Moving to Houston! Need a little help...

[Pony]

Well, we just found out that we are leaving Chicago :( and moving to houston :eek: :D .

We will be moving there the end of August. Crazy..this is all so sudden. Anyways, DH has only been to Houston once during a road trip and it was just for a night. So we do not know much about it, but I've been doing my research.

Basically, I am trying to plan a mini trip down there in July so we can figure out where we want to live. Trying to make this more affordable, since we will be moving down there soon and having to pay for moving expenses. I just went on Hotwire and found a hotel in the medical center district for $56/night :D and it was rated 3 1/2 stars (which is in the middle)...I have never used Hotwire for hotels and am nervous about being stuck in a bad section of town....

I guess my question is....are there "bad" sections in the medical district, should I not risk it?

THANKS!!!

michelle

[Beth]

First of all, Welcome!

The medical center is a large area. It is active and a fine area, but the fringes would not be areas I would want to be in at night. I think you might like being closer to a residential area.

Where is your DH going to be working and do you have any ideas where you want to look at homes? If you come up our way, I will give you some names of excellent realtors to talk to (if you aren't using a company designee). There are a number of us down here. Maybe we can help you figure out what areas you might be most interested in -- will depend a lot on kids and schools (sorry, can't remember your status there), price range, willingness to commute (Houston is still heavily auto dependent), work location and hours and price range.

The housing market here has been pretty active since January -- didn't slow down a lot through the winter. Resales are typically most active in our area March through June. By July, you may find your choices are more limited, but you may have more negotiating room on what you find. I would start shopping the internet and try to get a feel for areas. We'll help. You can email me. I grew up in Houston and know most of it pretty well.

[Pony]

Thanks Beth.

Here is the scoop ;)
DH got a 9 month residency at the Museum of Fine Arts. So, we are thinking we want to stay in the Inner Loop area, preferably closer to where his studio will be located (assuming that is near the MFA). No kids, no pets, just DH and I which makes this much easier to deal with right now. We only have one car and hoping to keep it that way, Chicago is soooo easy to get by w/ only 1 or 0 cars, and we don't want to invest in another vehicle....so staying near his studio is what we are hoping for.

DH just sprung it on me this AM about actually buying something. :eek: We have been renting for the past 5 years. Like I said his thing is only 9 months, but he has a chance of being accepted for one more year. So could lead to 18 months..he mentioned maybe we should just commit to living in Houston for at least 3 years and buy a place. I was just in the process of changing careers to become a Personal Chef and moving around every 9 months won't help me out, so that was another reason he mentioned the "commitment". Anyways, I'm not sure if we will really buy something or not, the original plan was rent, but he just thru this out there this morning. hmmmmmmmmm..so much to think about!

I guess it is hard to figure out about the hotwire hotels.....I completely understand what you mean about not wanting to be around the fringes at night. A city is a city and you need to be careful whereever you are! hmmmm.....

THANKS SO MUCH!
michelle

[Clara]

I'm here to help! OK, I just read your other post so I'm editing here...

I work in the medical center. If you want, let me know the name of the hotel and I can tell you if I'd recommend it or not. Hotels around Rice University would also be a good bet (and in a nice area) and that's right next to the Medical Center.....

If he's working at MFA, I highly recommend Rice Village or Midtown. Depends on your price range, but there are some AWESOME townhomes in that area....from fixer-uppers to major upscale 4 stories!

[doggerham]

Michelle,

Beth is right -- there are a bunch of us from all over Houston here; all with different lives and points of view. And to top it off, I'm *really* from Chicago -- grew up in Barrington, and lived in Rogers Park before moving to the South.

Feel free to PM any questions. But for now -- which hotel? As Beth suggests, depending on exactly where it is, the hotel you found on hotwire could be fine, or could be dicey. And the area changes so much. It also depends on your tolerance levels -- where are you coming from urban or suburban.

Congrats. Bring sunscreen.

Amy

[Pony]

Thanks Clara. I knew you all would be sooo helpful!

Hotwire.com doesn't tell you what the hotel name is, just location, rating and price. The hotel was only $56/night and was ranked 3 1/2 stars, which supposedly means it could be a something like a Radisson, Crowne Plaza, but again, I have no idea what the address is :(

I'm also looking at hotels.com and they are a little more money but they tell you where you will be located...
Bradford Homesuites Galleria 3440 Sage Road Houston TX 77056
Park Plaza Reliant Center 8686 Kirby Drive Houston TX 77054
Holiday Inn @ Reliant Park 8111 Kirby Drive Houston TX 77054
Wellesley Inn/Suites Med Cntr 1301 S Braeswood Blvd
Comfort Inn Downtown, 5820 Katy Freeway, Houston TX 77007

It looks like if we stay further away, like closer to the airport it is more affordable, but I was kind of hoping to stay closer to where we might be living just to get a "feel" for it.

