Moving from uk to houston - neighbourhood help! (Sugar Land, The Woodlands: apartments, city hall)

[GILLIAN WALES]

He'd be working between the hospitals primarily LBJ and Rice Uni. When we look at budget we can probably afford more. I was looking at Pearland and Friendswood but I'm just worried that they may be huge housing estates and not much else?? Bellaire does look nicve but I'll check out other areas you mentioned. Thanks for help and if youve any more advice - always welcome!
G

[City Love]

Originally Posted by GILLIAN WALES

He'd be working between the hospitals primarily LBJ and Rice Uni. When we look at budget we can probably afford more. I was looking at Pearland and Friendswood but I'm just worried that they may be huge housing estates and not much else?? Bellaire does look nicve but I'll check out other areas you mentioned. Thanks for help and if youve any more advice - always welcome!
G

Great. Now that you mention the medical center. Pearland would be your nearest suburb. There are plenty of stores and restaurants, but nothing extremely unique like in the inner city. Outside of West U, it might be the place with the highest concentration of medical professionals. Is only about 15 miles from TMC.

Friendswood as well. But it's a little further out. It's a very nice place to live and would be close to all the clear lake shopping.

Inner city should still be an option for you. Google maps has a great tool where you can see the street views of different areas, aside from coming here you should check that out and view the streets, houses, an stores to get a feel for the areas.

[houston-nomad]

Check out Meyerland area, as well.

[Houston321]

As far as your budget....don't forget the property tax here in Texas is much higher than many other areas. Expect anywhere from 2.5% - 3.5% of the assessed value of your home in taxes.

So if you do purchase a 400K home, remember that about a grand per month will be taxes, on top of your note. A lot of out of town buyers don't realize that.

[EasilyAmused]

Oh, the scratch Memorial off your list...you're too far "In". Meyerland would be a good option

[AK123]

I second the Meyerland area for what you want & work location. Just check the school zone for each neighborhood.

[Houston321]

Stay away from Pearland...it's a DUMP.

[zdg]

Have you looked at Braes Heights yet? It's 3 minutes from the Med Center/Rice and you can easily find the house size you want in your price range. Plus, you get one of the best elementary schools in the city.

Go to HAR.com and look for houses in 77025 (make sure you only look at the houses north of Braes Bayou or you'll feed to a much "less desirable" school).

[Malvie]

Originally Posted by zdg

Have you looked at Braes Heights yet? It's 3 minutes from the Med Center/Rice and you can easily find the house size you want in your price range. Plus, you get one of the best elementary schools in the city.

Go to HAR.com and look for houses in 77025 (make sure you only look at the houses north of Braes Bayou or you'll feed to a much "less desirable" school).

Agree on Braes Heights, good suggestion for her.

[ChocolateBabz]

Originally Posted by GILLIAN WALES

He'd be working between the hospitals primarily LBJ and Rice Uni. When we look at budget we can probably afford more. I was looking at Pearland and Friendswood but I'm just worried that they may be huge housing estates and not much else?? Bellaire does look nicve but I'll check out other areas you mentioned. Thanks for help and if youve any more advice - always welcome!
G

Hi Gillian,

Everyone has their own opinion (Houston321!!) however I thought I would add mine to the mix. We moved from Scotland to Houston at the end of May last year and we decided to move to Pearland. Our primary reason for this location was....location. Husband is 30 mins from work - we have a beautiful home in a small gated part of a larger development but when I say large compared to some of the huge MPC's it's tiny. All schools from elementary to high school are close by and so are plenty of shops, both the new Pearland Town Center and smaller independent stores.

IMHO Katy would be the huge sprawl that you are trying to avoid. Friendswood is lovely and so is Sugarland but you need to check your commute times. I personally wouldn't want to live closer to 'downtown' (traffic, noise, prices) but where we are is only a half hour drive to anything we do want to go and see or do there.