is Texas the best state in the US? (1 Viewer)

[pantagrapher]

I wouldn't call Texas the best state but in terms of socio-political considerations and economics it certainly ranks in the top 5-6 for me.

For all of the physical beauty of the west coast and the cultural offerings of the northeast, I could never live there because there are just too many liberal kooks.

This was the sense I got from many Texans when I lived there. That they'd rather deprive themselves of beauty and culture than try to get along with yankees and liberals.

That's because most urban liberals lack both. Would you hang with people who treated you as a second class citizen?

Nope. But that was just one small reason this yankee got the hell out of Texas.

 

[Ignoramus]

Big fan of Houston...

It's so cheap to live you can travel anywhere in the world when the aesthetics of the city get you down. United operates a world-class hub there, so plenty of nonstop service to almost anywhere you want to go.

"The great thing about this place is that it's easy to get someplace else." :thumbsup:

 

[bigbottom]

see if you live in the burbs or around the Galleria area, you're doing Houston wrong. Live/work inner loop (ideally downtown, heights, montrose, rice/west u) and you won't have to deal with crazy traffic. I take the back streets during rush hour and get anywhere I want in 15 mins. Of course, I grew up here so I know tings.

The problem with defending Houston is that other people have actually been there.It's a pit. Easily the worst big city in the US of those I've been to. I'm trying to think of 2nd worst, but all I can picture is Houston.

Yeah, there's a difference between "having been to" and "having lived in." Houston is not terribly impressive for visitors, notwithstanding the NY Times list.

 

[pantagrapher]

My brother- and sister-in-law live in the Bellaire neighborhood of Houston. It's nice, but gradually every good, old home on their block has been demolished and replaced with a McMansion. It's almost comical. Their 1,500 sf house is now flanked by two monstrosities and the neighbors pretty much have a full birds-eye view of what used to be their nice, secluded backyard. That and having to drive 20 minutes to get anywhere, and often having to drive much longer than that. They love it there, but it's not for me.

 

[pantagrapher]

I actually like Houston better than Dallas. Austin was nice, but overrun and overrated. My favorite bit of Texas is the Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas. We have friends who have a great craftsman home there now and the area—while still sketchy in parts—is kind of an anti-Dallas in the best way. If I ever lived in Texas again, it would be there.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

 

[kface]

Personally, and much like many others in here, I think it's easily one of the worst places to live in the country. If you are living there for low taxes you are giving up so much in your life for a couple of bucks

 

[Major]

Better place to live than to visit.

I wouldn't say there is anything here you have to see.. we don't have the best beaches or mountains, etc.

Living here is awesome though... great weather, taxes, lakes, passable beaches, good schools, great restaurants/food, great golf, low cost of living, etc, etc.

Most people go to Dallas (which is awful IMO) and Austin (good but overrated) but most folks overlook Houston. I'm just saying it's probably the most underrated city in the US. Of course, if you just arrive with your bags and don't have locals to show you the ropes, doubtful you'll be able to figure it out like NYC, SF, Nola, MIA, etc...and that's part of the beauty.

The only trend I'm seeing in this thread is a lot of folks are grouping the entire state b/c they've been to Laredo once. Another popular opinion is coming from some asssswipe who just landed in Dallas for a few days and judges the whole state by that. "Hey guys, I've been to Los Angeles and didn't like it. The United States sucks!!!!

 

[Major]

I actually like Houston better than Dallas. Austin was nice, but overrun and overrated. My favorite bit of Texas is the Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas. We have friends who have a great craftsman home there now and the area—while still sketchy in parts—is kind of an anti-Dallas in the best way. If I ever lived in Texas again, it would be there.

^dude knows tings.....i spent 3 years in Dallas and that was enough. Oakliff is pretty cool. I just couldn't stand the people of Dallas - most try too hard to be LA when they'll always be more ATL.

 

[drummer]

What's the music scene like in Houston?

 

[Major]

As far as professional sports, I like how Houston has concentrated the professional stadiums in downtown. From my office, I can walk to the Toyota Center where the Rockets play, I can walk to Minute Maid where the Astros play, and I can walk to BBVA Compass stadium where the Dynamo play. Can't walk to Reliant to see the Texans (though I'm not at the office on Sundays anyway), but it is a relatively short tram ride (metro rail) from the station outside my office building.

