Moving to Houston - What are good areas to live in? - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

halibut · 07-11-2007, 09:50 AM

It appears that there is a really good chance for me to be transferred to Houston and I need to know what areas are good to live in in the area. I am not sure how many here have been there but I thought I would ask.

FlamingLonghorn · 07-11-2007, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by halibut

It appears that there is a really good chance for me to be transferred to Houston and I need to know what areas are good to live in in the area. I am not sure how many here have been there but I thought I would ask.

Are we talking Houston, Tx? It depends on how much you were looking at spending on a house if it's that Houston. The Woodlands would be the nicest however.

halibut · 07-11-2007, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sowa

Are we talking Houston, Tx? It depends on how much you were looking at spending on a house if it's that Houston. The Woodlands would be the nicest however.

Yes Houston Tx, and that is the second comment I have heard about The Woodlands.

Budget - 150,000 to 250,000

REDVAN · 07-11-2007, 10:26 AM

I have family that lived in the Woodlands and it was good, now they live in Cinco Ranch in Katy. Also a good area, but a bit more expensive than your pirce range.

halibut · 07-11-2007, 10:43 AM

My Budget could potentially go up depending on what my US credit rating would allow for a mortgage...

redforever · 07-11-2007, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REDVAN

I have family that lived in the Woodlands and it was good, now they live in Cinco Ranch in Katy. Also a good area, but a bit more expensive than your pirce range.

Katy is a nice area and only 20 to 30 minute drive to Houston.

FlamingLonghorn · 07-11-2007, 01:12 PM

I agree that Katy is nice as well

I-Hate-Hulse · 07-11-2007, 01:16 PM

Sugarland / Greatwood was quite nice when I was there 4 years ago. Bit of a drive in, but hat all depends on where you have to work.

Traffic sucks though, particullarly on the 610. Makes me laugh at those that complain about Calgary Traffic.

O_M_A · 07-11-2007, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by halibut

Yes Houston Tx, and that is the second comment I have heard about The Woodlands.

Budget - 150,000 to 250,000

I lived in the Woodlands 8 years ago... gorgeous area (mind you I was all of 15 at the time). Went back down there a couple of months ago on a stopover and remembered how great that area actually is. I'm not sure about what housing prices are in that area these days... but it lives up to the hype in my opinion. Unless you're looking for downtown city living.... but if you're looking for the suburbs type lifestyle.... nothing would beat that community I don't think

Katy is a nice area too. I haven't specifically seen Cinco Ranch but have heard its quite nice.

I'd also like to second the comment about the traffic (on the 610 and I 45 for that matter). I had forgotten how bad it was until going back down there this year.... never complaining about Calgary traffic again.

halibut · 07-11-2007, 02:24 PM

Thanks for the feedback, I was looking in those areas, but another question should be what areas do you not want to live in? Cuz I know if someone was wanting to move to Calgary, I could easily say for this budget you want to avoid these areas. Forest Lawn comes to mind and Bowness (sorry for those that live in these areas) but their reputation precedes them.

Tiger · 07-11-2007, 02:54 PM

to confirm with everyone else. The Woodlands are amazing

Seabass · 07-11-2007, 03:13 PM

Dont move to Greenspoint. Or "Gunspoint" as they call it down there.

ZDogg · 07-11-2007, 03:16 PM

Where would your office be? That would play a huge role in location unless you don't mind crazy commutes. My parents live in Sugar Land. It seems like a great area and the Highway (59?) to downtown was just upgraded in the past couple years. I know some oil companies have their offices in that area too.

Canada 02 · 07-11-2007, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by halibut

My Budget could potentially go up depending on what my US credit rating would allow for a mortgage...

Are you a Canadian moving to the States for the first time? If so, then I can tell you that your Canadian credit rating means squat down here.

A few banks wouldn't even give me a credit card. I bought a car, and financed part of it at an insane rate and will pay it off quickly to help establish my credit rating. Likewise, once I managed to find a bank to give me a credit card, I've been using it and paying it off in full every month. I'm told that after one year, I will have established my credit rating and will be able to get a mortgage at a reasonable interest rate

Flames in 07 · 07-11-2007, 06:01 PM

Depends, do you have kids? is the office downtown?

If you have kids I'd look outside the 6 loop, either woodlands or Katy. The other area to look would be around the medical center ... the neighbourhood name escapes me but it is right beside Rice.

If you don't have kids and want a low maintainance lifestyle look at some of those now condos near Memorial park or just inside the loop on the west side, by the galleria.

Flames in 07 · 07-11-2007, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O_M_A

I lived in the Woodlands 8 years ago... gorgeous area (mind you I was all of 15 at the time). Went back down there a couple of months ago on a stopover and remembered how great that area actually is. I'm not sure about what housing prices are in that area these days... but it lives up to the hype in my opinion. Unless you're looking for downtown city living.... but if you're looking for the suburbs type lifestyle.... nothing would beat that community I don't think

Katy is a nice area too. I haven't specifically seen Cinco Ranch but have heard its quite nice.

I'd also like to second the comment about the traffic (on the 610 and I 45 for that matter). I had forgotten how bad it was until going back down there this year.... never complaining about Calgary traffic again.

Pricing really hasn't changed much, Calgarians live like royalty down there since everything is so cheap.

Woodlands is a great area ... but the commute into DT just sucks.

O_M_A · 07-11-2007, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flames in 07

Pricing really hasn't changed much, Calgarians live like royalty down there since everything is so cheap.

Woodlands is a great area ... but the commute into DT just sucks.

Yeah, you really need to take into consideration the commute in Houston (it's a lot different than Calgary in that manner). My old man worked just near Greenspoint (I think that's what it was called... Exxon used to have a bunch of offices there I think).... so it didn't make for a bad commute... but getting around anywhere else was difficult. I remember my pops drivng for an eternity out to Sugarland so I could keep on playing hockey... and that took forever.

I've heard the same thing about Katy... but that 610 freeway was a nightmare when i was down there at christmas. They were doing some construction out there which made a complete mess (way worse than I45).... and I've heard its bad to begin with.

But yeah, based on my weak memory, if you want the suburbia lifestyle and are willing to drive a bit.... The Woodlands or Katy are the way to go. I remember hearing good things about Kingswood (I think that's what it was called.. I think it was NE of Downtown Houston..). If not, then I rememeber there being some decent areas just around that Galleria area.

halibut · 07-12-2007, 06:21 AM

All thanks for the feedback, it is much appreciated.

Yes I have kids and no I don't mind a commute. As for the office it is off westheimer road but being it is an IT outsourcing firm I most likely be at a client site. And that I am not sure the location. I have to wait until I hear which one I will be placed.

I had heard that about the Canadian Credit rating meaning squat down there but what really can you do but maybe buy a place with a mortgage from a canadian bank and buy the car using the outrageous rate from an American Bank.

halibut · 07-12-2007, 06:31 AM

How about transit? What is it like for public transportation?

ernie · 07-12-2007, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by halibut

My Budget could potentially go up depending on what my US credit rating would allow for a mortgage...

The company that is transferring you should help you out in securing a mortgage etc because of having no credit rating in the states.

As someone mentioned, your canadian credit rating means essentailly nothing. Though, it is possible to have them get your canadian credit rating with some mild prodding. Just don't count on it meaing anything to them.