qzseattle

I recently had a business trip to Houston. I have been contemplating moving there for business reasons and wanted to check out the city as a place to live.

I didnt have enough time to explore the city. I drove through parts of Katy (cinco ranch and nearby divisions), Sugarland (First Colony area), Memorial, River Oaks and Galleria area. These are all pretty nice areas. However, I didnt like the urban sprawl along Westheimer road, Richmond street or Highway 6 with endless strip malls, stores and parking lots.

I think I know what disappoints many of those who visit Houston. When visiting the fouth largest city in the US, they probably expect a city that is on par with such cities as Chicago, New York, Miami, Boston or San Francisco. Instead, the city is probably more like Denver, Cincinatti or Phoenix.

I think Houston's infamous "ugliness" stems primarily from the lack of zoning laws which resulted in unchecked urban sprawl. Even in upscale areas such as River Oaks or Galleria, you will find pawn shops, adult video stores and the likes. Otherwise, as in any big city, there are large sections of nice areas and large sections of not so nice areas.

Overall, I think Houston is not too far off from becoming a great city. Only if city managment would pay more attention to beautification and zoning laws. I wouldnt complain about constant constructions though; that is a reality in any growing city.

By the way, traffic is not half as bad as LA or Seattle, heat not as bad as in Phoenix and humidity not worst than New Orleans or Orlando. So it would be unfair to reserve such complaints for Houston alone.

LDLee

Thanks for approaching Houston with an open mind. It does have its warts, as you saw, but overall a good place to be.

If you were here during the past ten days you came during one of the nicer parts of the summer. This summer has been fairly mild compared to the past ten years.

Did you decide which neighborhood you wanted to live in and what price range?

rkkwan

I also think that's a very fair description of Houston, where I live right now.

michaelcrane

Be careful or that whack job will post something about Houston's air quality. I agree with your assessment as a frequent visitor from the east coast. You left out what I would consider Houston's finest two attributes: the friendliest people of any big city I've been to in the US and some of the best informal dining options anywhere. I would also add that there is an incredibly impressive range of public golf courses and also a stellar collection of museums. If you have kids, the Houston's children's museum is not to be missed.

bellairegirl

I also pretty much agree with your assessment. I've lived in Houston for almost 20 years now, and have grown very fond of it. Yes, the weather's hot and humid for half the year -- but you're right -- it's no different than the weather in New Orleans. (I lived there for 3 years, and the safety in Houston is much better.) And we DO have gorgeous weather in February! How many cities in the US can say that?

There is definately urban sprawl and lots of strip shopping centers. That's why I live in an incorporated city (right in the middle of Houston) - we have zoning! In fact, I served on the Planning & Zoning Board for several years and it was amazing how developers were stupefied by us not allowing them to do what they wanted.

Houston's a great place to raise kids --lots of wonderful parks, great museums and cultural opportunities (ballet, symphony, plays, etc.) There are also an inumerable number of wonderful inexpensive restaurants of every imaginable nationality. And our medical center is first rate.

You're also right -- our downtown is nothing much, but I grew up in Baltimore and it's pretty comparable (until Harborplace was built). It's on the upswing, though, with all the new stadiums and the light rail.

Thanks for your observations.

Susan

Binthair

Spooky. A Houstonian for 14 years,I spent my childhood years between Baltimore and D.C.. I remember pre-Harborplace Baltimore Harbor (Lexington Market and Ft. McHenry were the only places I could get my folks to take me). Baltimore was one of those gritty places you had to sift through to find the gems. I felt this way about Houston when I first moved here. Maybe that's why I have stayed here. It grows on you after a while.

qzseattle

I havnt decided on a neighborhood yet since I didnt have enough time to explore the areas fully. I wanted to go to Woodlands and Kingwood since everyone tells me that they really nice areas as well.

I did like Cinco ranch area in Katy and First Colony (the area near First Colony mall) in Sugarland. It seems that the HOAs in those areas took great care in landscaping and fought off the urban sprawl. Are their other neighborhoods like those?

I was in Houston during the recent thunderstorms which was cool. I guess that made the weather quite pleasant.

About the weather, yeah, I agree that people focus too much on Houston's summers. What about it winters, autumns and springs? I am sure they are nicer than many other cities.

So, as I said, the city management could make it a much nicer ciy if they beautify its main streets with better street lighting, water systems or fountains and more trees (heck, given Houston's subtropical weather, t

qzseattle

oops, I posted it too soon...

i wanted to say that given Houston's subtropical weather, they could plant all the palm trees they want and make it feel like California or Florida). I did see some palm trees in River Oaks area. The city should do the same thing what HOAs did for master-planned communities.

By the way, I was reading about the Main street revitilization project. Seems like the city is heading in the right direction. This project could do to Houston's downtown what Harbor Place did for Baltimore. How long is this project going to take?

Statia

Thanks for your interesting and informative post, gzseattle. I'm originally from Houston, but haven't lived there in over a decade. I visit yearly, however, and fully agree with your assessments.

Houston seems to always get a bad rap, even though it is a very diverse city with much to do. And, yes, the spring and fall months are lovely (that's the only time I try to go). Also, the winters aren't as bad as many other cities.

