Houston is the 4th largest city in the US and its Metro area ranks 10th in population. It is an ethnically diverse city with every amenity that any first world city has. To answer some of the more negative posts, If Houston were 800 years old or even 600 years old like european cities, it would have more cultural amenities to offer on the scale of London or Paris.

But as in any city founded within the last 2 centuries, it has a ways to go, its called experience with age. I would contend that Houston is a vibrant, modern, cosmpolitan city with a lot of monified folk who are educated and travelled and whatever scene your looking for can be had somewhere in Houston's 500 or so square miles.

For the record-I live in the Bay area, CA but am not so small minded as to think that there is ABSOULUTELY NOTHING in Houston.

Tina,

Please let us know what your husband's opinion of Houston is, and what you ultimately decide to do! (I'm with the group that says, don't do it).

I agree with Tom and believe that if I had to be relocated, other than NY and a few others, I doubt anything can compare to London. This is part of the reason that you are getting so much negativity. St Louis to Houston; Detroit to Houston, etc---> just a little better or worse. It is only that you are coming from, a Tom puts it, NY with a longer history, that you are getting so much negativity.

Since this is one of the more interesting threads around, please let us know.

Thanks yet again for all the replies - I think Lisa has hit it on the head for me when she says 'sounds like you have 2 of the best reasons in the world to stay where you are - your sons and their roots to your community'. I will let you know what we decide as my husband maycome back with a positive view - he works for an American company who have offices here in the UK but it is generally seen as a good career move to do a stint out in the US.If this had come up say 10 years ago we would have gone like a shot - I now have my elder son's education to think about. From reading the responses there seem very few positive reasons to move to Houston. I never ever imagined there would be some much negativity about Houston. We often come to the US on holiday, usually Forida. This year we had a week in New England and a week in Florida. We have friends who moved to Darian, they have a fabulous life style but I would not wish to swop their life for mine - their son is not doing well at his American school!

You people are either completely uninformed or really trying to fool Tina. All of the negative comments about Houston are from people that (from what I can tell) have not been here in 20+ years. I have lived in Houston my entire life.

The only correct thing that has been posted so far is that the summers are tough. Especially coming from a cold, rainy, climate.
But I must say that I have been to NYC in the summer...not much better in the weather department.

As far as culture goes, we have everything any metropolitan city has. Of course you can't compare theatre to New York or London, but there are about 5 cities that are even comperable to those. In NO WAY does Houston rank pathetically in that area. Theatre, night life, restaurants, symphony, and any concert you could hope for.

The economy is outstanding. Housing is cheap. There is no state income tax in Texas. Houston Independant School District is not the #1 in the country, but I ask you to compare it to any other large city public school system.

The people that live in Houston are generally conservative, family oriented, moral, family value centered people. It will not be your liberal hotbed (like Austin).

Overall, Houston is a good place to be, with every amenity of a large city.

Kristen, none of us are either uninformed or trying to put one over on Tina. You, however, having lived in one city your entire life, can have absolutely no idea what it's like moving, with your family, to a) another country and b) a not-very-attractive part of that country.Of course the energy-based economy in Houston is great. The rest of us are paying for it!The climate is a huge issue. Tina wouldn't be coming from a particularly cold part of the UK. Had you read all the posts more carefully, you would have discovered that most were written by people who are just as familiar with Houston as you are.

I lived in the NASA area south of Houston for 7 years and loved the area. The people are smart and interesting and the schools are very good. Is it hot--yes. Must you have a car and it take forever to get anywhere--yes. Are there cultural activities that are somewhat comparable to UK--yes. Will you enjoy the friendly people--yes. Is it totally different--oh, yes. Part of the experience of being in a new place is to revel in the differences. Eat the Tex-Mex and seafood and the hundreds of other kinds of cuisine. The entire time I was there I never saw a rattlesnake, though you do endure mosquito-spraying and waterbugs. I had great neighbors who became good friends, a good job, places to shop and eat and attend cultural events (Alley Theater is excellent), had new experiences. People have a mindset about Texas and any place in Texas, but that is their problem. We understand but know we are not culturally deprived, not uncouth braggarts; and we are well-traveled, more multi-cultured than most areas of the country, have lots of opportunities to volunteer (since you won't be working) and truly enjoy our State. Try traveltex.com for information. Is Houston the best city in the country--no. But, if that is where you will be, use the opportunity to broaden your view and appreciate the differences.

B - I did read every single post here which is why I called the majority of posters uninformed. With comments like those I cut and pasted below, I would hardly say these people are just as familiar with Houston as I am. These are just plain ridiculous comments about a great city.

“the local culture is more trailer park than urbane”

“the shopping mall is great and is probably the highlight of the city”

“Houston is awful. I moved there from NYC about 20 years ago, and left after 5 weeks.”

