moving to houston- where to live (Austin, Kirby: middle-class, safe area, college)

[TheCatMan]

hello all- I am a 39 yr old college-educated divorced male (caucasian, for whatever that's worth) and am contemplating a move to houston.

I would like to get some opinions as to where I might want to live.

what areas are recommended for middle-class people. obviously, like everyone else, I am looking for affordable housing that is decent and clean in a safe area.

also- being born and raised in nj, am I likely to encounter any type of "cold shoulder" treatment in houston?

would austin perhaps be a better choice for me?

all comments appreciated. thanks.

[modster]

Just a reminder, nobody is from here! Native Houstonians are a rare breed. Most people are from someplace else, whether it is another country, or another state like California, Louisiana, yes even New Jersey.

[crbcrbrgv]

Austin is not a better choice for someone your age. I am just a bit younger than you and am not single. If I were single, I would most definitely choose Houston over Austin. Austin gets old fast once one leaves their 20's. With that said, I would choose anywhere in Houston within the loop (the geographical area inside of Interstate 610). I would say north of 59 is better than south as south is more family oriented. Upper Kirby, Rice Military, Montrose or Midtown is where I would live if I were in your situation. As for you being Caucasian, nobody really cares. I'd say races and cultures get along together better than almost any other city in the country. As for you being from New Jersey, nobody will really care. If anything, guys will poke fun at your accent (if you have one) a little and the ladies will like it.

[Poltracker]

Originally Posted by modster

Native Houstonians are a rare breed.

I resemble that statement! Though I have lived in several different places, I find it ironic that I ended up working less than two miles from the hospital I was born in.

Anyway Catman, it would help us to advise you if we had an idea what area you will be working in and what type of interests/ammenities you preferred. Houston is a big city and has many areas that might appeal to you but nothing will appeal if your commute is a bear. As far as acceptance into the community, that is generally not a problem. I don't know what kind of pre-conceived notions folks up north have (well I have some idea based on my long Island relatives), but Houston is generally a pretty diverse and accepting city as long as you are not a criminal and you pull your own weight so to speak.

[TFW46]

I am a 39 yr old college-educated divorced male

What does your education have to do with the price of beans in Houston?