Champion Forest vs. Woodlands (Houston, The Woodlands: houses, neighborhoods, construction)

[StepRN3]

My husband and I are looking for a home in the Woodlands. We also heard some great things about Champion Forest. We are in our early 30's, no children yet, but plan to in the future. We would like to spend around 500,000 - 800,000 and live in a SAFE, upper middle class neighborhood. My husband works from home, therefore our commute to Houston is not an issue.

Can anyone compare the Woodlands to Champion Forest? Is the area just as nice?

Thank you in advance!

[Mr. Football]

Both great choices. Having lived in Champion Forest, I can tell you it is a great neighborhood. Great schools. You'll probably find that you'll get a little bit more for your money there. At that price point, you'll do well in either community. You'll probably also find that its a bit more laid back, less competitive (less Stepford than The Woodlands). Champion Forest has a number of new high-end communities that are located on its edges. The Falls at Champion Forest, Lakes of Sterling Gate are just a couple...Of course, all up and down Champion Forest Drive (as well as Cutten Rd) you'll find really nice upscale neighborhoods. You may also want to check out Vintage Lakes, which is located just across from Vintage Park which will be an upscale European-style shopping village. It will also have a Central Market HEB or hybrid store like they've got up in The Woodlands. Overall, this area shares almost identical demographics to The Woodlands with more people. It is an older, established area that has long been known as one of the nicest in NW Houston. Search the 77379 Zip Code, 77070 and 77069 for homes in the Champions area.

As for The Woodlands. People there seem to love it. It's come a long way from being the sleepy community up in the sticks. Today it is a bustling community, alive with growth. The Woodlands has the advantage of a single master planner that has guided development up there, so there's a uniformity there that you don't find in a lot of places in Houston. The homes in the lower price points are somewhat chintzy and bare compared to what you get elsewhere, but at the $500K-$800K price point I don't think you'll have a problem. Most of the newer construction over the past 5-7 years has been in nicer homes. Again, many positives about this community, it has a small town feel to it, glistening new Town Center, waterway, etc. The people I know complain that it has a Stepford-like quality about it that can be a turn-off. There also isn't as much variety in terms of development styles as you'll find in places like Klein or Cypress - there's a bit more homogeneity...but to some that's a plus. Very tidy and orderly and woodsy.

You can't go wrong with either. May I suggest you also check out the 77429 Zip code, Rock Creek and others in the 'HP Corridor'. Lot's of terrific choices.

[SkyeAnjel]

I totally agree with everything Mr. Football says. I live in the Champions area and loved it! I would love to be able to live in th Vintage Lakes or Falls of Champions. It is gorgeous. Rock Creek is also upscale and gorgeous. I prefer this area to The Woodlands but that is personal. I find it less congested and more relaxed out here but there is certainly nothing wrong with The Woodlands. In your price range you will live well in either place.

[Premont]

I think Champions is kind of underrated. It seems everyone always advises The Woodlands or Kingwood when they're recommending the north side. Champions has the advantage of being closer in and more connected to the general Houston area. Some people prefer being further out like The Woodlands, so it's a matter of preference.

[SkyeAnjel]

Originally Posted by Premont

I think Champions is kind of underrated. It seems everyone always advises The Woodlands or Kingwood when they're recommending the north side. Champions has the advantage of being closer in and more connected to the general Houston area. Some people prefer being further out like The Woodlands, so it's a matter of preference.

I agree. I think The Woodlands is more "Jones" then Champions. Here, you can be at the park, or library or shopping with people who live in 120,000. houses or million dollar houses and nobody cares. Your wealthier people(and there are alot) are more relaxed out here. My son (16 years) has friends who have houses that take up half the block LOL! These kids come to our house and don't think anything about it. They are raised well with respect for other people and I love that about living here. The Woodlands is very nice and I am sure there are alot of great people out there but alot of people want to live there to say they live in "The Woodlands". They do have a great mall though..

[BearBranch]

You get a lot of bang for your buck in Memorial Northwest, which is close to both The Woodlands and Champions

[SkyeAnjel]

Originally Posted by BearBranch

You get a lot of bang for your buck in Memorial Northwest, which is close to both The Woodlands and Champions

Memorial Northwest is nice, right next door to my neighborhood. It has alot of trees and greenery.

[RMA321]

are the schools about the same in Champions and The Woodlands?

[SkyeAnjel]

KLein ISD (champions) are good schools...

Klein High school
Doerre of Klebb middle school
(depending on neighborhood you live in)


Krahn elementary
Brill elementary (in champion forest subdivision)
are 2 of the elementary schools in the area.

My kids have been in Klein since kindergarden and have done well.

[Mr. Football]

The newest section of Champion Forest (on the other side of Cypress Creek) attends Cypress Creek HS which like Klein has been good for decades. Strong programs, active parent involvement, high achieving students, famous alumni.