Texas, Here We Come!

Rich L · #1 09-02-2008, 10:07 PM

After several loooong months struggling to find employment after being laid off back in February, the wife and I have had enough and are heading to Texas (Houston). Market in Florida absolutely sucks and the scary prospect is that it still has not hit bottom. We should arrive the week of the 15th, weather permitting.

We were hoping to head north and get some seasonal change/cooler weather, but right now have to go where the money is. I'm a bit nervous as I've been in Florida for practically my entire life. Change is never easy, but we have some family & friends already out there, so that should help. I sure am going to miss Buc Ball, especially with the start of the season upon us.

I posted an ad on the Houston CL (bassist relocating) recently and immediately received several very positive responses, so I am looking forward to meeting new musicians & fellow bassists.

Also looking forward to all of the new guitar stores to check out! Wife is not sharing the same enthusiasm for some reason. I'm sure she'll get over it once I find the nearest Coach store.

SelenaBassGirl · #2 09-02-2008, 10:34 PM

one word:
LUCKY!!!!

some more words explaining that one word:
I really want to move to Corpus Christi or San Antonio one day! I hate it here in SC

NJL · #3 09-02-2008, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SelenaBassGirl

San Antonio

really you dont

SelenaBassGirl · #4 09-02-2008, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJL

really you dont

no?? Corpus is my first choice but I know some peeps in SA..one is a bass player...

McHaven · #5 09-02-2008, 11:42 PM

Where in Houston?

ADbassman · #6 09-03-2008, 12:08 AM

I'm sorry.

DigMe · #7 09-03-2008, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJL

really you dont

Definitely...but it would be a big improvement over Houston!

bc

wazzel · #8 09-03-2008, 06:32 AM

Where in Houston are you moving and what type of job are you looking for? Feel free to PM me if you have some questions. I relocated to Houston three years ago from New Orleans.

Rich L · #9 09-03-2008, 05:13 PM

Not sure exactly where in Houston since I've only been there once before, but the zip is 77081.

I'm in land development, most recently as VP Land Development & Acquisition for a national homebuilder. Hoping to land (no pun intended) something in development or acquisition, whether it's residential, commercial or energy/oil industries.

McHaven · #10 09-03-2008, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich L

Not sure exactly where in Houston since I've only been there once before, but the zip is 77081.

I'm in land development, most recently as VP Land Development & Acquisition for a national homebuilder. Hoping to land (no pun intended) something in development or acquisition, whether it's residential, commercial or energy/oil industries.

That's a good area, right in Bellaire, near West University.Right outside of the 610 loop. Lots of great shopping and eating in the area.

Pilgrim · #11 09-03-2008, 05:30 PM

Rich, Texas is a fascinating state and a really interesting place to live. But it IS a cross-cultural experience.

After I moved to College Station in 1985 (90 miles N. of Houston, home of Texas A&M) I used to ask other new arrivals 'How far have you just moved back in history?" the average answer was: 20 years.

You WILL have adjustments to make, but most of them won't be major.

Enjoy the good things, and make sure to call the Texas Tourism bureau and get a copy of their catalog of events in Texas...there's stuff going on every weekend, and it's great fun to travel around and participate. Also, I'm sure you'll enjoy the Texas hill country.

Get used to driving 100-200 miles to do, see or visit ANYTHING that's not in Houston. That's just the way it is in a state that big. The exception from Houston is Galveston, which is only 45 or so miles away, and is always fun to visit.

Best of luck to you.

SoonerMatt · #12 09-03-2008, 05:38 PM

I have family who lives in that area. You'll definitely want to check out Rockin Robin Guitars.

McHaven · #13 09-03-2008, 05:58 PM

Rockin' Robing does have some nice stuff, but you can't touch it. (They've got an original 51 P though)

Fuller's Vintage Guitar at Yale and the North Loop is the best IMO

jrthebassguy · #14 09-03-2008, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

::snip::
After I moved to College Station in 1985 (90 miles N. of Houston, home of Texas A&M) I used to ask other new arrivals 'How far have you just moved back in history?" the average answer was: 20 years.

::snip::

College Station is still stuck culturally decades behind everyone else, but they're among the exceptions, not the rule. ::insert dumb Aggie joke here:: "20 years" is a bit ridiculous, especially when you consider the big cities here. You couldn't pay me to live in College Station.

You're right about the driving part though - I don't bat an eye when I drive the 55-60 miles it takes to get to The Woodlands from here for the occasional concert.

Houston is culturally very diverse, especially in the area you're going to. Lots of great food here. Admittedly, the nightlife here can be a bit hit or miss, which has a lot to do with the fact there are no zoning laws in Houston. So sometimes there will be a bar or venue in between a few businesses

To the OP: If you have any Houston-specific questions feel free to ask. I live on the opposite side of town (Deer Park/Pasadena area) so I probably can't help you with very local things with your new area, but I'll offer what I can.

Spector_Ray · #15 09-03-2008, 06:26 PM

Haha! You want to talk about 20 years behind, try living in Lubbock. We're a dry county, so dry in fact we have a quarter mile of road with package stores to buy your beer and liquor because it isn't allowed to be sold within the city limits. We're just getting to the point where the chamber of commerce is starting a petition drive just to get the issue to a vote!

Pilgrim · #16 09-03-2008, 07:10 PM

I agree that College Station is its own little part of the TX universe. There ain't no place quite like it - which is one reason I got the heck out of Texas. However, culturally there are still shocks - and some "time discontinuity" will probably manifest itself.

**Freddels** · #17 09-03-2008, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich L

Wife is not sharing the same enthusiasm for some reason. I'm sure she'll get over it once I find the nearest Coach store.

Take her down to the Galleria Mall. I'm sure she'll find something there that she'll like.

It's good that you have some family and friends there already so that they can help you find a place to live. You have to be careful not to move into an area that floods easily.

DigMe · #18 09-03-2008, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

After I moved to College Station in 1985 (90 miles N. of Houston, home of Texas A&M) I used to ask other new arrivals 'How far have you just moved back in history?" the average answer was: 20 years.

Maybe that was true in College Station in 1985 but having traveled around the country and the world that is not true of Texas today.

bc

Rich L · #19 09-05-2008, 07:21 AM

Heading that way one week from today, woo hoo!

wazzel · #20 09-05-2008, 07:30 AM

Good luck.