Relocating from London to Houston (Dallas, San Antonio: 2010, apartments, rent)

[Dave_A_Thomas]

Hi Guys,

My wife and I are moving from London to Houston in January 2010. I'm a UK citizen and she's a US citizen from San Antonio. We would really appreciate a little advice on potential neighbourhoods. We're open to all areas of the city as we're not sure where our jobs will be located yet.

Like most people, we're looking for a fun and safe area with lots of shops, restaurants and bars etc. Having lived in London for 3 years we'd ideally like a lot more space and a decent sized garden. We don't mind commuting and we like a lot of the older 1970's style properties so it doesn't have to be a very modern home. Ideally we'd like a pool but are pretty flexible. We're in our mid-20's so we won't be having kids for a 3-4 years and so schools are not a huge concern although I'm sure good schools would help when/if we were to sell.

Our budget is any where between about $200-300k.

Areas to the North and North West of the City seem pretty affordable such as Spring, Cypress and The Woodlands. Are these areas commuteable and are they still quite lively and interesting for a young couple? Also, are there any affordable areas near a lake or on the coast that are commuteable?

Thanks for your help. We really appreciate it.

[Oildog]

Check out website www.har.com to get a feel for price and areas. Where you work will be a big factor as commuting in Houston is an issue. Try zip codes 77006, 77007, 77004, 77008, 77019.

[JasonAndJulie]

Even though you don't mind commuting you will once you live here

As far as safety...good luck. I moved from a Suburb of Dallas to Houston and I haven't seen anything that looks safe just yet...except maybe something in the $1 million or more range....

Maybe you can get help from someone else. It's all relative on what you're expecting but I think my expectations too high. There are websites where you can check crime, sex offenders, etc..so hunt those down. Good Luck

[modster]

The more affordable suburbs are geared towards families, kids, etc. If you are childless you might find something closer in a better fit. There are a lot of closer in areas with not-so-hot public schools but better resale and appreciation than the suburban areas, so good public schools for resale is not a necessity close in.

When you say you like 70's style houses, could you elaborate?

[westres1]

check www.har.com for 77079,77077
lots of homes with pools,great location and near a large hike and bike path

[EasilyAmused]

There are pretty much 70's style homes in every direction. It's important to know where you will be working first, and which side of town it will be. Commuting is a horror around here.

If you don't know where you'll be working untill after you've arrived, rent centrally first for 6 months.

[Dave_A_Thomas]

Thanks guys really appreciate your help

[amyalta]

You have sorted out your Green Card / Permanent Resident status, right?

[XodoX]

I would consider renting an apartments until you have kids. You're in your mid-20's and like to go shopping and going to bars. I'd look into midtown. I think that area has much more to offer.

[jzynblgs]

Conroe, Tx... just oustide of the Woodlands ,Tx.

North of Houston, It is however pricey to reside in the Woodlands when the area's around it or just as nice. Like Conroe.

Memorial Dr. has more of an older feel... nice homes and communities.

Sorry that my info is limited to just two.

btw Pearland, Sugerland.... unfortunately many people commute from those areas to work in Houston.