Stop Hating on Houston

[urbanactivist]

Yeah, I know it's gonna get closed, but I just had to post this here...

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...n/6563392.html

Commentary
Houston naysayers need to get a life
By RONNIE CROCKER
HOUSTON CHRONICLE
Aug. 7, 2009, 6:10AM

Add Outside magazine to the long list of Bayou City bashers.

Over the years, we've been branded the nation's fattest city, the smoggiest, the sprawliest … blah, blah, blah. Now, in its latest issue, Outside not only leaves Houston off its list of the nation's best cities, it makes a point of criticizing us for our weather, our sprawl and even our topography.

In an aside headlined “Houston, We Have a Problem” (original, right?), the magazine offers backhanded compliments to our strong economy, low housing prices and “surprisingly good barbecue and soul food.” (Surprisingly?) “But,” the article concludes, “here's the thing: You're congested, sprawly, hot, and flat, and you scored miserably on our multisport factor (grade: D).”

To which I say, so what?

Yes, it's hot and muggy and ironing-board flat, and so most of us spend less time on our bicycles and kayaks than folks in Portland or Seattle. But rather than gripe about the weather, Houstonians long ago learned how to deal with it. The first time my mom brought me downtown, in the late 1960s, I marveled at the tunnel system that connected the buildings. And when I returned years later to work for the Chronicle, I quickly came to appreciate those underground lifesavers.

Houstonians were the first to move baseball indoors, which seems pretty smart to me if you love the game but don't want to risk heat stroke watching it. Yet I can't count how many times I've been told what an abomination our domed stadium was.

Whatever. I think of those nattering nabobs every time I hear about a game being rained out. A rainout in this day and age? If you want to nitpick, why not go after the cities that spent taxpayer money on stadiums and still have to postpone games because of a little shower? Have they not heard of retractable-roof technology?

I'm tired of hearing about sprawl, too. I live 5 minutes from my office, I walk to as many places as I can, and I'm probably about as enamored of suburbia as the editors of Outside are. But I keep it to myself. You want to live out there? Doesn't hurt my feelings. I might take issue with that SUV you're driving, but it's not like there weren't plenty of those in Austin the last time I was stuck in a traffic jam there.

Outside loves Austin, by the way. It's No. 4 on the list.

Granted, to the uninitiated, our indoor rodeo might seem a little weird. But for the most part, these unsolicited critiques baffle me. As does the need people apparently have to share their hostile little opinions.

Last summer, for example, as we were settling the tab for a perfectly nice stay at a resort near Lake Tahoe, the woman at the desk found out we were headed home to Houston and told us that she used to live here, too. And that she hated it. She was passionate about her hatred. Something about spiders, she said.

Spiders. Really? I still wish I'd asked for the manager.

I hesitate to respond like this for fear of sounding defensive, which I'm not. Bemused is more like it. Maybe a little irritated, though I should be used to this by now. Another memory, from back in the '70s-era oil boom, was a letter to the editor from a Rust Belt transplant complaining about the city, and its cockroaches in particular.

Even as a teenager, I was struck by the ingratitude. Would you really rather be freezing and unemployed?

I was a kid then, here for reasons beyond my control. But now I live in Houston by choice. It's flawed, sure, but I love the people, the restaurants, the sports. I'm stirred by the sight of our skyline on a moonlit night, and a balmy February afternoon leaves me feeling downright smug.

I travel and I enjoy many cities across the country, and except possibly for St. Louis I never feel the need to ridicule any of them.


My personal favorite is any comment about how Houston is so "hot". Apparently these people have never been to New Orleans, Miami, or any other city in Texas.

[Major AWACS]

I never understood the "hot" argument. It's called summer in the Southern tier of the United Statets.

I'll be back in DC all next week and I expect humid muggy times. DC in the summer is normally very hot, and very humid. Ditto New Orleans, much of FLorida, including Orlando, which has a higher average humidity than Houston.

I've done more than my share of walking around Austin in the summer time-miles and miles around UT campus and other areas-and it is very hot and you get very "moist".

Plenty of southern cities sprawl. and plent of big cities are flat- Miami, Chicago, Dallas etc etc.

Take outside magazine with a grain of salt, it is not exactly the most read magazine on the planet. Besides, I'd rather be leading the jobs and business lists, which Houston is doing.

Ciao,
AWACS

[TexasPlaya]

Outside magazine, what's that?

[JAM]

Originally Posted by TexasPlaya

Outside magazine, what's that?

who cares...

[Atlantan26]

Northerners like to put down the south any chance they get because it is all insecurity and fear. They want to instill fear in the public to keep them from leaving. I know this for a fact because I moved south from the north. Its not just Houston they put down its anything south. People down here may not think living up north is desirable but they usually will have something polite to say "Boston is a nice city" instead of point out all of its flaws. It all boils down to a defensive nature because they keep hearing about how many people have been leaving for it for decades now.

Houston has a lot going for it. Beautiful scenery (trees, near the coast, warm winters). Diverse population and economy and an amazing skyline. You dont think people are jealous of that?

