New life in Houston or Dallas...can't decide (San Antonio, Austin: apartments, rent)

[MrMcCoySays]

I'm a single male who's lived in central Texas for too long and wants to make that transition to life in a big city. I've lived in the San Antonio area but that hardly counts as a major city to me. I'm ready for more opportunities and a fuller lifestyle with an endless amount of things to get into.

The problem is I can't decide what city is a better fit for me. Atlanta is also an option (I'm saving that for their forum), but I'd much rather stay in Texas if I could. And I told myself that wherever the most money was is where I'll go, but I don't think the decision is that simple.

Of the two, Houston honestly seems like the more exciting city and a better fit for myself but I've heard too many bad things to be completely comfortable moving down there without more information about the bugs, the heat (I work outside), the ugliness, etc. Some have told me great things about Dallas, but I've also heard that it's bland. And considering the fact that it's smaller than Houston, I would assume there's less to do.

I've driven thru both countless numbers of times, but never got a real feel for either city. Which is why I need your help in choosing Houston over Dallas or vice versa. I'm hoping you all can assist me with this.

Here are some other questions to go by:

1. Which city usually has the cheaper rent for apartments
2. Which has the worse traffic
3. Shorter commute times
4. Better for jobs (especially during our nation's recent economic crisis)
5. Which city has the better black social scene
6. Which has the better music scene

Sorry if my post seems a little choppy or incomplete, but I'm typing this as it comes to head.

I'll be more than happy to provide you with any other information you may need.

[MrMcCoySays]

I should also add that if I move to Houston I intend to live in the Bush airport area.

[RVD26]

I think Houston would be better for you over Atlanta.
I had to make a similar decision a few years ago when I moved from North Carolina.
It was either Atlanta or Houston.
I chose Houston because of the better job market and because I was already familiar with the area.
From what I hear Atlanta has become saturated with everybody and their grandma flocking down there thinking they're gonna make it big like the people they see in the media.
I also think the social scene in Atlanta is highly overrated and has seen its best days behind it.
The traffic is actually WORSE in Atlanta.
The music scene (R&B, hip-hop) in Atlanta might be more mainstream than Houston, but I don't thin its necessarily any better.

[MrMcCoySays]

Originally Posted by RVD26

I think Houston would be better for you over Atlanta.
I had to make a similar decision a few years ago when I moved from North Carolina.
It was either Atlanta or Houston.
I chose Houston because of the better job market and because I was already familiar with the area.
From what I hear Atlanta has become saturated with everybody and their grandma flocking down there thinking they're gonna make it big like the people they see in the media.
I also think the social scene in Atlanta is highly overrated and has seen its best days behind it.
The traffic is actually WORSE in Atlanta.
The music scene (R&B, hip-hop) in Atlanta might be more mainstream than Houston, but I don't thin its necessarily any better.

It's just that I've heard too much bad about Houston and hardly any bad about Atlanta. There's also the issue that one is far more attractive than the other. Nature wise and weather wise.

[artsyguy]

I heard a lot of good about Austin but it was the most boring, trite, and overrated place I ever visited. The only thing that rules about the hill country are the state parks.

Originally Posted by MrMcCoySays

It's just that I've heard too much bad about Houston and hardly any bad about Atlanta. There's also the issue that one is far more attractive than the other. Nature wise and weather wise.

[bordertin]

Trust me, go to Dallas, be happy.

[MrMcCoySays]

Originally Posted by bordertin

Trust me, go to Dallas, be happy.

Thanks for the advice, but do you care to expand on that?

[SHELTONALAINA]

Thanks for writing good people im relocating from new orleans to houston. My sister lives in houstonand she has been there for 10 years now. Shes a nurse. Its busy and most of the people are rude but its the opportunities that are great. My sister pays about 700 for a 3 bedroom apartment. The streets are busy our 2 lanes roads here are no match for the hwys in houston. Its the most culturally diverse place iv ever been! There are alot of things do including white water rafting a little ways from houston. Shopping and dinning is great.

[SHELTONALAINA]

I had to give my perspective from a outsiders point of view. Houston is very fast moving to me in almost every aspect. If you are into work and no play plus great opportunities go to houston. If you are laid back and like to explore, are laid back and like outdoors go to dallas. The people are nicer too. Iv been talking with my sister and she says the last 10 years have been the biggest blurr it went by so fast because of the lifestyle. Granted she is a nurse so she works alot and my neice lives in daycare.

[MrMcCoySays]

Not trying to boost my thread, but I'm still desperately looking for any info I can receive. Please note any questions you have.