Nice. I've been buying property/land in East Downtown. My studio/gallery is off Commerce. The Bike Share program also rocks for $65/yr. Great for downtown. Lots of good bars poppin' up on Main St. Def hit Bad News Bar if you're local.

Cool. Was just at El Tiempo on Navigation last night (before heading to midtown for a karaoke party). I like East Downtown. My band played an event at Warehouse Live not too long ago. We should grab a beer some time.

Nice. I grew up in that area (SE side) so know it well. Check out WAR'HOUS Visual Studios sometime. We throw some fun parties if you're into art, music, women and inebriation (actually having one tonight).

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I wouldn't call Texas the best state but in terms of socio-political considerations and economics it certainly ranks in the top 5-6 for me.

For all of the physical beauty of the west coast and the cultural offerings of the northeast, I could never live there because there are just too many liberal kooks.

This was the sense I got from many Texans when I lived there. That they'd rather deprive themselves of beauty and culture than try to get along with yankees and liberals.

That's because most urban liberals lack both. Would you hang with people who treated you as a second class citizen?

Nope. But that was just one small reason this yankee got the hell out of Texas.

I'm a yankee and a liberal, Texans loved me. Maybe you're just a ####bird.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

i'm from LA, i think it's a great city. but, you have to have a local to figure it out. i don't even try to defend it any more though. why? because it sucks ### as a visitor and my defense falls on deaf ears.

i've been to houston and hated it.

 

[Major]

i'm from LA, i think it's a great city. but, you have to have a local to figure it out. i don't even try to defend it any more though. why? because it sucks ### as a visitor and my defense falls on deaf ears.

i've been to houston and hated it.

Yep...Houston has pockets of goodness and when you find them, it's beautiful. I love parts of LA but the whole "industry" thing gets old. I like a little diversity that's why I love NYC. Mix of everything. Houston is pretty diverse as well which is another reason I'm bullish.

 

[Major]

I wouldn't call Texas the best state but in terms of socio-political considerations and economics it certainly ranks in the top 5-6 for me.

For all of the physical beauty of the west coast and the cultural offerings of the northeast, I could never live there because there are just too many liberal kooks.

This was the sense I got from many Texans when I lived there. That they'd rather deprive themselves of beauty and culture than try to get along with yankees and liberals.

That's because most urban liberals lack both. Would you hang with people who treated you as a second class citizen?

Nope. But that was just one small reason this yankee got the hell out of Texas.

I'm a yankee and a liberal, Texans loved me. Maybe you're just a ####bird.

I'm part Texan, part NYC guy. We get along with your type as long as you're not a ######.

 

[jamny]

My mom lives outside Dallas (Carrollton). My parents moved there in 1982. My wife thinks she could live there but I don't. Too flat and lack of seasons. And too hot. I do feel comforted by a state that has a George Bush Turnpike though. San Antonio was nice to visit, as was Austin. Austin is a bit overrated but I'm also a bit old to appreciate the nightlife there. It's not for me. Went to Fort Worth for the first time a few months ago and would like to see more of it. Haven't been to Houston yet.

 

[Major]

What's the music scene like in Houston?

The music scene in Austin is better than Houston overall. However, I'm more involved with art and hip hop so Houston is a little mecca. The art scene down here (outside of music) blows Austin away. Austin's art scene actually kind of sucks. Houston has been doing things since the early 80s when it really blew up.

 

[Major]

My mom lives outside Dallas (Carrollton). My parents moved there in 1982. My wife thinks she could live there but I don't. Too flat and lack of seasons. And too hot. I do feel comforted by a state that has a George Bush Turnpike though. San Antonio was nice to visit, as was Austin. Austin is a bit overrated but I'm also a bit old to appreciate the nightlife there. It's not for me. Went to Fort Worth for the first time a few months ago and would like to see more of it. Haven't been to Houston yet.

I'll just say this, the only places I could live in Texas is Houston, Austin and New Braunfels. That's it.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I wouldn't call Texas the best state but in terms of socio-political considerations and economics it certainly ranks in the top 5-6 for me.

For all of the physical beauty of the west coast and the cultural offerings of the northeast, I could never live there because there are just too many liberal kooks.

