Flooding (Houston, Sugar Land, Pearland: insurance, lender, new house)

[jperlewitz]

Hello all,

I've heard that some areas in Houston are prone to flooding. Can you tell me what areas I need to be wary of. I am interested in areas like Fall Creek, Heights, Timbergrove, Garden Oaks, Sugar Land, and Pearland. Do any of these areas have issues with flooding? Thanks

[Supermac34]

The flooding in Houston can be different street to street. The general rule is that water flows down to the ship channel and the gulf, so the first area to be inundated is closer to that area. Also, the coastal areas also are more prone to storm surge during a hurricane.

That being said, there is flooding in every part of the city. You need to check out the flood plain maps. I don't remember the link, but its out there, maybe search the forum. Its amazing how you can be 100 yards from one flood zone, and be in an area with no flooding.

[Wysiwyg]

try this one
Harris County / Houston Texas Flood Zone Map (broken link)

also ask the seller/builder when youre shopping

[Poltracker]

Originally Posted by jperlewitz

Hello all,

I've heard that some areas in Houston are prone to flooding. Can you tell me what areas I need to be wary of. I am interested in areas like Fall Creek, Heights, Timbergrove, Garden Oaks, Sugar Land, and Pearland. Do any of these areas have issues with flooding? Thanks

There is flooding and there is Flooding. Just about any street in Houston will flood if there is enough rain all at once, it generally does not last long. General street flooding usually does not endanger homes or businesses. Now major Flooding where homes are effected is another issue. All of the areas listed have parts that do flood. Fall Creek is a little new to tell yet, but based on the area history it is likely to have some flooding. Pearland may also have problems with storm surge during a major hurricane. During Allison, most of Garden Oaks, parts of the Heights, and the part of Timber Grove closest to White Oak Bayou did flood (homes near Ella and west of there were fine). Garden Oaks sustained little damage as most of the homes there are on block and beam foundations about 1 1/2 ft above the ground, slab homes or additions did not fare as well (nearby Oak Forest was real bad off). Not as familiar with Sugarland or Pearland on flood issues.
Also be sure to check the FIRM maps (link attached) and the FEMA floodsmart site (also attached):

Floodsmart.gov: Your premier resource for flood insurance information

FEMA Map Service Center -

[Poltracker]

Originally Posted by Wysiwyg

try this one
Harris County / Houston Texas Flood Zone Map (broken link)

also ask the seller/builder when youre shopping

Be careful when you ask a builder...they sometimes unintentionally prevaricate. Since there wasn't a house there before they can actually tell the truth when they say it hasn't flooded before. This doesn't mean it will not flood now that a houses and streets are there. Some folks in Deer Park found that out with TS Erin last year. Sad to see folks move into a brand new house only to see it flood 2 days later and they did not have flood insurance because the "builder" told them the area doesn't flood or was not in a flood zone. Construction can drastically change water run-off patterns.

[Wysiwyg]

Originally Posted by Poltracker

Be careful when you ask a builder...they sometimes unintentionally prevaricate. Since there wasn't a house there before they can actually tell the truth when they say it hasn't flooded before. This doesn't mean it will not flood now that a houses and streets are there. Some folks in Deer Park found that out with TS Erin last year. Sad to see folks move into a brand new house only to see it flood 2 days later and they did not have flood insurance because the "builder" told them the area doesn't flood or was not in a flood zone. Construction can drastically change water run-off patterns.

thats true. i guess the intention is to fish for a 'yes BUT flood insurance is cheap' statement. I did get these from realtors when i was shopping.

thats a good link BTW. now i'm curious why my house looks like its on top of a hill and surrounded by flood zones with higher priced homes. also having seen our uber large water retention areas i do not think THIS flood will ever happen.

[brownybaby]

Originally Posted by Poltracker

There is flooding and there is Flooding. Just about any street in Houston will flood if there is enough rain all at once, it generally does not last long. General street flooding usually does not endanger homes or businesses. Now major Flooding where homes are effected is another issue. All of the areas listed have parts that do flood. Fall Creek is a little new to tell yet, but based on the area history it is likely to have some flooding. Pearland may also have problems with storm surge during a major hurricane. During Allison, most of Garden Oaks, parts of the Heights, and the part of Timber Grove closest to White Oak Bayou did flood (homes near Ella and west of there were fine). Garden Oaks sustained little damage as most of the homes there are on block and beam foundations about 1 1/2 ft above the ground, slab homes or additions did not fare as well (nearby Oak Forest was real bad off). Not as familiar with Sugarland or Pearland on flood issues.
Also be sure to check the FIRM maps (link attached) and the FEMA floodsmart site (also attached):

Floodsmart.gov: Your premier resource for flood insurance information

FEMA Map Service Center -

The parts affected by flooding in Oak Forest were closer to the bayous and park. Many areas in Oak Forest were not affected.

[Poltracker]

I was house hunting around that time and saw so many flooded houses being fixed up and flipped in Oak Forest, one I looked at had partially flooded it backed up to 43rd and was well away from the bayou. The house I put a bid on in Garden Oaks had a ground level converted garage that flooded but the main part of the house did not, didn't win that house but I'm real happy with the one I got and the community I now live in.

[garxhap]

If you are in the 100 year flood plain, you will probably be required by the lender to buy flood insurance. If you are not, I would suggest probably buying it anyway because it should be pretty cheap. At least get a quote.

[texas7]

Parts of Pearland do flood - you just have to check the flood maps and ask the neighbors and longtime residents in the immediate area.