Houston, Texas - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Northendzone · 10-26-2010, 06:34 PM

so the wife is mulling over applying for a job in houston - if she were to get it i'd likely take on the role of mr. mom.

niether one of us has ever been there (we presumably get a trip down there to kick the tires), so i was wondering - who has been down there? what were your impressions of the area, good stuff, bad stuff, anything.

anyone have a sense of what the situation is there with respect to minor hockey (my son is 8 and an aspiring goalie).

simmonjam1 · 10-26-2010, 06:41 PM

I like Houston. Housing is cheap down there but I find their property taxes to be high. I have only been around Downtown and the NW side of Houston. The further out you go on Hwy 290 the nicer the neighbourhoods are.

Check out Maple Leaf Pub around downtown if you go down there. They got a bunch of bottled Canadian beers (but stick with Shiner Bock) there and if a hockey game is on TV they'll show it.

Byrns · 10-26-2010, 06:57 PM

Hope you like traffic

billybob123 · 10-26-2010, 07:17 PM

If you hate humidity you're going to be miserable in the summer. It's disgusting and hot. Oh, and there's the periodic hurricane that hits and floods the city.

(not a bad city, just unlivable to me for those reasons!)

Joborule · 10-26-2010, 07:31 PM

Sounds like my type of city due to weather alone.

nik- · 10-26-2010, 07:32 PM

Houston sucks. Spread out, horrible traffic and humid as hell. The city that planned development forgot.

TorqueDog · 10-26-2010, 09:11 PM

All I know about Houston is you can buy a house that would run you a million in Calgary for $400,000 - $600,000 US.

DFO · 10-26-2010, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nik-

Houston sucks. Spread out, horrible traffic and humid as hell. The city that planned development forgot.

sums it up well

tussery · 10-26-2010, 10:07 PM

Summers miserable? I never notice...

DemolitionCat · 10-26-2010, 10:33 PM

You may be able to buy a cheap house which is good since it will probably only last 20 years before the rot sets in. The property taxes will murder you. If you go on an H1 vs permanent residency, get ready to bend over on the income tax situation.

I wouldn't worry about your kids hockey career since unless you don't mind him getting stabbed every once in a while you'll be too broke from paying for private school you won't be able to afford rink fees.

You should also hope that you've never been sick before in your life since even if you get group health coverage, you'll inevitability end up fighting with your insurance company over every claim you make. Even if you get "Cadillac" insurance you'll be on the hook for co-pays on every visit and paying about 20% on all procedures (kid needs a lumbar MRI after hyperextending back in net = $6000).

Houston specifically? Terrible weather unless you enjoy permasweat, air quality = terrible, closest NHL team Stars. Galveston is the tail end of the butt end of Americas toilet. Hell, I'd rather live in Dallas than Houston and that's not saying much.

Wifey wife better make the big bucks. I'm a wealthy elitist, but the economic disparity in Houston is pretty ridiculous.

CrusaderPi · 10-26-2010, 10:37 PM

Wow. Aren't you just a ray of sunshine.

Northendzone · 10-26-2010, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DemolitionCat

You may be able to buy a cheap house which is good since it will probably only last 20 years before the rot sets in. The property taxes will murder you. If you go on an H1 vs permanent residency, get ready to bend over on the income tax situation.

I wouldn't worry about your kids hockey career since unless you don't mind him getting stabbed every once in a while you'll be too broke from paying for private school you won't be able to afford rink fees.

You should also hope that you've never been sick before in your life since even if you get group health coverage, you'll inevitability end up fighting with your insurance company over every claim you make. Even if you get "Cadillac" insurance you'll be on the hook for co-pays on every visit and paying about 20% on all procedures (kid needs a lumbar MRI after hyperextending back in net = $6000).

Houston specifically? Terrible weather unless you enjoy permasweat, air quality = terrible, closest NHL team Stars. Galveston is the tail end of the butt end of Americas toilet. Hell, I'd rather live in Dallas than Houston and that's not saying much.

Wifey wife better make the big bucks. I'm a wealthy elitist, but the economic disparity in Houston is pretty ridiculous.

so i guess we can mark you for a NO vote......I noticed it was 32 there the otehr day - there has gotta be something said for that.....

