diversity in Houston (Austin, Sugar Land, Missouri City: home, neighborhoods, high school)

[Davachka]

What is the cultural diversity like in the Houston (and surrounding suburbs?). We are looking at a possible move and to be honest with you, my husband and I (an east coaster and an Eastern European) have some negative assumptions that are attached to Texas, but are trying to break

I'm sure there are blacks, whites, latinos like everywhere else, but are there jews, muslims and people of other cultural backgrounds? Or are they a vast minority?
Sorry for my ignorance, but it is George Bush's home state, and I can't see us fitting in in a conservative republican Christian state, which is what many perceive Texas as being. My intention is not to offend everyone, however I am interested in how people living in Texas, particularly Houston area, perceive their state.

[Cookiekaikai]

In my area (Cinco Ranch/Seven Meadows), we have great diversity. I am a Taiwanese American myself and I appreciate seeing people from China, India, Vietnam and yes some from Eastern Europe moving to our communities everyday.

Houston is a big international city and the most residents are very kind to other races. You should feel welcome here.

[modster]

Houston is a very international city. This includes just about every ethnic category you can think of. There are parts of the city that are more diverse than others, but overall it is very mixed.

In fact, I think you will find more diversity within areas than a lot of northern places where different groups tend to settle in sort of separate neighborhoods/communities.

[BrooklynTx]

Originally Posted by faina00

Sorry for my ignorance, but it is George Bush's home state, and I can't see us fitting in in a conservative republican Christian state, which is what many perceive Texas as being. My intention is not to offend everyone, however I am interested in how people living in Texas, particularly Houston area, perceive their state.

Given that 75% of all residents in the United States consider themselves "Christian", you might find it difficult to find a place without Christians, or a Christian majority. Texas is not unique in this way. With the exception of New York maybe.

Oh, and the last time I checked GWB was born in New Haven.....that would be Connecticut, not Texas. He also went to Yale and Harvard U. Neither of these institutions of "higher learning" are in Texas, either. Neither is Andover. Obviously, as with many others, you bought the whole Texas cowboy bit hook, line and sinker.

[Udge]

Originally Posted by faina00

What is the cultural diversity like in the Houston (and surrounding suburbs?). We are looking at a possible move and to be honest with you, my husband and I (an east coaster and an Eastern European) have some negative assumptions that are attached to Texas, but are trying to break

I'm sure there are blacks, whites, latinos like everywhere else, but are there jews, muslims and people of other cultural backgrounds? Or are they a vast minority?
Sorry for my ignorance, but it is George Bush's home state, and I can't see us fitting in in a conservative republican Christian state, which is what many perceive Texas as being. My intention is not to offend everyone, however I am interested in how people living in Texas, particularly Houston area, perceive their state.

Hi there! Just wanted to let you know that we chose to move to the Woodlands (just north of Houston) and we are not Christians and feel right at home. We're Jewish and from NYC. Does that help?

[kj1000]

You would be surprised at the diversity of the folks in Houston. Houston can be the Texas you picture; however, it is more robust and diverse than that. It is very Latin based due to proximity but it has all the cultures of the world thanks in part to NASA, oil & gas, and TX Medical Center. Walk around the Galleria mall on any given weekend and you can hear at least 20 different languages. Various cultures amass in parts of the city, but are spread out for the most part. When you are lonely for home, you should be able to find your comfort zone. Don't let preconceived notions ruin a chance at a truly diverse city!

[houstoner]

It's amazing to me how many seemingly educated people have a blind spot when it comes to Texas and the South, relying instead on stereotypes and their preconceived notions. If I believed everything I heard or saw on TV...

Not everyone in Texas, a state of almost 25,000,000 people, is conservative, Republican, or Christian. I'm neither of those things, but I don't have a problem with people who are because I actually believe in true diversity.

FWIW, next to Austin (46%), Houston (50.38%) is the least religious major city in Texas, according to Sperling's Best Places. The national average is 50.03%.

[Mom2Feebs]

Amen, houstoner. I never did understand that, but my guess is the media doesn't help. For instance, did you notice that when TS Allison went through, the national media had to find and interview every toothless nutria-eating wonder living in a trailer along the Trinity River? Man! I can remember thinking, people must think we are positively uncivilized down here.

Everyone is different here. I think you will be in for a big surprise, no matter what your expectations are.

[Rick4Life]

I went to high school in Sugar Land and remember there being over 30 flags hanging in the main hallway representing all the different ethnicities that attended our school. I know it is even more mixed now than it was six years ago.

[Lou Gehrig]

I lived in the Sharpstown area for 4+ years (2000-2004.) There is a major grocery store in that area where you will not hear English spoken. There is a mosque about 1-2 miles away from that store. The area boasts Hispanic immigrants from not just Mexico but Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Panama. There is also a small Jamaican influence in the neighborhood.

Down in the Missouri City/Sugar Land area (and stretching north along Beltway 8) there is a significant South Asian community. The farther you get north, the ethnicity changes into Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese.

East coast perceptions of the South are mind bogglingly ignorant.