Further proof that we're not being hit as hard in the Great Recession as some -- Texas added more residents in the past 12 months than any state in the union, the Census Bureau reported today. Texas added 478,000 residents in the previous 12 months, beating out California, which added almost 100,000 fewer. Other states with big gains included North Carolina (134,000), Georgia (131,000) and Florida (114,000).
OK, so it's no secret how I feel about Texas after living there for 10+ years (3277 days...not that anyone was counting....), I think I can speak to this subject with some authority. I've done my time in the Lone Star State, so if you can't handle some serious crap being dumped on the Great State of Texas...well, this probably isn't the place for you.
I understand that if you live in a dying Rustbelt state like Michigan, Indiana, or Ohio, Texas probably looks like that land of opportunity...and it may well be. Lord knows there are those who will move to the Houston area and absolutely fall in love with the place. More power to 'em, I suppose. My first reaction may be "Aim high, eh? What, you couldn't find a job in Shreveport??"...but I realize that mine is merely one opinion. Truth be told, my opinion is probably no longer even a relevant one since I'm (happily) 2500 miles removed from the Bayou City.
If I had to choose between Hell and Texas, I live in Hell and rent Texas.
- Gen. Phil Sheridan
I should qualify my disdain for the Lone Star State by owing up to the fact that I don't hate ALL of Texas. I do miss Austin, and I could quite possibly live there...except for the reality that it's in Texas. The rest of the state- particularly the Houston area- I wouldn't give you a plugged nickel for. Of course, if you can get past the traffic, the rude drivers, the ridiculous distances, the mosquitoes, the oppressive heat and humidity, and the occasional catastrophic hurricane...well, Houston probably does have a lot to offer. I've been there, done that...and I can't imagine a circumstance under which I'd willingly return to live.
Texas probably looks a lot like Paradise if you're escaped the 12+% unemployment in the Rust Belt. From where I sit here in the Pacific Northwest, it seems like something out of a Mad Max movie. Frankly, I'd rather live in Cleveland...not that I'm going to be packing my bag for a move to the Buckeye State anytime in this lifetime. Nor the next.
To those of you who live in Texas, call it home, and love it...well, good on you. You can have it. It may not be Hell, but you can certain see it from Houston. I'm grateful for the experience, but 10+ years was more than enough.
Having visited Houston a couple of times to see a girlfriend who turned out to be a stark raving mad Southern Baptist, but that’s another story… I’m with ya Jack. That town is a cesspool and I’m very happy living here in Maryland.
“Stark raving mad Sourhern Baptist”…isn’t that redundant?? ;-)
I agree completely. The culture and music of Austin vs. the many negatives elsewhere. And you didn’t mention the wacknut politicos that emanate from the region like alien life forms.
After Bush, I’ve sworn I’ll never ever vote for ANY Texan for President. Not even Kinky Friedman.
In addition to Austin, Galveston is pretty good spot in Texas. Close enough to Houston to take advantage of its benefits, but far enough away to say that you don’t live there.
As for Houston, don’t worry—we’re toast. The next storm that blows by will completely destroy the city.
According to the fundies, Gawd will remove Her divine protection from the city because its numerous megachurches failed to fully encircle the city with 200 foot tall crosses, and especially because it elected a lesbian mayor.
Jack, yes it was redundant, but must be stated that way in the same way that one would describe the dark at the bottom of a coal mine. It’s just not dark like you turned off the light in your bedroom. It’s DARK! ;-)
Bob, I agree, Galveston, and Crystal Beach are/were ok. Seriously dude, it’s time for you to get out of Houston while the gettings good! Go man go!!