OP is asking about higher education in terms of being a state resident. In that regard, there are fantastic engineering schools in Texas, just like in California. The tuition cost will be less in Texas, if that’s a factor. The top 10% rule (varies for UT) should be known to the OP as far as automatic admission to public universities. Some suburban areas with strong high schools include The Woodlands, Cypress Fairbanks, Katy, Kingwood and Sugarland, if outside the city is a consideration.
I am from the Pacific NW (which I love), and have lived near Houston for many years, but I find the city a fun place to go with all the parks, trees, theater, shopping, and restaurants, along with a invigorating diverse population. Downtown might not be my first choice as a retirement spot (although there are many areas where you would never know you are in a large city), but I (and my husband) sure have had ample job opportunities and the lower cost of living is hard to beat.