Hellobee Boards

Let me start by saying I moved to the Houston area 7 years ago and like it so much more than I ever thought I would and probably will be here for life! (I'm originally from the northeast). Houston is a very metropolitan city and you'll definitely be able to find liberal-leaning folks, especially if you live in Houston-proper. I would say that the majority of the people I know here were not born here and they fall in the full range of religious to not, liberal to conservative.

However, it tends to be a car-reliant place. So much will depend on where your husband's job will be and how much of a commute he wants/can tolerate. I live in the suburbs 40+ min north of Houston. My experience with the suburbs of Houston is that they are not built with non-drivers in mind. My area is more walkable than most, but it's still pretty spread out. I think it would be a challenge to find a house that was close enough not to drive in my area, but there are condos and apartments close to the shopping/central area. However, if you look in the areas within Houston (ie: The Heights and others) you might have better luck with walkability, but you will pay for it with higher cost of living.

I really hope some of the Houston Bees will chime in with their insight as I've been in the 'burbs for my time here.

Is there any chance of you becoming a driver?

@annem1990: Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the US. There are people from all over the world with a variety of religious and political beliefs.

I agree with @BUNBUN: Houston has public transportation (buses and a few short light rails), but the majority of people drive everywhere. Its also REALLY hot in the summer, so even if you live in a walkable area, its not necessarily ideal to be walking everywhere (especially in the middle of the day).

The walkable areas tend to be the most expensive areas, so keep that in mind when weighing the offer. Also the areas with the best schools tend to be the most expensive areas.

If you are looking for good schools, walkable, and opportunity to meet other moms, check out The Heights. Its fantastic, but its getting really pricey. Also look into Oak Forest and Garden Oaks (but the walkability depends on where you live in those areas). I'm having a hard time thinking of any other areas that are walkable, have good schools, and are family friendly. Maybe other bees will chime in with some ideas.

Also re: driving, you can use Uber of lift if you don’t want to drive, and grocery delivery is widely available.