Post by: Señor Stan on September 01, 2006, 11:48:40 am
There is a high probability that I will be relocating from San Antonio to the Houston area. My new job would be around the 610-I10 interchange on the East side of town (around the McCarty exit).
any ideas as to good places to live?...
I have 5 kids so a family oriented community is a must.
We currently live in the Hill Country on about an acre and a half, and we would prefer to live in a "country" setting vs. the city, but I don't know if that is a reasonble expectation given the location of the job.
Please give me your opinions of where to start looking!
thanks,
Stan
Post by: Holly on September 01, 2006, 11:51:16 am
Post by: Limey on September 01, 2006, 11:53:48 am
Quote:
any ideas as to good places to live?...
The Hill Country around San Antonio is nice...
Seriously: it depends what you want. Are you looking for oodles of space, or something more urban. For the latter, the Heights would be a good call. For the former you might want to look up 59 as that's a pretty decent road (I think) coming in from the north. Alternatively, you can look south of Downtown in Pearland; don't expect any trees or topography, though.
Post by: Señor Stan on September 01, 2006, 11:55:07 am
Miles don't really matter if I can get the drive time in line.
Post by: NeilT on September 01, 2006, 11:56:53 am
Post by: Andyzipp on September 01, 2006, 12:01:54 pm
There's larger plots of land available towards Humble, or you can continue more East and look at Dayton, etc.
Post by: No? in Austin on September 01, 2006, 12:07:17 pm
Quote:
I would be OK with about a 45 minute commute...
Miles don't really matter if I can get the drive time in line.
Sounds like you're talking about the Kingwood area to me. Good family area, nice wooded community. 45 minutes? Yeah, that might happen.
If you head east from your job location, you can try Channelview or Northshore. There are some nice areas around there, but not as nice as Kingwood would be. West of your locale and you're talking about downtown to near downtown and as Limey mentioned, you might be looking at the Heights area. North of your locale is industrial area, so you're talking about a pretty good trek before you get to a community you might enjoy. Perhaps some of the area around the Montrose/University area... but unless you're extremely well off, good look finding a place!
Post by: xxx on September 01, 2006, 12:11:38 pm
Post by: astrox on September 01, 2006, 12:17:37 pm
And you may want to check out Crosby. This would be the more rural (more land) of the three, so less "community" but with 5 kiddos, you have your own community, so it may not be that big of a deal.
With Huffman and Crosby, they both have their "less than desirable" spots, but with the help of a good agent, you can find really good places to live in each of these.
Post by: HudsonHawk on September 01, 2006, 12:30:23 pm
Quote:
I would be OK with about a 45 minute commute...
Miles don't really matter if I can get the drive time in line.
If you're willing to go that far, you might consider Porter or New Caney area, which is up north of Kingwood. It's a drive on 59, but it's not a terrible one, I don't think. And it may actually be an easier drive from some of the closer places due to easier access to the freeway.
Post by: HudsonHawk on September 01, 2006, 12:31:51 pm
Quote:
Another thing to consider about Humble, their school system has gone down the toilet since I went there.
Hard to believe, just one person can ruin a whole school district like that.
Post by: JimR on September 01, 2006, 12:33:35 pm
Post by: Señor Stan on September 01, 2006, 12:39:23 pm
By all means keep 'em coming because my Houston experience to this point has been...
1. Stay at the Holiday Inn
2. Astroworld during the day
3. Astro games at night
4. repeat steps 2-3 for a week
Thanks again to all...
Post by: Holly on September 01, 2006, 12:40:47 pm
Quote:Quote:
I would be OK with about a 45 minute commute...
Miles don't really matter if I can get the drive time in line.
If you're willing to go that far, you might consider Porter or New Caney area, which is up north of Kingwood. It's a drive on 59, but it's not a terrible one, I don't think. And it may actually be an easier drive from some of the closer places due to easier access to the freeway.
He'd still have to get through/past the "closer" places, to get to work at I-10East and the east loop.
Post by: HudsonHawk on September 01, 2006, 12:45:43 pm
Quote:
He'd still have to get through/past the "closer" places, to get to work at I-10East and the east loop.
