Moving from Alaska to Katy? (Houston, Cinco Ranch: HOA, how much, houses)

[Candyleighs]

Hi!
We live in Alaska and are thinking about moving to Katy. We have been searching around alot online and we really like the Katy area. My question is what communities or neighborhoods do you recommend? We would like a very family friendly, safe neighborhood. We have 4 kids ranging from 2-13.
Also can anyone tell me how the utilities run there? Are they pretty high? For example here we pay so much. Our electric runs about 225.00 a month, Gas 225.00, phone 100.00. Plus the cost of living here is just high. Is it really humid there? Thanks so much for your information. I do really appreciate it! We did notice Cinco Ranch looked nice, but not sure how it really is?
Hope you all have a great day!

[testmo]

the humidity will get you for sure. but most people get used to it and i know some people who now actually prefer the humidity to dry air. your electric bill sounds like it'd stay the same. maybe less in the winter time. also depends on how much your kids waste. keep on them and you should get a break in the winter months. i know people who spend much more than that in the summer. summer here is very hot for long periods of time. your first summer you may be running your ac into the ground and it'll cost you.

your gas should be a lot less than that as there isn't many days/weeks here that you need heat

[Mayor_McCheese]

Cinco Ranch is very nice. Very family friendly. Seven Meadows is nice and pretty much near Cinco Ranch. Property taxes can be very high here though.

[carryyourbooks]

hey, we're all pretty friendly here in katy. you won't see any snow...that's for sure! our coldest day was 25 degrees and that only lasted about 2 hours. there are many nice areas to live in katy.

[carlacostaupchurch]

Hi, I am a realtor in Katy and I also live in a very nice neighboorhood located between Katy and Houston. I would love to send you more info and details about, including Cinco Ranch. My contact info is [email]carla@carlacostaupchurch.com and my cel fone 281 881-7446. I will more than glad to help you. Have a great day!!!!! Carla

[ark671]

We have lived in Cinco Ranch for 3 1/2 years. You won't beat the amenities in any other neighborhood. We have 10 pools, 1 water park,2 tennis courts, parks, walking trails. The HOA is the same as Seven Meadows & they only have 2 pools. You will pay more for your house in Cinco Ranch, but the upside is that our home values are going up. Homes in my neighborhood are now going for $20/sq ft more than we paid! In this market, that is unheard of.

If the amenities aren't as important to you, or you want an older home, Nottingham, Green Trails, Kelliwood are all very nice. Falcon Ranch is nice, but I have heard that their HOA is having accounting trouble, like the residents don't know what they are spending the money on.

I have always heard, and tend to agree, that you should stay south of I-10. Houses are much cheaper north of I-10, but I know too many people who, after living there for 8-10 years, either just broke even or lost money when selling, in that area.

As far as utilities, how efficient your home is will dictate your heating/cooling bills. We have radiant barrier in our attic & our cooling bills are about $300 in the summer. Some of our neighbors who don't have it have electric bills of close to $1,000.

1 thing to consider is the property taxes. That is where they get you. Make sure your realtor gets you the numbers & you take that into account when deciding on a home. Good luck!

Also, the humidity sucks. No getting around it.

[Texas User]

I love Katy!