About to buy in Briarforest/Westchase... (Opinions?) (Houston, Spring: apartment complex, high crime) - City-Data Forum

eloon · 05-20-2009, 12:35 AM

So my wife and I have been shopping around for a while. We like the area north of the bayou in Spring Branch the best, but I don't think we can really afford it. Technically, we can, but I don't want to be house poor.

Which is why we started looking in the Briarforest/Westchase area. I guess technically it is Briarforest. We found a house we REALLY like and are pretty close to making an offer, then I stumbled upon this:

Girl shot in head at Chevron in Westchase

I looked at the crime map in this neighborhood and the total number seemed high but then when I started looking through them, they seem to be skewed high because of the stuff happening in shopping areas along Westheimer. But I was just noticing on the Google satellite view how huge the apartment complex is south of Olympia east of Hayes. There seems to be pretty good amount of crimes in there too which would be awfully close to the house we like.

We have looked at some stuff north of Briar Forest but it's enough extra money that I would rather not pay that much of a premium for same schools (Askew and Westside - can't remember middle). Not sure I care as much about schools because when we have kids that age we'd likely either move or go private if we weren't comfortable with them. Only concerned about them due to resale value really.

So are the neighborhoods safe enough here? I would like to be able to get gas at the local convienience store at night. And for my wife to feel safe going to the gym or getting groceries by herself. Now we live at Long Point and Blalock and have had zero problems.

John C H · 05-20-2009, 12:41 AM

Don't buy there. Look at Katy/West Houston Area. Westchase has a crime problem. Many of your neighbors will be living in the tons of apartment complexes in WC, and many are Katrina leftovers. You are also surrounded by some of the worse neighborhoods in the SW section of Houston. If you can...move NORTH of Westheimer.

eloon · 05-20-2009, 12:54 AM

Ok maybe I used the wrong neighborhood name but I AM talking about the area north of westheimer.

EasilyAmused · 05-20-2009, 06:01 AM

The areas of Ashford Forest, etc in 77077 are JUST FINE in the single family neighborhoods. North of Briar Forest IS worth the premium. Closer to the bayou, the higher the land value and appreciation. Pure and simple rule of Houston property ownership.
The shooting was unfortunate, BUT it was on Westhiemer. Everyone knows that Westhiemer is not the safest, and things like that even happen out in the far flung burbs/exurbs.
There are lots of apartments, but the crime is concentrated mostly on them as well. Most of Katrina has moved on.

PS-I don't think you can go to a convience store or get gas at night and be totally safe in any city any more.

JMHO

Mom2Feebs · 05-20-2009, 06:56 AM

I am soooooooo staying out of this thread.

EasilyAmused · 05-20-2009, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mom2Feebs

I am soooooooo staying out of this thread.

that's Soooo unlike you.

Ashford community a draw for young families | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

Ps- I know families that live in Country Village,Lakeside Place and Heathwood, and it's just as quiet in there as it is north of the bayou.

PSS- Wow. I just looked in 77077 on HAR, the prices sure have gone up since the last time I peeked

westres1 · 05-20-2009, 07:36 AM

It is a great area and retains its value. I have lived in the area almost 10 years. Random crime can happen anywhere.
Walnut Bend.Lakeside Estates and Briargrove Park are wonderful neighborhoods with lots of families. I suggest you drive thru the neighborhood in the evening and see how many families are out and about. I am weary of living in places where you never see anyone playing,running,walking dogs.

txstate · 05-20-2009, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John C H

Don't buy there. Look at Katy/West Houston Area. Westchase has a crime problem. Many of your neighbors will be living in the tons of apartment complexes in WC, and many are Katrina leftovers. You are also surrounded by some of the worse neighborhoods in the SW section of Houston. If you can...move NORTH of Westheimer.

For one its not a high crime area ( crime is everywhere genious ), 2. There are plenty of apartments because thats how it is and was before the people got there, 3. Katrina leftovers (WTF) are Houston residents now, also regular working people who work 8-5, and everybody over there is not from NOLA 4. There talking about North of Westheimer ( Briar Forest, Hayes, Woodland Park), 5. Stop being scared and live your life.

EasilyAmused · 05-20-2009, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by txstate

5. Stop being scared and live your life.

Dang I can't give you reps again yet so
+1

LizzySWW · 05-20-2009, 08:33 AM

I would not buy a home there. Stay North of the bayou or move to Katy. The prices are lower over there for a good reason. It's just not known to be an especially safe part of town. Lots of thugs in the parking lots of the local retail. The apartments are what hurts the area.