Help me get my family to understand: Moving from California to Houston. (transplants, rental)

[tillymonster]

We are most likely making the move from California to Houston and our family and friends are devastated and angry. If we stay in CA we will be collecting unemployment benefits, food stamps/welfare and personally, I don't see that being a very pleasant way to live. My DH could find a decent paying job in Houston pretty quickly (is in the midst of waiting for an offer now) while we are getting almost zero response or a big pay-cut if we stay in California. There are just so many positives in Houston. Much better cost of living, amazing rental prices, clean and safe neighborhoods to raise our kids. The cons? The weather. Or is this just hype? The distance from family. The pros outweigh the cons, for me.

Mine and my DHs family (some who have been to Houston but most who have not) are telling us how horrible it would be for us to move to Houston. The main argument is "Oh the weather is just terrible, you would be miserable!!!" and the fact that it is two states away. I'm so angry that people can't just be happy for us and tell us IMHO what they should say, "you do what you have to for your family". We have a 3yo with another baby on the way and the clock is ticking.

I guess they just don't understand how hard and miserable it can be in California unless you make a triple digit annual salary, which we don't. Not to mention the mounting debt we have from living unemployed.

Thoughts? Houston transplants-- please tell me your experiences!

[Mandres]

Don't plan to move without a job offer accepted and signed. The stories of Houston's "milk-and-honey" economy have been greatly exaggerated unless you have a specific skill set or industry contacts. Being unemployed is about 10x harder when you're doing it hundreds of miles away from your family and friends network.

[tillymonster]

I agree however... The only jobs in his industry we are finding are mostly in Houston and he's had a few calls but most don't want to deal with him until he's living there. It's difficult to find work in another state I've found. Even harder in your own state where the jobs just don't exist.

[mydogstinks]

I agree to wait until you have a job lined up but that is just common sense for anyone moving.

As for moving from CA to TX and getting negative opinions about it: don't listen. You have to do what is best for your family and I applaud your work ethic and desire to make a better life for you and your family. We are a native California family looking at Texas as a possible place to relocate as well. Even though the weather in TX may take some real getting used to, California just doesn't have much to offer besides weather anymore....and that is just not enough in our opinion.

When they complain, tell them they can just come visit, see how much you love it, and then move there themselves. Weather isn't everything.

[mydogstinks]

Originally Posted by tillymonster

I agree however... The only jobs in his industry we are finding are mostly in Houston and he's had a few calls but most don't want to deal with him until he's living there. It's difficult to find work in another state I've found. Even harder in your own state where the jobs just don't exist.

I can see that.

If you can afford to live for a few months while he looks for a job then moving prior to having a job lined up might be worth it.

[Bily Lovec]

how do you vote ?

we're kinda full of californians tired of their state coming here and bringing their politics w/them.

[txdemo]

Originally Posted by Bily Lovec

how do you vote ?

we're kinda full of californians tired of their state coming here and bringing their politics w/them.

Give it a rest. You lost.

[TexasVines]

what "industry" is he in

unless it is the energy industry then those jobs are probably a fantasy and you will not have any increase in standard of living especially with a move and another kid and it would be best to stay where you are

Originally Posted by txdemo

Give it a rest. You lost.

Texas as a state did not lose in state government, but the USA did lose overall for sure

[txdemo]

I'd also recommend landing a job before you move. I think it would be difficult to find a place to rent to you without a job. Good luck to you though!

[55degrees]

No sense in staying in California if you can't pay the bills IF he is able to get a job in Houston before moving here. If he could get a good job in California, there wouldn't be any point in leaving your family and friends.