Yeah, but on the freeway. From what I understand of Kingwood, the 30 minute part of your 45-minute commute is getting out of your subdivision.
Post by: xxx on September 01, 2006, 12:45:55 pm
Quote:Quote:
Another thing to consider about Humble, their school system has gone down the toilet since I went there.
Hard to believe, just one person can ruin a whole school district like that.
Hey it wasn't me....now my sister on the other hand...:)
Post by: Andyzipp on September 01, 2006, 12:46:59 pm
Quote:Quote:Quote:
I would be OK with about a 45 minute commute...
Miles don't really matter if I can get the drive time in line.
If you're willing to go that far, you might consider Porter or New Caney area, which is up north of Kingwood. It's a drive on 59, but it's not a terrible one, I don't think. And it may actually be an easier drive from some of the closer places due to easier access to the freeway.
He'd still have to get through/past the "closer" places, to get to work at I-10East and the east loop.
When I worked over there about a year and a half ago, most of our employees either lived in Baytown or Humble/Kingwood. The H/Ks backtracked to the beltway and claimed that it was a pretty easy drive.
Post by: HudsonHawk on September 01, 2006, 12:47:42 pm
Quote:
Thanks for all the ideas...looks like we have our work cut out for us.
By all means keep 'em coming because my Houston experience to this point has been...
1. Stay at the Holiday Inn
2. Astroworld during the day
3. Astro games at night
4. repeat steps 2-3 for a week
Thanks again to all...
There's a big empty field just across the freeway from the Dome. Maybe you could get that on the cheap.
Post by: Fredia on September 01, 2006, 01:02:50 pm
Post by: Jacksonian on September 01, 2006, 01:11:51 pm
Quote:
but i houston does have some non sports related venus..
I hear the hookers are fabulous.
Post by: strosrays on September 01, 2006, 01:45:07 pm
I don't know any part of Kingwood from which you can get to downtown in a 45 minute commute, though. On the other hand, the beltway wasn't really an option yet when I lived there.
The closest thing to Hill Country ambience is probably Sealy, but that is pretty far out. Still, you could keep a close eye on feeder steer and heifer prices and hog belly futures from there.
Post by: Limey on September 01, 2006, 02:16:19 pm
Quote:
Hey it wasn't me....now my sister on the other hand...:)
You're both off the hook. Mrs Limey went to Humble High.
Post by: xxx on September 01, 2006, 03:09:08 pm
Quote:Quote:
Hey it wasn't me....now my sister on the other hand...:)
You're both off the hook. Mrs Limey went to Humble High.
whew! that's a relief....off the hook. It's too bad, Humble wasn't a bad school until about 1997-1998. Now it's just a place for the gang bangers to hang out.
Post by: austro on September 01, 2006, 03:16:45 pm
Quote:
The closest thing to Hill Country ambience is probably Sealy, but that is pretty far out.
Except for the complete absence of hills, of course.
Post by: EasTexAstro on September 01, 2006, 03:46:59 pm
Quote:Quote:
The closest thing to Hill Country ambience is probably Sealy, but that is pretty far out.
Except for the complete absence of hills, of course.
Ant hills don't count?
Post by: astrox on September 01, 2006, 04:00:15 pm
Quote:
I don't know any part of Kingwood from which you can get to downtown in a 45 minute commute, though. On the other hand, the beltway wasn't really an option yet when I lived there.
This past Sunday we left our driveway in Kingwood at 10:30am, and arrived in the door at Annunciation (Catholic Church right across the street from MMPUS) at 11:00am. I couldn't believe it. I kept telling my wife that there was no way we'd be at Mass on time, but we walked in with the Priest!
I know that's on a Sunday morning, but my point is depending on where you are in Kingwood and the time that you commute, it is possible to be downtown in 45 minutes or less.
Post by: Guinness on September 01, 2006, 04:13:28 pm
Quote:Quote:
Hey it wasn't me....now my sister on the other hand...:)
You're both off the hook. Mrs Limey went to Humble High.
AKA, 'Umble 'Igh...
