WOW........... After reading most of these posts you would think Houston is an absolute hell hole........

I've lived here my entire life and after visiting many other wonderful cities I am aware that it isn't necessarily the greatest but the reviews above are harsh.

Yes, the summers can be brutal (really just August & very early Sept) but that is what AC is for.

Public transportation is a joke.

Crime is not a problem unless you are in certain areas (like all cities) and are easily avoidable.

Downtown has improved but is still lacking compared to other large cities. Houston sorta has multiple "downtown" areas which doesn't help.

What area of town will you be working in? What are your interests? Based on that I can give you some guidance?

Austin is def a more cultural city as a whole. Houston has it but you have to dig for it.

The Hill Country is VERY nice in the spring and fall. There is a large German presence which means good food, beer and festivals.

Houston is sooooo spread out that the average business traveler never really gets the full picture and what they do see between downtown and the airports is not that great.

Oh... the foul smell comment....... That is isolated to the ship channel area and unless you are working in a plant you'll rarely if ever be in that part of town.

I'll be more than happy to help you any way possible......