Lake Jackson/Angleton/Rosharon (Houston, Austin: to rent, home, safe neighborhood)

[NOTAM]

anyone give me a good "picture" of what life is like in these towns? culture, landscape, people, lifestyle, etc...........
though i am leaning toward west Texas/panhandle, i want to explore my options here in the Gulf Coast before i move.
reason i am curious about these towns is because of good number of TDCJ (prison) units there, where i would want to work at

[GausJAMS]

Originally Posted by bellestaroftexas

anyone give me a good "picture" of what life is like in these towns? culture, landscape, people, lifestyle, etc...........
though i am leaning toward west Texas/panhandle, i want to explore my options here in the Gulf Coast before i move.
reason i am curious about these towns is because of good number of TDCJ (prison) units there, where i would want to work at

We're moving to L.J at the beginning of June and will be there for a quick trip in Mid may!

If you can wait, I can tell ya what we find!

Otherwise, I got a hold of some great info on tons of different websites - seems like a very neat area with tons of stuff to do within an hour's drive, but I haven't talked to the people who actually live there.

The local paper is called The Facts .

Good luck in your decision/move!

[love roses]

I lived in Brazoria from the time I was 5 until 17, then moved to Clear Lake. many of my friends still live there, and my dad lived in Lake Jackson and worked at Dow until this year. Lake Jackson has grown quite a bit. 281 (?) goes from there to Houston if you need to go there for whatever reason and it takes less than an hour. There is just about anything you need as far as shopping, resturaunts, activities, etc. there. Actually, my dad's cousin and his family still live in Lake Jackson. He is an OB Gyn there. I believe the schools there are pretty good. The Facts has a website. Angleton is a lot smaller, but lots of New construction going on there. My friend said a lot of people move from Houston to that area now and just commute. You will be really close to the beach (surfside, Quintana) and Galveston is a little further, but only a day trip. Lots of big trees, spanish moss. There is a lot of OLD texas History in that area. The Brazos river used to be a major waterway, and Brazoria was a capital town once. Stephen F. Austins original settlers lived in the area. Uses to be plantations too. Only a few are still standing. Some are only foundations now. Lake Jackson also has the Jackson plantation foundation still visible. I believe you can still visit it. The Hogg plantation in West Columbia is still standing and is nice to tour.

[GausJAMS]

Originally Posted by love roses

I lived in Brazoria from the time I was 5 until 17, then moved to Clear Lake. many of my friends still live there, and my dad lived in Lake Jackson and worked at Dow until this year. Lake Jackson has grown quite a bit. 281 (?) goes from there to Houston if you need to go there for whatever reason and it takes less than an hour. There is just about anything you need as far as shopping, resturaunts, activities, etc. there. Actually, my dad's cousin and his family still live in Lake Jackson. He is an OB Gyn there. I believe the schools there are pretty good. The Facts has a website. Angleton is a lot smaller, but lots of New construction going on there. My friend said a lot of people move from Houston to that area now and just commute. You will be really close to the beach (surfside, Quintana) and Galveston is a little further, but only a day trip. Lots of big trees, spanish moss. There is a lot of OLD texas History in that area. The Brazos river used to be a major waterway, and Brazoria was a capital town once. Stephen F. Austins original settlers lived in the area. Uses to be plantations too. Only a few are still standing. Some are only foundations now. Lake Jackson also has the Jackson plantation foundation still visible. I believe you can still visit it. The Hogg plantation in West Columbia is still standing and is nice to tour.

That helped me out, too! I can't wait to soak up some good ol' TX History! (can't believe I'm saying that, because I'm just not that much into History!)
Do you know if there is a Costco, or Sams Club in the area? And, is there a Mr Gatti's Playland or Gatti Town in the area?

I know - weird questions. I have an 8 year old (and Husband, too) who love Mr GAtti's!

I need my Sam's or Costco!

Would you give any area to stay away from, as far as finding a home/neighborhood/city goes?. Is there an area in or around L.J that isn't great, or is the bad and good just mixed in everywhere? We're going to try to find a home to rent in a nice family area - quiet, safe neighborhood. How far will $1200 get us for a good rental?

Does your family know of any property owners who are needing some reall awesome, reliable renters??

Thanks for all the info, again!

[love roses]

I can ask my "Uncle" (Dad's cousin). I want to say there is a costco there. I'll email my friend and ask her if it's that or sams. Same goes for Gattiland. I do know there was always a gatti's there. There really aren't any bad areas there. Clute really isn't that great, I'd probably stay away from there. There are some areas where it is a little poorer. I'll do some more homework for you for better specifics.

[GausJAMS]

Originally Posted by love roses

I can ask my "Uncle" (Dad's cousin). I want to say there is a costco there. I'll email my friend and ask her if it's that or sams. Same goes for Gattiland. I do know there was always a gatti's there. There really aren't any bad areas there. Clute really isn't that great, I'd probably stay away from there. There are some areas where it is a little poorer. I'll do some more homework for you for better specifics.

Awesome - thanks so much. really appreciate it

Belle, you getting this info? thanks for eltting me hi-jack your discussion (sorry!)

[love roses]

There are some prisons there, but for anyone thinking about this being scary, I've never known there to be any problems. I did fire off some emails, and am awaiting responses to them. But I dug around some and found out that there are 6 golf courses (Austin Bayou, Columbia Lakes, Freeport, Jackson Oaks, West of The Brazos, Wilderness).. I know this, but 3 beaches (Bryan, Quintana, and Surfside)..Diving...Birding and Nature Tours..Offshore and Bay fishing and Crabbing. There is also a hospital (my sister was born there). The main Freeway into Houston from LJ is 288.

[love roses]

O.K. My friend emailed me back. She said believe it or not there is a "bad" part of LJ now. But she didn't specify. She said if you want, you can email her. She said also, for $1200 you should look at the area around the hospital. She said it's a nice area, and close to everything. No sams or costco, unless you drive into Houston. There is a Superwalmart, Target, etc. No Gattiland, but I think there is a Chuck E. Cheese. She said they are getting a Fuddruckers now, too, if you like their hamburgers. Hope this helps some...

[GausJAMS]

Originally Posted by love roses

O.K. My friend emailed me back. She said believe it or not there is a "bad" part of LJ now. But she didn't specify. She said if you want, you can email her. She said also, for $1200 you should look at the area around the hospital. She said it's a nice area, and close to everything. No sams or costco, unless you drive into Houston. There is a Superwalmart, Target, etc. No Gattiland, but I think there is a Chuck E. Cheese. She said they are getting a Fuddruckers now, too, if you like their hamburgers. Hope this helps some...

Hi

You can't just leave me hanging on the bad area! C'mon, give me something! (just kiddin)

Thanks for the info - I know I would've found it all out eventually, but it's nice to know before we get there.

IS there area by the hospital around the Corkwood area? Do you think $1200 is a safe average for a decent home - or on the lower end?

I may PM you to get the email address. Thanks Tell your friend thanks as well Have a great day/evening.

[love roses]

No problem