favorite areas of houston (Galveston, The Woodlands: crime rate, houses, employment)

[averysmommy]

Hi, I made a post before and it was very helpful. Thanks to all who answered. I was wondering if those of you who live in Houston could tell me a little about your favorite areas of Houston (to live or hang out) or even your own neighborhood and why they are your favorites. ANY and ALL information is helpful. We are planning a move from Michigan and only know one person who's ever lived in Texas. We are a young family looking for decent schools and still some fun things to do. (I won't get into the rest of the details in this post.) If you could also direct me as to areas to stay away from because of crime rate or just general "less than nice" areas, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[SkyeAnjel]

On the NW side of HOuston, I would suggest Klein in Spring (77379), The Woodlands, Tomball, Cypress area. All good schools and lots of family friendly things to do...especially swim, which your kids will love!

[usc619]

Originally Posted by averysmommy

Hi, I made a post before and it was very helpful. Thanks to all who answered. I was wondering if those of you who live in Houston could tell me a little about your favorite areas of Houston (to live or hang out) or even your own neighborhood and why they are your favorites. ANY and ALL information is helpful. We are planning a move from Michigan and only know one person who's ever lived in Texas. We are a young family looking for decent schools and still some fun things to do. (I won't get into the rest of the details in this post.) If you could also direct me as to areas to stay away from because of crime rate or just general "less than nice" areas, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I like the spring/woodlands area(I just don't want to live up there) Because of the trees and wildlife also just outside of houston metro would be the Brazos state park(you'll owe it to yourself to spend the day down there)

[EasilyAmused]

Every direction there's something nice to be found. Central and East- The musuem district with the Natural Science, Children's, and Art Musuems, along with the Zoo and Rice University. And now downtown has an awesome park. Central West-Memorial Park that is shared with the Central region, The Galleria and all its upscale shopping and homes. West-Terry Hershey Park that runs for miles along a manicured bayou/river, and all the gracious houses on big lots and trees in Memorial. Southeast-Clear Lake, Nasa, Kemah Boardwalk and Galveston Beach. Southwestern- Sugarland, a master planned community. North- Pine trees and more master planned communities, Lake Conroe. (The Woodlands is nice but I wouldn't live there either).

The weather is the same no matter the direction- Hot.

[averysmommy]

So, where would you choose to live and why? (all things considered, affordability, family friendly, things to do, etc)

[EasilyAmused]

I personally like the west side from downtown due west, snatching a little portion of the Musuem District and Rice Village, out to Katy. Mainly because it's the only continously nice stretch in Houston (I-10 west), including some of the best school districts in the Metro and all are family friendly. Big trees, incredible restaurants, parks tucked here and there, and just tons of things to do and close to everything. Huge economic growth in these areas and a booming Energy Corridor. Prices start high and get more affordable the father you go west.

BUT, if you work to the north or south, then you would choose another area. Traffic is growing steadily with the population boom. Most people are chosing to live close to or in the areas they work. Every poster here will have their favorite, but please keep in mind that you want to find out the employment locations before you set your heart on a certain area. And good schools can be found everywhere, actually some of the best ones are IN Houston.

[houston-nomad]

We love being in the Museum District. We go to the zoo often, as well as the various museums. We also like to take the kids to enjoy various parks--Hermann Park, Memorial Park Arboretum, and the new park downtown. The suburbs offer better schools and safety for the kids, but if you can stay close enough to the city to enjoy all that Houston has to offer, I think you'll be glad you did.

[basketcase33]

I personally love MAN-trose! Diverse, chic, quaint, great restaurants and nightlife, more urban, prime location as it's walking distance from Midtown, Downtown (and when you want to feel like a wealthy person, River Oaks) and only a little ways on the train to the Museum District, not too far from the Galleria, exciting. I guess it doesn't really meet your requirement though because it is a little bit urban risqué.

[SkyeAnjel]

I love THe Woodlands because it is so family oriented, if you like the suburbs. they have pools (12 ft deep ends, which my kids owuld love, since they only go to 5 ft in my area), they have skate [parks and places to barbeques and soccer fields and places for the kids to play basketball and the Cynthia Woods Pavillion and all the shops and movie theatres. I love it because you can have teens that have things to do where the neighborhoods where I am cater to toddlers and there really isn't anything for older children to do unless oyu are driving them there. My neighborhood took down the basketball goal and put ANOTHER toddler park. It is real cute but we already have several in the neighborhood. The pool goes to 5 ft at its deepest. I have just relocated my work out to THe Woodlands and understand now why so many people love it there. They are alot stricter on their homeowners and such though.

[professorsenator]

The best area is the Rice Village/West U/Museum area. Yes, it's pricey but if I were to move back to Houston that's THE place I would consider. Forget the Houston 'burbs: they're not bad but ultimately very unremarkable and TOO FAR from the center of town.