which of the following non-suburban areas outside and near the loop would be best to live in? (Houston: townhome, neighborhood)

[EasilyAmused]

1.Galleria, the actual Galleria area east of Voss, if you can afford private schools.
2. Spring Branch if you are at least zoned to a good elementary and not in an area known to flood. Definitely Spring Branch ISD if you are talking south of 1-10.

[rjj42]

Originally Posted by EasilyAmused

1.Galleria, the actual Galleria area east of Voss, if you can afford private schools.
2. Spring Branch if you are at least zoned to a good elementary and not in an area known to flood. Definitely Spring Branch ISD if you are talking south of 1-10.

Aren't the schools in the Tanglewood area pretty good? I don't know much about school districts, but I thought schools like Briargrove Elementary and TH Rogers were pretty highly rated? Are they not?

[EasilyAmused]

Originally Posted by rjj42

Aren't the schools in the Tanglewood area pretty good? I don't know much about school districts, but I thought schools like Briargrove Elementary and TH Rogers were pretty highly rated? Are they not?

TH Rodgers is one of those lottery vanguard/magnet schools. It's not a neighborhood school. Briargrove elem. is "ok." It was better years ago, much like most of HISD. The PTO is even losing steam, and they where huge boosters as early as 10 years ago.None of the sfh residents send their kids to Grady Middle nor Lee HS. Lamar and Westside are an option for Tanglewood residents, but they don't use those options.

[curbur]

It's easily Galleria if you can afford it. Those homes off of Woodway or Memorial Dr. near I-10; they make you feel like you're in the Hamptons for a tiny stretch.

[SK115]

Originally Posted by ToyYot

I like the proximity to city center, memorial city, the stores along the I-10, proximity to the Galleria shopping/restaurants/work.

Not sure what amenities as convenient to Oak Forest or Meyerland, I'm sure there's a bunch but is it the same breadth and quality as the western corridor?

Oak Forest/Garden Oaks does have proximity to all of the shops/restaurants in the Heights, but nothing like CityCentre/Memorial City. Although I suppose Uptown/Galleria area is not too far of a trek.

As for Meyerland, it's severely lacking in that department. Meyerland Plaza is nothing to write home about. Plus the 59 corridor leaves much to be desired, until you get out to Sugar Land. Nothing like the Katy Freeway. But it's not that far the from Galleria area and inner loop amenities.

But the nice thing about Spring Branch and Memorial is that it's beginning to stand on it's own against the Galleria area. The Memorial City/CityCentre areas are barely recognizable from what they were ten years ago.

[EasilyAmused]

Originally Posted by SK115

But the nice thing about Spring Branch and Memorial is that it's beginning to stand on it's own against the Galleria area. The Memorial City/CityCentre areas are barely recognizable from what they were ten years ago.

Meh, not sure about standing on its own against, it's lacking high end retail.But Niemans left the Beltway way too soon. They would have done well in the remuddled CityCentre area. But in reality, I can be at the Galleria in 15 minutes, if it's not rush hour.

But I agree, the Katy freeway keeps its value from downtown to Fulshear and beyond.

[WTL63]

Originally Posted by SK115

I voted for the Galleria area. I wasn't sure if the OP meant Spring Branch ISD which includes the Memorial neighborhoods, or just Spring Branch north of I-10. I would have voted for Memorial if listed, but I feel that the Galleria area packs in quite a punch, especially if Tanglewood is included.

Meyerland/Westbury/Willowbend have never done much for me. I don't appreciate the proximity to Southwest Houston, plus you have to worry about flooding, which would easily bring down the future market value.

For the record, I meant north of I-10, otherwise I would have just called south of it as memorial village area

[testmo]

For westbury and meyerland - y'all never go to montrose or the galleria where all of the top restaurants are? These two areas are closest to these centers. Another reason I bought here. Stretches along i10 are strip malls and chains

[EasilyAmused]

Originally Posted by testmo

For westbury and meyerland - y'all never go to montrose or the galleria where all of the top restaurants are? These two areas are closest to these centers. Another reason I bought here. Stretches along i10 are strip malls and chains

Yes I forget there are no strip mall near Westbury and Meyerland. Especially not on Chimney Rock,Braeswood,and Hillcroft. It's all very upscale.

Strip Malls and chains are everywhere. Even on Post Oak and in Montrose.

To the OP, chose an area that doesn't flood, closest to your work ,with a good elementary and an ok middle school. Anything just outside the loop on the West or SW should work. I Agree with Chris UT about Oak Forest, not many bargains left in the Oak Forst area.Your personal opinions of each area will vary.

[bu2]

Meyerland blows the others away in schools. Its pretty easy to get anywhere.

Spring Branch is declining badly.