Houston to San Diego how to..

[sdurbanite]

I don't even know where to start.....

Originally Posted by worldlyman

In H-town, Rice Village, Kemah, 19th St, Montrose, Downtown, the Woodlands, Old Town Spring and such...at least have their own peculiar styles, angle and VIBE.

Hillcrest, Little Italy, Encinitas, Middletown, La Jolla, Del Mar, Normal Heights, University Heights, North Park, OB, PB, MB, Carlsbad, Coronado, etc all have their own and way better vibes than the places I visited above (didn't go to Woodlands or Spring) - no question about it.

In San Diego? Bah, the sidewalks (physical texture) of Gaslamp, Pacific Beach, Hillcrest/Uptown, Kensington, Old Town SD, University...ALL LOOK THE SAME. Just different consumer demographics but those "interesting" areas are built all the same, very similar.

So you couldn't tell whether you were in OB or PB instead of Hillcrest or the Gaslamp? Really? That's a bold statement.

What makes 19th St and Montrose so different from each other? Could it be that 19th St is only a block long and on one side? Let's face it, Montrose is a dump. No people on the streets, and the corner of Montrose and Westheimer looks like no different that the corner of Kirby and Richmond.

An odd but endearing mix of winding modern strips, Melrose-style conventionals yet colorful bungalows and converted Victorians. Where do you really see that in SoCal entertainment districts?

Modern strips? More like rundown strips. You mention colorful bungalows and converted Victorians as if Houston is the only place to find those. Trust me, we have them here, too.

I'd read some pop culture magazines while in SD where urbanists laugh at Gas Lamp's faux-Disney architecture. They don't laugh at Houston's downtown (though H-town could do better regarding preservation to be sure).

So you must hate Discovery Green Park and Houston Pavillions, right? Discovery Green doesn't fit into its's surroundings. I'm all for green space, but the location of it is so contrived. It's not like it's there is a neighborhood around it, rather it's up against the convention center among run down buildings. People can't even walk to it from their homes. It's creator tried to fit so much into such a small space....fake, fake, fake.

Houston Pavillions is just as disneyfied as Horton, don't you think? I give that development a 5 year shelf life before it fails. There weren't too many people there when I saw it.

Houston's got more of a jagged, interesting texture in its pedestrian districts.

What pedestrian districts? Rice Village is it and it ain't pretty. And please don't even mention Uptown Park, which is another faux-urban lifestyle center you can find anywhere. Montrose - nope. 19th St. - again one side of one block. Midtown is another faux development. There just isn't anything urban about Houston, but then again, if there few sidewalks in the city, where are people able to walk?

So, when sdurbanite asks "where are the sidewalks"...well, actually they are there, it's just that Rice Village is not built like your typical cookie-cutter, FAUX-MEDITERRANEAN villa with straight main drag sidewalks and the same parallel parking that's the same all over.

Let's look at Rice Village again and tell me why it's so charming? It's hideous! No sidewalks, no open areas for outdoor seating, run down...I could go on and on.

In San Diego, there is no vibe. It's just a picture postcard (in the tourist areas) with nice weather.

SD has a beach culture vibe that is well known. What does Houston have? There is no mental image for Houston, and after going there I can't even think of one to give it.

Houston...parts of its region are similar to L.A., to New Orleans, open land Texas, Gulf Coast Florida, Sherwood Forest of old Robin Hood mythology

No comment....

Heck, even Kemah's Waterfront/Lighthouse District are WAY cooler than Seaport Village and Coronado put together.

It's hilarious that you are even comparing Kemah to Coronado. Kemah and trashy and tacky. People actually go there over and over again? Wow, just wow. First time I went there, we drove for 40 minutes and stayed 15 minutes before we left. A complete waste of my time.

In San Diego, where is it possible to find three or four 24-hour restaurants fairly close together the way there are W. Gray Cafe, Biba's Greek and Katz's in the Montrose?

You think Houston is the only place where places stay open till 3:00am or later? We've got places that stay open 24 hours in Hillcrest and downtown, and even more places that stay open till 3am. And Kearny Mesa does have places that stay open late as well, not just Vietnamese place either, there are Japanese and Korean places, too.

