I'm a FL RN, Tell me why I should move to TX, particularly Houston.

NeoNurseTX, RN · Aug 25, 2008

I love the diversity and Houston has a lot of great food, entertainment, and culture. And of course..we're home of the Texas Medical Center which is really easy to travel around w/ the light rail. It goes downtown, too.

Humidity is HORRIBLE and traffic is depending on where you live. I'm really close to work so I don't have a problem w/ it.

RN1989 · Aug 25, 2008

TX is like any other state - there are things that are better than other places and things that are worse than other places.

Many come to this forum hoping to hear that things are "heaven" and better than where they are at. Many are disappointed. Others live and work in conditions that they think suck and are thrilled at what TX has to offer - because it is different than where they are at currently.

It is best to decide the true reasons why you want to move before you ask questions that don't have concrete answers.

EX: if you have family in TX that you want to live near, you can find a place to live and work that is tolerable enough simply because you would move here anyway to be with your family. But if you are moving out of state simply because you are looking for greener work pastures - it might be cheaper and less frustrating to examine your career goals and simply make a job change not an out of state move.

The grass isn't greener, it is just a different type. You will always have good and bad to deal with. Make your decision based on what YOU are looking for, not what other people tell you. If you are happy in one area, you will be willing to sacrifice someting in another area. First decide what is most important to you and then decide what you are looking for to achieve your personal and professional goals.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 25, 2008

We currently rent and want to buy a house in 2-3 years.

The property taxes in Texas tend to be higher-priced when compared with the rest of the nation, so that's a very important consideration when buying a house in this state.

In addition, the soils in Houston tend to be very expansive, which can wreak havoc on a house's concrete slab foundation if you neglect to maintain it properly. My friend's house is in the very early stages of foundation failure, and the repairs will cost an estimated $6000. She must pay for this expense out of her own pocket since no homeowners insurance company covers foundation issues. One out of every five foundation failures in the nation occurs in the state of Texas.

dona4jc · Aug 25, 2008

TX is like any other state - there are things that are better than other places and things that are worse than other places.
Many come to this forum hoping to hear that things are "heaven" and better than where they are at. Many are disappointed. Others live and work in conditions that they think suck and are thrilled at what TX has to offer - because it is different than where they are at currently.
It is best to decide the true reasons why you want to move before you ask questions that don't have concrete answers.
EX: if you have family in TX that you want to live near, you can find a place to live and work that is tolerable enough simply because you would move here anyway to be with your family. But if you are moving out of state simply because you are looking for greener work pastures - it might be cheaper and less frustrating to examine your career goals and simply make a job change not an out of state move.
The grass isn't greener, it is just a different type. You will always have good and bad to deal with. Make your decision based on what YOU are looking for, not what other people tell you. If you are happy in one area, you will be willing to sacrifice someting in another area. First decide what is most important to you and then decide what you are looking for to achieve your personal and professional goals.

There's just something about TX. I go there almost every summer.. (Well, in Lindale/Garden Valley, that is, as I volunteer almost every summer for mission trips. That will only be few hours drive if I move to Houston) and Texans love being Texans. They are proud of their state and I like that. Re: greener pastures, yes, that's one of the reasons too. Latest research says for our profession and other professions as well, for Salary & Cost of living ratio Houston, TX is No. 1 in USA. And as of home values, Houston, TX is No. 1 too. And also, we want to be half-way (kinda) to our families. My husband's are in California and Branson, MO and my side of family in Jacksonville, FL. I have a cousin in Houston, TX as well.

That's some of the reasons. Maybe anyone else has reasons to add? Why to move there or stay put?

Thanks!

dona4jc · Aug 25, 2008

The property taxes in Texas tend to be higher-priced when compared with the rest of the nation, so that's a very important consideration when buying a house in this state.
In addition, the soils in Houston tend to be very expansive, which can wreak havoc on a house's concrete slab foundation if you neglect to maintain it properly. My friend's house is in the very early stages of foundation failure, and the repairs will cost an estimated $6000. She must pay for this expense out of her own pocket since no homeowners insurance company covers foundation issues. One out of every five foundation failures in the nation occurs in the state of Texas.

