Experiencing the Charms of a Booming Economy

Visiting friends in Houston over Thanksgiving was such a vibe 🌟! The energy here is totally different from Massachusetts—everything feels bigger, bolder, and more laid-back. If you’re looking for a sunny winter escape, Houston is definitely the move ☀️. Luxury Homes Everywhere 🏡, Inside and Out—Yet Surprisingly Affordable Stunning mansions are literally everywhere here, and each one has its own unique personality—no cookie-cutter designs in sight! I was shook by a gorgeous 3,000 sq ft lakefront house priced at just over $700k 😱. The houses are built super close together (like 1-2 meters apart 🚶), probably to help with storm resistance, but they’re solid brick—no flimsy New England wood frames here! Also, lawns are way smaller than in Mass, likely because of Houston’s drier climate 🏜️. All That Sun 🌞… But Where Are the Solar Panels?! It’s sunny and 70s (°F) every day, but I didn’t see a single solar panel on any roof 🤯. Back in Mass—where winter feels like half the year—solar is everywhere. Here? Not so much. But then it hit me: Texas runs on oil 🛢️💪. It’s deep red country, and gas is king. Speaking of gas, it’s only about $2 and change per gallon—almost 60¢ cheaper than in Massachusetts! Electric cars are still rare here; most folks are rolling in gas guzzlers 🚗⛽. Free Fish Dinner 🎣➡️🍽️, Straight from the Lake! Want fresh fish? Just grab a rod! The fish here are… not the smartest 😂. They’ll bite an empty hook! We caught catfish almost daily—they’re tender, not fishy, have few bones, and no scales, so cleaning them is a breeze. From lake to plate in under an hour? Yes, please 🙌! Garages Aren’t for Cars—They’re “Man Caves” 🎱📺🍻 Evening walks were an eye-opener. So many houses had their garage doors wide open, revealing fully tricked-out entertainment spaces! We’re talking pool tables, huge TVs, comfy couches, and even mini-bars 🥃. One garage had FOUR giant screens showing different sports games at once 🏈🏀⚾🏒. Friends were hanging out, watching games, shooting pool… the ultimate vibe! Another family was just chilling around a heater, laughing and talking. Houston knows how to live 🥳. Houston, We Have a Legacy 🚀🌙 As the home of NASA’s Johnson Space Center (Mission Control during the Apollo era), Houston breathes space exploration. The Space Center itself feels like a showcase of American innovation and patriotism 🇺🇸✨—some of the films actually gave me chills and got me hyped for the future of space travel! Pro tip: one of the mission tours requires booking 2–3 weeks in advance online 🗓️. Don’t miss out—plan ahead! Final Thoughts: Houston surprises you—it’s affordable yet luxurious, traditional yet full of life, and deeply tied to both earth and sky. Whether you’re fishing, garage-hopping, or geeking out at NASA, this city leaves you feeling warm, welcomed, and a little in awe 🌆🤠. #US #Texas #Houston