What do you think of Fondren Southwest? (Houston, Detroit: houses, neighborhood)

[EasilyAmused]

Originally Posted by rb4browns

Black and brown people roaming the street does lower property values, but I think the city is looking in to ways to keep them locked up at home. Matter of fact, I was driving home and I saw a big pack of *roaming people* when I was stopped at Fondren and Bellfort. I made sure the doors were locked.

It's not the color of their skin jeez. Get over it. You can tell when people are loitering around "looking" for something or someone around those apartments.

[rb4browns]

Originally Posted by EasilyAmused

It's not the color of their skin jeez. Get over it. You can tell when people are loitering around "looking" for something or someone around those apartments.

Ok, but you didn't say "loitering around" or "someone around those apartments," you said, "To me the biggest negative to Fondren SW is the the people who roam the major streets." If it's not the color of their skin, then what exactly is it that would turn an observer off if said person was seen "roaming the street?" Fondren SW is not Bellaire, but I think part of its lingering reputation as a *ghetto* has more to do with the color of the majority of its residents skin as opposed to the actual crime stats in the neighborhood.

[dv1033]

Originally Posted by AK123

We were pretty much priced out of Meyerland too. And the other two places don't seem to have consistently good public schools at all levels.

Should have looked at private schools. Or if you are insistent on the public school route then Johnston Middle School is pretty decent, not sure about elementary schools. Again, magnet schools.

But the next area out on the southwest side with the good qualities you mention is basically Sugar Land. Which is more than 5 miles.

Missouri City? Pearland isn't very far from Fondren either. If you want the best of everything for cheap then yes the suburbs are where you belong.

[dv1033]

To the loitering comment:

It may surprise you that people actually rely less on automobiles in Fondren SW because of economic reasons. People generally walk to the bus stop and in between to get to places. If roaming people bother you then please stay in your suburb where walking is only done for exercise.

[AK123]

Originally Posted by dv1033

Missouri City? Pearland isn't very far from Fondren either. If you want the best of everything for cheap then yes the suburbs are where you belong.

Many areas of Houston are suburban looking and feeling to me. Whether inside the Beltway or out. There are some exceptions but Fondren SW isn't one of them, sorry.

And the issue isn't just schools but also resale value, having many other young families in the neighborhood, the surrounding area, among other things. And as far as the "cheapness" comment, I'm pretty sure I had to pay more for our Sugar Land area home than if I had looked for an equivalent-sized home in Fondren SW.

[rb4browns]

Originally Posted by AK123

Many areas of Houston are suburban looking and feeling to me. Whether inside the Beltway or out. There are some exceptions but Fondren SW isn't one of them, sorry.

And the issue isn't just schools but also resale value, having many other young families in the neighborhood, the surrounding area, among other things. And as far as the "cheapness" comment, I'm pretty sure I had to pay more for our Sugar Land area home than if I had looked for an equivalent-sized home in Fondren SW.

Most of the United States with any modicum of population density is suburban looking and feeling.

[dv1033]

Originally Posted by AK123

Many areas of Houston are suburban looking and feeling to me. Whether inside the Beltway or out. There are some exceptions but Fondren SW isn't one of them, sorry.

What are you talking about? I was referring to the suburbs as a location.

And the issue isn't just schools but also resale value, having many other young families in the neighborhood, the surrounding area, among other things. And as far as the "cheapness" comment, I'm pretty sure I had to pay more for our Sugar Land area home than if I had looked for an equivalent-sized home in Fondren SW.

My parent's home in Fondren SW has appreciated enough from The Oil Bust to where they would practically break even if they resold it. Location and the influx of professionals and new families are caused appreciation in certain areas. Not sure why you think there aren't many young families in the area, certainly there are some areas don't have the quality.

Bottomline, you went with what you thought best matched you needs. I'm not chastising you for it. I loved growing up in this area and know it's stigmas are mostly people's own fears. Houston is a big place with many different places to live so there's something for everyone.

[pdouglas]

Westbury Christian School is an excellent private school not far from Fondren Southwest. Westbury Christian enrolls kids from age 3 to 12th grade. I drive in from Richmond so my 2 kids can attend this school (8th and 11th grader). Check out the school website at www.westburychristian.org

[MoThuga]

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[robertrulez]

yes fondren southwest does have some very good areas with some really nice homes