When I lived (mercifully briefly) in Harris County, it was also the most expensive county in the USA for car insurance, the water taxes were outrageous... That was 20 years ago... but can't imagine it's gotten better.
Had one of the best jobs in the world, IMHO, at JSC. But I could not wait to get the %$$# out of Houston.
Miss the Mexican food, though. Papacitos (and all the spin-offs) were amazing. My favorite place, though, the Crazy Cajun burned down or was flooded out, alas. Best blackened steak ever.
Cheers,
Sirhr