BTW - They have done a lot of palm tree planting in the Clear Lake area, as you suggested, and it really does look nice.

I hope you enjoy whatever area you decide to relocate to. Good luck!

bellairegirl

gzseattle:

In what area of town will you be working? There are lots of nice neighborhoods in Houston. I personally am not a fan of planned communities -- they're just too sterile for my taste. I love living in Bellaire. Other good areas are West University, Briargrove, Southampton, Tanglewood, and the Memorial area (although some of these areas are quite pricey for Houston). I work downtown and have a 20 to 30 minute commute. (And I can get to the Galleria in 5 to 10 minutes.)

Oh, and one thing I forgot to mention about Houston -- the people are unbelievably friendly. And it's contagious. Even people who are from other places become friendlier after living here. People talk to each other in grocery lines, elevators, everywhere. One time when I returned to Baltimore for a visit I couldn't believe that the grocery store checker hardly said a word. (I had gotten so used to the Houston friendliness, it seemed strange.)

Let us know if you need any help in your search.

Susan

qzseattle

Isn't Clear Lake southeast of Houston? I though that east and southeast Houston is rather seedy although I didnt go there.

I liked Memorial and Tanglewood although the houses are a bit older and pricier for me. I guess I am used to living in the suburbs so wouldnt mind living in Sugarland, Katy or Woodlands. Please do let me know if you can recommend other similar areas.

By the way, I saw two parts of Sugarland. The older Sugarland that is near First Colony Mall and the newer Sugarland (around Woodbridge community) . The newer Sugarland seemed rather bland simply due to lack of trees. I guess they will grow over time. Having lived in Northwest for so long, I have gotten used to trees and greenery.

And oh, I was rather surprised by the greenery in Houston, especially in the north. People coming to Texas think it is all rather barren.

rkkwan

The seedy parts in the SE is only from downtown to around Hobby Airport. Clear Lake is way past that. It's close to the Johnson Space Center - lots of professionals/scientists live there. Other good things about the SE are its closeness to the water and Galveston, if you like beaches, fishing and other watersports; and proximity to Hobby Airport for frequent flights on Southwest. Particularly great if you need to go up to Dallas or other short hauls destination often.

The "older" part of First Colony was just as barren 15-20 years ago. Those trees have grown.

Statia

gzseattle, I grew up in Clear Lake and make it back about once a year. I'm always shocked at how much growth is still going on there, with still more room to build. There are also many areas of residential homes still popping up left and right.

There really are some very nice areas of Clear Lake and as rkkwan said, the proximity of the area can be convenient for many things. It's a quick 20 minute drive to downtown (w/o traffic), and about a 30 minute drive to Galveston island.

LDLee

Clear Lake and its surroundig areas, like LaPorte, are pretty nice. Especialy good if you like to sail. The area has one of the five largest concentrations of sailboats in the US.

However, if I remember correctly, you will be working close to Beltway 8 and I-10. Its at least a one hour drive from CLC to there. Same for the Woodlands. Since Katy and Sugarland are fairly flat and don't have many trees, you probably will be more interested in neighborhoods along 249. This isn't meant to disrespect CLC, Sugarland, Katy or the Woodlands. I used to work for the developer of First Colony. I just remember your criteria for wooded area and relatively reasonable commute to work.

Rich

Do you have school age children . . there is a big difference in the quality of schools in the Houston area.

Rich

qzseattle

Indeed, I did like Katy and Sugarland. They may not be wooded but they do have quite a bit of vegetation, even if it is all planted.

I did not get a chance to explore Clear Lake area. Hopefully, if I do move to Houston, I would check it out.

I will actually be working near Westheimer road. The Beltway 8 is very close from there. It took me about 20 minutes to get to Katy from there (took Beltway 8 and then I-10), and about same time to get to Sugarland (took I-59). I think it would take me 40 minutes to Woodlands if I take Beltway 8 but then that is a toll way.

Yes, I do have kids so school district is important too.

I really appreciate all the useful information and valuable advices you guys have given. I will keep you guys informed on what happen.

Rich

If you wouls like, send me an email and I will elaborate on the school situation.

Rich

bellairegirl

In case you haven't discovered this website yet, I thought I'd let you know about it -- www.har.com has listings of homes in the Houston area, complete with maps and photos, and a good search engine to narrow your search.

Susan

qzseattle

Bellairegirl, yes I have been to www.har.com many times. It does list many beautiful homes. The best thing about them is that you can get such a nice home for such a low price. For example, homes that cost around $300,000 in Houston would cost around $600,000 or more in Seattle area.

missypie

If you move to First Colony (or any of the other HOAs), you'd better be a "rule follower" and have no desire to express your independence from the HOA rules. Those HOAs are very powerful...that's why the places look great. You don't get there without a lot ao people following A LOT of rules.

A client of mine bought a day care center in First Colony. They were a national chain with a recognizable logo and signature blue awning. Client was told by the HOA that the awning could not be blue; they were told to chose among colors A, B or C. They chose B. HOA came back and told them that they should have chosen A and that color A was the only color they would approve. Client's real estate director will be talking derisively about First Colony for a long time!

I mention this because quite a few folks have the attitude of "I'll do whatever I want on my land" and that attitude won't work in a powerful HOA.