Commute times significantly worse after I-10 expansion - Interesting read (Houston: home, transfer to)

[bilz987]

Originally Posted by afterdark80

Again, as you demonstrate here, there is always tradeoff.
If it only took 20 minutes to get downtown from Katy at peak rush hour, real estate in Katy would be much more cost prohibitive.

True, but you said a house twice as big in Katy for the same amount of money. It is a lot less money. There is not much of an option for most people if they want good public schools.

[d2mini]

The "600k teardown" comment is also a gross exaggeration.
There is also way too much fear mongering over city schools, and things are only improving as areas are being repopulated by young professionals vs the low income minorities with uninvolved parents. Do your job as a parent, get involved with the PTA, etc.
Or like said, choose a private school. You can still get a livable house in the oak forest area for $350k or one completely remodeled for $450k. Or if you just have to have the 3000+ sq ft brand new custom house look to spend around 7-900k.

[bilz987]

Originally Posted by d2mini

The "600k teardown" comment is also a gross exaggeration.
There is also way too much fear mongering over city schools, and things are only improving as areas are being repopulated by young professionals vs the low income minorities with uninvolved parents. Do your job as a parent, get involved with the PTA, etc.
Or like said, choose a private school. You can still get a livable house in the oak forest area for $350k or one completely remodeled for $450k. Or if you just have to have the 3000+ sq ft brand new custom house look to spend around 7-900k.

600k teardown is not an exaggeration if you want avg to good K-12 based on ratings. That's not to say the low rated schools aren't improving.

You are hard pressed to find a completely remodeled home zoned to OFE for $450K.

Yes, you can choose private school, but my point is that it is way more expensive to live in the city than it is to live in the suburbs and private school adds to that cost. The argument that you can get everything you can get in the suburbs minus some square footage for the same price in the city is misleading to people who don't know the market.

[d2mini]

Originally Posted by bilz987

my point is that it is way more expensive to live in the city than it is to live in the suburbs and private school adds to that cost.

Not arguing that at all, nor would anyone else I don't think. Just that your examples ARE exaggerated.
You just need to expect to be in a smaller home without the MPC amenities, not a McMansion. And look at the full picture, like property taxes for instance.
It's certainly possible to make the switch and keep your net monthly budget the same, or just a little increase. Depending on your personal lifestyle, it could mean a dramatic improvement in quality of life. Or not so much. Everyone is different and you need to decide what's worth giving up vs what you'll gain.

[Lowexpectations]

Originally Posted by d2mini

The "600k teardown" comment is also a gross exaggeration.
There is also way too much fear mongering over city schools, and things are only improving as areas are being repopulated by young professionals vs the low income minorities with uninvolved parents. Do your job as a parent, get involved with the PTA, etc.
Or like said, choose a private school. You can still get a livable house in the oak forest area for $350k or one completely remodeled for $450k. Or if you just have to have the 3000+ sq ft brand new custom house look to spend around 7-900k.

There aren't many if any complelty remodeled houses in OF for 450k I think that's stretch

[bilz987]

Originally Posted by d2mini

Not arguing that at all, nor would anyone else I don't think. Just that your examples ARE exaggerated.
You just need to expect to be in a smaller home without the MPC amenities, not a McMansion. And look at the full picture, like property taxes for instance.
It's certainly possible to make the switch and keep your net monthly budget the same, or just a little increase. Depending on your personal lifestyle, it could mean a dramatic improvement in quality of life. Or not so much. Everyone is different and you need to decide what's worth giving up vs what you'll gain.

I have been looking in multiple neighborhoods around the city for a while. No exaggeration at all.

I am not arguing that suburbia is preferable to city life. I actually prefer the city. However, square footage is not the only thing you give up when you move into the city, contrary to what a previous poster implied. Most families cannot afford to live in the city and put their kids into good schools, so unless they are willing to compromise on schools, the decision is essentially made for them.

[d2mini]

Originally Posted by bilz987

I have been looking in multiple neighborhoods around the city for a while. No exaggeration at all.

I am not arguing that suburbia is preferable to city life. I actually prefer the city. However, square footage is not the only thing you give up when you move into the city, contrary to what a previous poster implied. Most families cannot afford to live in the city and put their kids into good schools, so unless they are willing to compromise on schools, the decision is essentially made for them.

I still partially agree with you and we just escaped from Katy/Fulshear this year.
Everything I said applies. Just comes down to priorities.

[d2mini]

Originally Posted by Lowexpectations

There aren't many if any complelty remodeled houses in OF for 450k I think that's stretch

We were looking at one at 490k that was not just a remodel, but a complete gut job and addition added. Basically a brand new house outside of the slab and exterior framing. Even a new driveway. But this was Steven's elementary so that was the only downside. Great location too, right on the TC Jester trail system.

[txstate]

More HOV lanes and Toll lanes than anything feel like they could have made more main lanes.

[Lowexpectations]

Originally Posted by d2mini

We were looking at one at 490k that was not just a remodel, but a complete gut job and addition added. Basically a brand new house outside of the slab and exterior framing. Even a new driveway. But this was Steven's elementary so that was the only downside. Great location too, right on the TC Jester trail system.

What's the address?