African-American family searching for the "Good Life" (Houston: estate, house)

[madlion7]

Hello everyone out there in cyber-space,
Young ,Northeastern,African-American family seriously considering moving to Houston, TX. Have been researching area, via web and will be visiting area in late Apr/2007. With 3 growing children, 8,6,3, wanted truthful experiences re: diversity in schools and neighborhoods. My husband is a School Administrator and I am an R.N. Looking to cash-out of our areas real-estate bubble and live the proverbial "good-life". Want to purchase our home on one salary and would like to spend around $250k. Like to stay active with swimming, roller-blading, basketball (husband enjoys playing in mens' leagues), hockey and ice-skating (important to kids). Any suggestions of neighborhoods to consider visiting? Any that stand out to avoid? Would like to make move while kids are still young. Thanks!

[Visitor2007]

Based on what I have seen on this board, Houston doens't seem as black friendly as other areas such as DC, Northeast, and Atlanta.

[mpope409]

Not true AT ALL. Houston is a very chocolate city lol. Houston has more blacks within the city limits than the entire population of Atlanta itself.

[SkyeAnjel]

I vote for my area of Spring zip 77379. Klein Schools you can get a Very nice house for 250,000 anywhere here. You may prefer Gleannloch farms which is very nice on a goldf course with lakes and trails all through the neighborhood. That wqould be Tomball 77375 right next door to me, also Klein Schools. You chould check www HAR.com for ideas on homes. Nice place to live no matter what color you are LOL!

[Visitor2007]

One of the main cons about Houston is the high property tax up to 4% of the property value a year. Any change to that in the foreseeable future?

[mpope409]

Originally Posted by Visitor2007

One of the main cons about Houston is the high property tax up to 4% of the property value a year. Any change to that in the foreseeable future?

Doubtful, but as far as I know, Houston should be ideal for the original poster.

[Yetti0]

Originally Posted by Visitor2007

Based on what I have seen on this board, Houston doens't seem as black friendly as other areas such as DC, Northeast, and Atlanta.

I have stated about 10x on this board.. and lived here since 1950s.. Houston, today, is a very diverse multicultural and multi-racial city. I Found it to have less racial strife than the above mentioned cities, and include NYC, LA and Chicago.

The places which have racial strife are Panhandle of Tx ,Dallas, Jasper , Vidor, Anyplace near Lousiana border, Pasadena.

[Yetti0]

Originally Posted by mpope409

Doubtful, but as far as I know, Houston should be ideal for the original poster.

Tx has no state nor city income taxes...we are blessed.

[madlion7]

Thanks for the input. We've been hearing a lot of good info about Cypress/Fairbanks. Can you give us a comparison with Spring? Also, how is Austin in terms of affordability and quality of life? ANY info is greatly appreciated as we have no family, friends or associates in Texas at this time. As you can imagine, it will be a very BIG move.

[Yetti0]

Originally Posted by madlion7

Thanks for the input. We've been hearing a lot of good info about Cypress/Fairbanks. Can you give us a comparison with Spring? Also, how is Austin in terms of affordability and quality of life? ANY info is greatly appreciated as we have no family, friends or associates in Texas at this time. As you can imagine, it will be a very BIG move.

Cy/Fair and Spring are very similar...too close to really consider any differences... Austin is also great.... quality of life is as good as Houston.. Remember Austin and Houston have two different characteristics... I suggest you visit both and find the lifestyle that fits you best.... I Like both places.. to me its like comparing oranges to apples.. but some people like apples more than oranges and vice versa...