Young family moving to Houston (Sugar Land, Pearland: 2014, houses, safe area)

[Childef]

We are likely moving to the Houston area in early 2014. We have an 18 month old and #2 on the way.

My office would be in the Galleria area.

I've been trying to do research and read through many of these threads, but it's pretty overwhelming.

Hoping to get some ideas on different areas to look at in terms of safety, good schools for the kids in the future, etc. Budget for a house would be 200 - 250. I don't mind a commute but would prefer for it not to be hours both ways.

[westres1]

Spring branch

[bronstew]

For the Galleria, and for that budget, you'll probably want to be out in the burbs, unless you're willing to put up with a transitional neighborhood, iffy schools, etc. I would say either Katy or even Cypress. What kind of amenities or neighborhood characteristics are you looking for? Seriously, though, housing prices in Houston have gone way up recently. For that kind of budget, you're probably gonna wanna be in the burbs.

[screwpeter]

Sugar Land

[Cbink]

Originally Posted by bronstew

For the Galleria, and for that budget, you'll probably want to be out in the burbs, unless you're willing to put up with a transitional neighborhood, iffy schools, etc. I would say either Katy or even Cypress. What kind of amenities or neighborhood characteristics are you looking for? Seriously, though, housing prices in Houston have gone way up recently. For that kind of budget, you're probably gonna wanna be in the burbs.

I'd tend to agree with this.

I live in Cypress and commute into the Galleria every day. I go in/come home early and that's what makes the commute fine for me (at 5am cypress to galleria is 25 mins, it takes much longer later on though). We have a 2 yr old and love being out here. There are houses in your price range here with good schools.

I'd look at Katy too.

[buckeroo]

Originally Posted by screwpeter

Sugar Land

You can not buy in Sugarland for 200-250k. At that budget you are restricted to Katy, Cypress, Spring Branch.

[houston-nomad]

Look on HAR.com at 77035. Short commute, nice neighborhoods.

[Oildog]

Agree to check www.har.com and see where your budget allows.

[texasnutmeg]

Originally Posted by buckeroo

You can not buy in Sugarland for 200-250k. At that budget you are restricted to Katy, Cypress, Spring Branch.

Also Pearland.

[AK123]

Originally Posted by buckeroo

You can not buy in Sugarland for 200-250k. At that budget you are restricted to Katy, Cypress, Spring Branch.

There are still some reasonable prices in the Sugar Land neighborhoods near the airport and Cullinan Park -- Park Pointe, Village of Oak Lake, Summerfield, Stratford Park, etc. Safe areas with good schools. Only downside, if it even matters that much, is they're not technically inside the Sugar Land city limits right now.