What do you think of Bridgeland? (Houston, Sugar Land: homes, YMCA, construction)

[The Gem]

We were in town last week and got to see Katy and Sugar Land, but didn't have time to check out Bridgeland or Cypress Creek Lakes. For those familiar with that area, I'd love your impressions.

--It seems they are more naturally wooded than the prairies of Katy. True?
--We are a bit concerned about moving into an already established section of Cinco Ranch and then finding that the neighbors are not friendly or looking to make friends b/c they have been there for a lot longer. We could build in Cinco to perhaps avoid this, but it seems that the lots are nicer in Bridgeland. (Our price range is 300-400)
--I saw some of the pics posted by *I think* Mr. Football and the Cypress area looks to be a bit more naturally pristine.
--What about amenities near Bridgeland like a YMCA, etc.?
--I know everyone raves about the Katy schools, but what about Cy-Fair Schools?

TIA! Any and all comments are welcome. (Oh, if it makes a difference, husband works in energy corridor.)

[charris911]

The developments near 290 and Fry Road, Bridgeland, Blackhorse and CCL are very pleaseant. Mr. Football could direct you to some areas that do not feel as "cookie-cutter" as Cinco Ranch.

[DJboutit]

290 is gonna have major construction starting next years lasting for 3 or 4 years so if I were you I would stay away from 290.

[The Gem]

When you say "stay away from 290" do you mean the Cypress area all together or just that route? Would there be other ways to the energy corridor or are we stuck using 290? I also heard there is a park and ride to the energy corridor. Any info on that?

[PennsylTexan]

My wife and I purchased in Bridgeland about two months ago as we moved here from Central PA (job relocations). We love the community! There are so many wide open spaces and the people in the community are very nice. The commute on 290 is not fun, but what commute in Houston is fun? For the price range and future re-sale value, we landed on Bridgeland. We could have purchased a bigger cheaper home in Cypress Creek Lakes, but Bridgeland just seems nicer. We purchased an inventory home with Village Builders, whom I highly recommend. Good Luck!

[Texas Mack]

Originally Posted by The Gem

When you say "stay away from 290" do you mean the Cypress area all together or just that route? Would there be other ways to the energy corridor or are we stuck using 290? I also heard there is a park and ride to the energy corridor. Any info on that?

If you chose to live in Bridgeland, you wouldn't really need to use US 290 (aka the Northwest Freeway) at all to get to the Energy Corridor. You could take Fry Road south to the Katy Freeway and only have to deal with heavy traffic from about Barker Cypress Road to Eldridge Road (depending on where specifically you were going within the Energy Corridor). Of course, by this time next year, 90% of the construction on the Katy Freeway should be done, including all of it pertaining to that section of the Katy, so traffic should be a little better.

I like the homes in Bridgeland. The developer, I believe, is the same as what built much of the homes around Columbia, Maryland, near Washington. They expect to have about 40,000 residents at build out in the next 15-20 years.

[Premont]

There is a park and ride right there near Highway 6 and I-10 that might help if you choose Bridgeland. (Not sure if it goes to 290 or not) The length of your commute will also depend where the job site is. It's easier if it's off 10, but it could be more south down Eldridge or Enclave Parkway. With all the people coming to and from Katy on 10, you can run into a lot of traffic in that area. The traffic's not too bad when you go on Barker Cypress or Fry, but it's a bit of a drive. I'd recommend finding out where the job site is and taking the drive once during rush hour and decide if it's worth the extra gas and time. I live in the energy corridor and I've made these commutes before. I'd say it's easier to get to Sugar Land than Cy-Fair, so don't rule out Sugar Land. Bridgeland is really nice though and the Cy-Fair schools are good. I'd go to the Great Schools website if you want to research schools. GreatSchools.net

[Mr. Football]

Feel free to check out my Cypress photos:

Flickr: Photos from longwood_cypress

[Mr. Football]

I commute from Longwood in Cypress over to Westchase, it takes me between 30-45 minutes.

[Judysfinds]

What would be the areas to look in near Energy Corridor in the $400m range. Thanks