I live on the west side of Houston. I love it. I can be at IAH in 40 minutes and AUS in two hours (pleasant drive, too).
IAH fares can be high, but it depends. Very competitive to Asia ($600 RT to HKG; $700 to SIN). When I need a much cheaper domestic I just go out of AUS.
Houston is a wonderful city, very diverse, outstanding food and arts scene, friendly, welcoming. No state income tax. Affordable housing.