Moving to Texas, Pls Help! (Houston, Dallas: buying a house, neighborhoods, buying)

[eromi]

Hello,

My husband and I are planning to move to Texas. We need help in choosing a city. From the research that I have done so far I have narrowed it down to the Austin and Houston area (especially Sugar Land). I am in my late twenties and my husband is in his early thirties and we are both looking for a place to put our roots down. We are planning to have a baby in the near future so family is a key comportment in this decision. My husband has to travel for his job so we need to be close to a major airport as well. I am currently teaching at a university and I have plans to attend graduate school for a PhD. So a city with a few universities (or within driving distance) would work better for me. We love the warm weather so heat and humidity is not an issue for us. We would also like to purchase a house. Our budget would be around $200000-250000. Any suggestions as to where we should move will be much appreciated. I would especially like to know more about Sugar Land. Thank you

[Lakewooder]

I think you are making a mistake by not considering the city of Dallas.

[BobTex]

Actually either of your choices would be good. Now decide exactly what you want in a city and go for it.....welcome to Texas!

[AK123]

Originally Posted by Lakewooder

I think you are making a mistake by not considering the city of Dallas.

Why? Austin and Sugar Land were recently ranked by Money Magazine as some of the best places to live.... Sugar Land #3 overall, and Austin #2 for big cities. The only ones in Texas in the top 10....

http://money.cnn.com/magazines/money...006/index.html

[AK123]

Either would fit what you're looking for, though Houston has a much larger aiport with many more direct flights. It also has much easier access to beaches, if you're interested in that.

I've lived in all -- Austin, Houston, and currently Sugar Land. I'm something of a big-city person so got a little bored with Austin after several years, but that's just me. For someone who likes a more medium-sized town, it would be great. Had a blast while living in the Memorial area of Houston... very nice area and never a lack of things to do. Sugar Land, though suburban, has been great too... we have most things we need on a daily basis here, but can drive into Houston easily for top-notch culture/arts, highly rated restaurants, and other big-city amenities. Sugar Land has lots of land use/building restrictions that have resulted in there being no billboards, very attractive buildings and community areas, and scenic boulevards.

I don't want to go on and on, so what else specifically would you like to know?

[Lakewooder]

So what? Dallas has been 1st on different lists. Everyone knows they switch those around each year just to get media attention.

[eromi]

Thank you everybody. I am somewhat at ease now. JJP, how about buying a house in Sugar Land? Is $200000 - 250000 a realistic budget? We are moving from NJ, where it is just a dream to buy a decent home for that amount. Also are there any Universities in Sugar Land? I know there are quite a few in Houston so even if there aren't any, it is not going to be a problem but i was just wondering. Also how is the healthcare and education system (we are thinking of having kids) in Sugar Land? Thank you so much.

[Lakewooder]

SMU in Dallas is the heart of the fantastic neighborhoods of East Dallas/Lakewood, the Park Cities, Uptown and North Dallas

[AK123]

Originally Posted by eromi

Thank you everybody. I am somewhat at ease now. JJP, how about buying a house in Sugar Land? Is $200000 - 250000 a realistic budget? We are moving from NJ, where it is just a dream to buy a decent home for that amount. Also are there any Universities in Sugar Land? I know there are quite a few in Houston so even if there aren't any, it is not going to be a problem but i was just wondering. Also how is the healthcare and education system (we are thinking of having kids) in Sugar Land? Thank you so much.

Yes, you can get a nice house for $250K and just under. Depending on the neighborhood, size would range from probably 2000 - 3500 sq ft. We know a lot of people who live in New Territory and really like it, good schools, etc. Look over there. http://www.newterritory.org
There is a new development going up nearby, Telfair, that sounds very nice but also a little more pricey. http://www.telfair.com
Most of First Colony is also nice, that's where we are for now.
Check out www.har.com for home searches.

University of Houston does have a remote campus in Sugar Land... you can attend classes there but the degree would actually be from one of the main UH campuses. http://www.uhsa.uh.edu/fb

Sugar Land does have several medical facilities and hospitals. It's really its own city, has a town square/town hall and everything.

And it's not too bad a drive into Houston (15-20 miles) if you need something else... more options for universities (Rice is highest rated in this part of the country, basically in the "new Ivy Leagues", then there are several medical schools), the Texas Medical Center (largest grouping of hospitals and medical research facilities in the country, many top-notch!), a fabulous museum district, and lots else.

The only downside is Sugar Land is a bit far from IAH, if your husband needs to use that airport often. Hobby is closer, but not as large of an airport.

[eromi]

I was wondering if any one had any thoughts on Round Rock. So far what i am reading is positive. But I would love to hear from someone who lives or lived there? Thank you