This was the sense I got from many Texans when I lived there. That they'd rather deprive themselves of beauty and culture than try to get along with yankees and liberals.

That's because most urban liberals lack both. Would you hang with people who treated you as a second class citizen?

Nope. But that was just one small reason this yankee got the hell out of Texas.

I'm a yankee and a liberal, Texans loved me. Maybe you're just a ####bird.

I'm part Texan, part NYC guy. We get along with your type as long as you're not a ######.

I'm very polite and very straight-forward, Texans like that. I think they mostly get a kick out of me.

 

[bigbottom]

What's the music scene like in Houston?

Well, my band is playing tonight in Houston, so the music scene must be awesome!

 

[FootballDummy]

I wouldn't call Texas the best state but in terms of socio-political considerations and economics it certainly ranks in the top 5-6 for me.

For all of the physical beauty of the west coast and the cultural offerings of the northeast, I could never live there because there are just too many liberal kooks.

This was the sense I got from many Texans when I lived there. That they'd rather deprive themselves of beauty and culture than try to get along with yankees and liberals.

If the Hill Country and Big Bend aren't beautiful, and if Dallas/Houston/Austin aren't cultured.. I don't know what is.

The state is too big for sweeping generalizations.

This is the biggest pitfall for people unfamiliar with Texas.. they don't realize just how big and varied it is.

In reality, it is the best of states and the worst of states.

 

[Christo]

I wouldn't call Texas the best state but in terms of socio-political considerations and economics it certainly ranks in the top 5-6 for me.

For all of the physical beauty of the west coast and the cultural offerings of the northeast, I could never live there because there are just too many liberal kooks.

This was the sense I got from many Texans when I lived there. That they'd rather deprive themselves of beauty and culture than try to get along with yankees and liberals.

That's because most urban liberals lack both. Would you hang with people who treated you as a second class citizen?

Nope. But that was just one small reason this yankee got the hell out of Texas.

I'm a yankee and a liberal, Texans loved me. Maybe you're just a ####bird.

I'm part Texan, part NYC guy. We get along with your type as long as you're not a ######.

Take away the accents and Texans and New Yorkers are a lot alike.

 

[jamny]

I remember my father telling me just after he moved there in 82 that some guy assumed since he was from NY that he was Jewish. My dad told him he was Catholic. The guys response was "Well, I guess that's alright"

 

[DA RAIDERS]

My mom lives outside Dallas (Carrollton). My parents moved there in 1982. My wife thinks she could live there but I don't. Too flat and lack of seasons. And too hot. I do feel comforted by a state that has a George Bush Turnpike though. San Antonio was nice to visit, as was Austin. Austin is a bit overrated but I'm also a bit old to appreciate the nightlife there. It's not for me. Went to Fort Worth for the first time a few months ago and would like to see more of it. Haven't been to Houston yet.

I'll just say this, the only places I could live in Texas is Houston, Austin and New Braunfels. That's it.

thread title change?

 

[bigbottom]

I wouldn't call Texas the best state but in terms of socio-political considerations and economics it certainly ranks in the top 5-6 for me.

For all of the physical beauty of the west coast and the cultural offerings of the northeast, I could never live there because there are just too many liberal kooks.

This was the sense I got from many Texans when I lived there. That they'd rather deprive themselves of beauty and culture than try to get along with yankees and liberals.

That's because most urban liberals lack both. Would you hang with people who treated you as a second class citizen?

Nope. But that was just one small reason this yankee got the hell out of Texas.

I'm a yankee and a liberal, Texans loved me. Maybe you're just a ####bird.

I'm part Texan, part NYC guy. We get along with your type as long as you're not a ######.

Take away the accents and Texans and New Yorkers are a lot alike.

Not even close.

 

[Christo]

I wouldn't call Texas the best state but in terms of socio-political considerations and economics it certainly ranks in the top 5-6 for me.

For all of the physical beauty of the west coast and the cultural offerings of the northeast, I could never live there because there are just too many liberal kooks.

This was the sense I got from many Texans when I lived there. That they'd rather deprive themselves of beauty and culture than try to get along with yankees and liberals.

That's because most urban liberals lack both. Would you hang with people who treated you as a second class citizen?

Nope. But that was just one small reason this yankee got the hell out of Texas.

