Houstonians! Tell me about it
#1
FWD Hater
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 881
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Houstonians! Tell me about it
I currently live in Massachusetts...I have lived here for 23 years. I plan on moving to the Houston area in the near future...somewhere in the western part of the city. Why Houston?....I like the city, or being close to the city, usually better jobs in the city, it is near the coast(being a life-long Easct Coaster, I just always want to be near the ocean) and the housing market looks very affordable. I am 25, married with a 4 year-old and 18 month old sons. I want to know some things...how flood prone is it, what is the life like there? How is thew job market like? How are the schools? I plan on getting a house in the $100K-$150K range. What is the car culture like? I know that the property tax is high, but how expensive is everything else? Give all the info you can. I heard stories about the polluted air...some people have said it gets really bad, others say it's not unlike the North East. I like the heat...I guess it's the Puerto Rican in me that loves hot humid heat that is oppressing to most others.....I hate the snow and the depressing death that winter brings to New England.....I want out.....
Anyways thanks in advanced......
Anyways thanks in advanced......
#2
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 1,959
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I love Houston--born and raised; I've travelled extensively and lived in New Orleans for about 4 1/2 years. Houston is really really big--aesthetically its no San Diego or Miami; but its a relatively clean city. It was recently tied the safest city in america, http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?p...U&refer=europe
It has the lowest cost of living of all major cities in the nation--your dollar goes farther in Texas. The car culture is real big, I'd say its second to Cali in that respect; huge import scene, huge domestic car scene, bling bling, lowriders, trucks. Water sports and hunting are big in southeast Texas as well--you may have deer roaming into your yard. As far as the pollution--its not quite as bad as L.A. (anymore); it is very noticeable in the mid to late summer due to the land fires in Mexico--the particulate matter is blown up our way which hulls out our air. If you move out west be aware that I10 (Katy Freeway) is a mess--our freeway system is top notch--but there are some notorious bottlenecks. I say come on down--people are friendly, there is lots to do, cost of living is low. For it to be the 4th largest city in the nation, you get a down home feel.
It has the lowest cost of living of all major cities in the nation--your dollar goes farther in Texas. The car culture is real big, I'd say its second to Cali in that respect; huge import scene, huge domestic car scene, bling bling, lowriders, trucks. Water sports and hunting are big in southeast Texas as well--you may have deer roaming into your yard. As far as the pollution--its not quite as bad as L.A. (anymore); it is very noticeable in the mid to late summer due to the land fires in Mexico--the particulate matter is blown up our way which hulls out our air. If you move out west be aware that I10 (Katy Freeway) is a mess--our freeway system is top notch--but there are some notorious bottlenecks. I say come on down--people are friendly, there is lots to do, cost of living is low. For it to be the 4th largest city in the nation, you get a down home feel.
#4
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 1,959
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yeah--Houston is kind of where Atlanta was in the mid 90s in terms of revitalization. Of course there are rough neighborhoods; but I've never felt safer in a city because there is a large police presence--hell after school in New Orleans I'd probably go for a stroll down the streets of Baghdad and feel safe. I like the weather-- July-August are sticky but the rest of the year its nice weather.
#5
Humpin legs and takin nam
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Clearwater, Fl
Posts: 2,433
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Don't badmouth New Orleans. It's a PERFECTLY safe city.
I even broke down on Martin Luther King blvd and Carrolton once. A nice gentleman said that I needed to get out of there before dark, and he helped me replace my ignition coils, etc.. nothing bad happened.
I even broke down on Martin Luther King blvd and Carrolton once. A nice gentleman said that I needed to get out of there before dark, and he helped me replace my ignition coils, etc.. nothing bad happened.
#7
Humpin legs and takin nam
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Clearwater, Fl
Posts: 2,433
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've seen numerous people shot, and have been shot at/ had guns IN my face.. but I wouldn't consider the city un-safe in general.. That suff happens everywhere!
I was there when that one dude took a full blast in the chest from a shotgun outside Kenny's Key West in metairie..
I was there when that one dude took a full blast in the chest from a shotgun outside Kenny's Key West in metairie..
Originally Posted by DreRX8
LOL---Once you've seen people shot and police chase end at your front door--it gives you a different perspective.
#8
FWD Hater
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 881
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In the city I currently live in, I have seen some scary stuff.....I don't plan on living in downtown Houston, but in the suburbs....I love the city...I can deal with a lot of stuff.....
#9
Originally Posted by NAVILESRX8
somewhere in the western part of the city.
near the coast
the housing market looks very affordable
how flood prone is it.
This depends HIGHLY on where you live. I live about 7 blocks from a major bayou and I am not in the flood zone, whereas my neighbors on the next street worry about getting water in their garage after nearly every rainstorm. Look for information about where you are looking to move at http://www.hcfcd.org/
what is the life like there?
