If you're thinking Houston, avoid living in a flood plain as your most important consideration. Politics, hell. Houston seems liberal, but has always been diverse, being a port city, and the conservatives are definitely strong there.

Eight miles south of Houston, be very careful - you are in the petrochemical complex area if you're too far east; eight miles north, be careful - if you buy or rent, look for the phrase "has never flooded." Or rent the top floor of something.