Sugar Land Schools? (Houston, The Woodlands, Howe: how much, houses, to buy)

[NewJeffCT]

Hi there - I was on here back in September/October for a possible job relocation to Houston from Connecticut. While the initial job opportunity fell through, they contacted me again about another role this past week. (They had initially called me and asked how much money would it take to get me to accept the job, but then it went on hold, and then I think they lost momentum before...)

The company I'd be working for is just west of downtown - less than a mile west of 45 and just south of 10.

Schools are very important for us.

When I was there back in October, I had a realtor take me around The Woodlands, and some surrounding areas (Jacob's Reserve?), and I liked it quite a bit. However, it might also be a long commute.

I may be coming down again in a few weeks, but wanted to check out another area and was thinking about Sugar Land. What are the good areas of Sugar Land in terms of schools? We'd mostly be concerned about middle school and high school. Any areas to avoid?

Our budget would be probably around $600,000. We could go higher, but I'm not really sure we want to. We'd prefer newer, and in a subdivision type area with other kids around.

How welcoming an area is Sugar Land? I should also add that my wife is Chinese, and I know there is a high Asian population in the city.

Thanks

[swopoe]

If you want newer, look at Telfair and Riverstone. Both would serve your needs and budget well. I live in Riverstone and am very happy here. Good luck!

[EPKS]

Originally Posted by NewJeffCT

Hi there - I was on here back in September/October for a possible job relocation to Houston from Connecticut. While the initial job opportunity fell through, they contacted me again about another role this past week. (They had initially called me and asked how much money would it take to get me to accept the job, but then it went on hold, and then I think they lost momentum before...)

The company I'd be working for is just west of downtown - less than a mile west of 45 and just south of 10.

Schools are very important for us.

When I was there back in October, I had a realtor take me around The Woodlands, and some surrounding areas (Jacob's Reserve?), and I liked it quite a bit. However, it might also be a long commute.

I may be coming down again in a few weeks, but wanted to check out another area and was thinking about Sugar Land. What are the good areas of Sugar Land in terms of schools? We'd mostly be concerned about middle school and high school. Any areas to avoid?

Our budget would be probably around $600,000. We could go higher, but I'm not really sure we want to. We'd prefer newer, and in a subdivision type area with other kids around.

How welcoming an area is Sugar Land? I should also add that my wife is Chinese, and I know there is a high Asian population in the city.

Thanks

Your best bet would be in First Colony since it has Clements HS is one the best HS in the Greater Houston area and a large Chinese/Chinese-Americans community. However, it has been completely built out for years and no new subdivisions (no land). It is a very competive seller market and does not stay on the listing too long.

[hendersj31]

I agree that for schools the First Colony area will be the best. We chose Riverstone for a newer, better floorplan and are pleased. Plenty of kids running around and nice ammenities. Check into the taxes in the newer subdivisions though, they are high and may change what you can afford to pay for the home.

[AK123]

Originally Posted by NewJeffCT

What are the good areas of Sugar Land in terms of schools? We'd mostly be concerned about middle school and high school. Any areas to avoid?

Most of Sugar Land and its schools are great. The only general rule is you probably want to avoid:
- North of W Bellfort Ave (or even pickier, W Airport Blvd)
- RiverPark

Also, if you are concerned about elementary schools you might want to avoid Riverstone for a few years; they have a cap on enrollment at the elementary because of overcrowding.

[H-towngreen]

Aliana, Riverstone, Telfair, or Sienna Plantation

[ipuck]

I would say Riverstone except the HS is zoned to Elkins. Nothing against Elkins, but there are better options around.

Your best bet is actually look for an older house zoned to Fort Settlement and Clements. Your budget pretty much will allow you to buy 95% of the houses in Sugarland. Almost all the areas in Sugarland have alot of kids, as almost everybody moved there for the schools. Your wife will fit right in as 20% of the population is Chinese with all the chinese restaurants and supermarkets on HW6.

[NewJeffCT]

Thanks - it's been helpful.

How much older do you mean by "older" in Fort Settlement or Clements? Are those towns you can search for on Trulia or Zillow, or subdivisions/sections of Sugar Land?

Our kids are in Middle School, so we'd only be concerned about grades 7/8 and beyond.

[Mustang1]

Ft Settlement & Sartartia are considered the best middle schools in SL.

[ipuck]

I actually prefer redfin. You can type in the school and it will give you the school boundary.

There are some 20+ years to less than 5 years. You can probably found some decent houses in the avalon/commonwealth area. Your budget is perfect for there. I think that area might have decrease just a LITTLE due to Commonwealth elementary school no longer accepting students so there is less of an incentive to move there now.