Thanks for all your help.
michelle

[Pony]

Originally posted by doggerham
Michelle,

Beth is right -- there are a bunch of us from all over Houston here; all with different lives and points of view. And to top it off, I'm *really* from Chicago -- grew up in Barrington, and lived in Rogers Park before moving to the South.

Feel free to PM any questions. But for now -- which hotel? As Beth suggests, depending on exactly where it is, the hotel you found on hotwire could be fine, or could be dicey. And the area changes so much. It also depends on your tolerance levels -- where are you coming from urban or suburban.

Congrats. Bring sunscreen.

Amy

Oh fun!! I live in Logan Square and we love it here! Especially right now with everything in bloom....so we don't mind noise and I will definitely bring sunscreen and plenty of water ;)

[Clara]

Park Plaza is respectable and is right inside the loop and next to 59 so it's near all of the main roads. Wellesley is nice and is actually located in the middle of all the main medical center apartment complexes, so you shouldn't have any problems there....

Comfort Inn and Holiday Inn...mmmm, not so sure. Holiday Inn is alright, but it's right there in the middle of the medical center...the others would be a better bet. And Comfort Inn looks like it's on I-10 and that's probably farther out than you want to be...

Bradford is probably okay, too, but that's over closer to the Galleria...lots of traffic.

If you have any other questions, just let us know. One of us is bound to know something :)

[Pony]

Thanks Clara. I looked at the Bradford, b/c they were having a discounted rate and the third night was free.

So, I have been trying to get a feel for the little sections of towns in the Innerloop area and I keep seeing something like 1960...
I can't seem to find it on any of the maps I've been looking at?

Also, say we do actually buy something in the city...what are the price ranges to expect for say a condo, duplex, apartment? Maybe around the muesum district area, medical center, montrose or somewhere around that area.
I'm hoping it is much more affordable then here, where a one bedroom condo is over $200,000. But these are probably the more expensive sections of town just b/c of location.

What sections of town are the up and coming places to move, affordable and growing...?

I appreciate all your help!

Michelle

[sneezles]

Originally posted by Pony
So, I have been trying to get a feel for the little sections of towns in the Innerloop area and I keep seeing something like 1960...
I can't seem to find it on any of the maps I've been looking at?


Take my advice and stay away from FM1960!!! Besides it isn't even close to the Medical Center! The price of property inside the Loop is fairly high. The area around the MFA, Rice University and the Medical Center and especially Rice Village aread will be extremely pricey...empty lots (1/4 acre lots) sell for about $100K.

[Pony]

Originally posted by sneezles


Take my advice and stay away from FM1960!!! Besides it isn't even close to the Medical Center! The price of property inside the Loop is fairly high. The area around the MFA, Rice University and the Medical Center and especially Rice Village aread will be extremely pricey...empty lots (1/4 acre lots) sell for about $100K.

Thanks for the warning :D

[Clara]

Although if you are interested in buying in the suburbs...1960 is lovely...since I live right off of it in one of the major suburbs...Kingwood.

Midtown and the Rice Village areas are the up and coming places where they are tearing down older homes and building the new townhomes, but they are definitely pricey. If you're looking for an older home, under $200,000, inside the loop, and not too far from the Museum...I would suggest the area around Buffalo Speedway/Braeswood/Kirby. There's a few subdivisions over there that are reasonable if you're looking for a home.

I highly recommend the site below for finding a place to live. It will give you a great idea of price ranges and types of homes in the various areas. Area 17 (Southwest) is the area I described above.
http://www.har.com/

[sneezles]

It's not a bad area except that it's a nightmare for traffic! Along with Westheimer and a few others. We were living inside the Loop before we moved permanently to the country. On this map you'll want to stay west of 288, fairly north of Main St and Old Spanish Trail. The Montrose area has some good and bad area but it's also going through major renovations in the area. Plus it's a very "artsie" neighborhood...maybe eclectic would be a better description! We lived in the area around Southside Place. The new rail system is suppose to be ideal for getting downtown. We have a friend who rides it every day now and before he would drive downtown from our neighborhood.

http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?ed=5v6yWup_0TrT9lkPOBO4&csz=Houston&country=us

Edit: Click on the "make map larger" in the left hand side of the ledger.

[Pony]

Thanks you guys!

Traffic is nothing new to me, have lived in Chicago for 3 years and right outside DC my whole life. I hate it, but can live w/ it. But, hoping we won't have to deal with it!!!

I heard about the new rail system. Hoping we can utilize it, we are public transportation junkies ;)

[RebeccaT]

Hi there!

I live right in the area you are talking about, just a few minutes from MFAH, and so I would be totally happy to show you around the area!

Like others have said, the Med Center and Rice Village area is a great place to live, but there are areas that are very pricey. There are also areas that are reasonable, particularly if you want to rent (property in this area is quite expensive, to be honest). For the museum district, if you want DH to be able to walk to MFAH, you will be pretty limited. If you are willing to be 5-10 minutes away, you have a lot more options, both for rentals and ownership. Areas to look at include Rice Village, Montrose, the upper Med Center (don't get too far south or get too close to Reliant Park), and the area just north of 59 between Weslayan and South Shepherd.

