Living inside The Woodlands. Please share the good, the bad & the ugly. (Houston: homes, scorpions)

[Surfthewave4]

Originally Posted by jluke65780

The good:

Beautiful area
Nice town center and thriving mall
Growing community

The bad:

Too far from the city
Lacks diversity
too many trees
has an isolated feel

You'd probably like Kingwood too; it's just as green (if not more) than the Woodlands.

Absolutely correct! I attended school there. The people are very narrow minded [intolerant of others] and isolated from the rest of civilization. The public schools are lacking, especially in the areas of socialization. You do not have to worry about that if you choose a private school.

As another city to city person, the woodlands probably is not of you. It is about an hour from houston; therefore, it does not any characteristics of larger areas, aka cities. The culture of the area is completely different from Houston. You should visit the schools first, before placing your children in the district.

[Trae713]

To the OP, did you ever think about Cinco Ranch or Sugar Land? Both are more diverse than The Woodlands (especially Sugar Land). The schools are the same (with the Cinco Ranch/South Katy area having the best).

[gmh1013]

I liked it better in my short 2.5 year stay from 1990 to early 93.....I like before the mall and stuff was built.....looks to commercial for my taste now....I had a newer home in CC and loved the trails!

[deliberated]

I have been in Houston my entire life, and I live in the Spring/Tomball area in the Klein School District. The Woodlands is about 15 minutes from my house, and we go there all of the time. Market Street, Waterway square and the surrounding areas are fantastic for families. There is almost always something going on, it is clean and feels fresh. I am part of 2 moms groups, and almost all of our events are scheduled in or around the Woodlands.

There are a couple of down sides. Some of the people are 'fake' like someone mentioned, and many of the women are a little too tan, a little too blonde and have boobs that are a little too big. Lol. However, you get that in most moms' groups and most cities. I have gone to various pools and parks in the Woodlands (you have to pay to get into them, even if you are a resident but they are very nice) and I always go to the mall. I have seen almost solely white people with some Asians in the mix and also some people from the middle east. I do not see a lot of african americans or hispanics anywhere in the Woodlands.

The mall, despite being nice and having a lot of high end stores (or maybe because it is so nice) has experienced a lot of crime. I know people personally who have had their purses stolen, and I have hear horror stories of moms being robbed while walking with their children through the parking lot. It has never happened to me, but I know for a fact it happens. So be careful, and tell your daughter to only go with a group of friends.The Woodlands does seem to be overflowing with teenagers, so I am sure she will have no problem making friends.

You basically do need to make $100k a year to live there, but most 2 income households get pretty close to that. Make sure you find out about taxes and association fees out there. I've heard they are pretty steep! Also, you will definitely not get as much square footage out there for your money as you will a little further south. So, shop around. I know a great realtor who really takes time with her clients. Let me know if you need her info.

Good luck!

[SkyeAnjel]

The Woodlands is now a township and most of it no longer has the HOA fees.The taxes are very reasonable and you can get a home for under 200,000 or over 1,000,000. You can choose an older home or a newer home. There are alot of options. as far as "fake", its a master-planned community and alot of people live there because it is a prestigous community..kind of step-ford wives,lol!
The majority of residents also work out there and there is alot of stuff for teens..pools in ever neighborhood, the mall, the movies, skate park, dog parks, walking trails, concerts....The resale value is fabulous and the entire area from Klein to Conroe is a great area..which is why I would prefer it to Kingwood.
There are hospitals, restaraunts, shopping everywhere..you never have to leave..but during rush hour, it can be a long commute coming in on Woodlands Parkway or hwy 242.. You are also not far from Lake Conroe and it is a easy commute to the airport..and thats all I have to say about that

[movetotexas09]

Originally Posted by Metro Matt

In the 2000 census The Woodlands Asian population was 2.8%

By Contrast The City of Houston's was 5.3%

Both percentages are bound to have risen in 10 years time.

Asian population will actually raise the TAKS performance of the schools. Look at their TAKS performance ratings in any Texas school - solid high 90% mostly 99% in all categories. Asians in the Woodlands are highly educated, upper middle class professionals with kids that are very academically excellent and well mannered.

[SkyeAnjel]

Most people in The Woodlands are upper middle class..education is not a problem whatever the race..this is a prestigious area.

[jjdan]

I can relate, it is a little bit claustherphobic, in that you can never see too far. I kind of like it but I am not used to it.

[iop890]

I just moved away from The Woodlands for college and I happen to have loved it there. As for high schools? There are two: The Woodlands College Park High School (est 2005) and The Woodlands High School. Grades are extremely competitive at both schools, but College Park has the Academy of Science & Technology, which DOES factor into class rank of normal College Park students. With a 4.2 GPA I was only in the top 23%. Also, many of the College Park students seem to be jealous of TWHS students. Overall TWHS is just a better school. Better teachers, better scheduling, HUGE on the traditions. If you're going to make which school your daughter will go to a priority, definitely stick with the areas zoned for TWHS.

[Marula]

Too many trees?!