The area you're talking about shouldn't even be considered Houston. It's even way outside the metropolitan area made up of Houston and it's suburban cities.
You're talking about an area that is much slower paced and it's highly unlikely that you'll drive into the Houston metro area more than once or twice a month.
I live south of the airpark and I'm literally on the very north edge of the the Houston metropolitan area. I can go south 2 miles and I'm back in the metro area or I can go north and I'm in the middle of rural Texas. And Livingston (mentioned earlier) is about a 45 minute drive north from me. So don't get caught up in all the Houston BS, unless you plan on driving 1.5hrs to get to town everyday, it's a non-issue.
Now for my take on Texas? I grew up in Oklahoma, spent a few years working in the USAF, and came to Houston about 12 years ago.
The flying weather is generally very good. Because we're located so close the Gulf of Mexico, sometimes a stiff south wind blowing across the gulf can keep the moisture levels high and you can get periods of low clouds and low viz that last a week or more. (But that's generally pretty rare). When you get the North winds that blows the dry air from the plains in, it can be crystal clear.
In general though, you can fly just about any time. With an IFR rating, the unflyable days are very few and far between.
March through May are awesome! So is August - Nov. Contrary to what you might belive, it's really pretty rare for this part of Texas to break 100 degrees. Typically temps are 92-94. (But don't forget the humidity!)
Winter time isn't that bad, but it's not that much fun either. It's hard to pre-flight and build with cold fingers - but usually flying is great!
I have lived in other places where you can get more for your money. But in general, it's not that expensive to live here.
Like Paul, there aren't many other places where I can do what I do. My wife is completing her PhD here in Houston; when she graduates we might consider moving someplace else. If so, there's a good chance I'll have to modify my career a bit. However I want to give her an opportunity to spread her wings.
If that requires a move, we'll probably consider the Texas Hill Country, Oklahoma, Missouri, or Tennessee.
In general, there are some better places but there are far worse places.
If it helps any, my parents are in the process of selling their house in Orlando and are moving back into this area to retire. For them it's affordable, good weather, easy access to a major hub airport, traffic is very good, shopping is very convienent, and there is very good healthcare. (the well-known Houston Medical Center isn't too far way)
When you get online, you'll get a ton of opinions and you know what those are like. Cut out the extremes and somewhere down the middle is where you'll probably find it. But the best way is to jump on a plane and come down for a couple of days. Houston is a hub for Continental, so you should be able to find an easy flight down here.
Phil