How is thew job market like?
How are the schools?
I plan on getting a house in the $100K-$150K range.
What is the car culture like?
I know that the property tax is high, but how expensive is everything else?
I heard stories about the polluted air...some people have said it gets really bad, others say it's not unlike the North East.
I like the heat...I guess it's the Puerto Rican in me that loves hot humid heat that is oppressing to most others.
....I hate the snow and the depressing death that winter brings to New England.....I want out.....
Last edited by DrKillJoY; 08-11-2005 at 09:46 AM.
#10
FWD Hater
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 881
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks Dr. Killjoy....well for work I am an assistant parts manager at a Toyota dealer, my wife is a full-time medical administrative assistant, and a part time real estate agent. I plan on putting a ton of money down and having a very small mortgage...so work is kinda flexible...as long as I can afford to live ok, I'll work anywhere. It's sad, but there a re a ton of great PR rotary guys and a bunch with just as much talent but just shoddy business skills...I know, a couple around my area have screwed me over....how expensive are used cars, clothes, food?...etc. Seriuosly everything sounds great...I do have a concern for flooding, but that won't deter me moving there...I will just doublecheck everything and make sure that where I end up isn't in a flood zone. I like the beach, but it's a 3-5 time a year thing for me...I've lived in MA almost all my life and I hate Cape Cod....rocky beaches, dark, cold *** water....they are retarded. People pay huge premiums to live up here..I don't get it. I like the easy going life style. In New England you can't plan anything more than a week in advanced, for fear the weather will change and ruin whatever you had planned. Oh, how much is health care?..I work for a non union dealer, and my health care for my family is $110 a week, plus $15 co-pays on scheduled doctor's visits. Pescription drugs are also $15 a pop.
#11
Humpin legs and takin nam
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Clearwater, Fl
Posts: 2,433
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
100k - 150k??
WOW that's dirt cheap.. Something like that here costs about $280 - $400k in a regular suburban neighborhood.
[QUOTE=DrKillJoY]
that kinda cash should get you a 3-4 bedroom about 1500-2500 sq.ft in a decent/nice area of town.
/[QUOTE]
WOW that's dirt cheap.. Something like that here costs about $280 - $400k in a regular suburban neighborhood.
[QUOTE=DrKillJoY]
that kinda cash should get you a 3-4 bedroom about 1500-2500 sq.ft in a decent/nice area of town.
/[QUOTE]
#12
FWD Hater
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 881
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
[QUOTE=guy321]100k - 150k??
WOW that's dirt cheap.. Something like that here costs about $280 - $400k in a regular suburban neighborhood.
[QUOTE=DrKillJoY]
that kinda cash should get you a 3-4 bedroom about 1500-2500 sq.ft in a decent/nice area of town.
/
Exactly why I considered Houston...currently I am living in a 2 bedroom 1000 sq ft home, with no garage, that I purchased in 2003 for $190K...it is now worth $270k
WOW that's dirt cheap.. Something like that here costs about $280 - $400k in a regular suburban neighborhood.
[QUOTE=DrKillJoY]
that kinda cash should get you a 3-4 bedroom about 1500-2500 sq.ft in a decent/nice area of town.
/
Exactly why I considered Houston...currently I am living in a 2 bedroom 1000 sq ft home, with no garage, that I purchased in 2003 for $190K...it is now worth $270k
#13
My house is in zip code 77074.
Purchased in 1998 for $69k is currently apprasied at $114k
Built in 1954 - 1570 sq ft + a garage converted into a large room - 3 bdrm + 2.5 baths.
Purchased in 1998 for $69k is currently apprasied at $114k
Built in 1954 - 1570 sq ft + a garage converted into a large room - 3 bdrm + 2.5 baths.
#14
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 1,959
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yeah, from an economic standpoint--Houston is the place to be. There are some exemplary schools in HISD--I finished from High School from Health Professions. My experience with flooding is that while it depends where you live--it recedes rapidly. Tropical Storm Allison was like the 100 year flood (I lost my FD in that joker)--I stay right on Braes Bayou and we didn't flood--further down the street they did though. I believe the highest point in Hhouston is 90ft asl or so.
#16
FWD Hater
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 881
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by guy321
What are salaries like tho?
#17
Originally Posted by DreRX8
Tropical Storm Allison was like the 100 year flood (I lost my FD in that joker)--I stay right on Braes Bayou and we didn't flood--further down the street they did though. I believe the highest point in Hhouston is 90ft asl or so.
Where do you live near.. I live near Hillcroft and Braeswood?
#19
FYI: Here is a comparision from a random cost of living index generator. The list is in this order
Product then price in Boston - then the price in Houston and the Difference between the two.