[Dan Denson]

Originally Posted by Atlantan26

Northerners like to put down the south any chance they get because it is all insecurity and fear. They want to instill fear in the public to keep them from leaving. I know this for a fact because I moved south from the north. Its not just Houston they put down its anything south. People down here may not think living up north is desirable but they usually will have something polite to say "Boston is a nice city" instead of point out all of its flaws. It all boils down to a defensive nature because they keep hearing about how many people have been leaving for it for decades now.

Houston has a lot going for it. Beautiful scenery (trees, near the coast, warm winters). Diverse population and economy and an amazing skyline. You dont think people are jealous of that?

It really is amazing that you can visit Houston in the middle of winter and be surrounded by flowers, bright greenery, palm trees, and blue skies. I say "so what if it's flat", so are all coastal cities in the south. It always amazes me to no end that Austin is high on so many lists but (except for west Austin), it's brown, devoid of flowers, sprawling, and ugly. I guess different people like different things.

[caphillsea77]

Originally Posted by Atlantan26

Northerners like to put down the south any chance they get because it is all insecurity and fear. They want to instill fear in the public to keep them from leaving. I know this for a fact because I moved south from the north. Its not just Houston they put down its anything south. People down here may not think living up north is desirable but they usually will have something polite to say "Boston is a nice city" instead of point out all of its flaws. It all boils down to a defensive nature because they keep hearing about how many people have been leaving for it for decades now.

Houston has a lot going for it. Beautiful scenery (trees, near the coast, warm winters). Diverse population and economy and an amazing skyline. You dont think people are jealous of that?

I'm a northerner looking to move south. I'd take Dallas or Atlanta over Houston. Houston has bizarre zoning, like lets build a Taco Bell and strip club next to your trendy urban condo. Admittedly I'm one of those cliche northerners that loves Austin. Houston is also falling behind on rail transit, simply because the city is really not condusive to it. Downtown Houston also leaves a lot to be desired. Looking at a lot of these picture threads of Houston (the photographer is talented and I like the shots) but one hardly see's anybody walking on the streets. Houston is a giant suburb with a financial district in search of a real city.

[JManc]

yep, i know of more northerners living here in the south than southerners living up north.

[alexjon]

Rest assured that folks in the north loooooooove Austin.

[feufoma]

Originally Posted by alexjon

Rest assured that folks in the north loooooooove Austin.

Yeah, I never got that actually. Austin has always been, well, Austin... Nothing really remarkable unless you're a 20 something year old hipster.

[Scottolini]

Originally Posted by feufoma

Yeah, I never got that actually. Austin has always been, well, Austin... Nothing really remarkable unless you're a 20 something year old hipster.

And what percentage of Austin residents are 20 something year old hipsters? I'll just go ahead and let you know it's a pretty small percentage. So for every other age group, and twenty something year old non-hipsters Austin is really not remarkable? Interesting a place like that would grow like it has. It's also interesting that the vast majority of people , publications, etc. seem to disagree with you. I guess they're all wrong though.

It's also ironic that in a thread about "hating" on Houston you would "hate" on Austin. You know it's not necessary to do that to defend Houston, right? It's best to just either ignore the ignorant comments (my response here proves that's easier said than done), or respond by trying to enlighten people to their ignorance, so that they may learn the error of their ways.

[urbanactivist]

Originally Posted by Scottolini

And what percentage of Austin residents are 20 something year old hipsters? I'll just go ahead and let you know it's a pretty small percentage. So for every other age group, and twenty something year old non-hipsters Austin is really not remarkable? Interesting a place like that would grow like it has. It's also interesting that the vast majority of people , publications, etc. seem to disagree with you. I guess they're all wrong though.

It's also ironic that in a thread about "hating" on Houston you would "hate" on Austin. You know it's not necessary to do that to defend Houston, right? It's best to just either ignore the ignorant comments (my response here proves that's easier said than done), or respond by trying to enlighten people to their ignorance, so that they may learn the error of their ways.

Austin is an incredible city. Of all the people that I've ever met in Texas, Oklahoma, and the southwest, I can't ever remember someone having a negative view of Austin. It's a beautiful picturesque city, and incredibly innovative in dynamic both in economic scope and entertainment. I'm a "20 something" but I know so many adults of all ages that love Austin. And I love it too. Whether it be a great night on the town at 6th street and 4th street, jamming at SXSW, catching an Austin Lyric show or exploring the hill country, Austin has something for everyone.

That being said, 2 things to consider...

There's nothing wrong with liking one place and preferring another!! I really like the city, but given the choice, I'd still prefer to live in Houston. But that has nothing to do with the city... it's just my opinion. However if I did have to move there, it would be a very cool and exciting experience.

Austin was, is and will continue to be one of the greatest cities in the US, but right now, the city is in a very awkward "growing pains" stage. Just like the astounding skyline shots comparing the Austin of 2000 to the Austin of today, this city is going through some monumental changes. None of these changes have to automatically be bad, but they are very significant. I'm of the opinion that these changes (rapid transit expansion, economic diversification, the forging of one of the most exciting urban cores in the US) are going to give the US new reasons to love Austin.