“And there is no culture whatsoever. A road show of some Broadway play is a big deal. There is a symphony - but otherwise not much.”

“the rattlesnakes that used to "sun" themselves on their deck, just as it was time to start the barbecue”

“In Houston, an amateur art show at the local suburban shopping mall is their idea of High Culture.”

Tina, just another bit of information. We don't all wear 10 gallon cowboy hats here and ride horses to work in Houston either.

Tina,
I'm not sure this has anything to do with Houston...this has to do with your family's priorities. Sounds to me your main goal at this point in your life is your children, as it should be IMHO. As someone who has just watched a neighbor move her 16 and 14 yr olds 500+ miles away, my advice is to stay put. They are going to a great area, good schools, nice housing, and are miserable. I don't think you really want to put career advancement before the good of you and your boys. The dad did not feel he could refuse the transfer, and would not consider leaving the company (been there 21 years), but I could already see the resentment building in the family. Stay where you are happy, then see the world when your kids are on their own.

Kristen, most people here seem to know what they're talking about, the others are relaying stories they've heard or perceptions they have about Houston. They are all trying to help Tina make an informed decision.
Besides, everybody knows that it's Dallas people who wear the 10 gallon cowboy hats and ride horses to work!

Tina:

My family hails from Ireland, so although different from the UK, I feel I can put things into perspective.

When visiting me in the US, my Irish relatives continually talk about the size of things- the restaurant portions, the cars, the houses, the size of the buildings, the size of the people, etc. Texas is the center of the US's "bigger is better" mentality ("everything is bigger in Texas"), and Houston is probably the epicenter of it all.

To give you some perspective, I have had to go to Houston for business (notice how I said, "had to," not, "got to,"?) on several occasions and can honestly say that your transition from the London area to Houston will be a tough one.

Houston is a beast of a city: enormous urban and suburban sprawl; ungodly hot in the summer; enormous insects; the poorest air and water quality for a major city in the US; traffic that would make you cry (it is entirely a car culture - no walking anywhere); plus when the wind blows in a certain direction, the smell from the nearby petroleum refineries can be stifling.

The city is also very new - there is no history to speak of - and it is probably the only major US city that has no zoning codes. If there is anything good about Houston (from a design/architectural perspective) it came about by pure happenstance. It is not unusual to see a drive-through McDonalds in the middle of the downtown business district, or to see dilapidated housing abutting an upscale shopping center.

As far as the people go, Texans are very friendly, but they are a pretty conservative lot (think GW Bush). Houston - like most Texas cities - is pretty inundated with braggarts, Bible thumpers and judgmental social conservatives. Most Europeans (and especially Irish and English folks) are pretty modest about themselves and their religious beliefs in comparison to Americans, so be prepared to face the "Jesus Brigade." It would be ignorant to assume that all Texans (or Houstonians) fit this portrait, but coming from the UK, you will be alarmed at how many people there are vocal about having Jesus as their personal savior, etc.

Hopefully all of the posts you have read will not turn you against the US, because I think a move to most other places would be do-able. If you had the option to go to NYC, Boston, Washington DC, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, or even LA, I would say "go for it," (assuming you felt your kids could handle the change at their age).

Although the people in Texas are friendly and the cost of living is inexpensive, you should SERIOUSLY reconsider. I'm American, and someone would have to pay me an awful lot of money to move to Houston, even for a brief period.

The only good thing my husband's cousin and her boyfriend has to say about Houston was that the people were very friendly.

They really hated the fact that there were no real neighborhoods, like there are in every other city. Even though they lived "in the city", there wasn't even a convenience store within walking distance, let alone a restaurant or bar. Nothing to tie together a bunch of apartments and some houses. Nobody walking anywhere (on the days when it was cool enough to try to walk somewhere).

I've been to Houston several times, and my former roommate of 4 years grew up there. She left the minute she graduated from high school, and only goes back for major holidays.

Houston is definitely not for you unless you are looking for world class Theater, Opera, and Symphony as well as some of the most famous gourmet restaraunts in the world. Oh, and fabulous museums (Art, Children's, and Science). And then there's that dinky little complex south of Houston, the Johnson Space Center (NASA). You can drive to New Orleans, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and countless other interesting points in a few hours. Yes , there are mosquitos, snakes, Tarantulas, and other little creepy crawlies. You probably won't see any of them except the mosquitos. It is definitely hot in the summer time. I would hesitate to take the word of anyone who thinks that a shopping mall is the best feature of anywhere. And the roaches are not everywhere. I hardly ever see one. You see lots of roaches where people do not waste much of their time in keeping a clean house.

For a British perspective about Houston, The Economist had a lengthy article about the city in its June 23, 2001 edition. I think the article is balanced and fair, presenting the good sides and bad sides of Houston.

In the end, I think the third sentence of your original post could have been truncated to "I am reluctant to give this up for a move". Beachbum is right in that you have two very good reasons to stay where you are. I would add the caveat that such reasons exist regardless of the city you have an opportunity to move to.

