San Antonio, Austin, or Houston

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Hello,

I'm thinking about moving to Texas in a couple of years (San Antonio, Austin, or Houston) and I'd like to get some feedback on what the job market is like in those areas, in addition to a recommendation of which city might be best for overall living. Thanks!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

If you can provide more information about the criteria that are important to you, it would help. For instance, Houston would be tops if you want to have access to performing & fine arts (more theater seats than NY) but Austin is well known for (popular) live music venues. If you're into history, the leader is San Antonio. . . see what I mean? Tell us what is important to you.

BTW, I am assuming you are an experienced nurse... if so, you shouldn't have any trouble finding work. If you're a new grad - not so much.

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That's a good question, I like a little of it all! I guess the main thing I would be looking for is a good family place, some place that has a lot to offer a teenage boy, good schools, sports, and outdoor stuff, my husband likes to kayak, hike, shoot, etc.

I'm a new grad now but won't be then. I have a good job and should have some good experience by the time we move.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

The hardest market in Texas as far as nursing (experienced or new grad) goes is in Austin. Houston and DFW are easier, especially if you are BSN educated.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

I am biased, but having lived in most parts of the state, I really prefer Houston over DFW, Austin or San Antonio. I love the availability of just about everything - if you can't find it here, chances are it just isn't available! Very fun, especially this time of the year with all the ethnic festivals going on. And right after the holidays, everyone gears up for Rodeo again. Is hubby going to be looking for work also? If so, he'd probably have a much better chance in Houston than any of the other locations. Your guys would probably like the range of activities also. It's less than an hour to the beach. Full range of professional teams - GO Dynamo!!!!!

Since you have a teenager, you'll be concerned about school districts. I wouldn't recommend HISD, but most of the suburban districts are very highly rated. Lots of higher ed opportunities also both public and private. Housing is available at pretty much any price range; you can still find nice houses for

In the interests of full disclosure, Houston is scary to some people because of it's size - pretty huge. Traffic can be daunting unless you really know where you are going and what freeways to avoid at any given time.

I would suggest taking some time to visit each place on your 'wish list' to get a feel for it... just avoid the 'jungle hot' months - July through Sept - in Houston.

Best of luck to you! Keep us posted on your progress.

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Thanks, HouTx! That's exactly the kind of stuff I wanted to know!

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Specializes in NICU Level III.

Houston is supposedly the highest paying area for RNs in regards to cost of living. We do have places nearby to kayak and mtn biking trails, shooting ranges - I do it all!

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Better outdoor activities in SA and Austin, much prettier as well. Have you visited any of theses places?

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Specializes in Psych, LTC/SNF, Rehab, Corrections.

You can live well in San Antonio or Houston but I'd pick Houston...because San Antonio is BORING.

I'm a native texan. San Antonio has got to be the slowest major city that I've been to.

'The nightlife' is dead. When major artists want to visit a Texas city, they don't visit San Antonio. They go to Houston and Austin.

This is a city for families and married people. Not 20 somethings and unmarrieds.

Houston at least has access to a beach.

Also, San antonio's drivers? Hands down, some of the dumbest and inattentive in creation. And, I know that people talk about the driving habits of others from various states - but...no. This is really true. San Antonians really are some of the most inattentive drivers out. It's, like, being on the road with a bunch of near/far sighted elders in huge cadillacs....

They drive up under the speed limit. They drive 'cautiously' and STILL can't stop running into everything.

Other vehicles, pedestrians, fences, walls, parked cars...houses,etc...'whatever'!

Don't even let me get started on what happens when it rains....

They just don't pay attention to anything.

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