Plan moving to Suburb Houston (The Woodlands, Conroe: houses, established neighborhood, purchasing)

[eluku]

Hi All.

We are considering moving to suburb of Houston from Southern California. I am married with two small kids (4 &7) so good school district, safe and family friendly neighborhood is a priority.

I am self-employed and work from home and mostly with the company in the east coast and few from west coast and south. So, central time will be better for me. My job does not require me to travel a lot perhaps less than 3 times a year going to the airport.

Need recommendation where to move in suburb of Houston for the housing price <400K or <300K larger than 2000 SF with 4 bedrooms. Proximity with diverse type of cuisine will be a plus, although it does not have to be.

We have been hearing about Cinco Ranch, Cypress, and the Woodlands, wondering whether there are better areas for our situation knowing that I do not have to commute for work perhaps better property price and property tax. When we settle already, we consider purchasing another near by smaller home for our home office as what we are doing now.

Appreciate the input.

[chris_ut]

The Woodlands is probably the nicest suburb in my opinion and the biggest downside is the long commute which isnt an issue for you. Taxes are higher in all suburbs then in the city.

[Lbjen]

Do you prefer a newer, maybe new construction home, or an older home in a more established neighborhood? Do you want to have a lot of neighborhood amenities, or are you stay at home people?

[WRM20]

Originally Posted by chris_ut

The Woodlands is probably the nicest suburb in my opinion and the biggest downside is the long commute which isnt an issue for you. Taxes are higher in all suburbs then in the city.

The Woodlands isn't much worse than inner Houston. The biggest factor in taxes is schools, and HISD is the lowest in the area, with Conroe ISD not far behind. The original part of the Woodlands also has a relatively low MUD tax, which is another contributor to high rates in many areas.

[eluku]

New or older house is not really big deal for us but we prefer to have reasonable distance between houses with your neighbors. Most of the n cluster house in California are built too close of proximity between one house to another causing lack of privacy.

We do a lot of bbq in the back yard during spring, summer, and fall in California not sure whether it's pretty common in Houston due to the heat and humidity. We do not see a lot of houses have built in bbq. So, I think I prefer to have outdoor activity.

What is the lowest and the highest property tax in suburb Texas? Higher taxes will always translate to better neighborhoods?

Many thanks for the input in advance.

[chris_ut]

Higher tax translates to newer as you are still paying off the infrastructure they put it. Houston tax tate is 2.5%. Highest Ive seen in suburbs was 3.9% but others may have seen higher. Look for a screened in porch as mosquitoes are an issue. Most people wouldnt grill in the summer because its way too hot.

[BurgersUnlimited]

Woodlands.

[eluku]

Many thanks. It seems that the recommendation are always The Woodlands, Cinco Ranch,and Cypress.
Any Pro and Cons between those areas ? Any areas less prone to Hurricane and Flood ?

Just check the Woodlands and surrounding area ... Any thoughts of Kingwood ?

Thx

[chris_ut]

I used to live in Kingwood. Its perfectly fine if a bit boring. Areas near the river flood. The commute can be rough but again not an issue for you unless you plan to do anything beyond eat at the 10 restaurants in Kingwood or go to Deerbrook mall. House would be cheaper then the Woodlands. Schools in the back are better but add to drive time to get anywhere.

[mikeyyc]

I'd add Riverstone and Sienna to your search too. Lots of amenities, diverse communities, safe, with a good school district.