I'm a yankee and a liberal, Texans loved me. Maybe you're just a ####bird.

I'm part Texan, part NYC guy. We get along with your type as long as you're not a ######.

Take away the accents and Texans and New Yorkers are a lot alike.

Not even close.

Full of themselves and full of ####. Yeah, they're a lot alike.

 

[Major]

I wouldn't call Texas the best state but in terms of socio-political considerations and economics it certainly ranks in the top 5-6 for me.

For all of the physical beauty of the west coast and the cultural offerings of the northeast, I could never live there because there are just too many liberal kooks.

This was the sense I got from many Texans when I lived there. That they'd rather deprive themselves of beauty and culture than try to get along with yankees and liberals.

That's because most urban liberals lack both. Would you hang with people who treated you as a second class citizen?

Nope. But that was just one small reason this yankee got the hell out of Texas.

I'm a yankee and a liberal, Texans loved me. Maybe you're just a ####bird.

I'm part Texan, part NYC guy. We get along with your type as long as you're not a ######.

Take away the accents and Texans and New Yorkers are a lot alike.

Not even close.

Full of themselves and full of ####. Yeah, they're a lot alike.

^upset that Chicago is overrated and Hueston taking over that #3 spot

 

[Christo]

I wouldn't call Texas the best state but in terms of socio-political considerations and economics it certainly ranks in the top 5-6 for me.

For all of the physical beauty of the west coast and the cultural offerings of the northeast, I could never live there because there are just too many liberal kooks.

This was the sense I got from many Texans when I lived there. That they'd rather deprive themselves of beauty and culture than try to get along with yankees and liberals.

That's because most urban liberals lack both. Would you hang with people who treated you as a second class citizen?

Nope. But that was just one small reason this yankee got the hell out of Texas.

I'm a yankee and a liberal, Texans loved me. Maybe you're just a ####bird.

I'm part Texan, part NYC guy. We get along with your type as long as you're not a ######.

Take away the accents and Texans and New Yorkers are a lot alike.

Not even close.

Full of themselves and full of ####. Yeah, they're a lot alike.

^upset that Chicago is overrated and Hueston taking over that #3 spot

 

[Abraham]

What's the music scene like in Houston?

In will say this; when I was in high school (early 90's) the music scene was top notch. Lots of great blue, metal (pantera and deadhorse), alternative (last kiss - became blue October), and world music (joint chiefs, global village). The Houston music scene back then was really really good.

 

[Major]

My mom lives outside Dallas (Carrollton). My parents moved there in 1982. My wife thinks she could live there but I don't. Too flat and lack of seasons. And too hot. I do feel comforted by a state that has a George Bush Turnpike though. San Antonio was nice to visit, as was Austin. Austin is a bit overrated but I'm also a bit old to appreciate the nightlife there. It's not for me. Went to Fort Worth for the first time a few months ago and would like to see more of it. Haven't been to Houston yet.

I'll just say this, the only places I could live in Texas is Houston, Austin and New Braunfels. That's it.

thread title change?

Tons of oil/natural gas, busty women, drunk women, tons of cattle, great medical facilities as well. The state as a whole is awesome but I'm more of a NYC/Stockholm guy so I can only deal with so much Texas. Houston and Austin are very progressive. Hell, Houston has the first lesbian Mayor in the United States.

 

[NutterButter]

My mom lives outside Dallas (Carrollton). My parents moved there in 1982. My wife thinks she could live there but I don't. Too flat and lack of seasons. And too hot. I do feel comforted by a state that has a George Bush Turnpike though. San Antonio was nice to visit, as was Austin. Austin is a bit overrated but I'm also a bit old to appreciate the nightlife there. It's not for me. Went to Fort Worth for the first time a few months ago and would like to see more of it. Haven't been to Houston yet.

I'll just say this, the only places I could live in Texas is Houston, Austin and New Braunfels. That's it.

thread title change?

My thoughts exactly. Maybe something like "5% of Texas is the best 5% of any state in the US"

 

[Henry Ford]

If Houston is a great city, it's changed a lot in the last 8 years.

 

[Major]

If Houston is a great city, it's changed a lot in the last 8 years.

yep...I left in 1999 b/c it sucked. Moved back in 2009 and it's a different place. Great value right now.

