WAHM Forums

Well, I haven't posted about this because I'm kinda sad about it but I figured I'd better start doing my research now. My hubby has an interview with a company that is in between Houston and the Woodlands. Now, from everything I've read, the Woodlands is an awesome place to live. But, I'm wanting some personal experiences from those of you who are familiar with the Houston and Woodlands areas.

I am scared to death about leaving the good ole country life behind and living in a very populated area. I pray we can find a good home in a great neighborhood to rent or lease for a few years if we go, until we decide that we are definitely happy there and want to buy. I am not thrilled about living right up beside people, LOL. No more walking out to my van in the middle of the night in my workout bra and shorts or in just a t-shirt.

For those of you that pray, please pray for God's guidance on this. We will be leaving behind everything and everyone we've ever known. I pray that the money is not the deciding factor on us going. I want to be going because it's God's plan and that's where He wants us to do His work for awhile. So, please pray that we listen to Him and not the flesh about the money and worldly things we could have. Thanks!!

OH, and how does a quiet country girl go about building her business in a big city? I know some ladies that visit here have moved and picked right up with their businesses. Did you start advertising and networking with people from the area you were moving to before you actually got there? That's what I'm thinking I'm going to have to do.

Ok all you Texas or former Texas ladies or ladies that have visited the Houston/Woodlands area, lay it all on me! The good, the bad AND the ugly!!! Thanks in advance!!

Krystal, you know I'm from a small city in Louisiana as well and have been living in the Houston areafor over 10 years now (Woodlands area is a little more north of where I am). It took a while for me to settle in, but now I'd never consider moving back. Feel free to contact me (email or phone) anytime to chat! http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley1.gif

I'M IN THE WOODLANDS!!!! I DON'T WANT TO LIVE ANYPLACE ELSE!

OH, and I can hook you up with Houston WAHMS. It's an awesome networking group that does vendor events, etc.

Fellowship ofThe Woodlandsis an awesome church! You can listen to some messages on their website.

You will have NO PROBLEM doing your biz in The Woodlands. Lots of high income families, lots of stay at home moms and wives that like to host parties all the time.

The new Rivercenter is amazing.

I have never lived anyplace as family friendly as The Woodlands. The private schools are so affordable, and there are family events going on in the community all the time. ALL the time! Free concerts, etc. Check out KSBJ.org.

As forhome setting, check out BendersLandingEstates.com. That's where we are building our house. The lots range from 1-5 acres. White Oak is another acreage neighborhood in the area that is less expensive but also less restricted (which some people prefer).

I had a friend who moved from CA to The Woodlands for what was supposed to bea short time and that was 20 years ago, she never left! Loves it there! Then the rest of her family moved there too, all her siblings and mom and dad! Sounds like a fabulous place to live in TX and for the prices we pay for real estate in CA, you could get a MANSION!Edited by: Dbacksmom

You aint' lying Cheryl! I was looking at houses being built in the Woodlands on lots (can't remember the lot sizes) but I was expecting to see $400,000 to $600,000 for what we have here as in 2400 sq. foot but we also have 10 acres and I doubt we'll be able to find that much land. But anyway, I was seeing 4 BR/2.5 BA homes between 2000 and 2600 sq foot for like $160,000 to $200,000 so that was a pleasant surprise. Of course here in the woods of Louisiana our home with the land was only $100,000. So, it's still a big jump but with the jump in pay he will be getting we'll be able to afford it when we decide to build or buy.

Melissa, one of the things I was excited about was being able to have access to great churches and that be where we made our friends from in this new place. We want a happy, joyful church and I know we'll be able to find that there. Of course, I'm used to churches with 50-100 members and not thousands so that will be a change in itself, LOL.

Ulanda, Melissa and Cheryl, y'all have made me feel ALOT better! Anything else anyone can contribute would be awesome. I'd love to have a good long thread to show hubby this evening when he gets home. His interview is next Wednesday so we'll be coming in to stay on Tuesday night. Any good hotels near National Oilwell Varco off I-45? LOL

Good luck to your husband in his interview! Let us know how it all turns out!

Melissa, I looked at the Benders site. That's a beautiful place!!! I don't know that we could afford to live there but it's gorgeous!!! What are their restrictions on the price level of the homes? Do they all have to be like over a certain dollar amount in value? Just curious cuz I know hubby's gonna want to know that because he's going to love the looks of the lots and the size.