As far as the hotels you mentioned in your post, the Bradford is the only one of those that I would recommend, based purely on location. The others are VERY close to Reliant Park, where the Houston Texans play, and while not inconvenient I don't know if I would want to stay there. While there is a lot of traffic around the Galleria, it's also very easy to get to, and it's a major landmark that will make it easy to figure out how to get from point a to point b. If possible, try to get a hotel that is NOT directly off of 610 (also called North Loop or West Loop), as that will be where your worst traffic is. The Bradford is good for this reason, since it's off Sage.

Whatever I can do to help, I'm happy to do! Just let me know! :)

[RebeccaT]

What's your price range for your hotel? The Greenway Plaza area has a lot of hotels, it's away from the Galleria snag (it's worse than usual at the moment because of some major highway construction), and it's convenient to the Museum District.

Argh. Just saw that you are public trasportation junkies. Oh dear... the new rail line is a monument to what happens when the best laid plans are poorly executed. It won't be like what you're used to with the Metro in D.C. or even Chicago!

[Pony]

Thanks Rebecca!

Didn't you recently buy a house? I feel like I remember reading that on a thread. But there have been a lot of homebuying threads lately!

I am going to keep all those areas you mentioned in my head! I would love for him to be able to walk to the MFA but even a few minutes away would be nice, I could always drop him off. or maybe we will just have to suck it up and get a car???

Thanks for the hotel tips.
I guess I was thinking of spending less than 80ish a night and I say that b/c as I was searching on hotels.com, I found some good deals. The Bradford was running a special and was about an average of only $57 a night! So, i'm leaning towards that. We won't really be in the hotel except to sleep b/c we will be running around town ;)

I'm sure I will have TONS of questions and keep you posted about when we will be down there. I'm leaning towards mid july for our visit and might be moving down there mid-end august.

Thanks
michelle

[RebeccaT]

We bought our house 2 years ago, so I guess it depends on what you call "recently." :p We really love where we live! It's a great part of town.

I would recommend playing around on www.har.com to see what you can find in your price range, just to get some ideas. You can look at townhomes, condos, and single family houses, filter by price, by zip code, neighborhood... and if you have questions or want to know where something is, just holler! :)

[Pony]

I guess 2 years isn't too recent ;)

I've been playing on har.com all morning. I haven't done one thing but eat breakfast/lunch and play on houston websites. Oh boy! I just called the program that DH got accepted to and the studios are inside the glassel school of art at 5100 Montrose (i believe). So, it would be great to be around there.

This buying a house thing was totally unexpected. But I'm for it if we are going to be there for a few years. I regret not buying in Chicago now, hate paying that rent to the landlords! Knowing DH he might come home tonight and say lets just rent. :rolleyes:

[RebeccaT]

There are some great townhomes, in lots of price ranges, that have gone up in the past 3-4 years on the streets off of Montrose. Townhomes in this area tend to be much more reasonably priced, because in this part of town it's the actual LAND that's at a premium. So if you're only paying for a plot of land that's as big as your house's footprint, you'll be able to get more house for your money. It's hard to find a decent single-family home that doesn't cost more than $400K, it can be done, but it's difficult and usually requires serious renovation.

I know EXACTLY where you are talking about - my church is across the street from the Glassel School! I'd be happy to show you around when you come to visit, just let me know.

[RebeccaT]

oh, and we LOVED our real estate broker. She's great, and knows the city like the back of her hand. Let me know if you'd like her number! :)

[Pony]

What a wealth of info I've gotten from you ladies in the past few hours!

Rebecca, that is cool your church is right across the street :D
I'm looking at the townhomes/condos right now and am shocked at the prices. Mainly b/c you can't get that around here or in Northern VA where my family lives. Yay, I'm excited. Might actually be doable for us to buy. Guess I need to hunt for a job :( I noticed there are tons of condos with pools around there....do those resell easily? I think we would prefer a townhome, but just curious.

I might just get the realtor info from you :D . I need to talk to DH a little more, he has been so busy lately with his graduation show. This morning was the first time we were able to have a conversation about our move since we found out on Saturday.

Thanks again. Looking forward to meeting up with you!

Michelle

[RebeccaT]

I am so glad that you are pleasantly shocked! Houston home prices are good for a major metropolitan area, but I am so used to folks around my office rolling their eyes at me because or what we paid for our house inside the loop (you should see home prices in the 'burbs, if you think these are good!).

The condo places with pools, I think are mostly older apartment complexes that have gone condo. I guess they resell as easily as any other properties inside the loop, but I don't know that much about them. I live in a townhome, and so I am more educated in that whole arena.