[JManc]

believe it or not, most folks up north do not hold strong opinions either way about texas. the only thing people seem to not like about it here is the heat and humidity..which rightfully sucks.

[urbanactivist]

I lived in Michigan for a time, but it is unique to northern states (much more "conservative" and less of the population is in dense urban areas. In some ways, Michigan has a lot in common with the South, eventhough it's clearly not a Southern state. Anyhow, their opinion of Texas was very neutral... they didn't care either way.

Sadly, I think Texas/Houston is a big topic of conversation up there now, just because the job situation is so much better here. But that has nothing to do with whether or not people like the state. So much of Michigan's employment sector is rooted in manufacturing, so it's natural that those people would look to other strong manufacturing sectors for their employment hopes.

[TexasBoi]

Originally Posted by urbanactivistTX

I lived in Michigan for a time, but it is unique to northern states (much more "conservative" and less of the population is in dense urban areas. In some ways, Michigan has a lot in common with the South, eventhough it's clearly not a Southern state.
.

Really? I heard the same things about Ohio. That's interesting.

[Rail Claimore]

Originally Posted by urbanactivistTX

I lived in Michigan for a time, but it is unique to northern states (much more "conservative" and less of the population is in dense urban areas. In some ways, Michigan has a lot in common with the South, eventhough it's clearly not a Southern state. Anyhow, their opinion of Texas was very neutral... they didn't care either way.

Sadly, I think Texas/Houston is a big topic of conversation up there now, just because the job situation is so much better here. But that has nothing to do with whether or not people like the state. So much of Michigan's employment sector is rooted in manufacturing, so it's natural that those people would look to other strong manufacturing sectors for their employment hopes.

Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio all received lots of white Southern transplants during the Great Migration 3 or 4 generations ago. The Great Migration wasn't exclusively black Southerners. Many white folks from those states have relatives here in Alabama as well as in Tennessee and Georgia.

[shane453]

If the author of this editorial wrote a book, I would definitely buy it. That's quality writing. Funny, satirical, personal- reminded me of David Sedaris.

I think all the magazines (and a lot of people on forums like this one in the national sections) are tired of seeing Texas and Oklahoma in the news as #1 for everything

[KevinFromTexas]

It's Texas, it gets hot. If you're down on the coast, it's hot and humid, if you're farther north, it's hot and dry. Take your pick. I was just in Corpus over the weekend, man was it hot (and humid). But the evenings were beautiful. Not a cloud in the sky, full of stars though, big yellow moon over the bay, lots of cool wind blowing. It was definitely worth waiting for. Sunday I went swimming too. I can't imagine living there with long hair though since it's so incredibly windy. I went up in the Omni Bayfront Hotel. They have a balcony that faces the bay on the 20th floor, and it was a little scary actually! Anyway, the heat thing isn't that big of a deal. You get used to it. Seriously, I've been working outside for most of this summer, and Austin just went through the 2nd or 3rd hottest June ever, and the hottest July ever. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th hottest Julys took place in the mid to late 1800s. And not only was that the hottest July ever, but it was the hottest month ever for Austin. The average temp for July was 89.5F. And we've had about 50 days so far this year where we've hit at least 100F. But anyway, you get used to it. And when winter rolls around, you're glad for it, and when it's 58F outside in December and you can still stand to wear shorts and flip flops and sleep with the windows open, it pays off. I hate cold weather anyway.

[Dan Denson]

Originally Posted by KevinFromTexas

It's Texas, it gets hot. If you're down on the coast, it's hot and humid, if you're farther north, it's hot and dry. Take your pick. I was just in Corpus over the weekend, man was it hot (and humid). But the evenings were beautiful. Not a cloud in the sky, full of stars though, big yellow moon over the bay, lots of cool wind blowing. It was definitely worth waiting for. Sunday I went swimming too. I can't imagine living there with long hair though since it's so incredibly windy. I went up in the Omni Bayfront Hotel. They have a balcony that faces the bay on the 20th floor, and it was a little scary actually! Anyway, the heat thing isn't that big of a deal. You get used to it. Seriously, I've been working outside for most of this summer, and Austin just went through the 2nd or 3rd hottest June ever, and the hottest July ever. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th hottest Julys took place in the mid to late 1800s. And not only was that the hottest July ever, but it was the hottest month ever for Austin. The average temp for July was 89.5F. And we've had about 50 days so far this year where we've hit at least 100F. But anyway, you get used to it. And when winter rolls around, you're glad for it, and when it's 58F outside in December and you can still stand to wear shorts and flip flops and sleep with the windows open, it pays off. I hate cold weather anyway.

Yeah, pepple complain about the heat but they forget that it's mild to cool from mid October through about mid April. And it can be gray and foggy for days on end. But this time of year, people tend to forget, even natives (this particular summer is enough to make anyone forgetful).

[Great_Hizzy]

Houston: doomed for failure...

Since 1836.