Which TX city is best for small photography businesses?

[adonia]

Wow, great info from everyone. I'll take it and consider all of it. Thanks everyone!

[Joshua]

I like Bullparade's idea... but would add on the following...

look at medium size cities that are on the outskirts of a large city... you still get the benefits of a medium sized city, but access to the conveniences of a large city

[adonia]

Would any of you suggest pearland or sugarland?

[bullsparade]

Those are good places. A little on the pricey side (housing) but a good area. You might also look at Spring another suburb of Houston. Its a nice community that is constantly growing with people who want to live outside Houston but still work there.

[cmalana]

Since they're coming from Seattle, their idea of expensive housing is probably different than Texas norms ;)

[adam7731]

Think farther out
Conroe, Humble.

I am looking around the outs of Austin to buy a building and start a gallery and studio. Maybe even some framing.

I will have space to rent if anyone is interested i am getting the numbers together right now.

[gpgyo]

I'm in Pearland (as are several members.) I think the last figure I read was it now has a population of 70K (and growing.) I'm not sure what kind of photography you do but since its only 20 miles to downtown Houston, and even closer to the medical center, you could easily serve the business community. It also borders the equally fast growing cities of Friendswood and Alvin. Typical of most fast growing communities, it has a lot of families which I expect would provide opportunities for family portraits, graduation pictures, senior pictures, and the like. I am aware of several photographers who are already in the community (based on advertisements I see, not people I know) so its not an untapped market. Each of these communities also have local newspapers (in fact, I shoot high school sports for one of them) to serve as more focused advertising alternatives to the Houston Chronicle.

Have fun,
Greg

[adonia]

Originally Posted by cmalana

Since they're coming from Seattle, their idea of expensive housing is probably different than Texas norms ;)

aint that the truth! lol a nice cheap apartment here is 800Sq i bed ft for $750 a monthwith garbage and sewer included