Moving to Houston soon

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 4, 2010 | 01:08 PM
  #1  
DBL_TKE's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 121
Likes: 1
From: Aloha, OR
Smile Moving to Houston soon

Well if all goes well I should be moving to Texas sometime in the coming months. Specifically NW Houston in Spring Branch East between Interstate 10 and Highway 290. I'm pretty excited about the move. I'm coming from Aloha, Oregon in the Portland metropolitan area, so it's going to be quite the trek. I'm moving to Houston because I'll be going to the School of Automotive Machinists.

I'm trying to get to know the area as best I can before I head down there. So what can you guys tell me about it? How's the weather, traffic, public water, living costs, you name it. Are there any good Houston F-body and third gen clubs? Hows the racing scene in general? Which drags strips, road courses do you prefer? What kind of grocery store chains exist there? Any good beaches? Hows the night life? What are the "good" area's and the "bad" areas of town. How is the law enforcement?

So let me have it,tell my anything you can think of, all the things I should try and be proud of and all the dirty little secrets. Hopefully I'll like it down there.
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2010 | 01:11 PM
  #2  
Dirty 30's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (96)
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,840
Likes: 1
From: Dallas, Tejas
Default

Be careful, I heard Houston is sinking into the Gulf.
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2010 | 01:23 PM
  #3  
cambirdracing's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 865
Likes: 2
From: League City Texas
Default

Originally Posted by DBL_TKE
Well if all goes well I should be moving to Texas sometime in the coming months. Specifically NW Houston in Spring Branch East between Interstate 10 and Highway 290. I'm pretty excited about the move. I'm coming from Aloha, Oregon in the Portland metropolitan area, so it's going to be quite the trek. I'm moving to Houston because I'll be going to the School of Automotive Machinists.

I'm trying to get to know the area as best I can before I head down there. So what can you guys tell me about it? How's the weather, traffic, public water, living costs, you name it. Are there any good Houston F-body and third gen clubs? Hows the racing scene in general? Which drags strips, road courses do you prefer? What kind of grocery store chains exist there? Any good beaches? Hows the night life? What are the "good" area's and the "bad" areas of town. How is the law enforcement?

So let me have it,tell my anything you can think of, all the things I should try and be proud of and all the dirty little secrets. Hopefully I'll like it down there.
I don't go out, but night life in HOuston has to many choices.
We have Houston Raceway Park to the east, Angleton to the south, Houston Motorsprts park on the north east side, San Antonio raceway about 160 miles to the west and Pine Valley about 100 miles to the north.

I live between 290 and I10, traffic on 290 sucks, I10 isn't to bad depending on the hour. If you are looking to buyin about 2 years, we will be selling our house.

The good area's are the bad area's, haha. Law enforcement isn't bad if you don't do anything stupid. I usually drive 10 over on the freeway and 5 over in town and don't have a problem, but a v6 isn't going much faster than that anyway.

It's supposed to freeze most of this week, but weather is very mild except june,july and august, hot and humid, which I love.

Depending on where you live, water isn't to bad. Cost of living is about par with rest of nation? Fuel prices for regular are in the 2.2-2.4 range.

I believe that once you get here, you will want to stay.
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2010 | 03:08 PM
  #4  
Dirty 30's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (96)
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,840
Likes: 1
From: Dallas, Tejas
Default

Originally Posted by cambirdracing
I don't go out, but night life in HOuston has to many choices.
We have Houston Raceway Park to the east, Angleton to the south, Houston Motorsprts park on the north east side, San Antonio raceway about 160 miles to the west and Pine Valley about 100 miles to the north.

I live between 290 and I10, traffic on 290 sucks, I10 isn't to bad depending on the hour. If you are looking to buyin about 2 years, we will be selling our house.

The good area's are the bad area's, haha. Law enforcement isn't bad if you don't do anything stupid. I usually drive 10 over on the freeway and 5 over in town and don't have a problem, but a v6 isn't going much faster than that anyway.

It's supposed to freeze most of this week, but weather is very mild except june,july and august, hot and humid, which I love.

Depending on where you live, water isn't to bad. Cost of living is about par with rest of nation? Fuel prices for regular are in the 2.2-2.4 range.

I believe that once you get here, you will want to stay.
Where da hoes at?
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2010 | 03:14 PM
  #5  
Domsz06's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 612
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Default

depends what you want.

young=washington street
young=rice village
young and fashionable(high maintenance)=midtown
rich and older=uptown
all ages=downtown

u can have pretty much what ever you want around these area's. Just depends what your looking for. I love it, just plan on driving at a min of about 45 minutes anywhere you wanna go from your neck of the woods, well guess it depends where around 290 and 10.... it's a pretty big area if your living somewhere inbetween.

