relocating from Canada to Cypress/TX (Houston, Galveston: house insurance, mortgage, house)

[kat234]

I can deal with cold weather and blizzards but I am worried about flooding occureces in Houston. We're looking into purchasing a home at Canyon Lake West 50' and found out that we may be in a 100 flood plain zone. Does that mean this area floods often or easily? I've seen some postings noting no flooding issues in Cypress but then what's up with the flood plains? How does it affect house insurance/flood insurance (2 different things)?

[mjbs]

I have been living in Cypress for 3 years and it hardly ever rains. It seems to rain more in south and east of Cypress. I'm beginning to think there is some weird weather phenomen that does not allow it to rain to the west of hwy. 290. I will say that when it does rain, the streets can become flooded, a bit, but never to our house. You should talk to an honest realtor about flood zones. BTW, we have flood insurance, cuz right now is it only 700 a year, I think. Anyplace on earth can flood, given enough rain, etc.

[BandKsmom]

I don't know anything about the flood zones, but I LOVE the Cypress area! I have some friends that live in that area & I would definitely live there!

[Willsson]

Probly most anywhere in the Houston area is going to be in a flood plain. As mjbs says, discuss with your realtor.

In the last century Houston had major flooding in downtown. A result, as preparation for future occasions, the Army Corps built the Addicks and Barker Reservoirs. See map of Houston at I-10 at Sam Houston Pkwy and/or Hwy 6. South of I-10 is Baker Reservoir, north is Addicks Reservoir. Your area of interest is on the north side and further north towards US290.

It's not likely your home will flood but there may be some locally high water at times when the rains are torrential. If there were going to be flooding, I suspect the Corps would open any flood gates on the reservoirs. Water is going to travel towards Houston and the Gulf. Check the elevation at your area. Downtown Houston is at about 45' elevation, Galveston... about 0'.

Here's a topical on the reservoirs: http://www.swg.usace.army.mil/Addicks/ (broken link)

Harris County Flood Control District: http://www.hcfcd.org/faqs.html

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...n/6882352.html

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...n/7032138.html

http://www.worldisround.com/articles/4847/photo6.html

http://www.houstonhomeinspector.net/...planemap.chtml

[Felixmp]

Just make sure you don't buy a house that backs up to a bayou/creek/stream and you're probably ok. 100 year flood plain means that area will flood with a major rain event that happens once every 100 years. Mortgage companies require you to purchase flood insurance if you live in a 100 year flood plain (I think, someone on here can confirm). I have flood insurance and its about $200 per year, but I don't live in a flood plain. I would suggest buying flood insurance if you live in Houston. Also I would suggest posting your question in the Houston forum since Cypress is really part of the larger Houston metro area.

[HtownHomes4U]

I'm pretty mpgerma is correct. 100 year flood plain requires homewowners to purchase flood insurance. 500 year flood plain homeowners have the option to purchase flood insurance at a lessor rate. I live within a 100 year and I am required to have flood insurance.