There are great, cool eateries and bars in the Montrose/Midtown/Downtown/Upper Kirby that are satisfying enough...

Sorry, but I'm convinced the standards of what's cool and interesting in Houston are of lower standards compared to other places. Everyone told us, "Go to Chocolate Bar in Montrose", so we did. It was fine, but there was nothing great about it. And surprise, surprise, it was in a strip mall....blech. It seems to be all about quantity, not quality. Who cares if it has the second largest theater district in the country, it not London's West End or NYC's Broadway. But whatever, some of us already know that.

[sdurbanite]

Originally Posted by dldupuy

Houston is so large that it takes time to find all of the little jewels that wordlyman writes about.
I prefer the innerloop of Houston, and in the end, it isn't that big at all. I could drive down Westheimer from downtown to the Galleria in no time. The Heights is just to the north. Bellaire Blvd to the southwest. Why would I need to go anywhere else? To Katy or Pasadena? No thank you.

Houston's interesting areas are in a small area which made it seem manageable. Driving to Conroe was a pain, but I only went there to go to a party. I'd never hang out there.


[color=black][font=Verdana]One of the main reasons I did not relocate to San Diego was the lack of diversity, culture and big city vibe that satisfies me here in Houston. I was so afraid of becoming bored once I had seen everything.

Houston may have more AA's and Latinos, but there are more Asians in SD. We've got more Koreans, Japanese, Guamanians, Samoans, Filipinos, etc... Couldn't the argument be made that we are just at diverse but in different catagories?

Again, I don't get the big city vibe there. And as far as being bored in SD, I think after 2 visits to Houston, I've seen all I need to see. Hermann Park has nothing on Balboa Park here, and Memorial Park is underwhelming compared to Mission Bay Park. Where do you all go to watch the sunset or fireworks celebrations? I just didn't see a place where people would "hang out"

interesting how people will talk about the humidity of Houston as if it is Houston's fault...we live close to the coast and just due to where we are located geographically it is not Houston's fault that it is humid. It can be unbearable at times but one good thing about it is you will always look 10 to 15 years younger with all of that humidity for the skin!

I never complained about the heat and humidity last July. It could have been because I had just gotten back from Bangkok and the Cambodian jungle that Houston felt balmy to me

[sdurbanite]

Originally Posted by jshwon

Most cities are small in comparison to Houston but big city feel has nothing to do with sq miles to me. Having grew up in Boston, being in NY a 100 times, visited SD and SF those places have a more "city/urban" feel.

Exactly! Boston, Philly, Baltimore, etc are much smaller than Houston (and SD) in size but all have more of a big city vibe. Many Texans are definitely of the mindset that bigger must be better, which in this case is so not true.

What I've noticed is the only people who rave about Houston are Houstonians. Everyone else doesn't give it a second thought.

[TVC15]

Originally Posted by sdurbanite

Exactly! Boston, Philly, Baltimore, etc are much smaller than Houston (and SD) in size but all have more of a big city vibe. Many Texans are definitely of the mindset that bigger must be better, which in this case is so not true.

What I've noticed is the only people who rave about Houston are Houstonians. Everyone else doesn't give it a second thought.

And I don't rave about Houston. I can see why some people just don't like it here but I just like the diversity. No it is not all over beautiful here but there are some very beautiful areas in Houston for being a big concrete city. I love how friendly people are in Houston. I love all of the different people from all over this planet who come here and help to create a more diversified international city. I love going to the museums and listening to the symphony. I love the excellent restaurants! Sdurbanite why did you not try at least one of my suggestions for restaurants? I have never been to the Chocolate Bar in Montrose just based on what I have read and heard. I am not into the trendy fake scenes in Houston and you will find them here for sure. I gave you an excellent list and I think you would have enjoyed those restaurants. Houston has a lot of good things here but not great scenery or weather. It is not a boring city and it is not for everyone. I would be horrified if I lived most of my life in San Diego and merely visited Houston or moved here! Don't be so harsh on us...we are really an interesting city. If you ever come back to visit your friends baby and I am still here look me up and I will hopefully show you a prettier, more entertaining city then what you experienced!

