We're Moving to Houston (The Woodlands, Mission: apartment, to rent, home)

[DejaBlue]

Originally Posted by Ghost Town

Word 'partner' instead of fiancee or girlfriend sounds kind of suspicious...

Um...not really. It sounds gay to me. This is 2018. When people use "partner" instead of wife, girlfriend, boyfriend, fiancee, to me it signals gay and wanting to be ambiguous with their sexuality and gender.

"Partner" could be men or women.'


I have 2 couple sets of neighbors who are male gay couples and they are nice as hell and they have dogs so we socialize and walk together when our dogs spot each other. I've been the in suburbs my whole life and I can't think of any area not really being welcoming.

[fbf2006]

Just to throw this out there as I'm in another forum and partner typically just means the person they're with (married or unmarried). They're typically individuals of opposite sex with kids, but could be anything really. It's a UK forum though, but just wanted to put it out there in case y'all meet someone from there that uses that term .

Carry on.

[descovy]

Since you want to live in the suburbs (as that is what a 220k budget will allow) but don’t know where you will be working, I suggest Spring/Klein along Hwy 249. For commuting purposes you would take 249 to Beltway 8 loop in whatever direction work takes you.

290 (Cypress) is unbearable.
I-10 West would be ok, except Katy can be an hour away from downtown in rush hour. And your budget can’t afford much closer in to town.
I-45 has the same issues as I-10. Closer in along 45 is questionable. And while The Woodlands is nice, it is hella far from downtown/galleria if your jobs end up there.

249 is a lesser traveled roadway in pretty decent condition. Lots of pretty suburban homes in the trees.

[fbf2006]

I'm between 249 and 290 in Cypress, close to Tomball. Like descovy said, there are many nice areas close to 249 on either the Klein or Tomball (or Houston) sides. I'm told 290 is only getting better though, but I don't commute right now.

Olde Oaks is probably fine for you (since schools don't matter?).

[Thoreau424]

Since the OP has clarified, it would be better to recommend the most extreme blue areas, like along the lines of Montrose. You know what I'm sayin' (wink wink). Although many areas might work, there's no need to make life overly difficult. Or, consider other cities in an Austin-ish vein. Coming from CA, TX might not even be the best choice. Be open to other states too. You might be exchanging a CA misery for a very different line of TX misery.

It's not good to say "moving to ______ (wherever)" without visiting first and truly understanding (up close and personal) what the potential area is like; a reality check. Check first, research, and then say "moving to".

[Mr. Clutch]

Originally Posted by Thoreau424

Since the OP has clarified, it would be better to recommend the most extreme blue areas, like along the lines of Montrose. You know what I'm sayin' (wink wink). Although many areas might work, there's no need to make life overly difficult. Or, consider other cities in an Austin-ish vein. Coming from CA, TX might not even be the best choice. Be open to other states too. You might be exchanging a CA misery for a very different line of TX misery.

It's not good to say "moving to ______ (wherever)" without visiting first and truly understanding (up close and personal) what the potential area is like; a reality check. Check first, research, and then say "moving to".

OP, let me clarify for you since there's clearly some gaslighting going on. You may live anywhere you would like to live. Two gay men living anywhere in the Houston metro isn't out of the ordinary. My cousin who lives in a very conservative area (The Woodlands) has gay neighbors that have been there a lot longer than he has and seem quite happy. Any neighborhood in Houston will have same-sex households. While there are some areas that are more obviously eclectic, gay-bashing isn't a thing in Houston, whether you're talking about the city and the suburbs, though some clearly would like it to be. There's nowhere I can think of in the metro that you should actively avoid. If you find a place you like, go for it, and be secure in the fact that your chances of having an issue due to your sexuality are extremely slim. No need to fear some of the small-mindedness being displayed in this forum (and it sounds like you have thick skin anyway, so you should be fine ).

[westres1]

To get back to the original subject: I strongly suggest you rent before buying. If you buy in the Woodlands, for example, and you get offered a dream job in Clear Lake, that will be a horrible commute until you sell your house.
I would rent somewhere central until you decide.

[PinkLadyK]

How long of a commute are you comfortable with?

[OurMove]

Thanks to all for the input. We looked in to renting first but the downside is that most landlords in areas I'd like to rent in want a one year commitment. Short term rentals only seem to be available in the not so great inner city areas, based on what I have found.


Thoreau424, contrary to what most people believe, not all same sex gay couples are "blue"!


The good is that we plan to live with a family member in South, TX by Hobby before purchasing. this will afford us the time we need to check out many more areas suggested in the forum.


as for traffic, yes i would like to avoid it but i know it's not always possible. I currently live 25 miles outside of Los Angeles. My morning commute is a breeze but my afternoon commute is at least 1.5 hours a day. I also commute to three offices weekly from LA to the Orange County area an in between, meaning I am always on the road and very much used to the traffic rush hours.


thanks again!

[PinkLadyK]

So your only criteria are:
$220 budget
not in the city
established neighborhood/older homes
racially/culturally diverse neighborhood

Is that right?