Desperately Seeking Advice... (Houston, Deer Park, Atlanta: renting, houses, job market)

[law01ren]

I know the questions may be a bit repetitive on this forum so I'll get straight to the point.

My husband and I are considering moving to Houston or Atlanta within the next 6-9 months, along with our three children. We currently live in New england and are looking for cheaper cost of living, fairly priced home, safe/fun environment for our children and warmer climate of course.

How is the job market? I have worked in corporate admin/accounting admin position for over 7 years but recently obtained paralegal certification. I am concerned about the ability to obtain employment in a decent amount of time. My husband is able to transfer his employment to both states upon making a decision.

In regards to homes... I have seen several nice homes for 98-115k online, a far cry for the high cost of CT. Are the prices questionable or is the housing market typically affordable? I have heard great things about Houston from a friend who relocated there 4 years ago with their spouse and children.

[EasilyAmused]

98-115k would put you dead center of many neighborhoods affected by the sub-prime crisis. Be wary.

[Wysiwyg]

yes its that cheap here. most of the time, too cheap is not good for you tho. maybe bump it up to 130k and outside Houston city limits. Cypress maybe

[chris_ut]

You can get a nice house for that price just make sure you work with a Realtor or someone you trust who knows the area you plan to move to so as to avoid sketchy neighborhoods. Consider renting for 6 months or a year to get a better feel for the area.

[MommiePreMed]

Houses in that price range are not in desirable neighborhoods. We moved from the Atlanta area, I grew in in Atlanta and I can say that home prices are comparable. You can purchase a home for the same amount in Atlanta in one of the suburban areas, and taxes are lower.

I would base my move on something other than the price of the home since the market is similar. Move to Houston or Atlanta because you love the city, not because you save $30K on a home.

[law01ren]

Originally Posted by MommiePreMed

Houses in that price range are not in desirable neighborhoods. We moved from the Atlanta area, I grew in in Atlanta and I can say that home prices are comparable. You can purchase a home for the same amount in Atlanta in one of the suburban areas, and taxes are lower.

I would base my move on something other than the price of the home since the market is similar. Move to Houston or Atlanta because you love the city, not because you save $30K on a home.

We are moving more for the change in hustle & bustle lifestyle and to raise our children in a nicer area with a friendlier feel. Homes are important though and given the housing market now is the time to get a deal....

[Poltracker]

Originally Posted by MommiePreMed

Houses in that price range are not in desirable neighborhoods. We moved from the Atlanta area, I grew in in Atlanta and I can say that home prices are comparable. You can purchase a home for the same amount in Atlanta in one of the suburban areas, and taxes are lower.

I would base my move on something other than the price of the home since the market is similar. Move to Houston or Atlanta because you love the city, not because you save $30K on a home.

Not true. You can get a nice, but smallish, older, home in the Deer Park area for that price and Deer Park is far from a bad area. Safety wise and community involvement wise, I'd say it is one of the better places to live. I bet there is no where else in the county where you can get the Fire Department or the police to your house in under 5 minutes flat (experience thanks to Centerpoint) or have your trash collected twice weekly and heavy trash once/week. Also a full slate of community sponsored activities for adults and children from sports, yoga, to fishing classes and computer classes. I was leary about moving over here at first but am immensely pleased that I did.

[law01ren]

Does anyone know about the job market for paralegals/legal assistants? I hope to find employment asap.

[MommiePreMed]

Originally Posted by Poltracker

Not true. You can get a nice, but smallish, older, home in the Deer Park area for that price and Deer Park is far from a bad area. Safety wise and community involvement wise, I'd say it is one of the better places to live. I bet there is no where else in the county where you can get the Fire Department or the police to your house in under 5 minutes flat (experience thanks to Centerpoint) or have your trash collected twice weekly and heavy trash once/week. Also a full slate of community sponsored activities for adults and children from sports, yoga, to fishing classes and computer classes. I was leary about moving over here at first but am immensely pleased that I did.

IMO the suburbs are not desirable. It was my intention to let the OP know that homes in the above price range are available in both cities, in the suburbs.

[starkeshia]

Originally Posted by chris_ut

You can get a nice house for that price just make sure you work with a Realtor or someone you trust who knows the area you plan to move to so as to avoid sketchy neighborhoods.

Bad advice. Don't rely on a "Realtor". There are a TON of bad ones out there who will tell you what you want to hear (some even forge documents) just so they can make a sale...espescially in this in this slow economy. This is a big purchase. Do your homework so you can rely on YOURSELF.

Consider renting for 6 months or a year to get a better feel for the area.

THIS, on the other hand, is EXCELLENT advice.