 

[Abraham]

New brainfels used to be nice. Now it is an overbuilt pit, indistinguishable from San Marcos to the north and San Antonio to the south.

There are some great places to visit here. Wimberly, canyon lake, and the hill country on out to Leakey. Fort Davis and Marfa out west. There are some charming towns like Canton and Marshall north and east. Bandera, etc. But you wouldn't want to live in those places, just visit for a long weekend with the family to see things that are unique. They are treasures for people who live here but essentially off limits to non residents because they aren't near anything nor worth flying in just to see.

 

[Christo]

My mom lives outside Dallas (Carrollton). My parents moved there in 1982. My wife thinks she could live there but I don't. Too flat and lack of seasons. And too hot. I do feel comforted by a state that has a George Bush Turnpike though. San Antonio was nice to visit, as was Austin. Austin is a bit overrated but I'm also a bit old to appreciate the nightlife there. It's not for me. Went to Fort Worth for the first time a few months ago and would like to see more of it. Haven't been to Houston yet.

I'll just say this, the only places I could live in Texas is Houston, Austin and New Braunfels. That's it.

thread title change?

My thoughts exactly. Maybe something like "5% of Texas is the best 5% of any state in the US"

That's the same with most places. Take away Chicago and Illinois would rank far behind Oklahoma. OKC and Tulsa are light years ahead of the next best thing in this state.

 

[jamny]

Fredericksburg is a great town to visit.

 

[Major]

Fredericksburg is a great town to visit.

Yup. And I haven't even got started on the BBQ. #Franklins #Lockhart #Luling //thread

 

[FootballDummy]

My mom lives outside Dallas (Carrollton). My parents moved there in 1982. My wife thinks she could live there but I don't. Too flat and lack of seasons. And too hot. I do feel comforted by a state that has a George Bush Turnpike though. San Antonio was nice to visit, as was Austin. Austin is a bit overrated but I'm also a bit old to appreciate the nightlife there. It's not for me. Went to Fort Worth for the first time a few months ago and would like to see more of it. Haven't been to Houston yet.

I'll just say this, the only places I could live in Texas is Houston, Austin and New Braunfels. That's it.

thread title change?

My thoughts exactly. Maybe something like "5% of Texas is the best 5% of any state in the US"

That's the same with most places. Take away Chicago and Illinois would rank far behind Oklahoma. OKC and Tulsa are light years ahead of the next best thing in this state.

 

[Christo]

My mom lives outside Dallas (Carrollton). My parents moved there in 1982. My wife thinks she could live there but I don't. Too flat and lack of seasons. And too hot. I do feel comforted by a state that has a George Bush Turnpike though. San Antonio was nice to visit, as was Austin. Austin is a bit overrated but I'm also a bit old to appreciate the nightlife there. It's not for me. Went to Fort Worth for the first time a few months ago and would like to see more of it. Haven't been to Houston yet.

I'll just say this, the only places I could live in Texas is Houston, Austin and New Braunfels. That's it.

thread title change?

My thoughts exactly. Maybe something like "5% of Texas is the best 5% of any state in the US"

That's the same with most places. Take away Chicago and Illinois would rank far behind Oklahoma. OKC and Tulsa are light years ahead of the next best thing in this state.

I see football isn't the only thing you don't know about.

 

[pantagrapher]

I wouldn't call Texas the best state but in terms of socio-political considerations and economics it certainly ranks in the top 5-6 for me.

For all of the physical beauty of the west coast and the cultural offerings of the northeast, I could never live there because there are just too many liberal kooks.

This was the sense I got from many Texans when I lived there. That they'd rather deprive themselves of beauty and culture than try to get along with yankees and liberals.

That's because most urban liberals lack both. Would you hang with people who treated you as a second class citizen?

Nope. But that was just one small reason this yankee got the hell out of Texas.

I'm a yankee and a liberal, Texans loved me. Maybe you're just a ####bird.

Maybe?

 

[17seconds]

Houston is a positive? That is the worst top 10 size city and it isn't close. Dallas is weak too

 

[cstu]

My mom lives outside Dallas (Carrollton). My parents moved there in 1982. My wife thinks she could live there but I don't. Too flat and lack of seasons. And too hot. I do feel comforted by a state that has a George Bush Turnpike though. San Antonio was nice to visit, as was Austin. Austin is a bit overrated but I'm also a bit old to appreciate the nightlife there. It's not for me. Went to Fort Worth for the first time a few months ago and would like to see more of it. Haven't been to Houston yet.

