Neighborhood Suggestions (Houston, Bellaire, Richmond: real estate, attorney, houses)

[lowndes]

So it looks like my wife and I will be movign back to Houston in the next six months or a year from NYC. I'm a young attorney who will be working in downtown and she probably won't work. Were both in our late 20's. No kids now but hope to start having them in 2 or 3 years. Housing budget is around 400K - 500K.

Things that we are looking for is a decent commute to downtown, nice neighborhood with mature trees, don't want a massive house (something in the neighborhood of 2500 - 3000 square feet would be perfect) but does need to be updated/nice (or cheap enough where we could do the renovations). For example, our favorite neighborhood in Houston is West University and would live there if we could afford it (but can't). Also, really like the Memorial Vilages and again would live there if we could aford it (but can't).

Anybody recommend any places to consider? We are both from Houston but grew up near Richmond, Tx so just are not as familiar with Houston proper. One other thing is that I will most likely join Champions Golf Club and while we don't need to live in that area it woudl be nice if it was within a 30 or 40 minute commute.

Thanks

[Houston_2010]

I hate commutes. Try looking in Bellaire or Meyerland neighborhoods, near I-610, so you can get to downtown in 30min or less (depending on traffic). Some older homes are in your price range, are well kept, decent yard and potential for you to remodel later on. Many neighbors go out to walk their dogs, their kids, bike rides. Schools are good too.

[acpstx]

You could look in the Briarhurst area.

[EasilyAmused]

Nottingham Forest, within 2 miles of the Memorial Villages. But the remodeled ones get snapped up pretty quickly. I was going to say Fonn Villas, but they've really appreciated past your entry point this last year. Maybe Garden Oaks or Oak Forest?

Anyway, use HAR.COM for searches. It's a great site. You can also serach by map if you want to go by commute. It's about 20-25 minutes to/from the Beltway to/from Downtown, on 10 West, of the city at rush hour. Slightly longer on 59 S and 59 N. 15-20 to get up to the Garden Oaks Area.

[Lost_In_Translation]

Originally Posted by lowndes

So it looks like my wife and I will be movign back to Houston in the next six months or a year from NYC. I'm a young attorney who will be working in downtown and she probably won't work. Were both in our late 20's. No kids now but hope to start having them in 2 or 3 years. Housing budget is around 400K - 500K.

Things that we are looking for is a decent commute to downtown, nice neighborhood with mature trees, don't want a massive house (something in the neighborhood of 2500 - 3000 square feet would be perfect) but does need to be updated/nice (or cheap enough where we could do the renovations). For example, our favorite neighborhood in Houston is West University and would live there if we could afford it (but can't). Also, really like the Memorial Vilages and again would live there if we could aford it (but can't).

Anybody recommend any places to consider? We are both from Houston but grew up near Richmond, Tx so just are not as familiar with Houston proper. One other thing is that I will most likely join Champions Golf Club and while we don't need to live in that area it woudl be nice if it was within a 30 or 40 minute commute.

Thanks

I agree with Meyerland/Bellaire or Memorial West (Beltway 8 to Dairy Ashford). Another possibility is Timbergrove/LazyBrook or some of the houses in Braes Heights/Knollwood Village/Woodshire/Woodside.

[Houston_2010]

oh, and of course get yourself a good real estate agent. So many houses, so many neighborhoods...if you are out of town the agent will be able to narrow down your search and schedule some showings if you come down for house hunting. Sometimes the agents know the areas well and they may even consider things that you haven't even thought of (proximity to hwy, condition of house, etc).

[AK123]

Originally Posted by Houston_2010

Try looking in Bellaire or Meyerland neighborhoods, near I-610

I second that suggestion.

[DJboutit]

Check out Willowbend Meyerland Westbury you can get a nice 2000 to 2500 sqft home maybe even a remodeled one for $200K to $400K

[cheryjohns]

Oak Forest and Garden Oaks - price works, mature trees, nice neighbors. Location is really the thing - since that area is at the top of 610 - you are close to Downtown and it still makes the trip to Champions Golf Club within your time frame.

[crone]

Are you that good a golfer? You have a sponsor?