Question on commute from Katy to the intersection of HWY 249 near Beltway 8 (Houston: houses, neighborhoods)

[tigertiger11]

We are looking for a house to buy in Katy (South of I-10), but was wondering how the commute looks like from Katy to HWY249 near Beltway 8 because that is where our work is at. We would like to know if different areas in South Katy would make any significant difference in commute time. How are Cinco Ranch, Cinco Ranch Southwest, Cinco Ranch Northwest, Grand lakes, Seven Meadows compared in terms of commute time to HWY 249 near Beltway 8? Any other suggestions in good communities?

We are looking for newer home (prefer homes within 10 years old, price range less than 500K) and we have a three years old. Any input would be highly appreciated.

[ipuck]

Once you get to beltway 8, the drive to 249 is pretty good as it is reverse commute at that time. The times i drive it, shouldn't be more than 20 minutes. Only bad part is you have to paid the toll.

I can't speak for the drive on I-10 to BW8 though.

[Meyerland]

If you work way up there, why not live in the Cy Fair school district? There are some great homes up there.

It will be at least 30 minutes without traffic and if your work and home locations are close to the highways.

[fnh]

Originally Posted by Meyerland

If you work way up there, why not live in the Cy Fair school district? There are some great homes up there.

Or Tomball...

[ipuck]

nothing against Tomball or cy-fair, with a budget of 500k, I would look elsewhere.

They are nice neighborhoods, but is almost comparing apples to oranges.

In spite of that comment, there is that area call Vintage Park and they are quite nice somewhat.

[fnh]

Huh? Cy-Fair and Tomball are pretty big areas encompassing hundreds of neighborhoods, some every bit as generic as those listed by the OP. Comparing apples to oranges is comparing the commutes, not the neighborhoods.

[Lowexpectations]

Originally Posted by ipuck

nothing against Tomball or cy-fair, with a budget of 500k, I would look elsewhere.

They are nice neighborhoods, but is almost comparing apples to oranges.

In spite of that comment, there is that area call Vintage Park and they are quite nice somewhat.

I'm not sure what this post really means.

[waterdamaged]

Originally Posted by ipuck

nothing against Tomball or cy-fair, with a budget of 500k, I would look elsewhere.

They are nice neighborhoods, but is almost comparing apples to oranges.

In spite of that comment, there is that area call Vintage Park and they are quite nice somewhat.

There are plenty of neighborhoods with homes in the 500k and up range, and those numbers are actually growing quite a bit on both sides of 290 and 249 once you get far enough from fm1960. In fact, you can actually get a way better price per sq foot than in a lot of other Houston suburbs out this way, and the school districts are good as long as you make sure you get into the right schools within them. I'm a little curious why you're so quick to write this part of town off; would you care to elaborate on the negative aspects?

[TexasTony]

With a budget of $500k think about Woodlands. It might be similar commute to 249 as from Katy and the community + houses are comparable if not nicer

[ipuck]

I lived in the NW part of town for many years. The 290 cypress area, beside the nightmare commute on 290, is extremely middle white class. To some people that is perfectly acceptable, but to me it is not.

The Tomball area is about the same with the newer development on 249 north.

1960 is getting worse and worse imo. The bad elements are moving further and further west from veterans memorial and imo is past Jones road now. I know quite a few people that won't shop at Willowbrook mall after 5pm.

The schools are solid, but there are better schools in other parts of town. There is a reason you are getting your money's worth here.