Texas the American version of UAE, Dubai? (Houston, Dallas: buying, bankrupt)

[radiolibre99]

The way the financial rags talk about Texas you'd think it were the United Arab Emirates by comparison. It's experiencing a boom largely impacted by energy. People are flocking in and rapid development is spawning in all the major cities.

But just what is the real news going on over there? My friend keeps telling me to dump LA and come back to Houston where it's booming. Another friend compared inner loop Houston to living in LA or NYC, it's changed that much. I keep reading how young professionals are swarming the place and the scene is lively. It's as though there's a go-go vibrant energy in Houston, Austin and Dallas.

If I had to go back I would start off in Houston. How would you guys say the scene is for young professionals?

[eastontracks]

ive never been to dubai to experience their boom but unless you specialize in that field of energy/gas, i dont think theres any reason to go back to houston. imo, having lived where youre at now for a year, and also traveling much of the southwest U.S. another year, the quality of life still lacks a bunch for me in houston. even a cushiony 70k gig in houston wouldnt keep me here long term. but... houston does have that big city urban feel going right now. its not LA or any west coast area because thats a different vibe. id say more eastern/north business oriented like nyc.

overall, the scene for young professionals is pretty positive, but again what are your priorities and interests? i feel there are many who make 50-75k who have that business/better than you swagger with their luxury car lol. kinda feels materialistic when i can go out to LA and see someone who looks like a bum at a grocery store and humbly get into his clk mercedes benz. if you like that big city, fast paced, big buildings, make money, buy shiny things, then houston is a fit. if you like a place where its not a rat race, outdoor stuff to do instead of things to buy, then houston prob shouldnt be at the top of the list.

[radiolibre99]

That's one of the downsides to Houston I hear from my friends that with all the growth and the boom that in the inner core the young professional life is also turning a bit douchey. Since there is a lack of outdoor life, the main attraction is to use your high salary to stretch it out as far as it can go in a city with a relatively low cost of living. That means buying the shiny car, the nice loft, the nice clothes and partying at the hot spots.

Yes, LA is way more boho chic than Houston but Houston is where its at right now and from what I hear its positives also bring a few downsides like the keeping up with the joneses.

[BobTex]

You seem way to boho chic for Texas or H-town. Stay put!



Jones

[radiolibre99]

Originally Posted by BobTex

You seem way to boho chic for Texas or H-town. Stay put!



Jones

I'm far from boho chic. I actually think its a bit silly. They may dress a bit more casual here but it's still stylish and an image driven look.

[Neo45]

Houston is more real than LA....LA is a joke and overrated blah

[Cowboys fan in Houston]

Dubai was bankrupt at one point. I don't think so.

[radiolibre99]

I just meant the immense growth of the city and how fast it developed. Not to mention the large professional class that emerged from it all and how it spurned development.

[RonnieinDallas]

Texas is Texas, and I wish people would just leave it at that. I don't understand why people stereotype all the time. We are not the UAE, or California. Our economy is not all energy based either. I only know a handful of people who work in energy. Plus, our population is nearly triple the size of the UAE, our GDP is more than triple the size of the UAE's, and we don't have the nutty religious laws here either (well not as bad).

The UAE is a backwards country with a horrible human rights record, and they will NEVER be as good as us as long as they stay that way.

[Cowboys fan in Houston]

Originally Posted by radiolibre99

I just meant the immense growth of the city and how fast it developed. Not to mention the large professional class that emerged from it all and how it spurned development.

Don't forget the slave labor that made it possible.