I am so sorry to be reading this a bit belately. In any case, I want to echo the welcome sentiments. Welcome to Houston Erin! I live in the midtown area too. It's a really great place for folks are age. I just recently got married but still enjoy the area very much. We walk to everything, even to opera on opening nights (we have season tickets and at an oh so affordable price - another advantage in living in Houston). It's one of the best in the country too - our opera I mean. My husband is in the oil and gas industry too and moved here from England. He and our Scottish couple friends also agree that they love living in Houston and they, like us are very outdoorsy too. So don't worry about all the "bad news" info that "some" folks were saying about Houston. As well travelled as we are, we are always very happy to be making it home. The heat does get to be cumbersome at times but it's really not that bad, simply something to complain about, really.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy your time here. You won't have any problems making friends at all but in any case, you can email me at mkmcooper at gmail dot com if you want any advice on a particular interest you have in Houston. Oh, and don't worry about driving in Houston. Like you said, if you can drive on the other side of the road is narrower streets, you're all good here.

WELCOME!

p.s. you may also want to check out the rice village night life. Shopping there is pretty good too, not as much stores as the Galleria but still, a good selection. For the peace de resistance, try Katy Mall (discount) and if you do make it to Austin/San Antonio (which I DO love Austin very much also), make a point to spend an afternoon (at least) in San Marcus. That is outlet mall shopping at it's best.

There's also Kemah boardwalk, Crawfish festivals in the summer, free concert at the park (especially good on really great weather nights like these nights), etc., etc., etc. So much to look forward too.

Have fun! Your new adventure awaits!

oh, one last thing. i was a little surprised about the prices of the apartments. We own a townhome here in midtown but used to live in 2222 smith. we had a 2 bedroom but I do recall they had a 1 bedroom at less than $1000 and a friend lived at the post midtown square apartments and she had an efficiancy for $775. Another single friend lives in what used to be Amli (they renamed it to something urban something or rather) and he has the largest one bedroom for only slightly over $1000. Has it really gone up that much in 2 years? Anyway, I'm glad you found a good place.

Glad you found a place. Good luck and have fun in Houston.

Meant to ask too - how's the commute?

Well, I think I'm finally getting the hang of driving here. I'm still a bit terrified on those 6 lane freeways, and I still find it hard at times to know which lane I need to be in to exit, but all in all, I think I'm doing pretty good! My commute is okay - it takes about 40 minutes but at least it is moving the whole way...it would be unbearable if I was stuck in a traffic jam every morning! A co-worker has told me about a short-cut, so I'll have to try that on Monday morning. Now that it is the weekend, I'm definitely going to take the opportunity to explore my neighberhood a bit more.

Thanks once again, you have all been so kind!

Erin - I don't know which freeway you're using to go to work now, but US59 has better traffic than I-45 going north from Downtown. I-45 also has no shoulder on the left, just the barrier. If you don't mind paying toll, get the EZ Tag and use the Hardy Toll Road. Traffic should be very very light with the direction you're going.

You'll get used to the lanes soon. Try to remember the exit names, so you know how you're from your exit.

Rkkwan - I have been taking the 45 north and then going east on Beltway 8, but like you mentioned, my co-worker suggested that I try 59 instead. I can't get an easy pass yet because I don't have a license plate for another few days, but when I do, the Hardy Toll is definitely another option for me to consider. Thanks!

Depending on where on Beltway your office is, you may add no miles to a few miles by using US59. It's a much better road with less traffic than I-45. Most of the way it's 4-5 lanes each direction, compared to 3 lanes on I-45.

erin, my husband works for an oil and gas place too by the beltway near the airport. we live in midtown and what he does is take 45 north from downtown, get on I-10 east, then 610 and then 59north. It takes him 23 min tops. he said doing the hardy toll road on traffic prone hours also saves him alot of time. hope that helps.

You can get an ezpass without a license plate . . I just did it. They have you call or mail the number when it c omes in

Well I took I10 to 59 this morning and you were all right - it was SO much quicker! Cut the commute time down by over half! Thanks again for all your helpful tips :)

Does anyone know the address for the website where I can get an EZ Pass?

For EZ Tag info:
https://www.hctra.org/

Erin - In case you're not aware, we'll have a small Fodors GTG (get together) this Sunday evening at the Ravens Grill at 6:30p. Everybody's invited. If you're interested in meeting some people (locals and non-locals), please let me know. My email is "rkkwan at earthlink dot net".

I just moved FROM the Woodlands - to Virginia.

As far as The WOODLANDS being FAR from anything - is not true anymore. The whole area of the Woodlands has some of the best shops, restaurants, malls, and the upscale lifestyle any single woman would be envious of. I would move back there ONLY if I had to live in Houston's area.

If you DON't like DRIVING on the highway for hours on end - then living downtown, Montrose, Katy, or Greenspoint areas would be areas to steer clear of. One accident on either I-45, or I-10 East West or North South - can tie you up for hours. Even the Beltway is a monster of a drive during rushhour.

Greenspoint (which is near the airport) has crime issues don't move there -

But the Greenspoint MALL has the best DILLARDS outlet store - 75% off or more for upscale clothing (I miss that store).

Montrose is an older area, full of very eclectic folks, artists, and street folks. Could be fun, if you like that sort of thing...or scary, if you are not used to it.

Spring Branch has it's safe area - Memorial is upscale and further west. By all means - consider the Woodlands - they have beautiful apartments WITHIN the Woodlands - steer clear of the surrounding outlying apartments - they are older and getting worn out.

Call Keller Williams off of the Woodlands Parkway - they will help you with rental availability.

sorry fauz finisher but i disagree. i live in midtown and the one weekend i stayed over at my cousin's place at the woodlands, I was bored to tears and yes, the drive wasn't far but felt it. the mall was good for about an hour and you have to drive to get to a restaurant. about the traffic, my husband works near the airport and has only been stuck in traffic once and it was only for 5 min (there are many detours you can take) and we've lived in the midtown area now for 3 years.

Don't get me wrong. I think it's a great place to bring up children and have a family. the schools are great, houses are inexpensive for the size and the lot...but not for singles or young couples.

Hi, FF, if you read the posts, Erin has already found a spot to live.

Rkkwan, thanks for the invite! Unfortunately I have plans that evening. Hopefully next time I'll be able to make it :)