I moved from CA to Houston. The biggest downside by far for me is the weather. The humid summers here seem to last for 9 months. The next biggest change I immediately noticed was politics/gun ownership. I am apparently the only one on my street not packing. Then there are the mosquitos. The job cycle here can be cyclical, meaning when the price of oil is down, there are layoffs. Overall, I prefer Houston due the sheer volume of jobs coupled with the low cost of housing. You cannot buy anything in many parts of CA for $400k, but here in Texas, that will buy you a McMansion. Also, there is no income tax here (though property tax is 3%). People are friendly enough here and big pinball community here too!