considering move to Texas from S. California (Houston, Dallas: cheap house, neighborhoods)

[ellabella65]

We would appreciate any feedback or suggestions anyone might have.
My husband and I are considering a move to Texas from S. California.
We are looking at suburbs of S.A., Austin, North-Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston. (oops)

Although we are California Natives and love the climate, we are tired of the high cost of housing and the ultra liberal values both economically and socially of our community. We would like to move to a more conservative, Christian community.

My husband has a small toner cartridge recycling company and would like to continue running it if possible. For that reason, we would probably need to be close to a city for business. Ideally no more than 30-40 minute commute for business.

We would ideally like to find a safe and affordable neighborhood.
A small (1000-1500 sq. foot) house in a family oriented community.
We would ideally like to be close to churches, mature trees, parks, community pools, outdoor trails or lakes, if possible.

I homeschool our two daughters so we are not so particular about school districts. Our girls are both seven, so it would be nice to be in a place with community activities for them. They are both involved in a track club now and would like to continue that if possible.

We are seeking to spend about 100K or less. We realize we might have to settle for less of the things on our wish list for the price but could anybody recommend some communities which might come close?

I would ideally like to involved in the "homeschooling" community.
Is anyone familiar with any groups out there?
Thanks so much!

[Texascrude]

This is the Houston forum, and Houston wasn't among the cities you were considering : (

[ellabella65]

Sorry, I meant to open up to Houston as well.

[chris_ut]

Texas urban areas are actually fairly liberal and both Houston and Austin voted for Obama in the election, maybe SA too. Also 100k isn't going to get you anything outside of the ghetto in any of these cities. To get cheap property prices and bible thumpers you would want to look into a smaller town in East Texas like Livingston.

[Topaz]

Originally Posted by chris_ut

Texas urban areas are actually fairly liberal and both Houston and Austin voted for Obama in the election, maybe SA too. Also 100k isn't going to get you anything outside of the ghetto in any of these cities. To get cheap property prices and bible thumpers you would want to look into a smaller town in East Texas like Livingston.

Excellent advice. Would rep chris_ut if I hadn't already maxed out the ability to do so.

[ahzzie]

Originally Posted by chris_ut

Texas urban areas are actually fairly liberal and both Houston and Austin voted for Obama in the election, maybe SA too. Also 100k isn't going to get you anything outside of the ghetto in any of these cities. To get cheap property prices and bible thumpers you would want to look into a smaller town in East Texas like Livingston.

Please heed the above advice or you are setting yourself up for disappointment.

[EasilyAmused]

You may want to consider areas around Tyler Texas.

I think as a conservative you would be happy in Houston, but frankly 100k isn't going to get you in the door in a nicer area. However, you can search HAR.COM, and there are still some older homes in The Woodlands and Kingwood areas that are sub 100k. There are plenty of churches in those areas as well.

[CRBoyd91]

150k would get you into a nice decent house in Katy with all of the amenities you mentioned wanting. North Katy is another option, but you really have to be picky because those cheaper neighborhoods over there are very hit and miss when it comes down to it. If 100k is your max then cut your losses and buy an older cheap house in an older neighborhood that needs work.

[cheryjohns]

At around $100K, upper Katy or parts of Spring.

[Texascrude]

Keep in mind, Texas has pretty high property taxes (up to 4% in some areas). If you didn't factor this into your budget, keep in mind thats an extra ~$300 or so a month.