Moving to Houston Area with a family--- (Pasadena, Galveston: rent, house) - Texas (TX) - City-Data Forum

thehollos · 03-05-2009, 02:22 PM

My hubby will be working around Galvelston area/Alvin. We have 3 kids under 4 so we would like a good neighboorhood for them to play in. But our rent max is $1100. (even that is pushing it)

As far as schools, I'd like a place with good schools but not totally important since my oldest won't be going for another 2 years to kindergarden.

We are coming from Chicago northwest suburbs (Cary) where there is an influx of gangs in our neighborhood --so we would like something where that isn't going to be a problem.

Is there anything in Houston? or outskirts but close to Galvelston/Alvin? My husband will probably travel alot since he's in construction, but anything within an hour of the gulf would be nice (for me!)

Also are there any good churches (non denominational or efree?) we currently go to Harvest where Dr. James McDonald preaches (from walk in the word)

Thanks for all your help, and sorry about all the questions!!!
Lynne

Poltracker · 03-05-2009, 03:10 PM

Don't apologize. We wouldn't be here if we did not want to answer questions...anyhow. I'm sure someone more familiar with the Alvin area will jump on here to help, but my question to you would be if you prefer a more rural setting or more urban/suburban setting. In that general area both are possible within a reasonable commute.

thehollos · 03-05-2009, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poltracker

Don't apologize. We wouldn't be here if we did not want to answer questions...anyhow. I'm sure someone more familiar with the Alvin area will jump on here to help, but my question to you would be if you prefer a more rural setting or more urban/suburban setting. In that general area both are possible within a reasonable commute.

Honestly, it totally doesn't matter. Just safe is key!! We have a trailer full of tools that we would hate to have to buy again

westres1 · 03-05-2009, 03:27 PM

Alvin is small town you wont find anything scarier than a gang wannabe. You will find lots of trucks, boots and hats. It is still pretty country down there. Buy some wranglers and enjoy!
Glaveston does have an inner city element.

Topaz · 03-05-2009, 06:22 PM

Aren't Galveston and Alvin rather far apart? 27 miles or so? There are nice communities near each of them...which one is where your husband's work is located?

thehollos · 03-06-2009, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topaz

Aren't Galveston and Alvin rather far apart? 27 miles or so? There are nice communities near each of them...which one is where your husband's work is located?

Offices are in Alvin but he will go to Galveston for projects.

asouthernsmile · 03-06-2009, 06:56 AM

Alvin and Galveston are very close but from Alvin but in the vacinity, many small communities (and growing ones as well) such as Santa Fe, Clear Lake and Dickinson. Be aware that a lot of these areas are mandatory evacaution areas for hurricanes so an evacuation plan is necessary to have.

You can also go west of Alvin into the Lake Jackson area which has some older neighborhoods with larger yards and a small town feel. I have family in West Columbia near there (which is really small town). You can reach the water within 20 minutes of Lake Jackson via Surfside beach.

I don't know much more about the Alvin/Galveston area except Galveston proper is rebuilding from the last storm and from having family in the area, you will have more "gang like" behavior on the island than you would in Alvin or Dickinson.

Good luck.

~Francis

KKIDS · 03-06-2009, 10:02 AM

I'm more concerned about the effects of the hurricanes

tstone · 03-06-2009, 10:16 AM

Clear Lake isn't a "small community". It's a fairly spread out region that encompasses a small piece of extreme SE Houston, S Pasadena and has several other continuous towns with a total of around 250k people. Anyway, if you're looking for a clean & safe halfway point between Alvin and Galveston, League City may fit, which is in the south part of the region.

Dickinson has a reputation for drugs & gangbangers, while Santa Fe has a rep for white trash / KKK / child molestors. The Santa Fe thing is usually blown way out of proportion, but there is a lot of backward-ness down there. And back in the day (sad to say) I never went to Dickinson for anything positive. However, there is a good reason why the stereotypes exist. I wouldn't recommend those towns.

And almost anywhere between Alvin and Galveston is going to be in a hurricane evacuation zone. If you buy a well-built house that isn't on the immediate waterfront, you won't have to worry about much more than fences and trees, unless the Cat-5 Indian Super Typhoon hits. And in that case, the whole metro will be blown down like sticks...

AK123 · 03-07-2009, 09:09 AM

Friendswood? Parts of Clear Lake?