Need Info on Brazoria, Lake Jackson, Angelton, Freeport areas (Houston: real estate, rentals)

[GausJAMS]

We're a family of four (two kids - 7 1/2 yrs and 18 months) and we're relocating to the Freeport area.

Which cities would be close enough for my husband to commute to Surfside Beach?

Need info on a great family friendly city, with decent shopping, schools, churches, parks, etc.

Extra info such as biking, golf, gymnastics, etc. would be great.

Where are the nicer, safer neighborhoods? What is the average home going for in that area (rent or buy)?? Is there any area or city in that we just shouldn't waste our time looking?

How far are these areas from Houston and its bigger outer-lying areas?

If you could tell us anything about any city or area in that vacinity, that would help us get an idea or feel for where we'll soon live, we'd appreciate it, greatly!

[cmarchand]

I would try Lake Jackson, Alvin, Angleton...maybe even Manvel or Pearland. What is the maximum commute time your husband wants? I grew up in Brazoria County...I'm now in real estate and this area is really growing. There are some very affordable, nice neighborhoods in all of those communities. I'd live in any of them myself...although I do have my favorites. :-) I'm not sure what kind of information I can post here, but there are some web sites that would definitely help you in your search. Brazoria County is a great place to live...Pearland/Alvin/Manvel are more convenient to Houston and all that it has to offer than Angleton or Lake Jackson, but they're nice...just further from the city. You'll want to know which flood zone you're in...nothing to be worried about, but something you need to be aware of. You may already know that. The average home price per square foot really depends on the size home you're looking for. $75.00/sq. ft. is probably median...but you can find some for less and there are definitely some that are more expensive than that. It just depends on the type of house and what neighborhood amenities you'd like to have. I think you'll like Brazoria County though. Welcome! :-)

[GausJAMS]

Originally Posted by cmarchand

I would try Lake Jackson, Alvin, Angleton...maybe even Manvel or Pearland. What is the maximum commute time your husband wants? I grew up in Brazoria County...I'm now in real estate and this area is really growing. There are some very affordable, nice neighborhoods in all of those communities. I'd live in any of them myself...although I do have my favorites. :-) I'm not sure what kind of information I can post here, but there are some web sites that would definitely help you in your search. Brazoria County is a great place to live...Pearland/Alvin/Manvel are more convenient to Houston and all that it has to offer than Angleton or Lake Jackson, but they're nice...just further from the city. You'll want to know which flood zone you're in...nothing to be worried about, but something you need to be aware of. You may already know that. The average home price per square foot really depends on the size home you're looking for. $75.00/sq. ft. is probably median...but you can find some for less and there are definitely some that are more expensive than that. It just depends on the type of house and what neighborhood amenities you'd like to have. I think you'll like Brazoria County though. Welcome! :-)

Thanks so much for your info. Hadn't thought about Flood zones - thanks a bunch for that one!

I've heard Pearland is great, but seems to be too far for my hubby. We'd like to be only about 30 minutes or less to Surfside beach (at times he may be on call and need to respond with in so much time). I know bigger cities have much more to offer, but it seems Lake JAckson has a decent amount of options.

We found out that we'll only be there two years, so we'll probably have to rent. Where is the best place to find info on rentals in the area? Is it better to go with private classifieds or a Realtor?

Thanks for your time and for the welcome!

[Louis Peltier]

Look at Danbury, Good schools you will need before you know it.

http://www.danbury.isd.esc4.net/

Their is a small rural subdivision about two miles south of town that is about 20 minutes for Freeport. Nice subdivision and nice community.

Moderator cut: website

Good luck.

[cmarchand]

You're welcome! Danbury is nice....rural. Lake Jackson is a very nice town...easy access to Hwy 288 and Freeport.

[cmarchand]

I would try both listed and unlisted rentals. Sometimes owners would prefer to handle their rental property themselves, so there might be some that you wouldn't find on MLS. Sometimes dealing with the owner directly is great....sometimes it's nice to have the middle-person in between. :-) I'd look at both.

[Yetti0]

Originally Posted by GausJAMS

We're a family of four (two kids - 7 1/2 yrs and 18 months) and we're relocating to the Freeport area.

Which cities would be close enough for my husband to commute to Surfside Beach?

Need info on a great family friendly city, with decent shopping, schools, churches, parks, etc.

Extra info such as biking, golf, gymnastics, etc. would be great.

Where are the nicer, safer neighborhoods? What is the average home going for in that area (rent or buy)?? Is there any area or city in that we just shouldn't waste our time looking?

How far are these areas from Houston and its bigger outer-lying areas?

If you could tell us anything about any city or area in that vacinity, that would help us get an idea or feel for where we'll soon live, we'd appreciate it, greatly!

My best friend grew up in Lake Jackson. Lake Jackson and Freeport are both near Surfside.. Surfside is a great surfing area for us Gulf coast surfers... Bingo Boards is world famous and has his shops there...

Dow is the major employer in Lake Jackson... I would say its about one hour or so away from Houston... Also they are the access to divers for Flower Gardens and Stetson banks.. awesome diving... I think you would like Lake Jackson.

[siera_hotel]

Freeport is 1.3 miles off the beach. We are within the area of the Dow Pumps that control flooding. It's take about 5 minutes to reach Surfside Beach. I don't think anyone has suggested you look at The Facts (our local paper). It covers Brazoria county including a classified section for rentals/home purchase.
You can also look at http://www.city-data.com/city/Freeport-Texas.html for info on Freeport (or any city). This site will also give info on how far other citites are, where hospitals, etc are located.

Houston is about 45 minutes from us. It can take a lot more time because of traffic, but it is usually 45 minutes.

Lake Jackson offers much more than the other cities and is nicer, but your taxes are of course higher and price of home is also.

Good Luck

[Mom2Feebs]

I just came from Lake Jackson and I was very impressed--it is much nicer than I thought and a LOT nicer than Angleton, West Columbia, etc... nicely groomed, organized, mall nearby, just seems to have more going for it than the other towns.