Various Cities: Things to Do, Places to Live: Seeking Info About YOUR City?

[SummerChild]

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?
Where do the young professionals hang out?
Where are the clubs and hot spots?
What are the favorite AA-owned businesses?
Is there a First Friday's or other events?
How are the men and the dating scene?

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.

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.

SC

[Wonderful1908]

Originally Posted by SummerChild

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.



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.

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.

SC

As you know from the other thread I love Houston. I hated it at first but now its awesome. I am not from La. (but my husband is and we went to school there) so I came here becuase of the low cost of living, the large population of progressive and educated African Americans, and the feel and benefits of a large metro area. Since Houston is so spread apart though its like 10+ mini cities in one city.

Are there any good predominately AA neighborhoods? There are ALOT of good neighborhoods I am not sure if there is just an AA neighborhood.
Where do the young professionals hang out? OMG there are like millions of places to go clubs, retatraunts, Galleria, etc.
Where are the clubs and hot spots? Depends on your age and style. Sometimes I go downtown but I always feeel like because I am married with kids thats not my scene.
What are the favorite AA-owned businesses? Hmmm, good question?
Is there a First Friday's or other events? Many events way to many to name
How are the men and the dating scene? I'm married but my best friend moved here 2 years ago and she found a husband and just bought a house.

I am in education so the opposite holds true in my field, as the school districts become more diverse they are looking for more minority leadership.

Let me ask where are you coming from?

[SummerChild]

Hi Soror,
Thanks for the information. I currently live in southern Cali (Culver City). I am originally from Chicago and have lived in Atlanta during high school years and college years.

Originally Posted by Wonderful1908

Let me ask where are you coming from?

[Wonderful1908]

Originally Posted by SummerChild

Hi Soror,
Thanks for the information. I currently live in southern Cali (Culver City). I am originally from Chicago and have lived in Atlanta during high school years and college years.

Well its a far cry from Southern Cal (I am from California) if you are looking for an actual real pool of minorty circles you will love Houston. Its similiar to Atlanta in the respect of a large group og AA's doing thier thing, but Houston is really has an awesome cost of living, especially coming from Cali. Everyone I know has purchased a very decent house here for a great price ans we are all under 30, so its really a buzzing place.

[MeezDiscreet]

Originally Posted by SummerChild

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

Hope that helps.

[Wonderful1908]

Originally Posted by MeezDiscreet

Hope that helps.

I was gonna say the Breakfast Klub but wasn't 100% sure it was Black owned.

I am assuming your LS is a radio personality here?

I piggyback off of the Skybar, great place. I like the Red Cat Jazz Cafe as well, and I can even get down at the Red Rooster if I have too.

[MeezDiscreet]

Originally Posted by Wonderful1908

I was gonna say the Breakfast Klub but wasn't 100% sure it was Black owned.

I am assuming your LS is a radio personality here?

I piggyback off of the Skybar, great place. I like the Red Cat Jazz Cafe as well, and I can even get down at the Red Rooster if I have too.

Yes, she is. Nnete from the Madd Hatta Morning show is my LS.

I like the Red Cat also but I hate trying to find parking! And I've gone to the Red Rooster only for parties where it was rented out.

[teena]

Originally Posted by MeezDiscreet

Hope that helps.

How are the men and the dating scene? The dating scene is somewhat "competitive" because there are far more single women here than men.


I'd heard that Houston is a place where there are the most single black men. Your statement makes Houston kinda sound like Atlanta. Is it that bad?

I have been giving Houston some serious thought lately

[SummerChild]

For real. LOL.
Inquiring minds want to know.

SC

Originally Posted by teena

Your statement makes Houston kinda sound like Atlanta. Is it that bad?

I have been giving Houston some serious thought lately

[MeezDiscreet]

I'll put it like this: any of these men could be in Houston.

[Wonderful1908]

Originally Posted by MeezDiscreet

I'll put it like this: any of these men could be in Houston.

Dang! I'm married! Just kidding but for real Soror there are alot of men here that are date worthy!

[teena]

Originally Posted by MeezDiscreet

I'll put it like this: any of these men could be in Houston.

Thanks.....i think.

[MeezDiscreet]

Originally Posted by Wonderful1908

Dang! I'm married! Just kidding but for real Soror there are alot of men here that are date worthy!

Where and what night of the week please and thanks!

[icebrAKA]

Originally Posted by SummerChild

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?I love the north side of Houston. Spring, Cy-Fair, The Woodlands. I love Pearland on the Southside. Houston is a great mix of people so if you want to be in predominately AA neighborhoods, try 3rd ward.
Where do the young professionals hang out?Indmix.com plus get on the email list for www.I10media.com.
Where are the clubs and hot spots?I can't get with everyone because I like places in the hood. I loooooove the Libra Lounge.
What are the favorite AA-owned businesses?The breakfast Klub and Reggae Hut, G's and Z's, The Root of You(owned by an Alpha Kappa Alpha lady). If I remember any others I'll post them.
Is there a First Friday's or other events?First, Second, Third, Forth and Last Friday.
How are the men and the dating scene? I know one thing, you can't be a naive person.

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 live a minute from downtown. Its VERY convienient.

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.

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.


SC

Houston is just a GREAT place all around. What is your profession?

[icebrAKA]

Originally Posted by MeezDiscreet

Yes, she is. Nnete from the Madd Hatta Morning show is my LS.

I like the Red Cat also but I hate trying to find parking! And I've gone to the Red Rooster only for parties where it was rented out.

I probably know you MDiscreet.