Thinking about moving south (Houston, Dallas: hotels, job outlook, school)

[skatensnow08]

I am a 21 year old college student and I will be graduating with my MBA in accounting a year from now. A friend of mine and I am from a small town near Grand Rapids, MI and would really like to move south to a bigger city for a while after school. It seems like a lot of fun and a good way to start my career. I haven't done a ton of research, so I am just looking for some ideas about where to start. The ideal place would be warm, have a good job outlook for accounting/finance, and have a very good nightlife scene. I have spent my whole life in a smaller city and would like to go out and live a little (and find some warmer weather than Michigan), any suggestions?

[doctorjef]

In Texas, I'd say Austin. I've lived many places in the state and Austin is THE place to be IMO. I spent 19 years there, not counting a previous period during university and for a year following. It has a great quality of life.

[TT Dave]

Based on your stated criteria, I would think that the 4 major metros in Texas should be the best spots for you (Dallas-Ft. Worth, Houston, Austin, or San Antonio). I'm not sure which of those metros would have the best accounting/finance career outlook, but all of them have plenty of nightlife activities to enjoy.

[bgrn198]

Austin

Austin Texas - Events, Austin Hotels & Attractions, Convention Information, Guides, and More - ACVB
GACC | The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce :: Austin, Texas

[Dionysus]

Your post really caught my attention as I was born and raised in Grand Rapids and moved to Houston 2 years ago for basically the same reasons you give for wanting to relocate.
Well, actually, I would have probably moved to LA if I had tons of money, but I had a friend already living in Houston (made things MUCH easier).
My expectations were rather low (you know all the Texas/Southern stereotypes), but I've really grown to love it here.
I can only speak for Houston — passed thru Dallas once and never been to Austin or San Antonio — but I think you'd like Houston. There's an active nightlife scene, great weather (give or take a few weeks), and it's close to the water (Gulf of Mexico).... oh, and Houston has palm trees (I had no idea before I moved here and was pleasantly surprised to see them, hehe)!
Not sure on which city would be optimal for your career, but I'm sure Houston is no slouch compared to the other major cities in Texas.

[Lakewooder]

Dallas is known to be the financial center but Houston also has a significant financial factor. Austin is overhyped and filled with too many UT grads trying to chase too few jobs.

BTW, try to refrain from referring to Texas as "The South". I know it's south of you, but Texas feels it is in a category all alone.

[Premont]

Since you're young and looking for nightlife, I'd go with Austin.

[skatensnow08]

Thanks for all of the help!

Within Texas I was thinking either Houston or Austin area. Houston seems to be quite a bit of a bigger city, better job potential, and closer to the ocean. However, I don't know much about Austin and being close to UT sounds like a good time!

[Canine*Castle]

Originally Posted by Lakewooder

Dallas is known to be the financial center but Houston also has a significant financial factor. Austin is overhyped and filled with too many UT grads trying to chase too few jobs.

BTW, try to refrain from referring to Texas as "The South". I know it's south of you, but Texas feels it is in a category all alone.

He didn't refer to Texas as "the South." He said moving south / move south.

[Texaslatina]

Originally Posted by skatensnow08

I am a 21 year old college student and I will be graduating with my MBA in accounting a year from now. A friend of mine and I am from a small town near Grand Rapids, MI and would really like to move south to a bigger city for a while after school. It seems like a lot of fun and a good way to start my career. I haven't done a ton of research, so I am just looking for some ideas about where to start. The ideal place would be warm, have a good job outlook for accounting/finance, and have a very good nightlife scene. I have spent my whole life in a smaller city and would like to go out and live a little (and find some warmer weather than Michigan), any suggestions?

Howdy,,,

Austin would be your best bet !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!