Alternative to Woodlands closer to they city? (Houston, Sugar Land: best city, daycare)

[live-fit]

We are relocating to Houston. Husband's job is in the city (Elgin by Main St.) We're looking for a suburb that has:

1. A commute under 40 minutes
2. Family oriented - we have kids between the ages of 15 - 5 and want them to make a lot of friends and be in a neighborhood where they can ride bikes to friends homes and feel safe.
3. Good Schools
4. Big homes up to $550k
5. Shopping centers and restaurants nearby
6. Trees and greenery
7. Fitness center the whole family can attend close by(not a little club with a small daycare stuffed in the corner)

I've heard the Woodlands are beautiful but looking at the map, it appears my husband would have a crazy commute. On all the research I've done, the Woodlands seems to offer everything our family desires and sounds like a great place to raise kids.

HOWEVER, what's a great alternative to the Woodlands that is closer to the city??

Thanks is advance!!

[jfre81]

When it comes to homes, how big is "big?"

[EasilyAmused]

Most of the homes will be older, but in that price range nicely remodelled.

Meyerland, Garden Oaks, Spring Valley, Oak Forest, Candlelight Estates, Frostwood and Wilchester.

[live-fit]

Originally Posted by jfre81

When it comes to homes, how big is "big?"

More than 3000 sq feet.

[SkyeAnjel]

The Klein area is about 20-30 minutes closer to twon and still in the suburbs, top rated schools, fitness centers everywhere so you can go after you eat at all the restaraunts. Shopping close by and great homes.

[houstoner]

Kingwood.
I think (since my msg is too short)

[jfre81]

Originally Posted by houstoner

Kingwood.

This is about it, because there's nothing else more accessible that's anything like The Woodlands.

[Topaz]

At the risk of sounding like the Sugar Land Chamber of Commerce:


1. A commute under 40 minutes - Sugar Land is about 17 miles from your husband's work location.

2. Family oriented - Sugar Land was voted 3rd best city by CNN/Money in 2006.

3. Good Schools - Excellent top-rated Ft. Bend ISD schools.

4. Big homes up to $550k - 100+ homes at HAR.com that are 3000+ square feet in Ft. Bend ISD in Sugar Land.

5. Shopping centers and restaurants nearby - Yes, including the new Whole Foods Market if you prefer organic groceries. First Colony Mall isn't The Galleria but is fine for every day shopping. The Galleria is a 30 min. drive.

6. Trees and greenery - Sugar Land is not forested like The Woodlands but the neighborhoods have plenty of trees, parks, lakes, etc.

7. Fitness center the whole family can attend close by(not a little club with a small daycare stuffed in the corner) - Lifetime Fitness is fabulous - their Kids Club and programming can't be beat - we are there several times per week and it is worth every penny.

[houstoner]

Originally Posted by Topaz

At the risk of sounding like the Sugar Land Chamber of Commerce:

I wouldn't worry about it. We've got an Uptown/Memorial Chamber of Commerce (EasilyAmused), a Friendswood Chamber of Commerce (arbucle), a Spring/Klein Chamber of Commerce (SkyeAnjel), a Cypress/Champions Chamber of Commerce (Mr. Football), and we used to have a Kingwood Chamber of Commerce, but BearBranch isn't around much anymore. Maybe chris_ut will take up the mantle? We'll be happy to add you to the list for Sugar Land!

[Topaz]

Originally Posted by houstoner

We'll be happy to add you to the list for Sugar Land!

Great, please do!