[TVC15]

[quote=sdurbanite;8132258]Houston may have more AA's and Latinos, but there are more Asians in SD. We've got more Koreans, Japanese, Guamanians, Samoans, Filipinos, etc... Couldn't the argument be made that we are just at diverse but in different catagories?

We have more then just AA’s, Asians and Latinos…we also have Greeks, Lebanese, Sri Lankans, British, South Africans, Pakistani, Ethiopians, Laotians, Russians, Iranians, Iraqis, Palestinians, Indians, and Turks just to name a few!


Again, I don't get the big city vibe there. And as far as being bored in SD, I think after 2 visits to Houston, I've seen all I need to see. Hermann Park has nothing on Balboa Park here, and Memorial Park is underwhelming compared to Mission Bay Park. Where do you all go to watch the sunset or fireworks celebrations? I just didn't see a place where people would "hang out"

Firework celebrations can be watched on the 4th of July in downtown Houston and along Allan Parkway. They also have them out in Katy, Memorial City, Galveston, and Clear Lake.

You can watch the sun set anywhere in Houston. . We are not a nature city nor claim to be. People don't run around saying wow I love Houston because it is soooo pretty and has the prettiest parks and best scenery. We love Houston for every thing else but the scenery! Scenery is nice but some people need more then just great parks and scenery to be mentally stimulated and in no way is that an insult. I loved San Diego all of the times I visited but it was mainly due to the weather and scenery. I think after living there for awhile I would have been bored to tears with the lack of mental stimulation that I find here in Houston. The kind of people, diversity, low cost of living, no state personal income tax and abundant opportunities are what make Houston a great city to live in!

[TVC15]

[quote=sdurbanite;8131981]I don't even know where to start.....


Hillcrest, Little Italy, Encinitas, Middletown, La Jolla, Del Mar, Normal Heights, University Heights, North Park, OB, PB, MB, Carlsbad, Coronado, etc all have their own and way better vibes than the places I visited above (didn't go to Woodlands or Spring) - no question about it.


So you couldn't tell whether you were in OB or PB instead of Hillcrest or the Gaslamp? Really? That's a bold statement.

What makes 19th St and Montrose so different from each other? Could it be that 19th St is only a block long and on one side? Let's face it, Montrose is a dump. No people on the streets, and the corner of Montrose and Westheimer looks like no different that the corner of Kirby and Richmond.


Modern strips? More like rundown strips. You mention colorful bungalows and converted Victorians as if Houston is the only place to find those. Trust me, we have them here, too.


So you must hate Discovery Green Park and Houston Pavillions, right? Discovery Green doesn't fit into its's surroundings. I'm all for green space, but the location of it is so contrived. It's not like it's there is a neighborhood around it, rather it's up against the convention center among run down buildings. People can't even walk to it from their homes. It's creator tried to fit so much into such a small space....fake, fake, fake.

Houston Pavillions is just as disneyfied as Horton, don't you think? I give that development a 5 year shelf life before it fails. There weren't too many people there when I saw it.


What pedestrian districts? Rice Village is it and it ain't pretty. And please don't even mention Uptown Park, which is another faux-urban lifestyle center you can find anywhere. Montrose - nope. 19th St. - again one side of one block. Midtown is another faux development. There just isn't anything urban about Houston, but then again, if there few sidewalks in the city, where are people able to walk?


Let's look at Rice Village again and tell me why it's so charming? It's hideous! No sidewalks, no open areas for outdoor seating, run down...I could go on and on.

Yes that is one ugly photo of the Rice Village! I never found it charming but that one photo does not justify the Rice Village. Houston is not to be compared to San Diego! They are two complety different cities in all aspects!

[worldlyman]

Hillcrest, Little Italy, Encinitas, Middletown, La Jolla, Del Mar, Normal Heights, University Heights, North Park, OB, PB, MB, Carlsbad, Coronado, etc all have their own and way better vibes than the places I visited above (didn't go to Woodlands or Spring) - no question about it.



