Where to live (Houston, Sugar Land, Missouri City: apartment complexes, crime, houses)

[Sammy1781]

Hi. I’m currently working at Med Center and live near Jersey Village so my commute is about 1 hour by car or park and ride. Are there any closer areas to my job with a budget of 250k? I know some coworkers live in Pearland but I’m not too familiar with the area. No kids so school zoning is not big on my list. Mainly want a safe area with decent commute. Thanks in advance.

[nana053]

Pearland is a nice community with lots of interesting things to get involved with. Pearland Town Center is a good place to shop. UHCL is there now. There are a lot of people who work at the med center who live in Pearland. Houses can certainly be had for 250k. There is some crime (mostly property crime), but I feel safe here. It's pretty suburban though - not urban feeling.

Come visit and see what you think.

[Failed Engineer]

Look at 77071, Fondren SW. This area is trending upwards, the main streets can look rough because of all the apartments, but the inner streets and neighborhoods are quaint and nice. The prices are held down by horrible schools. Your commute will be pretty good from here and your budget can get you in the area today but probably not in a year or two.

[hbcu]

Originally Posted by Failed Engineer

Look at 77071, Fondren SW. This area is trending upwards, the main streets can look rough because of all the apartments, but the inner streets and neighborhoods are quaint and nice. The prices are held down by horrible schools. Your commute will be pretty good from here and your budget can get you in the area today but probably not in a year or two.

they will think you're crazy for saying that but those in the know really know.

[airdrawndagger]

Originally Posted by Failed Engineer

Look at 77071, Fondren SW. This area is trending upwards, the main streets can look rough because of all the apartments, but the inner streets and neighborhoods are quaint and nice. The prices are held down by horrible schools. Your commute will be pretty good from here and your budget can get you in the area today but probably not in a year or two.

This is a good recommendation and one that I frankly didn't expect to see. Brays Oaks, along with the Alief area, have a poor reputation among many posters on the Houston subforum but are improving quickly. It's an excellent value area that is perfectly safe if you steer clear of the apartment complexes.

[houston-nomad]

Looks like you can still get into 77096 (and nearby 77035) for 250K. That's hard to believe. Good neighborhoods that will hold their value. https://www.har.com/homedetail/10922...-77096/3261623

[jfre81]

Originally Posted by Failed Engineer

Look at 77071, Fondren SW. This area is trending upwards, the main streets can look rough because of all the apartments, but the inner streets and neighborhoods are quaint and nice. The prices are held down by horrible schools. Your commute will be pretty good from here and your budget can get you in the area today but probably not in a year or two.

Much of the southwest side, outside loop, follows this pattern. Sharpstown is the same deal.

Forty or so years ago, Fondren Southwest was where a lot of Houston's pro athletes were living.

[LocalPlanner]

Yes, your reasonable options are basically in SW Houston (including Fondren SW), Missouri City (east side), and Pearland. Understand that you will be looking at homes of an age that may require updates.

[Fortheloveoftravel]

When I worked in the Medical Center I lived in Sugar Land right near 59. My commute was about 30-45 min. I would take 59 to 90. Although I will say it depends on your hours. I worked 12 hour shifts so it was after 7 when I would get off so traffic was a breeze. When I would work 8 hours and leave at 2:30 traffic was usually really bad the closer I got to my exit (Crabb River). So I wouldn’t live on the side closer to 99.

[jfre81]

Staying in the city southwest, you've got good access out of TMC. Instead of getting on the freeway with the suburban commute, you're just taking a shot down Braeswood and/or Beechnut. You won't miss the haul from Jersey Village.