Reviews & Comments
Houston, TX
Not so bad, if you choose the right area... -
6/25/2017Houston is a diverse city, but there are some changes that will only come with age and continued diversity. There is little to no public transportation outside of the inner city, so everyone has a car including their kids -so traffic can be a nightmare at times. Yes, there are hypocrites and racist here as in any other area in the country, but there are more good kind people here than bad. You get what you give, be kind to people and they will be kind to you. Because Houston suburbs are master-planned communities, you really will never really need to leave your community for anything besides work or events, and many people choose to work and live in the same area. So traffic shouldn’t really be a huge factor for everyday living.
Keep in mind, Houston is very large it will take you nearly an hour to drive from the north side of Houston to the south side of Houston. Keep in mind, while the city is full of every ethnicity and religion, the communities and cities within Houston are greatly divided and so are the school districts. If you don't move to the right area you will not like it here. I was born here and I have lived here most of my life, except for college. Houston is a slow city, when compared to NYC or LA. If you are expecting the fast pace of NYC, it is not here. Houston has a few major city events it puts on every year that are a big deal here, but it's not happening every weekend. There is plenty of nightlife on the weekends, but during the week it can be slow.
However, if you are looking for a large beautiful home that you can afford, great public schools/universities and a phenomenal medical district - Houston is your city. Jobs are available.
Ok, so I am going to break down the areas for you.
Inner City –
Heights - If you are artsy, foodies, who wants to live in a “leave it beaver” type area. Research this area. Schools are HISD but you can probably find some great schools if you research it. The negatives generified area – not for everyone but close to downtown and public transportation is available.
Galleria, Mid-town, West U, Bellaire - If you prefer the rich, snobbish, old money, this your area Schools don't really matter - most attend private.
Pasadena, East Houston - Mostly Hispanic / Latina - School districts not the greatest, lots of charter schools because of this. Area negatives lots of gangs and refineries in east Houston.
Montrose – LGBT. Small community, definitely plenty to do for the LGBT community - sort of an Artsy area as well. Plenty of history and not far from downtown.
Now the suburbs –
Kingwood and The Woodlands – If you love woods, nature beautiful wooded serene communities.
North/ Northwest – best mixture of diversity in the city, best schools and districts, best neighborhoods, new money. Master-planned communities, new areas Plenty of shopping with some truly some the best public schools in Texas. Area negatives far from downtown, with very little to no public transportation. A car is a must in these areas. There are literally about 10 other well-known great cities within Houston I have not even mentioned. Atascosita, Katy, Sugarland, Clear Lake, Conroe, the list go on. Each city is unique in its own way. These are cities within the Houston metropolitan area, not just communities. Do your research, find a great agent who is knowledgeable of the city and you'll love it here. The city suburbs are booming with activities and functions for you and your family. This is Texas, so we love our football, and families. And yes, we all say y’all, yes Ma’am and drive SUV’s. :) So, if you can stand the heat, traffic and humidity in the summer. Welcome. You may just love it here.
This is my interpretation of the city. My intention was not to insult anyone’s community or area, just give an honest example of the city. If you have a better description of your area –please describe it.