HOME PRICE $486,700.00 $193,579.00 $293,121.00
PAYMENT+ INTEREST $2,137.21 $822.68 $1,314.53
APT. RENT $1,411.11 $770.45 $640.66
TOTAL ENERGY $201.53 $159.77 $41.76
LIPITOR $123.58 $110.21 $13.37
DOCTOR VISIT $121.60 $78.00 $43.60
OTHER ENERGY $118.62 $41.56 $77.06
DENTIST VISIT $95.00 $64.60 $30.40
OPTOMETRIST $88.80 $72.30 $16.50
PART ELECTRICAL $82.91 $118.21 $35.30
WASHER REPAIR $55.97 $54.54 $1.43
VET. SERVICES $47.60 $39.10 $8.50
BEAUTY SALON $41.00 $35.56 $5.44
WOMENS SLACKS $31.99 $24.36 $7.63
PHONE $29.78 $21.71 $8.07
BOYS JEAN $28.59 $16.18 $12.41
NEWSPAPER $26.67 $14.75 $11.92
MENS SHIRT $24.99 $23.55 $1.44
HAIR CUT $14.60 $12.20 $2.40
BUS FARE $11.00 $9.05 $1.96
MOVIE $9.50 $7.80 $1.70
T-BONE STEAK $9.29 $6.77 $2.52
PIZZA $8.79 $9.01 $0.22
DRY CLEANING $7.95 $6.42 $1.53
WINE $7.59 $5.55 $2.05
BEER $7.15 $7.02 $0.13
IBUPROFEN $5.63 $5.39 $0.24
SAUSAGE $5.34 $2.91 $2.43
POTATOES $5.00 $2.63 $2.38
CASCADE $4.43 $3.38 $1.05
BOWLING $4.33 $3.67 $0.66
CRISCO $3.93 $3.03 $0.91
GROUND BEEF $3.61 $2.38 $1.23
CEREAL $3.59 $2.15 $1.44
TENNIS ***** $3.40 $1.86 $1.54
ORANGE JUICE $3.11 $2.52 $0.60
2-PC CHICKEN $3.10 $2.64 $0.46
PARMESAN CHEESE $2.99 $3.45 $0.46
POTATO CHIPS $2.99 $1.99 $1.00
HAMBURGER SANDWICH $2.88 $2.21 $0.68
HALF GAL. MILK $2.51 $1.81 $0.70
TOOTHPASTE $2.50 $1.66 $0.84
FROZEN MEAL $2.28 $2.04 $0.24
COFFEE $2.24 $2.28 $0.04
DOZ. EGGS $2.11 $0.98 $1.13
PEACHES $2.05 $1.43 $0.62
GASOLINE $1.84 $1.67 $0.16 (currently around $2.35-$2.50)
KLEENEX $1.81 $1.06 $0.75
SUGAR $1.75 $1.38 $0.37
FRIED CHICKEN $1.65 $0.96 $0.69
LETTUCE $1.59 $1.04 $0.55
COKE $1.43 $1.13 $0.30
SHAMPOO $1.37 $0.95 $0.42
MARGARINE $1.21 $0.67 $0.54
BREAD $1.08 $0.79 $0.29
FROZEN CORN $1.07 $0.98 $0.09
TUNA $1.00 $0.61 $0.38
SWEET PEAS $0.97 $0.70 $0.27
BANANAS $0.65 $0.37 $0.28
Mortgage(%) 5.78% 5.48% 0.3
Product then price in Boston - then the price in Houston and the Difference between the two.
