OT....retiring in Houston

[CTOkie]

We plan to return to the Houston area in a few years and have researched The Woodlands on the internet and visited Cypress.
We want to have certain necessities (grocery stores, pharmacies, veterinarians, dentists, and stores) fairly close by. If I don't have to drive in Houston, I won't.
My cousin who lived 40 years there and left a year ago raves about The Woodlands and my sister-in-law lives in Cypress, in the new community across Cy Ranch High School on Fry Road. Her new house and surrounding neighborhood are very nice.
I'm not enamored by the terrain in and around Houston, especially having lived in Connecticut since 1986....but Connecticut is not retirement-friendly, being a "blue" state, plus being close to friends and family is always a good thing.
My question is, what have you heard or seen of The Woodlands ? The 55-plus community there looks very appealing.

 

[Scottsdale.Sooner]

If your overall review of the area includes taxes then look in Montgomery County. There are some very nice communities off 105 west of Conroe.

 

[WhyNotaSooner]

The Woodlands is solid CT. In the Houston area, one could not find a much better place to live. It offers everything you've mentioned, plus great shopping, restaurants, golf courses, and health care facilities. Not to mention is a really nice community. I think you would enjoy it. My best to you in your selection process.

 

[owenfieldreams]

Having lived in Houston for 31 years I would say that your decision really depends on your personal priorities. Houston and its environs are incredibly diverse. It is a dynamic city. We have lived in Memorial, inside the loop, Galveston, and finally in Ft. Bend Co. Montgomery Co. is along with Brazoria Co. The most conservative suburban area of Houston. The Woodlands is a great area. About the only negative will be, depending on when you move, the planned massive construction project on I-45. It will make coming into the city difficult.

 

[WhyNotaSooner]

A

Having lived in Houston for 31 years I would say that your decision really depends on your personal priorities. Houston and its environs are incredibly diverse. It is a dynamic city. We have lived in Memorial, inside the loop, Galveston, and finally in Ft. Bend Co. Montgomery Co. is along with Brazoria Co. The most conservative suburban area of Houston. The Woodlands is a great area. About the only negative will be, depending on when you move, the planned massive construction project on I-45. It will make coming into the city difficult.

The Hardy Toll Road is what to take the city. I avoid I-45 like a plague. That's even before the major build out. Via the Hardy, Woodlands to IAH = 15 mins, to DT Houston = 35/40 mins

 

[owenfieldreams]

Of course although there will still be a problem before you get to the Hardy and when you get to the Pierce Elevated. I realize this is a minor issue but there will be issues going forward. I'm not sure when the entire project will be finished including the tear down of the elevated but it's going to be a mess.

 

[CTOkie]

Having lived in Houston for 31 years I would say that your decision really depends on your personal priorities. Houston and its environs are incredibly diverse. It is a dynamic city. We have lived in Memorial, inside the loop, Galveston, and finally in Ft. Bend Co. Montgomery Co. is along with Brazoria Co. The most conservative suburban area of Houston. The Woodlands is a great area. About the only negative will be, depending on when you move, the planned massive construction project on I-45. It will make coming into the city difficult.

I've read that Houston is the most diverse city in the country, outside of Los Angeles and more so than NYC, Boston, Chicago.

And if we ultimately land in The Woodlands, my trips into the city or anywhere within the 610 Loop will be few and far between. Fortunately, all be one of my family and friends live along Hwy 99 west and northwest of Houston.

I remember moving to Houston in 1969 with my parents while at OU....and the Katy Freeway was only 4 lanes, 2 eastbound, 2 westbound.

 

[WhyNotaSooner]

They're claiming 12 years, which means more like 20 yrs.

 

[WhyNotaSooner]

I've read that Houston is the most diverse city in the country, outside of Los Angeles and more so than NYC, Boston, Chicago.

And if we ultimately land in The Woodlands, my trips into the city or anywhere within the 610 Loop will be few and far between. Fortunately, all be one of my family and friends live along Hwy 99 west and northwest of Houston.

I remember moving to Houston in 1969 with my parents while at OU....and the Katy Freeway was only 4 lanes, 2 eastbound, 2 westbound.

Houston is extremely diverse, and busting at the seams. The growth in this city is everywhere. North, West, South and now even East. From DT to the burbs, it's booming. And w/ you being a big fan of baseball, Minute Maid might be the only reason for you to head into DT.

 

[Patriotgame]

We plan to return to the Houston area in a few years and have researched The Woodlands on the internet and visited Cypress.
We want to have certain necessities (grocery stores, pharmacies, veterinarians, dentists, and stores) fairly close by. If I don't have to drive in Houston, I won't.
My cousin who lived 40 years there and left a year ago raves about The Woodlands and my sister-in-law lives in Cypress, in the new community across Cy Ranch High School on Fry Road. Her new house and surrounding neighborhood are very nice.
I'm not enamored by the terrain in and around Houston, especially having lived in Connecticut since 1986....but Connecticut is not retirement-friendly, being a "blue" state, plus being close to friends and family is always a good thing.
My question is, what have you heard or seen of The Woodlands ? The 55-plus community there looks very appealing.

Congrats and enjoy retirement!!!!

I have staff that lives in The Woodlands and they all love the area. Traffic is awful but that is true of all big Texas cities.

Look at the communities just outside The Woodlands as they are very nice and can provide the things you need.

PG

 

[humblesooner]

For trees, stay East of I45. And stay north of I-10. The Woodlands is just off of I45 to the west, but you won't want to go much further west.
With the recent completion of HWY99 (Toll Road) to I69/Hwy59, there is a tremendous amount of new development on the North side of Houston.
Someone suggested earlier the Conroe area. That is a good area that is close to The Woodlands (and the infrastructure you are looking for) but the opposite direction from Houston. We live in Huffman. A small sleepy community that is getting ready to awaken (IMO) when Hwy 99 reaches all the way around the east side to Hwy90/I-10.
One thing for certain, you can make a circle with a 30 mile radius from downtown Houston and you will see new growth at about 95% of that circle, with the other 5% on the horizon.
One last thing, you never measure distance in miles around Houston. It is always in minutes (or hours).

 

[Brentwood Sooner]

Lived in Sugarland for 12 years. Was by HWY 6 and it has everything you need

 

[Scottsdale.Sooner]

Houston's #1 shortfall is zoning regulations. Ask many of the high end home owners off FM 1960 west of I-45. A friend of mine bought a high end home in North Gate Country Club in about 1982. Developers built low rent apartments then the city ran bus routes all over the north end. The up side to the terrible zoning rules is that there is a very nice distribution of Mexican restaurants in the greater metro area.