Good "family" areas within 20 minute drive from downtown? (Houston: real estate, apartment complex)

[EasilyAmused]

I could make it to downtown in under 17 minutes, going down Woodway and through the park, when I lived in Tanglewood and Briargrove. But for 450 you can only get a small and moderately renovated house in Briargrove or a nice townhouse. But that's better than two years ago when 450 would only get you a teardown.

But really I can make it now from western Memorial in about 20-25 because of the I-10 expansion. But I still get off before the loop and shoot through the park.

[modster]

Originally Posted by EasilyAmused

I could make it to downtown in under 17 minutes, going down Woodway and through the park, when I lived in Tanglewood and Briargrove. But for 450 you can only get a small and moderately renovated house in Briargrove or a nice townhouse. But that's better than two years ago when 450 would only get you a teardown.

But really I can make it now from western Memorial in about 20-25 because of the I-10 expansion. But I still get off before the loop and shoot through the park.

I used to work on August and lived in the old 6th ward and it would take me at least 17 minutes to get past the gridlock at Woodway and 610. That area is a bear on traffic.

[EasilyAmused]

Originally Posted by modster

I used to work on August and lived in the old 6th ward and it would take me at least 17 minutes to get past the gridlock at Woodway and 610. That area is a bear on traffic.

Yes, at night leaving the area is nuts, coming back into it isn't as bad. Mornings there wasn't much of a problem getting to downtown from the area.

I think the OP should stick with the Meyerland area. You get more for your money there.

[HMY624]

Thanks for all the great suggestions! Just another quick question. Are most of the homes in the Houston area (w/in the areas you have suggested) older homes or are there areas w/ newer homes?

[dv1033]

Originally Posted by HMY624

Thanks for all the great suggestions! Just another quick question. Are most of the homes in the Houston area (w/in the areas you have suggested) older homes or are there areas w/ newer homes?

Newer homes will mostly be in the suburbs.

With kids that young, I would definitely rent and figure out Houston first before making that kind of decision.

[cheryjohns]

Older (unless you get a townhome). Newer houses are being built in the outer circle far from downtown - not even close to your desired commute time.

[houston-nomad]

There are a lot of new townhomes if that interests you. We had a great townhome five minutes from downtown. It wasn't an ideal layout with kids, but it did have a yard. Some have a better layout (2 bedrooms up, rather than our 1 up, 1 down). Some have small yards. This can be a great way to get into Montrose or the Heights.

[HMY624]

We decided we will probably rent something to start until we figure out Houston (good suggestion dv1033) Does anyone have a good site for rental homes? I tried Craigslist with little success. Thanks!

[Proud2bPinoy]

Originally Posted by HMY624

My DH has a "bee in his bonnet" about living 20 minutes or less from work... he will be working right smack in the middle of downtown. Where can live that is considered safe for families? We have two small children (1 and 3).

Would prefer to rent or buy a house (at least 3 beds and at least 2 baths). From what I am reading it looks like commuting may take some time. Also, what is the price ranges for houses in the recommended areas? We are looking at houses less than about $450K... is this feasible?

Thanks in advance for your help!
~Heather

am i right that a $450K house, you would pay $4500 a month roughly

[Lost_In_Translation]

Originally Posted by Proud2bPinoy

am i right that a $450K house, you would pay $4500 a month roughly

what math are you using? even with taxes and PMI (assuming they put no money down) I only get a monthly payment of around 3500.