Also posted on the Houston board...

Right now we live in Cypress - husband commutes to downtown. Its a pain in the butt, but he's used to it. He rides the metro and surfs the internet.

I'm applying for a position in the Baytown area. If I were to get it, we would have to move that way. It looks like it is about the same difference for him, but looks can be deceiving, so I'd like some input from those of you who are familiar with Houston. We've only lived here for 2 years.

Starting from a clean slate - meaning we could move anywhere that would allow a resonable commute for both of us - what areas would we want to look around as far as finding a house?

I know NOTHING about that area, but the job pays well and is pretty much exactly what I was doing before we moved down here.

TexAgs, tell me what you know...

See my post on the Houston board.

Mont Belvieu is a great area. However, there is less retail there than you are probably used to coming from Cypress.

If you are looking at living in Baytown specifically, I can give you advice on neighborhoods with better schools.

I'm not being specific about much of anything. I really don't know anything about the area, so I'm looking for any and all info.

I only just applied for the position, and there is no guarantee I'll even get called, but I like to know what I'm looking ahead of time. Might all be a waste of time, or could be a head start.

Schools will be important - I have a 6 and a 2 year old.

I grew up and currently live in Baytown, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask. Have you looked at the Humble/Kingwood area as well?

Haven't done too much. Don't want to jinx it.
We've taken a peek at Fall Creek and that area, but not much. If I get any closer to the job, I'll probably be back asking a lot of questions. Right now, its kind of exploratory. If they call me back, am I interested - since it would involve moving, selling my house, etc.

I might not know the area, but I do know that it is NOT a practical commute from Cypress.

I am from the Greater Baytown area as well. I would suggest looking at Kingwood/Humble area.

Ok, I've had an interview and they are checking my references. I guess I ought to start doing my homework. We've looked at Fall Creek and Summer Wood and I like both of those areas. Also looking at Clearlake. But I've started doing a little research into Mt. Belvieu and it looks pretty good too. Schools sound good im MB - though maybe a little snobby? I'm not overly concerned about retail. Looks like Baytown has a pretty decent mall and a Best Buy. I'm a little concerned about a comment on the Houston board about needing a CHL to go to WalMart. How true is that? Really dangerous area or your usual TexAgs "WalMartians are the scum of the earth"?

The job is perfect for me - It couldn't have been better if they'd sat down with my resume and written it with me in mind. But if I am going to pack my family up and move them for the second time in 2 years, I guess I'd like to know more about the area than what the Chamber and the CVB have to say. Any help here?

If you are looking at Clear Lake, SE of Houston, it has many good areas and very good schools.

Many people who lived in Galveston chose to move to the Clear Lake / League City area when their kids get to school age, but we are working on that.