So I’m getting transferred to Houston, Texas.
I’m from Vancouver/The Lower Mainland in BC and I’m pretty comfortable/in sync with the liberal views and lifestyles that dominate the area. What is the general social tone in Houston? What can I expect? Is it fairly conservative? Am I in for a shock, or no?
I happen to think that George W. Bush is a war criminal (Not looking for a debate here and I don’t want to see one). I guess I should keep my mouth shut when in Texas?
About the only shock you will have to worry about will be the weather.Our winter time temps are going to feel like summer to you and our summer time temps will make you think that you are in hell.Inside beltway 8 the city tends to be more liberal and cosmopolitan while outside the beltway in the suburbs things get more conservative.
Let me be the first to say “Welcome To Houston” and we hope you enjoy your time here.
Welcome to Houston. Be prepared to wear your shorts on Christmas. I haven’t experienced a Houston summer, but everyone tells me they are brutal. Everyone speaks at least two languages, but not the same ones. The people overall seem friendly, but sometimes the language barrier is a problem (for me). I realized I am one of the most culturally unexposed people in the world. Beautiful sunsets and really windy. I tie tiny rocks to my shoelaces to anchor me down. Beware of the wildlife, apparently alligators frequent the public recreational areas near Sugar Land in the summer. If in Dallas, don’t ever run a red light en route to the hospital if your mother in law is dying. I wouldn’t mention that bit about George Bush in Sugar Land, but it seems that there are a fair amount of liberals scattered throughout also.
I’ve been to Houston in winter a few times. It was never that bad, usually just 50-60 degrees or so. More like a nice spring day. Quite pleasant, actually.
Summers, though, yeah, it’s too friggin’ hot.
As someone who’s been in Houston for two years now, I’d say Houston is fairly moderate overall. Although Texas overall voted for McCain, the majority of Harris County voted for Obama. There are plenty of conservative people, and plenty of extremely conservative people, but there’s also plenty of liberal and moderate people. I know that if you’ve heard of the mega churches that are here that can sound kinda weird, but just don’t go to lunch on Sunday near one of them and they won’t affect you at all.
I agree with everyone else that the biggest shock for you will be the weather. And while I’ve only been in Houston for two years, if you have other questions I’ll attempt to answer them.
Welcome to Houston!
I’m a native. Born and raised here, lived in several foreign countries, but always came back here because Houston is where it’s at.
I live on the west side. Give me a holler when you get settled in and I’ll buy you lunch somewhere.
As somebody who isn’t from Houston but has been there quite a bit, one of the biggest differences I note is how sociable complete strangers are. If you’re buying groceries at the supermarket, for example, the cashier will initiate a conversion with you. I’m not used to this from New York.
And Houstonians see traffic signals as loose guidelines at most.
Somebody should mention missionaries.
As far as big cities go, Houston is fairly conservative, but it’s more of a small government-loving, big business coddling type of conservatism (it is after all the heart of the oil and gas industry) rather than the moralizing, “family values”-espousing, fire and brimstone social conservatism you see in a lot of other red states.
At first glance the city can like one giant billboard infested, strip mall laden chunk of suburbia, but it does have some nice walkable bohemian enclaves, like the Montrose, the Heights and the Museum District.
I lived there for a short while after college and I enjoyed it. It has the advantages of living in the suburbs, in that you can find a good sized apartment in a nice area for relatively little money and you never have to worry about looking for a parking space, with all the perks that come with living in a big city - world class museums, an eclectic live music scene, funky ethnic restaurants. I have to warn you, though, the traffic is horrendous.
I haven’t spent a lot of time in Houston, but the quote above does bring to mind an anecdote from my visit. We wound up spending rather a lot of time in the Houston airport (incidentally, named after George Bush). I was looking for something to read and went to the newsstand. I got a copy of The Atlantic Monthly. I kinda wondered why it was way up on the top shelf where most newsstands keep the porn. Anyway, I was sitting out in the gate area reading my magazine and this lady (they are friendly!) says to me “I went to college up in Boulder, so I used to know some people who read that magazine.”
So I would say use a little caution before steering the conversation to politics.
Hey, there are people with extremely naive and narrow-minded views everywhere. I’m sure you’ll find some people that share yours.
I’ve lived in Houston my whole life, and plan on staying once I graduate college this summer. It really is a great city. If you like eating out there are restaurants serving almost any cuisine and some dirt cheap mexican places that are absolutely mind-blowingly amazing. People here generally have a high amount of southern hospitality; don’t be surprised if people constantly initiate conversations with you on the street, at the supermarket, while waiting in line exc.
I’l second the warnings of the heat; its not the temperature its the humidity. On the flip side, your skin stays nicely hydrated!
I live in the Montrose area, and I’ve been told it rivals the Heights for closest to the vibe found in Vancouver. Many conveniences in walking distance, the people are great, and it is very very liberal. You will need a car; even in my extremely walk-friendly area people drive everywhere. You could take the buses, I have no experience with them personally, except for the ones taking office workers from the 'burbs to downtown during weekdays.
Feel free to contact me about the areas of Houston or recommendations for things to do. A helpful website is the Houston Press, the local weekly free newspaper. They have all kinds of info on their website, along with blogs aimed at general information, music, sports and food.
Thanks to all for the info and the warm welcome. It should be an exciting time living in this lively and cosmopolitan city.
Bummer on that rush for the goal, Rand Rover. The ref called offside 
Please note that Rand Rover is not a Houstonian. Of course there are Republicans in town–more in the 'burbs than Inside The Loop. But many of us will be willing to debate you on your characterization of Bush II as a war criminal. As in: Old Man Bush is the real criminal; Shrub is just a brain damaged pawn.
And some of us even use mass transit; certain workplaces & Inside the Loop neighborhoods are nicely linked by bus & light rail. (Our one light rail line–they’re buildling more any day now…) Do consider the commute when you pick a place to live.
Will you be in town for the Houston International Festival? If not, maybe you’ll make The Art Car Parade.
Welcome!