Black male seeks life in the country (Houston, The Woodlands: houses, neighborhoods)

[DDG1978]

Hello, I am a african american male, a single dad ... my family and I are looking into moving to a more rural area from Houston, TX. I would like a place on a couple of acers of land (no more that that ... lol). A safe place for kids and pets since we love animals. We are looking for a place with that small town feel, but still close to shopping and the city convienece. Someplace within commuting distance to Houston. My children are bi racial so we are also looking for a place that we will feel comfortable and not have to worry about issues with racial prejudice. Any one have any suggestions. It would be greatly appreciated.

[ny2tx]

If you don't mind my asking...what are your reasons for leaving Houston? Did you and/or your kids face prejudice in Houston (if so, please respond so I'll know where not to live!)?

[DDG1978]

I just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. I work here but after work I would love to go home sit and my porch and unwind. I want a safe place for my daughters to grow up, and a lot of land for them to play. Yeah I know I could move to the burbs, and Missouri City for instance is nice. But to me they put the houses right on top of each other and I wanted a little more space.

[ny2tx]

I know what you mean. We're moving to Houston from a rural (upstate) NY area and it sure looks crowded online!

Have you considered Woodlands?

[Premont]

Maybe Richmond-Rosenberg, but it's predominantly Hispanic.

[DDG1978]

Yes, Houston is extremly crowded. I love it hear and I don't want to be too far away but I got to get out and get some elbow room. Haven't considered the Woodlands ... thanks.

[DDG1978]

I've been through richmond rosenberg. Thanks I will check it out. I was also thinking about Brookshire, Hockley, Crosby .... any one know anything about those cities?

[usc619]

Gezz, I guess an african american male dosen't get a whole lot of feedback on this board. I'm sorry I couldn't help(I'm not a resident just yet).

[jfre81]

The Brookshire or Prairie View/Waller areas (the latter is home of historically black Prairie View A&M) are possibilities. The hecticness of big-city life can get old after awhile. It gets to some people in every large city, and it's a shame that blacks feel like they have to stay there or they will experience hatred or prejudice. I can understand some people wanting to move out and get some open space. I've seen (Brookshire) Royal High School's football and basketball teams and if they're any indications there's a diverse mix. Same with Waller (whose schools include the town of Prairie View).

Wishing you the best...FWIW I am white, so this isn't coming from a black perspective, but those are some observations I've had of those areas.

[Watchful]

To me, The Woodlands is much more suburban than rural. There are more rural areas near The Woodlands, but I don't think of those areas as being particularly tolerant.

Not really familiar with the pluses and minuses of buying acreage but wish you well!

Oh...I do know that the schools in Crosby TX are "healthily" integrated but my perception is that the neighborhoods are segregated. There is an old, old African-American community called Barrett Station (south of Crosby itself) that goes to Crosby schools. Everyone in the district goes to the same school based on their age group.