Neighborhoods/Suburbs convenient to Downtown (Houston, Pasadena: estate, zoned, work)

[lukeache]

Can anybody suggest some neighborhoods or suburbs convenient to downtown Houston? Like I said, I have lived there before, and did not want to repeat the experience of living in Humble-Kingwood area. I was checking some neighborhoods closer to downtown Houston and it seems like it is either total ghetto or super expensive. I was looking for more of a middle class neighborhood, not too far from Downtown, I guess, as close to 610 as possible. I definitely would not live in places like Pasadena, Jacinto City, Channelview, etc, basically some place that has decent schools, middle class, crime relative low(maybe there is no such thing?). Someone here mentioned Pearland, but I was concerned about commute times. Sugar Land was another idea, but 20 miles from downtown, I bet 59 in that area is horrible during rush hour. Any suggestions/ ideas?

[Poltracker]

Try neighborhoods like Timbergrove, Oak Forest, Candlelight Estates on the north side and the Williow Bend area on the southwest side.

[modster]

I thought you asked this before?

Here's Houston Press' pick for 2007

http://www.houstonpress.com/bestof/a...d=605021&year=

[texas7]

Originally Posted by lukeache

Can anybody suggest some neighborhoods or suburbs convenient to downtown Houston? Like I said, I have lived there before, and did not want to repeat the experience of living in Humble-Kingwood area. I was checking some neighborhoods closer to downtown Houston and it seems like it is either total ghetto or super expensive. I was looking for more of a middle class neighborhood, not too far from Downtown, I guess, as close to 610 as possible. I definitely would not live in places like Pasadena, Jacinto City, Channelview, etc, basically some place that has decent schools, middle class, crime relative low(maybe there is no such thing?). Someone here mentioned Pearland, but I was concerned about commute times. Sugar Land was another idea, but 20 miles from downtown, I bet 59 in that area is horrible during rush hour. Any suggestions/ ideas?

You do know that some parts of what is considered very upscale Clear Lake are actually in Pasadena don't you? You can't blast the entire area based on an archaic stereotype. The Endeavour hi-rise on the lake is actually located in Pasadena - million dollar homes with great schools.

[Bike4Life]

There is no such thing as a suburb near downtown Houston. That would be, you choose to live in the urban area or suburb. So, what are you asking is for something in a circle like between like at Gulfgate and Almeda Mall?

[tstone]

Originally Posted by texas7

You do know that some parts of what is considered very upscale Clear Lake are actually in Pasadena don't you? You can't blast the entire area based on an archaic stereotype. The Endeavour hi-rise on the lake is actually located in Pasadena - million dollar homes with great schools.

Yep, this is a big misconception among most folks. They don't realize Pasadena extends that far southeast to Taylor Lake. The only thing stereotypically "Pasadena" about that upscale area is the Celanese chemical plant is essentially in their backyard.

But this is kinda like the way some people think "Clear Lake City" is an actual town... when it's really part of the city of Houston proper. That, and still many people don't know Webster exists and think it's in the "city of Clear Lake."

[modster]

Its the decent school requirement that makes it hard. People who do NOT want to do the Kingwood/Woodlands/Sugarland/Cypress, etc thing and want close in typically have to pay a lot for the areas with good schools close in. There are a couple of areas with good elementary schools, but you would have to get the kids transfered or in private school for possibly middle and definitely High School.

The sections of Parkwest and Westbury zoned to Parker elementary are popular and of course the sections of Oak Forest zoned to Oak Forest Elementary.

Over in my neck of the woods people either get their High Schoolers into the Carnegie Vanguard school, or they send them to Mt. Carmel Welcome to Mount Carmel High School

At the elementary levels a lot of people in Glenbrook send their kids here:

Untitled Document

It is pretty reasonable at less than $5k a year for two kids.

[lukeache]

Thanks for the suggestion, I think Westbury would more like the kind of neighborhood I am looking for. My question now is, Is rush hour traffic on Highway 90 pretty bad too?

[jfre81]

Originally Posted by lukeache

My question now is, Is rush hour traffic on Highway 90 pretty bad too?

I live right off 90/South Main....right at the peak of rush hour it can be bad but otherwise it's a total piece of cake compared to, say, the Katy Freeway (I-10 West). You can go right up Main to downtown or park somewhere (like the South Fannin park and ride) and ride the light rail into downtown. Parking in downtown can be expensive.

[Bike4Life]

Originally Posted by lukeache

Thanks for the suggestion, I think Westbury would more like the kind of neighborhood I am looking for. My question now is, Is rush hour traffic on Highway 90 pretty bad too?

From that area, you can easily bike to work. Just ask your employer wellness center for a shower location. But, if you are like everyone else who must have a car will be okay in traffic. Just try not to hit me while I'm getting ahead in between cars at stop lights.