There is no restriction on what you spend on building your house there.

You DO have to build at least 2600 square feet, and it has to be at least 75% masonry (brick, stone, or stucco), with any remainder being in wood or hardiplank. (No vinyl siding, etc.). Your driveway must be paved, and there is a restriction on types of fences you can have (no chain link, no wood fencing in the front yard, etc.) There are other restrictions, but these are the major ones.

You can build the house yourself or bring your own builder. The house has to be completed within 2 years of groundbreaking, and you can't cut down more than 25% of the trees on your lot.

We have found a great Christian contractor named Zac Murtha that builds houses for a large range of budgets. www.zacmurthahomes.com (http://www.zacmurthahomes.com) He actually lives right there in the community.

About the churches, you won't have a problem finding a great one. You willdiscover that in larger churches, your Bible study group of 30-50 people becomes your church "family." http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley1.gif

I just got here! Krystal, we'll be neighbors. I live 15-20 minutes south of The Woodlands and feel like I'm in the country compared to the other places in Houston where I've lived. We actually hear cows and roosters if we get up early enough. I helped my brother and his family move into The Woodlands about 2 years ago and they love it! Melissa and I were just talking the other day about being neighbors so now we'll have more! How exciting! Keep us informed on how it's going and maybe we can all get together for lunch when you get here!!

Edited by: missyroth

Sounds like you got some great information. One thing I am for certain, you have that certain connection with god and he will guide you and you will listen. As far as your business is concerened you will be awesome where ever you go. I may be in Texas too next year, but in the El Paso area. We will find out next week.
Lisa

Missy, it's a date! How cool would that be!! I'm going with him to Houston for the interview so I'll be able to get the information first hand immediately, well second hand since I obviously won't be in the interview WITH him, LOL. Anyway, so I'll have an update next Wednesday night.

Lisa, thanks for your comments! I know that my heart wants to be sure that this is where God wants us but I'm so scared that the numbers that are coming out of these people's mouths on salary is going to influence us instead of really and truly taking that out of the equation completely and it only being about God and His plan for us. Is it awful for me to be praying that the door gets shut if it's not where God wants us? Is that me trying to take the easy way out so that if he does get offered the job and everything is great we can just say yes? I'm so confused, LOL

Well ladies, y'all have got me really excited about the area if it all works out that we'll be there. Thank you so much for all the input!!

Krystal,
I don't have any TX input since I'm up here in KC but I don't think that's bad of you at all! I often pray for God to open and close doors to guide me where he wants me. Especially if I'munsure for some reason. That's how I found my current business and He has blessed me in following this path. I know you will both take that time to be real quiet and hear Him to know His will for you and your family. I know if you feel lead to move to "the big city" you'll do well! Many Blessings, Amanda

Hi Krystal,
Wow, what an exciting possibility for your family! Good luck to your husband and I hope that everything goes well for you and that you can make the right decision for your family.

I am a native Texan and you ladies are making me very homesick! Melissa, thanks for the Benders Landing link - that place looks fantastic. I wish we could live there! That would be so much fun to connect with other women from the forum.

Nanette

NANETTE! HEY! I've been needing to call you! Could you email me with your number and if you'll be home tomorrow around noon your time? I need to check with you on your order and to see if you got your packet. TIA!! And thanks for the well wishes!!
Amanda, thanks for your encouragement!!!

Hey Krystal,
I went to college in Tx and lived in Mount Pleasant For 3 years.I really loved it there.My family is still there ,so we go to visit every summer.My sister lives in Ft.Worth.There were lots of places I wouldn't want to live ,because of the FLATNESS,no mountains like I'd left behind,lol,At least Mt. Pleasant had hills.I have been back in Wv fo 20 years now and if it was up to me,that is where I would live..I'd pick Tx anyday..I LOVED it there.It was so different than Wv and people were so much friendlier,There are no strangers in TX, YOu know everyone...If you're driving down the road,everyone waves.My hubby couldn't get over it.He came back home and tried the Tx waving thing and no response at all....If thats where God wants you,everything will fall into place....Just like what we discussed on the phone the other day.I know that YOU will listen to GOD.By the way,did you try to call me yesterday??If you did please call me back.
Shelley

Shelley,
Mt. Pleasant? Now that's in my neck of the woods http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley4.gif I'm up between Paris and Texarkana - my kids Orthodon. was in Mt. Pleasant - Dr. White. That town is growing!!

