77079 vs 77024 ? (West, Howe, Stratford: houses, schools, vs.)

[nismom]

We dont want to be pushed to the burbs if we can avoid it at all . I see your point about 77024 , waiting to buy there might only make the market go upwards... There are some good listings in 77079 within 700K though ... thoughts?

10934 Saint Marys Ln, Houston, TX 77079 - HAR.com

14022 Perthshire Rd, Houston, TX 77079 - HAR.com

Originally Posted by ToyYot

With your budget you really need to look somewhere other than 77024, $700k just isn't realistic and is a stretch even in 77079 east of Kirkwood. I live in Nottingham Forest, west of Kirkwood, zoned to Meadow Wood, Spring Forest and Stratford. Your budget is fine here and even better west of Dairy Ashford.

Most kids attend public here, many do go private too. None of these schools rock the ratings on paper but I suggest you tour the schools, walk the neighborhood and talk to the people who live here. These a good public schools and the neighborhoods have a lot to offer with park access and adjacent shops and services. No doubt the ratings and SFMS will improve with three big apartment complexes being razed but the diversity will still be here in the remaining condos and apartments.

The Oak Forest suggestion is a good one too, and with 77055 you can spend what you save on house sending the kids private. Not a bad option either if you're just not comfortable with public schools as some on here clearly aren't - not that there's anything wrong with that, we plan to keep that option on the back burner. Going private opens up some great housing choices much with a much better commute.

What's good about this area is the location. It serves the EC and Westchase in the same way West U serves downtown and the Med center. And the Galleria isn't too bad a commute either. Access to the I-10, Westheimer, City Centre, Town & County etc. is great. These neighborhoods do not exist in some special bubble where they would depreciate in the order of 20% while the rest of Houston is sitting pretty. That's just not realisitic.

I thought the commute from Sugarland to Downtown wasn't too bad, have you looked there?

[nismom]

Also , ToyYot , your honest reply made think...need to work on that promotion real quick

[gwarnecke]

Those places look nice...although either probably could've been gotten for $150k less a couple of years ago.

If you're considering homes from this vintage, place a premium on those that have upgraded plumbing, electrical panel, A/C, insulation, windows, etc... Flippers are quick to lay down new carpeting and deck out the kitchen in stainless and granite, but many will shy away from the more-expensive system upgrades. Also, a tip unique to this side of 77079...steer clear of the Long Point Fault Line. If that Saint Marys house isn't on it, it's pretty close to it. Long Point Fault homes are pretty much the only ones in this 'hood that sit on the market for long.

[TXbywayof]

Nismom, we looked at the house on St. Marys! Don't think it is worth the price at all. As you can see, there is a reason for it sitting on the market, plus I believe there has been a price reduction. You can easily hear the traffic on I-10. It has zero curb appeal in person. There were a number of people attending the open house a few weeks ago and I never saw a pending. They did a pretty nice job with the kitchen but it has this awkward high cabinet area. The family room is also an awkward space, if I recall correctly. Master was blah. Not a basic rectangle but I remember it being cut off somewhere. I'm sure there will be another open house on this one soon. This area is doing a lot of tear downs and rebuilds.

[ToyYot]

[SIZE=3]The Perthshire Rd house is on a cul-de-sac opening out onto Kirkwood, a major thoroughfare. This effectively cuts off the house from the neighborhood. In this house you are, in effect, not living in a neighborhood at all! A big part of the appeal of this area is the neighborhood feel and how kids can ride their bikes safely to their friends house, school, etc, etc.. Also, being overlooked by the Bateswood Apts would be a negative for most.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]This house has been for sale for some time for a reason.[/SIZE]

[nismom]

12302 Barryknoll Ln, Houston, TX 77024 - HAR.com

29 Bayou Shadows St, Houston, TX 77024 - HAR.com

??

[EasilyAmused]

Barryknoll...that's the Mall and the Hospital right there! Also you back to the commercial alley way for restaurants...4 am deliveries anyone?

The Bayou Shadows place might not be all that bad. But those are all older, retirees in there. No access to friends or other neighborhoods. Flooding.Horrible traffic noise, and not to mention terrible traffic just to get in or leave home during rush hours. Flat roof nightmare as well.

If these are you choices, it would be better to buy north of the freeway and go private , or buy a townhouse in Somerset or Ethans Glen.

Ps, I don't mind commenting on location, but commenting on an individual's dwelling seems wrong to me. This could turn into a "Trash That House " thread really fast.

[ToyYot]

Originally Posted by nismom

12302 Barryknoll Ln, Houston, TX 77024 - HAR.com

29 Bayou Shadows St, Houston, TX 77024 - HAR.com

??

Barryknoll - absolutely hideous location!!
Bayou - also on Gessner, that's a tough sell.

I sense you're a bit hung up on the zip code?!

[hendersj31]

The Barryknoll house is on the corner. The Gessner traffic will be relentless, not to mention the mall and hospital. It backs up to the retail on Kingsride as well.

Originally Posted by nismom

12302 Barryknoll Ln, Houston, TX 77024 - HAR.com

29 Bayou Shadows St, Houston, TX 77024 - HAR.com

??

[nismom]

Hung up on the schools

Originally Posted by ToyYot

Barryknoll - absolutely hideous location!!
Bayou - also on Gessner, that's a tough sell.

I sense you're a bit hung up on the zip code?!