Moving from Philly to Houston

[WRM20]

Originally Posted by Waffleton

I lived in Philly suburbs (Delaware County) for the better part of my childhood.

Houston suburbs are different from Philly suburbs. Sugar Land, Katy, and Pearland are all suburbs, but noticeably denser, closer, and more direct to get to "Houston" than a Philly suburb would be.

Houston suburbs (at least the three I named) are likely more diverse than the inner loop of Houston. This, I'd argue, is the opposite in Philly (i.e. Philly suburbs are less diverse than city proper).

A lot of things to do are outside of downtown Houston anyways, so even if you lived in Meyerland, for example, you'll still need to drive most everywhere (and sit in the awful 610 traffic like the rest of us).

An important consideration for you is where your job will be.

From Meyerland, there are all sorts of ways to get to other parts of town that do not require getting on a freeway. Too many folks seem to think the freeways are the only way to get somewhere. Which is why I tend to not use the freeways, and still get to my destination just as fast.

[Ghost Town]

Originally Posted by TallGreengrass

Have you visited Houston before? How familiar are you with it? I would suggest renting before buying so you can really get to know the different areas of Houston and find your spot.

If you are talking about long term renting for a year or so, that's not a best advice since 2020.
Waiting for a market crash makes sense though... but what if it never happens? Short term renting is still reasonable

[Waffleton]

Originally Posted by WRM20

From Meyerland, there are all sorts of ways to get to other parts of town that do not require getting on a freeway. Too many folks seem to think the freeways are the only way to get somewhere. Which is why I tend to not use the freeways, and still get to my destination just as fast.

How would you go from Chimney Rock and Beechnut to Heights, EaDo, Spring Branch, or any other area north of 59 during rush hour? The side streets all back up as much, except like Westheimer and Bellaire.

[WRM20]

Originally Posted by Waffleton

How would you go from Chimney Rock and Beechnut to Heights, EaDo, Spring Branch, or any other area north of 59 during rush hour? The side streets all back up as much, except like Westheimer and Bellaire.

Straight North on Chimney Rock to Memorial, or to I-10. Memorial inbound to inside 610 is decent in the evenings, as is Woodway. You can go up to Westview and East to Post Oak, up to Hempstead, then pick a street to go East. I just try to avoid 610 and 59 in general.

[houston-nomad]

Renting a house in this neighborhood (Westbury/Maplewood South/Willowbend) for a year is a great idea. My prediction is that you will love it and decide to buy, but will be able to do so with some particulars about neighborhood, traffic, flooding etc. in mind that you might not know if buying from afar.

Prices in the 77035/77096 have been stable, there is no bubble and I would not make any decisions about buying versus waiting a year with a "housing bubble" or "crash" in your mind. That is not a thing here, it will not be a thing here.

FYI, I lived in West Philly for a while, lived in NYC, DC, other places in the northeast. I've lived in Houston for about 20 years now. I love this neighborhood. I wish it had more restaurants/retail immediately in the neighborhood, but we're so close to the Galleria, Bellaire, Montrose, etc. it doesn't really matter.

[As Above So Below...]

Originally Posted by houston-nomad

Renting a house in this neighborhood (Westbury/Maplewood South/Willowbend) for a year is a great idea. My prediction is that you will love it and decide to buy, but will be able to do so with some particulars about neighborhood, traffic, flooding etc. in mind that you might not know if buying from afar.

Prices in the 77035/77096 have been stable, there is no bubble and I would not make any decisions about buying versus waiting a year with a "housing bubble" or "crash" in your mind. That is not a thing here, it will not be a thing here.

FYI, I lived in West Philly for a while, lived in NYC, DC, other places in the northeast. I've lived in Houston for about 20 years now. I love this neighborhood. I wish it had more restaurants/retail immediately in the neighborhood, but we're so close to the Galleria, Bellaire, Montrose, etc. it doesn't really matter.

Yup. I live in Willow Bend and its a great area to live. The people are amazing, its close to everything, the houses are unique, and its very reasonably priced. Its also quite liberal which is a plus for me. I wish it was closer to IAH because I fly so often, but that's really my only complaint.

[PhillyBeach]

I appreciate all the advice! Actually just planned a trip down around 4th of July and going to get a feel for all places suggested