It was known as Scumble when I was growing up in early 80s Spring...of course, they could just be a regional thing
Post by: xxx on September 01, 2006, 04:28:34 pm
Quote:Quote:Quote:
Hey it wasn't me....now my sister on the other hand...:)
You're both off the hook. Mrs Limey went to Humble High.
AKA, 'Umble 'Igh...
It was known as Scumble when I was growing up in early 80s Spring...of course, they could just be a regional thing
I guess so...I was there 86-90 so it must have been something else. While I was there we were up against Kingweed.....I think my sister was the same and she was there 92-96. I know her group always tried to burn down the Big Kingwood sign on West Lake Houston parkway.
Post by: davek on September 01, 2006, 05:22:01 pm
Quote:
Look at Mont Belvieu for the East Side.
I agree with Neil...
There are a number of "subdivisions" with 1/2 acre+ lots...
It's got one of the top school districts in the area (Barbers Hill ISD)...
It's Chambers County rather than Harris County...
And it's easily within the 45 minute commute time...
Post by: Billy Zabka on September 01, 2006, 05:45:19 pm
I-10 and 610 East - Are you working at the brewery?
Post by: Señor Stan on September 01, 2006, 06:15:38 pm
Quote:
I need to ask -
I-10 and 610 East - Are you working at the brewery?
No, but I can see it from there.
Post by: UpTooLate on September 01, 2006, 08:49:14 pm
Another possibility not mentioned would be Clear Lake down 45 south. Thats a great area if you like being close to the water for fishing/boating etc. You would have the options of commuting on 45/610 or BW8/I10. Probably 45-60 minutes during rush hour.
Post by: Arky Vaughan on September 01, 2006, 09:03:45 pm
Quote:
If you like a more small town/rural type setting, then Dayton/Crosby would be the first places I would look. I have a client that lives in Crosby and he's mentioned often about how much he likes it (I'm not real familiar with the area). I don't know about the schools there. You would probably take Hwy 90, which is a straight shot to you new job.
For where you're going to work, Dayton and Crosby are what I would suggest too. You'll get more space for your money the farther east of the loop and north of 10 that you go. I work with someone who lives in Crosby and commutes downtown. He loves the space he has. It's more East Texas than Hill Country rural, though. That side of town has less traffic, and cheaper housing, than many of the other areas mentioned here.
Post by: gleach on September 01, 2006, 10:04:19 pm
Post by: mihoba on September 01, 2006, 10:16:44 pm
Post by: NeilT on September 01, 2006, 10:51:55 pm
Ain't no Mont, no.
I wouldn't go to Crosby. Unincorporated, Crosby schools, just a wee bit strange. Collectively poor, so no extras. Barrett Station may be the single wierdest neighborhood in the Houston area.
From where you're working, the Clear Lake area is probably as close as Kingwood. I like the notion of being close to saltwater.
Post by: astrojo on September 02, 2006, 12:23:04 am
Quote:
Mont Belvieu. Good schools, past the industrial area, just about 45 minutes from 610, more rural than not. It's got a huge tax base, so it's got some nice municipal extras like a good swimming pool and golf course.
Ain't no Mont, no.
I wouldn't go to Crosby. Unincorporated, Crosby schools, just a wee bit strange. Collectively poor, so no extras. Barrett Station may be the single wierdest neighborhood in the Houston area.
From where you're working, the Clear Lake area is probably as close as Kingwood. I like the notion of being close to saltwater.
I have nothing to add to the topic at hand, but just wanted to say howthehellareya to NeilT.
Post by: chuck on September 02, 2006, 03:44:44 am
Post by: Col. Sphinx Drummond on September 02, 2006, 09:06:11 am
Quote:
You necks sure like to spend a lot of time in your cars. Or 'vehicles.'
And trucks and autos... So, I guess that makes "necks" just like everybody else in the civilized world, save a few.
Post by: NeilT on September 02, 2006, 10:30:11 am
Quote:
You necks sure like to spend a lot of time in your cars. Or 'vehicles.'
good, thanks.
Post by: JimR on September 02, 2006, 10:32:07 am
Post by: NeilT on September 02, 2006, 10:40:24 am
Post by: JaneDoe on September 05, 2006, 02:22:20 pm
Quote:
Look at Mont Belvieu for the East Side.
