Looking for Advice for buying a Home (The Woodlands, Howe: neighborhood, school district)

[AndyQ]

I am thinking of buying a home and am beginning the preliminary steps. Just based off some basic internet research I have identified a few areas but need more information. I was hoping to get people's thoughts based on a few factors:

1. safety of neighborhood. This is my most important criteria. I want to be in a safe place.
2. quality of school district. I do not currently have children, but plan to in the future.
3. potential resale value down the line. This one also factors into criteria 1 and 2.
4. proximity to restaurants and other fun things. I like the idea of being near two major freeways and thus my interest in these areas.

Here they are in no particular order.

1. Greater Uptown
2. Hunter's Creek
3. Piney Point
4. Bunker Hill
5. Hedwig Village
6. Memorial
7. Afton Oaks
8. Washington Avenue/Memorial Park
9. Lazy Brook Timber Grove
10. Greater Heights

Thank you for any and all help that can be provided.

[ipuck]

You left out the most important thing. Your budget.

[AndyQ]

Originally Posted by ipuck

You left out the most important thing. Your budget.

My apologies. I am looking mostly from the pov of single family homes or town homes.

I would like spend somewhere around 450 but could push to mid 500s at the most.

[cheryjohns]

2 through 10 - but over half of those start in the millions.

[AndyQ]

Originally Posted by cheryjohns

2 through 10 - but over half of those start in the millions.

Which of the ones I've listed could be had in my price range?

Based on the geography, are there other areas you would recommended that fit the budget and parameters listed?

[cheryjohns]

8 & 9. As long as you are looking in Timbergrove - might as well see if you like anything in Oak Forest or Garden Oaks. Where is work location? We may have other suggestions.

[AndyQ]

Originally Posted by cheryjohns

8 & 9. As long as you are looking in Timbergrove - might as well see if you like anything in Oak Forest or Garden Oaks. Where is work location? We may have other suggestions.

I work near the intersection of I-45 and 1960 but I do not wish to live near work. I would like a commute where I am against the traffic in each direction.

[cheryjohns]

Why not The Woodlands or Kingwood?

[AndyQ]

Originally Posted by cheryjohns

Why not The Woodlands or Kingwood?

Thought about both. However 2 problems with that:

1. Both would require a commute where I would be traveling with the traffic as opposed to against traffic.
2. I may soon be taking an additional position in Kingwood and do not want to live where I work.

I know that some people may think it strange to not want to live near work, but I have the need to physically separate my work life from my personal life.

[cheryjohns]

Then I would suggest Timbergrove, Lazybrook, Garden Oaks or Oak Forest - but consider The Woodlands. There are some nice communities west of 45 about Kuykendahl/south of Woodlands Parkway - close enough for a decent commute and property values that will go up the more Exxon gets settled in there.