Living in Houston is about as varied as an experience as you can imagine and different parts of town have wildly different density, walkability, sameness and yes soul (Montrose, Museum District just off the top of my head). It's like visiting New Jersey and saying NYC is soulless. Lay Houston + the suburbs you were probably in over the top of both and you'll see it's not a bold statement.

Most of the driving that people complain about are people that don't even have Houston addresses, it's a rare day I drive more than 5 miles, and none of the houses in my neighborhood are the same.

I love New England. I'm an urbanite and briefly had the pleasure of living in Boston. I love walking through ancient streets in Europe, Turkey, and other lands. I'm not a fan of the lack of walkability of Houston and some other things, but one of my chief joys in living here has not been old historic areas (which we hardly have) but rather the amazing mix of people who make the city such an interesting place. I often want to be somewhere else in the world but since I can't always be gone I frequently thank God for bringing the world to Houston! With over 90 languages spoken here it's now the most diverse city in the country, so I can assure you there's plenty of soul!