Krystal, keep me posted, too.

My husband is looking at rental houses in Spring and The Woodlands over the next few days. We're moving BACK there from San Antonio (just to be more specific). I'm so excited. I can't wait to start building in BL.

If you do move there we'll have to all get together for lunch.http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley1.gif

Hey Melissa, will do! Hubby's trying to find out if they are putting us up in a hotel or not. He wasn't able to get ahold of the girl that's been setting up his interview. I personally feel like they should. He's losing over $350 on his paycheck taking off work to go over there and they are paying him round trip mileage but I feel like they should put us up in a hotel too. We'll see.

Sounds like you have some exciting changes happening for you too Melissa! I'll keep y'all in my prayers as well during all this transition time we are going through.

My brother lives in The Woodlands and LOVES it! He is a pilot for Continental Airlines and is based out of Houston.

He lived in Ft. Worth for years and always commuted to Houston, he had a helicopter. LOL!

So now, he lives where he is based out of and loves it there. He travels all over and said he wouldn't live anywhere else.

Awesome Tracey, thanks!!!! Keep 'em coming ladies!!

Ok, so here's the update:

We went Tuesday night and stayed overnight. His interview was on Wednesday morning. He went and didn't get to interview with the leader of the division that he would be working in so that was a bummer. The guy he did interview with was not authorized to talk about salary or offer him a job officially. He did ask what Rod's salary requirments were and when he told him Rod got the impression that he might have shot too low, LOL cuz the guy looked at him a little surprised and said "I don't see that being a problem at all". Anyway, so the recruiter that works for this company was very upset at Rod not getting to talk to the right supervisor/leader but there will be a job offer coming at the beginning of the week. We don't know if it will be for Support Tech, which is what we were wanting because the travel would be limited, so a more stable schedule and we would get to move to the Woodlands. The other possible offer will be for a Field Tech which means a ton of traveling, possibly all over the world going and actually working on the electronics on any of the oil rigs that this company has their equimpment on. It means being on call and having to pick up and go at the drop of a hat. Don't know if I like that but if it has the probability of leading into a Support Tech position at least within 2 years I think I could handle it. So, we'll see when the offer comes in what's up.

Get this though. When we got to the hotel Tuesday night Rod had a voice mail. It was from a supervisor with Chevron Pipeline Company wanting to do a phone interview. When Rod told him we were in Houston to interview with NOV he dropped the phone interview thing and set up a face to face for this coming Thursday, back in Houston again. This interview is definitely for a similar type of position he wanted at NOV but the downside is, the company is in Southwest Houston and I don't know if it would still be feasible to live in the Woodlands then, and I so had my heart set on that area :-( So, this job would be in the Belaire (sp?) area? Any Woodland/Houston gals know how bad a drive that would be from the Woodlands?? Throw me a bone here, LOL, cuz I would be really sad if it's like an hour commute.

OH, and that dadgum tollway is a pain! lol We so didn't have any change, much less coins only so we kept having to go through the change made booths. We were on there for about 15 miles I think and went through THREE booths! Holy cow, how do people afford that every day twice a day??? It was $3.75 for that short of a time on the tollway. I'm sure that's a normal thing but we don't have tollway's in Louisiana, or at least not where I've been in Louisiana so it was a shock to us. And the traffic! We did eat at Pappadeaux's on Westheimer and it was AWESOME! It's Louisiana type cuisine and I don't there's one single Pappadeaux's in Louisiana!! That place rocks!!

Ok, so still holding out for moving to the Woodlands, no matter what job he takes!!

Was everyone in Texas ok through the tropical storm that hit there Wednesday? We left Houston right before it all hit there. Looks like a huge hurricane is headed in some of us' direction this coming week. Rod's going to cancel his interview on Thursday if it looks like it's going to hit in the Texas/Louisiana vicinity. All of you south Louisiana/Texas/Mississippi/Florida people stay safe!!!!

JUST FYI - I moved to area near Lake Houton - about 20-30 min from Woodlands -- I did not want to move -- finally my husband convinced me -- we have been here 5 years and now he cannot get me to move back to OKLA. I love this area, we have lots of wildlife they call it the livible forest, housing here in Kingwood and Humble is so cheap!!!! And except for the hurricanes I love the mild winter and you can work in your yard 12 month out of the year (you also have to mow all year) WE LOVEIT HEREand the people are very friendly and nice. Good luck to you!!

