I have lived in London England and New Jersey/ NYC TriState area. Now, I primarily live in Houston.
How about sharing a little bit about yourself, such as what field of work interests you and your husband? What kind of social activities interest you? How much money do you have to invest? What size house do you need? Are you planning on having children? What kind of schools do you want to send them? Do you have any special medical needs? I think, all these things can play an important role in making this kind of decision.
A lot of people have said they like Houston. However, keep in mind that although, property prices are low, property taxes can be high, depending upon the size of the house you decide to live in. The good deals are on the cheaper properties. For example, one can move into a modest 2,000-3,000 sq.ft single family house for less than $200,000 and pay around $6,000-8,000 per year in taxes. This would be in a nice clean middle/ upper middle class, deed restricted community with walking trails, manicured lawns, lakes, tennis courts, swimming pools etc. One can expect commuting time to downtown of between 20 to 30 minutes, living in such communities. Also, Houston is great for Energy and Medical sector professionals and business owners. Two bed room condos are about $1,000 a month in these nicer communities. Therefore, it is not impossible to retire, buy a few rental properties and live modestly in Houston on $500,000.
*Some negatives in Houston, include things like most Texans are ultra conservative/ neo con Christians. There are racist attitudes among some Texans towards blacks, Mexicans and now Muslims. The public transportation is almost non existant. So, personal transportation is a necessity. Living in million dollar houses in the suburbs of Houston, can cost around $40,000 a year in taxes. Texans love playing cowboy, that includes going to ranches, horse back riding, ATVs, rifle/ pistol, shotgun ranges and hunting, quail, ducks, doves and deer etc. *
On the other hand, the Pakistani community is large, wealthy and influential in local politics. Pakistani restaurants are abundunt.
Another city one may wish to consider moving to is Los Angeles. The recent correction in the R/E market has created opportunities to enter this market at an affordable price.
regards,
bob
I am too researching moving, and I have been to houston quite a few times for business and family stuff. You are absolutely dead wrong on Houston being conservative redneck town made up of christian neocons! It's mayor is a lesbian and the third highest ranking official in the city for the past decade was Pakistani! Texas might be conservative in general, but Houston and Austin are as liberal cities as you can get in the US...which is why I really really like it.
You are right about needing a car there. Very spacious town indeed. But the halaal restaurants, muslim community, the cost of living comfortably, quite level, privacy, THE JOB MARKET!!!! and schools for kids are superb. I like the warm beach, personally.
I think I'll likely be moving there three years from now.
