Hello Sorors and Friends,
Since there has been so much talk about how great Houston is on our board and since it was ranked #4 on BE's list of cities for AA's, I was wondering if we could start a thread about it. Thinking of maybe relocating there.
Are there any good predominately AA neighborhoods?
What comes to mind is Missouri City but it's a suburb and not really close to the downtown area. Then there's 3rd Ward--they've really been building it up and it's really close to the downtown area. I know a soror who has a tight townhome in that area.
Where do the young professionals
hang out?
Where are the clubs and hot spots?
So many all over town and it depends on what you're looking for. I frequent a jazz spot called The Skybar because I don't like the sweaty club scene. I love live music and they have awesome bands that play. They play other music but you won't hear "Aye Baby Baby" or "Lipgloss" there. 
There are also other spots to hear live music like Warehouse Live. Whatever you're in to, there's a club for it. Try looking at inDmix to check out the scene.
What are the favorite AA-owned businesses?
The Breakfast Klub!!! It's owned by a Kappa and his wife, who is a soror. They have the best food and if you want to see a lot of progressive Blacks, they are there--from educators to engineers to lawyers to councilmen. One of my line sisters also hosts her book club there.
Is there a First Friday's or other events?
Yes. I used to go faithfully then I stopped and I actually think it stopped. In the last 6 or so months, they've brought it back but I haven't been yet.
How are the men and the dating scene?
The dating scene is somewhat "competitive" because there are far more single women here than men.
If I moved there, I'd be working downtown so I'd be looking for a home or condo with a commute of less than 30 minutes each way, if possible.
I know that many love the city partly due to its proximity to LA. For those of us who have no family in LA, would you give any info on why you love the city that does not bear on its proximity to LA? It sounds like there were tons of other great things about the city.
I don't go to LA--no family there (that I know of). I like Houston, in part, because of it's proximity to my hometown of Dallas. It's far away enough that I really feel like I'm on my own (even though I have a lot of family here) but it only takes me 3.5 hours to get home when I want or NEED to. The city is really cool--but not the weather. There are lots of things to do like museums, malls, dining, volunteer opportunities, parks, and other culturally enriching things. Plus, there are some really awesome churches in Houston!
Also, is the workplace pretty progressive for AAs? A friend who is not AA (he is Caucasian) said that in my field and maybe in other fields, there is a bit of a "good old boy" attitude and AAs are not promoted as readily in Houston. Have you found this to be fairly widespread? I know that it's possible anywhere, just wondering the attitude of the city and workplace bosses in general in Houston.
As Wonderful said, I'm in education also so I don't know this side.SC