First off, congratulations on the promotion. Hard work pays off.
Although its not quite the distance, I had to make the same decision 2 years ago when I accepted my current position. Although I lived in California and Texas when I was very young, all I have ever known is Louisiana, and more precisely, Lake Charles. For 18 years, that was my home. Then this opportunity in Baton Rouge presented itself. My wife and I had been married for 2 months, living in a 1 bedroom apartment and pulling in what I was going to make in this new position. Unfortunately, it meant moving 2 1/2 hours away from my family. Not a terrible distance, but enough that I was not going to see them all the time (and by extension, my future children). But by doing so, I know my family is going to have a better life.
If there is one thing I've learned in a very short 2 years, its that distance is difficult when it comes to family, even 2 1/2 hours. You don't see them all the time. You can't be there for every birthday or holiday. You can't be there as quick as you want to be when something goes wrong.
But when you are with them, its more special than any time you spent with them before. Holidays are really special, especially going and staying with my parents. I probably enjoy that more than when I lived in town. Its just a different feeling. Reminds me of when I was in high school.
I also feel like my wife and I have grown more being away from our families. We've grown closer to each other. Stepped out of that comfort zone.
Baton Rouge isn't exactly Houston (although it feels that way sometimes, neither has culture, or people that know how to drive!), but both are different in their own ways. We also chose not to live in the city, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I've always liked Houston though (aside for traffic). The museums are amazing (especially the museum of natural science). For it being Texas, they have some decent Cajun food (Louisiana transplants like yourself), and good food PERIOD. Go check out the Refinery Whiskey and Burgers. And Saltgrass, if you've never been. My aunt has lived in the Houston area for a long time, and I don't think they would ever move back to LA.
If I was forced to live in any big city, it would be Houston.
Good luck man. Everything will be great.
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