What an exciting time for you! :) Have fun with the process! I don't envy your move to Houston in August... I moved to Texas in August 5 years ago, and... well, I don't want to scare you. :p

[Pony]

Originally posted by RebeccaT

What an exciting time for you! :) Have fun with the process! I don't envy your move to Houston in August... I moved to Texas in August 5 years ago, and... well, I don't want to scare you. :p

;) DH is from FL and we both went to school in FL, so we are used to the heat/humidity, but from what I heard Houston can be just down right awful in the summer! :eek: This is what I get for complaining about the cold Chicago winters!

[doggerham]

Rebecca, I'm glad you mentioned the "moving to Houston in August" thing, because I was a little hesitant to myself -- didn't want to scare off our potential new Inner Looper!

I moved to Houston in August and almost turned around and got back on the plane! I came here from North Carolina, which is certainly warmer than Chicago was, but still has 4 distinct seasons, and nothing like the humidity we have here.

But Pony, if you can handle Florida, you can handle Houston -- you're prepared for the tropical thang.

You're looking at a great, great part of town. If I didn't live in the Heights, that's where I'd be. I used to work in the museum district (across the street from the Menil Collection) and really loved that. The public transportation situation is sad -- the train is a big improvement, and with your DH working at the MFAH, it will be handy to go hang out downtown -- but, unlike Chicago, there is no way you can get around without at least one car. However, you can do it with just one with a little cooperation and pre-planning--- we did it for awhile, and that's when we lived in the SW burbs, but both worked downtown!

[Pony]

Originally posted by doggerham
Rebecca, I'm glad you mentioned the "moving to Houston in August" thing, because I was a little hesitant to myself -- didn't want to scare off our potential new Inner Looper!

I moved to Houston in August and almost turned around and got back on the plane! I came here from North Carolina, which is certainly warmer than Chicago was, but still has 4 distinct seasons, and nothing like the humidity we have here.

But Pony, if you can handle Florida, you can handle Houston -- you're prepared for the tropical thang.

I'm going to have to warn my parents. They always help us move and as soon as I told them I was moving to TX, they mentioned having to come down there to help. They are such sports.

What is Heights like?

[doggerham]

Michelle,

The Heights was one of the first "planned communities" started in the early 1890s. There were homes built for executives (on Heights Boulevard), and for the workers (many Craftsman style cottages. It went through its ups and downs, and in the 90s went through a major re-emergence and revitalization -- lots and lots of renovations and new construction. My home, for example, is new construction, but is built to "look" old-ish Victorian. Homes range from about $150 (fixerupper cottage) to $500+ last time I looked. There are 3 homes on my street that are being built and are being offered at $315 -- we'll see what they actually sell for!

Here are some web sites -- one from a Texas history that summarizes this area -- that same site will have information on the Rice University area as well I would imagine. One is the Heights Association web page -- a very active group in the preservation and promotion of the area. The last one is about one of their projects "First Saturday", which happens to be tomorrow -- which is a monthly event to encourage shoppers to come to the area -- there is all sorts of stuff going on if you click through the site. Too bad its supposed to storm all afternooon!

http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/view/HH/hvhab.html
http://www.houstonheights.org/index.htm

http://www.heightsfirstsaturday.com/events.html

[kwormann]

Well, looks like everyone beat me to the punch with the advice...but welcome!

We lived in Montrose and The Galleria before moving out of the city. We also moved in August...and it was actually good because I didnt realize how long the summer was that first year since we werent there for all of it....

What kind of job will be looking for?

[Pony]

Doggerham,
Thanks for the info and the links about Heights. Looks like another area to consider while we visit.

Kim,
Feel free to jump in and add anything :) Glad your move was good in August! I will keep my fingers crossed.
About jobs, DH is assuming he will have time for a PT job along with the residency. Myself, well...I'm a registered dietitian and have been working in a dialysis clinic for about 5ish years. I'm ready to get out...I recently decided to become a Personal Chef and maybe keep something else on the side while that is growing. However, I'm not ready right now to start that business. So my plan was to do something fun, low key (maybe) and work on my PC business. Or I could always go back to the stable, what I know job, as a dietitian. Not sure what I want to do. When DH mentioned at first this was just a 9 month gig, I was thinking how fun it would be just to work at Central Market, Penzey's,(actually Trader Joe's was my first thought ;)), Container Store (because you can work PT and get insurance), Whole Foods, a local cooking school ..something like that...now that he is talking 3 years I think I need to rethink this.

I'm excited for the new adventure and really appreciate your help.

Michelle

[doggerham]

Oh, yes, forgot to mention, Penzey's is in the Heights, on 19th street, about 7-8 blocks from where I live. Central Market is at Westheimer and Weslayan, so inside the Loop, but at the western/central edge, so easy to get to from the Museum District etc. There are also 2 Whole Foods you might consider for a PT gig, one at Kirby/Alabama, near your target area, and the other on Bellaire, further, but not too unreasonably so.