What makes 19th St and Montrose so different from each other? Could it be that 19th St is only a block long and on one side? Let's face it, Montrose is a dump. No people on the streets, and the corner of Montrose and Westheimer looks like no different that the corner of Kirby and Richmond.





So you must hate Discovery Green Park and Houston Pavillions, right? Discovery Green doesn't fit into its's surroundings. I'm all for green space, but the location of it is so contrived. It's not like it's there is a neighborhood around it, rather it's up against the convention center among run down buildings. People can't even walk to it from their homes. It's creator tried to fit so much into such a small space....fake, fake, fake.

Houston Pavillions is just as disneyfied as Horton, don't you think? I give that development a 5 year shelf life before it fails. There weren't too many people there when I saw it.


What pedestrian districts? Rice Village is it and it ain't pretty. And please don't even mention Uptown Park, which is another faux-urban lifestyle center you can find anywhere. Montrose - nope. 19th St. - again one side of one block. Midtown is another faux development. There just isn't anything urban about Houston, but then again, if there few sidewalks in the city, where are people able to walk?


Let's look at Rice Village again and tell me why it's so charming? It's hideous! No sidewalks, no open areas for outdoor seating, run down...I could go on and on.



SD has a beach culture vibe that is well known. What does Houston have? There is no mental image for Houston, and after going there I can't even think of one to give it.


No comment....


It's hilarious that you are even comparing Kemah to Coronado. Kemah and trashy and tacky. People actually go there over and over again? Wow, just wow. First time I went there, we drove for 40 minutes and stayed 15 minutes before we left. A complete waste of my time.


You think Houston is the only place where places stay open till 3:00am or later? We've got places that stay open 24 hours in Hillcrest and downtown, and even more places that stay open till 3am. And Kearny Mesa does have places that stay open late as well, not just Vietnamese place either, there are Japanese and Korean places, too.


Sorry, but I'm convinced the standards of what's cool and interesting in Houston are of lower standards compared to other places. Everyone told us, "Go to Chocolate Bar in Montrose", so we did. It was fine, but there was nothing great about it. And surprise, surprise, it was in a strip mall....blech. It seems to be all about quantity, not quality. Who cares if it has the second largest theater district in the country, it not London's West End or NYC's Broadway. But whatever, some of us already know that.

Now, why is it that Coronado, Pacific Beach, University Heights, North Park and ad nauseum all HAVE THE SAME type sidewalks, parallel parking and relative building dimensions? Houston's different areas' jaggedness and inconsistency at least offer a greater sense of variety. I mean North Park is kinda the same as Uptown Hillcrest, right? Can't tell the difference. Just closer to the 805, I suppose.

Houston's a YOUNG city, so we realistically don't expect to be New York or London in many regards...but Houston does FORGE its own sense of style, blending new and old, something it definitely DOES MORE EFFECTIVELY than relatively stagnant San Diego. There's a charming downtown Chula Vista but the white people of San Diego metro don't really want to make it more lively than it could be. Here in Houston, at least 3rd Ward's Project Row puts out more culture and is RECOGNIZED as something valuable in visitor information...now why don't they recognize Chicano Park the same way out there?

And I'm not saying that Houston's the only 24 hour option...but compared to San Diego, it's a relief! It was always a challenge to find something open after midnight in San Diego aside from Hillcrest. Here there's 59 Diner on Shepherd or in Sugarland. 24 hours and damn good. Dot's Diner along the Gulf Freeway, open 24 hours. There's the local House of Pies restaurants, open 24 hours.

I didn't notice too many late night Asian options on Convoy or El Cajon the way they are in SPADES along Bellaire here in H-town (Cafe 101, Sinh Sinh, Fufu's Cafe, Jackie Tan, Confucius Seafood, Tan Tan...). There's Mai's in Midtown Houston, open til 2 or 3 am. There's Huddle House on Richmond Ave open 24 hours. There's My Teahouse with good beverages and rice plates, open until 3 am on Westheimer. The Montrose aforementioned places. San Diego in that general regard is not as copious as Houston. We may not have La Jolla heights but we sure have more dining options out here.

Well, you say there are no outdoor places to eat, no sidewalks in Rice Village and try to proffer that it's something of a waste of time to go there? That's interesting.

