Question about weather in The Woodlands/Houston (Dallas, Austin: chapel, house)

[jww223]

I have read many posts about the unbearable heat in the summer and my wife and I visited Houston last summer but even though it was hot, it was for only a few days so it never seemed that bad.

We may be moving to Houston due to our son's medical condition where humidity is better for him (we are also looking in Raleigh and Charlotte - there are many reasons why other cities aren't considered). Anyway, we are coming from Boston where one is literally locked inside for 5 months of the year because its so cold. What we don't want to happen is if this scenario is reversed in the summers of Houston - where one is locked inside for 5 months because of the heat.

Our son would be better off in a place where he can be outdoors most of the time. Do many people (kids, especially) still "get out" in the summers or is everyone in their air conditioned home most of the time.

Anyone move from North Carolina to Houston and found the heat even more unbearable or pretty much the same?

[plaidfrogg]

We moved here from a much milder climate and half expected to see the streets and parks empty during the peak summer months. I actually grew up in the Dallas area so am well-familiar with hot summers but was always led to believe that Houston summers were much worse, unbearable, etc. Not so. This last summer, it was often hotter in the Dallas area than it was here. Anyhow, we played outside all summer when I was growing up, and the same appears to be true here.

During peak hours of the day, (12-3 or so) we're less likely to be out in the sun, but then, I have small children and that's lunch/nap time anyhow. Last summer, we got outside a lot in the mornings, came in for lunch/rest, then would go back out in the later afternoon/early evenings until dark. Other families seemed to follow a similar pattern of activity. Also, we spent a LOT of time at the pools (The Woodlands alone has more than a dozen community pools) or playing in sprinklers in our yard. If your son is older there are all kinds of summer camps and activities held outdoors all summer long, and from what I've seen, they always provide ample shade, water breaks, etc. So to answer your question, folks still get out quite a bit in the summer, but also enjoy the a/c as needed.

[jww223]

Thanks for the information...Anyone else care to comment? Would love to have a few people let me know really what it's like. Thanks in advance

[EasilyAmused]

It's rotten, stinking hot here in the summer. Humid 9 months of the year.

NC has some winter weather, but I would chose it hands down over The Woodlands. Also, why would you chose TW over areas closer to Texas Childrens if you are watching a condition? I would say compared to NC summers, where it cools down at night, the heat is unbearable.

[jww223]

Even though Texas Children's would be our main hospital for our son, it's not a condition that requires him to be at the hospital all that much but it is unique. We could deal with the commute as up in Boston it takes me 1 hour 10 minutes for my commute. A lot of research went into specific places so that's why The Woodlands, Cary, NC and Charlotte, NC suburbs are in the running.

Although, climate is a big factor it isn't the only factor. If it was we would go to Myrtle Beach but I can't be a golf caddy. Medical, specialists, cost of living, climate, business and growth, community, culture are all factors built into the model plus a few minor criteria.

"Humid 9 months of the year" is what we would need...on the other hand, sitting inside 6 months of the year is what we don't need.

[EasilyAmused]

Cary is the Suburb of Chapel Hill right? I would go for that area without a second thought.

[snowbody]

As a native Houstonian, but a sometimes visitor and friend of Statesville, NC (near Charlotte & Cary), it is somewhat difficult to answer your question. Weather has been so strange recently. In Houston, we have had our first hard freeze in about 15 years! Lost a lot of plants! Normally, you occasionally cover your favorites with a sheet to prevent frost problems. Last summer was also very mild! I am not sure, but if it went over 100, I do not recall.

The norm for Houston, somewhat mild winters with relatively low humidity. Notice relatively low humidity because we are so accustomed to our summers with 90 + humidity. The further north you go from the city, winters are a bit colder. Check the weather history. It should come from IAH - which is about half way from downtown to the Woodlands.

Golf courses are abundant. Early morning starts in summer helps survival, but aclimation is necessary.

Statesville, on the other hand, is crazy! Usually they get some snow and expect hard freezes. They have been spared this year from the super heavy NE snow, but the town has been frozen many days with movement outside very limited for drivers. The summer in Statesville is questionable. We have access to a family home built in the early 1900's. Until about ten years ago, no AC existed. The thought of going to bed before midnight or 1 AM was unbearable and you woke in the early morning, as well!

Based on my Grandchildren, ages 9 & almost 5, it doesn't really matter. They would live outside! We spent a week in the GSM last summer traveling. Requested layers to keep them warm were never taken from the trunk! When a native was asked why it was so hot in the mountains, she told me the weather came up from Texas - it is never so hot and humid in the mountains! Did not bother my guys. We were out all the time. Of course, they did manage to fall in the water, stream or pool, quite often! One picture of the 4 year old at Tweetzie shows his forehead wet with beads of sweat! Didn't bother him! When we arrived in the foothills of NC, as in Charlotte and Statesville, the weater was a bit cooler, it seemed, but still hot! The house now has central downstairs and window units UP! We still stayed outside, played in the shade and visited friends! Sunscreen is the answer whereever you travel or live!

Houston is fantastic for the variety of arts and entertainment. Museums are abundant; parks are great! A sports fan can have it all! As far as the Woodlands, the symphony plays in the pavillion, plus many other events.

Speaking of the symphony - when my first Grandson lived in Houston, we started taking him to the children's symphony at age 3. They have about five performances a year, extremely reasonable, seating use to be first come first serve when you made your season reservations. It is a bit of a drive from the Woodlands, but if your son is age 7 or 6 or under, the experience cannot be matched! If older, the Houston Symphony is great, as is the Ballet.

As far as the medical center, if you live in the Woodlands, it will take you as long to get to the center as it use to take you to drive to the airport, board a plane, fly and get to the med center! Houston is way behind on public transportation. There is a toll way from the Woodlands into the outer loop which helps . . . but it all depends on the traffic???

I am a bit biased, but Houston is good. However, it is so flat! I truly enjoy going to the mountains, especially if I am not driving!

Hope all goes well with your little one and your move is blessed.

[tstone]

Originally Posted by snowbody

Last summer was also very mild! I am not sure, but if it went over 100, I do not recall.

In June we tied records for a few days in a row around 104ish.

[compSciGuy]

I grew up mainly around Austin. I can take the Houston heat, I would rather avoid the Houston humidity.

[maxwell_foursome]

We have lived in Charlotte for the past 14 year and absolutely love it, downtown Charlotte is very clean, you're two hours from Asheville, and four from the beach. We are moving to Houston in June, I'm trying to get excited about it but not sure I want to be in a large city again. We're moving to the Woodlands, I told hubby we had to get a pool to combat the heat. If your decision is between Charlotte or Houston, definitely give Charlotte a look-see, it's a great town.