DemolitionCat · 10-26-2010, 11:14 PM

Oh yes, this is the best time of the year in Texas for weather, minus the tornados. Just remember to keep saying how great it is when it's 44C, 100% humidity and you haven't seen rain for 2 weeks.

In the end it doesn't really matter what the weather is there since there is nothing to do outside. The malls are always the same temperature so you'll be ok as long as you like shopping.

moon · 10-26-2010, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Northendzone

so i guess we can mark you for a NO vote......I noticed it was 32 there the otehr day - there has gotta be something said for that.....

Considering the garbage he posted I would mark him down as an ignore.

Houston is great. I would move back in a heartbeat if I had the chance.

First Lady · 10-26-2010, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DemolitionCat

...........................

You need an avatar. May I suggest.... a box of corn flakes.

DemolitionCat · 10-26-2010, 11:50 PM

This gentleman requested information regarding living in a city I have first hand knowledge of. Individuals with other experience perhaps could offer theirs as well.

TopChed · 10-27-2010, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moon

Considering the garbage he posted I would mark him down as an ignore.

Houston is great. I would move back in a heartbeat if I had the chance.

Says the guy in Lethbridge lol, sorry but I found that funny for some reason.

wpgflamesfan · 10-27-2010, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DemolitionCat

Oh yes, this is the best time of the year in Texas for weather, minus the tornados. Just remember to keep saying how great it is when it's 44C, 100% humidity and you haven't seen rain for 2 weeks.

In the end it doesn't really matter what the weather is there since there is nothing to do outside. The malls are always the same temperature so you'll be ok as long as you like shopping.

I'd probably take 44C, 100% humidity over −40 with a windchill, but too each his own.

calgaryrocks · 10-27-2010, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wpgflamesfan

I'd probably take 44C, 100% humidity over −40 with a windchill, but too each his own.

both of these extremes suck, but its probably 40C with 100% humidity there more often then -40 with windchill here.
to each his own is right, but when its -20 you can snowboard, play hockey and other outdoor activities, when its 40C (humidity or not) there isn't much you can do aside from go to the mall for A/C

Rockin' Flames · 10-27-2010, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DemolitionCat

You may be able to buy a cheap house which is good since it will probably only last 20 years before the rot sets in. The property taxes will murder you. If you go on an H1 vs permanent residency, get ready to bend over on the income tax situation.

Houses are a great price in all of Texas. I moved to Texas last year and still have cash in the bank from my house sale and have a house. With respect to the tax situation if you terminate your ties in Canada correctly you can get in a situation where you are paying taxes only in the US and one great thing about the tax situation for taxes is you can income split on the returns. Oh ya, there is no state income tax in Texas either just a sales tax of around 8%. I've found to be better off with taxes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DemolitionCat

I wouldn't worry about your kids hockey career since unless you don't mind him getting stabbed every once in a while you'll be too broke from paying for private school you won't be able to afford rink fees.

When looking for a house look at school ratings, there are some good schools in Houston (where your child won't get stabbed).

Quote:

Originally Posted by DemolitionCat

You should also hope that you've never been sick before in your life since even if you get group health coverage, you'll inevitability end up fighting with your insurance company over every claim you make. Even if you get "Cadillac" insurance you'll be on the hook for co-pays on every visit and paying about 20% on all procedures (kid needs a lumbar MRI after hyperextending back in net = $6000).

Quite the exageration of the health care system down here. We haven't had to fight the insurance companies for any of our claims that we've made and between me, my wife, and son we've been to the doctor a few times. The insurance costs aren't that bad but will depend upon the plan you get. I've found this compensated by the fact that you pay less in taxes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DemolitionCat

Houston specifically? Terrible weather unless you enjoy permasweat, air quality = terrible, closest NHL team Stars. Galveston is the tail end of the butt end of Americas toilet. Hell, I'd rather live in Dallas than Houston and that's not saying much.)

Every person likes different things in weather. It does get hot and humid in the summer but if you give it some time you will become adjusted. I actually find that it's kind of cold outside when I go out in the mornings this time of year and it's still 75 degrees outside. Kind of like you get used to colder weather you would likely get used to warmer weather.

Houston is a big city and during rush hour the driving time will likely be greater than you experience now. From personal experience I've found people in Texas to be friendly and can't wait for my wife to have here employer sponser us for a green card in about 6 months time.