Need some inside help, looking at the DeerPark area. (Houston: insurance, houses)

[Julie Diep]

Will be looking at Moving to Texas and would like some information for a family of 4, one of which is only two years old. We are looking to relocate to the area around May of next year. We have been doing some research and would like some inside information from residents on the Deer Park area and surrounding areas. We are looking at many factors, most important is the schools for the little one and college's. What is the area like, safety, cost of living ( housing), grocery prices, weather ( rainy season, Flood zones). What is available in the Deer Park area ( shopping, hiking, biking, out door activities, any thing with in walking distance or a bike ride?) Please share some of the highlights on the area as well. I would love to hear what makes your living in Deer Park a selling point. What are some questions we should be asking when looking for housing and what are some things that we should be on the look out for. Any area's that we need to avoid? Any information would be great. We are a military family with two people in the health care field and the little one that will start school in a few years.

Thank you for the information.

[texas7]

Deer Park is a family oriented community. It is close to the petrochemical industries on Highway 225 - however if you look at the North end and areas along Fairmont Parkway - you'll be farthest away 5-6 miles and not have any issues from them. Its a middle class area with a few upper priced areas. Its a safe area, schools are good. You can look at areas along Fairmont Parkway and Space Center Boulevard (may be technically Pasadena but zoned to Deer Park Schools). Any area of the greater Houston area, you will need to asked what the flood zone is that it is located in. And even if flood insurance isn't required, you'd want to buy it (it's cheap when it isn't required). Not sure what your price range is - if you have a price range perhaps people can suggest neighborhoods. You can pick up the Armand Bayou Hike and Bike Trail just off of Fairmont Parkway.

[Poltracker]

Deer Park is a family friedly area. The city services are excellent. Clean and well kept streets. Twice weekly garbage service and once a week heavy trash. A police officer on your doorstep in two minutes if you ever need one. Nice parks. A barrage of ongoing family activities including exercise classes, swimming, crafts, movies in the park, farmers market, etc. The schools are good. A little light on grocery stores and dining but plenty of that nearby. Good place to walk and bike, but you will need a car.
Typical Houston area flooding issues, you will need to check FEMA maps. We had a 10 inch rain in 2 hours during TS Erin a small number of houses flooded. New drainage is being constructed. Overall pretty good place to live.