Affluent towns southeast/east Texas? (Houston, Corpus Christi: HOA, insurance, low crime)

[rob07002]

Considering a move to Texas. Need some help in narrowing down areas/towns/communities to consider. Appreciate all feedback.

budget = $600k +-
Newer home, open to style
4000+ square feet
4+ bedrooms
1+ acres
Highly rated public school system
Within 30 minute drive to coast
Employment potential for mid-level professionals
Affluent community
Low crime
Entertainment/restaurants a+
Prefer no HOA

[jackalope48]

Affluent puts you with Rockport, Port Aransas, and the richer parts of Corpus Christi. We don't really have wealthy exurbs.

Your in a weird price and sq ft range for the area. 4000 sq.ft. is a rare size at 600k or less. Most upper middle in the area is 3k and change. 4000 is really high end wealthy housing and that's typically in $200-$300 psf range especially if you want newish. Given we are a coastal area the "nice areas" are coastal and therefore won't be on large lots. An acre in a good part of Corpus Christi costs 350-500k for raw land. The best place to find that amount of land in your price range and good schools is Northwest Corpus Christi or immediately outside it along Northwest Blvd. House size might still be a bit small but if you look hard you may find it. Most of that stuff is 20-30 years old and there are custom builders too. Keep in mind on listings we tend to be a below asking area.

We aren't an HOA heavy area, only Padre Isles on North Padre and parts of Rockport have very strong ones that do the crazy things you are most likely trying to avoid.

Jobs can be hit and miss. Healthcare and Construction are very strong as is oil and gas and industrial. There are professional jobs in finance and accounting and working for industry but there are not a ton. It's not a region with lots of corporate offices so mid-level professionals is a hard thing to gauge. Corpus is really your only bet in this department. Everywhere else that is nice is a tourist/retirement community.

Good news is you'll be close to the beach almost anywhere. On buying make sure you understand our property taxes and windstorm insurance costs. They tend to be higher than other areas of the country and can lead to people buying more than they can afford.

[supfromthesite]

Calallen I guess

[DJboutit]

There are a few places in Brazoria county like West Columbia Lake Jackson Angleton
Bay City in Matagorda county

[Watchful]

When I saw your title (Southeast/East Texas) I was thinking Galveston/Beaumont area.

But then I see it was in the Corpus forum - so maybe it would help to know if you are thinking close to Corpus - or ALL of the Texas coastline. Parts of the Clear Creek school district (like League City area, etc.) are within a reasonable drive to the coast and the schools are well regarded. This is between Houston and Galveston. It looks like you could get a hit on the square footage and price but not necessarily the lot size.