Commute from Bridgeland to enery corridor (Houston, Spring: 2009, homes, neighborhoods)

[The Gem]

We're possibly relocating to Houston from Chicago. My husband will be working in the energy corridor. Bridgeland looks nice, but it's hard to tell what kind of commute it'll be from the Northwest developments. We have a toddler and a dog, are looking for something that is no more than $450,000 or so. (We're coming from Chicago, so we are surprised at the housing cost difference!) Where else should we look? I googled Barkers Landing, Lakes on Eldrige, Rock Creek, and Bridgeland, after reading about them on this forum. Not sure about price range differences/reputations among those communities. Schools are also important. We are public school people and will not be sending out kids to private schools. Thoughts on our options? We are total Midwesterners and have no clue where to begin. I did check out HAR.com as well, but it's hard to use when I am not sure of the areas.

[Premont]

I think Bridgeland would be too far. 290 to 10 in west Houston is a long drive. Barkers Landing is nice along with Fleetwood right by it. I think those would be in the Katy school district. Lakes on Eldridge - again I think too far. Rock Creek - same area, too far in my opinion. My advice , look into Cinco Ranch (Katy area), or Barkers Landing, Nottingham Forest, or Wilchester (all west Memorial area, Spring Branch school district). Wilchester and Wilchester West

There's also nice homes south of Memorial, closer to Briar Forest. Those are in the HISD district. Some people feel the HISD district isn't up there with Katy and Spring Branch. I know the elementary school in the area, Barbara Bush, is very well regarded.

[Mom2Feebs]

Ah, but the payoff if you're in Bridgeland will be very nice once they complete Segment E of the Grand Parkway (290 to I-10). It is scheduled to be completed in 2009.

I agree with Premont on Cinco Ranch. I think their schools were also just rated as being in the top 5% of Texas schools.

[Mr. Football]

Cypress area is nice and not too far away, especially if you're in Bridgeland. Just head up Fry Rd. to I-10, it'll take about 20 minutes.

Rock Creek is very nice as well as are the neighborhoods all around North Cypress. It's wooded with numerous upscale neighborhoods and great schools. From Rock Creek figure about 40-45 minutes.

There are several routes you can take to get there:

A) 290 to the Beltway
B) Barker Cypress
C) Fry Rd.
D) FM 1960/Hwy 6

If you choose to stick closer to I-10, I highly recommend the neighborhoods along Memorial Dr. in the West Memorial area (Wilchester, Memorial Plaza, Nottingham Forest, etc). These homes are older (1960's), but most are tastefully updated. Very handsome neighborhoods, good schools.

Click here for a bunch of Photos of Cypress Neighborhoods

[The Gem]

Thanks for the pics, Mr. Football.

There are so many options! We're looking forward to hearing more from my husband's job about when we will relocate.

[h2obuff]

The majority of the buyers in Bridgeland actually work in the Energy Corridor (it is Bridgeland's target market) so you will be in good company as far as commuting. Aslo, like it was stated, once the Grand Parkway goes in, it will just get better.

As far as schools, kids and dogs, I think Bridgeland is a great option. Great Cy-fair schools, lots of kids in the neighborhood, with lots of open space and trails. I think it will be a perfect place to raise a child.

[Guerilla]

Originally Posted by h2obuff

The majority of the buyers in Bridgeland actually work in the Energy Corridor (it is Bridgeland's target market) so you will be in good company as far as commuting. Aslo, like it was stated, once the Grand Parkway goes in, it will just get better.

As far as schools, kids and dogs, I think Bridgeland is a great option. Great Cy-fair schools, lots of kids in the neighborhood, with lots of open space and trails. I think it will be a perfect place to raise a child.

It may be a while until the Grand Parkway comes in. Not anytime this decade.

[Mr. Football]

The commute over there isn't bad. 30 minutes to 45 at worst.

The worst part is if you're trying to go from 290 to the Beltway. Once you get to the Beltway its fast. Depending on where in the Energy Corridor area you're going, you may not even have to go that way. You could just take Fry straightshot to I-10 or any of the parallel roads to Fry (ie. Barker Cypress, 1960 etc.)

[Guerilla]

Eldridge is also another route, but traffic is bad on it.

[EasilyAmused]

For 450k you can buy IN the Energy Corridor. Of course you would have to put up with an older home with great propety values. Wilchester and Wilchester West and Nottingham Forest, like mentioned above. These are solid neighborhoods with established Houston families and great public schools. Its not like the transiant burbs.
Best thing is you would be 10 minutes from work. I know the xburbs are all shiney and fakely perfect, but I hate seeing people dogging all over Houston when they actually could be having a life outside of work and commuting