Commute from Woodlands to Downtown Houston

[chris_ut]

Probably be less stressful to get a divorce than do that commute long term.

[skyrob213]

get over it

[cubssoxfan]

Probably be less stressful to get a divorce than do that commute long term.

True. But the divorce is a lot more expensive (Unless gas goes to $5.00+ a gallon)

[anadyr21]

My job is actually in the 610 loop on the southern side of Houston. On a map it looks like 45 would be faster because it's a direct route, but would taking the 610 loop to 45 be faster?

I'm not sure if my original message for this went through, but even so, it bears repeating. If you're traveling during typical rush hour, it is HORRIBLE. It's even worse on the way back. Starting around 4 or 4:30pm, right around the Post Oak and Westheimer exits, cars creep around 5mph. Then you have to deal with the
610-I45-I20 exchange and trying to move from the far right into the far left lane (along with everyone else) to go north on 45 was nervewracking. Going 610 all the way down used to be a little better, but it's more mileage (I'm not sure if it's still a bit better now) and I felt like I was going out of my way to get to my destination. If I left Spring around 6:30-7am at THE LATEST, traffic was tolerable. Coming back at 5pm, I wanted to tear my hair out every day. Add to that, when it floods (and it will), the last thing I wanted to do is drive that way.

[Wilson77382]

Originally Posted by surfs1st

My wife fell in love with The Woodlands when we were visiting and looking for houses, so I think she has her mind set there. It has good schools, non-existent crime and a community feeling. Besides I'm really not interested in paying the ridiculously high property taxes of Harris County.

My job is actually in the 610 loop on the southern side of Houston. On a map it looks like 45 would be faster because it's a direct route, but would taking the 610 loop to 45 be faster?

You know the crime isn't non-existent, no? The petty stuff out here grates on my nerves. Keep your doors locked, put stuff away, and get security lighting, you should be fine. But don't forget to lock those doors one night! And keep your garage doors closed during the day. It's frustrating, but not any worse than anywhere else, most likely. Avoid the loop as much as possible - stay on 45. Check out this site for commuters... NuRide - the Rewarding Way to Go. Also, about the Hardy... my dh uses I-45 in the mornings and the Hardy on the way home. He says that in the mornings it backs up so bad at the first toll plaza, it's not worth it to him and he's lost any gains before he can even get started. YMMV... everyone finds a system that works for them!

[surfs1st]

Originally Posted by Wilson77382

You know the crime isn't non-existent, no? The petty stuff out here grates on my nerves. Keep your doors locked, put stuff away, and get security lighting, you should be fine. But don't forget to lock those doors one night! And keep your garage doors closed during the day. It's frustrating, but not any worse than anywhere else, most likely. Avoid the loop as much as possible - stay on 45. Check out this site for commuters... NuRide - the Rewarding Way to Go. Also, about the Hardy... my dh uses I-45 in the mornings and the Hardy on the way home. He says that in the mornings it backs up so bad at the first toll plaza, it's not worth it to him and he's lost any gains before he can even get started. YMMV... everyone finds a system that works for them!

We wrote a contract to build a house today in the Woodlands, so I guess I'll have to adjust to the drive in the mornings. It can't be any worse than San Fran and the gas is about a buck cheaper in Houston so really it's a win, win.

We looked at areas closer to the city and South of the city, but they were either high crime (or at least more crime than The Woodlands), questionable locations (i.e. construction, land fills etc...) schools not so great, or HOI was nearly twice what it was in Montgomery county. All in all it could be worse.

[Topaz]

Originally Posted by surfs1st

We wrote a contract to build a house today in the Woodlands, so I guess I'll have to adjust to the drive in the mornings.

You'll probably be very happy. People who live in The Woodlands seem to love it. Just get a subscription to Audible.com and listen to all your favorite authors or subscriptions on the commute.

[Texas Mack]

Originally Posted by surfs1st

We wrote a contract to build a house today in the Woodlands, so I guess I'll have to adjust to the drive in the mornings. It can't be any worse than San Fran and the gas is about a buck cheaper in Houston so really it's a win, win.

We looked at areas closer to the city and South of the city, but they were either high crime (or at least more crime than The Woodlands), questionable locations (i.e. construction, land fills etc...) schools not so great, or HOI was nearly twice what it was in Montgomery county. All in all it could be worse.

Congratulations. If you're into outdoor activities, Lake Woodlands and Lake Conroe offer some fun water sporting opportunities such as skiing. If you like biking, there are some really nice bike excursions I'd recommend, like heading out west on FM 1488 then north on FM 149 through the town of Montgomery, then back east on FM 1097 around Lake Conroe and into Willis (nice scenery although you'll have to deal with a few hills, too).

There is a lot to like about The Woodlands (the commute not being one of them, though).