Moving to Houston ... some questions

[Formerly Known as Hawaiibiker]

Hello everyone,

Here's another "I'm moving" thread ;-)

I'm relocating to Houston and would appreciate some insight on housing and the motorcycle scene there.

I enjoy urban neighborhoods where I can walk to restaurants, lounges, activities.  I'm also single so just looking for a condo/loft in these areas. 

Would you  the neighborhoods of Montrose/Museum and Midtown?  Have any other places you'd recommend?

As for riding ... any twisties in the area?  How about the best place to get service done?  Where do you guys meet/ride?

Sorry about all the questions and thanks for the help!

Andrew

[Drjones]

All I know of housing in those areas is that it is outside of my budget, so I'll defer to others who live there.  I lived in the Galleria area for eight years.  If you like to party then that area is one of the happening places in Houston, but otherwise it is a shit hole unless you're a millionaire.  I currently live in the Woodlands and it isn't half bad. The Woodlands Mall Market place seems like it is a happening place, but I haven't been there in earnest because I'm old and lame.

Twisties?  Sure, but you have to ride an hour outside of Houston to begin to find them.

Best place for factory dealership service is Lunsford's Honda/Ducati.  Best place for non-factory dealership, but certified Ducati tech service is Metric Cycles.  Eximports is ymmv.  Past history leans toward them being a revolving door of ducati techs, but they have a nice showroom.

This group meets at Rudyards. Sometimes. Sporadically. With 2 seconds notification.

One of the two local Ducati clubs (Third Coast DOC) meets at a fivebucks off of 59 on Thursdays usually.  The original is SE Texas DOC (SETxDOC).  They split recently, so I don't know wtf is up with either.

[Formerly Known as Hawaiibiker]

Drjones,

Thanks for the info on the rides and shops.

I'm probably going to avoid Galleria as it seems very commercial.

Thanks again and if any one else has more input, I'd appreciate it

Andrew

[Red5]

If you're looking for an urban mixed-use neighborhoods with some character and plenty of social and dining opportunities, then yes, the Montrose/Museum and Midtown area is where you want to start.  By "urban", I'm assuming that you mean "gentrified" or "redeveloped" in that sense.

You may want to look into the Washington Avenue corridor, as much gentrification has occurred within the past several years.  Lofts/townhomes, upscale bars and lounges, and restaurants have been popping up left and right.  The Heights area is another possibility, although you'll find older homes and duplexes there.  That area also happens to be a bit more genteel than the aforementioned neighborhoods.

I'm unaware of your age and income bracket and whether you want to rent/buy, but I figured you've done some homework already and found those places to be the most appealing in the city.  You probably also know what to expect in terms of rent/listing prices for those areas.

As for riding the twisties in the area, yes, we do have a place for that. 
It's called "Austin/San Antonio".

I second Drjones' recommendation for Andy at Metric Cycles.  I'll also throw in as an option Patrick at Motorcycles Unlimited.  I personally try to refrain from using any of the local Duc dealerships for service on my bike.

[Red5]

Oh yeah, a pre-welcome to ya to our nice city. 

But judging by your screen name, I don't know whether I should be feeling sorry for you instead. 
The poor bastard.   


 

[Formerly Known as Hawaiibiker]

Red5,

Thanks a lot for the detailed response.

I am in my 30's and am used to city life (NYC, SF).  Happily, housing costs are a bit less than living in those cities.  For now, I am planning to rent, especially since I am not that familiar with Houston.

I appreciate the advice about Washington Ave and will include that on my list.

As for riding ... I've heard Austin was a great city and if it has twisties .... than that's definitely icing on the cake!

Also, thanks for the bike mechanic recommendations ... I also try to avoid the dealerships whenever I can.

Look forward to meeting up sometime with you guys.

