Looking for Family Friendly Neighborhood near Downtown Houston.

Heights is not really family-friendly in my opinion. If you can afford it, Bellaire area, Meyerland and University Heights (near Rice) are great family areas near town.

the heights, garden oaks, sheperd park plaza, all very family friendly. pools and parks and schools.

I don't know about the pool part, but I was gonna note that Garden Oaks is an old, family-friendly area, for the most part. When we were looking in that area, I liked that it was a quiet, family oasis tucked away, even amid some not-so-kid-friendly parts.

The Heights can be quite kid-friendly, with the tree-lined streets and the sense of family, but it's becoming more and more commercial everyday, and that's bringing in the riff-raff, so to speak.

I enjoyed living inside the loop with easy access to everywhere. I happen to appreciate the quality and character of the older construction; they simply don't build houses like they used to. We ran into lots of townhouses with no yards and a sardine, super-contemporary feel. You know how you can look at some houses or neighborhoods and they just say, "FAMILY" to you? Well, that's what I needed, and it was worth moving a little further out. In fact, my house isn't too far from the loop, and I got EVERYTHING on my list of requirements (including several extras), except for the location. My commute is fine (and I cannot stand a long commute!), and I love the home that we've made. When I take a few days off, I'd rather stay at my house than go anywhere else.

I hope that you find what you're looking for. This is such a major decision.

PS. If you do happen to venture out a little, 59N is the best route. Everything south has a horrendous commute (288, 45S, 59S). Stay away from 290 at all costs, unless you find something awesome near 610. 45N is doable. 59N has the best commute to downtown (as far as highways go).

The Heights is great. There is a big supportive moms group out there (Heights Kids Group) which I was once a member until I moved to Pearland. A great group of moms....
However, the crime has risen significantly near the downtown area, especially in the Heights. Lots of break-ins and robberies and most cars that are parked in the street normally get broken into. If you think you can get past all the crime....the Heights might be for you.
Two other areas that might interest you are Bellaire and Meyerland. Great family area with not as much crime.
Good luck!
Y.

I agree with the Heights. You don't want to buy until you actually come to Houston and look b/c one street is great and the next not so much.

Garden Oaks is a great area along with Spring Branch. Spring Branch is a great school district and very culturally diverse. As with these other areas, some parts are not great but there is such diversity you can get a house for $110k or $1M. Stay south of Westview and west of Antione until you get to Bingle. From that point you can stay south of Long Point. Once you get to Gessner you can look up to Kempwood or Clay and still be in a great area. The best part is you can live north of I10 and still have your kids go to school in the Memorial area.

Hi,

We live in Katy and love it. Great schools too. Check it out online and there is lots of good stuff here. The park and rides are the best way to commute into the city as my husband does. Very clean and some nice day cares and kindergartens. British Private Prep School is very good.
Good luck.

W.

Hi L., I am in real estate and have sold a few in the Heights area, it is a great area but I don't consider it kid friendly. You can go just one block over and sometimes be in a not so safe street. There is a lot of history in the Heights, and you either love it or don't. I helped a couple of families move into the Garden Oaks area, which is an up & coming area but again it can be somewhat "shady" on some streets. I moved from inside the loop to the Sugar Land area because we have kids and wanted a good school district & a family oriented environment- best move we ever made, we absolutely love it and it only takes 20 minutes to get to the Galleria area & about 30 to downtown. Let me know if you need anymore suggestions & best of luck to you!

I love my neighborhood. The lots are huge. It is called Garden Oaks. It is located at 610 and Shephard.

I have lived hear for the past 6 years. It is quite and there are no thru streets for fast cars to pass.

In the morning, it takes only 15 minutes with traffic to get downtown.

Another great area of town is Spring Valley. It is located at I-10 and Bingle. It takes about 30 minutes with traffic to get downtown.

As for the pool, we are members of the YMCA. It is only 6 blocks from our house and it is a wonderful community.

I just left the Houston Heights after living there for 12 years. We absolutely loved the eclectic nature and had just wonderful neighbors. We owned two homes and started our family there.

We now live in Garden Oaks, just north of the Heights (we just couldn't go that far away). Check this neighborhood out before you buy in the Heights. The lots are huge in comparison, and the streets are very quiet. My children and husband and I all love it. It's completely different feel - large yards, no front fences (but you can have back fences if you wish), and huge setbacks all around your property sets the houses a respectable distance apart from each other. I'm am not kidding when I say that there are just as many dog walkers, mommies and strollers, bike riders, and yes, children walking and riding bikes, as there are cars on our street.

If you buy in the Heights, make sure your yard is fenced in. Your children are approaching ages where they will want to stay outside long amounts of time. There is too much traffic, both car and foot. Try to get on a quiet street if you can. Hang out on the street you're considering, in your vehicle, at different times of the day just to see what it's like. Safety was a big issue for us. The larger the yard, the better, but not many are very big.

The Heights was alot of fun, but we were looking for a change in lifestyle, and we found it not far away. Both of these neighborhoods are good and close in, but are very different from each other. Look at both! You're wise to live near where your husband will be working. Good luck!

You definately want to check what school you would be zoned to. Oak Forest is one of the best in HISD, am not sure if this is the area that is considered Garden Oaks or not but it is in the 43rd/Ella area. If you do decide to go with the Heights make sure you are zoned for Harvard Elementary. It is also an excellent school.