I thought property taxes here in FL cost more. Home insurance cost a lot here.

Wow, good to know about the soil. We'll definitely consider that too! Thanks!

dona4jc · Aug 25, 2008

I love the diversity and Houston has a lot of great food, entertainment, and culture. And of course..we're home of the Texas Medical Center which is really easy to travel around w/ the light rail. It goes downtown, too.
Humidity is HORRIBLE and traffic is depending on where you live. I'm really close to work so I don't have a problem w/ it.

Diversity & Culture! I love that! And we don't mind great food as well!

Humidity? We have that here too! :rolleyes:

AggieNurse2B · Aug 25, 2008

Regarding purchase of a home...Housing in Houston is SO very much cheaper than it is where you're presently living. Just take a look at realtor.com and you can see what you can get for your money. Property taxes are higher, but you have no state income tax. In my opinion, you still get a lot more house for the money in Houston even considering the higher taxes.

(Tax professional turned nursing student here!)

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Aug 25, 2008

Hey dona4jc!

Are you thinking of moving primarily because of the more affordable housing costs? If so - you will find us to be a real bargain compared to Florida. Lots of options. On the 'down side', you won't find that houses rapidly increase in value here - it is a slow and steady 3% per year on average.

Our higher real estate taxes are actually a function of how we finance our public infrastructure. We don't have state income tax, so sales taxes, real estate taxes & school taxes are the source of our state income. I think it all balances out.

I live in Houston - my house was built in '87 & I have never had a foundation issue. It all goes back to the expertise of your builder. Their techniques have to be adapted to our area.

Houston is a 'different animal' - lots of people really hate it here. Whatever you're expecting, this probably isn't it :no: . For instance, did you know we have the largest Norwegian expat group outside of Norway?? Betcha didn't expect that.

I would recommend a cautious approach - is there any way you can come for a long visit before making up your mind? Mabe taking a travel assignment or something?

I love it here.

dona4jc · Aug 25, 2008

Regarding purchase of a home...Housing in Houston is SO very much cheaper than it is where you're presently living. Just take a look at realtor.com and you can see what you can get for your money. Property taxes are higher, but you have no state income tax. In my opinion, you still get a lot more house for the money in Houston even considering the higher taxes.
(Tax professional turned nursing student here!)

I was actually looking at realtor.com. Lot a house for a cheaper price there in Houston, and recent study shows house value there has gone up (no 1 in US). House values here are going down because of foreclosures, but I do believe real estate will be better tho after these woes of ARM loans.

dona4jc · Aug 25, 2008

Hey dona4jc!
Are you thinking of moving primarily because of the more affordable housing costs? If so - you will find us to be a real bargain compared to Florida. Lots of options. On the 'down side', you won't find that houses rapidly increase in value here - it is a slow and steady 3% per year on average.

At least it's going up, not going down. I do believe, tho, once the woes of ARM loans is over, property values here in FL will go back up. Don't know when, tho.

Our higher real estate taxes are actually a function of how we finance our public infrastructure. We don't have state income tax, so sales taxes, real estate taxes & school taxes are the source of our state income. I think it all balances out.

We don't have state income tax as well.

I live in Houston - my house was built in '87 & I have never had a foundation issue. It all goes back to the expertise of your builder. Their techniques have to be adapted to our area.

Thanks for the tip.

Houston is a 'different animal' - lots of people really hate it here. Whatever you're expecting, this probably isn't it . For instance, did you know we have the largest Norwegian expat group outside of Norway?? Betcha didn't expect that.
I would recommend a cautious approach - is there any way you can come for a long visit before making up your mind? Mabe taking a travel assignment or something?
I love it here.

I'm actually considering a travel assignment. I don't know if several weekend trips will be enough instead of taking a travel assignment. I'm glad you love it there!

Bortaz, MSN, RN · Aug 25, 2008

The Houston Astros. Great food. LOTS of well-recognized hospitals.