Where's my perfect fit in Texas? (Houston, Dallas: homes, high school, college)

[Do a Barrel Roll]

Here's my situation. I'm approaching my senior year in college, and for one, I am tired as hell being stuck in a anti-progressive-yet-liberal state infested with rude, cutthroat, arrogant, materialistic, snobbish nouveau riche, anti Christian (despite claiming to be part of a "Christian Denomination"), covert racist, Northeast Yankees. And as far as what I've heard about the major cities in Texas, they don't seem too bad on paper. But here's what I'm looking for in a city:

-Lots of young people in their early twenties and are looking to meet new people (and not just stick to high school or college cliques)
-Laid-back and welcoming attitudes and atmosphere when it comes to the residents
-Welcomed integration of educated, non-stereotypical blacks into the majority
-A good and growing economy that's expected to (at least steadily) increase in the foreseeable future
-A socially progressive area (despite if they're Democrats or Republicans). In the 21 years I've been here, I've learned that all Democrats aren't open-minded and all Republicans aren't close-minded.

I would put a weather and traffic as concerns, but from the things I've faced, as long as I can find a place where I can establish a good social life and increase my quality of living, I can deal with the traffic and humidity. I know things about Dallas, Houston, and Austin to make them the top three considerations, but notify me if there is something I need to know before I consider these cities as future homes or if there are other cities that would be good fits for me.

[caendaniels]

My initial thought to your post is that you described Austin... the other two, not so much.

[love roses]

I disagree. My first thought was Houston, my 2nd, Austin. But in reality all 3 could fit well. Houston and Dallas are much bigger in size and more diverse than Austin is. Not that Austin doesn't have any racial diversity, but I think it ties into the sizes of the cities.

From what you post, my order of choice would be Houston, Austin, and then Dallas.

[wade_word]

Welcome to Texas, anyway, but if you're trying to find something perfect, good luck with all that!

[caendaniels]

Based on the criteria given, I will stand with Austin. I can not believe there are more open minded people, that accept people for who they are, in Houston vs Austin. Even given the population difference. Austins populace is unique in that way. It also attracts like minded individuals.

We do agree that Dallas would rank as the third choice.

[Muhnay]

Yeah Austin, but they are CLIQUES like in Austin. I would also suggest Galveston.

[TexasHorseLady]

I agree with caendaniels. You pretty much described Austin.

[char65]

Having grew up in Houston, I think it would fit your criteria, followed closely by Austin. My husband, who have spent a decent amount of time in Houston and who lived in Austin for a few years, suggest Austin, followed closely by Houston. We both agree that Dallas lags behind by a big distance at third.

Both of our perspectives are those of non-stereotypical, educated blacks who are currently living in the Dallas area.

[Premont]

I would say Houston.

[love roses]

Austin, even as liberal or libertarian as it is, still has the East vs. West of 35 thing still going on. If you want the most diversity in Austin, you will find that more so East of 35 than west. This is why I say Houston first before Austin. Houston isn't quite divvied up that neatly.