Help me get my family to understand: Moving from California to Houston.

[Sampaguita]

Originally Posted by baddoctor

The best things in life are free. In Houston not only would you not have your family, you wouldn´t get much help here from anyone else nor the govt. When it comes to helping out others, this place is the worst. Unless you are a devout religious person that finds a church quickly, people Will not help you out in any form or fashion until they know you for years.

If you come here, come here to make money and money only. That´s what this city is about.

As I said earlier, I would move back to SoCal in a heartbeat given the right circumstances but I think if someone thinks there's nothing more to Houston just than making money, they're probably not putting out much effort and never really wanted to be here in the first place. JMO.

We have an incredibly generous community in Sienna where neighbors and people we've only just met offered to help us move, do handy work, mulch our yard, etc...without asking for anything in return. Our daughter is a member of a new youth baseball division for children with disabilities as well as a skating program - all free no matter what your financial situation. Of course, it's always good to give back in some form whether it's paying what you can or volunteering your time.

It IS hard not having family or close friends but we've made close friends here who treat us like family. We spend birthdays and major holidays together. Families relocate for the same reasons the OP spelled out all the time and have survived and flourished.

[mikeyyc]

Originally Posted by Sampaguita

As I said earlier, I would move back to SoCal in a heartbeat given the right circumstances but I think if someone thinks there's nothing more to Houston just than making money, they're probably not putting out much effort and never really wanted to be here in the first place. JMO.

We have an incredibly generous community in Sienna where neighbors and people we've only just met offered to help us move, do handy work, mulch our yard, etc...without asking for anything in return. Our daughter is a member of a new youth baseball division for children with disabilities as well as a skating program - all free no matter what your financial situation. Of course, it's always good to give back in some form whether it's paying what you can or volunteering your time.

It IS hard not having family or close friends but we've made close friends here who treat us like family. We spend birthdays and major holidays together. Families relocate for the same reasons the OP spelled out all the time and have survived and flourished.

It's 'cause all the cool people live in Sienna.

[Seeker5in1]

Originally Posted by txdemo

Give it a rest. You lost.

So did you. You just don't realise it yet.

[Seeker5in1]

Originally Posted by Bily Lovec

people are leaving CA by the thousands, they are on the verge of screwing up colorado,

It looks like that process is pretty well completed now.

[War Beagle]

Originally Posted by tillymonster

We are most likely making the move from California to Houston and our family and friends are devastated and angry. If we stay in CA we will be collecting unemployment benefits, food stamps/welfare and personally, I don't see that being a very pleasant way to live.

If they can't understand why you have to move in order to avoid being on unemployment, food stamps and/or welfare, then it's probably a waste of breath to even bother trying to explain it.

Houston isn't where I would choose to retire. It's ugly and the weather is bad about 7 months out of the year. That said, it's an excellent place to live during one's working years due to the plentiful supply of jobs. There are also a ton of things to do in terms of sports, restaurants, museums, concerts, etc.

Do what is best for your family and don't worry what others think or say.

[dejamiller]

Originally Posted by Seeker5in1

It looks like that process is pretty well completed now.

Touche.

[Mr.Awesome]

Originally Posted by cheryjohns

Isn't this the truth? I call myself a Texas Dem - but I would be very close to a Vermont Republican - fiscally conservative, socially liberal. Labels are stupid - which is why the Independents are the fastest growing group in America.

Wouldn't this pretty much be Libertarian? We want the govt. out of all aspects of our lives, from the wallet to the bedroom.

[cheryjohns]

Originally Posted by Mr.Awesome

Wouldn't this pretty much be Libertarian? We want the govt. out of all aspects of our lives, from the wallet to the bedroom.

No, because I am a believer that we need the banks regulated, our food inspected, etc.

[marisa176]

The weather here isn't bad. Sure it gets hot and humid in the summer, but we live near the Gulf and in the South. As for safe neighborhoods -- that only exists if you can afford to live in those neighborhoods. Within the city limits the nice/safe neighborhoods are expensive. Most people live in the suburbs because it is more affordable, safer and has better schools.

The media has over-exagerated the Texas economy. Unless he is in the medical or energy field, I don't think there are jobs galore. I'd also wait for a signed offer before moving here.

Keep in mind, Houston does not have zoning. Some people love it, some don't. It is personal preference, but it is worth considering.

[crone]

Originally Posted by cheryjohns

No, because I am a believer that we need the banks regulated, our food inspected, etc.

Did you see 60 minutes piece on compound pharmacies? Pretty scary stuff, especially when people are getting fungus infected medication from their doctors. And they keep telling us Canadian drugs are not reliable. BS