Relocating from Ohio to Houston (Sugar Land, Missouri City: insurance, crime, houses)

[cakebaker]

We are going to be relocated to the southern part of Houston for work, just south of Beltway 8 and just west of 288. We lived in Pearland a few years back and do not want to live there again. It was just a bad experience for us. We would like to live in Sugar Land area. We would like a decent size lot (1/3 acre up), 3000 minimum sq. feet living area, 3 car garage, downstairs master, large updated kitchen, prefer a newer home (2005 or newer home), price range of $350,000. What subdivisons are recommended in Sugar Land? I have been told to stay away from Missouri City but anyway to stay away from in Sugar Land due to crime or flooding.
Do you have to have Hurricane Insurance in that area? We did in Pearland because the county touched a part of the Gulf. Our homeowner's insurance was outrageous in Pearland.
Thanks for any help!

[cakebaker]

We are going to be relocated to the southern part of Houston for work, just south of Beltway 8 and just west of 288. We lived in Pearland a few years back and do not want to live there again. It was just a bad experience for us. We would like to live in Sugar Land area. We would like a decent size lot (1/3 acre up), 3000 minimum sq. feet living area, 3 car garage, downstairs master, large updated kitchen, prefer a newer home (2005 or newer home), price range of $350,000. What subdivisons are recommended in Sugar Land? I have been told to stay away from Missouri City but anyway to stay away from in Sugar Land due to crime or flooding.


Do you have to have Hurricane Insurance in that area? We did in Pearland because the county touched a part of the Gulf. Our homeowner's insurance was outrageous in Pearland.

Thanks for any help!

[swopoe]

We moved to Houston from Ohio (Columbus). When we lived in Sugar Land, we did not need Hurricane insurance, and we never had problems with flooding or crime. We live in Richmond now, but are looking to move back to Sugar Land soon. I can't help you on the subdivisions though because I am having trouble with the lot size. For us though, we are looking at Telfair. Good luck.

[cakebaker]

Thank you for the information!

Does anyone have any more information on Sugar Land? Our time is getting close to deciding on a move please help! Thanks so much!

[RPS13]

I don't see that lot size and home age in Sugar Land correlating with your budget at all. The other requirements are the norm in homes in that age and price range.

[FOBolous]

You're going to have a quite a few options if you're looking to spent $350,000. I know you said you want a newer home, BUT if you don't mind an older home...consider looking at Lakes of Brightwater. That's where I grew up. It's technically in Missouri City but drive for a few minutes from the subdivision, you'll be inside Sugar Land. Sugar Land town center is a 10-15 minutes driving from Brightwater. So living there...you get to enjoy all the benefits of living in Sugar Land without the taxes...you're even zoned to schools in Sugar Land (Lexington Creek Elementary, Dulles Middle School, and Dulles High School). You never have to worry about hurricanes in Brightwater. I have never known ANY houses to be damaged because of hurricans in the eight years I lived in that neighborhood.

Not to mention the whole subdivison immaculately maintained. You have a long sidewalk that runs alongside a large lake where you can jog, take an evening stroll, or walk your dogs. The sidewalk is landscaped too so it looks amazing. You can also fish and boat in the lake. In addition, there's a miniforest next to the lake with a playground in the forest for the kids. The houses are HUUUUUUUGE there too.

another older neighborhood that has a lot of character is Sweetwater. It's the original "rich" neighborhood of Sugar Land. But if you insist on newer houses, you can try Riverstone. It's new and the houses are nice. you also might have to head further south down highway 59 pass highway 6 or head north on highway 6 from 59. I'm not familiar with those neighborhoods due to how new they are. All the neighborhoods I'm familiar are the older, original neighborhoods of Sugar Land such as Sweetwater, Quail Valley, First Colony, Sugar Creek, and Sugar Lake.

[bronstew]

What about Greatwood? It's located just down 59 and the schools are very highly rated. You might find something that fits your criteria there. We looked around Sugar Land quite a bit before we bought a house in the EC. I loved the Sweetwater area, Avalon, and Commonwealth but I was shocked at what $350K got us (or didn't get us). Telfair seemed nice too and a bit cheaper. Have heard rave reviews about the elementary school there.

Stock is low everywhere right now and it is a buyer's nightmare. Hopefully that will change by the time you are seriously looking.

[cheryjohns]

The problem is the lot size vs. the price point. In Sugar Land, that starts at about $450K. Every once in a while, one will pop up in Greatwood, built in the 90's.

[EasilyAmused]

Why would you live in Sugurland and work at 288?
The price of gas and tolls will add up to more previous insurance rate you mentioned. Your choice, but you should be aware of the tolls or the insane traffic on 59. Tolls on the westpark or beltway, if you dont want to sit in 59, could run you around 200 a month.

[cakebaker]

Thanks for all the information! Apparently property taxes are very high in Sugar Land! I am assuming no hurricane insurance required? The lot size is negotiable, just a want by my husband. I didn't realize the tolls would be that high on the toll road.

Work is just west of 288 at the Beltway. I will check into the subdivisons recommended and see what I can find!

Any more information would be greatly appreciated!