One thing that is different about Houston is its lack of zoning laws. This has allowed the city to grow in a pretty unrestricted manner, making for some strange, and sometimes kind of ugly, neighbors. Since I've been here 15 years I'm used to it, and in many ways embrace it, but I remember thinking how some things were pretty ugly when I first got here! Some neighborhoods have done better jobs in writing (and enforcing) restrictions into the property deeds, but, for instance in the Heights, a lot of those have expired. That's where the Heights association comes into play -- no legal authority, but they have worked diligently over the years to guide growth. There is no doubt that certain things in the Heights can be pretty quirky without more typical restrictions, but if you don't mind the fact that your neighbor might take it into his head to paint his house purple with orange trim and open a spa, and that there isn't going to be some heavy handed neighborhood group with pre-approved paint chip colors telling him he can't, its a cool place. Its a very, very mixed neigborhood, the "gentrification" has certainly improved things, but hopefully the charm and a certain amount of the eclecticness won't be totally worn away.

But I should stop -- this is a long, involved political hot potato, that I'm really not all that educated on having only lived in the Heights for about 4 years, and am actually part of that yuppie new builder gentrification invasion!

[Beth]

Those are neat areas to be considering, especially without kids (big reason we're in the burbs). I just wanted to add that those areas support enough upper middle to high income professionals that I would think that it would be a great are for having a personal chef business.

I know a realtor here who uses a caterer with a home meal delivery service as thank you gifts for some of her clients -- maybe you could work a deal with your realtor of others to help you get started -- a day or half day of personal chef services deoending on the home and commission range, and hopefully repeat business for you. Only problem is that the kitchen will have to be unpacked enough to find everything berfore they could use you or you wouold also have to offer a kitchen organizing service (something some folks could use anyway).

[Pony]

Doggerham, your description of Houston actually gets me really excited to move there. I love cities and new things, so does DH. We will have a blast figuring it all out just like we did here in Chicago.

Beth!!!! I have heard of a few other PC's working with realtors and I was hoping to use them for some clients! I'm going to have to find some ways to market myself. I've been thinking about that a lot lately and it is kind of scary moving to a new place where you don't know anyone. I had already come up w/ a few ideas for Chicago, but will have to start fresh down there.

Michelle

[sneezles]

One thing's for sure ...Houstonians love to eat! And if it's delivered to their homes!?!?!?
We lived in the city (inside the Loop) for 17 years and raised our three sons there (well for the most part...DS#3 moved up here at 13). We would spend most of the summer in the museum district-had family memberships to most of them. One of them even took a class at Glassel School. They all took summer classes at HMNS. About the only thing I don't miss about Houston is the traffic getting into the city. The street level traffic never seemed to bother me...you will have to be careful not to develop an "Insider's Mentality" meaning "anything located outside the Loop is too far away" many people suffer from it! :p

[buffygirl]

Michelle,

Inner looper checking in here. DH and I just thoroughly researched inner loop housing last fall. We looked all over. I'm pretty well versed in price ranges for the different areas because of that.

One thing to think about in Houston, rental property inside the loop is a bit sluggish due to all of the new construction and low interest rates. You can get some really cool rentals for not too much money right now. That would at least give you time to decide if you liked the city before committing to buying a place. As an example, a friend of mine owns a cool duplex in Montrose, and she is renting 1100 sf for about $1200 or $1300. Just a thought.

If your DH is going to be at Glassell, Montrose would be very close, but the Heights would be just a short jaunt down Studemont as well. West U/Rice area is great, but very well established and very pricey. "Tear downs" are going for over $300,000 mostly depending on the location.

Public transport is not Houston's high point. You may want to re-think the 1 car thing.

Happy to help out in any way.

Kim

[doggerham]

Originally posted by Pony
...it is kind of scary moving to a new place where you don't know anyone.

What are we chopped liver?? OK, OK, I know you don't know us IRL, and I completely understand your anxieties. I moved from Chicago to NC and from NC to here alone -- at least you've got your DH. :) But seriously, I truly hope you are comfortable enough that when you do get down here you will feel free to call upon me, if for nothing else than a cuppa coffee and a friendly voice. Since we don't have kids, I have a fair amount of flexibility.

After all, our supper club, which got together via the internet and this bb is nicknamed, "The Axe Murderers". ;)

Amy

[Pony]

Originally posted by doggerham


What are we chopped liver?? OK, OK, I know you don't know us IRL, and I completely understand your anxieties. I moved from Chicago to NC and from NC to here alone -- at least you've got your DH. :) But seriously, I truly hope you are comfortable enough that when you do get down here you will feel free to call upon me, if for nothing else than a cuppa coffee and a friendly voice. Since we don't have kids, I have a fair amount of flexibility.

