Houston (rather how nice of a place is to live) is probably one of the best kept secrets in the US. Despite some of the well-known shortcomings, mostly related to extreme weather events, for the most part is a kind, diverse, healthy and all in all super friendly place for new comers. Food is awesome and being lucky enough to have a good paying job, things like rent or groceries are incredibly affordable, esp. when comparing to neighboring cities (I’m personally in love with Austin but living there has plenty of issues too).
Houston's actually a great place to live. I lived there for several years. Incredibly good schools in the suburbs, fantastic food and bar scene down in the Montrose, Washington Heights and Midtown. Very affordable.
I've lived in Wyoming, Colorado and the SF Bay Area and honestly I'd take Houston over all of them.
Houston is the home of the US oil & gas industry and has one of the largest and most advanced medical centers in the world. There's a lot of money in Houston; keeping housing relatively affordable with so many affluent people competing for it is actually an accomplishment.
As a native Texan, I will tell you that most Texans would like to live in Austin. Houston is and always will be an oil town. It is full of oil men, deal makers and their lenders. If you are a young person that is starting out in life and you have the skills to get a job and build a career in the place of you choosing, do not choose Houston. Spend a little more and get the most out of life, You only get one!
With all respect to your personal preferences, Houston is one of the fastest growing metro in the US, with lower housing costs, a healthy middle class, and a booming economy.
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