Be there in 2008 (Houston, The Woodlands, Katy: apartments, crime, day cares)

[singlemomof3]

I am the mother of three kids; 13, 5, and 2. I live in Miami and my husband and I have separated and instead of staying in my home I have decided to sell while I can still get some money out of the house. I am looking to move to Houston. We have close friends living there and my family will be moving soon too. I was wondering how much daycare costs in the Inner Loop area and the suburbs? Also how much is the average pay for lets say an entry level customer service position. I'll also be attending North Harris college. What areas are close to North Harris, I will be buying a house? I really appreciate any suggestions.

[jfre81]

You should be able to find PR-type work just about anywhere. It just may not be what you want when you want it, but you should be able to get a foot in the door without traveling too far. Pay is going to depend on who it's for and your experience/qualifications.

Can't say much about daycare.

You could commute to North Harris Community college from the Inner Loop using I-45 or the Hardy Toll Road, or from The Woodlands. Many areas of north Houston along 45 are a bit sketchy, so do some homework.

Houston Crime Maps and Statistics

This will give you an idea of what to expect crime-wise in any neighborhood in Houston.

[Mr. Football]

Lots of good options within an easy drive.

[jfre81]

Considering how fun getting around Miami in a car can be, I'm not going to harp on the traffic too much. I can't say you're gonna zip down 45 like it's nothing all the time but you'll learn patterns and make good time with time...it's very manageable.

[SkyeAnjel]

In home daycare can be anywhere from 125.00- 230.00/wk with the average being 150./wk. Public daycares are about 230/wk depending on age of your child. They also charge supply fees etc.
If you tell me where you end up I may be able to refer you to a licensed daycare provider since I used to be one .

[carolineb]

There are also drop in day cares that might be a good option for you too when you're going on job interviews or looking at apartments/houses. That's what we did with our very active 3 year old last month when we were looking at houses.

[singlemomof3]

drop in day care what is that? how much was it?

[SkyeAnjel]

Drop in care can be hard to find. It is where you pay by the day. I charged 30.00 per day for 8-5 childcare but that is pretty low compared to what some charge. The local daycare here charges 45.00 per day but I think children need to be picked up by 4:00 p.m.

[SkyeAnjel]

Mothers day out at local churches is also an option for part time care. Usually it is on Tues. and Thursdays.

[carolineb]

The drop in center that we used was in Katy (Cinco Ranch area) - we paid $60 for a one year registration fee and $9/hour. It includes lunch and dinner if you kid is there during the time that meal is served. Shot records need to be provided at 2nd visit unless child is in Katy school system.