Moving to Houston, don't know where to start! (Spring, Bellaire: new home, neighborhood)

[westres1]

You might be able to get something in 77079 zoned to Stratford

[Oildog]

Good areas near energy corridor and Katy...keep in mind the freeway to that area (I-10 or Katy Freeway) is 21 lanes wide. Caveat emptor.

[xiabelle]

Originally Posted by westres1

You might be able to get something in 77079 zoned to Stratford

I was thinking that area too.

Depending on how much of a commute you want, The Woodlands does have a lot of what you're looking for but the commute will easily be 90 minutes. Traffic on 45 gets nasty north of 2920, and getting out of The Woodlands takes forever. We ended up a little south in Klein for both budget and commute reasons. Schools aren't as highly sought after as some of The Woodlands schools, but we're happy enough with them. We would have gone north to The Woodlands or Imperial Oaks had we not found what we were looking for in Klein, though.

[ToyYot]

Not so sure I understand the Meyerland, Bellaire, Sugarland suggestions - seems to be the the wrong side of town traffic wise.

It's a 30 minute commute in the morning to AIG from 77079. Coming home is a bit different but you can take Memorial all the way home and avoid the freeway altogether. $500k is a stretch but doable in the current housing market. Ticks all the boxes.

[Oildog]

Townhome in Rice Military, near Memorial Park? Or do you need a yard...schools aren't that bad, or go private.

[cheryjohns]

I second 77079. That Memorial drive is pretty pleasant.

[shanv3]

Originally Posted by HoustonConfusion

Hi, We are moving to Houston from suburban NY. Having never been to Houston in my life, I don't know where to start when it comes to looking for the right community for us. I will be flying over to check out neighbourhoods before we move.

The basic things we need are:

Great schools, particularly middle and high schools - this is our biggest priority by far.
We don't want to spend any more than $500k.
Decent grocery stores and not too far from shopping, movies, etc
Parks/trails to walk the dogs
Safe, friendly neighbourhood.
Commutable to the Allen Pkwy area. When I google areas, such as Cinco Ranch, it says 32 minutes drive but what is that in real terms when it comes to the rush hours?

Any advice would be gratefully received. Thanks

River Oaks , Bellaire, Meyerland are closer to Allen parkway.

Briargrove Park is a nice little area but not sure which schools they are zoned to. But has a good number of private schools nearby.

If you are so specific about schools, google SPring branch district. But with a budget of 500k, you might only end up North of I-10.The Memorial area South of I-10 is probably the richest areas in Houston.

If you want only schools and sacrifice everything else move to Katy/Cinco Ranch, Sugarland etc. This is my personal opinion about these highly sought after places.

Also keep telling yourself often that Houston is not NY, that will help you to "like" the new city.

[txdemo]

Originally Posted by ToyYot

Not so sure I understand the Meyerland, Bellaire, Sugarland suggestions - seems to be the the wrong side of town traffic wise.

Sugar Land is definitely too far. Meyerland and Bellaire are only 25 minutes maximum during a heavy rush hour to Allen Parkway.

[kchaturv]

I normally make it to office on allen pkwy from sugar land in 35-45 mins. Granted I can afford to start past 9 AM though

[bilz987]

Originally Posted by txdemo

Sugar Land is definitely too far. Meyerland and Bellaire are only 25 minutes maximum during a heavy rush hour to Allen Parkway.

OP wants good middle and high for under 500K. Will be difficult in those neighborhoods.