Houston Locals Chime In!!
 

Hey everyone, decided to post here because I didn't know where else to go, and it seemed like a good place to get some opinions.

Anyways, I recently got offered a job opportunity in Houston, and wanted to know what it's generally like to live there. I've read summers are hot, the scenery is relatively flat, and it would be a big change of pace. I don't know anyone in Houston, and I'd leave all my friends and family here... So send me your input! I'd be interested to know what I can do and where to go to meet awesome people and enjoy my stay (other than car meets of course :thumbsup:).

As a reference I'm single and in my mid 20's, enjoy basketball, all types of food, a good dark beer, and occasional weekend outings -- whether it be a club/lounge/dive bar. I've lived in southern California my whole life and I know it'd be different, but I'm very open-minded and I just might be ready to leap into another chapter of my life in Texas. Thanks in advance, any info would be greatly appreciated. :happy0180:

Do you know what part of Houston you will be living in? It is a big place, and each part of it can be completely different. Aside, you should join up on the Houston 86 Facebook group. That's where most of the Houston happenings are organized.

Houston's huge and spread out, summer lasts about 5-6 months and can be brutal sometimes (the other 6 months or so are very nice, doesn't stay too cold for long periods of time), one of the most diverse cities in the country, is very affordable to live in, and has tons of great places to eat and drink.

I'd say go for it, the potential decrease in cost of living alone should make it worth it, if not to just earn and save up some money for awhile. What industry is your job offer in?

Many people in houston are transplants. Houston has jobs, amazing food, and quite a few attractions. There is crazy urban sprawl however. I think you'll like it a lot.

Medical Field. Director of Operations for a small private company.

Don't know exactly where yet, the company I work for is still looking for an exact location. Basically, i'll be in charge of helping the company expand once it gets up and running. Are there any places to definitely avoid out there?

east houston

Baytown isn't bad if you want to be that far east. Further out, Mont Belview is a fast growing but still small community.

Almost everything on the east side is industrial. That turns a lot of people off to this side of Houston.

We've looked at the North East side of Beltway 8. There are some great neighborhoods in that area.

South East, you have Deer Park, LA Porte, and Pasadena along Highway 225. We shop Deer Park, and I have friends in LA Porte. Maybe someone else can chime in regarding Pasadena.

I prefer being outside Beltway 8 on the east side. But it really depends on what conveniences you want in the immediate vicinity.

Hope this helps.

He'll probably be looking at west houston memorial or medical center.. Perhaps north houston..

I wouldn't recommend pasadena either..

Since you are in the medical field I assume you are in a good position, so look for areas like The heights (close to downtown), Galleria or any place at West Houston, the North is good but I prefer the West, avoid the East. According to your age and interest I'm pretty sure you will be visiting places at downtown and Galleria area... restaurants, bars, chicks and fun.

Looks like unanimous vote the eastside is the place to be wary of, just like the LA area haha... Thanks to everyone for their input so far, really appreciate the info.

I'm in Atascocita [NE side]and it nice. Depends on where the job is in Houston, really need to consider the amount of traffic that you will run into to get to the job from you perspective place. Check out some traffic cam in the morning and afternoon to help [perhaps]. http://www.houstontranstar.org/

Since you are coming from Torrance I would agree with Galleria and Uptown area. You will hate our weather and will take time to get used to. If you are an outdoors type of guy you will miss CA pretty fast. Don't get me wrong, we have water, a few hills up west of Houston towards San Antone and camping up north but nothing like southern CA where everything is a hop, skip, and jump away. Our people are great though!!

BTW - OP is coming from LA area so he knows real traffic. Learn the way of the loops and you will be golden - 610, beltway 8 and I believe 99 is being built.