Houston or Tampa, Fl? (Sugar Land, The Woodlands: best neighborhood, homeowners insurance, crime rates)

[jsantig]

My husband has the option of relocating and his company has two branches: Tampa, Fl or Houston, TX.
We’re a family of 4 with 2 kids in elementary school. I would appreciate any information in which city is better in terms of public schools, safer communities, good neighborhoods, better cost of living, etc. We come from Puerto Rico so the hot weather isn’t an issue.
I've heard that Sugar Land, TX is one of the safest cities in the country and it's close to Houston???
Do you get tornados?
Thanks.

[()_T]

I'll say Houston. Sugar Land is southwest of Houston and if you want to live in Sugar Land and your job is somewhere in Houston, I hope you don't mind traffic. No tornadoes.

[EasilyAmused]

I don't like Tampa. I have to visit a terminal there a few times a year.
I would say Houston. Where in Houston depends on where you work.

[a_fl_vol]

Originally Posted by jsantig

My husband has the option of relocating and his company has two branches: Tampa, Fl or Houston, TX.
We’re a family of 4 with 2 kids in elementary school. I would appreciate any information in which city is better in terms of public schools (Houston), safer communities (Houston), good neighborhoods (Houston), better cost of living (Houston), etc. We come from Puerto Rico so the hot weather isn’t an issue.
I've heard that Sugar Land, TX is one of the safest cities in the country and it's close to Houston???
Do you get tornados?
Thanks.

I think I am qualified to answer these questions. I recently relocated to Houston from the Tampa Bay area (10 year resident). Everything you mentioned, Houston is better. Florida's education system is near the bottom of the barrel when compared to other states. The Tampa Bay area is near the top in crime rates. There are nice neighborhoods in Tampa; however, you will pay a premium to live there. The cost living, specifically housing and insurances, is nearly twice that of Houston. I cut my car insurance by 2/3rd and my homeowners insurance by 3/4th. I would also add employment opportunities are more abundant in Houston (but getting tighter) and the salaries are higher.

Given everything I just said, I would still give my left... pinky finger to have my life back in Florida. It's my home. It's all I know. I left behind my friends and way of life.

I would make recommendation if you decide to move to Houston. I would take a long hard look at the Katy area. Katy offers everything you had mentioned. Your kids will thank you down the road. Best of luck!

[chris_ut]

I have a lot of family in the Tampa area and visit often and Houston is much better imo.

[texasdiver]

The greater Houston metropolitan area is the size of New Jersey. So it will be impossible for anyone to give you advice about specific suburbs unless we know the location of your husband's office.

[jsantig]

Actually I just learned my husband will probably work from home. So what I really want to know is which is the best neighborhood to raise children and the best schools. Our top home price range is in the $400's. What about The Woodlands?
Thanks.

[chris_ut]

Kingwood, The Woodlands, Sugarland are all good options. I recommend you come down and take a look around.

[Oildog]

I've visited Tampa and Central Fla many times. Houston hands down is a better place.

[()_T]

Originally Posted by jsantig

Actually I just learned my husband will probably work from home. So what I really want to know is which is the best neighborhood to raise children and the best schools. Our top home price range is in the $400's. What about The Woodlands?
Thanks.

The Woodlands is just north of Houston. Great area. There are homes in that area in your price range.

Here are some HAR listings.

77380

77381

77384

77385

Im don't know much about the schools in The Woodlands but im pretty sure there some great ones there. You should pay a visit.