Relocating from CT. Best Area to buy/rent a home with kids (Houston: transplants, sale)

[chris_ut]

Far flung suburbs are not the only options for good schools.

[ipuck]

Originally Posted by chris_ut

Far flung suburbs are not the only options for good schools.

Like i said, a bigger budget inside the loop and some effort to get into the better schools.

If you willing to do both of those, then yes there are better schools. If not, those 3 suburbs are the only options, which is probably why they are the fastest growing suburb in Houston.

[DejaBlue]

Originally Posted by chris_ut

Far flung suburbs are not the only options for good schools.

If a house and space is second runner up it is. We know the Loop has good schools but it's a shell game to play the lottery and gamble with middle and high school. And again, look at their budget and that they want space. They're so priced out of the Loop on lot size it's not even funny.


Friendswood?

Define "top schools" because that's subjective.

[War Beagle]

If you want nature, then you should be looking at the north side. As for the ocean, be prepared to drive at least 3 hours to find anything resembling what a non-Texan would consider the "ocean".

[Texas Ag 93]

I think for suburban options, the 3 that have been previously recommended (Sugar Land, The Woodlands and Katy) are probably the best considerations. But, if they are willing to commute an hour (as they would from Katy or TW), then there are a host of other suburbs to throw into the mix as well, including Friendswood and Pearland, as previously mentioned, though I think the first 3 are probably better overall).

If OP is willing to sacrifice on house and lot size, they can purchase in the Meyerland area and then be at the epicenter for Jewish life in the city. As previously stated, there are some very good public schools, but getting in is a crapshoot, but that could potentially be solved (budget sacrifice permitting) by going to one of the private Jewish schools.

OP, how observant are you? How important, if at all, is it to be close to the Temples, JCC etc? Is your 11 yo going to be a Bar/Bat Mitzvah? That's going to be a pretty significant time commitment needed, of course. Sugar Land allows you decent access to the large Temples, but none of the other suburbs do. My guess is The Woodlands and Katy have small congregations nearby, or enough kids that the large Temples might have satellite classes. I only bring this up because this is an issue for me now. I'm Jewish and live in the Clear Lake area (which has good schools and is on the water, btw, but probably too far out for you to consider) and I am struggling with Religious school for my 8 and 5 year old. I am not really happy with the small, old congregation here, but not ready to commit to schlep into town to a large Temple twice a week. So, think about that if it's important to you.

[WayneDa]

I'm moving to Houston soon too. What would be considered a very good school for the kids in Sugar Land, any help would be great. Thanks.

[kokaadam]

Thank you everyone. Yes, a Bat Mitzvah in 2017. We go to hebrew school and holly holidays so not very observant. meyereland and private schools seem out of our budget. We also want to keep the commute to under 35 miles. Being within about 30 minutes of a temple would be desirable( or we will cut class, i just know it!) . Can you recommend areas to look at in Sugarland?

[swopoe]

Do you want a new (newish) house?

There is a temple in Sugar Land/Missouri City, FYI: betheltx.org.

[kokaadam]

Newish or updated...

[Texas Ag 93]

Originally Posted by kokaadam

Thank you everyone. Yes, a Bat Mitzvah in 2017. We go to hebrew school and holly holidays so not very observant. meyereland and private schools seem out of our budget. We also want to keep the commute to under 35 miles. Being within about 30 minutes of a temple would be desirable( or we will cut class, i just know it!) . Can you recommend areas to look at in Sugarland?

Originally Posted by swopoe

Do you want a new (newish) house?

There is a temple in Sugar Land/Missouri City, FYI: betheltx.org.

Yes, then, I think you should strongly consider honing in on Sugar Land. It offers the most flexibility for overall quality of life. You can stay out there for Hebrew school like swopoe mentions, or come into the Meyerland area without too much trouble. I'm like you, kinda Jewish lite (and also married to a non Jew). I know I will not drive an hour each way twice a week, its not enough of a priority to me; so I am stuck out here.