Need some help from my Texas friends (Houston, Dallas: for sale, renting)

[LeavinSTL]

I plan on relocating my family to Texas in the not too distant future. Everytime I have been there I have always enjoyed it. However ..... I have a major dilemma. I'm not sure what city, or part, of Texas to move to. Some of my key factors include:

- a great place to raise a family
- a community that is condusive to starting and operating a small business particularly in the construction industry
- great family outing opportunities
- would love to be near a beach (but of course this one obviously narrows it down)
- and of course a fantastic school system

I have been looking at the Dallas metro area, Houston metro, and of course Austin keeps poking its head up as well. At this point I would truly appreciate any input from those of you who live, eat, and work in the beautiful state of Texas.

Can you help me? Please.....

[brendiej]

All the areas you have mentioned have great features that make them great places to live. However, Texas is so big that every community has unique features that might make it more comfortable for you to raise your family. I guess it might help to first rate your priorities as far as size of city you want to live in, population factors, employment opportunities, higher education facitilies, and the more day to day things like humidity or dry climate, outdoor sports or recreational activities, church groups or religious factors, perhaps.
I love Texas and I love everything about it, but there are some smaller cities I would not want to live in. I love the character of Austin because it has a unique vibe and tons of outdoor parks and activities, not to mention a great university. Affordability is not there for me, but if I could live there, I probably would, at least for a while!
Hope this helps you a little! Good luck!

[LeavinSTL]

Originally Posted by brendiej

All the areas you have mentioned have great features that make them great places to live. However, Texas is so big that every community has unique features that might make it more comfortable for you to raise your family. I guess it might help to first rate your priorities as far as size of city you want to live in, population factors, employment opportunities, higher education facitilies, and the more day to day things like humidity or dry climate, outdoor sports or recreational activities, church groups or religious factors, perhaps.
I love Texas and I love everything about it, but there are some smaller cities I would not want to live in. I love the character of Austin because it has a unique vibe and tons of outdoor parks and activities, not to mention a great university. Affordability is not there for me, but if I could live there, I probably would, at least for a while!
Hope this helps you a little! Good luck!

Thank you for your input, brendiej.

My first priority would be a great place to raise a family. I prefer the "suburban" feel as opposed to the very urban areas. With that said I truly enjoy having easy access to urban areas. The second priority is somewhere to start another company (already started one in Phoenix). I'm not a big fan of humidity but given a beach... I can deal with it. As far as religious groups I am also a church planter so I will more than likely start one.

[D-Towner]

Friendswood in Galveston County is near Houston and near the Beach. I'd say Deer Park, but I have heard that the ship channel negatively affects that town. Both cities have good school systems.

[SaladoSam]

- a great place to raise a family
- a community that is condusive to starting and operating a small business particularly in the construction industry
- great family outing opportunities

Fort Hood Metro

[TexasHorseLady]

I'd say the Austin area - Cedar Park/Leander/Georgetown, most likely, though possibly one of the southern suburbs - and you'd be ideally set to partake of some of the things in Houston and Dallas that Austin doesn't offer, but in a perfect setting for raising a family.

[Kibby]

The "raise a family" part will work well pretty much anywhere you decide to settle. If you want to take advantage of the entertainment offered in the city areas then you just need to pick your area. They all have some great "outing" opportunities. The larger cities will have more "culture" if you are into ballet/opera/symphony but even the smaller cities will have interesting things to do ..... keep in mind that exploring Texas on day trips can be exciting for all of you.

I would think that "job" is the most important factor. Do some on-line research to see what areas can best use your particular skills/business. You should probably also look into Texas regulations for business and licensing. I think construction has really slowed down in north Texas. Seems to be doing well on the coast. There will be a lot of work because of Hurricane Ike for a while. The coast also appears to have a lower unemployment rate also. Once you decide on the area you think will work best ...... start asking here, and researching the towns surrounding that area. You will want to check out schools and neighborhoods.

Start with the job first.

K

[love roses]

League City/Clear Lake area between Houston and Galveston. I imagine there's a huge need for construction in the area as well.

[nola54]

It looks like you are receiving some very good advice, and some excellent points have been made.

We lived in Houston for 20+ yrs. Then to Santa Fe, toward Galveston, lived there for 10 yrs., then moved into Brazoria Co, almost 5 yrs. ago, for my husbands job.

Here is where I may get griped at by all, (yikes)...........

Whenever you decide, and if you should choose this area, with that country/city feel, consider this. We are about to list our small house for sale, that we left 5 yrs. ago. it is 3/2 with 1200 s.f., currently being remodeled, and will go for around $80,000.....which is truly on the lowest end you will find for this popular city, with a desired school system. It is in Santa Fe, Tx., 77510, which is approx. 30 miles from both Houston, and Galveston each. Surrounding cities are many. I can list some but will forget some, too. There's Hitchcock, Texas City, La Marque, Bayou Vista, Tiki Island, and then Galveston.
Starting from Santa Fe, again, and the "opposite" or other direction of those listed, is Alvin, League City, Webster, Dickinson, Clear Lake, (Nasa Space Center), and like I said, I am sure I am leaving some out. It's obvious that I don't know my directions, ha!ha!
You have much research to do, and I can relate. My husband just got a job offer in yet another Tx. Co., in EAST TX. no less. So I, too, am researching the heck out of housing there, and with 2 mortgages at present, am considering renting, for the first time in 30 yrs!
We do not know whether we will stay, or go, it is all a situation of choice, still, I am already house hunting again, I love houses and hunting for them!

I wish you all the best of luck, and to me too!
i can be reached at nola54@iwon.com

God Bless Our Military Families

[loves2read]

where are your job opportunites
except for the part about being close to the beach--any area of TX could offer the other factors you want
you need a good job to support a family
go find the job first