Possibly relocating from Pittsburgh - need suggestions on where to live (Houston: relocation, tornadoes)

[NinaS1]

Hi,

My husband, son and I may be relocating to Houston in 2008. I'm starting my research on where to live and thought this forum would be a good place to start. My husband's job would be in the Greenspoint (not sure I have the spelling right) area. I'm a stay-at-home mom. We'd like to live someplace that is not more than a 20-30 minute commute from his job. To give you some information on us, we are late 30's, and our son is 2 (we're working on another child now :-). We're basically homebodies, but like good restaurants and family-friendly activities. In terms of an area to live, we'd like a safe, close-knit neighborhood with lots of trees. Close to shopping, church and play areas for our son. Someplace where we could find some sweet friends because, if we are in Texas, our closest family will be my sister, who lives in Florida with her family. Schools aren't a big concern right now, but if we are still there when our son starts school, I want to send him to a Catholic school. Also, I am terrified of tornadoes. Don't know if this will help with your recommendation, but thought I'd add it. Hope this gives you enough info. Thank you in advance for your help!

[kpoeppel]

Hi NinaS1,

I'm another western PA native thinking of moving to Houston (when I'm done with school). I'm fed up with the pathetic economy in western PA.

From what I've read on this forum, Greenspoint specifically is not a good area. However, since it's on the north side of town, you could probably live in a place called "The Woodlands" which is a master-planned community north of Houston with lots of trees, as the name implies. The only caveat is that I think it is a bit expensive. I'm not sure of your financial situation, but if you can afford it, I've heard lots of good things about the Woodlands.

[modster]

It depends upon what kind of house you want. Within a 30 minute commute to the north, northwest and northeast are miles & miles of various developments with larger homes at great prices. The popularity of many of these areas is driven in large part by the attraction of the good public schools. There are private schools, but not to the extent that you would find in the city.

If you go within 30 minutes going towards town, you could go into areas such as Garden Oaks, Candlelight Plaza, Heights & Timbergrove Manor. These are more mature areas and are more costly due to their access to downtown, Galleria, sporting events, etc., Despite being older these areas are home to a lot of young families now.

A lot depends upon price range and size needed.

[modster]

Originally Posted by kpoeppel

Hi NinaS1,

I'm another western PA native thinking of moving to Houston (when I'm done with school). I'm fed up with the pathetic economy in western PA.

From what I've read on this forum, Greenspoint specifically is not a good area. However, since it's on the north side of town, you could probably live in a place called "The Woodlands" which is a master-planned community north of Houston with lots of trees, as the name implies. The only caveat is that I think it is a bit expensive. I'm not sure of your financial situation, but if you can afford it, I've heard lots of good things about the Woodlands.

The Woodlands has all different types of housing stock. You can get into it for a very reasonable price.

http://search.har.com/engine/dispSea...0&backButton=Y

[cma01]

The Woodland's is closest to Greenspoint, but everything you're describing Kingwood has. It's in the city of Houston, but feels more like a small town.

Wherever you move, definitely test the drive to where you're husband will be working.

[Supermac34]

Check out the Spring/Klein/Champions area. It would be a short commute to Greenspoint, but you would be in a nice area of Houston with good schools. Depending on your price point, there are still some nice custom areas going up (The Falls, Windrose, Champion Woods, ect.) as well as some nice tract areas as well. If you are looking for new homes, the Woodlands is going to be about 20-25% more in price or less house. Try searching 77379 on har.com.

[NinaS1]

Thanks for the responses to my post re. possible relocation from Pittsburgh. I'm going to research your suggestions and will get back with more questions, I'm sure.

[texas7]

Have a co-worker who lives off of 1960 and says he and his wife won't go anywhere in the triangle of 1960, hwy. 248 and Beltway 8 at night - so steer clear of neighborhoods in that triangle. Police just did a sting along 1960 - all upper income areas around there because of the open gunfire between thugs running around at night .. hopefully they cleared them up - don't believe they lived in the area - just came around at night to cruise 1960 -

[Mustang1]

45 & 1960 is shady at night, not 249/1960

[Mustang1]

anyway, to the west: champions, glennloch farms,west rd/beltway 8 area