It was a week ago that I arrived back in New Hampshire from a short weekend trip to Houston, Texas, my future home. It sure didn’t feel like a home when we went, because a hotel and unsigned leases for an apartment are not homes. However, I’m not quick to judge the new city yet. I felt similar to Dublin and West Lafayette when I first reached them. Although very different situations, those apartments never felt like home until I made them. So for now, I shouldn’t worry about what feels home-y until I’m living there with my girlfriend.
The tough thing about looking at apartments online, and then going to visit is that the majority will catfish you. Look at this beautiful, spacious apartment with lots of natural light, large and central pool in a great location. Sike! You’re in one of the crummiest neighborhoods you’ve seen in your lifetime, next to an abandoned warehouse sharing the complex with your friendly neighborhood rodents.
Well, it wasn’t that bad. But just like online dating apps, there was plenty of complexes that preached more than they could prove. I won’t say any names, but if you know you know. Luckily, we were able to find a couple of nice apartments in good areas, which I also won’t say for privacy reasons. To describe as not to expose myself, it had a great pool, great location, but a little pricey, but for the amenities and location, the price was manageable.
Initial Impressions
All of my feedback on the city of Houston is based off of one small impression, and of the outskirts, not the inner city or north of the city. It was unlike anything that I had personally seen or been to. Growing up in New England, I wasn’t used to cities to begin with, aside from Boston. Boston preaches a very European feel, so Dublin wasn’t too far gone. Among other cities I’ve been to (Los Angeles, Tampa, Chicago, Montreal, Cincinnati), Houston can’t compare. I can’t even conjoin cities I know for a valid comparison.
Out of the areas I visited, I enjoyed the developed area around Rice University and the Museum District, as well as Midtown. This could be that they produced a sense of familiarity within me, or maybe the experiences I had were positive. Rice Village boasts some amazing restaurants, both chains and local. I will definitely make the time to go back and experience the restaurants we hadn’t the time for. We weren’t able to find an affordable apartment around Rice, unfortunately.
The museum district might strike a certain bias within me, specifically for my love of museums. The area is situated in Hermann Park, and the lush greenness of the park reminded me of home, as well as the many parks in Dublin. Houston’s zoo is also right in the middle of the park. We, however, did not visit due to the sheer business of a Sunday afternoon rush. The Natural History museum was open (and air-conditioned!) so we went there, and all of a sudden, me and Eileen are now members there, for free entry.
Last, but most certainly not least, was the Midtown area. It’s sandwiched in between the downtown area and Hermann Park, creating a quaint neighborhood. It felt like the closest we could rent without paying downtown apartment prices. It’s a walkable area, and relatively safe in comparison to other parts of the city.
Conclusion
In short, and I understand this post is extremely short, Houston will take some time to get used to. I’ve been through many situations exactly like this and I know it takes time. However, I’m also impatient. I’m nervous. I’m scared. This is the biggest move I’ve ever done in my life, and one without having a job or school lined up. Luckily, no matter how scared I am, I have the best woman in the world to walk through the fire with me.
Once I move to Houston, I’d like to do more on the food and drink in the area, as well as activities. For now, I’ll continue working on my novel and delivering mail until the move. It feels like a long time, but July is several weeks away. Before I know it, my life will change forever. And I look forward to the day I move into a new apartment with the love of my life.
Today’s cover photo is from May 7th, the most groovy and beautiful, Samantha.