Moving to Houston. Neighborhood Advice, Please (Sugar Land, Katy: real estate, apartment, renting)

[Denise82]

Hi All,

After months of job searching and forum trolling, my husband and I have decided to move to Houston (as opposed to Atlanta, which was our first choice). We currently reside in Chicago, which is getting scarier and scarier by the minute. I work in commercial real estate and, compared to Atlanta, there are sooooo many more opportunities for me there.

We value diversity, so needless to say we're looking for a neighborhood that reflects that. Our housing budget is ~$1,200 for a 2BD (single family detached). Can you suggest some neighborhoods that would be good, but most importantly SAFE? We have a 7 month daughter, so daycare is a concern as well. I'm guessing that I'll be working in the downtown area, so access to public transportation is a must.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[bohunak]

I don't think you can find 2 bd single detached in safe area for your budget, sorry.

[ma23peas]

Originally Posted by Denise82

Hi All,

After months of job searching and forum trolling, my husband and I have decided to move to Houston (as opposed to Atlanta, which was our first choice). We currently reside in Chicago, which is getting scarier and scarier by the minute. I work in commercial real estate and, compared to Atlanta, there are sooooo many more opportunities for me there.

We value diversity, so needless to say we're looking for a neighborhood that reflects that. Our housing budget is ~$1,200 for a 2BD (single family detached). Can you suggest some neighborhoods that would be good, but most importantly SAFE? We have a 7 month daughter, so daycare is a concern as well. I'm guessing that I'll be working in the downtown area, so access to public transportation is a must.

Thanks in advance for your help!

We are moving to Houston this summer and have done quite a bit of work...I think you can find a home for $900-$1100 that is a 2BD but the issue is with property taxes...those will bump you about $400-500 over your budget...why not consider a townhome? There are many master planned communities that have townhomes as well as homes of all sizes..you still benefit from the parks/etc. but you might find a better deal on a resale or new. For diversity, I think you'd love Sugar Land or Sienna Plantation area...I loved the fact I could hear 5 different languages at the local Kroger The closer you get into downtown, the more pricey? Try looking at www.har.com for your specific needs and draw a map, that'll help!

[txdemo]

I'm assuming you're renting? $1200 budget will not go far for single family detached in relatively safe neighborhoods. You could easily find an apt for that much though.

Just FYI the public transportation system is terrible here. It's very car centric. Having a car is not necessary but it makes life A LOT easier.

[ej35401]

1200 budget won't get in much in Houston anywhere that is considered safe. Maybe a small 2/1 apartment at best.

[jerbear30]

You can maybe do 1200/month in West Houston in the Katy area. Look on the north side of the I-10 between Barker-Cypress on the East and the Grand Parkway on the West. The neighborhoods will probably be majority Hispanic but with a fair amount of diversity. Most of the schools there are at least adequate and some are high ranking. Also, if you go above your budget by $200, you'll have a whole lot more to choose from. 1400 seems to be the sweet spot for what you are after. HAR, or the Houston Area Real Estate app will be your best friend.

[westres1]

I wouldnt assume that you will be working Downtown. Commercial Real Estate could be anywhere,Greenway,Galleria,Energy Corridor etc

[Dahak]

For public transport to downtown, look at the areas served by METRO Park and Ride buses. Since you're not looking for great schools at this point it makes your search easier as well. Even better if you're close to other major employment areas (mostly along 610 West Loop, Beltway 8 West and I-10 West) and have a car.

You should be able to find what you're looking for along 290 in Northwest Houston. The closest Park and Rides are at W. Little York Dr. and West Rd. This corresponds to the area north of 290 outside Beltway 8 in older neighborhoods such as Steeplechase, Winchester, and Harvest Bend. Just your ordinary suburbs, lots of empty nesters as well as young Hispanic families. Those areas tend to have some 2-3 bedroom homes in your budget, if you can snap them up. $1400 will open you up to many more options, or get an apartment in a newer complex along the Beltway for even more options. Do you have pets?

[Denise82]

Originally Posted by westres1

I wouldnt assume that you will be working Downtown. Commercial Real Estate could be anywhere,Greenway,Galleria,Energy Corridor etc

Good to know! We shall see what my job search reveals.

[Denise82]

Originally Posted by ma23peas

We are moving to Houston this summer and have done quite a bit of work...I think you can find a home for $900-$1100 that is a 2BD but the issue is with property taxes...those will bump you about $400-500 over your budget...why not consider a townhome? There are many master planned communities that have townhomes as well as homes of all sizes..you still benefit from the parks/etc. but you might find a better deal on a resale or new. For diversity, I think you'd love Sugar Land or Sienna Plantation area...I loved the fact I could hear 5 different languages at the local Kroger The closer you get into downtown, the more pricey? Try looking at www.har.com for your specific needs and draw a map, that'll help!

We will be renting to start, so the property taxes are not a factor but I will certainly consider renting a townhome. And yes, Sugar land is looking pretty good right now.