I left Houston 12 years ago b/c you get trapped in cities when something happens to a freeway.
When Hurricane Rita passed by Houston, people panicked and all avenues out were so congested people were stuck on the freeways for many many hours. Made me think.
I left in 2005 and went full blown rural. I make less money, but my stress level is nil and we live pretty well. Grow veggies, fruits and have chickens. Cities are death traps!
In more ways than one...
"When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe."
-- Thomas Jefferson
I have actually been through Houston when there was a wreck. Driving home from a San Antonio vacation and yes that was a nightmare also.
Also my commute is so long because I live 110 miles from where I work. I live in a completely rural area so I can have peace at night and on the weekends and I commute because when I got this job and looked for something rural from the north Atlanta area where I work I had to go so far out it was the same commute time so why move. Have 3 kids in college and trying to get them through then will look at downsizing and if less money better lifestyle is worth it.