Empty nesters neighborhoods (Houston, Sugar Land, Pearland: appointed, apartment, rental)

[kib96]

We live in the Galleria area, and my parents (recent retirees) are considering a move to Houston to be closer. They want to downsize, and would prefer to spend under $500k and prefer new construction. Considering townhomes, etc. I would love for them to end up near River Oaks (Gray/Waugh), so there is a lot in walking distance, but I don't think their budget will allow. They are coming from a luxury golf community in the country, so this move will be a culture change.

Any suggestions for parts of town for the best community and location?

[EasilyAmused]

My in-laws just went through the same thing. But the problem was many , if not all,of those townhouses have three floors, no elevator shaft, with second floor kitchen/living and a third floor master. After months, the decided there was no way "their old dogs and their old knees" could take that. They only live in Houston a few months of the year, and didn't want the hassles of home ownership and taxes.

They ended up renting at 7 Riverway, in the Omni Hotel complex just outside the loop. Dog friendly, no size restrictions. Very green all around it.I think the one bedroom plus study is under 3k a month. It's very much like the Houstonian, full service 24/7 everything. They do walk to Uptown Park, and the New Post Oak Blvd., but admit they will drive the mile now that it's hit 85 degrees. But they go to the bar over at the Omni all the time, get discounts on the rooms for visitors, as well as special spa pricing. They love it. Lock and leave to travel.

I would show them both townhouse and luxury high rise options. Their are many luxury high-rise rental options right on Post Oak, most built within the past 10 years. With renting, if it ends up they don't like the situation, they can try something else.

[kib96]

Thank you, Easily Amused. I like this idea and will pass it along!

[Houston321]

They have some real nice one story townhomes at Imperial in Sugar Land. Not sure if that is too far though. Just a suggestion.

[rockinar]

I had one of those 3 story townhomes on Washington. New construction. IT SUCKS. I'm pretty young and could not stand it. Everytime you want to go into a different room, you have to go up/down a flight of stairs. It gets old real quick.

[DejaBlue]

If they're old knees can stand sitting in a car there are nice townhomes outside of the Loop. In town is highrise city and those 3 story things.

There are a lot of house looking townhomes in the suburbs. Bedrooms up, living, kitchen down and 2 stories OR just simple one story places. In every direction away from the Loop. SL, Pearland, Katy, Spring, you name it.

[TallGreengrass]

I would focus on a one story option be it condo/apartment style or a patio style home. I have friends whose still youngish parents sold the house in the 'burbs and moved into town to be closer to work and their kids. Their tastefully appointed 3 story, fabulously located town home got real old real fast when the mom broke her leg and had to live downstairs in the guest bedroom.

I would also try to find something as close to you as possible. 65 is young but at 75 things start acting up and it's nice to be closer than farther if you find yourself in a healthcare situation with your parents.

I really liked the idea one poster had about the place on Post Oak. That sounds ideal.

[TallGreengrass]

Not Post Oak, the Omni on Riverway. That sounds like a great option.