J.P.,
It is quite different than Fl. You do have your neighborhoods of tract homes where the homes are very similar but mostly you will find quite a difference in the homes with in the neighborhoods and in the neighborhoods themselves.
Since we do not have zoning most of the neighborhoods since the 2nd World War have Restrictions so you will find that the lotsand home similar in size.
No dominant Architecture. As for maintaining the homes and lawns - that has to do pride of ownership. If one neglect a yard or exterior of the home in a community with restrictions the CIA can force them to clean it up.
You do not see the rock garden or desert type landscaping very often here.
Unfortunately we can not grow some of the plants that you see in Southern Fl. or Southern Ca.

You would still like it here

Wed May 21 2008, 04:02

This is a hard question to answer! Houston is HUGE and has so many suburbs, you could find pretty much a little bit of everything here. Many neighborhoods have what are called HOA's (Home Owners Associations" with deed restrictions that require the properties be maintained. There is no zoning so in some areas where there are no HOA's or are "unrestricted" pretty much anything goes. You will see brick, cement board siding, stucco, or wood homes for the most part, though there are the occasional log cabin or ultramodern home to be found. There is such a huge mixture of people that come to Houston, it's a global community.
Most of the relocation people I've worked with say things like how flat it is here, how inexpensive the homes are, how expensive the property taxes are (but we don't have a State tax!), and how friendly everyone is.
Hope that helps!!

Wed May 14 2008, 19:12

JP...(posted April 5, 2008 at 11:51 PM CST SATURDAY)
Glad to hear you are considering a move to Houston. It's a great place to call home! You'll find moving can be a little overwhelming for some folks, so it's important to 'connect' with someone you can trust. I'm ex-military and have moved several times over the years. I understand what it's like to pick up everything and move to a new place -- whether local (down the street) or across the globe. Finding the perfect neighborhood is important; as are other things to consider during a move. Houston is the 4th largest city in the country; roughly the size of five metropolitan cities combined. It's huge land wise! It's diverisified. Everything you could possibly want is here! We have lifestyles to fit anyone - urban (city lofts/single night life scene/business & cultural events); suburban (soccer moms/families/shopping for the ladies, sports for the guys); ranch & acreage (cowboy/cowgirl wannabes/nature lovers/outdoorsmen types); yuppie (the arts/history/highly educated folks) -- you name it.The great thing about Houston is you can travel in different directions and get a taste of different cultures, without leaving the city. Love trying new foods ? Plenty here! Houston is the restaurant capital of the nation; we have more restaurants than any other city. Your tastebuds will love it!! :) Plenty of local festivals/family-friendly things to do -- indoor and out! Compared to the rest of the country, we are truly blessed. Our economy is pretty resilent and very entrepreneur minded....pro-business (less restrictive with government interference/regulations than most places....making things cheaper in the longer run). Young, old, multicultural -- we attract them all! The best of Houston can be researched online from the comfort of your own home/PC (e-mail me for more information). I often refer to Houston as the "New York City of the South". There are endless opportunities here for you; we just have to find what meets your personal needs and goals. Let me take you on a tour of Houston to show you all the city has to offer, including behind-the-scenes things only the locals know about. I wish you the best with your move. I'm here to help you anyway I can -- just call or email me: Karen Savage, REALTOR, Keller Williams Realty/North(west)--Hwy 290/FM1960 area near Willowbrook Mall; 8300 FM 1960 West, Suite 310, Houston, TX 77070, direct: 281-813-9769; office: 281-664-8300,x3004; e-mail: thejungle@karensavage-realtor.com; http://www.KarenSavage-Realtor.com. (You've got a friend in Texas! We aim to please! Your Greater Houston, Texas source for everything real estate.)

Sat Apr 5 2008, 21:51

Well it is the greatest city on earth and I know because I have lived in a lot of them. We are the friendliest, diverse, greatest weather city I know. We have arts, museums, all sports, feel family is important, will stop and help any one needing assistance, have a great job market and the best real estate buys in the world. We love the outdoor life and prove it with our boating, lakes, beaches and bays. Neighborhoods do differ. Each quarter of the city has a different flavor. We love traditional homes. I sell all areas in Greater Houston, some of the most requested neighborhoods are Kingwood, Atascocita, The Woodlands and Tomball. Then of course the south neighborhoods of Sugarland and Clear Lake are popular for many. Choose someone who knows the market in all of these areas and then visit and view homes in the various areas. You will know when you have found the right one. It just takes a Realtor who is a top producing Accredited Buyer's Agent and covers the areas you would like. Good luck Doris

Wed Feb 20 2008, 13:55

For sure. Hot, humid, and crowded on the highways. But way of life is pretty nice if you live near the Galleria area.

Sat Jan 5 2008, 11:51

For someone who has never seen Houston, I'd describe it this way: Houston is a flat, green city, yet with little natural beauty. It has a variety of neighborhoods (old and new) with strong personalities, from stately to artsy, with many choices for excellent middle-class family raising. Houston itself has no zoning, so there is a shocking mix of commercial and residential properties. But that is the same factor that gives Houston its incredible dynamic energy. This is a pro-business city and people are proud of it! Even in the center of town, there's always new development, a new restaurant, new store An important thing about Houston, which is 180 years old, but really has only grown up since the late 70s, is the fabulous diversity in architecture. There is some of the greatest residential modern architecture in the country here, and there is a big mental connection to the arts in much of the city. You will also find the most gorgeous, exclusive winding lanes with massive estates that could be in Bel Air, Rye, Grosse Pointe, or Greenwich. Another great thing about Houston is that it is an international city, where you can find vibrant, authentic communities from all over the world (Vietnamese, Indian, Nigerian, Ghanan, Russian, Greek, Mexican, Cuban, Venezuelan are some that I know of.) So even though we are a Southern city, don't think that means a provincial place. I grew up here, then lived in several other large cities before moving back here with my family. I thought I'd *never* return. Now, I think it's a great place, and recommend it highly to those thinking of relocating. Caveat: If you like hiking, mountain biking, etc., this is not the place for you.

Thu Dec 6 2007, 22:01

It all depends on where in Houston you live. Houston is a sprawling metropolis, with wonderful older neighbourhoods around the universities to high rise condos in the city center, to so many brand new subdivisions in great areas to raise a family like Sugarland, to name just one of many.

If you are looking to move there...first consider you lifestyle, what you want out of life and living, and where you will be working. Then start narrowing the focus.

Tue Sep 18 2007, 12:13

Houston has it all! The suburbs are filled with lushness, neighborhoods and great schools. The inner city allows you to be close to work, airports, fabulous restaurants and shopping areas. How do you pick? Allow a real estate professional to visit with you about your family, your immediate needs and your long term goals. After that visit you will be given several opportunities and areas that will make you feel quite at home in Houston!

Sat May 19 2007, 09:28

Houston is a melting pot type of city. One thing about Houston is that we don't have zoning. Most subdivisions depend upon their deed restrictions to control activities of the homeowners in that particular subdivision. There are some differences in neighborhoods or zip codes. contact your local Realtor to get more information on the one that best suits your needs. There is not dominant architectural style throughout the city.

Mon Apr 23 2007, 15:51

Overall, the residents in our neighborhoods maintain their homes, lawns and gardens. There isn't a dominant architecture thoughout the city, but in the communities close to downtown, the medical center and the Galleria (where I work) the land is becoming expensive and the homes are going to two and three stories rather than, the old school, where everyone had big yards.

Mon Apr 23 2007, 15:51

Houston is a very lush city with plenty of modern architecture and homes, with well tended yards.

Mon Apr 23 2007, 15:51