I'll just say this, the only places I could live in Texas is Houston, Austin and New Braunfels. That's it.

thread title change?

My thoughts exactly. Maybe something like "5% of Texas is the best 5% of any state in the US"

That's the same with most places. Take away Chicago and Illinois would rank far behind Oklahoma. OKC and Tulsa are light years ahead of the next best thing in this state.

I see football isn't the only thing you don't know about.

There are a ton of suburbs outside Chicago that are better than any town in OK - you taking those away too?

 

[Christo]

My mom lives outside Dallas (Carrollton). My parents moved there in 1982. My wife thinks she could live there but I don't. Too flat and lack of seasons. And too hot. I do feel comforted by a state that has a George Bush Turnpike though. San Antonio was nice to visit, as was Austin. Austin is a bit overrated but I'm also a bit old to appreciate the nightlife there. It's not for me. Went to Fort Worth for the first time a few months ago and would like to see more of it. Haven't been to Houston yet.

I'll just say this, the only places I could live in Texas is Houston, Austin and New Braunfels. That's it.

thread title change?

My thoughts exactly. Maybe something like "5% of Texas is the best 5% of any state in the US"

That's the same with most places. Take away Chicago and Illinois would rank far behind Oklahoma. OKC and Tulsa are light years ahead of the next best thing in this state.

I see football isn't the only thing you don't know about.

There are a ton of suburbs outside Chicago that are better than any town in OK - you taking those away too?

Show your work.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I wouldn't call Texas the best state but in terms of socio-political considerations and economics it certainly ranks in the top 5-6 for me.

For all of the physical beauty of the west coast and the cultural offerings of the northeast, I could never live there because there are just too many liberal kooks.

This was the sense I got from many Texans when I lived there. That they'd rather deprive themselves of beauty and culture than try to get along with yankees and liberals.

That's because most urban liberals lack both. Would you hang with people who treated you as a second class citizen?

Nope. But that was just one small reason this yankee got the hell out of Texas.

I'm a yankee and a liberal, Texans loved me. Maybe you're just a ####bird.

Maybe?

Exactly.

 

[flapgreen]

Cali

 

[Long Ball Larry]

texas comes in second right behind florida as states that should be first kicked out of the union. texas is horrible.

Awesome username and avatar.

edit: and anyone who doesn't like it can go #### themselves.

 

[FootballDummy]

My mom lives outside Dallas (Carrollton). My parents moved there in 1982. My wife thinks she could live there but I don't. Too flat and lack of seasons. And too hot. I do feel comforted by a state that has a George Bush Turnpike though. San Antonio was nice to visit, as was Austin. Austin is a bit overrated but I'm also a bit old to appreciate the nightlife there. It's not for me. Went to Fort Worth for the first time a few months ago and would like to see more of it. Haven't been to Houston yet.

I'll just say this, the only places I could live in Texas is Houston, Austin and New Braunfels. That's it.

thread title change?

My thoughts exactly. Maybe something like "5% of Texas is the best 5% of any state in the US"

That's the same with most places. Take away Chicago and Illinois would rank far behind Oklahoma. OKC and Tulsa are light years ahead of the next best thing in this state.

I see football isn't the only thing you don't know about.

OKC is a toilet. Really. Driving in, you see Mobile homes and trash on the side of the highway. You think it will stop when you get to the city proper. It doesn't. Ever. White trash hell. Sorry if you grew up there. I can see Tulsa being a step up, it would be hard not to be unless your talking Detroit/Beirut.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Well that pretty much sums up your choice in user name.

 

[FootballDummy]

Well that pretty much sums up your choice in user name.

Why? You agreeing with Christo? OK is the worst state in the union, and that's saying a lot. It has no redeemable qualities. Note that Christo got out as soon as he could.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Well that pretty much sums up your choice in user name.

Why? You agreeing with Christo? OK is the worst state in the union, and that's saying a lot. It has no redeemable qualities. Note that Christo got out as soon as he could.

It is pretty much EXACTLY like Texas.