After all, our supper club, which got together via the internet and this bb is nicknamed, "The Axe Murderers". ;)

Amy

Silly Amy :) I meant more for business purposes. hehehee... But hey, you all have connections which can help me start my business!!! It's funny b/c Kristalsnow and I have never met but live in the same area and when I figured out I would be leaving, I thought to myself, hmm..I won't be living near Kristal anymore :( I'm excited to live near a new CL BB crew! I applaud you for moving to a different state by yourself. I did that only once, but that was to go to college, so a little different. It is so much easier to get by on your own in college since everyone is doing the same kind of thing. And thank you very much for the warm welcoming, you are so thoughtful. A cup of coffee would be nice!

sneezles, I know what you mean about "insider's mentality", I'm guilty of it here in Chicago :( I've already told DH we have to explore Houston and other cities near by, especially Austin. I've always wanted to visit there! Now's my chance.

Kim, how long did it take you to find a place you liked/wanted/could afford? I'm wondering if as soon as something goes on the market it is bought or is it sluggish like the rentals? Our original plan was to rent, but I don't want a yr. lease if we have a seed planted in our head that we might buy. Have you noticed rentals being flexible, 3-6-9 month leases?

yay, you all (I was told I have to stop saying you guys and am eventually going to have to switch to y'all ;) :D ) are getting me excited!!!

Michelle

[sneezles]

Originally posted by Pony


yay, you all (I was told I have to stop saying you guys and am eventually going to have to switch to y'all ;) :D ) are getting me excited!!!

Michelle

The plural of y'all is all y'all! ;)

[Robyn1007]

Originally posted by sneezles


The plural of y'all is all y'all! ;)

:D People here look at me so funny when I say something like what are all y'all doin' tonight? I mean, what else would I say?

:D :D Robyn

[hollysmom]

If you and DH can work it out to do a house-hunting trip in early June, y'all could attend the Texas Picnic at Sneezles house out yonder and meet all us fine folks!

June 5 - see previous threads for details.

SSM

[Pony]

:D :p

I would love to meet y'all ;) in June, but we just booked a flight for mid July :D .

That would have been fun to go to sneezles! Maybe next time.

Michelle

[Beth]

Let us know when you're coming. We may not have the Texas picnic, but we migth have a supper club or something.

[RebeccaT]

Originally posted by sneezles
...you will have to be careful not to develop an "Insider's Mentality" meaning "anything located outside the Loop is too far away" many people suffer from it! :p


... But it IS far away! :p ;)

Wow, you guys have been busy this weekend! Michelle, how could you not be excited to move to Houston to join this friendly crowd! :D

Saturday the weather was awful, flash floods abounding. Yesterday was one of the most picture-perfect days in recent memory. Houston weather is a complete enigma to me... you will quickly learn to take whatever the weather man says about anything beyond the next 6 hours, and completely disregard it!

[sneezles]

Originally posted by RebeccaT

Houston weather is a complete enigma to me... you will quickly learn to take whatever the weather man says about anything beyond the next 6 hours, and completely disregard it!

But aren't you lovin' these cooler temps!! In the 40's this morning-YES! Although I've had just about all the rain I can stand! ;)

[doggerham]

Hey I went Outside The Loop yesterday for supper club -- all the way to Copperfield even!!! But I know what you mean about the inside the Loop mentality -- but that does cut both ways!

And, hey, I work outside the Loop. OK, about 100 yards outside, but still....

[RebeccaT]

Originally posted by doggerham

And, hey, I work outside the Loop. OK, about 100 yards outside, but still....

I work outside the loop - at the Beltway. The outer limits of civilization, as far as I'm concerned. :p

[kristalsnow7]

Originally posted by Pony

It's funny b/c Kristalsnow and I have never met but live in the same area and when I figured out I would be leaving, I thought to myself, hmm..I won't be living near Kristal anymore :(

Michelle

I know we've commisserated about this already, but still..... :(

But I think you'll be in good hands in Houston, Michelle. Y'all ;) seem like a very friendly bunch!!!! :D

[Pony]

Originally posted by kristalsnow7


I know we've commisserated about this already, but still..... :(

But I think you'll be in good hands in Houston, Michelle. Y'all ;) seem like a very friendly bunch!!!! :D

I agree :D

[Pony]

bump bump bump

[Pony]

pretty please, bump.

[hollysmom]

Since I live in Pecan Grove (7 miles east of the intersection of Hwy 6 and the Southwest Freeway) I guess I live in Siberia!

Oh, we will have to explain the freeway names - or how the same piece of concrete changes names depending on what side of the city you are on....

I have a Houston newcomers guide funny to post once I find it.

SSM

[Pony]

Originally posted by hollysmom

Oh, we will have to explain the freeway names - or how the same piece of concrete changes names depending on what side of the city you are on....

SSM

I grew up in Northern VA and the names of roads change like that as well, but the numbers of the road stay the same usually. Chicago is a very well layed out city, but DH still has a hard time figuring out how to get places :rolleyes: . He doesn't drive much ;)

[Beth]

I'm trying to figure out what is past the limits of civilization and 180 degrees from Siberia. Doesn't feel like Tazmania here. ;)

[RebeccaT]

Originally posted by Beth
I'm trying to figure out what is past the limits of civilization and 180 degrees from Siberia. Doesn't feel like Tazmania here. ;)

Ya'll know I was kidding, right?

