Relocating to Houston from the UK.......yeah !!!

[Craig1101]

I just goggled your address and I reckon you could still have a 40-45 minute drive in traffic from Bridgeland or surrounding communities. Tomball would get you much closer to work, when we first started looking I was only looking at zip code 77377, mainly because people I knew from work lived in the area and liked it.

Our fabulous realtor broadened our horizons and we ended up in Bridgeland which is much closer to my work. IMO the areas in Tobmall are nice but don't have the same feeling of being in the countryside. You can get to your work from Cypress using back roads and avoiding the infamous 290/beltway traffic so it would be a pleasant drive if that's what you opt for.

One other thing, if you're a shopper, your work is dangerously close to Willowbrook mall, if I was your husband that would be a concern for me

[ksunny]

Originally Posted by irishlover

Welcome! My wife moved from Ireland in February. We are loving Houston. PM me for specific info

Hi

AS u say v can ask the things making us really worry,

Im from manchester n planning to move Houston as weather really affecting me here like joints pain at age of 36 n u know the way the NHS is.So far im worked in the furniture retail shops at different levels.on top Ive done masters in finance long time ago.Ive got kids to go to primary n secondary schools.which area is best for us to start.Dont know where to start,plg to come to myself first n sort the visa n house for the family as well.plz u r guidance is much appreciated.

waiting for u r reply.

thanks

[AK123]

Originally Posted by descovy

Echoing what EA said... There is nothing substantial in Sugar Land that cannot be found in Cy-Fair, Cypress, NW area.

Well, except land use controls and zoning. No billboards. Signage laws. Etc. Which is a pretty big deal to some and I think makes for better QOL.

But yes, if work is NW, one should try to live NW.

[Cabot]

Originally Posted by ksunny

Hi

AS u say v can ask the things making us really worry,

Im from manchester n planning to move Houston as weather really affecting me here like joints pain at age of 36 n u know the way the NHS is.So far im worked in the furniture retail shops at different levels.on top Ive done masters in finance long time ago.Ive got kids to go to primary n secondary schools.which area is best for us to start.Dont know where to start,plg to come to myself first n sort the visa n house for the family as well.plz u r guidance is much appreciated.

waiting for u r reply.

thanks

Before you do anything you have to see if you are eligible for a visa. You can't just come over here and get a visa, it has to be done first. For lots of info I suggest you check out the British Expats (Immigration) forum. Unless it is a company move or you are married to a US citizen it is very difficult.

[Shipresa]

Check to see if you MUST go with an assigned realtor from your company. We were assigned one and a billion thanks to everyone that we didn't use that realtor and used CheryJohns who KNOWS everything about these areas.

The assigned realtor simply wanted to nest us with other UK expats in Katy. Harumph to that and we are so happy close to Copperfield but in the Cypress ISD.

If you don't HAVE to use the assigned realtor, then interview someone else, including CheryJohns.

And, yeah, just like folks from LA, sure, folks who drove a lot around UK just can't comprehend (like my husband, who is from Scotland) that Woodlands is a far commute time-wise to downtown or EC. And Sugarland is a huge commute in aggravation and drive time (never count miles, they mean nothing in Houston) to the NW.

Today I had only 11 miles to run and with two accidents and a frontage road closure to one of those accidents, it took me 45 minutes and a lot of stress. (Beltway and I-10 no matter, not even the usual suspect congestion areas.)

Reduce your stress and spend more time with your family and look at Cypress. The amenities are bountiful, the housing prices the same reasonable-ness as Sugarland and you'll probably have a larger lot, too.

Your container will ship depending on if you are dedicated or sharing a container. My husband's company provided gobs of relocation so our small amount of stuff came dedicated and arrived in less than 3 weeks. Cort furniture's rental costs aren't that huge and possibly your relocation package will include that...?

Yes, its an exciting time however we are SO GLAD we didn't move to Woodlands or even Katy, let alone Sugarland and stay closer to hubby's job. It does make a difference in the sprawl that is Houston.

ksunny - you may want to hop over to britishexpats.com and ask your questions over there. No visa in hand means very little possibility for you to come here. If the issue is medical, I've had many a UK friend come over and pay out of pocket for things like knee replacements, ankle surgery and the like. Its pricey but possible.

As for pet insurance is normally not taken out here, and anything pre-existing is not covered, as well as many chronic illness like cancers or diabetes. Check well with the cover prior to purchase.

[turnerringgold]

You need to have your Realtor educate you on the different areas of Houston and what they have to offer. I am a Realtor and feel the NW area is a wonderful area for families relocating from out of the country. We have wonderful resale values and excellent schools. The Woodlands has a lot to offer and is full of international families.