HOME PRICE $486,700.00 $193,579.00 $293,121.00
PAYMENT+ INTEREST $2,137.21 $822.68 $1,314.53
APT. RENT $1,411.11 $770.45 $640.66
TOTAL ENERGY $201.53 $159.77 $41.76
LIPITOR $123.58 $110.21 $13.37
DOCTOR VISIT $121.60 $78.00 $43.60
OTHER ENERGY $118.62 $41.56 $77.06
DENTIST VISIT $95.00 $64.60 $30.40
OPTOMETRIST $88.80 $72.30 $16.50
PART ELECTRICAL $82.91 $118.21 $35.30
WASHER REPAIR $55.97 $54.54 $1.43
VET. SERVICES $47.60 $39.10 $8.50
BEAUTY SALON $41.00 $35.56 $5.44
WOMENS SLACKS $31.99 $24.36 $7.63
PHONE $29.78 $21.71 $8.07
BOYS JEAN $28.59 $16.18 $12.41
NEWSPAPER $26.67 $14.75 $11.92
MENS SHIRT $24.99 $23.55 $1.44
HAIR CUT $14.60 $12.20 $2.40
BUS FARE $11.00 $9.05 $1.96
MOVIE $9.50 $7.80 $1.70
T-BONE STEAK $9.29 $6.77 $2.52
PIZZA $8.79 $9.01 $0.22
DRY CLEANING $7.95 $6.42 $1.53
WINE $7.59 $5.55 $2.05
BEER $7.15 $7.02 $0.13
IBUPROFEN $5.63 $5.39 $0.24
SAUSAGE $5.34 $2.91 $2.43
POTATOES $5.00 $2.63 $2.38
CASCADE $4.43 $3.38 $1.05
BOWLING $4.33 $3.67 $0.66
CRISCO $3.93 $3.03 $0.91
GROUND BEEF $3.61 $2.38 $1.23
CEREAL $3.59 $2.15 $1.44
TENNIS ***** $3.40 $1.86 $1.54
ORANGE JUICE $3.11 $2.52 $0.60
2-PC CHICKEN $3.10 $2.64 $0.46
PARMESAN CHEESE $2.99 $3.45 $0.46
POTATO CHIPS $2.99 $1.99 $1.00
HAMBURGER SANDWICH $2.88 $2.21 $0.68
HALF GAL. MILK $2.51 $1.81 $0.70
TOOTHPASTE $2.50 $1.66 $0.84
FROZEN MEAL $2.28 $2.04 $0.24
COFFEE $2.24 $2.28 $0.04
DOZ. EGGS $2.11 $0.98 $1.13
PEACHES $2.05 $1.43 $0.62
GASOLINE $1.84 $1.67 $0.16 (currently around $2.35-$2.50)
KLEENEX $1.81 $1.06 $0.75
SUGAR $1.75 $1.38 $0.37
FRIED CHICKEN $1.65 $0.96 $0.69
LETTUCE $1.59 $1.04 $0.55
COKE $1.43 $1.13 $0.30
SHAMPOO $1.37 $0.95 $0.42
MARGARINE $1.21 $0.67 $0.54
BREAD $1.08 $0.79 $0.29
FROZEN CORN $1.07 $0.98 $0.09
TUNA $1.00 $0.61 $0.38
SWEET PEAS $0.97 $0.70 $0.27
BANANAS $0.65 $0.37 $0.28
Mortgage(%) 5.78% 5.48% 0.3
Last edited by DrKillJoY; 08-11-2005 at 10:58 AM.
#20
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 1,959
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by DrKillJoY
I lost my 89 GTU in Allison it was parked at the Aramco Bldg where I work (610 and Braeswood)
Where do you live near.. I live near Hillcroft and Braeswood?
Where do you live near.. I live near Hillcroft and Braeswood?
#21
#1 Legend
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: May 2004
Location: TEXAS
Posts: 3,904
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by guy321
I've seen numerous people shot, and have been shot at/ had guns IN my face.. but I wouldn't consider the city un-safe in general.. That suff happens everywhere!
I was there when that one dude took a full blast in the chest from a shotgun outside Kenny's Key West in metairie..
I was there when that one dude took a full blast in the chest from a shotgun outside Kenny's Key West in metairie..
#22
Houston is a great city. I've lived here all my life. Anywhere else is hell. Hampton, VA: sucks. Williamsburg, VA: sucks. Tampa, FL: sucks. Orlando, FL: sucks. The housing here is pretty cheap compared to living on the Eastern Seaboard. I've seen shitty houses in the woods of Williamsburg that cost $200+. Shelley and I were living in a rat shack for 3 three months on the York River, and we were paying out the ***. Wasn't worth it. Besides, you'll never need snow tires. Ever. Cost of living is pretty good, incomes around here are good like Keith said, there's no state income tax (unfortunately, we have one of the highest sales taxes), it's a great place to raise a family (try living in the Cy-Fair area, which is on the NW side of Houston), and it has a pretty good night scene. Plus, there's food everywhere. You don't become the U.S.'s fattest city for nothing. :p
#23
Registered
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Houston TX area
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by NAVILESRX8
Oh, how much is health care?..I work for a non union dealer, and my health care for my family is $110 a week, plus $15 co-pays on scheduled doctor's visits. Pescription drugs are also $15 a pop.
Health care costs depend on where you work. I find that company contributions toward premiums vary widely depending on your industry, salary, company policies, etc. My last job, I paid about $80/month toward medical premium ($25 doc co-pay, drugs $15-$25 per scrip). This job is only $50/month (similar co-pays).
I think salaries in this part of the country are pretty competitive when viewed alongside cost of living.
#24
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 1,959
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
hahahahaha--"I'm bout that trigga play bruh" are the most memorable words I remember hearing in New Orleans. However, I have a love hate relationship for my adopted 2nd home.