Single, Black, Woman, With No Kids would like to relocate to Texas?

Question

Any suggestions.... I am debating between Dallas and Houston. I am a legal secretary and would like to move where the job market is better and also where the cost of the homes and/or apartments are reasonable. I want a short commute but do not want to live in the city part. I am coming from New York and would definitely appreciate living someplace spaced out.... But I also would like to live in a diverse community. I do not want to live in a neighborhood where I am not wanted or where I would be subject to racism. Although I know it is everywhere. I just want to be comfortable... And also would like to meet new people.. I know this is alot but if you have any suggestions for the girl, that would be great and much appreciated...

Answer 1

I live in Dallas... unless you have a job possibility here or hired then I'd look elsewhere... There are WAY to many people in the Dallas area AND Houston for that matter. Houston and Dallas are VERY hot in the summer with 100+ degree heat. The humidity in Houston is terrible.

PS.. How’s your Spanish? Many employers want Spanish capabilities to communicate with the MAJORITY of the population now. Yes, I said majority. Nothing racist about that remark by the way.

Answer 2

Move to Houston. Why? We sue at the drop of a hat here. There are more lawyers in Harris County (Houston's county) than in all of Japan!

One bad thing. You won't get a short commute of you don't want to live in the city. We're very spread out (over 650 square miles), we live horizontally instead of vertically (very few high rises, and about 1/10th NYC's population density per square mile), and nearly everything requires a car. So does Dallas, for that matter.

Please put away the stereotypes of "you're not wanted here." Most of that comes from ignorant Hollywood types who've never been here. Houston has people from every country on Earth (well, maybe not Monaco or Liechtenstein). There is little spoken prejudice... some guy in a Klan robe is not going to knock on your door with a shotgun. There are some prejudices, but I would say far less than New York City (I was born in Brooklyn, grew up in NJ, and moved here 30 years ago, but still visit family up in the area more than once a year). Houston is a huge, cosmopolitan city. It isn't necessarily "pretty" as there are tons of subdivisions and buildings tend to get built due to need rather than long term planning. It is said that people come here to work and make money. This is true, but despite the traffic and the summer heat, most grow to love this town.

Answer 3

I have lived in Houston for 14 years and I have a friend who came to Houston from NY about 5 years ago. She says that Houston is not a great place for singles, as compared to Houston. I would agree - Houston is much slower and less exciting than NYC. There are not a lot of hangout spots or events going on, like in NY and everythign is spaced out, so you definitely will need a car. The weather SUCKS in the summer here, but I know NY is hot too. As for the housing, you will find that it is very cheap, as compared to NY. You can get a VERY VERY nice apt for $800-$900 and you will be able to get into a brand new 3 bedroom townhome as low as $90K. Diversity is big here, but as with anywhere, there is racism....So, I guess you have to decide what is more important - social scene or housing and go from there.

Answer 4

ok, well honestly i think that if you want to find a good job, you would like to work in Houston. Houston probably would have more to offer to you than Dallas would. Dallas on the other hand may have cheaper property than h-town, cause houston houses can get pretty expensive, but then again your from New york... so im guessing money isn't a problem??? i say that cause new york is an expensive city and you live there... well anyways i would go with Houston, bye ;o)

Answer 5

I can only speak for Houston. There's quite a bit of affordable housing, in nice areas - but they're quite a bit of distance from our Central Business district. Fortunately, there's five major employment areas in Houston. Odd's are 50/50 that you would probably not be working downtown.
Houston vs. Dallas? - much more humid down here; but if you want to hit the beach on weekends - we'd be the choice.
I've lived in Houston all my life. Most of the City is very cosmopolitan and open minded; but, as you know, idiots are everwhere.
As for the language, in a high-end firm - you won't be hearing much spanish. Lower end? better take some lessons.

Answer 6

Well Miss Tee if I were you I would be checking out the law firms that are in the general area of where you want to go and see first of all if there are any jobs available in the legal secretary field. It wouldn't hurt either to enclose a resume' and also a brief description of what you have stated above. I am sure that some law firms are accepting positions and if they have what you are looking for they would be sure to tell you. You can also check out places in Texas using the computer. It will give you some indication as to the prices for housing. Ask at your present job situation if anyone in the firm you work for now has ever worked or lived in Texas and if they can assist you in some way. Being a legal secretary must also give you a great number of law firms that are listed somewhere in which you could contact. Good luck and be sure to pack your boots and jeans.

Answer 7

I am from Houston and I'm 21. I do know from my job searching and experiences in college so far that Legal secretaries with experience are needed here just about as much as all other positions. But as someone stated earlier if you are working for a smaller firm you may need to take up some Spanish courses because our population of Hispanics causes a need for bilingual workers. If you do not want to commute far you can TRY to find a job before you come here so that you can live near your job. If you live downtown though rent is about as much as you proabably pay in NY. Check some regular apartment sites for prices and read the comments. As far as the racisim goes. Since I'm black and well educated I can tell you that I see it about everyday in subtle ways here because I work in an area with many "uppity" people.
But from what I hear, racism is everywhere so, we proabably cant escape it. But you probably will not have to deal with people not wanting you as there neighboor because you are black. As long as you do not play into the black stereotypes you should be fine. The only downside is, finding a place to mingle with intelligent, attractive black men on your level, may be a struggle since most of them frequent clubs with lots of hoochies so you have to battle with them. But there are many groups and activities to do to find friends. I wish you the best with your move. Be safe.
Sorry I didn't know much about dallas. Try looking on apartment/classifieds sites for jobs and housing prices in that city.

Answer 8

I don't think you're going to find Dallas or Houston spaced out. They are pretty congested. Texas is a great state though and I think you will like it.
You will find some prejudice wherever you go, as I'm sure you're aware, but most Texas folk don't have that problem. I have a black son in law. He is a fine person and you should see my beautiful grandaughter.
Come on down and give it a shot. The housing is dirt cheap compared to NY.
I live in north Tx, Amarillo. Nice area to live in. Lubbock (abt 100 miles from here) is nice too. We are truly spread out in this part of TX.

Answer 9

from what I hear, Dallas is worst. I am hoping to relocate to houston in the near future

Answer 10

goto pittsburgh small city very diverse oko job market i live 10 min from downtown and i am not in the "city" nieghborhoods. also alot of nice areas alittle farther away from me