re: Moving young family to Houston

quote:

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The Woodlands
Kingwood
Clear Lake/Friendswood
Sugar Land
Spring/Cypress
Katy
Pearland (East side) - Easiest commute from the burbs,

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This. But a couple of variable need to be thrown in.

The Kingwood commute is far better than any other suburban option. Live traffic maps can help illustrate that point if the intent is to get behind the wheel. Regardless of commute time from any location, the commute is always easier if the commuter just leaves early. One of my guilty pleasure is to get downtown early enough to enjoy a cup of coffee and occasionally breakfast at a downtown cafe before walking into the office.

But if the intent is to take advantage of that commute time by doing something productive (teleworking) or entertaining (reading, watching streaming content or listening to music without having to pay attention to other drivers), the park and ride is better in Kingwood than The Woodlands. It’s better because of the extended hours where it’s available. Coworkers living in The Woodlands end up just driving to give themselves the flexibility of working late or pulling off a downtown happy hour.

Also, the residential price per square foot is better in Kingwood.

Before I start sounding like a Kingwood homer, I should add that The Woodlands has more to offer with regard to things to do with family if the focus is on restaurants and live music.

Kingwood comes across as more of a family atmosphere. Kids can safely walk or ride bikes to their neighborhood schools. It’s safe because there are “greenbelts” that pass under busy streets where joggers, walkers, and cyclists can cross without concern for oncoming traffic.

For me, the only two options for the highest quality family environment are The Woodlands and Kingwood.