Moving to Houston, wondering about magnet programs and neighborhoods (Van: renting, townhouse)

[ca_mom]

Hi, my husband got a job in Houston at the international airport and we'll be moving there from FL over the summer. We've never been there nor have friends so all we know is from our research through the internet.
Our first concern is where should we move to. He'll be working at the airport so I think north is the best option. We have a 7 y.o. so we are looking for a safe, family oriented and in a good schools area neighborhood. Also, we won't be buying at first, we are thinking of renting a townhouse or house, but since I'll need to find a new job myself, we're designating a max of $1500/m.
Our other concern is regarding schools. Our son is in the gifted program full day, and from what I've read it's not how it works in the public schools system for the G/T students. I've read there are Vanguard Magnet schools with a program similar to his current one, but I inferred from what I've read that one need to apply ahead of time or live in the school designated zone, and the deadline is past due so I think we'd need to live near the school of choice, or not?
Please, any advice will be really appreciated! Thanks!