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

[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.

[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.

[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!

[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!

[teena]

Originally Posted by MeezDiscreet

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

Thanks.....i think.

[LikeASista]

Originally Posted by MeezDiscreet

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

How come the truck driver looks like Tiger Woods?

[neosoul]

Originally Posted by teena

I have been giving Houston some serious thought lately

so have I... so far it's been a toss up between NC and Houston... Houston might be the winner...

[teena]

Originally Posted by neosoul

so have I... so far it's been a toss up between NC and Houston... Houston might be the winner...

funny...me to...thinking about charlotte

florida....cost of living is too high. dont do it

[DC_Zeta1920]

Are there any good predominately AA neighborhoods?
Yes. However, this is changing rapidly.

Where do the young professionals hang out?
Too many to name!

Where are the clubs and hot spots?
I don't do clubs too much, but Club H20, Zanzibar, Club Love (formerly Dream) seem to be the places to be. Another hotspot is Adams Morgan and Georgetown.

What are the favorite AA-owned businesses?
Ben's Chili Bowl


Is there a First Friday's or other events?
I don't know of a "First Fridays" but there are many events that go on in this city.

How are the men and the dating scene?
Don't be naive is all I can say......

DC is a decent place, but I was born, raised, and still live here so of course I think that. Most people from out of town tend to stay. The traffic is the worst though and the cost of living.....lets just say that for my house, I could have gotten alot more "bang for my buck" if I had relocated to midwest or south (minus FL).

[nonchalant]

Not that I do much at all myself, but I'm sure everyone has heard things about ATL. Below is a link of what is considered 50 fun things to do in Atlanta.

http://www.atlanta.net/50funthings/index1.htm

The only things I saw that I have done in the list are the following:
Stone Mountain Park
Six Flags over Georgia
Centennial Park
City of Decatur(Downtown Decatur scene)
Piedmont Park
Atlantic Station
Buckhead scene
Downtown Atlanta/Underground
Malls(Lenox, Phipps, Perimeter, Stonecrest, Northlake)
Virginia-Highlands

I'm very boring and laid back. I love the restaurant and bar scene(Barnacle's, Dudley's, Los Arcos, El Azteca, Spondivits, Pappadeaux, Chequers, etc.). Let's not forget my favorite spots with drink specials(Chili's and Applebee's). I have also been to events at the Georgia Dome(Battle of the Bands) and Philips Arena(Mariah Carey Concert). I've been to Too Groovy spa off Ponce De Leon. I've attended the Car & Bike Show. I know it does look like I do a lot. However, I'm pretty much a homebody.

Are there any good predominately AA neighborhoods?
I hear there are some in Lithonia and Conyers(which is about 25 min from downtown). However, they are rebuidling a lot of the downtown area right now.

Where do the young professionals hang out?
There is a club called Twist that is great for sophisticated adults who want to network and mingle.

Where are the clubs and hot spots?
Depends on what you like. There are tons of clubs. My ghetto friend's love Mama's Primetime and The Ritz.

What are the favorite AA-owned businesses?
I like a restaurant called Arizona's that is AA owned. I don't really do my research to know about who owns what.

Is there a First Friday's or other events?
Good question. I don't know.

How are the men and the dating scene?
Like someone else said, don't be naive. Plenty of DL men.