:o :o ;) ;)

[Beth]

If ya'll can't have a sense of humor, ya'll don't need to be in Texas!

There are folks who have a hard time leaving The Woodlands too, and that's a smaller area -- at least, so far it is. ;)

Come to think of it, I think some aspects of civilization drop off before the beltway. :D

[hollysmom]

Come to think of it, I think some aspects of civilization drop off before the beltway

Which side????;) ;)

Let's just say that any Houston newcomer will be entertained by our lack of zoning....roads like Louetta come to mind. (Was up in Klein and Spring this weekend for Niece #2 Confirmation)


SSM

[hollysmom]

Finally found it!!!! Sorry about the formatting...

SSM

THE RULES OF HOUSTON

If you don't know the rules, stay out of Texas.


· You must learn to pronounce the city name. It is "Ewe-stun", not "Huestun." Oh yea, it is pronounced "San Phal-ee-pay," not "SanPhil-eep"(San Felipe).

· Forget the traffic rules you learned elsewhere. Houston has its own version of traffic rules...Hold on and pray. There is no such thing as a dangerous high-speed chase in Houston. We all drive like that.

· All directions start with, "Go down to Loop 610".... which has no beginning and no end.

· The Chamber of Commerce calls getting through traffic... a "Scenic Drive."

· The morning rush hour is from 6:00AM to 10:00AM. The evening rush hour is from 3:00PM to 7:00PM. Friday's rush hour starts Thursday morning.

· If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will be rear-ended, cussed out and possibly shot. When you are the first one off the starting line, count to five when the light turns green before going, to avoid getting into any cross -traffic's way.

· Kuykendahl Road can ONLY be pronounced by a native Houstonian.

· Construction on I-10, I-45, US 59 and Loop 610 is a way of life and a permanent form of entertainment.

· All unexplained smells are explained by the phrase, "Oh, we must be in Pasadena !!!."

· If someone actually has their turn signal on, it is probably a factory defect.

· All old ladies with blue hair in a pink Cadillac have total right-of-way.

· The minimum acceptable speed on Loop 610 is 85 mph. Anything less is considered downright sissy. The wrought iron on windows in east Houston is NOT ornamental.

· Never stare at the driver of the car with the bumper sticker that says, "Keep honking, I'm reloading." In fact, don't honk at anyone. *THIS IS NOT A JOKE EITHER*

· If you are in the left lane, and only going 70 mph in a 60mph zone, people are not waving when they go by.

· The Sam Houston Toll road is our daily version of NASCAR...Soon to be renamed "The Texas 500."

· If it's 100 degrees, Thanksgiving must be next weekend.

· When in doubt, remember that all unmarked exits lead to Louisiana.

· You don't have to wait for an exit to get off a freeway, just follow the ruts in the grass to the frontage road like everyone else. This is how Houston residents notify Texas Department of Transportation where exits should have been built.

· Here are a few that need to be added. Being born and raised in Houston, these are real unique to this city.

· All freeways have names. We do not refer to them as I-45, US-59, or I-10. They are the North Freeway, Gulf Freeway, Northwest Freeway, Eastex Freeway, Southwest Freeway, Katy Freeway, Beaumont Highway, "the North, South, East, West Loop", " the Beltway", Oh, I guess we do have one......288.

· Rules for lights at intersections. As quoted by Lanny Griffith on KLOL years ago.....Green - Go, Yellow - Go like hell, Red.....three more cars.

· Don't try to cut in front of me when entering the West Loop in the afternoon!! Unless you're the Pope, you need to get in line like everyone else. Remember, before you cut in front of someone....it is legal to carry a gun if you're licensed.....you won't know who does and who doesn't, until you really piss someone off. Your choice !

· Flooding. Here's a rule of thumb I've always told my girls. "If you can't see the top of the curb, DON'T GO ANY FURTHER". I've never understood how people can drive into the Waugh Drive or Beltway underpass and lose their cars in 8 feet of water. I guess it's just that "bubba" mentality of "hell...I can get through that if I go fast enough!"

· No one is allowed to pass through the intersection of San Felipe "San Phal-ee-pay" and Post Oak, unless you have a phone plastered to your ear. And if you're a woman.....you must be in a Suburban, or other appropriate SUV.

[Pony]

UPDATE!!!!!!!!

Thank you all sooo much for your help. Just wanted to give you all an update. I'm going to be rambling because I'm soooo overwhelmed :p

First of all, I got to meet the lovely Rebecca!!! My husband and I grabbed a bite to eat at Taco Milagro (LOVED IT) with Rebecca. It was soooo wonderful meeting Rebecca. She showed us all around Central Market ;), no one that worked there could have given us a better tour. We did discover some blueberry sausages!