NO, NO, NO!!! We can't build schools fast enough. Tell everyone to STAY AWAY.
Post by: Señor Stan on September 05, 2006, 09:41:47 pm
Quote:Quote:
Look at Mont Belvieu for the East Side.
NO, NO, NO!!! We can't build schools fast enough. Tell everyone to STAY AWAY.
We homeschool...no worries for you.
Post by: astrox on September 06, 2006, 01:00:03 am
Quote:Quote:Quote:
Look at Mont Belvieu for the East Side.
NO, NO, NO!!! We can't build schools fast enough. Tell everyone to STAY AWAY.
We homeschool...no worries for you.
We homeschool also. The Kingwood/Humble/Huffman area has a huge homeschool population with many options for homeschool groups if you so desire.
Post by: Bench on September 06, 2006, 11:27:02 am
Quote:Quote:Quote:Quote:
Look at Mont Belvieu for the East Side.
NO, NO, NO!!! We can't build schools fast enough. Tell everyone to STAY AWAY.
We homeschool...no worries for you.
We homeschool also. The Kingwood/Humble/Huffman area has a huge homeschool population with many options for homeschool groups if you so desire.
To hijack and thread and out of naivete and genuine curiosity possibly open up a can of worms:
What are the benefits of homeschooling? As someone who went to school before homeschooling became widespread (I know nobody who's 25-35 who was homeschooled), and as someone who is doesn't have his own school age children or school age nieces/nephews or friends with school aged chirldren, it's never come up in conversation and I've never given it much thought. That being said, what makes it attractive?
Post by: Col. Sphinx Drummond on September 06, 2006, 01:27:37 pm
Quote:
...homeschooling ... what makes it attractive?
I've no children but I would guess, the alternative.
Control over doctrine and outside influences, I imagine are of great appeal.
Post by: astrox on September 06, 2006, 02:06:17 pm
Quote:Quote:
...homeschooling ... what makes it attractive?
I've no children but I would guess, the alternative.
Control over doctrine and outside influences, I imagine are of great appeal.
That's a big part of it, if not the main reason why we homeschool. Plus even our elementary schools are getting so overcrowded that the teacher/student ratio is getting out of hand and they must use temporary buildings to house all the students.
And I've always had issues with the TAKS test. This is a minimum competency test, yet the schools "teach the TAKS test." In other words, their syllabus is designed so that their students will pass the TAKS test and hence be at minimum competency.
We can't afford private school, so that's out of the question for the moment. (Homeschooling isn't free either, as you have to buy all kinds of materials and textbooks.)
Of course we still have to pay outrageous taxes because we live in "such a good school district." Some people use the argument that "you're paying for public school anyway, might as well use it," but again, for the reasons cited above, we're sticking with homeschooling for now.
We do keep an open mind on the matter and each year we discuss if my wife is still up to the challenge. So far, all is well.
Post by: HudsonHawk on September 06, 2006, 04:10:04 pm
Quote:
Of course we still have to pay outrageous taxes because we live in "such a good school district."
I have to pay outrageous taxes because I live in such a good district too, yet I dont' have any children. Thems the breaks. I have to pay the taxes to live in a neighborhood where people are willing to pay higher taxes for better schools. I guess we all benefit.
Post by: Señor Stan on September 09, 2006, 10:26:09 am
Thanks,
Stan
Quote:
Hey gang,
There is a high probability that I will be relocating from San Antonio to the Houston area. My new job would be around the 610-I10 interchange on the East side of town (around the McCarty exit).
any ideas as to good places to live?...
I have 5 kids so a family oriented community is a must.
We currently live in the Hill Country on about an acre and a half, and we would prefer to live in a "country" setting vs. the city, but I don't know if that is a reasonble expectation given the location of the job.
Please give me your opinions of where to start looking!
thanks,
Stan
Post by: Limey on September 09, 2006, 01:24:43 pm
Quote:
It's a done deal. I will be moving the tribe to Houston within the month. Thanks for your help with the areas around Houston. It will give us a good head start.
Thanks,
Stan
Cool. I hope the Astros are still playing when you get here.