Nicest neighborhood within 30 miles of Galveston? (Houston, League City: HOA fees, insurance, house)

[texcawa]

Hi, we are relocating to Houston. We have spent the last 6 years living within walking distance of the beach and I know I will miss that. It's not possible for us to live at the beach in Houston as my husband will need to be in the city 3 days a week, but we'd like to live semi close... thinking maybe Clear Lake or League City, but don't know which neighborhoods are nice. Can you give me an idea of what the feel of the area is? We have three young kids, but don't necessarily have to live around families... just safe and nice. Preferably not ALL old people, but a nice mix would be good.

Thank you!

[Glossa]

Another Californian joining us? Funny how no one says where they're coming from.

If you're used to clean, blue water, you're in for a disappointment. Maybe you've visited Galveston and already know that. I have friends in both Clear Lake and League City and they each love it there.

[14Bricks]

Clear Lake or Kemah

[texcawa]

hi, thank you for your input. We are moving from the Puget Sound area near Seattle. We did live in California near the beach as well, though I consider myself a native Texan, I graduated from UH

I'm mainly looking for specific streets/neighborhoods/etc. I'd love to hear from people that know the area really well, as it's hard to tell the "feel" of a street or neighborhood via google maps. I grew up North of Houston, so I can pinpoint the nicer neighborhoods with a safe happy feeling (if that makes sense), but I don't know the south side at all.

Thank you again for your help!

[crono_clone]

What's your budget? Bay Oaks in Clear Lake and Nassau Bay in Webster are some of the nicest neighborhoods in that area. Basically try not to be too close to Highway 3 or Bay Area Blvd and you should be fine. It's a bit of a sleepy town compared to the hustle and bustle of the North side, hehe

It may not have a beach, but you definitely live close to the water in that area if you choose. Agan, look in Nassau Bay or along Marina Bay Drive and take a look at some of the neighborhoods. If you're visiting soon, it's worth a drive to see what you can find. There's two ways you can take from the highway - Nasa Parkway or Hwy 518. Nasa Parkway takes you through Clear Lake (and past Space Center Houston) and Hwy 518 (turns into E Main Street and then Marina Bay Drive) takes you through League City. Both will have a view of the water as you head east towards Kemah.

If you want something a little more rural, try Friendswood. They have great schools.

[Kuykendall]

I agree with the posters above. There are also nice neighborhoods along both sides of League City Pkwy/96 which is divided by hwy 45. It's just south of 518 and bordered on the east by 146.

The links I've posted give you an idea but you can find homes a little more expensive than these and can find some cheaper in the same areas. I've also included 646 so you can get an idea of that area as well.

https://maps.google.com/?ll=29.50348...bp=11,225,,0,0

https://maps.google.com/?ll=29.48002...cbp=11,90,,0,0

https://maps.google.com/?ll=29.45805...bp=11,225,,0,0

https://maps.google.com/?ll=29.47960...bp=12,225,,0,0

Most of the pics were taken 5 years ago and the area has developed since then.

[texcawa]

thank you both! My husband was just there a couple weeks ago, but didnt go through the area. He goes back at the end of the month and plans to look around more. I will give him this info.

Our budget is... well I'm not sure. Our house here is mid- $500's, but we dont pay for airconditioning, or HOA fees or hurricane insurance and property taxes are cheaper, so when we factor all of that in, our budget may be closer to $400K.

Thank you!

[texas7]

FYI - Nassau Bay is hard to get insurance on now - alot of companies won't cover. League City, Friendswood or Clear Lake are all nice.

[texcawa]

Originally Posted by texas7

FYI - Nassau Bay is hard to get insurance on now - alot of companies won't cover. League City, Friendswood or Clear Lake are all nice.

this is good to know. i noticed prices were lower there. thanks!