So, what's the catch? (Houston, Corpus Christi: home, teaching jobs, public school)

[cheryjohns]

Originally Posted by modster

I am going to disagree with you about 70's construction. My parents moved down here in 1976 & they bought a new construction completed in late '75 in Memorial Northwest. All the houses in the various neighborhoods we looked at during that time, (Greenwood Forest, Wimbledon, Fountainhead, Ponderosa Forest, etc.,) were obviously not the quality construction we were used to in our previous circa 1961 home. When you went to hang drapery rods (anyone remember those old Kirsh rods, ugh) and measured down from ceiling to the top of the windows, the rods ended up looking drunk. Nothing was ever square in those homes from day one.

Yeah, I agree about the houses back then (actually, for some reason, always a problem in Houston - I have noticed it in homes built in the 50's and 60's also) not being squared, but now some of the problems include houses less than 2 years old beginning to have severe foundation problems.

[EasilyAmused]

The older homes I've owned were all built in the 60's, and I adore their construction. Yes, I would love to have 10 foot ceilings (max! ugh I hate the super tall ones), but they are solid. The wood is like concrete and actually they are much more quiet than the "open concept" living ones of today. I've taken down a few walls for better flow, but really enjoy the lack of a balconey off the second floor to cut down on noise. Also, the secondary bedrooms are 15x17 vs.the 11x11 kid stables of today.

I'm pretty wary of the "Built in under 180 days" tract homes.

[Topaz]

Sugar Land is tough to beat for quality of life for families of young children. We moved to Sugar Land two years ago and we are really happy with our choice.

[floridasunshine111]

Originally Posted by hsw

One will find, vs FL, far superior demographics (and education focus) in Houston's middle-income suburbs like Cinco or Sugarland, simply because of the enormous energy industry based in Hou, with many well-educated professionals....stuff a place like FL that has a low-wage/low-skill tourist/retiree (and higher-income scam artist) economy will never have

This is what is so attractive to me. It has been very difficult living in our part of Florida over the past few years. My husband and I both have degrees and are fairly well-educated, but the area in which we live is filled with retirees and low income families. The schools here have gone from mediocre to bad.

Things have gotten worse over the past few years with the downturn in the economy. We just got word this morning that we are going to lose our homeowners insurance (we're with State Farm) and will have to go with Citizens insurance b/c they are the only ones insuring our area right now. Florida is a mess. Especially our particular county.

[phaze]

Teachers make less than 30K in Florida?

[Trudysmom]

Cinco Ranch is a wonderful place to live for all ages, but lots of families and kids around. Schools attract many peoole. I love how friendly my neighbors are, nice shopping close by.

[floridasunshine111]

Originally Posted by phaze

Teachers make less than 30K in Florida?

In my county, they make about 30K starting out. I checked into Katy and Sugar Land and their school districts start out about 15K higher.

[ShelbyGirl1]

Fl. has no state income tax either...so that is not an extra perk for her.
I know of at least 3 teachers (friends and relatives of friends) who thought they would move to this area and land a teaching position. Hasn't happened for any of them yet, so please, don't make the move, if you have not secured employment.

[texas7]

Many people only want to teach at the suburban schools and work with middle and upper class families. I think there are teaching jobs to be had for those willing to work at inner-city, troubled schools and those servicing primarily low-income children -- if your heart is truly in it to make a difference for these kids in these socio-economic groups.

[ShelbyGirl1]

Originally Posted by texas7

Many people only want to teach at the suburban schools and worth with middle and upper class families. I think there are teaching jobs to be had for those willing to work at inner-city, troubled schools and those servicing primarily low-income children -- if your heart is truly in it to make a difference for these kids in these socio-economic groups.

Correct, except, those are not the jobs in Katy and Sugarland she is talking about.