Will I feel comfortable in the Houston area?

Question

I am black and have lived in Dallas before. (I am currently in Phoenix and I am thinking of a relocation to Houston) I found the hospitality and friendliness to be exempt in Dallas (unlike Phoenix), BUT, there was a tremendous amount of racism (There doesn't seem to be much racism in Phoenix). I want to know that I will feel comfortable in Katy. (I would like to live there because of the low crime, I am also choosing to move there, because it is close and will be cheaper than the East Coast.) But, what can I expect? Any blacks out there who want to share their story, would be great, but anyone is welcome to add their comments. Thanks!

Hey Just a quick add!! How is Jersey Village? And when you guys say stick to the north west, I am thinking you mean I-45 south to 610 then west to 10, which includes the following: Bear Creek, Copperfield, Jersey Village, Hilshire Village, and North Houston... Thanks!

Newyorkgal71-There is always going to racism/prejudice, deal with it, or move to a cave. Can't have everything. Have you considered Atlanta?

I am aware of this, you don't need to remind me. My question wasn't about AVOIDING racism, it was about what to expect when I get to Houston. If I wanted to know about Atlanta, I would have asked about ATLANTA. Getting over racism isn't my problem. Glad you got your two points with your non constructive answer....

Answer 1

The majority of people in Katy are enlightened and will treat you as you treat them. Katy is a suburb of Southwest Houston, which has a very large black community. I must warn though that Southwest has a high crime rate. Katy is not nearly as bad and is a nice place to live so far.
I'm a white guy so take my advice with a grain of salt but I truly believe you will be fine in Katy.
Most of the ignorant bigots can't afford to live in Katy.

Edit: Katy, Mayde Creek, Copperfield, Tomball, etc. are all suburbs of Houston and one tends to melt into the other on the West to Northwest side of town. This area is bounded by I10 around to US290, to Beltway 8(Sam Houston Tollroad) as you go into town.
Jersey Village tends to be on the lily white side. Tomball will probably have some homegrown racists who have rarely left the area in their lives. But it is growning fast and most people there are educated.
That is a big factor, education. Most of these areas have fairly well educated, more professional people living there. Downtown and midtown areas are very nice but rather expensive to live in.
I still say you would like Katy. It is a melting pot. I have a good friend there who is Hispanic and is married to a woman from Lebanon. He loves Katy, as does his wife. People of many racial backgrounds live in peace in Katy. I once managed a neighborhood sports bar in Katy and didn't see much evidence of racism aside from the occassional redneck. I have worked bars in other areas that I have seen signs of racism, but not in Katy. Heck, we even showed the World Cup soccer matches when only the English and the Mexican guys cared about it.

Answer 2

Honey, how do we know if "you" will feel comfortable in Houston. We don't know you, we don't what you're like, we don't know if you find racism everywhere in your life.

We don't know if racism is an excuse you use to avoid certain things/people in your life.

Some people scream racism every second. You will find what you seek. If you look for racism, you will find it.

There is always going to be racism/prejudice, deal with it, or move to a cave. If someone looks at you, you probably think the person is a racist.

Houston, is the only city in the USA, that never had race riots.
There was no need to, everyone got along with each other. There are areas of Houston where you will obviously, find your "comfort zone."

Honey, we can't tell you if you will feel comfortable in Houston.

By your question, I will say you will NOT be comfortable in Houston.

Keep your suitcase packed!

Answer 3

I don't see why you'd feel uncomfortable in the Houston area. Houston welcomes everyone. We have people from practically every country living here, and we don't have a lot of racial problems.

One problem we do have, as someone above pointed out, is with those who come with their hand out and don't want to contribute. Houston is made up of working people who'd give you the shirt off their back if only you'd help someone else in kind. We don't tolerate moochers.

As for Katy, I don't see why you'd have any problem there. The same work ethic applies, but that is more of a regional thing. Katy is "whiter" than most of the rest of the area, but there have never been racial problems there.

Answer 4

Dude I have been living here all my life(i am just a teen). Yes there will be some racism any where in Houston,but I am not a racist, and most people are friendly, so don,t worry. But do not move to east Houston there are a lot of racist there, and lots of crime.I live in the south west region of Houston and it's pretty good here.

Answer 5

I'm not from here, but I have lived here for almost 2 yrs., and there does seem to be a lot of racism, particularly in The Woodlands. When I worked in The Woodlands, there were a lot of caucasian women who would look at me like I was going to steal their purse. I'm educated with a good job. I'm not at all ghetto (wasn't raised there), and still I would get a lot of racism from caucasian women. It's also very boring here. You should have no problem living here though as this town is weak. It's not at all like living in a strong city like Philly or NYC or anywhere in California (which are all better).

Answer 6

i'm hispanic and moved here about 3 years ago, i love it, haven't had a problem personally or witnessed it against others, houston is probably one of the most diverse cities in america, houstonians don't have a problem with race, consider this-they bent over backwards for the people affected by hurricane katrina, what they do have a problem with is anyone who comes to houston with their hand out and no intention on contributing to it's society, i highly recommend the northwest area, tomball and cypress areas are growing rapidly and lots of opportunity, so come to houston but be prepared to contribute and take care of yourself

Answer 7

hello no there is no unusauly high rate of racism in houston at all. i am a mexican and have lived here all my life and have never experienced any racism. i think the people who experience it are just lookingout for it. searching fo rthe next person to accuse of being racist. if you are a normal peronlike me then you have no problems

Answer 8

My kids were raised here and there are so many different races and not much talk about racism except on TV. There are pockets of racism anywhere but mostly these are not the people you will be hanging around anyway. I think that you will like it. We need more good people here just like anywhere. Welcome.