Relocating to Houston from NYC, looking for great diverse schools, neighborhoods, etc. (Sugar Land: real estate, to rent)

[cappacinoo]

My family is very excited to be relocating to Houston this Spring from New York. Would someone please give information that would help in our transition. We're looking for great diverse schools for our elementary and middle school children. A great but not too expensive safe place to live inside or just outside the city of Houston and any ideas on good real estate agencies and home builders. Also, some great programs for the kids to do during the summer along with any little tidbits about Houston that would be helpful to know (i.e. restaurants, organizations etc.). We've already heard about the bad traffic and hot summers but are coming anyway. Thanks so much in advance.

[14Bricks]

Originally Posted by cappacinoo

My family is very excited to be relocating to Houston this Spring from New York. Would someone please give information that would help in our transition. We're looking for great diverse schools for our elementary and middle school children. A great but not too expensive safe place to live inside or just outside the city of Houston and any ideas on good real estate agencies and home builders. Also, some great programs for the kids to do during the summer along with any little tidbits about Houston that would be helpful to know (i.e. restaurants, organizations etc.). We've already heard about the bad traffic and hot summers but are coming anyway. Thanks so much in advance.

What's you're budget?

[DejaBlue]

What's your definition of diverse as far as schools?

Where is the job located?

What's your budget? And what to you is expensive?

[testmo]

West and southwest inside the city amd suburbs are the most diverse and you can find good public schools. Close to the city id budget 380-600k depending on how close to the city you want to be and school situation while staying affordable.

Suburbs in the west and southwest you can find a home for significantly less and you get more bang for your buck if you care but youre much further away from restaurants, city, and deal more with traffic and commuting. Where your jobs are located is important as some commutes from certain parts of town no one should do

[cappacinoo]

Thank you for your responses. Diversity to us would be at least 15% of each race/culture represented in the school. It's very important for us to raise our children in an environment that reflects society. The exact job location still has to be determined but I know for sure that it is within the city of Houston. We are looking to rent for the first year and don't want to pay more that $1400 a month for a 3 bedroom house.

[14Bricks]

Originally Posted by cappacinoo

Thank you for your responses. Diversity to us would be at least 15% of each race/culture represented in the school. It's very important for us to raise our children in an environment that reflects society. The exact job location still has to be determined but I know for sure that it is within the city of Houston. We are looking to rent for the first year and don't want to pay more that $1400 a month for a 3 bedroom house.

You'll be in the suburbs somewhere, I'd look at Sugar Land.

[imback]

The City of Houston is approximately 640 square miles in area (that's just the city, not all of Harris County, and not the Houston Metro area, which is many times bigger).

Unless you simply don't mind the prospect of a several hours/day commute, you need to provide a more specific job location. Otherwise, people cannot give you meaningful advice about possible residential areas.

It would also help to state the maximum commute (in time, not miles) which will be tolerable.

[cappacinoo]

Imback, you are absolutely right. I debated even posting not knowing the exact location of the job but I was so excited I did it anyway. Thanks for the feedback. With that said, could someone help me with my other questions? Some good summer outings with children under the age of 12? Good family restaurants? Any good Christian churches to recommend, besides Joel Olsten (whom I like a lot by the way)?

[cappacinoo]

14Bricks I want to consider Sugar Land because everyone tells me how nice it is, but when checking the stats it doesn't appear that diverse. Is there something I'm missing?

[ipuck]

Originally Posted by cappacinoo

14Bricks I want to consider Sugar Land because everyone tells me how nice it is, but when checking the stats it doesn't appear that diverse. Is there something I'm missing?

In Houston, "diverse" usually mean white flight has already happen and the minorities are the only students there. The school is usually failing and in bad shape.

Sugarland is a little different as the Asian minority is all there unlike the rest of the city. It has some of the top schools in the city, and their diversity is 40% white and 40% asian and the other minorities make up the rest.

Now if you want your kids to experience diversity, by all means look anywhere closer to city have those diverse schools you are looking for. Getting a good and safe education is another matter though.