Spring area versus Katy area (Houston, The Woodlands: new home, neighborhoods, to buy)

[jmwesterman]

My husband's job is relocating us to the Houston area. They are giving him the choice of which areas he would consider living/working in. I have been doing a lot of research and come to the conclusion that we would like the Spring area or the Katy area. My question is which would you recommend? We will be looking to buy our 1st house (spending in the low 100s) in which area will we have the best luck in this price range and have the best resale value? We don't want a tiny house, at least one 1500 square feet +. I have heard good and bad about both areas which is the best option? We do not have children yet, but that is in our future!

[Mr. Football]

They're both great areas, depending on where exactly you choose to settle. Both offer terrific schools and a variety of housing options. Between the two, I'd choose Spring (in the Klein School District). While they've done an admirable job with what they have, Katy is a sunbaked prairie devoid of naturally occuring vegetation. There are some really terrific neighborhoods in Katy, like Cinco Ranch, Kelliwood and Seven Meadows, but they don't compare to what you get in Spring/Klein, IMO. If you like trees - Spring, if you like open prairie, Katy.

Where will you be working, btw? That'll be the biggest determinate of where you should look.

[maddysammy]

We were in the same predicament.. We went to Houston to look at The Woodlands and Katy.. Loved them both but for what we wanted The woodlands was going to be too expensive so we did look at Spring which was maybe 10 min away.. Way better value then the woodlands and just as pretty.. But the draw to the area is the woodlands not spring Anyway we ended choosing Katy as it is a major up incoming area fantastic schools great prices and will be just as built up as the woodlands/spring area in maybe 5 yrs.. the only thing it is lacking is trees... but that can be fixed going to the right nursery!!!!!

[charris911]

Klein School District and the Klein area of Spring can't be beat...its very pretty and relaxing up there. You will get good choice of new homes at reasonable prices. Right now the market is really pushing the Katy area. The Cinco, Seven Meadows and the whole area south of I10 is nice, but you will pay more, north of I10 in Katy, you have to be careful on what you get into.

Klein overall is much nicer, and Klein ISD is better than Katy as a whole.