Condo prices in Houston area (condos, townhomes, neighborhood)

[Weatherguy]

Looks like my housing budget for moving to Houston is going to be about $250K, which is much less than I originally thought. So here's a question. Does anyone have recommendations on condos in that price range? I've looked at har.com and have found some in that range, but I have no idea as to whether they're in good locations or whether the condo complexes have good reputations. I'm hoping to hear from residents who have personal experience with condos in the price range I'm looking at.

Thanks for the help!

[cheryjohns]

Condos and townhomes do not appreciate like single family houses - but are often a single person's first buy.

Biggest question is the same old - same old - job vicinity?

[Weatherguy]

Originally Posted by cheryjohns

Condos and townhomes do not appreciate like single family houses - but are often a single person's first buy.

Biggest question is the same old - same old - job vicinity?

I'm retired, so my only criteria would be a condo complex with a good reputation, and location in a safe, well maintained neighborhood.

[aslowdodge]

Do homes in Houston even appreciate? I had a house in Cypress and I just checked the value on it and it looks like it is worth what I sold it for 4 years ago.

[Schumacher713]

You need to be more specific. At least give us an area of town. I would not expect anything amazing for 250K.

And, homes appreciate in Houston. Mine has gone up by about 100K in the last few years. My parents has jumped about 250K. The suburbs won't go nuts like inside the loop. I think most places inside the loop will go up 10-15% a year. I have no clue where they will top out at. I bought a lot for 265 not long ago and just weeks later was offered to flip it. There is just not enough inventory to keep up with demand. Builders are going as fast as they can go.

[Weatherguy]

Originally Posted by Schumacher713

You need to be more specific. At least give us an area of town. I would not expect anything amazing for 250K.

And, homes appreciate in Houston. Mine has gone up by about 100K in the last few years. My parents has jumped about 250K. The suburbs won't go nuts like inside the loop. I think most places inside the loop will go up 10-15% a year. I have no clue where they will top out at. I bought a lot for 265 not long ago and just weeks later was offered to flip it. There is just not enough inventory to keep up with demand. Builders are going as fast as they can go.

I'd like to avoid the "up and coming" areas that are still very sketchy. But I'd like to be fairly close in. What about the area near Uptown around Fountainview. On har.com there are a ton of condos in that area, but they appear to be old. That in itself wouldn't be a problem as long as the area is safe and is mostly owner occupied. The last thing I want to get into is a condo complex that is mostly rental.

I know that for $250K there are suburbs where you can get a very large, nice new home in a good neighborhood. But the downside is that it's so far out from the city.

[eastontracks]

Originally Posted by Schumacher713

You need to be more specific. At least give us an area of town. I would not expect anything amazing for 250K.

And, homes appreciate in Houston. Mine has gone up by about 100K in the last few years. My parents has jumped about 250K. The suburbs won't go nuts like inside the loop. I think most places inside the loop will go up 10-15% a year. I have no clue where they will top out at. I bought a lot for 265 not long ago and just weeks later was offered to flip it. There is just not enough inventory to keep up with demand. Builders are going as fast as they can go.

I disagree about not finding anything amazing for under 250k. There are definitely condos below 250k that are nice and in great areas.

I'm currently in the process of buying a condo in a great spot in uptown off wood way. My situation is a little different since my budget is smaller as its only a 1BR (and a fixer) but I think I did ok as I'm purchasing it for less than 80k.

My sources when browsing was urbanliving.com. I also went through their company and realtor for the buying process. Those listings should give you a good idea of what's avail in Houston.

it does seem even condo prices are gradually rising right now though. Feel free to ask me any questions as I've researched uptown, and med center for the last 5-6 months.