So, we put a bid on a house!!! :eek: Somewhat unexpected. Our plan was just to rent, then we tossed the idea of owning out there....and voila a contract is out on the table and the home inspection is Monday!!!!!!!! :eek: :eek: We are first time home buyers, so that is why I'm crazy right now. We will be moving officially on Aug. 16thish!

Doggerham, I'm going to be in your neck of the woods. The subdivision says "west heights" but I think by just about a block or two we are west of "houston heights". We will be on 11th and Alexander (as long as things go thru, fingers crossed).

Yay!

Anyways, just wanted to give you all an update, since you all helped me so very much plan some things out! Very excited to move to Houston. I really couldn't picture the no zoning laws before we went there, but wow, it is a bit strange. But my husband and I thought it was pretty cool, just got to embrace it.

Ok, I've rambled enough.....
Michelle

[kristalsnow7]

Congratulations, Michelle! Home-buying is so exciting. I'll definitely keep my fingers crossed for you that it all works out. We'll miss you up here in Chicago! :)

[RebeccaT]

:D :D

Yay! Michelle, you already know this, but I am so excited that you will be down here! Houston will be so lucky to have you and Carl!

Let us know how the inspection goes! That's a pretty nerve-wracking part, so I'll be keeping my fingers crossed!

[Beth]

Congratulations and best of luck through the inspections and moving. The Heights is a great in-town area and Rebecca and Amy can help you find your way around. SusieO is also down that way, but not on the BB much these days --they just adopted a little girl. I'm sure Rebecca has already pointed out your proximity to Penzey's as well as Central Market -- a new definition of centrally located! ;) First homes are so much fun -- enjoy!

[Pony]

Thanks for all the warm wishes.

Kristal, I will miss you too ;) I took Lake Shore Drive to work this morning and just had a pit in my stomach...I'm going to miss Chicago so much. Nothing beats the drive down Lake Shore Drive! Any word on the Chicago get together?

Beth, Rebecca made sure I knew where Penzey's was located :D . And Carl and I drove by it one night when we were checking out the Heights at night. Now that isn't too far away. We were really close to buying an apt. VERY close to Rebecca, but decided on a house.

Anyways, I will keep you all updated :D :D

[kristalsnow7]

Originally posted by Pony
Thanks for all the warm wishes.

Kristal, I will miss you too ;) I took Lake Shore Drive to work this morning and just had a pit in my stomach...I'm going to miss Chicago so much. Nothing beats the drive down Lake Shore Drive! Any word on the Chicago get together?



Michelle,

I have been so bad about planning anything! :o In my defense, I've been out of town every weekend in July, and have company visiting this weekend. It just seems so busy in the summer. And I KNOW you have been busy, too! But maybe we can still have something planned before you go. I'll pm a few people and see if we can get the ball rolling. :)

[Pony]

I can't get any work done today! ;)

After reading slknight's post about her Sears experience, I've been researching places to buy a fridge and w/d. We've never had trouble w/ Sears and were thinking of buying from them, but also considered Sam's Club, Home Depot. I did a search on places to buy appliances. A few people mentioned buying from the mom and pop appliance stores. We were wondering if anyone had experience w/ any mom and pop type appliance stores in Houston. The only major appliance to my name right now is a coffeemaker :p , so I don't have the best experience with purchasing appliances.

Thanks,
Michelle

[buffygirl]

Ugh! I am so jealous, you met Rebecca before I did!!! Something I've been meaning to get around to forever!:o

You will love the Heights. We are pretty close by, at 11th and Ella. Did you buy an old home or a new one???

Welcome to Houston!

Kim

[Terrytx]

Yes, welcome to Houston-even if I am not there right now. Hope you are finding your way around okay.

[RebeccaT]

Originally posted by buffygirl
Ugh! I am so jealous, you met Rebecca before I did!!! Something I've been meaning to get around to forever!:o


I KNOW! BK, we always talk about it, why haven't we gotten together yet???

[Beth]

Sounds like we may have the beginnings of a Houston get together -- in September of October????

[Pony]

yes, sounds like we all need to get together sometime in the near future!!!

Kim, we bought (hopefully) an old bungalow. It was built in the 1930's.

We went looking for fridge's and w/d's tonight. That was fun. I thought I would want the kind with the freezer on the bottom, but it really looks like it lacks freezer space. I really use my freezer!!!

[buffygirl]

Originally posted by Beth
Sounds like we may have the beginnings of a Houston get together -- in September of October????

Yes! Yes! Yes!!!!! Let's do it!

[Hoodone]

Pony,

I was just going to recommend Bayne's appliances. I'm not sure where you are buying, or if you mentioned it, as I did not read your entire thread. But I know there is a Bayne's near the Home Depot at the intersection of I-10 west and Beltway 8.

[Pony]

Originally posted by Hoodone
Pony,

I was just going to recommend Bayne's appliances. I'm not sure where you are buying, or if you mentioned it, as I did not read your entire thread. But I know there is a Bayne's near the Home Depot at the intersection of I-10 west and Beltway 8.

Thanks for the recommendation!

michelle