B: I'm a native too. Houston does have a lot to offer, but you're right. Over time I've noticed how much the city has changed, and continues to change. I'm disturbed by all the differences I see now. I totally agree with you. In Houston there's a lot of positives but there are also too many recent-decade negatives-and you named many of them. I plan on moving in a few years when the economy becomes more stable over time.
Jodi | Houston, TX | Report Abuse

Sorry, but the oil argument for Houston jobs is non-existent. Houston has one of the largest ports in the US, one of the largest chemical (not just petrochemical) markets, and the largest Healthcare network in the US. Houston law and business are up and coming, any small business owner or attorney will tell you this. Houston's business environment spurs entrepreneurs and lets them thrive here. Anyone blindsided by Houston's oil past is very nearsighted. Traffic even in rush hour is by far better than LA, DFW, Chicago, or NY just to name a few. In fact the rush hour traffic is one of the best managed scenes in the country for the size of the city (I do hate it when they shut down all lanes for a wreck though). Commercialization goes with any big city. At least this isn't Los Angeles. Too many Idiots and SUV's? A complete matter of opinion, I'm sure if you were nice to people they'd be nice back. People who cannot find things to do here have either not tried or do not know how to make friends. The weather is hot about 3 months out of the year and it is HOOOOTTTTTT about 3 weeks around mid/late August. The lack of snow and near lack of ice in the winter makes it one of the best winter cities to live in, no being stuck in the house here. As for the crime rates, most people moving here move to the wrong areas. There are places in the city which you should simply avoid and most new residents don't recognize this. Suburbs are the name of the game in Houston. Move to a nice outlying suburb, commute to work, and when you start to understand the dynamics of the city then find a good place to live. If you like those yankee cities that take over half your salary, its okay enjoy the 3 months of nice weather until you freeze to death. If you like to keep your money without being taxed to death, move to Houston. Bottom line, Texas protects your home/land and personal property more so than any other state.
me | Kingwood, TX | Report Abuse

Yeah, let's take every negative, exaggerate it, then forget that any positives exist. Cannot this not be done for any city? Houston must be the most underrated large city in the country. It's amazing the negative exaggerations and even lies I hear people saying about it. I just don't get it. Many of them live within the state of Texas! Thank God I didn't listen, because I've had a blast since moving to Houston several years ago. One of the top 4-6 ranked restaurant scenes in the country; a wonder Museum District; a huge Theater District; one of a handful of US cities with permanent symphony, opera, theater and ballet; pro-sports; good job market; diversity and an international atmosphere; nice weather 8 months out of the year; and all available for a reasonable cost of living. Are there things Houston could improve on? Sure! But wow, it sure is a lot better than people give it credit for. Anyone who is on the fence about Houston needs to take a second look (and maybe the city needs to hire a good PR firm, because the rest of the country and even the state sure do seem uninformed!)
Abhd | Houston, TX | Report Abuse

it is, there is no pretending that houston is anything other than a complete cesspool
Sharon | Houston, TX | Report Abuse