Suggestions on where to live in the Houston area? (Sugar Land: apartment, new house)

[fbf2006]

Hi everyone,

My husband, myself and our 4 year old son are planning a move to Houston. The current job I'm looking into is in Greenway Plaza, and it seems the type of companies I'm looking to work for are around there or I-610, close to Memorial Park.

We're currently in NJ, but have not been here that long. I kind of like the area of NJ where we are (Essex County). Most of what I like are the trees and parks. So that led me to The Woodlands lol. I hear it's a terrible commute. It seems they have an 'express' bus, does anyone know how long it typically takes to get to the Greenway Plaza? Other areas we're considering are the Klein area. Our hope is to not go above $350K. Do you all have any suggestions? We would like good schools. My husband really wants at least 3,000 square feet and a 'newer' home. I'm fine with 2,500.

Thanks!

[Houstonian12]

fbf2006,

I know a great realtor that can help you out. I can give his contact information if you would like.

[westres1]

I think Sugar Land would be a better commute than Klein

[HTownNearNative]

But good luck with your price range to get all you are asking for. The property tax rates for new subdivisions is very high compared to property taxes in other states (over 3%). Better know for sure where you will work before deciding on a home.

[SugLandDAd]

Greenway Plaza and Memorial Park are both South and West of Downtown......your easiest commutes are going to also be from the South and West of town, which is why Sugar Land was suggested. .........the Woodlands is mostly due North. You wouldn't enjoy the commute.

[fbf2006]

Thanks so far everyone!

When I say newer, I just mean not old. I don't really want a brand new house. Sugar Land doesn't really seem to be in our budget as I don't really see much inventory unlike in the other areas. Also, we'd like to be somewhat close to our friends in Conroe.

Are there any other leafy areas/subdivisions that can be suggested?

FYI, I bet the property tax rates in the newer subdivisions are less than in Essex County, NJ!

[haudi]

Spring might be an option if you want to be somewhat close to Conroe, but as someone wonhas driven to and from Greenway Plaza from just about every side of town over the past 18 years, I can tell you that you won't enjoy that 45 commute unless you can get flexible hours to come and go early. There are mass transit options like the Woodlands Express to Greenway from 45 and the Woodlands area so check into that. More importantly, see if you can experience the commute first hand during the hours you'd be working to see if it's something you really want to commit to. It's really important to grasp just how bad traffic can be and make adjustments to where you want to live based on that threshold of pain.

Originally Posted by fbf2006

Thanks so far everyone!

When I say newer, I just mean not old. I don't really want a brand new house. Sugar Land doesn't really seem to be in our budget as I don't really see much inventory unlike in the other areas. Also, we'd like to be somewhat close to our friends in Conroe.

Are there any other leafy areas/subdivisions that can be suggested?

FYI, I bet the property tax rates in the newer subdivisions are less than in Essex County, NJ!

[chris_ut]

The commute to Greenway Plaza from a north suburb would be really miserable. Do you plan to visit your friends in Conroe every day because your husband need to drive to work every day. Personally I would rather drive 30 minutes a day to work and an hour and a half to visit someone then vice versa. Alternately you could get a house in Conroe and husband an apartment in town he can use for the week then come home on the weekends.

[fbf2006]

The husband is not the one that'd be commuting to Greenway Plaza.

haudi, thanks for your suggestions. I do plan to try to experience the commute when there's more certainty. I did ask about the Woodlands express bus in my initial post. Does anyone know the typical commute times for it?

[jaycich]

Originally Posted by fbf2006

The husband is not the one that'd be commuting to Greenway Plaza.

haudi, thanks for your suggestions. I do plan to try to experience the commute when there's more certainty. I did ask about the Woodlands express bus in my initial post. Does anyone know the typical commute times for it?

That's like maybe 45 mins without traffic. The problem is Houston has a lot of traffic during daylight hours, and rush hour is like New York City type of traffic. So unless you work an unconventional schedule, it's probably not a great idea.