Anyone from Houston or ever live there?

[GreenScoutII]

Hey guys...

Well, it looks like we are going to be relocated to Houston. My wife works for Hewlitt Packard and they have a real hard on for her (us) to move down there. Since work for me has been abysmally slow for a while, I don't really have any objections. As I am a native of Colorado and have never lived anywhere else, I'm ready to experience something new. I know it's hot and humid and from what I've gathered the cost of living is actually pretty darn reasonable, but I'd like to hear the experiences of some actual people. Specifically from people who have lived in both places. I've lived in the Denver metro area, the Springs, and the Pueblo area, so I'm pretty familiar with the whole front range.

How does quality of life compare between the two places?

What is good about Houston? What is bad? Why?

Are Texas vehicle inspections a PITA? It sure sounds like it. Ironically, from my research, this is one of the single biggest drawbacks...

Texas has no state income tax, but I hear property taxes are un-fookin'-believable to compensate for it. Is this so? Does it work out about the same?

Anything else I should know? Anything you want to share?

Finally, are there any good places to shoot???!!!??? You know, good rifle ranges with berms at long distances.

I'd really like to hear your thoughts.

Thanks guys!

[Irving]

They can expect their car stolen, bad traffic, worse drivers, etc. His post seems to ask only questions I don't care about though--like shooting ranges, vehicle inspections, property taxes, etc.
I can comment on the general quality of life...

I'll get some more info.

[mx'r]

I can put you in touch with a good bro if mine that lives in Houston and workes for the City. He has a friend that's a big gun nut who happens to own a large ranch with plenty of hunting and shooting. You'll probably have to be part hillbilly to fit in though. pm me if you'd like to get in touch with him, he's a great guy thats well connected with the city.

[BigBear]

Lived in Texas for several years. My brother currently lives in Houston. If you want contanct info for him, shoot me a PM.

How does quality of life compare between the two places? I love Texas. I like Colorado.

What is good about Houston? Plenty to do, good food, good people, good SOL.

What is bad? The californians, illegals, and druggies.

Why?

Are Texas vehicle inspections a PITA? I never had a problem with them.

Texas has no state income tax, but I hear property taxes are un-fookin'-believable to compensate for it. Is this so? Never did the math since I was an apartment baby.

Does it work out about the same?

Anything else I should know? Get used to carrying around an extra shirt with you. If you live Southside during hurricane season, buy some plywood.

Anything you want to share?

Finally, are there any good places to shoot???!!!??? It's Texas, there are ranges everywhere you look.

[Irving]

If you can't find work plumbing down there right away, look into doing property claims adjusting. The market might be saturated though, since everyone goes to either Texas or Florida to do claims. I'm having my buddy send me an email with a better answer for you, then I'll post it in here. He is a Colorado native as well and might have a perspective closer to what you are looking for.

[ChunkyMonkey]

If you can't find work plumbing down there right away, look into doing property claims adjusting. The market might be saturated though, since everyone goes to either Texas or Florida to do claims. I'm having my buddy send me an email with a better answer for you, then I'll post it in here. He is a Colorado native as well and might have a perspective closer to what you are looking for.

Now that you said it... most of our claims have been done by adjusters from Texas!

[Irving]

Well, they might not be from Texas. The Adjuster License that they all get (I have one) is called a Texas Resident Adjuster license. Many many companies are based out of Texas and Florida though. Part of the reason you have gotten so many Texas adjusters is because after Katrina and those other hurricanes, a ton of Adjuster Schools popped up and now there are way more adjusters and potential adjusters than there is work to go around.

[sniper7]

I really enjoy the time I have spent in texas. I haven't lived there but fly there quite a bit. DFW is freakin crazy. IAH isn't too terrible. the storms that brew down there are some massive beasts!
definitely hot and humid.
hopefully the spanish language doesn't piss you off too bad, if so I would either get used to it or plan on being pissed a lot.
A lot of guys I fly with live there and own several houses they rent etc. from what they have told me property taxes are a little less or about even to having state tax here. but it also depends on where you live at in both areas...so basically I would say it is a wash.

I hope in a year or so we will all be invited to do some pig hunting! I have always dreamed of taking some texas hogs!

[Irving]

I hope in a year or so we will all be invited to do some pig hunting! I have always dreamed of taking some texas hogs!

Hell yeah. Justin and I will drive down together!

[sniper7]

Hell yeah. Justin and I will drive down together!

If we have a free place to hog hunt I am down

congrats on the engagement BTW, just saw the thread