and confusion getting to your destination)
18. Home of the Light Rail (Train that stretches through that particular part of Houston into Downtown.)
19. Medical Center is about 30 minutes away from both airports; Hobby (out Interstate 45 Gulf Freeway) & Bush Intercontinental (out Highway 59 North)

Bad area's in Houston w/their highlight area's:
SW & SE Houston

I love North houston burbs. That is where most of my family resides. North burbs (Kingwood, TX, Atascocita, TX, and Humble, TX) all are 20mins NE of downtown. The further out from the city, the cheaper the cost of living. Also, The Woodlands, TX which is north of Houston by 30 mins. It is great for raising a family. (www.thewoodlands.com)

IH-45 N toward Dallas or North Freeway= (pass downtown, Greenspoint, & FM 1960)
***out this way you will find The Woodlands (very nice) home of the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion (lots of famous name concerts held there) & Conroe (very beautiful Lake Conroe)
***Also out this way if you take Highway 249 off to the left (coming from downtown) this will take you into Tomball (very country) along the way you will cross FM1960/Willowbrook area (lots of shopping here)...also on 249 & Sam Houston Tollway is the Horse Track

IH-45 S toward Galveston or Gulf freeway
***Clearlake is a nice affluent upcoming community...the dog track is also out this way. In Galveston you can shop in the old downtown area (every year that have late 1800's style Dickins on the Strand Christmas where you dress in period costumes and come out to partake of the festivities and shop)...and they also have the Cruise line that docks and leaves from Galveston.

IH-59 North or Eastex Freeway = (Pretty much everything between downtown & Sam Houston Tollway(SHT))...
**After SHT you will find the small community towns of; Humble (Deerbrook Mall, it's okay), Kingwood (a somewhat affluent community), Porter/NewCaney/Cleveland (very country out this way) but nice decent folks.

West Houston area is upscale living (Memorial City area, Katy, TX)

Malls: The Woodlands Mall, Galleria, Uptown Park (upscale across from Galleria), Highland Village(good!), Katy Mills Mall (an affordable Galleria outlets!), Northline Mall (not good), Greenspoint Mall (not good), Memorial City Mall....Mall of the Mainland (out toward Galveston), DeerBrook Mall (Okay), Willowbrook Mall (Okay)...

What sets Houston apart is the cost of living.
There are single-family homes, some two-story, in affluent areas of the city and in burbs. There is a program (Habitat for Humanity )for single mothers than can qualify for homes. My cousin has a beautiful two-story, 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home through this program. She is single with one son. www.houstonhabitat.org

Good luck

Source(s):

www.visithoustontexas.com, Click Send Me A Visitors Packet, its free with magazine, maps, brochures
www.thewoodlands.com-The (broken link) Woodlands, TX
www.humblearea.com-Humble (broken link), Atascocita, Kingwood areas

[SummerChild]

Hello all,
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this thread. It has been very informative. I have a question regarding the AA dating scene in Houston. I am an early 30's AA professional woman. I am currently living in LA but am originally from Chicago. I am considering moving to Houston due to job opportunities and cost of living. I'd like to know about the opportunities for meeting single, heterosexual AA men from any single AA women. In LA, the single AA men are largely into Latina, white or asian women. I'm not interested in going back into another one of those environments. I would like to marry and settle down. How widespread is interracial dating? Are the AA men into AA women or are they largely into Latina women?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated,
SC

[houstonman]

Originally Posted by SummerChild

Hello all,
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this thread. It has been very informative. I have a question regarding the AA dating scene in Houston. I am an early 30's AA professional woman. I am currently living in LA but am originally from Chicago. I am considering moving to Houston due to job opportunities and cost of living. I'd like to know about the opportunities for meeting single, heterosexual AA men from any single AA women. In LA, the single AA men are largely into Latina, white or asian women. I'm not interested in going back into another one of those environments. I would like to marry and settle down. How widespread is interracial dating? Are the AA men into AA women or are they largely into Latina women?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated,
SC

Houston has a lot of black megachurches with large single ministries. I would say, that would be a good place to start in Houston. But, yes there is widespread Black-Latina dating. But its not the scale of California and it does not outweigh the Black-Black dating scene here. The "NUMBER" of young black professionals in Houston will not be a problem, but the "QUALITY" thats always an issue for any town

[Tri]

Sienna plantation seems to be the hot spot in Houston, TX-- I'm a real estate professional and most of my clients love this place. Check the comment boards!