Houston compared to Austin (Atlanta, Aurora: teaching jobs, neighborhoods, theater)

[wiley9]

Hi all. I have only lived in Austin for 9 months, but am considering a move to Houston because there are so many more teaching jobs available. There are things I love about Austin, and some I could do without. Just wondering how Houston compares. I know it's a lot bigger, so there are probably a lot more things to do.

Things I like in Austin:
The lakes, river and greenbelts, especially for walking my dog
Hill country
A vibrant film and theater scene
All the festivals and free things to do in the spring and summer
It's liberal
The funky coffee shops

Not so much:
All the college students (I am single and 40)
The too-cool hipster attitude many people have
I don't care either way about the music scene
Hard to meet friends and date if you're over 30
Wish there were more eclectic shopping neighborhoods

Any thoughts you can offer would be appreciated. I am going to visit Houston in the coming weeks, but it helps so much to get an insider's point of view. In my free time I like to do film and theater projects, so I'd love to hear more about the film scene in Houston.

Thanks!
Renee

[HoustonRonnie]

There is no comparison. You'll hate Houston until it grows on you. Some liken it to mold.

Just sayin'...

Ronnie

[wiley9]

Lol, why is that? Can you be more specific?

[houston-nomad]

Here goes:

The lakes, river and greenbelts, especially for walking my dog
Nature is sadly lacking in Houston. There are lots of parks though.

A vibrant film and theater scene
I'd say we have this. Maybe for theater more than film, but there's the MFAH, Aurora, and Angelika for films.

All the festivals and free things to do in the spring and summer
Plenty of fun festivals etc. here

It's liberal
Not so much. But stay inside or just outside the loop and you're sure to meet plenty of like-minded people.

The funky coffee shops
Montrose, Heights have some good ones.

I love Houston. Lots of people do. Check out the fun neighborhoods, like Heights, Montrose, Washington Ave, and places like Discovery Green, Museum District, Hermann Park, and you'll see the best that Houston has to offer.

[theSUBlime]

Originally Posted by wiley9

Lol, why is that? Can you be more specific?

It's a really large city, both population-wise and area-wise. Given the fact that it's so large and has poor public transportation/infrastructure, I've lived there pretty much my whole life and am always surprised by some of the things I've found. Some people prefer to have everything laid out for them. When you go to Austin, most people KNOW what to do--Hill Country, 6th Street, The Drag etc., it's not a knock at Austin, but Houston takes a little more work to get to know, at least based on popular culture. Some people like that some people don't. It's an acquired taste, because Houston is not exactly a popular media icon, so people come with odd expectations of Houston (and Austin).

[HoustonRonnie]

Originally Posted by wiley9

Lol, why is that? Can you be more specific?

See what Houston_nomad said. I couldn't have said it better. Oh, there is ONE thing that's the same - you can't get away from insufferable tea-sips in Houston.

Just sayin'...

Ronnie

[wiley9]

Thanks for the feedback so far. I have lived in Atlanta and L.A. so being in a big city works for me, as much as I hate the traffic.

I forgot to mention...Austin doesn't have enough non-denominational churches to choose from. Perhaps it's that way everywhere in Texas. But I do wish there were more options.

[HoustonRonnie]

Originally Posted by wiley9

Thanks for the feedback so far. I have lived in Atlanta and L.A. so being in a big city works for me, as much as I hate the traffic.

I forgot to mention...Austin doesn't have enough non-denominational churches to choose from. Perhaps it's that way everywhere in Texas. But I do wish there were more options.

The best non-denominational church in all of Houston is "Your Back Yard Stokin' A BBQ Smoker And Sippin' A Beer".

Just sayin'...

Ronnie

[Kenpar]

Originally Posted by HoustonRonnie

The best non-denominational church in all of Houston is "Your Back Yard Stokin' A BBQ Smoker And Sippin' A Beer".

Just sayin'...

Ronnie

Ditto, +1, High Five

[EasilyAmused]

Originally Posted by HoustonRonnie

The best non-denominational church in all of Houston is "Your Back Yard Stokin' A BBQ Smoker And Sippin' A Beer".

Just sayin'...

Ronnie

NO joke. 'Cept I'm gonna trade the beer for wine.