Other than Heights, are there any safe, liberal, integrated sections of Houston? (Austin: renting, insurance)

[Wysiwyg]

Originally Posted by Nanner

Perhaps look into the Ashford neighborhoods--Ashford Forest, Ashford Village, Ashford South, Ashford West, etc. They're zoned to HISD, but the schools are definitely some of the better ones in the district. It's located on the west side of town, near I-10 and Beltway 8. Mature trees and lots of parks.

Can't say that I'm familiar with the political climate there, but I know several liberals that live there and enjoy it. And it would definitely fit into the "integrated" category.

I like this area. from shadowlake all the way up eldrige pkwy, briar forest etc. westheimer/6 areas got everything

[bostoner]

Most of the above mentioned suburbs aren't artsy. You'll be far away from the heart of Houston. If you're planning on going the magnet/Vanguard route, you've got more options. Try Sunset Heights, Timbergrove, Oak Forest. You might also try parts of Spring Branch. Not exactly close, but not too far away and you'd be in a separate school district with some good schools. The last three are pretty suburban with mature trees, Sunset Heights less so. modster will probably advise you to check into the East End neighborhoods for more options closer to the city center.

[Nanner]

Originally Posted by houstoner

Most of the above mentioned suburbs aren't artsy. You'll be far away from the heart of Houston. If you're planning on going the magnet/Vanguard route, you've got more options. Try Sunset Heights, Timbergrove, Oak Forest. You might also try parts of Spring Branch. Not exactly close, but not too far away and you'd be in a separate school district with some good schools. The last three are pretty suburban with mature trees, Sunset Heights less so. modster will probably advise you to check into the East End neighborhoods for more options closer to the city center.

Just speaking from my experience, but the issue with Oak Forest and Timbergrove for this particular person is that these days, it's hard to find a decent house big enough for a family of 5 under $200K. I know you can find some, but they'll be in desperate need of updating, or zoned to some not so great schools. In my section of Oak Forest (west of White Oak Bayou), you could probably get a 1600 sf home for under $200K, but the schools are not good. And even if you're able to afford something zoned to Oak Forest or Sinclair Elementary (the best elementaries in those neighborhoods), the middle and high schools are mediocre at best. Spring Branch *might* fit the bill, but again, it'll probably be either too small or extremely outdated, unless you stumble upon a gem. Not super familiar with what's available in Sunset Heights, or its schools, so can't comment on that one.

ny2tx, out of the things you listed, what's your biggest priority? Because I think it may be difficult to find something that fits everything you're looking for. But if you find it, let me know. We're probably moving to the burbs (or at least to the far west side) because we need something a) big enough (at least 1800 sf), b) zoned to good schools for our children, c) under $200K, and d) doesn't need many thousands of dollars of updates. I have yet to find it.

[houstonman]

West University

[Premont]

I live in the Ashford area. 200 would probably get you a nice home in places like Stonehenge or Ashford Forest. One thing though, Westside High took on a lot of Katrina students. There's one apartment complex close to where I live, Chelsea Court, which is turning into a slum. No offense to the good people from New Orleans, it's just that this particular place has turned into a dive and it's a pretty big complex. Overall you can get a good home out here for a good price, but there are some trouble spots.

[modster]

Originally Posted by ny2tx

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions.

Modster - Unfortunately, private school isn't an option with three kids (two of the three are twins, so we're extra concerned about college costs). So if we planned to do the HISD charter/Vanguard school thing....what areas/zip codes would you consider "up & coming pockets"? I appreciate your insight.

For a 3 to 4 bedroom close in, up to $200k, run these subdivision names on HAR:

Westbury 77035
Parkwest 77035
Maplewood
Braeburn Valley (but not so much Braeburn Valley West)
Willow Bend
Willowbrook
Post Oak Manor
Candlelight (77018 only)
Glenbrook 77061
Lindale Park (77009 only)

[philster001]

My partner and I live near Beltway 8 and 249. We love it and our neighborhood is diverse and quite a good number of the households are liberal. We live in the Silver Oak Trails Neighborhood. It is in Cy-Fair ISD. We love it here, there are trees, the homes are reasonably priced, it's pretty safe and there are tons of restaurants and shopping nearby.

[jfre81]

The Meyerland area would not be a bad choice. Very diverse. Do not travel very far south or west, especially at night though.

[modster]

Originally Posted by jfre81

The Meyerland area would not be a bad choice. Very diverse. Do not travel very far south or west, especially at night though.

You can't live in Meyerland for under $200,000.

[jfre81]

Originally Posted by modster

You can't live in Meyerland for under $200,000.

For rent you could live anywhere.

I'm not in Meyerland proper but I am off South Main and I pay $500/mo for a livable apartment on the Metro line with access to the light rail....easy access to Downtown. Have no use for the Galleria or the area myself...