Quote:
Originally Posted by Blitzula
More about me.
I lived in Fresno for 7 years, so the heat isn't a big deal. Although the humidity is something I haven't experienced.
I can't live anywhere where it snows at all or rains a lot.
I'm a homebody, most of my social activity outside of everyday things like movies and going out to eat is concerts. That's the one thing I love here that I know I'll miss...live heavy metal music.
So basically, I'm paying quite a bit to own a condo here when I don't take advantage of the weather or amenities. I might be one of those people who could live anywhere warm, as long as I had Netflix, Gamefly, cable, high speed internet (and national metal shows if I could get them). And a decent market for Accountants (I'm a CPA and work as a Senior Accountant for a high tech company in the area).
Due to recent family changes, nothing is really keeping me in the area, and I have some equity in my condo now because of the insane real estate market the last couple of years. I was thinking of Houston because my company might be able to transer me there at a decent salary.
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Hey Blitz, interesting to find out you're a former Fresnan! I've lived around here most of my life. But I have spent quite a while in Houston and Austin as well.
If what you say about living anywhere warm with "Netflix, Gamefly, cable, high speed internet" then I think you might fit right in Houston. The traffic is bad, but not quite as bad as Bay Area traffic (the worst IMO, moreso even than LA), and it tends to be much more time-specific than CA traffic (i.e. getting stuck going 5mph on the 101 south in Santa Clara, or Santa Barbara at 2AM GRRRRRR!). Summer weather is not quite like Fresno, I find the days more tolerable as the temps are generally lower than Fresno, but the humditiy is higher (i.e. your AC works better), but the nights suck, as the high humidity and lack of steep temperature decrease means you need the AC on ALL night. I hope you're not a nature guy, because there is virtually none in Houston, at least compared to California. The food can be great, though not the same kinds that you might enjoy in CA (try finding good (real) Chinese, good luck!). If you could survive in Fresno, you can get by in Houston, because Houston certainly is more entertaining than Fresno (if you don't count stuff like Yosemite, Sequoia, etc..).
I would recommend Austin over Houston. I think your job prospects would be pretty good, the town is really booming. There is a much more lively cultural scene in Austin (both musical and otherwise), and a much greater concentration of forward-thinking individuals that really serves to advance life. The traffic is nowhere near as bad as Houston, and the humidity is less severe. There is also a better concentration of good food in Austin. Plus you are no more than three hours from any Texas' three largest cities, which lets you go enjoy what any of them have to offer on a day off or weekend. Austin also is a more "nature-y" sort of place than Houston, with nice hills, lakes, and rivers, as well as being located closer to some nicer country areas. I also quite enjoyed the area from Austin to San Antonio (San Marcos, New Braunfels, etc.), which I think is more liveable than Houston or Dallas.
There is such a significant financial advantage to this area of the country, as compared to where you live now, I can see how it would be compelling. I personally found it hard to give up the unique culture and nature of California, and I doubt I will leave again, despite the high cost of living. I don't know if any of us can really answer this question for you, though, since there is nothing like going and finding out for yourself.