You have a difficult decision to make in balancing your husband's career and your children's happiness. As someone who moved often as a child, I can say most children quickly adapt to new surroundings.

If the decision is to accept the assignment and move to Houston, make sure to take advantage of all the resources available to you. Your husband's employer should have some relocation support. The British Consulate here should also be able to help (http://www.britain-info.org/consular...on/houston.asp). In addition, the Greater Houston Partnership (www.houston.org) has many resources to help you. And finally, ask for help here. Those of us who live here can help point you to the best neighborhoods for you to live based on factors like the location of your husband's office and quality schools.

I wish you and your family the best in making your decision.

Tina,

There is a British Consulate-General located in Houston. They may be able to give you a very good British perspective on the pros and cons of relocating to Houston. The web address is http://www.britainusa.com/consular/houston/houston.asp

Tina, I live in Houston and love it. I am married to a Canadian and he loves it here too. My best friend is the vice consul of the British Consulate here. She has lived here 20 years and loves it. (She has an OBE.) If your husband returns from Houston and is still seriously considering moving to Houston, please email me and I will help you connect with my friend at the British Consulate. You need to make an informed decision.
Neither Texas nor Houston is everyone's cup of tea. What place is, after all?
Houston has many many good points and I do suggest you look up that article in The Economist, which praises the city, and does a fair and balanced job of listing its good and not so good points. I am not going to list what I love about Houston because it would take me too long and I have lots of work to do, but I can simply tell you this....I've lived in Vancouver, Ottawa and Toronto in Canada, and I prefer Houston. But to each his own.
Now, my bottomline would be, if I were you, I would not want to be uprooted at this point in your life and your children's lives, for almost anywhere...

I just have to add my two-cents worth to this. Most of the negative things that have been said here about Houston sound like they're coming from people who have not really seen the total city. My husband and I moved here 20 years ago after having lived in many places and regions of the U.S., among them, Hawaii, the San Francisco Bay Area, Chicagoland, and Virginia. Although, I admit that I don't like the beastly hot summers, Houston meets all the other criteria of what I think a world-class city should offer. In addition to great restaurants, a Symphony, Ballet, Theater presentations, etc., etc., it has, for a city of its size, a great community spirit and very friendly, diversified people where it is easy to make friends.

Another poster said that there are no neighborhoods where you can walk to a restaurant or bar. Apparently, they've never heard of the Montrose District, West University Place, Rice Village, Upper Kirby, just to name a few of the upscale neighborhoods near my workplace. There is a revitalization of the Downtown area taking place and the city is very vibrant.

One of my best friends is from England and when her relatives come to visit her, every one of them wants to return here to live. One couple is actively pursuing their visa and job options and trying very hard to find a way to live here -- yes, in Houston!

I agree that if I only saw Houston from an Interstate or a freeway, I wouldn't see much to impress me, but once you get into the heart of any city and make the most of what it has to offer, I think you have a different perspective. I know so many people who have left here for other cities/states, only to return. So, it must have something going for it. As for the public schools, the suburban schools are very good. People in Houston tend to be well-educated and well-rounded.

All this said, Tina, I agree with Kay that I don't think that this would be a good time for you to move your family anywhere. I think it would be a tough age to move your boys. But, please come and visit Houston and the rest of Texas, sometime. We're not really a bunch of uneducated, untraveled, braggarts. Texaa has alot going for it.

Try 1-800-THIS-IS-NOT-A-FREAKING-RELO-FORUM.

What honestly makes you think you are going to make any decision based on a stupid internet board anyway?

As a veteran Fodorite, who fondly recalls the early-glory days of this forum and who has not been around much for the past few months, I clicked on this thread mainly to see if there was STILL a place for civilized discussion, minus the trolls and the trash. And I found it....up until the last pathetic post.

Tina, it seems pretty clear that you have made your decision by now...and I thought the scope of responses that you rec'd were pretty darned good and helpful, esp Liam, with his important and accurate 'take' on the social culture you'd be encountering, and JJB's informed report. Must say, I had a chuckle over PK's ringing defense that "roaches are not everywhere..."
The one point that no one brought up, however, was that as a relocated Brit, you would be entering the very heart of America's unbridled gun culture....And since most of Europe takes a rightly jaundiced view of this country's supposed love affair with deadly weapons, that would be another serious consideration for you.
For the record, I'm not a Texas-basher; our family has spent more than a few vacation dollars down there, and I've enjoyed many parts of the state (tho thankfully, I've never had a close encounter with any of those fabled insects). I do hope, Tina, that you come back with a final report for us.

I don't care what anyone says. Cockroaches ARE everywhere. It doesn't matter what kind of neighborhood you're in or whether you keep your place clean or not. Roaches are a fact of life in Houston.