Moving to Houston, don't want to be short-sighted (Bellaire, West: best neighborhood, condo)

[HeadSpinning]

So my husabd and I finally got the call that we are being relocated from West Texas to Houston and we couldn't be happier! The only problem is that we really can't decide on a housing option. We are a young couple who plan on being in Houston for at least 4 years. We don't have any children but plan on starting a family in the next year or so. We definitely want to buy, not rent, and our price limit is around $325,000. Right now we are focusing on the inner loop, mainly in the Heights. For our life situation right now, it's perfect, but I'm afraid once we have a baby, we'll want more of a suburban atmosphere. We've started looking some in Meyerland and Bellaire but we just can't make our money go as far and the commute (both working downtown) is not ideal. Does anyone have any insight into having young children in the inner loop? What is the best neighborhood for young families in the loop that is in our price range? Thank you so much for your help!

[cheryjohns]

Originally Posted by HeadSpinning

So my husabd and I finally got the call that we are being relocated from West Texas to Houston and we couldn't be happier! The only problem is that we really can't decide on a housing option. We are a young couple who plan on being in Houston for at least 4 years. We don't have any children but plan on starting a family in the next year or so. We definitely want to buy, not rent, and our price limit is around $325,000. Right now we are focusing on the inner loop, mainly in the Heights. For our life situation right now, it's perfect, but I'm afraid once we have a baby, we'll want more of a suburban atmosphere. We've started looking some in Meyerland and Bellaire but we just can't make our money go as far and the commute (both working downtown) is not ideal. Does anyone have any insight into having young children in the inner loop? What is the best neighborhood for young families in the loop that is in our price range? Thank you so much for your help!

LazyBrook, Timbergrove Manor and Oak Forest. For that price, you will get an updated 3 bedroom (homes built in the 50's - most still with hardwoods). Suburban feel, but close in and rising in value. All three neighborhoods 50/50 with older retirees and young professionals. Young professionals move there and usually stay through Baby #2.

[dv1033]

Originally Posted by HeadSpinning

So my husabd and I finally got the call that we are being relocated from West Texas to Houston and we couldn't be happier! The only problem is that we really can't decide on a housing option. We are a young couple who plan on being in Houston for at least 4 years. We don't have any children but plan on starting a family in the next year or so. We definitely want to buy, not rent, and our price limit is around $325,000. Right now we are focusing on the inner loop, mainly in the Heights. For our life situation right now, it's perfect, but I'm afraid once we have a baby, we'll want more of a suburban atmosphere. We've started looking some in Meyerland and Bellaire but we just can't make our money go as far and the commute (both working downtown) is not ideal. Does anyone have any insight into having young children in the inner loop? What is the best neighborhood for young families in the loop that is in our price range? Thank you so much for your help!

I think for that price range you won't get a good bang for your buck in the heights. I think if you can lose this whole notion that having kids = getting a house than your options can open a lot if you bought a townhome or condo. If you're not looking to be here permanently than those options mentioned above give you the most flexibility.

[westres1]

You dont have kids yet so enjoy the inner loop now while you can.