Neighborhood Recommendations in Houston $300-500K range (Spring, Bellaire: insurance, mortgage)

[bronstew]

We are moving back to Houston in July. We have about $150-175K to put down on a house, and we're looking to get a mortgage of about $200K or so. We are looking for a neighborhood that's not too remote (Katy and Cypress are too far) with good schools and some bike trails or other outdoor access. Neighborhoods that have been recommended to us are Memorial Thicket (off Memorial Drive between Highway 6 and Eldridge), The Heights, and Garden Oaks.

Does anyone have any other neighborhood recommendations that are worth exploring? Our absolute upper limit is 500K, and we'd ideally like to spend about $350K, but realize $400K might be more realistic.

[HookTheBrotherUp]

For outdoor activities, and bike trails, you can't beat the Heights area. For under 500K, you will find what you need, but I don't think 200K will get you anything that won't require rehab. Welcome back.

[Lost_In_Translation]

What size house are you looking for? You can get 1800-2500 sqft houses in West Memorial (77079) in the spring branch school district. Terry Hershey Park runs the length of the zipcode and has direct access to several neighborhoods. If you're commuting downtown, it's a very good place to live and still have excellent schools. Garden oaks and the heights area at current reputation you may want to move out before high school (middle school in some areas). In memorial people only leave if they're forced to move for work or can afford a big price jump into the villages, bellaire or West U.

[bronstew]

Thanks. Sorry, what I meant is that we're hoping to spend somewhere around $350-400K, but I would really prefer to spend about $350K. However, we can afford up to $450K, $500K would be stretching it.

I was attracted to the Memorial Thicket area because of Barbara Bush Elementary, which is meant to be an extremely good school. Not sure about the elem school in the Heights. Or do many people there go private? Also, I really don't want a house under 2000 sq ft, so I was thinking the Heights might not be doable for us.

I guess I'm really asking is it possible to find a house for $350-400K in an area with exemplary schools? Or am I dreaming? We can't afford Spring Branch.

[Lost_In_Translation]

FYI, atleast part of Memorial Thicket is zoned to HISD which is not a deal killer but means you won't be walking your children to school and you might not as pleased with the middle school or high school options. For large houses, Fleetwood or Barkers Landing are better options IMO.

[bronstew]

Great info, thanks. That's what I wanted to know. My kids are 3 and 8 months. It will be a long while before we have to start thinking about moving because of middle schools.

I really don't want a house under 2000 sq ft, and about 2500 would be nice. I just want to be able to send my kids to a good school and not have to spend over $400K or so. And I don't want to be out in the boonies.

[houston-nomad]

You might also look at the Meyerland area. If you can get the Kolter-Johnston-Bellaire combo of schools you're in business. Also just two minutes from the loop, very close to the Galleria area.

[Lost_In_Translation]

Originally Posted by bronstew

Great info, thanks. That's what I wanted to know. My kids are 3 and 8 months. It will be a long while before we have to start thinking about moving because of middle schools.

I really don't want a house under 2000 sq ft, and about 2500 would be nice. I just want to be able to send my kids to a good school and not have to spend over $400K or so. And I don't want to be out in the boonies.

If you don't mind paying the flood insurance, Meyerland area also has very good close in options (77096).

If you want in to SBISD for under 400k, Thornwood, Westwick and Sherwood Oaks provide alternate possibilities.

[cheryjohns]

While I like Oak Forest, mentioned above, it is necessary to place the work location to tie into a commute.

[DavidAg02]

Check out Upland Lakes:


Spring Branch ISD schools, great access to I-10/BW8, close to City Center and other shopping, Nearby parks and trails: Terry Hershey and Addicks reservoir, right in your price range.