Moving Scotland to Houstion-??? about areas (Houston, The Woodlands: school district, living in, gym)

[Silverscotland]

Hi, I've left one message on her with no response but I really need some help.

We will be relocating back to the states in Oct. My hb will be there in the end of this month. We'd like to find an area fairly close to where he'll be working but with good schools that also have great after school clubs.

The clubs are important as I feel this will help my daughter make friends w/ like-minded peers. She likes art, like drawing, painting and pottery, photography/filming, book/litarary type clubs, science, computer, history or ecology clubs.

However, the area we were looking at was Montgomery. The school doesn't have any clubs like this. So far the only school I've found w/ a variety of clubs is The Woodlands HS. However, this is a bit farther than we'd like to move from his office.

I'd love any information on nice areas to live around Willis or Conroe. We don't have much time to choose. The company will be putting us in temporaray housing in the area we choose and we need to let them know where we'd like to live. HELP!

Thanks so much for any suggestions.

Smiles, SilverScotland

[Malvie]

You don't mention where your husband's office will be located?

Willis and Conroe are further from Houston than The Woodlands. If your husband's office is in Houston, Willis and Conroe are a harder/longer drive than The Woodlands.

Can't answer your school questions, but will advise that, if you're going to be driving 45 North, you're better off living south and officing north than the other way 'round.

Example: Your husband's office is in Conroe. You're better off living in The Woodlands and driving to Conroe than living in Willis and driving to Conroe. You'll be going against the traffic that way. You want to drive away from Houston in the morning and toward Houston in the evening.

Just my .02.

[westres1]

Most of the clubs you mentioned will be found in Houston proper not out in the "country". You may have to drive in on the weekends for classes at the Glassel or Museum of natural Science.

[Silverscotland]

Originally Posted by Malvie

You don't mention where your husband's office will be located?

Willis and Conroe are further from Houston than The Woodlands. If your husband's office is in Houston, Willis and Conroe are a harder/longer drive than The Woodlands.

Can't answer your school questions, but will advise that, if you're going to be driving 45 North, you're better off living south and officing north than the other way 'round.

Example: Your husband's office is in Conroe. You're better off living in The Woodlands and driving to Conroe than living in Willis and driving to Conroe. You'll be going against the traffic that way. You want to drive away from Houston in the morning and toward Houston in the evening.

Just my .02.

My hb office is in Willis. Do you know anything about Montgomery? It was suggested by my hb work mates to look there. However, I'd like to know more about it and the surrounding areas before making the final decision.

We don't need to have quick access to Houston as my hb will be traveling infrequently. I'd love a quiet, calm area w/ nice family atmosphere. We don't need access to major shopping 24/7. As long as there is a grocery store, library and gym nearby we're happy.

Thanks for the help.

Smiles, SilverScotland

[Silverscotland]

Originally Posted by westres1

Most of the clubs you mentioned will be found in Houston proper not out in the "country". You may have to drive in on the weekends for classes at the Glassel or Museum of natural Science.

Thanks!

Smiles, SilverScotland

[karuna95]

here's some info about Willis http://www.city-data.com/city/Willis-Texas.html, and some info about Montgomery County http://www.city-data.com/county/Mont...County-TX.html

They're both on the outskirts of Houston, and more rural. Don't expect amenities and clubs. Westres1 is correct -- the types of activities you're interested in are in-town amenities. Malvie's suggestion is also very good -- live as close to town as you can, and have your husband drive against traffic to work. The Woodlands, Spring, lots of decent areas south of Willis, from which to choose.

Another thing to consider -- lack of amenities also mean less accessible healthcare facilities. The larger hospitals are all in town. However, if you all are relatively healthy, barring some unforseen medical incident, this is probably not an issue.

Check out www.har.com for potential housing options in the area you want. The web site is very interactive. Good luck!

[alaskaneric]

Totally agree with the advise you're getting from malvie, westres1 and karuna95. You'll find the activities and amenities inversely proportional to the distance to Houston downtown and Galleria. The farther you go away the less there is the less quality there is; I'm thinking of clubs, sports, private lessons, etc, unless you're into horses. The Spring and Woodlands areas are good for schools and conveniences and kids' activities. It would be my first choice. The area is pretty international - you'll find some Scots there, I'm sure. The worst thing about it is the commute on 45 to Houston. If you can survive out there, and many people do that without coming into Houston, you'll be pleased. Montgomery is pretty and closer to Willis. It's more rural than suburban. Definitely going to have less to offer than Woodlands and Spring. Just to be complete, I'd stay away from moving further west as the amenities won't improve and the traffic gets worse. Stick to the 45 corridor.

[Silverscotland]

Originally Posted by karuna95

here's some info about Willis http://www.city-data.com/city/Willis-Texas.html, and some info about Montgomery County http://www.city-data.com/county/Mont...County-TX.html

They're both on the outskirts of Houston, and more rural. Don't expect amenities and clubs. Westres1 is correct -- the types of activities you're interested in are in-town amenities. Malvie's suggestion is also very good -- live as close to town as you can, and have your husband drive against traffic to work. The Woodlands, Spring, lots of decent areas south of Willis, from which to choose.

Another thing to consider -- lack of amenities also mean less accessible healthcare facilities. The larger hospitals are all in town. However, if you all are relatively healthy, barring some unforseen medical incident, this is probably not an issue.

Check out www.har.com for potential housing options in the area you want. The web site is very interactive. Good luck!

Oh, thanks for the links. Perfect! The access to healthcare is very important and has made us rethink our location. With the great advice we've receive from all the posters on here we've decided to look in The Woodlands/Conroe area.

Our child is also quite impressed with the website of one of the HS so we know exactly which postal code we are going to be looking at within The Woodlands/Conroe.

Thanks so much!

Smiles, SilverScotland

[Silverscotland]

Originally Posted by alaskaneric

Totally agree with the advise you're getting from malvie, westres1 and karuna95. You'll find the activities and amenities inversely proportional to the distance to Houston downtown and Galleria. The farther you go away the less there is the less quality there is; I'm thinking of clubs, sports, private lessons, etc, unless you're into horses. The Spring and Woodlands areas are good for schools and conveniences and kids' activities. It would be my first choice. The area is pretty international - you'll find some Scots there, I'm sure. The worst thing about it is the commute on 45 to Houston. If you can survive out there, and many people do that without coming into Houston, you'll be pleased. Montgomery is pretty and closer to Willis. It's more rural than suburban. Definitely going to have less to offer than Woodlands and Spring. Just to be complete, I'd stay away from moving further west as the amenities won't improve and the traffic gets worse. Stick to the 45 corridor.

Thanks so much for the advice. We have decided to stay within the Woodlands/Spring/Conroe area. It so nice that everyone agrees that's the best place to live for families.

Smiles, SilverScotland

[booker_one]

No!!! do not send your kids to conroe isd unless they go to the schools in The Woodlands. The Woodlands is in Conroe ISD. It is the nicer part of the school district. Definitely do not send them to Spring ISD! Stay far away from that place. I have teacher friends that have worked there and they have horror stories about that district. The Woodlands is fine. Personally, I prefer Montgomery....and I live there. My wife works in The Woodlands. We don't like congestion though. Montgomery ISD is excellent.....better than Conroe ISD. Do a search for Walden on Lake Conroe. It is very affordable and super nice. Sorry I didn't find this thread sooner to give you better advice.