Looneygirl, I'm not too far from you! I'm just outside The Woodlands on the east side of I-45!

Melissa, did you get my email????

Oh, and Krystal, about toll roads, this may help...

When you get the EZ tag sticker to put on your windshield, you don't have to stop and physically pay the toll, plus you get a discount on the toll itself.

Hubby and I moved here from NC eight years ago, so we weren't used to the tolls either. My husband could take I-45 freeway to and from work, which would take him about 50-55 minutes, toll free. Instead, he takes the Hardy Toll Road, and he's only on the road for 35 minutes. His time alone is worth the $3 in tolls, but he easily saves more than that in gas expense.

Not to mentionthe no state income taxes...so we don'tmind the tolls!http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley1.gif

I was wondering what that EZ Tag thing was. How far fromBellaire do you think the Woodlands is? I mapped the mall in the Woodlands to the place where Rod interviewed in Bellaire and it said 37 miles. But I wonder how that translates into travel time? What do you think?

It's quite a drive! I want to say it's at least an hour. Did that map not give you travel time as well as the mileage? Are you talking about living in the Woodlands and driving to Bellaire to work? I would personally go insane!!

Keep us up-to-date on the job outcome!

Hey Missy. Well, the job he interviewed for in Bellaire sounds right up his alley. We haven't heard anything from either company yet though. But, I was just wondering if it would be possible to live in the Woodlands and him work in Bellaire since we had our hearts set on the Woodlands. IF he got offered a job with them I don't really know where else we would want to live. I don't want to live in the city in an apartment or condo. We want a house with a yard and at least a little privacy. Like I said before, I know we won't be able to afford 10 acres like we have here but I'd like to have some grass at least, lol. If y'all know of other areas comparable to the Woodlands that's closer to Bellaire I'd love to know about 'em!!!

Oh, the map said like 40 mins.travel time. If that's true I know he would want to still live in the Woodlands. If it's not, I myself don't want him having to commute an hour or more. That's 2 more hours we won't get to spend with him ya know?

Just wanted to chime in...Bellaire is definitely over an hour from TW! It takes about an hour or more to get from TW to downtown, which is a straight shot, in rush hour time traffic. I definitely would not drive to and from Bellaire!

However, Bellaire has some really nice neighborhoods, too!

Thanks cbills!!!



Well, hubby got an offer from the company in Bellaire today. Not the money we were looking for so I don't know if he will be taking it or not. Still waiting to hear on the company that would allow us to live near The Woodlands. He called the recruiter for them today to let them know that the other company had made an offer so we'll see.

Oh, the decisions.

Krystal, What field of work is your husband in?? Sometimes we know ppl that are looking for ppl or employees.

Tell him to check with Anadarko....look on their site for jobs. They are a fantastic company located in TW. I have a friend who works there and loves it! They have relocated some of their departments to Colorado, but some are still here, too. Good luck!

Hey! Thanks y'all!!

looneygirl, he is in the electronics/programming field on the industrial side. He is turning down the job that didn't offer the money we needed. Both jobs are in the oil and gas industry, one was heading up the projects from beginning to end for installing the electronics/controls for pipelines and the other was with a company that actually builds the equipment that goes on oil rigs offshore and on land and he would be working on the electronics/controls and supporting the techs in the field when things go wrong.

What's holding him back from the great money is that he has no oil/gas experience. So, we are going to wait and see what the first company he interviewed with offers and if it's not what he needs then he is going to consider going offshore in his field to get the oil/gas experience for a year or so and then start again looking at the land based big money jobs that he's wanting for our family.

Any help or ideas in that field would be great!!

Chasity, I looked at the Anadarko site. Nothing in his field in TW. Looks like a good company though. I'm going to give him the site to look at. Thanks again!

My husband is in the Oil/Petr. side of it and does project mgt. I know he is alway looking for good dependable people especially in the field. I do not know the qualificaitons at all.

Well, he got the offer from the first company he interviewed with tonight. 80% travel, potential 6 figure income within a couple months. Don't know what to do :-(

But, for the sake of research, how much are we looking at in deposits to rent a home? Other than the deposit for the house we rent. As in, electric, gas, phone, water? Any other moving in expenses that I haven't thought of?

