Houston is a fine city and Texans are wonderful folks who I'm sure will welcome you. But you should know the Summer is horrifically hot and humid. Learning at least some Spanish is excellent advice. Developing a taste for good bar-b-que, brisket and air conditioning that will feel like a Boston winter will also help. You could learn to water ski, sail or ride a horse.

The Hill Country is only a few hours away and is my favorite part of Texas. They have nice beaches outside Galveston- and Mexico and Colorado aren't far either.

Not everyone in Texas is a cowboy but a lot of them think they are. The boots and hats are not uncommon business attire.

I don't think you're in any more danger there you would be in Boston, Baltimore and DC- probably much less. Stay out of the bad areas or be sensible when you're in 'em.

I have friends who moved there from Scotland (he works for Shell). They love it and there's a fair chance you will too. There are a lots of people in Houston who are not from Houston.