Moving to Houston from NYC! (Sugar Land, The Woodlands: for rent, condo, townhouse)

[LoveLeneva]

After much consideration and confusion as to where we wanted to move to, my husband and I have decided that Houston would be the best move for us. We have two daughters, ages 3 and 6 years, so schools play a big factor. I am doing my BA in Education and would try to find an Assistant Teaching job at an Early Childhood Center before we move. My husband is currently doing EMT training here in Brooklyn, but he will be a Paramedic by the time of our move. He is a Marine Veteran and a former Baltimore Police Officer Would he struggle finding employment as a Paramedic?
We would like to rent, with the option to own, if possible, otherwise just renting for a year or two will be fine.
Which of the following areas would you recommend for a young African-American family of four?

AREAS: The Woodlands, Katy/Cypress, Tomball, Sugarland

JOB MARKET: As mentioned, I am an Assistant Teacher, my husband will be a Paramedic by then. Will we struggle finding employment?

SALARY: What is the salary like for both Assistant Teachers and Paramedics in Houston?

SCHOOLS: Good school districts with decent Pre-Schools, too.

RENT: We are willing to pay a maximum of $1300 for a three bedroom condo, or townhouse.

Thanks in advance for your responses.

[H'ton]

I always welcome New Yorkers to Houston! After all, Houston was created by New Yorkers.

[cheryjohns]

Visit for a job-finding mission before moving. All the areas you mentioned are fine, but you would not like the commute from Tomball to Sugar Land. This city metro encompasses a lot of area. You can be within 15 minutes - or 2 hours - one way.

In several areas, finding a townhouse or condo is not easy - Houston suburbs concentrate on houses. There are areas in which you can rent a 3 bedroom house for your budget.

Forget rent to own, that works out roughly less than 2% of the time. Just rent and worry about buying down the road, when you have become established here.

The main thing is: job first, then rent in the best area for the budget, closest to work.

[LoveLeneva]

Originally Posted by cheryjohns

Visit for a job-finding mission before moving. All the areas you mentioned are fine, but you would not like the commute from Tomball to Sugar Land. This city metro encompasses a lot of area. You can be within 15 minutes - or 2 hours - one way.

In several areas, finding a townhouse or condo is not easy - Houston suburbs concentrate on houses. There are areas in which you can rent a 3 bedroom house for your budget.

Forget rent to own, that works out roughly less than 2% of the time. Just rent and worry about buying down the road, when you have become established here.

The main thing is: job first, then rent in the best area for the budget, closest to work.

Renting a home would be even better!! I wasn't sure whether it was possible with our budget.

We are not moving until we find employment first. Thanks

[cheryjohns]

Originally Posted by LoveLeneva

Renting a home would be even better!! I wasn't sure whether it was possible with our budget.

We are not moving until we find employment first. Thanks

Good call.

As to which area would be good for a young AA family - I think you will find that Houston is different from what you might think. Segregation tends to fall within economic lines, rather than racial. In other words, don't worry about it.

[ise2006]

My wife and I moved from NYC, too. Of course, there are some things which Houston can't compare with NYC. The only thing which I really miss NYC is the weather.
When we moved down here one year ago, we paid only $980 per month for rent which include two beds + two baths with 1000 sqft and two parking space in Katy which compared we paid 1500 in NYC with one bed with no parking space. I'm pretty that sure that both of you will be fine in Houston.

[ToyYot]

Originally Posted by LoveLeneva

Renting a home would be even better!! I wasn't sure whether it was possible with our budget.

That's Houston, top of the list.

Where homes are affordable - Spring, TX (1) - Money Magazine

[farhan_1978]

I am Planning to Move from California too. Live in Bay area and work at a bank but since I have my family arriving from Pakistan, want to move there too. do have a job right now in as a personal Banker and hope to find a job there..

[a_guerrajr]

that price range
Cypress, Tomball, Katy, Spring, Humble

[Beto]

Katy, Cypress, Spring in no particular order.