Best city I've lived in
-
7/7/2017
I was born and raised in Houston, lived in Denver, Colorado for 3 years, Austin, Texas for 8 years and now, San Diego, California for 2 years and I can't wait to get back to Houston! - I will be choosing it as my home again, and raising my son there when we move back, next year. Here is why I prefer it over everywhere else I have ever lived. It is a real city with a ton of variety, opportunities, authenticity, and a primarily honest, kind, and genuine population. It is a huge city, but, Houstonians remain community oriented and connected, in spite of this fact.
Houston has something significant, a big edge, culturally and artistically over the smaller cities I have lived. Most lacking in true culture (museums, sports, variety of things to do) was Austin, next San Diego - we have the beaches and hiking and major attractions, but somehow the culture here simply does not feel authentic - the city feels fabricated and sterile. I learned that most of San Diego's historic architecture was torn down many years ago, and the atmosphere is very transient and foreign. I found the most culture and entertainment options to be in Denver, but Houston is a truly rich city as far as arts and culture are concerned, with the most seats in the United States, in it's massive arts district, right behind New York, and, a beautiful and impressive museum district.
Food! Houston has an amazing restaurant scene and grocery stores, (Central Market and HEB are incredible and can't be found in other states). Both the quality and cost of food is highly superior to both Denver and San Diego especially! Austin also had a great foodie scene, but, can't compare to Houston's which is world class, in my opinion.
Houston is a mix of many ethnic backgrounds and economic diversity, which makes it a beautiful and interesting large city in which to live. I have never seen it, but, I have read that Houston has one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the US, but, especially compared to Chicago, I think that Houston is safe. Use caution in Houston, as you would in any big city. I grew up in Houston, lived in a gorgeous home shared with roommates in the historic 3rd ward in my early 20's, worked in and walked in downtown at night before it was built up like it is now and never had an issue, always felt safe.
The cost of living in Houston, is phenomenal compared to most parts of the country! - Houston offers an incredible quality of life...it's a Find. I hate paying 3500.00 a month to rent my townhouse in La Jolla, California. The beaches really are beautiful, but, there's a constant stress here among residents because of the housing crisis, and the unaffordable cost of living. Only 11% of San Diegans can afford to buy a home! Just imagine what this does to the culture? San Diego, for being so beautiful is a truly terrible and oppressive place to live...if it costs you your peace, it's too expensive. I love Houston because the American Dream is alive and well, not just for the ultra-rich, but, for everyone.
Houston has great healthcare, doctors, MD Anderson, and some of the top specialists in the world.
Galveston is 45 minutes from Houston, and is wonderful place to explore nature and history. You can't experience as much turn of the century Victorian architecture, anywhere else, except for, New Orleans, another very culturally rich city I can't wait to live close to again - a road trip away from Houston!
Want Blue water, - well you can also get in your car and drive to Destin, Florida, or, there are many cruises that are SO affordable (especially compared to the cruises we have taken out of LA)! and offer such incredible vacations that depart year round, daily, from Galveston!
I love IAH airport - you can take a direct flight too - Anywhere internationally.
Houston is rich in culture, opportunities, housing options, food choices, fitness centers (can't wait to rejoin Life Time Fitness) - sure isn't anything like it here in San Diego!
Also - as a divorced late 30-something I strongly prefer Houston's dating scene to both San Diego, and, Austin. Austin is a great city if you like to keep your circles tight, if you love live music and running into people you know at outdoor festivals, if you prefer towns to cities and lakes to beaches. The weather is a bit better in Austin in the summers but, the allergens are severe, cedar-fever anyone?
If you are spiritual, Houston has the world-famous Lakewood Church and attracts 2000 young adults to it's services every Sunday night. Opportunities couldn't be found like this in Austin, you had to go out to the bars and I met a lot of people who have serious drinking problems while living in Austin.
Austin is a short drive from Houston, however, and offers a great day, or, weekend getaway.
I Love Texas so much and just can not wait to get back! Houston is an exciting place to live, and quickly on it's way to becoming a world-class city. Galveston even has so many unique entertainment options: Moody Gardens, an amazing amusement park overlooking the ocean, breathtaking historic homes and churches to tour, a homemade ice-cream/candy parlor on the stand from the early 1900's (La King's)!, the best southern food you can imagine, Shlitterbahn water park, The historic Hotel Galvez, The San Luis Hotel.
I can't believe so many people on this forum can complain about such a unique and amazing city. Just come on out to Cali for a bit to experience our housing crisis...or move to Denver for a couple years to see what it's like to scrape ice and snow off of your car in -5 degrees and be stuck in your home for 3 days during a blizzard, to have your sinuses dry up and your skin literally crack and peel. I look years younger than my age as a result of growing up in Houston's sub-tropical environment! I miss the comforting rain and spectacular thunderstorms Houstonians might take for granted. Nothing like falling asleep to the rain. - just don't purchase a home in any of the flood zones! - there are many areas which never flood.
Houston has around 8-9 months a year of great weather and lots of sunshine, year round. The summers months: (June, July, and August) are hot, but, I know we will be taking some amazing summer vacations with all the money I spend on rent living in California and get to live in an affordable home that we own. Thank you Houston, can't wait to come home to you soon!
Elizabeth | Austin, TX