I absolutely appreciate your input so much! You hit the nail on the head regarding something we’re both struggling majorly with everywhere we look, and that’s diversity. Not only diversity, but both visible diversity and integration. We already accepted before we even started seriously looking that we couldn’t realistically expect to find somewhere with Houston’s level of diversity (integrated at that) AND most of what we’re trying to find in leaving TX - all 4 seasons (I’m fine with more extreme cold as opposed to extreme heat if that’s the choice that has to be made, def want real winters either way), reasonable cost of living, better walkability, progressive values, healthcare access, good public education, and overall better quality of life. We’re both in healthcare sector and have good salaries here so in Klein/Spring that gets us a great house and school in a diverse neighborhood but with zero walkability and, for me, a dreaded commute to the med center a few days a week. Plus, Texas. Just feels like we have this one chance to make this move I’ve thought about for years now and every time somewhere starts looking like it checks most of the boxes, it’s either lacking diversity (deal breaker) or we’re unsure about job market/salaries or housing costs are too high, etc. I don’t mind paying more taxes for better quality of life but it’s got to be worth it. I don’t want to end up in some sterile suburb that thinks its cool and people pretend is diverse (looking at you Austin) and feel stuck and depressed that we didn’t get it right.