Considering Relocating to Texas 2008 (Houston, Dallas: schools, colleges, living)

[destinyawaits]

Hey everyone, I need assistance with information. I'm in the process of finishing my undergrad degree in Michigan (my hometown). I've thought long and hard about this and have decided to pull up states and relocate to Texas. I'm in the process of researching various graduate schools for my Masters degree, however I need some 'step-by-step' pointers from those of you that have made the same serious decision to relocate. I don't know any variances in the cities in Texas so any information in that regard would be great! I'm already looking at grad schools in the Lonestar state so I've got that part covered, but any other information would be greatly appreciated.
Much respect to all of those striving to reposition yourself to greatness!!!

[houstoner]

What will your degree be in? What do you want to study in grad school? What type of lifestyle are you looking for?

[vseale]

Read the response to "NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, AND WEST TEXAS-whats the diff? ". It's a great summary of the various regions of Texas. Since you're still in grad school, the school's location will dictate where you live. You will have a huge advantage while in school in exploring Texas and being able to decide if this is where you want to live.

Recommended road trips (doesn't begin to scratch the surface, but it's a start) -
West Texas - anywhere, so you can experience a sunset. You can see to the horizon 360, so for about 1/2 hour each day you can experience day and time at the same time; the western sky is daytime with blue sky and the eastern sky is night with the stars shining.
East Texas - Tyler in the spring. The Texas Highway Dept (TXDot) publishes the Azalea Trail map. Wild flowers only bloom for a few weeks, so it's an annual event that everyone looks forward to. (NEVER pick wildflowers and if you do, DON'T do it in front of a native Texan. We treasure our wild flowers.) TXDot provides the locations of the best Bluebonnet sightings. Seeing a few hundred acres of Bluebonnets will make your heart sing.
Hill Country - I highly recommend checking out the Institute of Texan Cultures in San Antonio to get a glimmer of the cultural roots of this great State (yes, I'm native born!).
South Texas - The Valley in winter.
North Texas - if you're into NASCAR you know about the major events at the Texas Motor Speedway
Panhandle - Palo Duro Canyon
The Gulf - Padre, Mustang Islands
Big Bend - a state park bigger than New England
Big Thicket - a state park bigger than New England
First Monday - a flea market held the once a month just outside Canton on the weekend that precedes the first Monday of each month (almost as big as New England!)
All the major cities - each one has their own architecture, beauty and local attractions (ex: San Antonio - Trinity Park, Dallas - White Rock Lake, Ft Worth - Sundance Square, Houston - NASA, Austin - 6th Street)

Distances are measured in time (Dallas to Austin - 4 hours, Dallas to El Paso - infinity and beyond, okay maybe just 18 hours).

Weather watching is a hobby here and the major tv stations run specials every spring on what to expect and what to do. Weather Fronts can originate here, so at certain times of the year it can change literally in a few minutes. Get used to weather being unpredictable. Just because a cloud is dark, does not necessarily mean it will rain.

Remember, you are moving to a new culture. Cultures are shaped by weather, terrain and the people that settle in the area. Texas is not like Michigan. Take the time to read as much of the Texas board as you can. The old ones contain helpful information and details not covered in the newer ones. This is a place that generates strong opinions/emotions on just about every topic. If you find it's a good fit, you will have a great adventure living here. If it's not, you will know that you tried and can make an informed decision on where you want to live.

Good luck in school!

[NOTAM]

Excellent Post Vseale!!!!!!!!!!!!

[vseale]

Thanks BelleStar. I really had to edit my reply not to overwhelm him. By the way, DestinyAwaits, if you'll answer Houstoner's questions we can help point you to more specific locations to check out. Let us know how we can help.

[Diamond Dee]

I'm a country boy from west texas and I would recommend San Angelo to Amarillo area for you.theirs some fine colleges out their like Angelo State.texas tech and west texas state and Wayland Baptist.

[Sherry_Homes]

Try Texas A&M !

[betsy2007]

I am also moving from Michigan to Texas, San Antonio to be exact. I am tired of the long gloomy winters here, and am ready to try somewhere new. I have a friend that lives there, so here I go! I figure if I don't like it, at least I tried. I'm going to enjoy the summer here in MI, and then head down to SA early fall. Life's too short, so give it a try. Good Luck!!!

[FarNorthDallas]

Find the best grad school in Texas for whatever it is you are going for and then move there.