How are Asians treated in Texas, esp. in Austin or Houston?

Question

My Asian parents are interested in moving to Texas after they retire in a few years, and I might consider moving there someday too. What's it like being Asian in Texas? Which cities are the most Asian-friendly and/or have large Asian (esp. Chinese) populations?

Serious replies only, please.

Answer 1

I have lived in houston for over 30 years. Asians have Bellaire area, many asian restaurants, etc. But to be honest people here are VERY RACIST. You will be stared at mainly by hispanic males. Some blacks will also scowl and hate you too because they had racism done to them and they take it out on asians. Some whites will look down on you too. In Austin, I have visited there many times and I was discriminated too. I am asian american by the way, Ph.D student and speak perfect english. People are racist. I have been called "chink" by a black woman, a white guy, and a white woman. At Lowes some white lady behind me said outloud "chinese people are weird and I don't like them" she was trying to direct it to me. Houston sucks very much so, and Austin sucks if you are asian. this is not california!! when people see an asian woman they either think "vietnamese" , "can't speak english" "married a white guy to get in the USA". Oh yes and you WILL be asked by complete strangers "WHERE ARE YOU FROM?" frequently. If you say "the USA" they will still ask you that. Texas is FULL OF IGNORANT uneducated people of all races that stereotype and stare at asians as if they were aliens. I would not move to Texas. the only reason why I am living here is because I am used to all of the bullshit. Once I get my Ph.D I will say "**** texas" and leave.

Answer 2

I live in Austin. Because Austin has a large high-tech community, as well as a large University, it is a very diverse city for its size. They just opened a new Asian Center on the North side of town and it isn't uncommon to see Asian markets and businesses all over the city.

I know less about Houston, but I know there is a large and active Korean community.

I am certain that in some areas of central Texas, especially the more rural areas or smaller towns, will have less diversity. But, in the cities themselves, there shouldn't be a problem.

Answer 3

Very well. I would suggest either city. San Antonio is a much quieter city great for retirees. San Antonio also was selected to build a new toyota plant, so there has been a large influx of Asians in the community. Generally Austin and Houston would be accommodating as well. UT Austin attracts many Asian students and professors. In addition, the University of Houston attracts a large Asian population as well. I've never heard of an incident where someone was treated poorly because of their race. San Antonio is actually Hispanic majority with Caucasian minority, so it is very racially sensitive and diverse. The cost of living is much lower too.

Answer 4

They should be treated very well. Some of the largest concentrations of Asian-Americans are in Texas. Several hundred thousand SE Asians settled in the Houston after the Vietnam War ended in 1975 and as the "boat people" came to America many were patriated to homes in the Houston, Texas area. Today I would guess there are over a million Asians in that region. I have a son serving a two-year church mission in Houston, but he only labors among the Spanish speaking people there so he doesn't have much contact with Asians there.

Answer 5

I don't live in Austin or Houston...but in Dallas the population is widely diverse consisting of Asians (from all countries including Pakistan, India, Japan, China, Vietnam and etc.)

I believe they are treated well. There are a lot of businesses owned by Asians here as well.
Austin, Tx...which is home of the Univ. of Texas at Austin has a high pop. of Asians as well.

Moving here would not be a bad choice, you'd most likely enjoy it.

Answer 6

I'm here in Austin TX for 6-mth temporary job assignment and enjoyed my stay throughout. I think people here are generally courteous and pleasant. I do not think they treat Asians differently.Houston is a much bigger city than Austin and hence, the Asian population is higher than Austin. I personally do think Asians in Austin are most of the younger lot ( since UT is around the corner) and Houston is the best place to hunt for Asian food around Texas. Either one, Texas is a nice place to be.
Good luck!

Answer 7

I don't know much about Texas, but I did read an article about Sugar Land, TX. It said there was a large Asian community there. You may want to check it out.

You may just be looking for an Asian-friendly community,not necessarily Asian community, but still you may want to look into Sugar Land. From the one and only article I read about it, I thought I might want to investigate further the possibility of moving there myself. But I repeat, I have no first-hand experience.

Answer 8

Baby Girl, here in San Antonio,Texas, we welcome Asians. On the south side of town, where all my family and friends are, they have built the new Toyota plant. Normally the southside is considered the other side of the tracks. Now, we are a booming community and respect has finally been gained here. Your family would be treated with dignity here even if Toyota was not here. If ya'll wanna come out here, please feel free. Texas is a wonderful place. Come. Enjoy.