Getting ready to move from California (Houston, Austin: safest area, schools, live in)

[jghall00]

I moved back to Texas six months ago after spending seven years in CA, split between San Diego and Fresno. I'm from NYC and lived in TX for eleven years prior to moving to CA. So now you have some background on my perspective.

If you're moving from any area near the CA coast, the weather in Houston is an (unwelcome) adjustment. so too is the topography: it's flat and scene-less here. Austin will have to be your stand-in for scenery.

That's pretty much where the negatives end. You get so much more home for your money here, that it leaves you with money to do other things. Like travel. Or enjoy sporting events, shows, etc.

In our six months here, we've already purchased tickets to the Children's museum, the Science Museum, and the Houston Zoo. All for under $400. Legoland and Seaworld each ran that much, alone. The beach isn't as nice, but I can't say I felt like I sacrificed leaving the beaches in San Diego behind.

There people here are much nicer. In San Diego, there was a glaring lack of diversity, and SoCal in general feels like a constant game of one-upmanship. Fresno was very insular, and it was hard to make friends since everyone is there because they have family there.

It's easier to get kids into decent schools in Houston: the price of admission to a good neighborhood school isn't nearly as high.

The only downside for me has been the lack of family. If you have family here, you're pretty much all set. I wouldn't compare Houston with any city in CA. After moving around so much, I've decided that best way to stay happy is to focus on the best your current location has to offer.

[testmo]

To sum everything up : it's cheap. if you dont have a lot of money you can live like a king here and move to the burbs

affluent in Houston is middle class in CA

[usc619]

Originally Posted by jek74

These types of posts always come across as trolling. Why? Because it's hard to believe anyone is that stupid to not research the area where they are going to move their entire life. I mean, I spend months just investigating which gym I'm going to join. Before I moved to Houston I knew more about the area then most people who lived here. How can you not know what Houston is like before you moved here? I just can't wrap my head around this.

You out of all people have the nerves to say someone is trolling is hilarious lol, and just because someone doesn't hang on the City-Data forums every freaking day don't mean they're not researching the city.

I don't know what rock you're crawling out of every morning, but to say "Houston is one of the safest large cities in the country" is a joke. Houston has high crime plain and simple, anyone who lives here and says otherwise is full of $hit period! Is Houston worse than other major cities? Who knows, but I wouldn't rely on some skewed stats to convince me one way or another.

I don't know what your motive is and I really don't care, but I don't see any reason why you must always come on hear and put down anyone that sees Houston a negative light.

[usc619]

Originally Posted by encorele

My wife and I, along with our 8 months old son, is getting ready to move to Sugar Land area in 2 weeks. Our primary reason is to be close to my family (away from her), and the cost of living. I don't see myself buying a dump for $400,000K in California. Having said that, we are both excited and nervous and just want to hear opinion of those who previously move from California to Texas. Did you regret or loved it? What are some of the biggest obstacles/shocks you encountered?

If you move here w/o expectations you will be OK, but if you're looking for a cheap California fix.....you'll be disappointed. It took me awhile to appreciate the many great things Houston has to offer and I'm glad we made the move. The Key is getting over California and focusing on your new "hometown".

BTW; Sugarland is a great choice

[Katy4life]

Originally Posted by encorele

My wife and I, along with our 8 months old son, is getting ready to move to Sugar Land area in 2 weeks. Our primary reason is to be close to my family (away from her), and the cost of living. I don't see myself buying a dump for $400,000K in California. Having said that, we are both excited and nervous and just want to hear opinion of those who previously move from California to Texas. Did you regret or loved it? What are some of the biggest obstacles/shocks you encountered?

If you come, just remember to vote Republican. Look to CA for the prime example of what happens when you don't!

[jek74]

Originally Posted by usc619

You out of all people have the nerves to say someone is trolling is hilarious lol, and just because someone doesn't hang on the City-Data forums every freaking day don't mean they're not researching the city.

I don't know what rock you're crawling out of every morning, but to say "Houston is one of the safest large cities in the country" is a joke. Houston has high crime plain and simple, anyone who lives here and says otherwise is full of $hit period! Is Houston worse than other major cities? Who knows, but I wouldn't rely on some skewed stats to convince me one way or another.

I don't know what your motive is and I really don't care, but I don't see any reason why you must always come on hear and put down anyone that sees Houston a negative light.

Houston is one of the safest large cities in the country and get a better football team. USC sucks!

[philopower]

The suburbs are definitely the worst part of Houston IMO. Schools are over rated and the city has more options for your budget. If you decide to move, make sure you live close to where your work. Many keep complaining about traffic on these forums when they live 20+ miles from work. Imagine sitting in bumper to traffic surrounded by tens of thousands of cars with the oppressive 100+ degree heat in full force. Its miserable.

[encorele]

Originally Posted by usc619

If you move here w/o expectations you will be OK, but if you're looking for a cheap California fix.....you'll be disappointed. It took me awhile to appreciate the many great things Houston has to offer and I'm glad we made the move. The Key is getting over California and focusing on your new "hometown".

BTW; Sugarland is a great choice

Yes, since my family lives in Sugar Land, I am very familiar with the area. I like especially the downtown Sugarland area where you can stroll around, shop or get a cup of coffee.

[encorele]

Originally Posted by philopower

The suburbs are definitely the worst part of Houston IMO. Schools are over rated and the city has more options for your budget. If you decide to move, make sure you live close to where your work. Many keep complaining about traffic on these forums when they live 20+ miles from work. Imagine sitting in bumper to traffic surrounded by tens of thousands of cars with the oppressive 100+ degree heat in full force. Its miserable.

I am commuting 40 miles each way now each day for the last 5 yrs so 20 miles is not bad at all...:-)

[jimmyev]

Originally Posted by CAtransplant

City is a big concrete unplanned conglomeration of unzoned and unattractive buildings ( church next to porn shop next to child care center next to car repair shop).

Where, pray tell, is this church next to a porn shop? I've seen it in zoned cities, like Pittsburgh, but I've never found this elusive but much-talked-about combination in Houston.