I've actually come to like some of the areas east of SPO a little better.

Willow Meadows has a lot nice houses and an active HOA. Westbury really **** the bed making it voluntary.

Diggity said:

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agreed.

That was me tagging along to the hypothetical possibility of the OP utilizing the TCH West Campus for some visits. Have no idea if that's feasible but would be a great choice if so.

Regarding Housman, that has been correct up until now. Starting next year, that area will be zoned to Hunters Creek, which should be a huge boost (going from Bottom 10% school to Top 10% school is nice).

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Oh hell yeah. That's great news. I had heard rumblings of that but didn't see it on the online map when I checked. Good for them. That's the main reason we didn't buy a house in that area 18 years ago. We're a few blocks west.

TexAg2001 said:

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Diggity said:

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The surrounding areas to the South and West are getting worse. Hood rats all over SPO, Willowbend, Chimney Rock, etc. Have to wait a few seconds before entering an intersection after a green because somebody is bound to blow through a red.

Westbury itself could really use a more active HOA. Lot of people just do whatever they want so the yards look like crap. Doesn't help when when one of the board of directors is a serial offender.

/old man yelling at clouds.

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I've been in Maplewood 10 years (near Hillcroft/Willowbend) and couldn't agree more with this. The neighborhood itself is great and seems to be getting an influx of younger families as the original homeowners pass on. I also really appreciate its convenience to TMC, Galleria, and downtown, but it's definitely becoming more of a warzone as soon as you leave.

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I spent a lot of time looking at houses in Maplewood, Westbury, Meyerland, etc., last year. And it was amazing how otherwise very nice streets or neighborhoods would immediately get rough if you drove a little bit.

We'd see a beautiful home on a great street surrounded by other beautiful homes, and then three streets down would be scary.

I guess that's Houston in general outside of a few select wealthy areas.

agreed. I think a lot of people felt the same way (unless doing private).

Having only a good middle/high school isn't that useful when you have young kids or planning to start a family.

Agree with that sentiment but doesn't align to my easy to remember barriers... because I do not want live remotely close to SPO. Too busy and ease of escape when committing crimes.

yeah, I'm no big fan of SPO and that was a big reason why I chose my area (along with the better elementary).

Looking at the appreciation (and general state) of the two areas over the past decade has led me to believe Willow Meadows is the better pick.

unless you plan to stay longer than one year, I would rent something closer to TCH.

Check out Sienna plantation

Darthag11 said:

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schmellba99 said:

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The Ex Officio Director said:

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OdessaAg said:

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West Texas native here…..I've been here for about 15 years. First 2 years I lived in the med center, lived in Pearland off of 288 for 1 year and spent the last 12 years in the Spring/Woodlands/Tomball area. We really enjoy living in the Northern part of the metro (the pine trees are nice) as it has many shopping, grocery options and also good/decent schools. Also, there is a Texas Children's right off of 45 in The Woodlands.

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Woodlands is the best option. Added bonus, not having to live in Houston.

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But it's still the woodlands, so no real bonus there outside of living in a bunch of pine trees.

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LOL what's wrong with The Woodlands.

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There is a Trader Joe's there, and we all know what that means.

redaszag99 said:

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Live in Katy

Maybe you can do some of the TCH stuff at West Campus

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This, if you can do appointments there that will be way better on finding places to live and work

Milwaukees Best Light said:

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Darthag11 said:

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schmellba99 said:

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The Ex Officio Director said:

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OdessaAg said:

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West Texas native here…..I've been here for about 15 years. First 2 years I lived in the med center, lived in Pearland off of 288 for 1 year and spent the last 12 years in the Spring/Woodlands/Tomball area. We really enjoy living in the Northern part of the metro (the pine trees are nice) as it has many shopping, grocery options and also good/decent schools. Also, there is a Texas Children's right off of 45 in The Woodlands.

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Woodlands is the best option. Added bonus, not having to live in Houston.

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But it's still the woodlands, so no real bonus there outside of living in a bunch of pine trees.

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LOL what's wrong with The Woodlands.

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There is a Trader Joe's there, and we all know what that means.

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If you are on the down low, have to watch out for alligators if you go for a morning run, might get eaten.

Some really good advice given above.

Lived in Spring for 30+ years and mostly long commutes. Way too much of my life spent staring at bumpers and competitive commuting.

If you can, focus on the daily commute with quality of neighborhood. That will cost but you'll be better for it.

After all this time, I regret purposely moving to the overall craphole of the Houston metro center. The Houston of the 60s to early 90s is gone.

Fortunately I have solid family and friends, so the really important part is there.

OP, if you can live elsewhere, take a hard look. Is the med center job really worth it?

Houston overall sucks and is rivaling LA suck.

Best of luck to you.

Buford T. Justice said:

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unless you plan to stay longer than one year, I would rent something closer to TCH.

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This.

This

MAS444 said:

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Good Lord - some of you need to read the original post.

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Followed by this:

jh0400 said:

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Buford T. Justice said:

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unless you plan to stay longer than one year, I would rent something closer to TCH.

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This.

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couldn't have timed it better.

I grew up off of Fountainview between Woodway and San Felipe in a 3 BR townhouse. Great for kids and no yard to maintain. Briargrove Elementary is still a good school so no private needed.

Oh, and now my parents are selling it.

show us the listing

Diggity said:

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show us the listing

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Once it is up, I will do just that! Should be up within a few days. Thanks for the reminder!

that's fine...but wasn't at all what he asked for.

Quote:

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• Proximity to the medical center is nice but not a must. Looking at this as a long-term move (kids through high school) so community/schools are more important.

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Renting while he figures out the city still makes the most sense IMO, and the Med Center area is as good of a place as any if he's WFH and has another reason to be in the area.

possibly...but that's not what the ask was

Spring Branch (Stratford HS area) or go SW to Sugarland like Clements or Ridge Point, etc. Either one is Only 20-30 minutes from Med Center and good schools/neighborhoods. Or go South to Pearland or Friendswood since work commute is limited. 45 North near 610 and downtown will be under construction for next 10 years so would avoid anywhere North.

Pearland off 288 - something in Silvercreek or Silvercrest. You have easy access to 288 to get to MC and your kids will be zoned to really great schools (Silvercrest or Silverlake Elem, Rogers MS, Berry Miller JH and Dawson HS).

Those neighborhoods have lots of kids in that age range (mine are in that window) and are great about helping out, carpooling, etc.

My best friend's husband is a realtor in this area. PM me if you would like his contact info.

I'm so sorry for your situation. I can't even imagine how difficult that is.

is this the "texags 20 minute commute"

Ex Ex Officio Director said:

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My best friend's husband is a realtor in this area. PM me if you would like his contact info.

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Lots of movies exist on this premise.