I want to move to Texas! Which city/neighborhood is suitable for me? (Houston: HOA fees, condos)

[TorontoExpat]

First... I hate cars! I hate cars! I hate cars! So I figure Houston is automatically thrown out.

I like vibrant urban areas with excellent mass transit. I'm young, and I love the nightlife venues so any city would have to have a '24-hour downtown.' Basically what I'm asking is the closes thing in Texas to NYC or Chicago?

I also hate grass. So I would be looking for a high density neighborhood. I'm done with condos though. I would much rather prefer a town house not part of a HOA, or at least ones that are nonchalant. Let's face it, the fees HOA charge are BS! My ideal neighborhood would be a mixed-use community with everything within walking distance and on a transit line so I can get to work.

If I love Chicago and New York so much why don't I move there you say?? Well, the taxes are insane!! I hate taxes, especially when the amount paid does not equate to better service. Why do you think I left Toronto? Amazing city but the people are unequivocally delusional when it comes to taxes. Some enjoy paying it as it's their civic duty. At least in Chicago or New York people hate paying tax, not Toronto though for some reason.

Just joking about Houston. Although it has an excessive amount of interstate lanes which I despise, it actually has some nice neighborhoods which fit my description. I'm unaware of any mass transit so it still may not be suitable for my needs.

[Cathy4017]

Given what you have described, I'd say that Texas as a whole wouldn't suit you at all. That's not very helpful, I know, but Houston or even Dallas would probably be the closest you're going to come. But neither city has the "excellent mass transit" you're seeking.

[EasilyAmused]

Houston is the most metropolitan/cosmopolitan city in Texas, but it is carcentric.
I agree, you aren't going to like Texas if you can't give up the NYC and Chicago is better stuff. We're getting mighty bored of that attitude. Texas is different, enjoy the nuiances or stay up north.

Also, HOA fees are going to high and maditory anywhere near downtown/midtown/upper kirby/rice village, which is as close as you can get to what you are discribing. Houston is very expensive to own property in if it's anywhere near the core. Property taxes are steep. "Cheap" is 20-40 miles out of town, or to the east.

Ps- The treeless/grassless, mixed use, no cars, mass transit, and open all night sounds like San Fran. You ought to check it out.

[Poltracker]

I agree wholeheartedly with EA on this. Texas is probably not for you.

[Houston3]

You don't like green grass and you want good mass transit.

New York sounds like the place for you...

[MoreCowbell]

I'm actually on this link because we're looking at moving to TX, so I'm no help there, but have you considered Atlanta GA? I agree that San Fran might also be your cup of tea but it is much more expensive out there, which is why ATL (as some call it) may suit you.

[EasilyAmused]

Atlanta is very green.

[TorontoExpat]

Originally Posted by EasilyAmused

Ps- The treeless/grassless, mixed use, no cars, mass transit, and open all night sounds like San Fran. You ought to check it out.

That place is hell on earth. Isn't that state on the verge of bankruptcy anyway?

[TorontoExpat]

Everyone says I'll hate Texas, but I feel in love with San Antonio when I was there. My only dislike was that it was auto-centric. Is this the case with all Texan cities?

To refine my grass comment. It's beautiful in parks and such, but I'm no gardener. I would prefer not to own a lawnmower.

[EasilyAmused]

Originally Posted by TorontoExpat

That place is hell on earth. Isn't that state on the verge of bankruptcy anyway?

hmm, we it fits your list of wants.

The south is very different. Mass transit, other than buses, is a new and incomplete concept at this point. People like the green and trees because it helps a little with cooling the houses in the near 100 degree summers.
Natives aren't big on masses of concrete and standing around sweating their bum off waiting for mass transit to arrive. Also, other than a few bars and clubs around Texas, the state pretty much rolls up the carpet at 10pm.
It's a differnet vibe down here and I hope it doesn't change, ever.