Found a CUTE house in Spring in a gated/guarded community for $1250 a month. It's high but if I'm going to be living by myself in a strange place for 80% of the time, I want to know my son and I are safe.

Krystal - I have not done this in 5 year but on line do a search for city to city comparison. I did this when I moved it gives you a side by side view of costs and other things like crime rate. The only gated comm. in my area on in the 2 mil. home cost. I feel very safe where I live and would not want a gated comm. because I live near the lake and wildlife walks & biking isvery popular. I live in Harris Cnty so car insurance is a little higher, but the crime rate is very low in my area. All of the stats effect home insurance car insurance. Most of my deposits were waived because I could ref. past utilities. I have never rented a house not sure about that. There are lots of onlline new papers, for example just to get an idea I have seen rental houses in Kingwood.com maybe it will list some depost infor. You may also do a search for Spring area on line web site. Sometimes Spring area news is included in our local newspaper. Also look up stats on area schools and the test grades and how they rate in the State grading scale. Your son may be smallbut if you buy a house the school district can effect the price and resale. I found almost everything I needed before my move on line and that was 5 years ago so it has to have improved. Good luck to you. Edited by: looneygirl

$1250 a month for a house in a gated community is not unreasonable here. What size is the house? I used to own a 3000 sf house and a 2100 sf house that we rented out, and wewere on the low sideat $1500 and $1200 to keep them occupied. My sister was looking at a 1600 sf house close to where I live that's going for $1000/mo. The typical deposit is one month.

As for utility deposits, I can't remember all of the prices, but like looneygirl said, some are waived for good credit. There are a lot of options for electric now, gas is still regulated with only one company, lots of phone options - especially with the digital options, water will have one office per area, and probably a deposit. The phone deposit, if I remember correctly, will just go on your bill - nothing up front. Our water runs $40/mo, as well as gas in the summer. Electricity in my huge house runs over $500 in the summer, but realize, my house in 4800 sf - that's almost $10 a square foot. http://forum.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley24.gif It would probably be less if I wasn't at home during the day.

You can look up HAR.com(Houston Realtors Asscociation) and they have a lot of info for subdivisions. What part of Spring are you talking about? You don't have to post that here, but I ask so you know that in part of Spring kids attend the Spring District and others attend Klein. I'm not sure where the districts separate, but that will be something to look for. Spring is huge and spans from close to HWY 249 all the way to the east side of I-45, when you look at a map.

I hope some of this helps and keep asking if you need more!!

I don't mind posting where the subdivision is Missy. I really and truly need some help here. The house that I loved was in the Legends Ranch community. Are you familiar with it? I don't have to worry about school til next year. The way my son's birthday falls he won't get to go to Pre-K til he's almost 5 and he'll be almost 6 when he starts Kindergarten. I'd love to be able to send him to a private school though. We are looking at renting for around 18 months to 2 years before we buy. We want to make sure that it will be the last move we make for many years. I can't remember the sq. footage but it was 3 bedroom/2 bath with a beautiful backyard that my son will love and the best part is it being fenced. We have 10 acres here and our backyard isn't fenced so I worry alot here.

Just to let you know - alot of ppl that moved here from AL and LA thought they would use private school but chg. their mind after cking out school system. Most TX public schools are great, but you still may want to do private if you are interested in christian teaching.

Hey girl. I'm really not sure on the school thing yet. I figure when we get over there and I meet some people and start learning about the schools in the district we'd be in and all that then I'll be able to make a decision. I would love to have my child schooled in a Christian atmosphere but we've got to look at all aspects. Right now, I'm just kinda in the dark on how everything works.

I just told my mom about everything and she's freaking out. I don't know how it's going to be trying to pay our house note here and rent a nice place there. The housing market here isn't worth a flip so it may sit here for a year before it sells. So much to take into consideration.

Here are some other subdivisions I've found cute houses in. Any info/reputations for these would be greatly appreciated!!!!

BIRNAM WOOD SEC 4 or SEC 1in Spring
TIMBER LANE SEC 2 in Spring
FOXHOLLOW SOUTH SEC 1 in Spring
KENSWICK 2 in Humble
SUGARBERRY PLACE in Tomball

Thanks Missy for the HAR site. It had alot more rentals than I've been able to find at places like rentals.com or rentalhouses.com.

I'm sorry to keep bugging y'all on this. I'm sort of getting excited now!