I moved to Texas, just outside of the Baytown side of Houston, at the very start of the year with my family (what timing). I'd quit my job and just came down here with them, because it honestly seemed like the best, logical thing to do considering where we were and what I was doing. That there's going to be way more opportunity for me going forward down here, not considering what's happened in the world/U.S. this year...
We live on the eastern outskirts of Houston and considering how things have been, I've really not explored or seen the city proper at all. I've hardly driven around/gone out at all in this year.
I'm definitely open to moving elsewhere in the state, separate from Houston proper and staying right with my folks, but I definitely don't know where might be optimal, so this thread is definitely interesting.
For context, I come from podunk, small town Appalachia that's been on the sharp decline for years, so in many ways, a lot of stuff is both pretty exciting and a big change. The central part of the state, the Austin/San Antonio region, definitely seems like it could be the best place for me personally. More green, more hills, probably slightly less humid, and it sounds like a bit less gridlock traffic which is good but not THAT big of a deal for me honestly.
I really enjoy driving personally, so being in a vehicle isn't too bad. But I do worry about getting sick of it, which I think Houston could easily do to a person after awhile, especially if their commutes are extra hellacious.
Another thing is, the cost of living in and around the Houston area seems to be not too bad. And coming from a cheap living place, that is definitely a pro. Though the flat swamps of the Houston area is kind of drab, compared to the hilly, green, temperate weather environments I come from.
It does sound like living somewhere situated between/around SA/Austin seems like it could be a best of all worlds/maximized positives in terms of where to live here for me.