Oh, and yeah .... I've been called stupid more than once for having left paradise ;-)

[hiero]

From what I understand, even paradise has it's drawbacks  

Washington's been blowing up lately, but beware of the db level (douchebag, not decibel).  The older heights areas are definitely more 'genteel' as red5 states, but still worth a look.  Depending on your level again, rice military area's not a bad choice either, but if you're looking for the ability to walk from place to place from your home, heights, washington, midtown, those are your areas of choice.

having lived in the big metroplexes, just a word of advice, keep a positive outlook and attitude coming here (I'm sure that's pretty generic, but it does apply)!  It's very different from those big cities and although different, still a wonderful city!  You have to adjust your thinking a bit, but Houston really is pretty much anything and everything you want it to be, you just have to take the time and energy to go find those things that you want to do. (unless you like hiking mountains or something).  

We have a really good mix of people here in our sporadic little group who have a lot of different interests in the city, but we all still seem to get along quite well and I think that's the theme in this city really.  The diversity is amazing and the people are really really welcoming and nice (and will feed you with every opportunity they have, or maybe that's just my experience  ).  If you want someone to show you around or if you contact us about what kinds of things you like to do, I'm more than sure that someone here can either take you or point you in the direction you want to go  

Oh, and if you like to eat, you've come to the right place

[yotogi]

Don't worry, even if you don't like Houston, you can always come up to Austin for a good weekend. 

[Formerly Known as Hawaiibiker]

Hiero,  you made some very good points (paradise isn't all that when it only takes 3 hrs to ride around the entire island  [moto])

Thanks for the warning about the db level ... I'll keep a look out for them 

I also appreciate your words about appreciating Houston for what it is .... I am definitely used to large cosmopolitan cities and am a bit apprehensive about what I'll find in Houston ... I'm very happy to hear about the diversity and look forward to experiencing everything the city (and TX) has to offer.  I also look forward to hooking up with you guys.

yotogi, I'm hoping that I'll be liking Houston but I definitely want to hit Austin sometime.

Everyone, I'm going to be in town on the week of Oct 5 for some house hunting so if you guys are meeting up, I'd love to join you.

[abrussich]

I won't rehash what's already been said as what's been covered is pretty good info and accurate.
 
As for the three hour tour, heck in houston it can take just that long to get outside the loop at rush hour.
 
Washington area is growing but the pace has slowed down a touch thanks to the recession. That will probally change shortly and go back to break neck speed.
 
As for "twisties" we have the on ramps for close at hand stuff, otherwise figure a 60 mile run to get to anything resembling a curve.
 
Db's are definitely a problem, especially those equiped with cell phones. There is talk of banning them, cell phones that is, but I won't hold my breath on that one. The mayor is more interested in "greening" select neighborhoods for his upcoming election goals.
 
Along with the phone threat watch out for drivers of certian German make autos. Around here they don't come with turn signals but are sold with extra attitude at no extra cost.
 
Welcome to the neighborhood!
 
Ex montrose, present Washington corridor resident, without a German car.

[hiero]

   what's the difference between a porcupine and a bmw? 

The bmw's got the prick on the inside! 





course, I wouldn't kick a bimmer or a beemer out of bed for eating cookies 

[Formerly Known as Hawaiibiker]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for all of the input that everyone provided ... in the end, I found a place in downtown ... only a few places to walk to but should do for now.

My monster also arrived so looking forward to meeting up with everyone sometime soon for  [moto] and/or 

Thanks again!

[El Matador]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for all of the input that everyone provided ... in the end, I found a place in downtown ... only a few places to walk to but should do for now.

My monster also arrived so looking forward to meeting up with everyone sometime soon for  [moto] and/or 

Thanks again!

Awesome!

Where in downtown?

My girlfriend, Desmolu, is about to open a cafe / kitchen incubator downtown.

[Formerly Known as Hawaiibiker]

Awesome!

Where in downtown?

My girlfriend, Desmolu, is about to open a cafe / kitchen incubator downtown.

I'm near Discovery Green ... good luck to Desmolu .... where and when is she opening up her cafe?  ... Maybe we can make that a new stop in the DMF get together ;-)