Moving from NY to Houston (Kirby, Hudson: apartment complexes, townhomes, job outlook)

[bigemilo2387]

Hi everyone, I am so happy to have found this site. I think the info I found here has helped me much more than any other site.

I am born and raised in NY and currently working here (well in CT to be specific). I will be getting married soon and will be relocating to Houston which is where my future wife is from. One of the deals I have made with her is that I want to live in a city atmosphere since I never got a chance to live in New York City (I grew up in a suburb a stones throw away).

I know comparing Houston and NYC is not realistic, but I was hoping to get some ideas on some places to live (apartment wise) that can give me the city life. I want a place that I can easily walk to parks, restaurants, and bars. Not sure where to be looking for apartments. Any neighborhoods I should be looking out for? Or any that I should avoid?

Also, how is the outlook for IT jobs? I am a project manager with a few years experience. I have some connects in the area, but looking for people's perspectives on how it is in that area or any companies people would suggest.


Thanks in advance for all the help.

[MikeyAusmus]

If you are looking for urban living in Houston, I would suggest downtown and midtown. Both areas offer excellent urban style living with close access to restaurants, bars, shops, parks and most importantly major sports! All of our major sports teams play in downtown (close to midtown) except for the Texans which play at Reliant Stadium (just a short ride down the red line from downtown and midtown). Discovery Green is a nice large park in downtown Houston and Sam Houston park is on the other side of downtown. Not only will you love the downtown and midtown areas, the cost of living here in Houston in significantly lower than the NYC metro area.

[MIBS98]

Houston isn't really an urban city, which is one of the reasons why people like living here. Even the main residential areas of the city feel quite suburban when compared to an NYC, Chicago, etc. As the guy above said, your best bet is downtown and midtown.

[bluelion_ms3]

not very many bars downtown, so i would second the midtown suggestion....and maybe even look into the washington ave area...plenty of townhomes around there with plenty of bars/restaurants and memorial park not too far away...

[Beto]

Midtown, Montrose, Washington Ave are several areas you may want to look into.

[bigemilo2387]

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions. I will be looking into the Midtown area. Anyone know any good apartment buildings I should be looking out for? I am looking for a 2 bedroom (second will be used as a guest room/office).

Also, what's everyone's take on the IT job outlook in Houston? Looking through linkedin, there seems to be a good amount of jobs available. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[d2mini]

FYI, I'm from NY and it won't be NEARLY the same as living in Manhattan if that's what you are after.
Downtown houston is pretty much a ghost town after 5pm, except for the restaurants and bars. Even weekends aren't very busy unless there is some kind of festival going on. Other than eating and drinking there's not that much to do. Unless you have tix for a show or something. And Houston is very sprawled so you will most likely still need a car. There is no subway, just busses or call a cab. Like suggested, Midtown would be your best bet and it will be probably most similar to living in a really quiet part of soho. Without the cool factor. I love NYC (born and raised in westchester) but Houston is super boring in comparison. I live outside the loop and work in Montrose and the occasional drive in to downtown on the weekends is plenty.

[bigemilo2387]

Thanks d2mini. I definitely understand that houston is no nyc. just trying to make the best out of it and trying to get somewhat of a "city" life.

by the way, i was born in west chester too. i grew up in rockland. small world.

[d2mini]

Cool, just wanted to make sure you had an idea of what it was like in comparison.

I was just the other side of the Hudson in Pleasantville. Go Panthers.

[aka tex]

My wife and I live in Upper Kirby and really like the location. There are a lot of nice apartment complexes depending on your budget. We like that it's not as crazy as Midtown/Washington, but there are still a good number of restaurants, shops, etc. in walking distance. And, a few bars have opened up on Kirby in recent months.