Rice Village:











The fact is that Houston is not a tourist trap like over-rated San Diego. But I don't mind the laid-back pedestrian pace...but as long as there's a deli here or nice coffee house there in The Heights...I'll take that over the silly and cheesy and FAUX "Little Italy" or Gas Lamp.







And no, the Heights does NOT have this angle and street scape like the Montrose.



Well, Kemah actually is not my sort of place...but that layout, its overall character in the Lighthouse District are way, way more interesting than Coronado or Seaport Village. Sorry. Here's one instance where a Houston attraction actually outcheeses a San Diego type one in a grand way.











And Houston is getting a LOT more effective juxtaposing old with new, differning visual environments. The oddball variety here is really not something you notice in San Diego where areas such as Coronado try to mimic, ahem, Beverly Hills or Uptown Hillcrest tries to ape West Hollywood, Pacific Beach tries to be Melrose...just that same repetitive theme in SoCal.

Old Town Spring:








And just a few miles north on I-45 there's the booming Woodlands for the nouveaux. In Houston, cool things replete with lush green beauty can exist some 70 miles from the Gulf Coast, 27 miles north of downtown H-town:

















Let's see, you say there's no such semblance of "sidewalks" or "urbanity" to be found in Houston, Tejas, from downtown to the Montrose to the Heights to Sugarland? That's funny:







And you're saying there's nothing in Houston Pavilions? Well, the place has only been open for business a mere several months...and in this economy. But what is open at least complements the rest of downtown.



























For a city of sprawl...Houston does have its cool urban spaces and pedestrian areas. Not all of us want to be in a highly dense San Francisco environment.

People walking is supposed to convey "urban?" Ha! I lived in J Street in the Gas Lamp for 3 months. And I lived in Sharpstown in Houston also. And I can certainly tell you that there's more of a REAL "urban" vibe and pulse when I see people walking their babies, carrying their tacos, walking to the bus and trekking to the store along Gessner/Ranchester than anything I felt in the Gas Lamp or Pacific Beach or Uptown/Hillcrest. Just wannabes, pasty tourists and military frat boys out looking for trouble. Heck, even Imperial Beach has more "urban" vibe than San Diego's tourist traps.

And yet, there's some bungalow eats like Blue Fish and Victorian coffee houses like Byzantio in the Montrose that I NEVER seemed to find in San Diego. Converted former housing can really add to the character of a cafe.

It doesn't take a Mike Davis type to see what San Diego really is underneath that sunshine veneer. It is SO disdainful of the Latino culture...whereas Latinos seem to be more socially viable here in Houston, in comparison. I can see the social divide in San Diego which is not as bad here in H-town.

So what does San Diego really make the more informed think? Let's see, city pension scandals involving Dickie mayors, cultural repression against Latinos, overpriced values...while Houston is known for upward mobility, a well-regarded arts scene, well-regarded restaurant scene...and it's no wonder why Houston was ranked no. 2 in terms of recent population growth! This is more substantial than taking pride in being some tourist trap city.

Who cares about brochure parts that are so fake and cheesy like "Old Town San Diego" or "Little Italy"...I'll take the GENUINE vibe and energy at the colorful STRIP CENTER here on Fountainview/Westheimer. Great al fresco cafes but REAL energy, people walking about to the various ones, a lady telling stories to kids sitting on the (oops!) sidewalk...watching cars whiz by under the great Texas night sky...

[blakazdog]

Originally Posted by sdurbanite

What pedestrian districts? Rice Village is it and it ain't pretty. And please don't even mention Uptown Park, which is another faux-urban lifestyle center you can find anywhere. Montrose - nope. 19th St. - again one side of one block. Midtown is another faux development. There just isn't anything urban about Houston, but then again, if there few sidewalks in the city, where are people able to walk?
Let's look at Rice Village again and tell me why it's so charming? It's hideous! No sidewalks, no open areas for outdoor seating, run down...I could go on and on.

i'm stayin away from HousTown !

no sidewalks, yikes !

it be lookin fugly !

i'll take SanDieaygo or Arizona anyday.