Sounds like Houston has an inferiority complex. It wasn't worth it to me. That's why I moved from Houston.
Okay, now I am hooked. This is incredible. Anyone know who is paying for this? I need a copy of the HIWI annual budget. Because maybe one of the things they could have in their intro, in between "the heat" and "the humidity" would be "large amounts of city monies directed towards civic-pride campaigns such as 'Houston, It's Hot" and "Houston Proud" which could otherwise be directed towards social services, roads, public schools or, perhaps, a professional city image consultant. Speaking of 'worth it.'" That makes me miss Houston in a really visceral way. Luckily, each weekend this month, a different Houstonian is staying in my house. Totally worth it.
Damn, I wish the stuff in the "store" were cheaper -- I want the Mosquito t-shirt, and the traffic mug
If you like the outdoors, like I do, then there's very few getaway spots in Houston. Houston doesn't really have a lake except for Clear Lake. Also, there's insufficient hike and bike trails. I do think that the Woodlands area is pretty nice, but unfortunately, suffers from the same sprawl that is plaguing the rest of the city. Poor city planning has absolutely killed the city of Houston. I mean just drive west down 249 -> the city just keeps on going all the way out to Tomball. It's very monotonous with miles and miles of strip malls with no natural landscape. But, one huge plus about Houston is the golf courses. Some of the ones up north are really nice.
they city of houston has not been "killed". it's the large and continues to grow. it continues to attract corporate relocations. and it maintained its tax base through annexation, something that cities like detroit and dallas did not do..to their own peril. it has a thriving cultural arts center...great restaurants...diversity that actually works because its celebrated...and enjoys the amenities of a big city without hte pretension. great place to raise a family, frankly. you forgot lake conroe.
damn right it rules nothing beats home lol new york's nice... but too damn big for me houston..... almost seems the right size
This is one of the greatest ideas I have ever seen. OMG, this is brilliant. I want a roach t-shirt but I want the Houston. It's worth it. on the front with the roach. Man, awesome! My reason Houston is worth it: It isn't Dallas.
Ok, let's disspell a few myths... First, if you want getaways, there are probably few places as well-suited as Houston. Filmmakers love it here because they have access to beaches, forests, hill country, plains and even mountains (in west Texas) within the same state. Houston has better proximity and facilities than any city in Texas. There are about half a dozen decent lakes within an hour of downtown Houston including Sam Houston State Park, Lake Conroe, Clear Lake and Lake Livingston. And, as someone mentioned, the Gulf is less than an hour away depending on where you go. As for hike and bike trails, by 2008, Houston will be the NUMBER ONE city in America for miles of bike paths - many converted from old rail lines into hike and bike paths. Sprawl is definitely an issue, but did you ever drive up 249 BEFORE the houses were built? You are probably way too young to remember, but it was all flat, ranch land before houses were built out there. Stip malls are actually being discouraged by the city now and all the billboards within the city limits will be required to come down by 2007. Also, there is no bigger growth spurt than inside the loop. Home sales have increased dramatically as folks escape the traffic to live closer to town. Surveys have shown that the number of people leaving the loop is now about equal to those moving into it - the first time that has happened in over 20 years. As for ugly, personally, I don't care. What makes a city great are the people in it, not the view out the window. That sort of superficial view of cities is what causes so many to look great and be populated by assholes. And, I'll take Hermann Park, the water wall, the beer can house, Glenwood cemetery, the full moon over the skyline, shopping on 19th Street and people watching at the Galleria over any city, any day of the week.
