And Lo, An IST Is Born - Welcome Houstonist!

We're pleased to announce the official launch of a new sister site, Houstonist. Having grown up in Houston, we know there's plenty going on in the big H to keep a fleet of writers busy full time.

Now before you start snarking, let us tell you a few things about Houston. The city has an amazing arts scene that runs the gamut from a world class grand opera and theatre to a nice collection of small, non-equity houses. Their museum district is unrivaled by any other in Texas, probably even in the entire southwest.

And then there's the shopping. What could be more fun that a trip to the ever-expanding Galleria for some people-watching and ice skating? Of course, if that's far too plastic for you, then head down to the Montrose area and hit one of their many vintage clothing stores, eclectic boutiques, bookstores large & small, cornucopia of restaurants...we could go on.

But we won't, as this is making us a little homesick. Just trust us, the folks over at Houstonist will have plenty to talk about. Check it out!

Contact the author of this article or email tips@austinist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Julie Holden in News on December 5, 2005 11:30 AM 0 Comments

Comments [rss]

Kat

I did, and Mr. Parsons was kind enough to provide me with a lengthy and extremely helpful e-mail summary of the city, along with some traffic tips. I am not moving until March, however, nor do I know where I will be working. But I am leaning toward the museum district as it seems my style and is surprisingly affordable. Thanks again:)

matth

Kat, you should "Ask Houstonist" where is a cheap, fun place to live. We'll be glad to point you in the right direction. There is currently cheap rent in the Memorial and North Montrose area.

Kat

I'm from around Beaumont. I can take the humidity with a little hydrochloric acid fog to boot. I think Houston will be an improvement on Beaumont. Thanks for all the info:)

Jooley Ann

Yes, exactly. I second everything True Craig says. I mean, *about Houston*. (Phew, dodged that bullet.)

In the areas he suggests, you'll darn-near feel like you're in Austin. Except for the insufferable humidity. But...it's great for your complexion!

truecraig

Sugarland, the Woodlands, and Clearlake are just too damn far out, Kat. I recommend trying to find work in the Galleria area, and trying to live somewhere near there too (for professional suit-type work).

I, personally, would do my best to live in the Heights, Montrose, or "Midtown" (damn marketing wizards) - but Midtown will be pricey and I don't think there's a grocery close to there just yet.

I DO NOT recommend living in any of the wards: 3rd, 4th, or 5th (they really aren't that bad, but they tend to lack certain conveniences) or anything too far outside loop 610 because it might take you years to get into town.

Find a job first, if you can, then figure out where you will live near that location.

Kat

Okay, so Sugarland sucks. I've heard the Woodlands are nice, and now we have a vote for the museum district, but I think those are both pretty expensive. Anybody know of an affordable (and safe-I'm not so street-savvy) place to live or a good place to try to look for work? I'll ask the folks at the actual Houstonist, too, but it seems there are some knowledgeable folk here...

John Greek

If you never leave the museum district you'll do yourself good service. Please check out the Sculpture Garden at the Museum Of Fine Arts, Houston located at Montrose Boulevard at Bissonnet Street - when you go.

sean

Houston is a great place to be from. It really sucks. Except for the Menil collection. And The Proletariat. The Art Guys. Bring Back the Guns. The Breakfast Klub almost makes the drive worth while.

But mostly it sucks. Mattress Mack. Sugarland. Megachurches. Traffic. That chick that slapped me for no reason at the Proletariat. Every single last bit of matter within two blocks of Harwin.

Kat

I was just wishing there was a Houstonist TODAY! I may be moving there in hopes of finding work soon and I will need my IST fix, especially since I will be moving to an unfamiliar city. Thanks IST people!

matth

Thanks for the welcome. I remember a certain (katie) Austinist telling me that Houston wasn't cool enough to be a top priority. Houston is also full of beautiful, intelligent women (just like Austin) who hopefully will call us.

odam

and the Rothko is sublime.

Aaron

Hey, don't take out your hatred for sausage on them. Oh, I get it, I get jokes.

Alison

That's quite a sausage party going on there at Houstonist.

lauri

I was pretty impressed when NY's MOMA decided to ship their collection to two cities, Houston and BERLIN, while they built the new location. It was really special for me to see those works, not knowing if I'd ever make it to NYC. That was a lifechanging experience, and I'm glad the art scene in Houston is what it is in order for that to have happened.