Lots of diversity. Excellent ethnic foods and local restaurants. Generally speaking (obviously not in every case) a community atmosphere. My neighborhood used to have crawfish boils and parties at the park regularly. Halloween was a big event, great for kids. A lot of people get into the spirit of winter holiday decorations. People come together often to help rebuild after hurricanes, storms, and other situations. There's a barely existent music scene, but a music scene just due to the sheer number of people living in the area. Plenty of sports options. Decent event venues. Several excellent school districts. Great access to doctors and medical centers. A (fairly crappy) beach within a few hours to spend a weekend. Jobs to be found if you don't overvalue yourself. No state tax is always a plus. Property values have historically been great. Rent and cost of living are VERY competitive compared to other major cities. It's not paradise, but I enjoyed growing up in Houston for 19 years. It beats a few places I've lived out West, in my biased opinion.
I think it's sad when people stay in the same place they were born in and never experience living in other amazing cities. It tends to make one narrowminded.
I love Houston because that's where I grew up and I have epic memories of the many adventures I had in all parts of the city and the surrounding areas (especially Galveston). I love Austin and probable won't be moving, but I have had recent thoughts of returning to my hood one day -- most of my family is there and it would be nice to be around them again.
I feel much the same, although I'd never move back. I've lived in Austin for 30+ years now and love it, despite the many changes. It's still that blue speck in the red map of Texas, which suits me, but Houston still calls. Relatives out the kazoo, many, many friends, the Clear Lake area, NASA, the Bay, Galveston, the Montrose area, where I lived for several years, the eateries, the museums, galleries. I miss so much of it, and visit often, but I'll never move back. Houston is a great city.