290 and the beltway is the worst interchange I think in Houston.
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2010 | 03:30 PM
  #6  
JeaneZ28's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 553
Likes: 0
From: Tomball,TX
Default

Originally Posted by Dirty 30
Where da hoes at?
Dallas
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2010 | 03:34 PM
  #7  
DBL_TKE's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 121
Likes: 1
From: Aloha, OR
Default

I'll be living about one mile from 1911 Antoine Drive. I know I won't mind the heat, in fact I hate any weather below 70, I just wonder how the humidity is. I'm used to places with dry heat like LA, Phoenix, and Vegas. I did just visit Hawaii for a week and it got up to 100% humidity and it didn't bother me at all, though it was only in the 80's.

Gas prices are pretty damn good over there. Over here it's generally $2.79 for premium.

I'm a little worried about inspections for DEQ. I have no AIR pump, no cat, headers, no horn, and my cars slammed so I'll have to check my ground to headlight/taillight measurements, I also have blacked out turn signals, side markers and tail lights. How strict are they? I'm pretty sure I'm emissions exempt as my car is now 25 years old.

I've also heard that there's no state income tax, is that correct?
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2010 | 03:41 PM
  #8  
lo_jack's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (27)
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 741
Likes: 0
From: Anheuser Busch, Houston Texas
Default

Originally Posted by DBL_TKE
I've also heard that there's no state income tax, is that correct?
Indeed.
You have to pump your own gas too. Welcome to the Republic.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-5

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-8

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jan 4, 2010 | 03:49 PM
  #9  
cambirdracing's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 865
Likes: 2
From: League City Texas
Default

Emissions exempt at 25 years so you are in good shape.

Humidity will be in the 90's any day it is over 80 degrees.

Premium can run in the 2.70's easily.
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2010 | 03:52 PM
  #10  
Domsz06's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 612
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Default

I don't think the humidity is that bad. The days it's hot, it burns the humidity off, and unless you work outside.....

I think you will get used to it. Everyone is different though so hard to say. My step family hates it, but they put up with it for the few months a year it's bad.
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2010 | 05:50 PM
  #11  
red281gt's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 592
Likes: 0
From: Alvin, TX/HOUSTON,TX
Default

Houston is the best city in texas hands down no matter what and fastes cars in TEXAS!
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2010 | 05:54 PM
  #12  
Domsz06's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 612
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Default

Austin is pretty bad *** too
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2010 | 08:28 PM
  #13  
DBL_TKE's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 121
Likes: 1
From: Aloha, OR
Default

Originally Posted by lo_jack
Indeed.
You have to pump your own gas too. Welcome to the Republic.
Thank GOD for that. That's one of the only things I hate about Oregon. Having to wait for someone to wait for another person that puts the nozzle to the car.
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2010 | 08:56 PM
  #14  
highflyin's Avatar
FormerVendor
iTrader: (16)
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: Northern DE
Default

Houston not bad. I moved here like 4 months ago and the only two things that are bad is the heat and the traffic. The car scene is good. Alot of fast cars come out to certain spots. I would suggest you not to try and race anyone though.
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2010 | 02:34 AM
  #15  
DBL_TKE's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 121
Likes: 1
From: Aloha, OR
Default

How are most of the roads? Where I'm from we have a pretty good DOT that stays on top of bumpy, cracked roads, pot holes and such. I can run with 2" of ground clearance without a problem, even downtown.
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2010 | 06:21 AM
  #16  
cambirdracing's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 865
Likes: 2
From: League City Texas
Default

Originally Posted by DBL_TKE
How are most of the roads? Where I'm from we have a pretty good DOT that stays on top of bumpy, cracked roads, pot holes and such. I can run with 2" of ground clearance without a problem, even downtown.

Good luck on that here.
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2010 | 07:20 AM
  #17  
Domsz06's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 612
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Default

yeah 2" is gonna be a HUGE issue. Freeways will be ok, but city streets suck and have huge sloping driveways for all the rain. (some angled enough you can get in, others not.)
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2010 | 09:36 AM
  #18  
lo_jack's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (27)
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 741
Likes: 0
From: Anheuser Busch, Houston Texas
Default

Up on the northside in the woods you will probably be fine on 2" but there are spots in town, like parts of the Galleria area, where you will not be able to go when the rain comes. A lot of the roads are rough in town, but they resurface a little better than say, San Antonio. You'll be fine. Just pay attention until you become familiar with the places you are frequenting.

It blew my mind when my friend from Eugene told me she had never pumped gas in 18 years of life before she came to Texas.
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2010 | 10:24 AM
  #19  
Domsz06's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 612
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Default

Originally Posted by lo_jack
Up on the northside in the woods you will probably be fine on 2" but there are spots in town, like parts of the Galleria area, where you will not be able to go when the rain comes. A lot of the roads are rough in town, but they resurface a little better than say, San Antonio. You'll be fine. Just pay attention until you become familiar with the places you are frequenting.

It blew my mind when my friend from Eugene told me she had never pumped gas in 18 years of life before she came to Texas.
i thought you guys were kidding about the pumping gas. Your serious?
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:57 AM.

story-0
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-1
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-3
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-5
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-8
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-9
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE