Northeast Houston Newcomer Guide - Fall 2017 / Winter 2018

THIS ISSUE: A LOCAL’S GUIDE TO SHOPPING + DINING | FAMILY FRIENDLY FUN!

Housing and

s d o o h r o b h g i e N

Moms and babies deserve quality care. That’s exactly what we deliver.

Outstanding medical care for women and children in our community is exactly what we deliver at Kingwood Medical Center. Whether a woman is pregnant, trying to get pregnant, needs gynecological surgery or an annual mammogram, Kingwood Medical Center offers caring, timely services for women of all ages.

A committed team of obstetrical, gynecological, and maternalfetal medicine specialists are ready for you in our suite of labor and delivery rooms, dedicated high-risk antepartum unit and postpartum care unit. Our newborn nursery, neonatal transport team and Level II and Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit provide comprehensive care close to home to our tiniest patients.

Kingwood Medical Center has partnered with The OB Hospitalist Group, board-certified OB/GYNs who provide inhospital coverage, 24/7. They evaluate women with obstetric and gynecologic medical issues and consult with the patient’s primary physician, or OB/GYN, until her own physician arrives at the hospital. The hospitalists are located in a new OB emergency room in the Women and Children’s Center at Kingwood Medical.

Our Pediatrics team includes board-certified pediatricians and subspecialists in pediatric cardiology, endocrinology, neurology, neonatology, ophthamlmology, and pulmonology.

With all of these advantages and a staff specially trained in the care of women and babies, you don’t have to drive far because Kingwood Medical Center is located in your community.

Located next to our Women and Children’s Center, The Pediatric Emergency Center has been open since 2015 and is now open 24 hours/365 days a year.

Quality care. Close to home.

Comprehensive women and children’s care begins here.

An HCA Affiliated Hospital

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PA L M B E A C H R E L O C AT I O N G U I D E

– FA L L 2 0 1 6

|

WINTER 2017

22999 U.S. Highway 59 N • Kingwood, TX 77339 • 281-348-8000 • Physician Referral: 1-800-258-5064 • KingwoodMedical.com

281.358.8888

281.812.9400

ASSOCIATES NORTHEAST

When you are considering purchasing a home contact RE/MAX Associates Northeast for details on local home prices and availability.

RE/MAX Associates Northeast is a full-service real estate company that has been proudly serving the Greater Lake Houston area buyers and home owners for 30 years. Our team of professional RealtorsÂŽ is ready to personally assist you with all of your real estate needs.

RE/MAX Associates Northeast is proudly serving the Greater Lake Houston area including: KINGWOOD

|

HUMBLE

|

ATASCOCITA

RE/MAX Associates Northeast

2940 Oak Street, Kingwood, TX 77339 www.northhoustonhomes.com RE/MAX Agents have the experience to get the job done in today’s market.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

Each office is independently owned and operated.

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contents | features 28 29 38 60

THIS ISSUE: A LOCAL’S GUIDE TO SHOPPING + DINING | FAMILY FRIENDLY FUN!

Manageable, Affordable Lifestyle Housing and

Neighborhoods

Houston Cost of Living

ON THE COVER The Groves Children walking through the towering,

International Relocation

mature forest of The Groves. A natural refuge of almost 1,000 acres, The Groves offers a lifestyle inspired by the great

Houston by the Numbers

outdoors. This master-planned community is located in northeast Houston off West Lake Houston Parkway with convenient access to the Beltway. The Groves offers miles of trails, a resort-style pool, fish camp

28

and new homes from the mid-$200s in Humble ISD. See the foldout map on page 32 and call 469-513-5600 or visit TheGrovesTX.com for further information.

PHOTOGRAPHY We would like to thank the following for their contributions: GHCVB Houston Christian Petersen/Getty Images Memorial Hermann Northeast The Art Car Museum The Covenant Preparatory School The Groves

EDITORIAL We would like to thank the following writers for their editorial contributions to the publication: Joy Oden Judy Van Cleve Cecile Nemitz-Ruffino

© WEB Media Group LLC 2017 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any

38

means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without the written permission of the Publisher.

2

NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

– FA L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

Build YOUR CASTLE. ewELS EN! NOD OP M W O N

Crystal Lagoon

Resort-style Pool

3,000 sq. ft. Clubhouse

Playground/Splashpad

Build your castle within walking distance to Houston’s 1st Crystal Lagoon and 8-acre Amenity Village. Stretching through Balmoral will be the GreenBoLT,™ an Alternative Transportation Experience giving residents of the community Quick Access to the Amenity Village. Choose from a variety of beautiful homes offered by leading builders to create the Castle of your Dreams.

New Homes from the $200s - $500s

Our Family of Builders WESTIN HOMES · HISTORYMAKER HOMES · D.R. HORTON COLINA HOMES · GRAY POINT BY GEHAN HOMES

Join our VIP list at BalmoralHouston.com HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.

3

contents | sections 18

WELCOME TO NORTHEAST HOUSTON • 12

info@HoustonNewcomerGuides.com

Cities

www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com

Master Planned Communities Harris and Montgomery County Maps

HOME FRONT • 24 Home Ownership Choosing a Realtor Mortgage Options First-time Homebuyers Houston Cost of Living

RELOCATION INFORMATION • 32

32

Moving Companies Forwarding Mail Utilities Public Transportation International Relocation

EDUCATION IN NORTHEAST HOUSTON • 40 STAAR Public Schools Private Schools

52

Higher Education

PLACES OF WORSHIP • 50 Listings of Facilities

HEALTHCARE RESOURCES • 52 Major Medical Facilities

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY • 58 Local Chambers of Commerce

62

Houston Texas 77057 Phone: 713-952-1916

HOUSING & NEIGHBORHOODS • 18 Neighborhoods

24

675 Bering Drive Suite 120

Economic Development Houston by the Numbers Major Employers

LEISURE & RECREATION • 62

Fax: 713-952-1956

CEO Derek Wright PRESIDENT Kevin Evans VICE PRESIDENT Robert Nusbaum CREATIVE DIRECTOR Erin Hayden Seal OPERATIONS MANAGER Cecile Nemitz-Ruffino

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Cathy Turner PROJECT MANAGER Jill Roe ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Judy Van Cleve Paul Yarbrough Northeast Houston Newcomer and Relocation Guide is published and distributed bi-annually by WEB Media Group LLC For advertising information, please call 713-952-1916.

Although every attempt is made to be as comprehensive and accurate as possible, WEB Media Group LLC is not responsible for any misprints, errors, omissions, deletions, or the accuracy of the information in the publication.

WEB Media Group LLC does not accept responsibility for any loss, injury, or inconvenience sustained by anyone using this publication.

Arts and Culture Sports & Golf Attractions & Family Fun

4

300 E. Highland Mall Blvd Suite 395 Austin Texas 78752

Parks & Recreation

Phone: 512-266-2900

Calendar of Events

www.TexasRelocationGuides.com

NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

– FA L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

LEADING MEDICINE IN YOUR COMMUNITY.

SERVING BAYTOWN AND EAST HOUSTON.

4401 Garth Road Baytown, TX 77521 281.428.2273

houstonmethodist.org/sanjacinto

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

5

SYLVESTER TURNER City of Houston Mayor

Greetings!

Let me be the first to welcome you to Houston! You are going to love living here. We are the most diverse City in the nation – a City with an entrepreneurial spirit and a City where you can achieve your dreams.

Houston is still the Energy Capital of the World, but our economy has diversified over the years to include technology, medicine and manufacturing and shipping.

P.O. Box 1562 Houston, Texas 77251-1562 Telephone – Dial 311 www.houstontx.gov

I invite you to explore all that this great city has to offer. Whether it’s our world-class restaurants, theaters, museums, shopping, thrilling sports teams or the new Independence Plaza at the Johnson Space Center which houses the world’s first and only replica of the space shuttle/ carrier, Houston has it all. It all combines together to create the ideal city in which to live, work and play.

Houston Newcomer and Relocation Guides can be an invaluable source of information as you prepare for your relocation. It showcases every aspect of living and working in the city of Houston.

We look forward to having you as a Houstonian!

Sincerely,

Sylvester Turner Mayor

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NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

– FA L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

Moving?

Start fresh with X1.

Astroblast and Miles from Tomorrowland available on XFINITY TV app

Bring the best in entertainment to your new home with XFINITY. Call 1-855-MOV-EDGE to speak to a dedicated Move Specialist or visit xfinity.com/moving today!

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. © 2017 Comcast. All right reserved. TRP187372-0001

7

CINDY HAMANN 2017 Chairman Houston Association of REALTORS®

Welcome to Houston!

You’ve just landed in one of the most vibrant and culturally diverse cities in America, with a low cost of living, world-renowned Texas Medical Center, incredible cuisine, and countless arts, entertainment, sports and recreation destinations, including Super Bowl LI. As you drive around and familiarize yourself with the Houston metropolitan area, you’re likely to notice license plates from many different states, as the addition of thousands of new jobs over the past few years has drawn people here from all across the U.S.

HAR CENTRAL 3693 Southwest Freeway Houston, TX 77027 713- 629-1900 Fax 713- 961-4869

BAY AREA 16903 Buccaneer Lane, Suite 110 Houston, TX 77058 713-629-1900 ext. 750 Fax 281-486-7530

MONTGOMERY COUNTY 19075 I-45 South, Suite 210 Conroe, TX 77385 713-629-1900 ext. 760 Fax 936-273-0344

FORT BEND

The Houston real estate market has been one of the healthiest in the country, offering a wide selection of communities and properties to suit every lifestyle, whether you plan to rent or buy. The 34,000 members of the Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR) help make the American Dream come true for individuals and families every day. HAR is the nation’s second largest local REALTOR® organization and our members understand that a home is one of the greatest investments you will ever make.

Well over a million consumers begin searching for their dream home every month on HAR’s award-winning website, HAR.com, which extended its reach beyond Houston in 2014 to provide property listings for the entire state of Texas. The site offers dozens of userfriendly tools to explore specific properties and their amenities as well as to find detailed information about neighborhoods, schools, businesses and much more.

Those same features are available through the free HAR.com app, making your property search convenient while on the go. HAR and the City of Houston also developed the free Houston Living app, which provides instant access to information about Houston’s elected officials, city services and amenities, local events, neighborhood associations and much more.

On behalf of HAR, it’s my great pleasure to welcome you to Houston. We hope you’ll take advantage of everything our incredible community has to offer.

6680 Greatwood Pkwy.

Sugar Land, TX 77479 713-629-1900 ext. 700

Sincerely,

Fax 281-343-9557

Cindy Hamann

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NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

– FA L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

A Community Full of Life

DINING

SHOPPING

PARKS & TRAILS

AMENITIES

Valley Ranch is surrounded by world-class amenities including the community water park and the 135-acre Town Grove Park with seven serene lakes and miles of trails. The new Valley Ranch Town Center offers a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options near home.

Valley Ranch, a community Full of Life.

New Homes from the $180s to $400s

VALLEY-RANCH.COM HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

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WELCOME TO THE LAKE HOUSTON AREA! JENNA ARMSTRONG, IOM

President and CEO - The Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce 110 West Main, Humble, TX 77338 281-446-2128 | Fax 281-446-7483 | www.lakehouston.org Whether you are a new resident or just visiting, you too will soon be caught up in the pride we all have for this dynamic group of communities. The diverse communities comprising the Lake Houston Area offer a unique and attractive quality of life. The Lake Houston Area also includes Humble, Kingwood, Fall Creek, Summerwood, and Spring.

Longtime residents and established businesses have created an irresistible character. Organized sports for the kids, a number of excellent golf courses, lush parks, and water sports on Lake Houston are only a few of the recreational opportunities in the area. Festivals, concerts, numerous restaurants, and theatres are a sampling of local entertainment.

The ease of transportation attracts many people to relocate in the Lake Houston Area. Bush Intercontinental Airport, the gateway to Houston and international destinations, is minutes away. US Highway 59 is one of the most accessible freeways in the Houston and the recent completion of the northeast section of Beltway 8 makes traveling to anywhere in the Houston area quicker and easier.

Our school districts and Lone Star College-Kingwood consistently earn top ratings in the state. In 2015 Humble ISD was name “Best Large School District in Texas” at the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program. We have outstanding medical facilities and churches of all denominations.

The Lake Houston Area is great place to live, work, and play. Please come by the Lake Houston Area Chamber office at 110 W. Main Street in downtown Humble, and we will provide you information that will make you want to become a part of this dynamic community.

WELCOME TO HOUSTON! REGGIE GRAY

President - Houston Intercontinental Chamber of Commerce 12700 Northborough, 6th Floor Houston, TX 77067 Local: 281-408-0866 | Galleria: 281-408-4382 | Toll Free: 855-839-4422 | www.houstonicc.org

The Intercontinental Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is one of the most unique chambers in TEXAS! ICC has been the organization that motivates, organizes and directs the efforts in our business community for 30 years. ICC members range from small entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 companies, which consist of thousands of employees. Our membership also includes several foreign consulates and members from numerous countries such as Mexico, China, Malta, Canada, Japan, and United Kingdom, just to list a few. In addition, ICC has offices in the Galleria, The Woodlands, Stafford, Mexico, Malta, Italy, Russia, Germany, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Poland, Ukraine, UAE-Dubai, and China.

What makes us unique…ICC has created the Houston Community & Economic Development Center with the following ON-SITE services: Chamber of Commerce • Economic Development Council • Business Incubator/ Accelerator Offices • Executive Suites for Office Rental • Texas Workforce Commission Office • US Department of Commerce Office • SBA-Small Business Development Center Office • ProMexico Commercial Office • Training & Conference Rooms • Malta Commercial Office • Marketing Call Center • Multi-location Video Conference Room • Certificates of Origin & Notary Service • International Document Translation • Passport and Travel Visa processing • Country Club Partnership with NorthGate & Walden Country Club • Business & Investor Brokerage Services • Exclusive Partnership with the Houston Polo Club • On-Site Photography & Film Studio • On-Site Language Classes • Credit Card Processing Merchant Services • Inpat & Expat Corporate & Employee Financial & Relocation Services • Cloud Services • Executive Car/ Transportation Services.

HICC membership and programs result in a ROI for your membership dollars. We hope you will become one of our partners so we can grow your business together.

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NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

– FA L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

KINGWOOD IS A SPECIAL HOMETOWN COMMUNITY! SPARKY NOLAN President/CEO - Kingwood Chamber of Commerce 804 Russell Palmer Road, Kingwood, TX 77339 281-360-4321 | Fax: 281-883-0018 | www.kwchamber.org Over 80 miles of wooded jogging and biking trails wind excitedly through nearly 30 deed-restricted communities. Together these communities are considered the jewel of northeast Houston.

As a master planned development we were able to place numerous conveniences found in few communities in the world. While doing so we have strategically placed our buildings of commerce gracefully among our forest so that seldom will you see a wire or a tower, even while you drive or walk only feet away from them. Does that mean we don’t have modern facilities? No, as a matter of fact our multi-company fiber optic offerings allow Kingwood Businesses to be on the cutting edge of high-speed data access while providing them a vital connection to local and global markets.

Over 83,500 residents and businesses call Kingwood their home. Kingwood is located only 23 minutes North from downtown Houston on Highway 59, and only 14 minutes North from Bush Intercontinental Airport. Kingwood is not only close to these important business sectors, but also in close proximity to the Beltway or around the 610 loop, allowing for an easy commute to World-Class shopping, eating and the Houston Ship Channel. The Clubs of Kingwood is located within the Kingwood area, and is known for being the shooting location for the hit movie Tin Cup. Not only is location and entertainment key to the success of the Kingwood area, the fact that it is full of incredible business people waiting to serve you and your needs makes Kingwood an instrumental player in the Houston area market.

That brings us back to welcoming you. If you would like to join us as we step deeper into the 21st century together, please drop us a line, give us a call, or simply come visit. There is plenty to do in Kingwood besides great eating, great golfing, great shopping, great fun, and great living. But we guess that is enough to call Kingwood a real home. Welcome to the Front Door of our Beautiful Community and to the Kingwood Chamber of Commerce.

WELCOME TO THE GREATER EAST MONTGOMERY COUNTY AREA! RICK HATCHER President - Greater East Montgomery County Chamber 21575 Hwy 59 N, Suite 100, New Caney, Texas 77357 281-354-0051 | Email: rick@gemcchamber.com On behalf of the Greater East Montgomery County Chamber it is my pleasure to welcome you. Less than twenty-five minutes north of downtown Houston in the piney woods of East Montgomery County is one of the fastest growing areas of Texas. With the completion of the Grand Parkway that will connect US 59/I-69 to I-45 just 14 miles west the opportunities for business growth and expansion are phenomenal. New residential, retail, and entertainment developments offer you a relaxed, prosperous and fun area to live and raise a family.

School districts in the area include New Caney, Splendora and Conroe and all are highly rated with each offering unique attractions for preparing your students for higher education opportunities whether that be a promising college career or learning skills for immediate entry into the workforce. These schools have state of the art facilities for academics and sports that we can all be proud to offer our students and the growing area.

Lone Star College – Kingwood continues to attract students and boasts record enrollment because of the excellent classes for students preparing for their futures. Kingwood Medical Center and Hermann Memorial Northeast Hospitals’ are both premier medical facilities in the area and we are truly fortunate to have a robust medical field supporting the area.

We are very glad that you picked this area of Texas in which to reside. The Greater East Montgomery County Chamber welcomes you and hopes to get to know you even more through our great member business that offer you most everything you might need. We have experienced continued growth for more than twenty years and hope you will feel comfortable in your new hometown. Great things are happening and we are glad you have decided to be a part of the exciting activity in East Montgomery County.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

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Photo courtesy of The Groves 12

NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

– FA L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

WELCOME to

NORTHEAST ouston H

People are moving to Northeast Houston. Set along the banks of Lake Houston, the San Jacinto River, and nestled among the thick Pineywood Forest, this area offers residents a healthy lifestyle in the great outdoors.

NORTHEAST HOUSTON IS NATURALLY HOME

They are moving because the weather is

Greenspoint and Kingwood, so people can

fine. While it can get hot and humid in the

often choose to live close to work.

Since the invention of air conditioning, the

summer, (that’s when you’ll be enjoying

greater Houston area has continued to grow.

that air conditioning), the rest of the year is

People are moving to Northeast Houston.

Today, it is the fourth largest metropolitan

temperate and often sunny.

Set along the banks of Lake Houston, the

area in the U.S., with nearly 7 million people, and more people are moving here every day.

San Jacinto River, and nestled among the They are moving because living is afford-

thick Pineywood Forest, this area offers

able in Houston due to home prices and

residents a healthy lifestyle in the great

They are moving because there is work.

their stability. The area is not restricted by

outdoors. Not only can they play in and

Houston has a diverse economy with many

excessive regulations or natural barriers

on the area’s lakes and rivers, they can also

academic institutions and strong biomed-

to development, and an extensive road

appreciate the natural world at a variety of

ical, manufacturing, aerospace, and energy

system means all neighborhoods are easily

lovely parks, or try the many golf courses

industries. While Houston’s overall economy

accessed.

in the area. Excellent historic and cultural

has slowed recently, it is showing encouraging signs of righting itself and regaining its traditional upward trajectory.

museums, and fine performing arts venues They are moving because even though

also offer entertainment.

the Greater Houston area stretches over 627 square miles, it’s easy to get around

The communities of Northeast Houston are

People are moving because Houston is home

using the freeways, toll roads, HOV lanes

approximately 20-30 miles from downtown

to the most ethnically diverse population of

and METRO routes which are constantly

and tucked in and around the intersection

any city in the U.S., and the vibrant arts and

improved and extended. Many businesses

of FM 1960 and U.S. Highway 59 North.

dining scenes reflect that.

are in outlying hubs such as The Woodlands,

Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston’s

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

13

WELCOME TO NORTHEAST HOUSTON

primary airport, is only seven miles away.

communities and estates set on rolling

and is one of the fastest growing residential

The newest section of the Grand Parkway,

acreages.

communities in the nation. It’s easy to see

a 180+ mile circumferential highway,

why. Located 18 miles northeast of Houston,

now links northeast area residents to The

With the opportunity for play on Lake

Atascocita is edged by Lake Houston and has

Woodlands, the ExxonMobil campus and

Houston or the San Jacinto River, the

many parks, golf courses, and country clubs.

other destinations. METRO, the regional

beauty of the pine-filled woods, the easy

In fact, the U.S. News and World Report

Metropolitan Transit Authority, provides a

access to the airport, the Port of Houston,

named it one of the “Best Places to Retire.”

variety of bus routes, Park and Ride facil-

signature shopping and downtown, North-

ities, light rail and van pooling assistance

east Houston has it all. The area also has

Housing options in this community are as

to take area residents downtown or to other

exemplary schools, abundant quality health

varied: new home prices begin in the mid

business and shopping districts.

care and a rich variety of housing options.

$100,000 and go up from there. There are

There’s room for your family, too.

also estates and acreage developments with

Businesses and developers have recently been busy in Northeast Houston. Many new projects and hundreds of new jobs have sprung up, including those at Generation Park, a new economic and lifestyle anchor for the region, which, when complete will comprise up to 40 million square feet of innovative office space, leading edge research, medical and life sciences facilities, education and development campuses, and new shopping, dining and entertainment attractions. Already more than 2000 TechnipFMC employees are at work in their new state-of-the art campus.

homes for sale in the millions. Most subdi-

LAKE HOUSTON Created in 1953, Lake Houston is a 12,000acre reservoir that provides drinking water to Houstonians and offers natural and recreational opportunities to many. Boaters, swimmers, water and jet skiers skim across its shiny surface, while fishermen plum its depths for catfish, largemouth bass, and bluegill. Around its edges are hikers, birdwatchers, naturalists and folks just looking to get away from the big city.

Lake Houston and the areas surrounding it

And housing starts have also increased, offering new families a wide range of

are also wonderful places to live.

visions feature their own parks, swimming pools, tennis courts and handy access to other recreational facilities.

The Humble Independent School District provides

quality

public

education

for

Atascocita children. Adults can continue to learn at any one of 30 colleges within 50 miles of Atascocita.

HUMBLE About 20 miles from downtown Houston, or over 30 in rush-hour, about 15,500 people call Humble home (and when they do, they drop the “H”).

Humble is prospering because it creates

quaint cabins, modest houses in sleepy

WEST LAKE HOUSTON / ATASCOCITA

lakeside towns, waterfront lake houses,

Atascocita began in 1757 as a Spanish fort

Advanced manufacturing, healthcare, biotech-

apartments

to

built on Atascocita Trail. Today, the area

nology, energy, aerospace and aviation are

award-winning homes in master-planned

is comprised of more than 15 subdivisions

some of the industries thriving in the area.

options. The area offers everything from

14

and

rental

properties

NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

– FA L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

a welcoming environment for business.

RINCETON

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NORTH CENTRAL Bristol Lakes

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SOUTHWEST Lake Shore Harbour Katy Creek Estates Greatwood Lake 60s Greatwood Lake 70s

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(281) 416-8919 (281) 395-3141 (281) 343-0428 (281) 343-0428

c,

'"'

"' Pearland

Princeton ClassicHomes. com

Fr,endswood �

le gue

ty

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15

WELCOME TO NORTHEAST HOUSTON

And if there are jobs, people will come,

KINGWOOD

School-aged children in Kingwood are

The ‘livable forest,’ Kingwood is a planned

served by the Humble Independent School

amenities reflect that. Plus, living in Humble

community located 22 miles from down-

district

is easy; the city’s forested environs include

town Houston. It is made up of 14,000

schools.

many parks and golf courses, excellent

acres

schools, two major hospitals and Deerbrook

golf courses and wooded landscapes. Its

Mall, a one million square-foot development.

25 villages are connected by a 75-mile

New homes and resale properties range in

greenbelt and a few major thoroughfares.

price from $90,000 to $1,000,000 and up.

Residents enjoy many parks, 19 pools,

and the burgeoning number of homes and

One of most exciting new communities is The Groves, an artfully planned neighborhood designed to bring residents closer to nature and each other. Amenities include a one-of-a-kind splash pad, playgrounds, wooded trails, a Welcome Center for events like fitness classes and

of

beautiful

homes,

wonderful

sports centers, tennis courts, a boat launch, two country clubs and many activities and organizations. Commercial centers that provide grocery stores, restaurants, medical practices, banks, law offices, shops and other businesses meet the needs of residents, ensuring that they need never leave

and

several

excellent

NORTH OF KINGWOOD Porter Just north of Kingwood is Porter which was once the seat of Montgomery County, but now it lies within the greater Houston area. Previously, a sleepy village that served the needs of the farm, livestock and timber industries, it is now an enchanting place to live where leafy trails link lovely neighborhood homes to parks, lakes and commercial areas. Children are served by the New

this lovely community.

Caney Independent School District.

by a dedicated Lifestyle Director. In this

However, getting to Houston is easy with

New Caney and Splendora

peaceful oasis, among the majestic woods,

Metro Park & Ride, the Metro Bus system

one might forget that Beltway 8, Highway

and High Occupancy Vehicle lanes on U.S.

59 and the bustling big city are right

Highway 59 (I69). The rush-hour commute

nearby. Visit www.thegrovestx.com for

is about 45 minutes on the main lanes, less

more information.

on HOV lanes.

movie nights, and entertainment planned

private

As you travel north on U.S. 59 North, you’ll find New Caney, an unincorporated area of over 18,000 people that pairs high quality of life with low cost of living.

With its small-town community feel, the City of Woodbranch Village has treed lots, and modest homes available for less than $100,000, and new and larger homes priced in the mid $200,000s. The same is true for the nearby City of Roman Forest. The deed-restricted community of Northcrest Ranch features a lovely, wooded setting,

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Other neighborhoods are Amberwood, Hill

5520 E. Sam Houston Pkwy. N. Houston, TX 77015

sites priced up to and beyond the $400,000s. and Dale, and White Oak Plantation with homes varying in age and price.

Educational needs for children are served by New Caney ISD, which provides superior academics and a wide variety of progressive programs. Up the road, Splendora is named for the splendor of its trees. Here, you’ll find many options for quality living, from acreages to city lots. The Parkland community

wake up on the bright side®

offers a wide range of living options. The town’s children are served by Splendora Independent School District.

• Free Hot Breakfast • Free Wireless Internet • 100% Smoke Free Property • 42” LCD TVs w/90 HD Channels • Microwave and Refrigerator • Comfy Pillow-Top Beds • Indoor Heated Pool

16

• Guest Laundry Facility • 24-Hour Bright Side Market • Banquets and Meeting Facility • 24-Hour Business Facility • 24-Hour Fitness Facility • Outdoor Barbeque Facility

NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

All along U.S. Highway 59 is shopping, dining and entertainment. And the new and expanding Valley Ranch Town Center provides many more options for fun and activity.

– FA L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

“

The ‘livable forest’, Kingwood is made up of 14,000 acres of beautiful homes, wonderful golf courses and wooded landscapes.

EAST OF LAKE HOUSTON

”

Channelview is located on the northeastern curve of the Houston Ship Channel and is where some of the most dramatic events in the formation of Texas occurred; many historic sites are located within minutes.

The cozy, tree-lined neighborhoods are close

with 30 miles of nature trails, a pool and

Crosby-Huffman

pavilion, white sandy beaches and amenities

On the east side of Lake Houston are the

for boaters. Visit www.thecommonsoflake-

towns of Crosby and Huffman. Only about a

houston.com for more information.

30-minute drive to central Houston, this area

CHANNELVIEW AND SHELDON RESERVOIR

to industrial jobs, retail and commercial centers and downtown Houston, which is less than 20 minutes away. The area features stable, affordable housing ranging from the mid

Locals enjoy many festivals and celebrations,

$50,000s to more than $500,000. Many apart-

houses available for rent or sale, (starting

swing a golf club a one of the many nearby

ment homes are available in a variety of price

under $100,000), but new neighborhoods

courses, race at the Huffman Motorsports

ranges. Like much of the greater Houston

offering custom homes by excellent builders

Park, a dirt oval for karts and motorcycles,

area, Channelview and nearby communities

are also springing up.

or just enjoy beautiful Lake Houston and all

have experienced rapid growth over the last

it has to offer.

several years and new single-family homes in

is still picturesque. There are still modest

desirable developments are being built.

The resort-style community, The Commons of Lake Houston, offers waterfront and

Children in Crosby attend schools in the

wooded homesites and a variety of attrac-

Crosby Independent School District; those

The Channelview Independent School District

tions for residents including The Arboretum,

in Huffman are served by the Huffman Inde-

and Sheldon Independent School District

a 65-acre waterfront park and preserve

pendent School District.

serve the needs of the area’s children. 

Customizable lifestyle options and maintenance-free living, it’s no wonder why Watercrest at Kingwood is expanding. Come see why so many have chosen to call Watercrest home!

Call to schedule your personal tour today! (713) 292-5197

Make now the right time 24109 Kingwood Place Dr., Kingwood, TX 77339

WatercrestKingwood.com

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

17

in this section cities neighborhoods master planned communities harris county map

18

NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

– FA L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

HOUSING &

NEIGHBORHOODS With a variety of lifestyle choices, it’s not hard to see why the Northeast Houston continues to grow year after year. Add a close to everything location, award-winning schools, and robust business centers and hospitals, and you’ve got a great place to call home, build a business and play sunrise to sunset.

In Northeast Houston, where there are so

can attend excellent schools in the Aldine

Kingwood, known as the “Livable Forest,”

many housing options, there’s a home that

Independent School District, which ranks

exists in harmony with pines, magnolias and

fits your taste, lifestyle and budget. You can

among the region’s most highly regarded

many other species of shade trees. Hike and

live on treed acreage, on a golf course, near

school districts.

bike trails weave throughout the woods and

the water, in a quiet enclave, in a thoughtfully planned community, or on a shady street in an established neighborhood. Each community is different, yet all share an

Fall Creek Fall Creek offers “so much, so close.” Just 15 miles from downtown Houston and eight

lakes of the neighborhoods, providing ample opportunity for folks to exercise, relax and socialize.

miles from the airport, the neighborhood is

The city of Houston is not far, just 23 miles

infused with a welcoming spirit and enticing

to the south, but Kingwood residents have

amenities. Within the natural splendor of

everything they need to stay close to home,

the Golf Club of Houston, the elegant and

including a thriving commercial center,

stylish homes of Fall Creek are set in a natu-

many big-name retail stores, smaller shops,

rally wooded landscape and served by the

restaurants, and other amenities. In addi-

acclaimed Humble Independent District

Deerbrook Estates

tion, there are over 100 different clubs and

schools, including an on-site elementary at

Five minutes from food, fun and enter-

organizations to involve residents.

the heart of the community.

openness of spirit, a heritage of discovery and a sense of community. Get to know your new neighbors here.

GREATER WEST LAKE HOUSTON tainment, lies the beautiful community of Deerbrook Estates, located just off U.S. Highway 59 North. Here, affordable, high

Barrington Kingwood

KINGWOOD AREA

Here,

residents

live

well.

Homes

in

Kingwood

Barrington Kingwood are surrounded by the

-quality new homes sit amongst miles of

The first residents of this master-planned

back nine of the Lakes Golf Course of the

walking trails, multiple playgrounds and

community (the largest one in Harris

Kingwood Country Club, and many offer

wonderful amenities like a swimming pool

County) moved into their brand-new homes

spectacular views. At the heart of the neigh-

and tennis courts. Residents have quick

in 1971. Since then, the area has become

borhood is the Barrington Manor House,

access to Bush Intercontinental Airport,

home to 65,000 people. Most of Kingwood’s

offering a fitness center, media center,

Deerbrook Mall, the Jessie Jones Nature

25 residential villages have a neighborhood

computer center, billiards room, tennis

Park and Lake Houston. Younger residents

pool and community services.

courts, infinity edge pool, and more. It’s the

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

19

HOUSING & NEIGHBORHOODS

wooded community, designed with endless activities for the whole family, with amenities including greenbelts, a recreation center and pool, serene lakes, and breathtaking views. New Caney ISD has opened Tavola Elementary, located at the center of this neighborhood. Visit www.tavolacommunity.com for more information.

Valley Ranch In Valley Ranch, your family will find everything it needs to flourish. When completed, the 240-acre Valley Ranch Town Center will be an epicenter for fun and activity with shopping, dining and entertainment. The Grove, a scenic 135-acre park and dedicated wildlife and nature reserve, will lie adjacent perfect spot to gather with neighbors and host a

Oakhurst at Kingwood

to the Town Center and provide endless

party. Barrington residents are right next door

An integral part of Kingwood’s master plan,

opportunities for natural fun. In addition,

to baseball and soccer fields, horse stables, the

Oakhurst is one of the newest villages in the

the Valley Ranch Recreation Center features

Kingwood FFA barn, the boat ramp into Lake

Livable Forest. Set amongst the fairways of

a family-friendly water park with waterslide,

Houston, Deer Ridge Park and all the restau-

the Oakhurst Golf Club, beautiful homes are

rants and shopping they could want. Nearby

connected by 75 miles of greenbelt trails,

schools are in the Humble Independent School

where residents can walk, jog, bike, roller

District. Visit www.barrington-kingwood.com

blade, and travel around the community,

for more information.

visiting the many amenities, like the water

Kings Mill This delightfully designed community offers charming amenities including a tranquil pool and aquatic center, playgrounds, a scenic lake and miles of wooded walkways. Residents can retreat from the hustle of the big city, breathe in the scents and sights of nature, and relax in their castle nestled in the forest of Kings Mill. Deerbrook Mall, Lake Houston and many shops, restaurants and services are right nearby. The area is served by the Humble Independent School District. Visit www.kingsmilltx.com for more information.

spray park. Children attend schools in the New Caney Independent School District.

Woodridge Forest Located just a mile from U.S. Highway 59 North, Woodridge Forest has carefully preserved the two natural creeks that meander through the community. Here, elegant homes allow comfortable, stylish living under a canopy of old-growth trees.

Parks and schools are located right in the neighborhood and sports fields, Lake Houston access, Dylan Duncan Skatepark, world-class golfing, wilderness areas and

Royal Brook

many other family-friendly amenities and

Responding to the demand for more new

activities are nearby. Local schools are part

homes in Kingwood, the community’s devel-

of New Caney Independent School District.

oper, Friendswood Development Company, is building a new village called Royal

GRAND PARKWAY

Brook, located at the northeast corner of

Tavola

Mills Branch Road and West Lake Houston

Tavola is located 7 miles north of Kingwood

Parkway. The first phase is now open, offering

and has easy access to U.S. Highway 59

new homes priced from the $300,000s to

North and the Grand Parkway. Named after

$700,000s. The award-winning Humble Inde-

an Italian word for a favorite gathering space,

pendent School District will serve the village.

Tavola offers inspired living in a beautiful

20

NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

– FA L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

splash pad, pool, playgrounds and sports courts. Children living in Valley Ranch attend schools in the New Caney Independent School District. Visit www.valley-ranch.com for more information.

HUMBLE, ATASCOCITA AND HOUSTON AREAS Bridges on Lake Houston Balmoral is a new 580-acre community being developed by Land Tejas in the West Lake Houston area of Northeast Houston, located off Beltway 8 in Humble, Texas.

The location of Balmoral is convenient in that they offer direct access to not only the Northeast Beltway, but also the Sam Houston Parkway and Woodland Hills drive. What makes Balmoral specifically unique is their plans to provide top-notch amenities such as Houston’s very first clear water lagoon that will be surrounded by white sandy beaches. Balmoral is expected to have an eighty-acre Amenity Village to keep residents entertained and make living life in their community comfortable and allow for a fun lifestyle. Balmoral is also including GreenBoLT, and alternative transportation experience. GreenBoLt is a concept for their trails will enable residents to commute through the Amenity Village and community by way of golfcarts,

bicycles, and segways, so that homeowners

playgrounds and trails that link them. Chil-

like fitness classes and movie nights, and

can be to their destinations in minutes. Resi-

dren from the community are served by

year-round entertainment planned by a

dents living Balmoral will have access to

the highly esteemed Humble Independent

dedicated lifestyle director. Living in this

some of the mostly highy regarded Humble

School District and can attend one of two

peaceful oasis, nestled among the majestic

Independent School District schools, as well

elementary schools within the neighbor-

woods, one might forget that Beltway 8,

as quality preschools and private schools.

hood. Visit insideeaglesprings.com.

U.S. Highway 59 North, and the bustling big

Bridges on Lake Houston

Tour 18

This beautiful master-planned community is

This golf-course community offers homes

conveniently located near Bush Interconti-

in and around the painstakingly recreated

nental Airport, Beltway 8 and U.S. Highway 59

signature holes from the world’s most famous

Stillwater on Lake Houston

North. It features a variety of new homes, as

courses. Situated near U.S. Highway 59 North

Homes are now for sale in Stillwater on

well as lakefront home sites. The area is served

and Beltway 8, everything is nearby, including

Lake Houston, a 191-home gated commu-

by the Humble Independent School District.

Lake Houston, Bush Intercontinental Airport,

nity that backs right onto Lake Houston.

Houston and The Woodlands. The Humble

Some home sites offer water frontage. A

Independent School District serves Tour 18.

scenic interior lake provides the central

Eagle Springs This masterfully planned neighborhood is

city are right nearby. Schools are part of the Humble ISD. Visit www.thegrovestx.com for more information.

focal point of the community, with planned

tucked in between U.S. Highway 59 North

The Groves

and Lake Houston, just south of Atascocita

One of the newest and most exciting

Road. The tranquil leafy canopy belies the

communities is The Groves, an artfully

variety of activity to be found underneath.

planned neighborhood designed to bring

There are multiple pools, including a junior

residents closer to nature and each other.

Olympic-sized pool, a splash pool and a

Amenities include a one-of-a-kind splash

Summerwood

spray park, two community centers and

pad,

wooded

When you’re in Summerwood, your car

trails, Welcome11:57 Center gathering Woodridge facilities,Ad_Half as wellPage as Horizontal_CMYK.pdf many parks, 1 a10/16/17 AM that hosts events

will get a rest. Most everything you want is

playgrounds,

meandering

amenities to include a recreation center, a pool, pavilion and playground. Children attend the highly regarded Humble Independent School District.

C

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HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

21

HOUSING & NEIGHBORHOODS

contained in this 1,500-acre master-planned community. Miles of parkland, trails and playgrounds are interwoven with beautiful homes, multiple pools, recreation centers, and gathering places. There’s even a full-time activity director to ensure that you’ll meet your neighbors at fun events. The Shops at Summerwood offer groceries, restaurants and services. Located at Beltway 8 and W. Lake Houston Parkway, the neighborhood is in the Humble Independent School District.

Visit www.summerwoodtx.com for more information.

Waters Edge Just as the name implies, Waters Edge is settled on the peaceful shores of Lake Houston. Heavily wooded, with beautiful lake and lagoon views, this master-planned community offers many amenities. Resi-

the miles of trails. Just 15 miles northeast of

fun that come with it, right in their back

downtown Houston, the community is served

yard. With peaceful nature trails that wind

by the Humble Independent School District.

from one park to the next, piers, beaches and boat ramps, large wooded home sites

dents can enjoy playing or working out at

Waterway at the Commons of

and schools provided by the Huffman

the community recreation center with its

Lake Houston

Independent School District, this green

resort-style pool and splash pad, fishing in

Residents of the Commons have Lake

development is a wonderful place to call

the stocked lake, and walking or biking on

Houston, and all the opportunities for

home. To learn more, visit their website, www.thecommonsoflakehouston.com.

Welcome to Humble!

Winner of Best Western’s most prestigious award the M.K. Guertin Award for service and quality

EAST/SOUTHEAST OF LAKE HOUSTON Newport Seven Oaks Located near Crosby, Newport Seven Oaks is a tranquil neighborhood where residents can enjoy the swim and tennis center, playground, 18-hole golf course and community lake. There are also walking paths, green

Atascocita Inn & Suites bestwesternhumble.com

spaces, and water fountains. Students are served by the Crosby Independent School

(281) 852-5665

District.

100% Smoke Free Hotel Full Hot Breakfast Buffet 46” LED TV’s w/ 90HD Channels Microwave & Refrigerator 24Hr Business Center Kitchenettes Available Outdoor Heated Pool & Spa High Speed Wireless Internet 24Hr Sundry Shop Guest Laundry Facilities Walking Distance to Local Dining Easy Access to Area Attractions Complimentary Fresh Baked Cookies Banquet & Meeting Space Available

[

22

8

community in booming Baytown. Family-friendly amenities include a neighborhood park, a playground, a sparkling pond and a winding walking trail, including the Baytown Nature Center and Eagle Pointe Golf & Recreation complex. Residents have easy access to Houston, employers in

cita

sco

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the Port of Houston area, and many local y

Will Clayton Pkwy

Bay River Colony is a charming new-home

1960

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69 U

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Bay River Colony, Baytown

Lake Houston

attractions and shopping centers. Schools

7730 FM 1960 Rd. East, Humble, TX 77346 bwhumble@gmail.com

NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

– FA L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

are provided by the Goose Creek Independent School District. 

Harris County

Largest county in eastern half of state; level; typically coastal surface and soils; many bayous, canals for artificial drainage; Lake Houston, Sheldon Reservoir; partly forested.

UP

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LR

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Wages $37,346,009,148 Per Capita Inc. $55,088 Prop. Value $472,155,923,085 Retail Sales $88,892,139,887

Rainfall (in.)

56.81 Jan. mean. min.

43.4 July mean max.

90.7 Civilian labor 2,279,367 Unemployed 5.3

Population 4,538,028 Change fm 2010 10.9 Area (sq.mi.)

1,777.5 Land area(sq.mi.)

1,703.5 Altitude (ft.) sea level–310

Rolling, half timbered; Sam Houston National Forest; loam, sandy, alluvial soils; Lake Conroe and Lewis Creek Reservoir.

Population 537,559

July mean max.

Change fm 2010

Civilian labor

17.9

93.5 259,473

Area (sq.mi.)

1,076.9

Unemployed 4.8

Land area(sq.mi.)

1,041.7

Wages $2,191,523,418

Altitude (ft.)

50–430

Per Capita Inc

Rainfall (in.)

48.77

Prop. Value

$54,317,835,443

40.4

Retail Sales

$7,833,735,189

Jan. mean. min.

$60,490

59

Courtesy of the Texas Almanac, published by the Texas State Historical Association, Austin, Texas.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

23

in this section home ownership choosing a realtor mortgage options first-time homebuyers houston cost of living

24

NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

– FA L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

The

HOME FRONT Houston is a city of choice. You can live close to your work, surrounded by nature, in a vibrant community, near exciting amenities, or any combination of these. In Northeast Houston, almost every housing budget can be accommodated. Single-family homebuyers can choose eco-friendly designs, new homes in master-planned communities, luxury residences in gated enclaves or resale homes in established neighborhoods. You may want to consider leasing as well, and there are a range of condominiums, townhouses and lofts available. Begin your search for the right home at www.houstonnewcomerguides.com.

HOME OWNERSHIP There’s nothing like owning your own piece of property to help you feel connected to an area and your neighbors. Northeast Houston has plenty of choices: brand-new homes ranging from those for first-time to move-up buyers, townhouses and resale houses. All have their advantages.

The first consideration is location, location, location. Where do you want to live? What neighborhoods appeal to you? Do you want a new housing development with the latest amenities, or a settled community with established traditions? What about a yard?

Walking or recreational opportunities? Proximity to shops and work? And the big one: schools? Even if you don’t have children, buying in an area with excellent schools will pay off when it comes time to sell.

Of course, the cost of home ownership doesn’t end with the sale price; maintenance and repairs will be required. One rule of thumb is to budget one percent of the sale price for maintenance; another is to set aside one dollar per square foot per year. There’s no hard-and-fast rule, but generally, upkeep

costs will go up as the age of the home increases. Most new homes have warranties that cover problems for the first few years. And home warranty policies can be purchased for re-sale homes. In addition, make sure you understand any deed restrictions or homeowner’s association regulations that might be in effect, along with any corresponding dues or assessments. Taxes vary by county, school district and Municipal Utility District (MUD). The good news is that mortgage interest and property taxes can be deducted from your federal income tax.

The best place to start is with a professional REALTOR®, who will be able to guide you and your family to the right area and choice.

PRE-OWNED HOMES Very often, pre-owned homes are situated in established neighborhoods, allowing prospective buyers to talk to a couple of neighbors and get a feel for the block. Watch for great locations on golf courses, near parks, lakes or shops. Is the nearby school a good one? Is there a homeowner’s association, deed restrictions or zoning laws?

Remember, you can change the house, but you can’t move it. You will also want to consider your commute. How far is it to work? How does that cost in time and money compare to the cost of the house?

Pre-owned homes are as different in style and character as their previous owners were, and often this adds wonderful appeal and opportunity. Some homes are ready to move in; some need a little work; others need transformations. Before you purchase a pre-owned home, hire a licensed inspector to analyze the house, inside and out.

Inspections will identify structural and hardto-spot problems that need to be addressed.

If repairs are needed, be sure to get several estimates for the entire project.

Even if the house is sound, you may want to do a little or a lot of remodeling. From painting walls to removing them, you may need to hire the services of a remodeling company to realize your dream. The Greater Houston Builders Association (www.ghba. org) is an excellent source of reputable home improvement companies. Use the chambers of commerce in this guide and the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) for possible sources of information on home repair companies and referrals.

NEW HOMES If building from the ground up appeals to you, the many outstanding homebuilders in Northeast Houston can help. There are many choices for home sites – in new and established subdivisions, on the waterfront, on a golf course, even with a pastoral or forested setting on acreage.

A realtor can quickly narrow down your site-selection process by matching the best locations to your needs; she can also work with you to find a builder. Some specialize in green building and energy efficiency or may have advanced training from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

Be sure to tour model homes to evaluate the designs, features, and workmanship of each builder. The architectural styles, floor plans, interior finishes, appliance choices and other options vary, and it’s important to begin honing your tastes and preferences.

Designers can help with selecting packages and upgrades to complete a home beautifully as well as on time and on budget.

Production houses can usually be finished in 90 to 120 days, and most builders have

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

25

THE HOME FRONT

homes in varying stages of completion and can accommodate newcomers who need to move in quickly. Please visit www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com for a complete list of homebuilders in the Northeast Houston area.

You may be dreaming about a custom home.

While building one takes time and planning, the effort and wait are often worth it. Some customs homes are one-of-a-kind, created using original plans from the ground up. In other cases, builders work with buyers to customize rooms, adjust square footage, add details or energy-saving features. Whatever your dream, it’s never too early talk to a builder.

if the final price is guaranteed, what the move-in date is and how upgrades or change orders are handled.

communities focus on single-family homes in a variety of styles, sizes and price points.

Schools, shopping, healthcare, transit and

Attorneys who specialize in construction are available to review contracts and their fee may save you money in the long run, helping you to avoid misunderstandings and frustration.

has been one of reasons Northeast Houston continues to grow. These communities are plan for the best use of the land, allowing living,

lower

Master-planned community developers understand that their designs are for people and their communities are further enriched by centers, and local events, all of which bring

The popularity of master-planned communities

exceptional

other services are close to home.

youth sports leagues, welcoming recreation

MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITIES

some of the finest in the country because they You will also want to view homes already built by the company and, if possible, speak to homeowners about their experience with the builder and the process. Be sure to interview two or more builders before signing a contract. Ask builders how long they’ve been in business, how many homes they’ve completed and if they have any references.

Once you’ve chosen the builder, review the contract carefully. You should understand

use. Housing choices in master-planned

environmental

impact, quality construction, and a dynamic mix of residential and commercial uses.

All of this adds up to thriving, vibrant neighborhoods. Large parcels of land in Kingwood, Humble, Atascocita, Crosby, and the Lake Houston area have been carefully set out for home sites and commercial

neighbors together.

CHOOSING A REALTOR The right Realtor can save you thousands.

Buying or selling a house is a considerable transaction and involves real estate law, title insurance policies, home warranties, home lending practices, appraisals, inspections, hazard insurance, surveys and more. The services of a realtor are highly recommended.

For people new to the area, a Realtor can save time as well as money, swiftly locating homes that fit with your lifestyle, price range, educational needs, location and other criteria. Only professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® (and other local associations) can use this designation and they must abide by a strict code of ethics based on competency, fairness and integrity. A Realtor who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® cannot discriminate based on race, religion, gender, handicap, family status or national origin.

Before choosing a Realtor, talk to a few. You might want to ask the following: • How long have you worked in real estate?

• Is real estate your full-time job?

• Do you prefer to work with buyers or sellers?

• Do you specialize in a particular area or neighborhood?

• What is the average price of properties that you close?

877.671.3063

• How many closings do you have each year?

• Do you work on a team?

• Do you have any designations, certifications, awards or special training?

26

NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

– FA L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

Realtors with the CBR (Certified Buyer

the leasing agent and be sure that the terms

Representative) are exclusively committed to

are written into the lease. In Texas, all real

providing excellent buyer representation in a

estate agreements must be in writing. Go to

non-adversarial fashion and are very knowl-

the Houston Apartment Association (www.

edgeable of the most current real-estate

haaonline.org) to download sample lease

practices. Realtors can also be certified as

forms.

Texas Affordable Housing Specialists, which recognizes training in green technologies

LEASING A HOUSE

that can make some houses more afford-

Need more than an apartment? Houses,

able than others. Earth Advantage certified

condos and townhomes can also be leased

Realtors are trained to spot and understand

and are usually listed with area Real-

the advantages of green construction. An

tors,

EcoBroker designation means a realtor has

or individual owners. Rental houses and

extensive training in conservation and green

townhomes are listed on the Houston Asso-

energy.

ciation of Realtors (www.HAR.com) and

property

management

companies,

are updated every 15 minutes.

Your Realtor should be an expert on the single-family homes. Check out preferred neighborhoods,

considering

community

APARTMENT HOMES

pools, civic associations and deed restric-

Many rental houses and apartment homes

tions. Most single-family houses do not

are available in Houston’s Northeast region

include utilities in the lease, so tenants must

right now, and prices are determined by

arrange for electricity, water, gas, cable and

location, square footage, and amenities.

Internet connections separately. Deposits

Chesmar Homes offers a unique choice new home M • P • G [Modern Design Performance Guaranteed Green Certified]. It means a highly-efficient home that will save you money on energy costs every month in neighborhoods all around Houston:

Eagle Spring Townhomes

are usually one-month’s rent and there may Apartment locators or leasing agents at the

be extra fees for pets, utility installations or

complexes are ready to answer questions,

service charges

From the $200s-$220s 713.542.3626

assist with move-in details and help orient Select properties provide

Texas protects renters. If residents fulfill the

apartment information, floor plans, photos

terms of their lease, the owner must refund

and tours online. Many Northeast Houston

the security deposit in full, or provide a

units have fireplaces, ceiling fans, built-in

written explanation within 30 days. If not,

microwaves,

connections,

the owner could be liable for three times the

on-site recreational facilities and covered

amount illegally held. File complaints with

parking. Some complexes feature state-

the Houston Apartment Association’s Resi-

of-the-art gyms, movie theatres, sparkling

dent Relations department.

new residents.

washer/dryer

The Groves

Coming Soon

Woodridge Forest Coming Soon

45

pools, multi-purpose party rooms, executive allow pets. Most require a security deposit

Interim housing with a range of rental terms

and a credit card report; leases range from

is also available. Motels, hotels and luxury

six months to one year. Month-to-month

suites are often near major business districts

leases are available but usually command

and key roads, and can be found throughout

higher prices.

Northeast Houston. Short stays are a conve-

Northpark Drive

59

stay longer than 30 consecutive days, you

cable and internet service, and additional

will qualify for an exemption from the state’s

deposits and activations services may be

six percent hotel tax. Be sure to advise the

necessary. Apartment owners must install

hotel of your extended stay and go to www.

smoke detectors, locks on every door and

cpa.state.tx.us/ for an exemption certifi-

latches on each window. Discuss any special

cate. (Always consult a tax professional for

housing requirements you may have with

specific tax information). 

Eagle Springs

Bush Int. Airport

nient necessity during a move, but if you Complexes have different plans for utilities,

Woodridge Forest

Map not to scale

Will Clayton Pkwy

8

Wilson

TEMPORARY LODGING

Hardy Toll Road

business centers and more. Some facilities

The Groves

cita sco Ata

.

Rd

Pkwy

Realtors are the best source for leasing

easy to work with and a good listener.

s ton

area and the industry; but she should also be

W. Lake H o u

90

610

Expand your ideas about the cost of owning a home with new home

225

45

CHESMAR.com Hobby Airport

288

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

27

MANAGEABLE,

AFFORDABLE LIFESTYLE Despite getting off to a slow start at the beginning of 2016, Houston home sales had reached a record-setting pace as the year drew to an end, according to Builder magazine. Along with the pace of sales, the median price had also increased, although Houston still ranks as one of the most affordable big cities in the U.S. for homeownership.

Photo courtesy of The Groves

“In all, Houston’s economic diversity and health will continue to protect and preserve home values over the long haul, and it will continue to be a great place to live, work and raise a family,” says Houston real estate expert and blogger Toni Nelson.

28

NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

– FA L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

WHY BUY? Houston is a city well-known for its affordable housing and a cost of living that consistently ranks below the national average. According to the Houston Association of REALTORS®, the median price for a single-family home in Houston was $210,000 in January, 2017, while the National Association of REALTORS® most recent data indicate that the U.S median sales price for a single-family home is $236,500.

The THAI (Texas Housing Affordability Index) is the ratio of median household income required to buy a median-priced home using currently available mortgage

OBTAINING A MORTGAGE

credit cards and your mortgage. Household

financing. Standard financing is a 30-year

Determining what you can afford to pay for

income includes your salary and any divi-

mortgage covering 80 percent of the purchase

a home is the essential first step to buying a

dends and royalties.

price of a home. For example, a THAI of

home. The maximum Debt-to-Income ratio

1.00 indicates that the median household

that your household expenses should not

The ability-to-repay rule requires most

income is just enough to qualify for a loan to

exceed is 43 percent of your gross income.

mortgage lenders to make a good-faith deter-

purchase the median-priced home. Houston’s

Household expenses typically include prop-

mination that you are likely to pay back the

most recent THAI was an impressive 1.79

erty taxes, utilities, insurance, food, medical

loan. Lenders base their decision on docu-

according to the Real Estate Center at Texas

and dental, telecommunications, as well

mented income, debts, assets and other

A&M University’s report in mid 2015.

as any payments on outstanding loans,

financial factors.

COST OF LIVING: When it comes to overall cost of living, Houston is still an affordable place to live and work.

Here’s how the Houston area ranked in a comparison to other major U.S. cities (based on the third quarter 2017 report)

City

Composite 100%

Grocery 13.61%

Housing 27.59%

Atlanta

99.3

103.6

94.3

Austin

96.2

90.3

100.0

Boston

145.7

105.8

Chicago

123.5

Cleveland

Utilities Transportation Healthcare 1 0.06% 9.59% 4.00%

Misc.

35.15%

84.6 103.0

107.9 103.9

82.0

90.9

100.3 100.6

204.9

139.9 111.4

133.3 127.0

105.6

156.1

91.3 130.4

101.3 114.7

100.2

112.9

84.9

111.1 100.3

99.9 104.2

Dallas

102.0

98.0

103.1

Denver

112.1

96.7

133.7

88.6

101.5 121.5 100.3

Houston New York (Brooklyn)

98.1 181.0

121.4

324.6

107.0

94.1

101.6 103.5

90.9 104.6

105.1 109.9

118.7

126.7

93.0 92.4 111.1

132.1

Phoenix

95.1

96.1

94.4

98.2 93.3

96.2 94.6

Raleigh

96.1 106.5

83.4

97.0 102.1

99.8 99.6

San Francisco

191.8

125.2

365.1

116.8

138.7

Seattle

152.8

123.8

206.6

127.9 137.6

Tucson

94.9

104.5

76.0

95.8

96.5

126.2

125.1

123.5 136.5 100.3 104.6 Source:ACCRA

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

29

THE HOME FRONT

Before shopping for a home, find out about

requirements. Low down payments may also

assurance that you can obtain a mortgage.

available financing. With a standard mort-

be associated with AMIs.

Pre-approval requires the completion of a

gage, the payment, interest rate and the term

loan application and sometimes a fee. Note,

are fixed. Most standard mortgages offer

Conforming Loans are less than $417,000

however, that a pre-qualification is only an

30-year or 15-year pay-off terms and are

while a Jumbo Loan exceeds this amount.

estimate of a mortgage that a prospective

self-amortizing, which means that at the end of the term, all principal has been repaid.

The down payment is the cash committed toward the purchase of a home, and the

Alternative Mortgage Instruments (AMI) are

larger it is, the less one must borrow. For

loans in which at least one of the four compo-

most loans, a down payment of 20 percent

nents varies. The most common AMI is the

of the purchase price is generally required to

Adjustable Rate Mortgage, which is typi-

avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).

cally paid out over 30-years with a variable interest rate. Customarily, the ARM interest rate begins low and periodically adjusts either up or down. The initial low rate, and therefore the lower monthly payment, enables the buyer to meet the income and debt-ratio

buyer might qualify for.

CREDIT REPORT Looking for an established credit history, lenders will require a credit report from a credit bureau that has collected your credit history for the past 7-10 years. Some lenders

The purchase price less the down payment

may offer more flexible mortgage programs

calculates the principal of the mortgage.

for people with limited or no established

Dividing the principal by the number of

credit history. Credit reports document your

payments in a 30- year or 15- year mort-

financial history and reflect the amount of

gage and adding the interest determines the

credit you have, the timeliness with which

monthly house payment. Escrow money for

you pay your bills, if you have declared

taxes and insurance is added to the payments

bankruptcy and other factors.

and are re-calculated annually.

3 MAJOR CREDIT REPORTING AGENCIES Experian www.experian.com 800-685-1111

To avoid delay or problems obtaining a Interest rates fluctuate frequently, and vary

mortgage, order a copy of your credit report

from lender to lender. Interest on a 30-year

before submitting your application. If you

fixed rate mortgage is likely to be different

discover inaccuracies, contact the credit

from that of a 15-year, and adjustable rate

bureau and take steps to correct the errors

mortgages. Naturally, the higher the interest

immediately. The three primary credit

rate on your mortgage, the higher your

reporting agencies are EquaFax®, Expe-

monthly payments will be, and the more you

rian® and TransUnion®.

TransUnion www.transunion.com 877-322-8228

will pay over the term of your mortgage.

Equifax www.equifax.com 888-397-3742

Calculated using five factors – payment Lenders may allow buyers to “lock-in”

history, amount of outstanding debt, length of

or guarantee their rate for 30- or 60-day

credit history, new credit, and sources of credit

periods. However, there may be a fee.

in use - your credit score is a ranking between

Since the amount of the monthly loan payment plays such a vital part in determining the size of the loan for which you qualify, you may wish to pay or get the seller to share some discount or buy-down points to lower the interest rate. And don’t forget closing costs that can be significant. Some costs are negotiable, so be sure to discuss

300 and 850 that many lenders use. The higher your score, the lower your interest rate may be.

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS First-time buyers can often obtain Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, with a down payment as low as 3.5 percent. The maximum amount of an FHA loan in Harris

this with your real estate agent and lender.

County in 2017 is $331,200 for a single-family

Teachers,

firefighters,

cap, but applicants’ credit scores must be

government employees and first-time home

acceptable and their income sufficient to repay

buyers may qualify for special mortgage

the mortgage. Go to www.fha.com.

police

officers,

residence. The FHA does not have an income

programs, although not all lenders can offer discounted rates.

Homebuyer’s Assistance Programs educate first-time homebuyers about options avail-

30

Seek pre-approval from your mortgage

able to them. Contact Houston Homebuyer

lender because it gives sellers a level of

Hotline at 713-522-4663.

NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

– FA L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

Some buyers may qualify for special assistance

common, such as where they live, work or

to determine the home’s susceptibility to

programs. To find out more, go to www.bene-

worship. Credit unions are closely regulated

flooding. Some insurance agents offer auto,

fits.va.gov and www.tdhca.state.tx.us.

and operate prudently. The National Credit

health, and life insurance as well as home-

Union Administration, a U.S. government

owners insurance, and rates may be lowered

BANKS

agency, insures deposits of up to $250,000

if policies are bundled. Get several quotes

Banks usually offer mortgages at very

per member.

to compare prices. Call the Texas Board of

competitive rates, especially when homebuyers utilize other services.

Insurance at 512-463-6169 or 800-578-4677.

Joining a credit union is relatively easy. Visit

The board’s Consumer Helpline is 800-252-

www.asmarterchoice.org or www.Houston-

3439. Or visit www.tdi.texas.gov.

Be sure to ask them about their services

NewcomerGuides.com for credit unions

and fees associated with different accounts,

throughout the Greater Houston area.

minimum

balance

requirements,

ATM

Title insurance protects the buyers and their

charges, availability of funds policy, on-line

INSURANCE

banking, direct deposit and other options to

Mortgage

maximize your finances.

insurance on properties they finance, and

Contact the Texas Department of Banking toll free at 877-276-5554 or go to www.dob. texas.gov for more.

TITLE INSURANCE

lenders

mortgage company from a problem in the require

homeowner

chain of ownership and conveyance, unpaid taxes or claims against a property.

generally, homeowners pay one year of like taxes, can be included in monthly mort-

MONTHLY MORTGAGE PAYMENTS

gage payments.

Most mortgage lenders prefer that monthly

insurance at closing. Insurance premiums,

mortgage payments not exceed 28 percent

CREDIT UNIONS

Selecting an insurance company and deter-

of the purchaser’s gross monthly income.

Credit unions are not-for-profit finan-

mining coverage is up to the homeowner, and

FHA Insured Loans require that monthly

cial cooperatives that are owned by their

should begin when the home is purchased.

mortgage payments not exceed 31 percent

members, who often share something in

An engineering survey may be required

of monthly income. 

LOOKING FOR HOMES JUST GOT EASIER…

Search more than 8 million properties

Ask Your REALTOR®

HOMES And RENTALS HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

31

in this section moving companies forwarding mail utilities public transportation international relocation

32

NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

– FA L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

RELOCATION INFORMATION

Obtaining as much information as possible in advance about Houston and Harris County will make your move much smoother, especially if you are relocating from out of state. To help get you started, the following pages offer some general tips on Houston’s basic services. More helpful information on moving is at www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com

Moving is never without its headaches and hassles, but the more you know about the process, and your new environment, the easier the move will be and the faster you can enjoy your new home.

Be better prepared to minimize and resolve difficulties quickly by reviewing this section.

Here, you’ll find an overview of Northeast Houston’s local services and contacts, as well as state, county and local ordinances and information. There are nuts-and-bolts details on utilities, mail delivery, transportation and other basics. Online, you’ll find moving-related services like temporary housing, real estate professionals, mortgage officers, apartment locators and insurance agents. Find the people who are ready to welcome and assist newcomers at www.

HoustonNewcomerGuides.com.

USING A MOVING COMPANY OR DOING IT YOURSELF? If you’re not moving far, or don’t have much stuff, you may want to move yourself, but there are costs associated with that, like time and effort. So, most people choose to hire

a reputable moving company which is in the business of transferring belongings efficiently and carefully.

Moving companies will give free estimates, which are usually based on the distance to be traveled and the weight of the household contents. Some companies include the cost of boxes, wrappings and supplies in their bids; others break out these costs separately.

Packing services, fuel, wait time, and storage costs may vary dramatically, so be sure ask about all charges. In a binding estimate, the items to be moved and the services to be performed are all listed on the estimate, and unless the customer makes changes, the price quoted will be the amount due.

A non-binding estimate is not guaranteed.

The cost of the move is determined after the truck is loaded and weighed, and charges above the estimate can run more than 20%. In this case, be sure to attend both the before and after furniture weigh-ins. In the not-to-exceed estimate, the mover provides a binding estimate, then weighs the loaded truck and reduces the estimate if the vehicle is lighter than anticipated.

It’s best to hire a company that guarantees the pickup and delivery date; make sure these are included in the contract. On the day of delivery, you must be at your new home to receive the goods and direct movers to the placement of larger furniture items. If you are not at home, your goods will go into storage and you may end up paying additional charges before the movers will unload it.

Although moving companies provide liability insurance on household belongings by the pound, it is wise to buy extra insurance that gives additional coverage, especially for those very special or very valuable items. A broken television is more costly to replace than a vacuum cleaner even though they weigh the same.

Before the movers come, get prepared.

Take inventory of your belongings and note their condition. If the moving company completes its own inventory, check it against your own before you sign it. If any of your items arrive at your new home with damage, photographic evidence will facilitate a

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

33

R E L O C AT I O N I N F O R M AT I O N

claim, so consider taking pictures or video of valuable items before the movers arrive.

Tax deductions may apply to your move, so keep the appropriate records and consult a tax professional. To find out more about your rights and responsibilities before you move, go to www.fmcsa.dot.gov.

SERVICES AND UTILITIES Forwarding Mail To schedule a change of address, simply go to www.USPS.com or pick up a change of address form from your local United States Post Office.

Electricity and Gas CenterPoint Energy is the regulated utility in the Houston area and owns and maintains the electricity delivery system. It is also the primary provider of natural gas in the Northeast Houston area. For information, visit www.centerpointenergy.com.

However, Houstonians have the power to buy their electricity from several companies.

Retail Electric Providers (REPs) compete to sell electricity to homes and businesses and may offer lower prices, renewable energy options, added customer services and other offers. Before settling on a supplier, follow the three C’s: Contact, Compare, and Choose. Be sure to allow several days for the ordering process so electricity can be

connected before the move-in date. If you are establishing service for a new home or building, a permit or inspection may be required. Visit www.powertochoose.org to compare prices.

ENERGY STAR Meeting the strict requirements set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ENERGY STAR certified new homes are designed for energy efficiency, delivering energy savings of up to 30 percent compared to most other new homes.

There are many Houston-area builders building ENERGY STAR homes. Learn more about buying an ENERGY STAR home at www.energystar.gov.

CenterPoint Energy’s ENERGY STAR for New Homes Program provides incentives and training to homebuilders to encourage the construction of ENERGY STAR certified homes. This award-winning program has helped reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. Go to www.centerpointenergy.com to learn more.

Water and Sewer Water, sewer and drainage services are typically provided by the public works department of each city or municipal utility district (MUD), which are divisions of the State of Texas. There are a number of districts

in Northeast Houston and services vary.

Contact your city of residence or homeowners’ association for detailed information.

In the City of Houston, call 713-371-1400.

Trash Pickup and Recycling Most Northeast Houston municipalities provide trash pickup. Call the Solid Waste Management Department or your homeowner’s association to find out which day trash is collected in your area and what fees to expect.

Curbside recycling is offered in most neighborhoods and drop-off recycling centers are located throughout the area. For information about Houston’s Curbside Automated Recycling Program and a Recycling Calendar, visit www.houstontx.gov.

Telephone, Cable and Internet Service Northeast Houston and East Montgomery County have five area codes – 713, 832, 346, 936, and 281. All ten digits are required when making phone calls. Help stop telemarketing calls by calling 1-888-382-1222 or by visiting www.donotcall.gov.

There are several providers offering satellite and cable television services, as well as highspeed Internet. Ask about bundled services, special promotional rates and discounts for newcomers.

Comcast/Xfinity Xfinity TV, Internet and Voice service is made possible by Comcast’s all-digital platform. They will set up your new home in no time; you can even choose your own convenient two-hour appointment window. Also, ask about Xfinity Home – Security – Control – Energy – Peace of Mind at your fingertips.

For more information, call 1-877-500 6828 or go to: www.comcast.com/moversedge.

PUBLIC SAFETY Police For emergencies only, call 911.

The Houston Police Department, other municipal police departments and the Harris County Sherriff ’s Department serve the greater Houston area. Crime Watch programs operate in neighborhoods across Northeast Houston; contact your homeowner’s association or civic club to find out

34

NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

– FA L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

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more. Crime Stoppers offers rewards for information that leads to an arrest and can be reached at 713-222-TIPS.

schedules, trip planners, commute calcula-

Fire For emergencies only: call 911.

The Houston Fire Department operates several stations within the Northeast Houston area. The Montgomery County Fire Marshall can direct you to your local fire department - call 936-538-8288 – or check with your city hall or homeowner’s association.

Transit Centers Transit Centers are sheltered waiting areas located where several bus routes and/or METRORail lines converge.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Mesa Transit Center 9419 Mesa Dr. Houston 77028

METRO,

the

Metropolitan

Transit

Authority, is recognized as one of the best and safest bus systems in the nation.

METRO offers an extensive system of bus routes with over 1,200 buses, including Express routes, and a growing light-rail service. Carpool matching and METRO Vans mean riders can share the journey and the cost. METROlift provides curb-tocurb rides to persons with disabilities. For

tors and information, go to www.ridemetro. org or call (713) 635-4000.

Greenspoint Transit Center 12455 Greenspoint Dr. Houston 77060

Kashmere Transit Center 5910 Hirsch Rd. Houston 77026

Northline Transit Center 7705 Fulton St. Houston 77022 Tidwell Transit Center 9720 Epsom Rd. Houston 77093 Park & Ride Locations METRO has 29 Park & Ride lots with more than 33,000 parking spots. From these, direct nonstop service to downtown, the Texas

Medical Center or other major employment centers is available.

Eastex Park & Ride 14400 Old Humble Rd. Houston 77396 Maxey Park & Ride 515 Maxey Rd. Houston 77013 Kingwood Park & Ride 3210 Lake Houston Pkwy. Kingwood 77345 Townsen Park & Ride 21003 Eastex Fwy. Houston 77338 Harris County Toll Road Authority HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes are available on some freeways during peak periods to vehicles with two or more riders. Visit www.ridemetro.org or call (713) 635-4000.

The Harris Country Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) operates approximately 132 miles of roadway in the greater Houston area.

The Westpark Tollway, the Katy Freeway Managed Lanes, the Hardy Toll Road and the Sam Houston Tollway all have electronic

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

35

R E L O C AT I O N I N F O R M AT I O N

William P. Hobby Airport Serving Houston travelers for more than 80 years, Hobby Airport (HOU) served more than 12 million passengers last year. From here, passengers can travel to many destinations, including international.

For more information about Houston’s airports and flight information, go to www. fly2houston.com.

TEXAS GOVERNMENT

tolling – there are no tollbooths, and no cash is accepted. Major sections of the Grand Parkway are also tolled.

An EZ TAG or other interoperable Texas toll payment tag is required. The four Katy Managed lanes run from SH 6 to IH 610 down the middle of I10 and are free to carpoolers and vehicles with two or more people during peak times; single drivers can use these lanes by paying a toll. For maps, rates and more, go to www.HCTRA.org.

For real-time traffic reports visit www. houstontranstar.org.

AUTOMOBILES Buckle up in Texas. Children up to nine, or shorter than 4-feet-9-inches, must be secured in an approved car seat. Texas law also requires people who drive in Texas to pay for any accidents they may cause. So, you must have and carry automobile liability insurance. The minimum liability limits are $30,000 for each injured person, up to a total of $60,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage per accident (30/60/25).

You have 30 days to register your vehicle after establishing residency, which you can do at your local County Tax Office. Visit www.txdmv.gov.

New Texas residents who hold a driver’s license from another state, U.S. territory, Canadian province can legally drive for 90 days after establishing residency, but must get a Texas Driver’s License before that period ends. Visit www.dpstx.gov to learn more.

36

The Motorist Assistance Program (MAP) helps stranded motorists on Houston area roads. Offered by The Harris County Sherriff ’s Department and METRO, specially marked MAP vehicles are available and equipped to handle minor emergencies. Call 713-225-5627.

Vehicle Registration: Two Steps, One Sticker Vehicle registration must be renewed annually, and the vehicle must pass inspection in order to qualify for renewal. The blue-bordered registration sticker serves as a combined proof of registration and inspection with one expiration date.

Vehicles may be registered for license plates at district field offices in the county of residence. The cost is based on the model and year for cars and gross weight for trucks. Go to: www.registeredtexan.com to learn more.

Harris County Tax Assessor 1001 Preston St., Houston 77002 www.hctax.net Montgomery County Tax Assessor 400 N. San Jacinto St., Conroe 77301 www.mctx.org

Voter Registration You must be 18 years old, a resident of the county in which you’re registering and a U.S. citizen to vote. Simply fill out a voter registration application, which is available at a Voter Registrar’s Office, the Secretary of State’s Office, many post offices, libraries and high schools. You must submit your application no later than 30 days prior to an election in order to vote in that election. Call 1-800-252VOTE or visit www.votetexas.gov.

Legal Records Legal records maintained by Harris County include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, automobile licenses, fees and inspections, divorce proceedings, taxes and more. Call the Harris County Court House at (713) 755-6411 or go to www.harriscountytx.gov.

Liquor Laws The minimum age to buy or order liquor is 21.

Liquor stores are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday through Saturday, with no sales on Christmas, New Year’s Day or Thanksgiving.

Drivers are prohibited from consuming alcoholic beverages while operating a vehicle.

DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) and DUI (Driving Under the Influence) laws are strictly enforced and carry a sentence of jail time and a fine, even for first-time offenders.

AIRPORTS

PET LICENSING AND LEASH LAWS

Bush Intercontinental Airport With over 800 departures each day to hundreds of domestic and international locations, Bush Intercontinental (IAH) is one of the busiest airports in the country and serves over 40 million passengers each year. www.airport-houston.com

Dogs and cats in Texas must be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age. Any veterinarian can administer vaccinations and provide license tags, as well as information on keeping your pet healthy in Texas. In most jurisdictions, pets not wearing license tags and/or a leash can be impounded. 

NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

– FA L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

CONNECT

Clerk’s Office –Real Property......713-755-6439 Constable Ron Hickman.............281-376-3472 County Judge Ed Emmett...........713-755-4000 Driver’s License..........................713-224-1919 Library ......................................713-749-9000 Main Telephone..........................713-755-5000 Precinct 1 El Franco Lee, Commissioner.....713-755-6111 Precinct 3 Steve Radack, Commissioner 713-755-6306 Precinct 4 R. Jack Cagle, Commissioner......281-353-8100 Permits.......................................713-956-3000 Property Tax...............................713-368-2000 Vital Statistics.............................713-755-6382 Voter Registration.713-368-2200/713-224-1919

GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

CITY OF HOUSTON HELP Line............................................... 311 City Hall ....................................713-247-1000 900 Bagby, Houston 77002 Office of Mayo Sylvester Turner ..713-837-0311 Office of the City Controller Ronald Green.............................832-393-3460 Central Library...........................832-393-1313 METRO.....................................713-635-4000 Parks and Recreation..................713-845-1000 Property Information..................713-837-7719 Property Tax...............................713-368-2000 Water/Sewer/Garbage ...............713-837-9100 Vital Statistics.............................713-247-1686

CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS District A –Brenda Stardig..........832-393-3010 District B - Jerry Davis ...............832-393-3009 District C - Ellen Cohen............. 832-393-3004 District D - Dwight Boykins .......832-393-3001 District E – Dave Martin.............832-393-3008 District F - Steve Le................... 832-393-3002 District G - Greg Travis ..............832-393-3007 District H - Karla Cisneros..........832-393-3003 District I - Robert Gallegos .........832-393-3011 District J - Mike Laster..............832-393-03015 District K - Larry Green..............832-393-3016

CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AT-LARGE Position 1 - Mike Knox ..............832-393-3014 Position 2 - David W. Robinson ..832-393-3013 Position 3 - Michael Kubosh .......832-393-3005 Position 4 - Amanda Edwards ....832-393-3012 Position 5 - Jack Christie ...........832-393-3006

HARRIS COUNTY Auto Registration........................713-368-2000 County Clerk Stan Stanart ..........713-755-6411 Clerk’s Office – Marriage license.713-755-6436

TEXAS STATE REPRESENTATIVES Patricia Harless, District 126.......281-376-4114 Allen Fletcher, District 130..........281-373-5454 Debbie Riddle, District 150.........281-257-4222 Armando Walle, District 140.......713-694-8020 TEXAS STATE SENATORS Paul Bettencourt, District 7 ........713-464-0282 John Whitmire, District 15 .........713-864-8701 UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Kevin Brady................................936-441-5700 John Culberson ..........................713-682-8828 Al Green....................................713-383-9234 Sheila Jackson Lee ....................713-861-4070 Ted Poe..............281-446-0242 / 866-447-0242 Gene Green................................281-999-5879 UNITED STATES SENATORS John Cornyn...............................713-572-3337 Ted Cruz....................................713-718-3057

Furniture Bank...........................713-842-9771 Girl Scouts..................................713-292-0300 Houston Area Women’s Center...713-528-6798 Interfaith Ministry......................713-522-3955 Junior Achievement....................713-682-4500 Licensed Day Care List ..............713-940-5200 Medicare....................................800-442-2620 Mental Health Association..........713-523-8963 Neighborhood Centers Inc. (Day Care Information)...............713-667-9400 Poison Control............................713-654-1701 Sheltering Arms Sr. Services........713-956-1888 United Way................................713-685-2300 Y.M.C.A.....................................713-659-8501 Y.W.C.A.....................................713-868-9922

CONSUMER RESOURCES Better Business Bureau................713-868-9500 Consumer Credit Counseling......713-923-2227 CSC Credit Service.....................800-753-1312 Consumer Fraud – Harris County...................

713-755-5836 Texas Consumer Protection – Attorney General........................713-223-5886 Texas Taxpayers & Research.......512-472-8838 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.....................800-638-2772 U.S. Consumer Information........800-688-9889

HOUSING INFORMATION Houston Apartment Assoc..........281-933-2224 Houston Assoc. of REALTORS..713-629-1900 Houston Relocation Professionals www.houstonrelopros.org

LEGAL RESOURCES ARTS Cultural Arts Council of Houston & Harris County...........713-527-9330 Society for the Performing Arts...713-227-5134 Texas Commission on the Arts....512-463-5535

BUSINESS RESOURCES Better Business Bureau................713-868-9500 Small Business Administration....713-773-6500 State Comptroller of Public Accounts..........................713-868-9112 Texas Dept. of Economic Dev. ...512-936-0101 Texas Railroad Commission........713-869-5001 U.S. Customs..............................281-985-6700 U.S. Dept. of Commerce.............800-872-8723

FAMILY RESOURCES AARP – National Office.............800-424-3410 AARP – Southwest Region.........214-265-4060 Amigos de las Americas..............713-782-5290 Boy Scouts..................................713-659-8111 Child Care Council ....................713-266-6045 Children’s Protective Services......713-394-4000 Crisis Hotline..............................713-468-5463 Family Service Center.................713-861-4849 Food Bank..................................713-223-3700

Houston Bar Association.............713-759-1133 Houston Lawyer Referral Ser. .....713-237-9429 Texas Lawyer Referral Ser. .........800-252-9690

MISC. Harris County Dem. Party..........713-802-0085 Harris County Rep. Party............713-838-7900 Houston Chronicle .....................713-220-7171 Houston ISD..............................713-892-7700 Internal Revenue Service.............800-829-1040 League of Women Voters............713-784-2923 National Weather Service............281-337-5074 Social Security Administration....800-772-1213 Texas Environmental Quality Commission...................713-767-3500 Yellow Cab.................................713-236-1111

SPORTS AND TICKET INFORMATION Houston Astros Tickets/ Ticketmaster.... 800- ASTROS-2/713-627-9622 Houston Dynamos ....................713-276-7500 Houston Rockets.........................713-627-9622 Houston Texans..........................832-662-2000 NRG Stadium ............................713-289-2002

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I N T E R N AT I O N A L R E L O C AT I O N

TRANSPORTATION

MOVING TIPS What to do Social Security Number 1-800-772-1213

Information/ Application www.ssa.gov/forms

Physical locations: 8989 Lakes at 610 Drive, 77054 16200 Dillard Drive, 77040 5414 Aldine Mail Road, 77039

THINGS TO KNOW Wait 10 days after your arrival to apply for a social security number.

Takes approximately 2 weeks for the card to arrive.

No fee for the application.

Take original or certified copies of immigration documents, passport & biographical information & photo.

38

Texas Drivers License Application & Locations: www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense/movingtotexas.htm • Texas has a 90-day grace period.

• A written & driving skills test required.

• Credit cards, cash, checks, and money orders.

• Take your passport, social security number, proof of residency, lawful presence, status.

• Proof of vehicle registry.

• Completed application.

Credit Card

BANKING

Rates typically include basic utilities (ask

Credit Unions www.findabetterbank.com • Credit unions are owned by members. If your company has a credit union, you can easily set up an account and get a credit card.

• Social Security number, a photo ID (passport), minimum deposit required.

Banks www.findabetterbank.com • A checking account can be opened individually or jointly.

• A debit card will give you immediate access online and at ATMs. • Social Security number, driver’s license, proof of residence, photo ID (passport), pay stub or utility bill and a minimum opening deposit.

• International banks in the USA include HSBC, Citigroup, Barclays, Deustche Bank and Credit Suisse. An account at one of these banks can usually be opened in the US.

NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

– FA L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

www.creditcards.com • Request a credit card & debit card (ATM) when opening a bank account.

• You will need a residential address, phone & place of employment, credit history.

HOUSING

Apartments Houston Apartment Association Q&A: www.haaonline.org • Prices for apartments are based on apartment size and number of bedrooms for details).

• Rental requirements include: a credit & security check. Texas Drivers license, passport, bank statement, proof of employment, and a deposit.

• Rental applications may require your credit history, employment history, rental history and criminal history, and disclosure of legal status or proof of legal residency.

• You are responsible for your lease for the entire term of your contract.

• If you terminate your lease contract early, rent may be accelerated and additional charges can be levied against you.

• Get any changes to your lease contract or term in writing.

• Be sure to ask about pet deposits.

• Apartment locators will help you find an apartment and their services are free.

Leasing a Home • Leasing a home is much like renting an apartment.

• You might be expected to take care of the

yard on a weekly basis, maintain the property and abide by homeowner regulations.

• You will pay all the utility bills (water, power, trash pickup & cable).

• You will need a TX driver’s license, proof of employment, credit & personal references & a deposit consisting of the first & last month’s rent.

Buying a home • You can view homes for sale and find a Realtor who speaks your language on www.HAR.com.

Realtor/Homes for Sale & Lease www.HAR.com • You can check your credit score through your bank.

• To purchase a home you will need a good credit score based on your credit history.

• Report all of your income on your tax return as mortgage loans require proof of income - typically your IRS return.

• You do not need a Realtor to purchase a home, but Realtors are trained to help you with pricing and other legal responsibilities.

• Realtors use various sources including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to find homes.

• Realtors are usually paid by the seller, their services are free to buyers.

New Homes/Builders/ Communities www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com Realtors are independent and can help you locate a newly constructed home available from a variety of builders. Builder sales reps. work for the builder. If you are working with a Realtor, you should register your Realtor with the homebuilder when you arrive.

HEALTHCARE

Affordable Care Act www.healthcare.gov • If you are relocating to the U.S. for a job, the HR department will assist you with health insurance for your family.

• To shop and compare health insurance visit the Affordable Care Act web page.

• You will need your social security

number, passport, health history, employer information, and a credit card.

of Houston. Houston has numerous 4-year

TAXES

Private Schools

State of Texas

colleges and technical schools

• HoustonNewcomerGuides.com

Texas does not have state taxes. Texas collects 8.25% sales tax & property tax only.

• Houstonprivateschools.com

Internal Revenue Service

There are a variety of independent and faith-

Federal income tax for most workers is filed on April 15 of each year.

There are numerous rules and regulations for expatriates, the following are resources to get you started. Your employer can also assist you.

Internal Revenue Service: www.irs.gov

• Privateschoolreview.com based private schools in the Houston area.

• Enrollment is most cases is based on openings in certain grades.

• Check with each school for enrollment requirements as they vary from school to school.

• International schools offer the International Baccalaureate program and

EDUCATION

might be better suited for children

Day Care:

planning to later attend university

childcarecenter.us • Some centers only care for children until they are ready for Kindergarten at age 5.

Other schools offer Kindergarten.

• Will need your child’s birth certificate, social security number, passport, application.

• Schools vary widely, make several trips with and without your child at different times of the day. Ask for referrals.

outside the US.

Public Schools

• www.uscitizenship.info

PK-12 Texas Education Association: tea.texas.gov • Required for children 6-18 years of age in USA. • Child’s birth certificate, passport, social security number, transcript, doctor’s statement.

• The Houston area has excellent public schools which serve students from Pre-K through 12th grade.

• You can research individual school districts, schools, ratings and test scores at the Texas Education Association web site.

Elementary school (grade 1 through 5 or 6), Middle school or junior high (up to grade 8 or 9), High school or senior high (up to grade 12).

Colleges

IMMIGRATION VISA Most questions are answered on the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration web sites below.

Contact your Consulate about your country’s requirements.

General How Do I Guides: • www.uscis.gov

Employment Visa: • www.travel.state.gov • www.uscis.gov

Green Card: www.uscis.gov/greencard

Permanent Resident: www.uscis.gov Schedule appointment with USCIS officer: infopass.uscis.gov

PETS Entry Requirements: www.dshs.state.tx.uss • Dogs & cats must be vaccinated by 4 months of age followed by booster shots every couple of years.

• Pets not wearing license tags and/or leashed can be impounded.

Search www.petersons.com Community colleges are located in all parts

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

39

in this section STAAR public schools private schools higher education

40

NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

– FA L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

EDUCATION When parents consider moving to a new home, one of the most important considerations is the educational opportunities that will be available to their children. The quality of education in the Northeast Houston is the result of careful planning, commitment and high goals--quality is never an accident.

In Northeast Houston, there are a multitude of

writing at grades 4 and 7; science at grades 5

employees by 2019. In 2013, the average

quality private and public schools which you’ll

and 8; social studies at grade 8; and end-of-

STEM occupation paid about $80,000 annu-

discover in this section. Be sure to consider the

course assessments for English 1, English 11,

ally; roughly 1.7 times the average yearly

specific educational needs of your child and

Algebra 1, biology, and U.S. history.

U.S. wage.

trators to ensure that your child is placed in the

Texas charter schools operate under and receive

The Texas science, technology, engineering

most appropriate school environment.

academic accountability ratings from the Texas

and

meet with prospective teachers and adminismathematics

(T-STEM)

initiative

Education Agency and adhere to the same

provides a foundational approach to empower

Eleven independent school districts offer

STAAR test requirements as public school

teachers, inspire students and advance STEM

public education in the area, and each works to

districts. Open-enrollment charter schools

education. There are 70 T-STEM Acade-

provide learning and extra-curricular options

have the flexibility to adapt to the educational

mies and seven blended Early College High

for all students while meeting the Texas

needs of individual students for a personal-

School/T-STEM Academies serving more

Education Agency’s standards assessments

ized learning environment where students

than 40,000 students across the state.

and many have received numerous rewards

can achieve more. Select charter schools even

for their efforts. Most districts offer dual credit

provide curriculum that specializes in a certain

PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS

programs, so students can earn high school

field such as the arts, mathematics or science.

Aldine Independent School District

and college credits at the same time.

Some charter schools offer students in grades

www.aldineisd.org

There are also many adult educational opportunities to be found at Houston Community

9-12 the opportunity to take both high school The Aldine Independent School District

and college courses at no cost.

ranks among the state’s high-performing

College, Lone Star Community College

For

complete

school districts according to data from the

System and San Jacinto College as well as

district and individual school information,

Texas Education Agency (TEA). It has

other well-respected universities and colleges.

visit tea.texas.gov

earned seven recognized ratings since 1996.

STAAR

STEM EDUCATION

Aldine ISD covers 111 square miles in

The State of Texas Assessments of Academic

STEM, an acronym for science, technology,

North Harris County and educates more

Readiness (STAAR) measures a child’s

engineering and math education, is an interdis-

than 70,000 students. This ethnically diverse

performance, as well as academic growth,

ciplinary and applied approach that is coupled

district is the second best large school district

college and career readiness. Results from

with hands-on, problem-based learning.

in Texas for educating African American

more

information

and

students and is ranked third among large

STAAR calculate annual school and district performance ratings. Annual Assessments

According to a recent poll of U.S. CEOs,

school districts in Texas in educating Latino

cover: reading and mathematics, grades 3-8;

employers will need 1.6 million new STEM

students, according to recent studies by

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

41

E D U C AT I O N I N H O U S T O N

Texas A&M University and the University of Texas – Pan American.

The district has 79 campuses: 1 Even Start center, 7 Early Childhood/Pre-Kindergarten centers, 35 elementary schools (grades K-4), 11 intermediate schools (grades 5-6), 10 middle schools (grades 7-8), 5 ninth-grade schools, 5 traditional high schools (grades 10-12), 1 Magnet high school, 1 night high school, 1 early college high school, 1 alternative education center and 1 dropout prevention center.

Aldine ISD is driven by the goal of increasing student achievement and providing better educational opportunities for all students.

Channelview Independent School District www.cvisd.org Channelview Independent School District (CISD) is a known for its reputation of outstanding student achievement. The district has an enrollment of 9,500 students and is located approximately 15 miles east of downtown Houston.

The district has 12 campuses, including a pre-K center, six elementary schools, one sixth grade center, two junior high campuses, one ninth grade center, one high school an alternative high school and an alternative discipline school.

The district has earned the Met Standard rating under the Texas Education Agency’s accountability system for five consecutive years. Seven Channelview campuses also received special recognition for their exemplary performance in different academic areas.

to offer an excellent academic program

The Galena Park ISD Education Founda-

yet small enough to identify and meet the

tion works to enrich, enhance and maximize

needs of each of its over 5000 students. In

the quality of education for all students.

its 7 campuses -1 kindergarten, 4 elemen-

With its community, local business and in

tary, a middle and a high school -the district

the district, it has raised over one million

is working hard to provide education that

dollars since its inception. The foundation

“produces

has funded innovative teaching grants and

literate,

responsible

citizens

capable of learning and applying academic

furnished student scholarships.

and social skills successfully in any life

growing, diverse population Galena Park

setting.” For the 2015-16 academic year, the district earned only exemplary or recognized

ISD is leading students to a brighter future.

performance ratings.

Goose Creek CISD www.gccisd.net

More and more families are choosing to

One of the largest and fastest-growing

settle in the area because of its quality of

districts in Texas, Goose Creek CISD

life and convenience to major work centers,

serves 22,748 students in the communities

and so Crosby ISD continues to grow. With

of Baytown and Highlands. The district’s

its dedicated and experienced teaching

1 primary school, 16 elementary schools, 5

staff, the district is well suited to keep on

junior schools and 3 high schools, as well as

providing topflight education.

IMPACT Early College High School, John

Galena Park Independent School District CISD has a rich history of being “actively engaged in the future of the community”.

The district was established in 1937 and at that time employed eight teachers. Today, the district employs the finest employees that are committed to making certain that every child in Channelview receives the best education possible.

With its

www.galenaparkisd.com The mission of the educators of Galena Park Independent School District is to prepare students to become productive citizens and lifelong learners. Over 22,500

M. Stuart Career Center, POINT Alternative Center and the Peter E. Hyland Center, provide resources to equip students to be 21st century learners. The district and all schools received a “Met Standard” rating, the highest rating from the Texas Education Agency for 2016.

students are taught in 27 campuses situated

GCCISD’s Career and Technical Educa-

along the Houston Ship Channel in east

tion (CTE) program is rapidly expanding

Harris County. There are 2 early childhood

to meet student and workforce needs and

centers, 15 elementary schools, 5 middle or

to help students obtain credentialing and

intermediate schools, a ninth- grade center,

certifications. Technology is also a priority

Crosby ISD is nestled in the forested area

2 traditional high schools, 1 early college

in Goose Creek CISD. High school students

east of Lake Houston, and is large enough

high school and 1 center for at-risk youth.

have access to iPads, and teachers use

Crosby Independent School District www.crosbyisd.org

42

NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

– FA L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

Promethean Boards and iPads to enhance

ISD Insperity Observatory which houses

campuses in northeast Harris County. By

instruction. Robert E. Lee High School

space telescopes under a retractable roof for

Texas school district standards, it’s small,

was recognized as an Apple Distinguished

scientific education and research. In addition,

but it’s growing and the district is working

School for making technology a major part

the district benefits from the involvement of

hard to meet the needs of its developing

of classroom learning.

its parents. All campuses have active PTA/

community and continue to prepare its

PTO or PTSA organizations and engaged

students to excel as productive individuals

booster clubs for sports and fine arts groups.

in the ever-changing global society. Sheldon

Huffman Independent School District www.huffmanisd.net

Located 17 miles northeast of downtown The quiet bedroom community of Huffman is located on farm roads 2100 and 1960, thirty miles northeast of Houston in the piney woods of eastern Harris County. Huffman ISD’s enrollment is approximately 3,300 students, and they are spread across 5 campuses: an early childhood center; an elementary school, an intermediate school, a middle school and a high school. All campuses met the academic standards established by the Texas Education Agency in 2016.

Houston, it has 43 campuses more than 40,000 students and over 5,000 employees, who are all working to “develop each child intellectually, artistically, emotionally, physically, and socially so that all students are life-long learners, complex thinkers, responsible global citizens and effective communicators.”

Huffman ISD prides itself on instilling strong character values in their students through high-standard academic instruction, a variety of learning opportunities and extra-curricular participation.

Humble Independent School District www.humbleisd.net

New

Caney

Independent

School

District is “a shining star in Texas education,” and has been the fastest growing Houston-area district for the last 3 years.

Located approximately 25 miles northeast of downtown Houston in Montgomery and Harris counties, the district’s students attend classes in 9 elementary schools, 4 middle

An important component in Humble ISD’s success is the support it receives from local businesses and families. The Humble ISD Education Foundation has raised more than $6.74 million to provide innovative and enriching classroom projects. The most significant of these projects is the Humble

personalized

learning

experi-

ences in partnership with school, family and community. Despite the challenges that an expanding student body presents, Sheldon ISD strives to maintain an equitable teacher-to-student ratio in core content areas and is continuing to close the performance that it serves. The district received a “Met Standard” rating from the Texas Education Agency, the highest rating given.

Thinking of every child, every day, Sheldon ISD provides personalized learning opportunities to ensure all students graduate college and career ready.

Splendora Independent School District www.splendoraisd.org

schools, 2 high schools, 1 early college high

With 3900+ students in 5 schools, Splen-

school, and one alternative education center

dora ISD is the smallest school district

with students in grades first through twelfth.

in the county, but can provide an educa-

NCISD graduates will be equipped to thrive in the REALITY of their future: all third to twelfth grade students are equipped with Chrombooks, teachers have on average 10 years or more of teaching experience; and more than 20% have a Master or Doctorate degree. All schools achieved the met standard seal of approval from the Texas

Humble ISD students have a long history of outperforming students in Texas and the nation; once again, the district’s latest accountability rating was Met Standard, the highest possible rating.

providing

gap between the demographic populations

New Caney Independent School District www.newcaneyisd.org The

Students achieve success both in the classroom and in today’s interconnected world because Huffman ISD’s campuses feature a robust technology environment that continues to be updated and expanded.

Students benefit daily from schools blanketed in wireless coverage, high-speed Internet access, interactive whiteboards, mobile devices, and a district wide 2:1 student to computer ratio.

administrators and educators do this by

Education Agency.

New Caney ISD seeks to provide an exemplary educational experience in an environment that fosters positive and collaborative relationships between students, staff, families and community members.

Sheldon Independent School District www.sheldonisd.com

tion as individual as each child through its numerous educational opportunities in its Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways and early college high school. The district’s personal graduation plan (PGP) initiative allows 5th – 12th grade students, their parents, and a counselor the opportunity to discuss and investigate future career and educational opportunities. The initiative also allows district administrators to anticipate students’ interest levels for courses being offered and plan according to those interests.

Additionally,

Splendora

High

School offers 11 career pathways providing students numerous skills and certifications. Maintaining small-school charm, the district provides large-school technology and success. Splendora ISD is looking to become a district of innovation, creating an

Sheldon ISD serves a diverse student popu-

educational setting where every student is

lation of around 8,000 students on 12

empowered to be self-motivated, confident,

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

43

E D U C AT I O N I N H O U S T O N

an adaptable learner, a critical thinker and a

The district’s 38 campuses include 18

AdvancED (formerly SACS), Covenant is a

productive citizen.

schools built within the last decade, as well

distinguished school in a number of ways.

as numerous renovated ones, ensuring that

The school seeks to cultivate young minds

students have secure, modern facilities in

through a rigorous academic curriculum

which to become lifelong learners, critical

rooted firmly in a biblical worldview and

thinkers, and responsible citizens – ready

upholds a student culture that promotes a

to contribute, compete, and lead in today’s

love for learning. Graduates are prepared

global society.

to think critically at the highest academic

Spring Independent School District www.springisd.org Spring ISD is focused on its students and grounded in its community partnerships. It serves about 37,000 pre-kindergarten through twelfth-grade students in a diverse district located 20 miles north of central Houston.

Every learner can succeed in Spring, with academic acceleration and enrichment available for the gifted and talented, while special education services are provided for those with disabilities. Bilingual instruction and English as a Second Language programs are also offered. A renewed focus on literacy for all and an expansion of early childhood programs are both part of the district’s commitment to prepare graduates who are college and career ready. In addition, Spring ISD’s strong performing and visual arts programs continue to be recognized regionally and nationally.

levels with the ability to effectively engage

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

the great issues of the day in a manner that

The Covenant Preparatory School 281-359-1090 • www.covenantknights.org

lenging academics and sound theology impart an understanding and love for all

The Covenant Preparatory School is the

truth by demonstrating the interrelatedness

premier Christian college preparatory school

of every academic discipline as a reflection

in the northeast Houston area. Covenant

of Gods’ objective, unchanging nature.

is a school committed to engaging minds, cultivating virtue and purposefully and consistently implementing rigorous standards through a liberal arts curriculum in a distinct classical, Christian and college-preparatory culture.

Beginning with the 2015-2016 academic year, Covenant opened the Upper School Campus for students in grades seven through twelve.

The Upper School Campus is located at 3939 Glade Valley Drive in Kingwood. The Lower

instruct

inspire

include

Including Kids Autism Center

Nationally Recognized as a Behavioral Health Center of Excellence At Including Kids, Inc. we strive to INSTRUCT, we aim to INSPIRE, & we aspire to INCLUDE our children and young adults in the community.

- Full Time ABA Program - After School Programs - Parent Training Programs - Behavioral Therapy Consultations - FREE Community Training & Workshops - Autism Appreciation Events - Center for Community Inclusion for Young Adults - Young Adult Seminars - Supports for Transitions into Adulthood

5364 FM 1960 East Humble, TX 77346 T: 281-852-0501 F: 281-852-0502 www.includingkids.org

44

is informed, articulate and biblical. Chal-

Discover Covenant through Admissions, Curriculum, Fine Arts, Athletics and Clubs and Enrichment.

Schedule a personal tour and discover for yourself the Covenant difference. Visit www.covenantknights.org/admissions or call 281-359-1090.

Crossroads Early Learning Center 713-455-1661 ext. 1

School Campus for students in grades PK4

“Connecting

through sixth grade is currently located at

Futures” Crossroads Early Learning Center

1711 Hamblen Road in Kingwood.

is a state licensed learning center, serving

In the spring and summer of 2015, Covenant purchased the Upper School Campus

Young

Minds

to

Bright

children ages 6 weeks through 12 years of age.

They provide transportation to

Humble ISD and Sheldon ISD Elemen-

building and over 34 acres of property

tary Schools. Crossroads ELC teaches the

located near Northpark Drive in Kingwood.

ABEKA (a recognized Christian based)

Acreage has been cleared for the first phase

Curriculum, Spanish, Music, and Art. The

of the new academic campus with comple-

children attend chapel weekly and bible

tion of the student life center anticipated in

study daily. Crossroads ELC’s main focus

2019. Please visit the school’s video page to

is to encourage children to learn, grow, and

learn more about the Future of Covenant.

enjoy being a kid. CELC also partners with

The mission at The Covenant Preparatory School is to assist parents in developing individuals of strong intellect, spirit, body, and heart by providing a college preparatory education to pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade students grounded in Christian

the Case for Kids Program that focuses on integrating literacy and numeracy into project based activities: interactive learning, field experiences, and enrichment programs.

Including Kids, Inc. 281-852-0501 • www.includingkids.org

values and Biblical principles.

Including Kids, Inc. in Humble, Texas, Dually accredited by the Association of

is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, therapeutic clinic

Christian Schools International (ACSI) and

that serves the special needs community

NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

– FA L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

of Kingwood, Humble, Houston and its surrounding areas. Including Kids provides children and families with autism and other related delays the wraparound support they need for not only the child, but for the whole family. Whether it is through full time programming at a one to one student to teacher ratio, or through after school programming, new technology initiatives, family training, and community outreach endeavors, Including Kids is making strides for the 1 in 68 children diagnosed with autism in the United States.

Without early intervention, most children

UPPER SCHOOL CAMPUS

diagnosed with autism will not lead indepen-

Grades 7 - 12th 3939 Glade Valley Drive

dent lives. However, research has shown that

Kingwood, TX 77339

approximately 50% of young children with autism, who have received early intensive intervention, are able to participate indistinct from other children in typical school settings. Including Kids not only provides this early intervention therapy that is positively impacting children and young adults with autism, it has expanded its efforts for

PK4 through 12th grade Dually accredited by ACSI & AdvancED Classical instruction Biblical study throughout the curriculum Highly-qualified faculty AP classes at the high school level Championship athletics—16 TAPPS state championships Broad offering of enrichment and co-curricular activities at all grade levels Bus service to Atascocita, Summerwood and Fall Creek areas

LOWER SCHOOL CAMPUS Grades PK4 - 6th 1711 Hamblen Road Kingwood, TX 77339 Admission - 281-359-1090 info@covenantknights.org

children and young adults who do not make it into typical classrooms due to a greater severity of the disability. These programs and therapies provided by Including Kids can mean the difference between being able to stay in the home until they become adults versus having to be placed in a residential setting due to aggression and safety issues.

Including Kids also has unique partnerships with exceptional private schools in northeast Houston, such as Holy Trinity Episcopal School and Northeast Christian Academy, to integrate special needs students into typical classrooms. Including Kids is a Texas Education Agency approved, non-public facility.

Kids ‘R’ Kids 281-446-0063 • www.krkfallcreek.com 281-454-4244 • www.krkoflakeshore.com Treating Your Kids Like Family - While nobody cares for your kids more than family, Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy comes close. Maybe that’s because at the very heart of their program is love. It’s intertwined through every aspect of the center and

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

45

E D U C AT I O N I N H O U S T O N

Photo courtesy of The Covenant Preparatory School

opportunities to keep current and fresh on

At Primrose Schools®, The Leader in Educa-

best practices and new insights to learning

tional Child Care®, their exclusive Balanced

and care giving. The lead teachers for the

Learning® curriculum blends purposeful

classrooms either have their CDA (Child

play with nurturing guidance from Teachers

Development Associates) or are in the process

with a special emphasis on character develop-

of completing it. The school has a full time

ment to build the right foundation for Active

cook on staff whose sole focus is to prepare

Minds, Healthy Bodies and Happy Hearts®

nutritious meals that will give the students

in the first five years of a child’s life.

the energy to learn and develop in a healthy way. Transportation safety is important and

Research shows the most significant brain

as such, no vans are used to transport chil-

development milestones occur from birth to

dren, but instead buses equipped with seat

age 5. Babies are born with more than 100

belts. Drivers are carefully screened and have

billion nerve cells in their brains. These neurons

a CDL (Commercial Drivers License).

must connect and communicate with each other in order to form the circuits needed to

The framework in the classroom that sets the

think, learn and succeed – something neurons

atmosphere of learning is upholding three

do at the remarkable rate of 700 connections

principles. One, they protect the safety of

per second in the first five years of life.

children at all times. Learning cannot take place until safety is established. Two, they

According to The Center on the Devel-

educate every child to the best of their ability

oping Child at Harvard University, “The

to help them reach their potential. Using an

strength and efficiency of these connections

comes to life in an overriding commitment

age targeted curriculum helps in this effort.

is greatly affected by social interactions that

to care for each child, the whole child. Love,

Three, they protect the dignity of every child

involve an active back-and-forth – or ‘serve

along with a deep understanding of the indi-

so they feel loved and cared for. It says some-

and return’ – exchange of information.”

vidual educational and emotional needs of

thing significant about an organization with

Parents and educators play a critical role in

each child, is what sets Kids ‘R’ Kids apart.

the way they go about teaching.

creating these new and repeated experiences

It’s clear that this is a place where students

that lay the foundation for a wide range of

are part of an extended family, learning and

What makes Kids ‘R’ Kids stand apart is

having a great time in the process. Here, the

that it is family owned and operated offering

philosophy of “Hug First, Then Teach” is

not only all-inclusive tuition, but also an

“Serve and return” can be implemented

lived out by the staff of the school.

accredited and age appropriate curriculum

with children of all ages to promote a

that focuses on maximizing brain function

variety of positive learning outcomes, such

Today childcare centers and preschools are an

and development providing a strong founda-

essential part of your child’s education. It’s

as literacy and language skills, social and

tion in science, technology, art, and math; the

where kids begin to develop social skills and

emotional confidence, and executive func-

blocks upon which your child will build their

introduces them to classroom learning. Where

tioning skills, such as team-building and

academic success. For more information

you enroll your children is a big decision that

leadership skills.

call today or visit www.krkfallcreek.com or

will impact your child for years to come. With

www.krkoflakeshore.com.

Kids ‘R’ Kids, families with children from 6 weeks to 12 years old in the Humble, Fall Creek, Summerwood, Park Lakes and Lake-

At Primrose Schools, the team of leading early childhood educators has created an

Primrose Schools www.primroseschools.com

integrated curriculum that carefully balances social, emotional, physical and academic

shore areas can be confident their children are getting the very best in childcare including

The Leader in Early Education and Care

an exemplary curriculum, secure facilities,

They are a private preschool providing

age appropriate activities, safe and clean play

premier early education and care for families

spaces and most of all compassionate teachers

by building a strong foundation for future

giving your children the personal attention

learning and in life. Learn more.

they deserve.

developmental outcomes later in life.

learning based on age and development levels. For example, during story time, teachers engage students in different backand-forth interactions by age, including: • Ages 6 weeks to 1-year-old: cooing and making facial expressions

to

provides children with the foundation they

• Ages 1-3: asking questions and using different character voices

attend continual training and education

need to lead healthy, safe and productive lives.

• Ages 4-5: discussing feelings

The

46

teaching

High-quality staff

are

required

NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

early

childhood

education

– FA L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

FACT:

Social and emotional intelligence may be the most important determinant of a child’s future success.

BALANCED LEARNING® WAY:

Being school-ready is just the beginning.

NOW ENROLLING! Primrose School of Atascocita | 281.812.6361 | PrimroseAtascocita.com Primrose School of Eagle Springs | 281.852.8000 | PrimroseEagleSprings.com Primrose School at Fall Creek | 281.459.2023 | PrimroseFallCreek.com Primrose School of Kingwood | 281.358.0203 | PrimroseKingwood.com Primrose School of Kingwood at Oakhurst | 281.312.1150 | PrimroseKingwood-Oakhurst.com Primrose School at Lakeshore | 281.454.5000 | PrimroseLakeshore.com

Each Primrose school is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools® and Balanced Learning® are registered trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2017 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved. See primroseschools.com for ‘fact’ source and curriculum detail.

Primrose School at Summerwood | 281.454.6000 | PrimroseSummerwood.com

By frequently and deliberately pairing

School at Lakeshore, Primrose School

Students choose LSC because of the extra

words with objects and actions to create

of Kingwood at Oakhurst and Prim-

attention they get thanks to their small class

meaning, Primrose students begin to learn

rose School at Summerwood.

To learn

sizes, averaging only 23 students per class,

language to its fullest extent. Addition-

more about the many lifelong benefits of

the convenient campus locations that are

ally, by implementing “serve and return”

enrolling your child at Primrose Schools,

close to home and the flexible schedules

and discussing problems and feelings

please visit www.PrimroseSchools.com.

LSC offers. No matter what their goals are,

during playtime, children begin to develop

Lone Star College is ready to help them

important life skills, such as playing well

HIGHER EDUCATION

with others, thinking outside the box and

Lone Star College

learning to cope with failures.

www.LoneStar.edu

The rapid development that takes place

keeping our community strong - Houston

regional workforce in industries like health

during the first five years of a child’s life is

and the Gulf Coast Region can be full of

care,

critical to success in life, and early educa-

surprises. World class museums, five star

computer technology and transportation.

tors play a pivotal role in fostering this

restaurants and star studded entertainment

LSC also helps qualified students find finan-

growth.

are just some of the amenities that attract

cial aid and grant funding options that can

people from all over the world.

provide training at little or no cost.

providing a premier educational child care

Another benefit the area enjoys is Lone Star

Many students interested in a four-year

experience in more than 300 schools in 27

College. Many people are surprised to learn

degree start at LSC, then transfer to the

states – seven Primrose Schools serve the

that LSC has more than 95,000 students

university of their choice, saving thousands

Northeast Houston area: Primrose School

walk through its doors each semester. LSC

of dollars without sacrificing quality. LSC

of Atascocita, Primrose School of Eagle

is today’s smart choice for students looking

students can also take advantage of the

Springs, Primrose School at Fall Creek,

to earn an undergraduate degree, start a new

Honors College at LSC for high achieving

Primrose School of Kingwood, Primrose

career or update their skills.

students and study abroad and international

realize their dreams.

LSC is recognized as a world leader in workforce training and helps build a strong construction,

accounting,

energy,

Primrose Schools is the nation’s leader in

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

47

E D U C AT I O N I N H O U S T O N

programs, programs not commonly associ-

Our Lady of the Lake University

ated with a community college.

936-273-7628 • www.allusa.edu/houston

High school students can get a jump-start

Located in the Lone Star College University

on college with Dual Credit classes which

Center, Our Lady of the Lake University’s

allow them to earn high school and college

Houston campus offers several bachelor’s,

credit simultaneously. Students save money on

master’s and a doctoral degree option in

college tuition, complete their degrees quicker

leadership studies. OLLU offers weekend

and build confidence by easing the transition to

programs that cater to busy people who need

college. LSC was recently recognized as a Top

more flexibility than a traditional college

10 producer of associate degrees, ranking fifth

schedule permits. That’s why OLLU was

nationally among all community colleges in the

the first school to develop a weekend degree

U.S. by Community College Week magazine.

program in 1986.

LSC is a proud member of the community

The University was founded in 1895

and a major contributor to the local and

in San Antonio, Texas, by the Congre-

regional economy with an annual economic

gation of Divine Providence and has

impact of $3.1 billion.

become a landmark institution. OLLU is a non-profit, liberal arts institution with a

Affordable, close to home, world class.

current enrollment of approximately 3,400

When you add up all the benefits, you can

students. The Houston-area campus, first

see why more than 95,000 students choose

located on the Lone Star College-North

Lone Star College. Visit LoneStar.edu to

Houston grounds, was established in 1986

learn more about the significant role LSC

and moved to its current location in the

plays in our community.

LSC-University Center in The Woodlands

in 2011. A Rio Grande Valley campus was also established in 2008.

The Weekend College at OLLU-Houston has developed a strong reputation for providing an intense learning experience to people committed to earning bachelor’s, master’s, and a doctoral degree on the weekend. Now, students in the Houston area can earn a bachelor’s degree with flexible schedule options and a more affordable tuition rate. Graduate students can enroll in career-advancing professional programs that include our popular MBA program with concentrations in management and healthcare, a Master of Science in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Sociology. Working adults can now earn a PhD without having to sacrifice their employment.

Built on OLLU’s core values of Community, Integrity, Trust and Service, the OLLU Houston Campus continues its long tradition of bringing high-quality, affordable access to the adult learners in the Houston area. These programs allow for a balance of work, family and school. And with less than 20 students per class, OLLU is proud of its more individualized learning environment.

Admissions specialists, academic advisors and financial aid counselors are available on-site to help students meet their educational goals.

New Horizons - Your Partner in Training 713-552-1414 • www.nhhouston.com

New home. New opportunities.

New Horizons is the leading IT training company, providing training in everything from desktop applications, technical and professional development. Whether you want to brush up your skills or transition to a new career, New Horizons will set you on the right course.

New Horizons of Houston | www.nhhouston.com | 713.552.1414

48

NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

– FA L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

For more than three decades, New Horizons Computer Learning Centers has been a leader in IT training. With over 100 locations worldwide, they have grown to become the largest independent training company in the industry. Their career and corporate training solutions help turn ambitious personal and business goals into results. They use varying training methods for virtually every schedule and learning style, along with vendor-approved learning tools and expert instruction. They have trained more than 30 million people to make the most of technology, and they feel like they are just getting started.

Vendor-Authorized - New Horizons offers an extensive selection of vendor-authorized training and certifications for top technology providers, such as Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA and VMWare. Being an authorized partner ensures that the students have the highest quality training materials and train on the latest products and technologies available. Courses provided fall into categories like desktop applications, technical training and professional development.

TAKE YOUR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL Earn a degree on weekends

BACHELOR’S • MASTER’S • DOCTORAL Our Lady of the Lake University gives you scheduling options and affordable tuition to complete your undergraduate or graduate degree on the weekends and reach your career goals.

Flexible Training Approach Based on Learner Needs - They understand that

ATTEND ONE OF OUR FREE INFORMATION SESSIONS

not everyone’s learning needs or preferred

Visit www.ollusa.edu/houston and click on Events

methods are the same. Therefore, their flexible training approach gives the ability to customize dedicated classes to satisfy specific needs. Learning methods include Online

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boundaries

from learning by bringing students and instructors together synchronously in a virtual real-time classroom environment.

OLLU • LSC- University Center

3232 College Drive • The Woodlands, TX 77384

936-273-7628 • www.ollusa.edu/houston

This program provides students all of the benefits of being in a dynamic interactive classroom – enabling students to study from work, home or a New Horizons center.

New Horizons offers real-time, cloud-based lab solutions as well, allowing students to access their labs anytime and anywhere.

The

state-of-the-art,

A LEADER IN HIGHER EDUCATION

fully-configured

live lab environment provides students hands-on access to the systems and applications taught in the classrooms, empowering them to learn on their own schedules.

A Leader in the Industry - New Horizons is ranked in the top 5% in the industry for training quality and customer satisfaction as reported by an independent third-party

Lone Star College is nationally recognized academic leader.

• Top 5 Associate Degree Producer in the nation • 4th in the U.S. for the number of Hispanic students earning their associate degrees • High-quality academic transfer programs • Workforce education and career training programs • Full online degrees, hybrid classes and convenient individual online courses

learning and quality assurance company,

• A prestigious Honors College which offers a wide range of opportunities for high-achieving students

Knowledge Advisors. Plus, research shows

• A fraction of the cost of a four-year university

that New Horizons training yields a 4:1 benefit-to-cost ratio, based on manager

Lone Star College is a productive community partner that is close to home, affordable, and focused on student success.

surveys regarding the improved perfor-

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10/20/17 8:51 AM

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

49

Places of

WORSHIP

Houston is home to diverse religious traditions – a reflection of the international cultural mosaic that makes up the city. The following pages list some of the houses of worship located in Northeast Houston.

APOSTOLIC

Apostolic Life Tabernacle ................ 281-852-2276 9148 Will Clayton Pkwy Humble

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

Heritage Baptist Church .................. 936-588-6964 13100 FM 149 #106, Montgomery

Dayspring Church ........................... 281-354-3558 24277 FM 1314, Porter

Humble Area’s First Baptist Church .281-446-8168 19901 Townsen Blvd. Humble

Embrace Fellowship Church ........... 281-689-8383 22825 Antique Ln. New Caney

Iglesia Cristiana la Cosecha ............. 281-540-2506 8615 Hickory Branch Ln. Humble

Gospel Assembly Church ................ 281-446-0004 548 S Houston Ave. Humble

Kingwood First Baptist Church ....... 281-358-4266 3500 Woodland Hills Dr. Kingwood

Gospel Assembly Porter .................. 281-354-1744 22080 Spears Rd. Porter

Lakeland Baptist Church.................. 281 441-9473 5801 FM 1960 Rd E, Humble

Humble First Assembly of God ....... 281-446-7215 1915 FM 1960 Bypass Rd. E

Landmark Missionary Baptist Church ................................ 281-354-3134 24149 Bowie Ln. Porter

Kingwood First Assembly of God ... 281-446-7215 1915 FM 1960 E Humble Kingwood Assembly of Christ ......... 281-359-3004 3930 Glade Valley Drive New Life Assembly of God ............. 281-689-7558 17030 Main St. Spelendora New Life Church on Northpark ....... 281-360-7766 4032 Northpark Dr. Kingwood Pinecrest Assembly of God ............. 281-354-3332 Rt 3 Sorters Rd, Porter Porter First Assembly of God .......... 281-354-3558 824 FM 1314, Porter

BAPTIST

Atascocita First Baptist Church........ 281-852-2620 5801 FM 1960 E Berean Baptist Church .................... 281-441-3292 702 Atascocita Road Bread of Life Baptist Church ........... 281-441-2506 2847 S. Houston Ave. Humble Community Baptist Church ............. 281-324-3871 20615 FM 2100, Crosby Cornerstone Baptist Church ............ 281-354-4660 23473 Sorters Road, Porter

50

Faith Family Baptist Church ............ 281-360-7576 23915 US 59 Kingwood

North Belt Baptist Church ............... 281-441-2254 7534 Old North Belt Dr. Humble Northeast Houston Baptist Church .. 281-812-8688 18000 W. Lake Houston Pkwy North Harris County Baptist Temple.281-441-3529 16622 Lee Rd Humble North Park Baptist Church .............. 281-821-2258 4401 Theiss Rd. Humble Northview Baptist Church ............... 281-446-3513 6411 FM 1960 Humble Northway Baptist Church ................ 281-713-9468 5801 FM 1960 Rd. E Humble Saint Luke Missionary Baptist Church ................................ 281-548-2001 8906 Humble Westfield Rd, Humble Second Baptist Church .................... 713-465-3408 22270 Highway 59 N Kingwood Suburban Wood Baptist Church....... 281-441-3959 6500 N Sam Houston Pkwy, Humble Woodridge Baptist Church .............. 281-361-6800 5707 Kingwood Drive

CATHOLIC

Cypress Point Baptist Church .......... 281-360-8922 21 Blue Lake Drive, Huffman

Our Lady of St. John Church .......... 713-631-0810 7500 Hirsch Rd. Houston

Deerbrook Baptist Church .............. 281-446-2790 400 E. Main Street, Humble Evergreen Missionary Baptist ......... 281-354-5055 FM 1314, Porter

Resurrection Catholic Church ......... 713-675-5333 915 Zoe St. Houston

First Baptist Church Porter ............. 281-354-3339 FM 1314, Porter

St. Martha’s Catholic Church .......... 281-358-6637 4301 Woodridge Pkwy, Porter

NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

– FA L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

Sacred Heart Catholic Church ......... 281-328-4871 915 Runneburg Rd. Crosby

St. Martin De Porres Church ........... 281-328-4451 12606 Crosby Lynchburg Rd. Crosby St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church ......................................... 281-446-8211 527 South Houston Ave, Humble St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church ........................................... 281-324-1478 2308 3rd St. Huffman

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Church of Christ at Deerbrook ........ 281-540-1205 19730 Kenswick Dr. Humble Church of Christ at Lake Houston ... 281-852-7946 8003 Farmingham Rd Humble Church of Christ in Humble ............ 281-446-2562 621 Herman St. Humble Church of Christ Kingwood ............ 281-358-3865 2901 Woodland Hills Dr.

METHODIST

Atascocita United Methodist Church ........................... 281-852-1000 19325 Pinehurst Trail Dr. Humble

The Daily Bread .............................. 832-249-0100 106 Bammel Westfield Rd. Houston

First United Methodist Church ........ 281-446-2332 800 E. Main St. Humble

Tribe of Judah Ministries ................ 281-358-7770 123 McClellan Rd. Kingwood

Friendship United Methodist Church ........................... 281-354-2326 22388 Ford Rd. Porter

Nuevo Pactos Church ...................... 281-548-2098 20200 Eastway Village Dr. Humble

Kingwood United Methodist Church ........................... 281-358-2137 1799 Woodland Hills Dr. Strawbridge United Methodist Church ........................... 281-360-4500 5629 Kingwood Dr.

MORMON

Church of Jesus Christ..................... 281-360-7875 4021 Deerbrook St.

Lake Houston Church of Christ ...... 281-852-7946 8000 Farmingham Road

Church of Jesus Christ..................... 281-361-8710 2815 W. Lake Houston Pkwy. Kingwood

Porter Church of Christ ................. 281-572-2388 18410 FM 1314 Conroe

Church of Jesus Christ..................... 281-852-8901 19618 Atasca Oaks Dr. Humble

EPISCOPAL

NAZARENE

Christ the King Episcopal Church .... 281-852-1990 19330 Pinehurst Trail Dr. Atascocita

The Church of Foundation of Truth .281-319-4008 419 Granberry St. Humble

Victory Outreach Church ............... 713-742-9000 18 Veenstra St. Houston Worldwide Prayer and Revival Center ................................ 281-548-7262 611 FM 1960 Rd E #B Humble

PENTECOSTAL

The Pentecostal Church of Atascocita .................................. 281-852-0147 3448 Atascocita Rd Humble The Church of Humble ................... 281-540-7729 8819 Will Clayton Pkwy Humble Christian Life Center ....................... 281-319-4673 6650 Rankin Rd. Humble Centro De Fe Poder Y Milagros....... 832-644-9117 200 N Houston Ave. Humble

Lake Houston Church ..................... 281-852-6273 5616 Fm 1960 E Humble

Souls Harbor Pentecostal Church..... 281-446-9595 1321 E Main St. Humble

Church of the Resurrection ............. 832-661-9693 5202 1st St. Crosby

North Belt Church of Nazareneq...... 281-441-4466 8117 E North Belt Dr. Humble

United Church of God .................... 281-446-1510 20737 Broze Rd. Humble

Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd ............................... 281-358-3154 2929 Woodland Hills Dr. Kingwood

Woodsdale Church of the Nazarene .281-442-4107 4903 Hollybrook Ln. Houston

PRESBYTERIAN

ISLAM

Ghous-e-Azam Masjid .................... 832-366-4476 5511 FM 1960 Rd. W Humble Islamic Society of Greater Houston-Northshore Masjid Isa ibn Maryam ................... 713-455-0786 13818 Brownsville St. Houston

JEHOVAH’S WITNESS

Kingdom Hall ................................. 281-324-1297 1000 Spanish Cove Dr. Crosby Kingdom Hall ................................ 281-441-7214 6223 Storey Dr. Humble Kingdom Hall ................................. 713-330-0686 12855 Halifax St. Houston

NON DENOMINATIONAL

Calvary Christian Fellowship ........... 281-354-2464 1365 Northpark Dr. Kingwood Christian Life Community Church .. 713 631-4851 8146 E. Houston Rd, Houston Community Christian Fellowship .... 281-358-0160 1711 Hamblen Rd. Kingwood Crossroads Fellowship ..................... 713-455-1661 12110 E Sam Houston Pkwy N www.cfhouston.com Elijah Fire Church .......................... 832-598-8747 200 N Houston Ave. #2 Humble Evangelical Christian Ministries....... 281-312-3262 1502 1st St. Suite E. Humble

Kingdom Hall ................................. 281-399-7137 23325 Roberts Rd. New Caney

Family Christian Academy............... 713 455-4483 14718 Woodford Dr. Houston

Kingdom Hall ................................. 281-354-2945 23788 FM 1314 Porter

Grace Family Church ...................... 832-476-3184 7126 Spring Cypress Rd. Spring

JEWISH

In Christ Ministries International .... 281 446-3808 1702 1stSt. E. Humble

Gethsemani Temple Northshore....... 713-674-2872 10237 Market Street Rd. Houston Shalom Hebraic Christian Congregation .................................. 281-348-7807 804 Russell Palmer Rd. Kingwood Temple Beth Torah .......................... 281-446-5611 320 Shallow Dr. Humble

Lord’s Glory Church ....................... 281-446-0091 461 Artesian Plaza Dr. Humble Maximized Life Christian Center International ................................... 281-457-5683 1100 Dell Dale St. Channelview

Atascocita Presbyterian Church........ 281-852-8990 19426 Atasca Oaks Dr. Humble First Presbyterian Church of Kingwood .................................. 281-360-5555 5520 Kingwood Dr. Humble Soldiers of the Cross – Christ .......... 281-359-0009 201 McClellan Rd. Kingwood

OTHERS

Atascocita Community Church........ 281-852-2900 17271 W. Lake Houston Pkwy. Humble Chapel in the Forest ........................ 281-360-5433 4032 Northpark Dr. Kingwood Christian Tabernacle ...................... 713-453-7000 12222 Kings Garden Ct. Houston Companions of the Lamb ................ 281-852-4743 7802 Hurst Forest Drive Discovery Church .......................... 281-652-6039 5750 FM 1960 E Humble Forestwood Bible Church ............... 281-358-6161 21857 US 59, Kingwood Gospel Assembly Church ................ 281 446-0004 538 S. Houston Ave. Humble Grace Church ................................. 281-441-1111 7224 N Sam Houston Pkwy. Humble Grace Fellowship Bible Church........ 281-852-5298 19400 Nehoc Ln. Humble

New Covenant Church of Humble .. 281-312-0139 901 Wilson Rd. Humble

Kingwood Bible Church .................. 281-360-5231 3610 W Lake Houston Pkwy. Humble

Atascocita Lutheran Church............. 281 852-7333 7927 FM 1960 Rd. E, Humble

Restoration House Church .............. 281-843-4000 1609 Jones Rd, Highlands

Kingwood Christian Church ............ 281-360-7910 3910 Lake Houston Pkwy. Humble

Christ the King Lutheran Church .... 281-360-7936 3803 W. Lake Houston Pkwy Kingwood

River Crest Church ........................ 281- 446-8591 40 Wilson Rd, Humble

Maranatha Temple ......................... 281-354-3558 824 FM 1314 Porter

Holy Comforter Lutheran Church ... 281-358-6500 1901 Woodland Hills Dr. Kingwood

River of God Church ...................... 281 358-7770 123 McClellan Rd. Humble

North Forest Christian Fellowship ... 281-359-1490 3946 Glade Valley Dr. Kingwood

Lamb of God Lutheran Church ....... 281-446-8427 1400 E. FM 1960 Bypass Humble

Rock of Ages Church ..................... 281-462-0531 12217 Holly Rd. Crosby

The Church of Humble.................... 281-540-7729 8819 Will Clayton Pkwy. Humble

LUTHERAN

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

51

HEALTHCARE

The cutting-edge healthcare facilities, physicians and medical services available in Northeast Houston have grown over the years to meet the healthcare needs of the communities they serve. Patients now have the opportunity to heal closer to home, work and family.

52

NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

– FA L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

Comprehensive orthopedic care is within reach.

At Memorial Hermann, we are leading the way in orthopedics. From evaluation to orthopedic surgery to post-injury rehab, our comprehensive treatment approach puts patients first. The fact is, if you want expertise in orthopedics – you want the experts at Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital.

Learn more at memorialhermann.org

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HEALTHCARE RESOURCES

Photo courtesy of Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital

Photo courtesy of Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center Summer Creek

Medical services have kept pace with northeast Houston’s growing population, and residents find family doctors, specialists, emergency clinics and several large, award-winning hospitals close to home. Since many facilities are new, they offer the latest in advanced cardiac care, cancer research and healing, trauma care, sports medicine and treatment in many other areas. Neighborhood emergency centers and clinics provide prompt care, treating injuries, illnesses and giving evaluations and physicals, often with extended hours and minimal wait times.

For more extensive medical treatment, the world-renowned Texas Medical Center is only an hour’s drive away.

Specialty care centers that handle substance abuse, smoking cessation, weight loss and eating disorders are also located nearby. In addition, wellness centers situated in hospitals or affiliated with a physician’s practice support patients in weight or stress reduction, physiotherapy, mental health and lifestyle practices for general wellbeing.

PHYSICIAN REFERRAL Asking friends and neighbors for recommendations is a good way to find doctors and other health professionals, but sometimes you need help more quickly. Physician referral services are available throughout the greater Houston area and work with new families to match their specific needs and location with doctors and services in the

54

area. After answering questions about the type of care you require, your location and your availability, several recommendations will be provided. There is no charge for this confidential service.

AREA HOSPITALS Memorial Hermann 713-222-2273; www.memorialhermann.org Advancing Health in Houston - Advancing Health in Houston - Memorial Hermann has created Houston’s largest, full-service, integrated health system focused on advancing the health of the community.

For the system’s 5,500 affiliated physicians and 25,000 employees, it means exercising uncompromising commitment to deliver the best health care possible by harnessing leading-edge technology and using the safest methods. For patients, it means having the best tools to prevent health problems as well as the best chance to regain their health following an illness or injury. It’s no wonder Memorial Hermann is the only Houston health system to receive both the National Quality Forum’s National Quality Health­ care Award in 2009 and the 2012 John M. Eisenberg Award for Patient Safety and Quality from The Joint Commission and the National Quality Forum, the nation’s guard­ ians of health and safety.

One of the largest not-for-profit health systems in the nation, Memorial Hermann is an integrated system with an exceptional

NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

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medical staff and more than 25,000 employees, serving Southeast Texas and the Greater Houston community with more than 275 care delivery sites. The system owns and operates 15 hospitals and has joint ventures with four other hospital facilities.

The Memorial Hermann network includes the country’s busiest Level I trauma center, an academic medical center affiliated with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth and numerous specialty programs and services.

The system also operates three Heart & Vascular Institute locations; the Memorial Hermann Mischer Neuroscience Institute at the Texas Medical Center; the IRONMAN Sports Medicine Institute at four locations; eight Memorial Hermann Joint Centers offering advanced treatment options for joint pain; Women’s Memorial Hermann; Memorial Hermann Life Flight® – the largest and busiest air ambulance service in the United States; the Prevention and Recovery Center for chemical dependency treatment; and a comprehensive array of home health services, rehabilitation centers, outpatient imaging and laboratory services.

The system’s ambulatory care network also includes Memorial Hermann Urgent Care and Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Centers. Using its resources to advance the health of the community, Memorial Hermann contributes in excess of $451 million annually in uncompensated care and community benefit programs, including an award-winning network of public schoolbased health centers.

Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital is the premier healthcare provider for the Lake Houston area and surrounding communities. The primary hospital for passengers at Bush Intercontinental Airport, Memorial Hermann Northeast provides a full array of high-quality services, patient-centered care and leading-edge technology. The hospital’s highly trained and experienced staff and affiliated doctors span a diverse range of medical specialties and disciplines to offer area residents exceptional care close to home, including interventional cardiology, wound care, spine surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, robotic surgery and women’s services. A collaboration with UT Physicians brings additional specialized expertise to the campus in cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, orthopedics and oncology. The hospital offers Houston’s longest-accredited Cancer Center outside the Texas Medical Center.

The Imaging Center features top-of-the-line imaging technologies including tomosynthesis (3D mammography). In order to better meet the needs of lower-acuity patients, Memorial Hermann Northeast opened a $2.93 million Clinical Decision Unit where patients can receive dedicated monitoring following a procedure or Emergency Center visit. The hospital recently broke ground on a new 123,000-square foot patient tower with 90 updated patient rooms and dining services that will provide an enhanced experience for patients, visitors, and staff. The hospital is a strong supporter of the community and serves as the official healthcare provider for three area school district athletic programs.

Affiliated with Memorial Hermann Northeast, the Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center - Summer Creek, located at Beltway 8 and W. Lake Houston Parkway, provides highly coordinated access to adult and pediatric primary care, specialty services, outpatient imaging and lab services, sports medicine and rehabilitation, women’s services and 24-hour emergency care - all under one roof. Same-day appointment availability and extended evening and weekend hours make it even more convenient for area residents to get the high-quality care they need close to home.

A second Lake Houston area Convenient Care Center will open in Kingwood in 2018.

Medial Tips for Moving 1 2 3

4

If you have a special healthcare need or requirement, refer to and call the healthcare advertisers in this publication to get information.

Call the offices of all your current physicians/dentists and tell them that you are moving. Ask for referrals they might be willing to make.

If you have already selected physicians/dentists, ask your current physician to forward copies of the records of each of your family members to your new doctor.

If you have not yet selected physicians/dentists, ask your current physician/dentist to make copies of pertinent records of all your family members for you to take with you. Pack these records in your suitcase, not in the moving van, so they will be readily available in case of an emergency.

5

It is extremely important that you get the immunization records for your children before you move. You cannot enroll your children in local schools without these records. You will also need certified copies of your children’s birth certificates as well as the addresses of your children’s former schools.

6 7

8

I f you are a member of a healthcare HMO/PPO plan, or have a prescription drug card, be sure to notify the company of your moving plans. The insurance company should be able to provide you with a list of physicians/ healthcare facilities in the area.

Pack an emergency first aid kit to take en route to your new home.

Items such as bandages, thermometer, pain killers or aspirin, antihistamine, first-aid ointment, tweezers and decongestant can come in handy.

Don’t forget your pets. Contact your veterinarian for copies of their records. Ask for referrals they might be willing to make.

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HEALTHCARE RESOURCES

Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital 281-428-2273 • www.Houstonmethodist.org Since opening its doors in April 1948, Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital has continued to meet the needs of the community and region with cutting-edge medical services and technology.

In 2016, the hospital joined a prestigious list of just seven percent of U.S. hospitals to be granted Magnet recognition for nursing excellence by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The hospital offers a full spectrum of services, such as inpatient hospitalization, day surgery/ambulatory surgery, a diabetes self-management program, imaging, rehabilitation and stroke care, urology, gastroenterology, sleep studies, endoscopy, orthopedics, wound care and hyperbaric medicine, weight loss surgery, and comprehensive pulmonology care.

The Cancer Center, a Commission on Cancer-approved center, features highly trained physicians who provide services in oncology, hematology (leukemia), radiation oncology, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology using the latest technologies, such as image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The Lung Cancer Screening Program provides diagnosis of the disease at an early stage when it is easier to treat and possibly cure.

The Cardiovascular Center offers a wide range of tools—from radial catheterization to open heart surgery—to diagnose and treat heart disease.

Providing mother and child with optimal care is the focus of the Child Birth Center, which promotes a family centered approach that keeps loved ones together throughout the expectant mother’s hospital stay. In partnership with Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital offers a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which provides specialized care for infants born prematurely or with complications.

The Breast Care Center provides total breast health care, including 3D mammography.

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The American College of Radiology (ACR) designated the center as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. For more information, call the physician referral line at 281.428.2273, or visit Houstonmethodist.org.

Kingwood Medical Center www.kingwoodmedical.com Kingwood Medical Center, an HCA affiliated hospital, has provided the community with high quality, cost-effective healthcare for more 25 years. Conveniently located at the intersection of Highway 59 and Kingwood Drive, Kingwood Medical Center (KMC) is the premier healthcare provider for the Northeast Houston area, including North Harris, East Montgomery and Liberty counties. At KMC, they believe in “Patients First” and their commitment to providing patients with quality healthcare close to home has never been stronger.

Kingwood Medical Center is a full-service 373-bed acute care hospital, with more than 450 physicians, 1,500-plus healthcare professionals, and is home to award-winning programs that improve the care and quality of life for patients and families.

The Brain & Spine Center is accredited by DNV as a Comprehensive Stroke Center and is the recipient of the American Stroke Association’s Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award. KMC is a leader in northeast Houston treating patients suffering from stroke, aneurysm and spinal injuries. Stroke is a major cause of death and disability, and patient outcomes depend on how quickly blood flow is restored to the brain. Treatment options for stroke include thrombolytic medications that aim to dissolve the clot, and interventional endovascular procedures (similar to a cardiac catheterization) to remove it. Successful stroke care requires early recognition, transporting the patient to a designated comprehensive stroke center, and early activation of a stroke team at the hospital. Time loss is brain loss.

The Cardiovascular Center and interventional cardiology program was the first in northeast Houston to offer an open-heart surgery and electrophysiology program.

NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

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The comprehensive program is an Accredited Chest Pain Center and is comprised of vascular and cardiovascular surgery, pulmonary diagnostics and stress testing.

The Women & Children’s Center offers comprehensive services from prenatal care through labor and delivery to postpartum care. Along with a Well-Baby Nursery, KMC has Level II and Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Units on-site for the tiniest patients. For moms requiring a higher level of care, they have a high-risk antepartum unit, designed for moms with “special” needs, both short and long term. Maternal fetal medicine specialists are available for high-risk moms to ensure the highest quality of care.

The Obstetrical Emergency Department, located at the Women & Children’s Center at KMC houses an OB/GYN in-hospital 24/7. This physician evaluates women with obstetric and gynecologic issues, consults with the patient’s primary physician or OB/ GYN, and is ready for any OB emergency that might arise.

The Pediatric Emergency Department at Kingwood Medical Center is the only pediatric emergency center in northeast Houston. Board certified physicians; along with a specialized nursing staff, and a child friendly center are waiting for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

One in eight American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

Early detection is often the best defense against this disease. That is why The Breast Center at Kingwood Medical Center recently expanded and renovated.

This comprehensive breast center provides patients with advanced technology and expertise in breast imaging; including full field digital breast imaging, 3-D or tomosynthesis, bone density and ultrasound.

When needed ultrasound and stereotactic breast biopsies and genetic testing and counseling are available at the breast center.

In addition to the OB and Pediatric Emergency Departments, Kingwood Medical Center offers a full-service Emergency

Department. With a medical emergency, minutes can make a difference – especially for victims of heart attack or stroke. Getting to the nearest emergency room quickly is vital. That is why KMC’s ERs are proud to provide high-quality emergency care close to home, right in your neighborhood.

This facility provides the closest full-service care in northeast Houston. Last year, they provided care to 70,000 children and adult patients and is open 24/7, 365 days a year to provide immediate care. If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1. Do NOT try to drive yourself to the hospital.

work in collaboration with each other to

Kingwood Medical Center 24-Hour Emergency Department at Fall Creek offers full-service emergency care for everything from chest pains to broken bones, back injury to minor burns and more. When there’s an emergency, every second counts, which is why KMC expanded its ER care into the communities they serve. This center brings state-of-the art ER services right in to neighborhood.

UT Physicians is proud to announce the

The Inpatient Rehabilitation Center at Kingwood Medical Center is a 27-bed unit, which provides a full range of therapies for patients who have suffered a stroke, injury, or who are recuperating from surgery. Since the Rehabilitation Program is located within the hospital, patients have 24/7 access to all hospital services, including nursing and physician care, telemetry, respiratory support, imaging, laboratory, dialysis, pharmacy, and nutrition. These professionals

UT Physicians will offer ongoing, FREE

provide high quality, individualized care in a structured, supportive environment.

Kingwood Medical Center has an Accredited Sleep Disorder Center of Excellence, an Accredited Diabetes Center and offers a myriad of services to patients providing quality care, close to home. For more information, visit KingwoodMedical.com.

UT Physicians 713- 486-DARE (3273) www.UTPhyscians.com

opening of the new Dare to CARE program at the Bayshore Multispecialty Clinic, located at: 11476 Space Center Blvd., Suite 100, Houston, TX 77059.

Dare to CARE is a national vascular screening and disease management program designed to identify people at risk for vascular disease. Through the program, vascular disease screenings for local residents. FREE screening appointments are available if you are: • Over 40 with diabetes • Over

50

with

health

risk

factors

including: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, family history of vascular disease, or are a smoker.

• Over 60

To schedule your FREE appointment, call (713) 486-DARE (3273) or visit www.UTPhyscians.com for more information.

During the 20-minute appointment participants will receive non-invasive tests for Carotid Artery Disease, Abdominal Aneurysm Disease and Peripheral Vascular Disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. More than half of all Americans will die from complications of atherosclerosis, the root cause of cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately heart and vascular disease does not always have symptoms, and therefore many people are not aware they have a problem until it is too late.

If caught early, heart and vascular disease can be treated to prevent serious problems, such as heart attack, stroke, amputations, or even death. Results will be reviewed by one of UT Physicians Board Certified Vascular specialists and will be shared with the patient’s Primary Care Doctor for any follow up conversations and treatment plan decisions.

The best and most common ways to manage your vascular wellness include common lifestyle adjustments, such as avoiding smoking, dietary management, and exercising regularly. Take charge of your heart and vascular health. Call to schedule your free Dare to CARE vascular screening appointment.

Early treatment and prevention are key to living a healthier and enjoyable life! 

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in this section local chambers of commerce economic development houston by the numbers major employers

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NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

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BUSINESS & COMMUNITY

Northeast Houston is a significant part of the dynamic business environment and has seen tremendous growth in corporate relocations, business development and new residents in recent years. As the population in the area grows, demand has been created for more offices, hotels, restaurants, shops and mixed-use developments.

NORTHEAST HOUSTON IS WORKING

Many of them will settle in Northeast

Houston and minutes from Bush Intercon-

Houston, which has seen tremendous growth

tinental Airport and the Port of Houston,

creates

in corporate relocations, business development

making it an ideal place to conduct busi-

opportunities. According to the Greater

Houston’s

diversified

economy

and job growth in recent years. The region is

ness locally and around the globe. Over

Houston

close to key employers such as Bush Inter-

4,000 companies call North Houston

added 14,800 jobs last year and that

continental Airport, and FMC Technologies

home, including industry leaders like

trend is expected to continue. More than

at the Generation Park campus, the Exxon-

Halliburton Co., Baker Hughes, Honey-

8,000 freighters and tankers will dock at

Mobil Corp. campus, the Port of Houston, as

well, and Amazon. In 2015, the Houston

the Port of Houston in 2017. The Texas

well as many companies and facilities in the

Business Journal valued the area at $2.14

Medical Center will handle another

petrochemical industry, and warehouses and

billion, and counted 72,723 employees.

8 million patient visits. Area refiners

distribution centers for the likes of Amazon,

will continue to supply one-fourth of

GE Oil and Gas, and Koch Industries. Lake

Houston

Partnership,

Metro

the nation’s gasoline, diesel and jet fuel needs. More than 230,000 Houstonians will hold jobs in manufacturing. More than 5,700 Houston firms will engage in international business. From energy to health care, nanotechnology, aerospace and information technology, the Houston region will offer a strong infrastructure to support these growing industries, plus a highly trained and skilled workforce. And

Houston, the city’s main source of water, has a significant effect on the local economy through vendors, service companies and

Truly the downtown of Houston’s north side, North Houston is a thriving business center and offers a variety of retail, residential, dining and recreation options.

Each of these areas has unique needs

tourism. It’s no wonder that the area’s

and the District serves as an advocate on

housing starts are up significantly, too.

behalf of the area.

AREA ASSOCIATIONS

The Grand Parkway Association

North Houston District

www.grandpky.com

www.northhouston.org The Grand Parkway is a 180-mile loop

residents will continue to arrive from other

The North Houston District is a dynamic

around metropolitan Houston.

states and other countries.

community 15 miles north of downtown

the highway was completed from U.S. 59

In 2016,

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BUSINESS & COMMUNITY

HOUSTON by the NUMBERS Want to know how living in the Houston area compares to other cities?

Assuming a $60,000 salary in the city you’re moving from and that you’d own a house here, we used a salary/cost of living calculator to help figure out the rest. If you made $60,000 in Seattle, for example, your salary could decrease to $41,995 in Houston - and you’d still maintain the same standard of living. See the table below for the results from a sampling of other cities.

MOVING FROM HERE

YOU’D NEED TO MAKE

MOVING FROM HERE

YOU’D NEED TO MAKE

South in Fort Bend County, all the way to U.S. 59 North in Northeast Houston. Many portions of the Grand Parkway are now tolled. Work will continue until the Grand Parkway is completed as Houston’s third highway ring.

The North Houston Association www.north-houston.com The North Houston Association advocates and supports projects and initiatives which advance the business environment and improve the quality of life in North Harris and Montgomery counties. The non-profit organization works with its

Phoenix 61,439

Baton Rouge

63,766

members to consider issues of mobility,

Detroit 61,826

New York City

25,910

education, workforce training, the envi-

Austin 61,375

Los Angeles

41,996

San Francisco

Chicago 50,705

economic development of the business

Boston 40,832

Las Vegas

54,455

climate and community of the area.

Denver 53,759

Portland

45,498

For 35 years, the mission of the North

Miami 52,467

St. Louis

63,697

Houston Association has been to build

Pittsburgh 59,757

Raleigh 65,105

strong alliances with partners that share

Dallas 61,311

Cincinnati

Seattle 41,995

Charleston 58,336

grassroots support for the Hardy Toll

Philadelphia 49,305

Knoxville

Road, advocating for the Grand Parkway,

Atlanta 58,979

Madison 56,382

33,401

64,818

68,194

ronment, and quality of life, all of which have a profound and lasting effect on the

common goals and together they have been able to achieve milestones such as building

establishing the Greens Bayou Corridor Coalition, developing the Aerial Land Use

Salt Lake City

61,120

Map, creating a Strategic Mobility Plan

Virginia Beach

59,817

and many other initiatives..

AREA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE Crosby-Huffman Chamber of Commerce www. crosbyhuffmancc.org The

Crosby/Huffman

Chamber

of

Commerce is a volunteer-run resource that seeks to advance civic, commercial, industrial and agricultural interests and promote the general welfare and prosperity of the community. It is an organization that is working to preserve the eastern lake Houston Sources:ACCRA

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area’s proud past, while providing for its citizen’s future.

Greater East Montgomery County Chamber www.gemcchamber.com The Greater East Montgomery County Chamber works to provide local business owners with assistance with the growth of their businesses. Serving the communities of Kingwood, Porter, New Caney, Splendora, Roman Forest, Patton Village, Woodbranch and Grangerland, the chamber has many

of the area. It provides a strong connection to the local customer base, promotes local business and gives a voice to area businesses in political activities and conversations. Through its Information Center, the Chamber publicizes events and organizes special projects. It offers members many advantages and opportunities to get involved and meet people.

networking activities and annual events

The Lake Houston Area Chamber

where members can connect with other

of Commerce

businesses and potential new customers.

www.lakehouston.org

With

the

East

Montgomery

MAJOR NORTHEAST AREA EMPLOYERS

County

The Lake Houston Area Chamber of

Improvement District and the Small Busi-

Commerce is the organized voice for the

ness Development Center of the Lone

quality of life and business in Atascocita,

Star College System, the Chamber and its

Humble, Kingwood and Summer Creek.

members have been striving since 1990

With

to promote the economic well-being and

networking opportunities, as well as a multi-

Insperity

quality of life of its businesses and residents.

tude of services, the Chamber gears all efforts

Kingwood Medical Center

Houston International Chamber of Commerce www.houstonicc.org The Houston International Chamber of Commerce helps newcomers grow their businesses. For 30 years, the organization has motivated, organized and directed efforts in the business community and helped many businesses from small entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 companies with thousands of employees. The membership includes several foreign consulates and people from many countries, such as Mexico, Canada, China, Japan, and United Kingdom, to name a few.

In addition, HICC has offices in Mexico City, Malta, Panama City, Dubai, Rio and Beijing.

Kingwood Chamber of Commerce www.kwchamber.org

various

programs,

events

and

toward developing a healthy economic climate for citizens and the businesses that

George Bush Intercontinental Airport Humble Independent School District

Memorial Hermann Hospital Northeast

operate in the area.

FMC Technologies

With its members, the Chamber is focused

Alorica Customer and Financial Care Services Center

on job creation, transportation, community development and quality of life and is dili-

Kroger

gently working to preserve the Lake Houston

Panalpina

area as a great place to work, live, play and succeed.

North Channel Area Chamber

CDI Energy Products Lawler Foods

of Commerce

Dangerous Goods Management

www.northchannelarea.com

Union Tank Car Co.

This active Chamber of Commerce is all

Weatherford

about making the North Channel Area a

Empire Steel

better place to live and work. Representing almost 800 businesses, the chamber publishes

Expeditors International

a monthly newsletter that spotlights local

Aspen Manufacturing

businesses; it has many networking events,

Jetco Delivery

sponsorship opportunities, and ways to get

Texas Steel Conversion

The Kingwood Chamber of Commerce

involved. The Chamber also provides refer-

works to encourage healthy commercial

rals and cost-effective advertising to member

Forged Components

activity in the Kingwood area, seeking to

businesses.

Tenaris Coiled Tubes

nity, while encouraging residents to “shop at

A non-profit, non-government entity, the

Faith Manufacturing

home before they roam.”

North Channel Area Chamber of Commerce

Orion Engineered Carbons

be the front door to the beautiful commu-

operates on membership dues and funds The Chamber serves to enhance business

raised by business-related programs and

success and ensure the economic future

special events. 

Chevron Phillips Humble Surgical Hospital HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

61

in this section arts and culture sports & golf attractions & family fun parks & recreation calendar of events

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LEISURE &

RECREATION With natural beauty, temperate climate, diverse cultures and lots of fun folks, Houston offers plenty of amusing entertainment.

In Northeast Houston, you’re only minutes away from a world-class arts and cultural scene. Houston’s live theatre, music, and opera are highly regarded; and the fine arts, both classic and contemporary, are on display for all to enjoy at galleries and museums in the Museum District. There are sporting events all year, and the city’s parks welcome picnickers, hikers, bicyclists, boaters and pets. But there are creative enjoyments to be found in Northeast Houston, too.

Houston also hosts many annual events including the world’s largest rodeo and art car parade. The city’s diverse personality shines through with buoyant annual events such as the Chinese New Year, Cinco de Mayo, Juneteenth and GLBT Pride Celebration. It’s often said that Houston doesn’t cherish its history, but that’s not the case with traditions like the 80-year-old Azalea Trail and numerous historic home tours.

One of the best websites for finding out about special events in Houston is www.

visithouston.com, the official site of the

even develop their own talents and career

Greater Houston Convention and Visitors

potential.

Bureau.

NECAC’s major project, the Summer The website includes a visitor’s guide, inter-

Arts Enrichment Program, seeks to create

active maps, coupons and discounts, and

cultural awareness and appreciation for the

itinerary ideas. One of its most popular

classical arts, nurture participants’ artistic

features is the Houston CityPass, which

talents, expose students to a variety of exhi-

allows holders to skip lines and get in to 5 of

bitions, events and museums, provide a

Houston’s must-see attractions at a discount.

diversified choice for career considerations

These include Space Center Houston, the

and enhance the self-esteem and confidence

Houston Zoo, the Houston Museum of

of the young participants.

Natural Science and others.

See how NECAC is transforming lives

THE NORTHEAST CULTURAL ARTS COUNCIL The

Northeast

Cultural

Arts

through

the

arts

at

www.summer-

arts-houston.org.

Council

organization that works to provide children

THE ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

with exposure to the arts and humanities

The arts reach deep into the fabric of life in

in a safe, creative learning environment.

Northeast Houston. From dramatic work-

The people at NECAC believe that when

shops and partnerships between schools

people are given the opportunity to develop

and arts organizations, to support for at-risk

creative interests at a young age, they will

youths by giving incentives to attend concerts,

be more likely to finish school and maybe

the arts touch lives in many ways. 

(NECAC) is a community based, non-profit

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

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ARTS &e

r u t l cu The theater district is an impressive cultural and entertainment center; features nine world renowned performing arts organizations, and many smaller ones, in four venues – Jones Hall, Wortham Theater Center, Alley Theatre and Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.

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THE AT E R D IS TR IC T Alley Theatre 615 Texas Ave., Houston, 77002 www.alleytheatre.org

Houston Grand Opera 510 Preston St., Houston, 77002 www.houstongrandopera.org

One of America’s leading not-for-profit theatres calls the Houston Theater District Home – The Alley Theatre. The Alley Theatre is nationally recognized for their performing arts company lead by Artistic Director Gregory Boyd and Managing Director Dean R. Gladden. Specializing in productions of the classics, modern plays and premieres, The Alley Theatre produces more performances than all other performing arts organizations in the Houston Theater District.

Adding to Houston’s rich cultural environment, Houston Grand Opera entertains with their innovative programs, community events and educational projects. Houston Grand Opera has a solid reputation for commissioning and producing new works, including 56 world premieres and seven American premieres since 1973. Stop in and visit and see why Houston Grand Opera has toured extensively, including trips to Europe and Asia, and is the only opera company to have won a Tony, two Grammy awards, and two Emmy awards.

Stages Theatre is one of only two theatres

Houston Symphony 615 Louisiana, St., Ste. 102, Houston, 77002 www.houstonsymphony.org

The Society for the Performing Arts is the

Bayou Place 500 Texas Ave., Houston, 77002 www.bayouplace.com Bayou Place is Houston’s premier destination for great food and good times. Popular venues such as the Revention Music Center and Sundance Cinemas are located here as well as many dining options – most popular is Houston’s own Hard Rock Café. This mosaic of entertainment options makes Bayou Place a prime spot for the Houston Theater District.

Stages Repertory Theatre

The Houston Symphony’s mission is to “inspire and engage a large diverse audience in Greater Houston and beyond through exceptional orchestral and non-orchestral performances, educational programs and community activities.” By 2025, the Houston Symphony aims to be one of America’s most relevant and accessible top-ten orchestras.

Hobby Center for the Performing Arts 800 Bagby St., Ste. 300 Houston, 77002 www.thehobbycenter.org

Jones Hall 615 Louisiana St., Houston, 77002 www.houstonfirsttheaters.com

The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts brings first-class entertainment and cultural enjoyment to Houstonians by way of the generosity of their donors. This arts complex is home to the Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS), and the Houston Broadway Series.

Jones Hall is a monument to the memory of Jesse Holman Jones, an eminent figure in Houston during the first half of the 20th Century. Today, Jones Hall is home to the Houston Symphony and the Society for the Performing Arts. More than 400,000 visitors attend some 250 events annually.

Houston Ballet 501 Texas Ave., Houston, 77002 www.houstonballet.org The Houston Ballet is a classically trained company with diverse repertory whose range includes the classics are well as contemporary works. This company attracts the world’s best dancers and choreographers.

The Houston Ballet also has a world class Academy whose instruction levels vary from professional dancer to non-professional dancers.

Main Street Theater 2450 Times Square Blvd., Houston 77005 333 S. Jensen, Houston, 77003 www.mainstreettheater.com Main Street Theater was founded in 1975 and has been opening doors for locals of all ages to engage in the performing arts. They offer classes for children and adults and hold performances by both local authors and established writers.

3021 Allen Pkwy. Ste. 101, Houston, 77019 www.stagestheatre.com

in the region that offers year-round employment for actors, directors and additional staff. Stages contributes much to the Houston community, including the availability of thrilling live performances. The Theatre produces daring and innovative plays focusing on new off-Broadway hits and world premieres.

Society for FINE the Performing Arts 615 Louisiana St., Ste. 100, Houston, 77002 www.spahouston.org

largest nonprofit presenting organization of its kind in the entire Southwest region. SPA is renowned for delivering to Houston internationally acclaimed artists from the entire performing arts spectrum, and has been doing so for over 50 years.

Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) 800 Bagby, Ste. 200, Houston, TX 77002 www.tuts.com A non-profit based in Houston, Texas, Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) offers a world –class musical theatre experience that ranges from full-scale Broadway productions to educational initiatives that extend beyond the stage and into the community. TUTS is equipped for actors and aficionados of all ages and abilities.

Wortham Theater Center 501 Texas Ave., Houston, 77002 www.houstonfirsttheaters.com Houston’s largest performing arts complex, is home to the Houston Ballet and Houston Grand Opera and is partnered with Da Camera of Houston and Mercury the Orchestra Redefined. The Wortham Center features two theaters, the Alice and George Brown Theater and the Lillie and Roy Cullen Theater. Since its opening in 1987, Wortham has entertained more than 8 million people.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

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L E I S U R E & R E C R E AT I O N

MUS E U M D IS TR IC T Buffalo Soldiers from the Revolutionary War to the present. Here, you can find workshops, youth outreach programs and exhibits about the history of the Buffalo Soldiers and their service.

Blaffer Art Museum University of Houston - 120 Fine Arts Bldg. Houston, 77204 www.blafferartmuseum.org Blaffer Art Museum helps the community

Center and a fascinating variety of permanent exhibit areas that examine astronomy,

minerals, Texas wildlife and more. www. hmns.org

Mexican village, puppet show and an

Otherwise known as the “Garage Mahal”, The Art Car Museum is dedicated to contemporary art. It is an exhibition forum for local, national and international arts with an emphasis on art cars, other fine arts and artists that rarely, if ever, are acknowledged by other cultural institutions. Most popular to Houstonians is the annual Art Car Parade.

GIANT Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly

paleontology, energy, chemistry, gems and

A duck pond, playhouse, grocery store,

The Art Car Museum 140 Heights Blvd., Houston, 77007 www.artcarmuseum.com

the Burke Baker Planetarium, Wortham

space science, Native American culture,

Children’s Museum of Houston 1500 Binz St., Houston, TX 77004 www.cmhouston.org

Photo courtesy of The Art Car Museum

science and related subjects. It houses

infant play area are all under one roof. The fun-filled hands on experience at the Chil-

Holocaust Museum Houston 5401 Caroline St., Houston, 77004 www.hmh.org

dren’s Museum of Houston will not leave

The

anyone bored. For nearly 30 years, the place

dedicated to educating people about the

for families to play, laugh, learn and grow.

Holocaust, remembering the 6 million Jews

Contemporary

Arts

Museum

Museum

Houston

is

and other innocent victims and honoring the

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston 5216 Montrose Blvd., Houston, 77006 www.camh.org The

Holocaust

survivors’ legacy. The Holocaust Museum Houston has a permanent exhibition called “Bearing Witness: A Community Rememof

Houston is an institution dedicated to presenting the best and most exciting international, national and regional art. Patrons of every age will appreciate the collections of work and dynamic exhibitions on display.

CAMH also offers special programs and educational opportunities. Admission is Free.

The Health Museum 1515 Hermann Dr., Houston, 77004 www.thehealthmuseum.org

bers,” as well as other pieces of history.

The Menil Collection 1533 Sul Ross St., Houston, TX 77006 www.menil.org The Menil Collection is an art museum that houses both permanent collection and welcomes special exhibitions. Making art accessible to all is vital to their mission, so no admission fee is charged and all public programs are free. They hope to educate and inspire by being readily accessible to future generations.

to engage in contemporary art through

The Health Museum is Houston’s most

exhibitions, publications and public

interactive science learning center and a

programs. This art museum is free, and

member institution of the world-renowned

open to the public in an effort to promote

Texas Medical Center. The Health Museum

participation in the arts. Blaffer Art

is the most visited health museum of its kind

Museum is also the gateway between the

in the country.

University of Houston and the City of

DeBakey Cell Lab, Amazing Body Pavilion

Houston.

and the McGovern 4D Theater.

Buffalo Soldiers National Museum 3816 Caroline St., Houston, TX 77004 www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com

The Houston Museum of Natural Science 5555 Hermann Park Dr., Houston, 77030 www.hmns.org

The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum (BSNM) is proud to educate the public and preserve and promote the history, tradition and outstanding contributions of America’s

As one of the most heavily attended

too far away. From 2015 to 2019 the campus

museums in the United States, the Houston

of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) seeks

will transform into a magnificent two new

to enhance knowledge and delight in natural

buildings.

66

Popular exhibits include:

The Museum of Arts, Houston (MFAH) 1001 Bissonnet, Houston, 77005 www.mfah.org The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents its exceptional exhibitions and installations to Houston residents and visitors alike. The Museum has numerous collections that fill the galleries year-round embracing every era of history from across the globe. Make time to visit the Bayou Bend Collection not

NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

– FA L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

Game Seven of 2017 World Series / Houston Astros v Los Angeles Dodgers Photo by Christian Petersen / Getty Images

SPORTS

Harris County offers a wide variety of sports and recreational activities to please everyone: couch potatoes, weekend warriors, full-on athletes and die-hard fans love the sports scenes. With year-round mild temperatures, getting up and getting out has become a way of life.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

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HOUSTON SHINES FOR SUPER BOWL LI The biggest volunteer program in Super Bowl history took place in Houston in 2017. Where 10,000 volunteers assisted over a million visitors to the city for Super Bowl LI. To host downtown festivities in true Texas style, Avenida de las Americas, which runs in front of the George R. Brown Convention Center, was transformed into a walkable plaza and chic culinary district across the street for Houston’s central park, Discovery Green.

GOLF COURSES (PUBLIC)

Village Golf Club

281-458-1350

Wedgewood Golf Club

Indian Shores Golf Course

936-441-4653 wedgewoodgolfclub.com / Conroe

Brock Park Golf Course

281-324-2592 www.indianshoresgolf.com

936-228-0161 thevillagegc.com / Conroe

Kingwood Cove Golf Club 281-358-1155 kingwoodcove.com / Kingwood

Links at West Fork 936-760-1776 westforkgolf.com / Conroe

Newport Golf Club 281-328-3576 newport-tx.com / Crosby

Oakhurst Golf Club 281-354-4653 oakhurstgolfclub.com / Porter

Red Wolf Run Golf Club 281-324-1841 www.redwolfgolf.com

River Terrace Golf Club 281-452-2183

Tour 18 281-540-1818 tour18golf.com / Humble

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GOLF COURSES (PRIVATE) The Clubs of Kingwood Kingwood Country Club 281-358-2171 theclubsofkingwood.com The Clubs of Kingwood Deerwood Club 281-360-1060 theclubsofkingwood.com Golf Club of Houston 281-454-6590 golfclubofhouston.com

River Plantation Country Club 936-321-5833 www.riverplantationcc.com

Walden on Lake Houston 832-445-2105 waldencc.com

NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

– FA L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

The Texans, Houston’s NFL team, while not playing in the Super Bowl this year, continue to win the hearts and support of fans who celebrate home games with themed tailgate parties at NRG stadium and fill up sports bars around town to cheer the team on.

SPORTS DISTRICT Within walking distance of Avenida de las Americas, the Houston Astros baseball team plays in Minute Maid Park, built around the grand 1911 Union Station depot.

The Astros have played in one World Series against the Chicago White Sox. The Houston Rockets play basketball at Toyota Center a short walk from Minute Maid Park. Toyota Center is also a popular venue for concerts. The Rockets have won two NBA championships and four Western Conference titles.

The Houston Dynamo soccer team take the field at BBVA Compass Stadium, located on the exciting east side of downtown, home to a growing concentration of clubs, restaurants and newly constructed homes. A new bike trail and METRO’s new East End rail line add to the vitality of this area. Houston Dynamo’s have won two MLS Cups being in their first two seasons.

GOLF The average high in Houston in January (the coldest month) is 62.9°F and the average low is 43.2°F; there are over 200 days of sunshine. Northeast Houston and surrounding area has its share of both public

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L E I S U R E & R E C R E AT I O N

benefits and privileges of club life, as well

Over the last 5 years the Club has received

as the lifelong friendships and fond memo-

a facelift as renovations to the Bunkers,

ries you’ll create there. They have created a

Course Restrooms and Par 3 Tee Boxes have

unique resort lifestyle that centers around

been completed.

quality family time, relaxation, enjoyment Walden on Lake Houston C.C. has golf,

and business networking.

tennis, racquetball, fitness facilities and With something for everyone, their Club

swimming. Activities are available year

offers an array of first-class amenities and

round for the whole family!

fun, including championship golf and pristine practice facilities. Members there

Members also enjoy practice facilities

enjoy rallying on the tennis courts, getting

including a full driving range, vast putting

fit in the fitness center, swimming in the

green, and a chipping green with sand

gorgeous pools and relaxing with indulgent spa treatments. In addition to all of this, they also have programs, lessons, leagues and teams across all sports, levels and ages. and private courses that offer varying terrain and challenges to suit every golfer’s taste.

The Clubs of Kingwood Kingwood Country Club The Clubs of Kingwood offer something for everyone! Join them and enjoy the many

bunker.

While the golf courses, practice

facility, and Clubhouse provide an ideal backdrop for golfers to congregate, the Club is really all about the Members.

It’s about fellowship, community, family,

Walden on Lake Houston Walden on Lake Houston Country Club,

fun, good times, and of course the love of

founded in 1984, features a Robert Von

the game. Golf and Social member events

Hagge/Bruce Devlin designed golf course.

fill the calendar throughout the year and

The layout features 5 sets of playing tees

provide an array of formats for Members to

and Champion Tifdrawrf Bermuda Greens.

enjoy themselves.

Welcome to Lake Houston’s most affordable and family friendly private Club!

Create memories that build lifelong relationships and develop a network of connections that lead to a personal fulfillment and invaluable family experiences. · Beautifully-landscaped 18-hole championship course directly on Lake Houston

Enjoy 50% OFF* you’re a la carte dining!

· Ongoing social programs and events throughout the year

· Tennis programs for all ages and skill levels

· Complete fitness center, aerobic classes and Olympic size swimming pool

· Private dining featuring breathtaking views of surrounding golf course and Lake Houston

· Kids camps and junior golf and tennis instruction throughout the year

832.445.2105 waldencc.com

Contact the Membership Office for information *Some restrictions apply

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NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

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Receive privileges at affiliate clubs in the Houston area and more!

ATTRACTIONS and family fun

Houston’s wide variety of attractions appeal to everyone from the young in years to the young at heart. Experience the beauty of area nature centers, visit the largest greyhound racing complex in the world, or take a stroll and feed exotic animals at the Bayou Wildlife Park. These are just a few of the amazing attractions the area boasts. No matter what attraction you pick, you’ll have fun experiencing Houston!

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L E I S U R E & R E C R E AT I O N

NORTHEAST HOUSTON & SURROUNDING AREA ATTRACTIONS ARMAND BAYOU NATURE CENTER Armand Bayou Nature Center, the largest urban wildlife refuge and wilderness preserve in the U.S. covers 2,500 acres adjacent to NASA/JSC. One of the last undeveloped bayous in Texas, Armand Bayou is one of only four Texas Coastal Preserves. Some 40,000 visitors annually benefit from educational tours, exhibits, events and classes.

More than 1,000 acres of wetland habitat and approximately 600 acres of prairie offer a refuge for 370 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians including whitetailed deer, armadillos, swamp rabbits, bobcats, coyotes, venomous and non-venomous snakes, turtles, alligators and frogs.

Visitors enjoy the melody of songbirds, such as warblers, flycatchers, orioles and painted buntings, and the cry of birds-of-prey, such as osprey, owls and kites.

The broad diversity of flora and fauna is due to the intermingling of three distinct ecosystems – forest, prairie and bayou. Visitors can escape the stress of urban life by hiking six trails, delighting in the joys of bird watching or reliving the past at a recreated farm. www.abnc.org 281-474-2551

BAYOU WILDLIFE PARK Feed animals and birds from Africa, India, Asia, Australia and South America. An adventure-filled tram ride takes you over 86 acres of natural habitat. 281-337-6376

BATTLESHIP TEXAS Battleship Texas is anchored at the 1,200acre San Jacinto Battleground State

Historic Site where visitors can experience history first-hand. The only surviving combat ship to have served in both World Wars, the Battleship Texas became the first memorial museum of its kind in the United States and is permanently anchored on the Houston Ship Channel. The Battleship Texas program provides many recreational and educational experiences for visitors as well as numerous programs and self-guided tours. 281-479-2431

KINGS HARBOR

GULF GREYHOUND PARK

Houston. www.kings-harbor.com

At Gulf Greyhound Park, the world’s largest and most successful greyhound racing complex (just south of Clear Lake), the fast-paced action runs all year, rain or shine, with air-conditioned comfort on all four levels. This unique entertainment offers the thrill of greyhound racing and the excitement of pari-mutual wagering (for those 21 and older). 409-986-9500/800-ASK2WIN

Kings Harbor is a 20 acre mixed-use development, which provides the Kingwood / Atascocita market with an upscale development with a real sense of place. Kings Harbor includes a number of uses, including retail, restaurants, office and residential, planned into one cohesive development.

Kings Harbor has the unique distinction of being the only commercial development within the market located directly on Lake

THE LAKE HOUSTON WILDERNESS PARK NATURE CENTER A fun educational place for young and old alike. It is open from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. The center opened its doors on November 9, 2007. It offers displays of forest and wetland habitats, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates,

KEMAH BOARDWALK

and a mural depicting the life cycle of

“The Fun Never Stops” at the Kemah Boardwalk. A carnival midway filled with rides and amusements, great restaurants, a hotel, and marina are the main attractions.

The interesting shops that line the boardwalk offer everything from souvenirs to fine art.

Holiday events, festivals, exhibits, and live entertainment throughout the year draw an estimated 3 million visitors. Experience the excitement of Stingray Reef, where you can touch and feed live stingrays. Discover these deep-water dwellers up close and personal.

The boardwalk is family entertainment at its best in the Clear Lake Area. 281-334-9880

butterflies. The mural was created through

Kemah Lighthouse District Visitor Center See the variety of specialty shops and their unique items. 281-334-3181

tall fountain - built to look like a “horseshoe

a collaboration between the Artist Boat, the M.D. Anderson YMCA, and H.P.A.R.D. It was funded by a United Way Kids Way grant.

The

Lake

Houston

Wilderness

Park Nature Center was made possible through the generosity of George Mitchell.

281-354-0173.

THE WATER WALL GALLERIA Designed by architect Philip Johnson more than 20 years ago, the Galleria-area Water Wall offers a refreshing respite for visitors seeking a mid-afternoon break. The 64-footof running water” - sits among 186 oak trees at the base of the 64-story Williams Tower.

SCHLITTERBAHN GALVESTON ISLAND WATERPARK www.schlitterbahn.com

The nation’s most popular summertime waterpark, Schlitterbahn Galveston Island has grown to become a beloved family tradition. Guests can pack a picnic and enjoy exciting aquatic adventures. During the summer season, the park offers over 35 amazing rides and attractions.

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L E I S U R E & R E C R E AT I O N

HOUSTON ARBORETUM & NATURE CENTER Nestled along the western edge of Memorial Park, the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and the opportunity to experience the natural world – all in the center of town. Visitors can explore nature by walking on five miles of trails, take classes and visit the Discovery Room and the Nature Shop at the Nature Shop. Visit www.houstonarboretum.org

HOUSTON CENTER FOR PHOTOGRAPHY The Houston Center for Photography is an organization dedicated to the art of photography. Their exhibition gallery is free to the public, and features some of the finest works of contemporary photography. HCP also offers over 300 photography classes and workshops year-round.

HOUSTON ZOO

MOODY GARDENS A tropical destination for families and groups. Explore the all new Rainforests of the World along within the Aquarium Pyramid®, the Discovery Museum & the action of the IMAX® 3D, 4D or Ridefilm theaters. Cruise aboard the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, tee off at the new Moody Gardens Golf Course and relax at the Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center for an ideal getaway. Visit www. moodygardens.org or 800-582-4673.

PORT OF HOUSTON BOAT TOUR The Port of Houston offers free, 90-minute round-trip, educational cruises along the Houston Ship Channel. Embarking from the port’s Sam Houston Landing, visiting sightseers can enjoy passing views of international cargo vessels, and operations at the port’s Turning Basin Terminal. Measuring 95 feet in length and 24 feet in width, the boat carries a maximum capacity of 100 passengers, with air-conditioned lounge seating and additional standing room on the boat’s rear deck. 713-670-2416

SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK Sam Houston Race Park is one of Houston’s premier racing, dining and entertainment destinations, located just 15 minutes from

Photos courtesy of GHCVB

Aiming to be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife, The Houston Zoo cares for over 6,000 animals, even educating some. Each year, over 2 million guests are enchanted, educated, and inspired as they experience the incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment.

With exemplary animal care in mind, the Zoo provides engaging animal experiences for visitors in multiple seasonal and permanent attractions, like holiday Zoo Lights and the new Gorillas of the African Forest exhibit. The Houston Zoo is open seven

days a week, from 9:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located at 6200 Hermann Park Drive. For ticket information call 713-533-6500 or visit houstonzoo.org

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NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

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Downtown. Sam Houston Race Park have a variety of exciting sports and entertainment in addition to live horse racing as well. The Park features two major racing seasons – Thoroughbred Season (January through March) and Quarter Horse Season (March through May).

SAN JACINTO MONUMENT & MUSEUM Site of the battle that won Texas independence from Mexico. The world’s largest masonry structure invites visitors to learn about events that shaped Texas history. 281-479-2421

SPACE CENTER HOUSTON Space Center Houston, a $70-million, 183,000 square-foot entertainment and educational complex designed by Disney Imagineering, offers hands-on, space-related experiences to visitors. In addition to a fullsize reproduction of the space shuttle, guests can use computer trainers to perform operations similar to the ones the astronauts used to launch a satellite or land a shuttle.

NASA scientists and astronauts give briefings about current activities, visitors observe scientists and mission specialists at work and in training via live video hookups. The theaters, including an IMAX screen, feature space flight films. Exhibits include thousands of space artifacts, the Skylab space station and the largest collection of moon rocks on display anywhere on earth. A 60-minute tram tour of the JSC complex is another source of entertainment and education for JSC guests. 281-244-2105

PARKS & RECREATION The land of Houston’s northeast is slightly rolling and covered by an extensive forest made up primarily of pine. Settled on the watershed of the San Jacinto River and beside the vast Lake Houston, the people of Houston’s Northeast have a wide array of green spaces to enjoy. Within the many parks dotted around the area are opportunities for canoeing, fishing, cycling, playing sports or just relaxing and appreciating nature. Texas Parks and Wildlife oversees the Texas Pineywoods and provides information and a list of parks and amenities on their website, at www.tpwd.texas. gov/landwater/land/habitats/ pineywood.

The following is a sampling of the many parks and recreation areas in the area. For more information like hours, specific amenities, maps and reservations, contact the park directly.

City of Houston Parks: www.houstontx.gov/parks/ Harris County Parks: www.harriscountytx.gov/parks.aspx

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L E I S U R E & R E C R E AT I O N

Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens

Alexander Deussen Park

Along the banks of Cypress Creek and

Alexander Deussen Park (named for the geol-

divided by Aldine Westfield, nationally

ogist who donated the 309 acres) has boat

recognized Mercer Arboretum and Botanic

ramps, fishing piers, jogging trails, picnic

Gardens

well-maintained

areas, pavilions, playgrounds, a senior center,

gardens that feature bamboo, color displays,

a duck pond and a water gazebo. www.hcp1.

daylilies, endangered species, ferns, gingers,

net/Parks/AlexanderDeussen.aspx.

has

beautiful,

herbs, tropical and much more.

LA RGER NORTHE AST H OUS TON PARKS Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center The Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center helps visitors relax, have fun and get a glimpse of the area’s history all at the same time. The park features a variety of plant and wildlife species, white sand beaches along Spring Creek, swamps and sloughs with ancient cypress trees and a pristine hardwood and pine forest. There are more than eight miles of pedestrian trails and many more

Situated on the south shore of Lake Houston,

There

are also two playgrounds, a picnic area, a

Dennis Johnson Park

hickory bog and boardwalk, a cypress swamp

Dennis Johnson Park is part of the Spring

and maple collection and several miles of

Creek Greenway and connects to Pundt Park,

walking trails.

the Jesse H. Jones Park and Stahl Preserve.

In this lovely, leafy gem, visitors can access

Many on-going programs connect people

Spring Creek. There are also picnic tables,

to plants, like the Chrysanthemum Society,

a pavilion, a pergola, a small pond, walking

Stroller Strolls, and Children’s Story Time

trails and a butterfly and hummingbird

in the Garden. There are many educational

garden. Big Stone Lodge is located within the

programs and tours offered at the center and

park and is a community center that is avail-

the team of experienced botanists, horti-

able for private functions on some Friday

culturist and gardeners offer a wealth of

and Saturday evenings. Visit www.hcp4.

knowledge and information; they are happy

net/Community/Parks/DennisJohnston for

to welcome you and assist you in any way

more information.

they can. Visit www.hcp4.net/Community/ Parks/Mercer.

Lindsay/Lyons Park and Sports Complex

primitive trails. The nature center has perma-

Stahl Preserve

nent and rotating displays of local flora and

The large, pristine fishing lake of Stahl

baseball, four softball, two football and two

Preserve sits tranquilly among magnifi-

soccer fields – all lighted. In addition, there

cent magnolia, ancient cypress trees and

are 18 unlighted soccer fields, a barbecue

many other wildlife and plant species.

pavilion, three 30-seat picnic pavilions,

Along the lake’s edges are paved hike

picnic tables and two playgrounds. For those

and bike, natural surface and equestrian

not playing or watching the game, there is

trails. The 5.5 mile section of paved

a paved walking trail and a sensory garden

trail that connects Pundt Park to Jesse

for sight-impaired children. www.hcp4.net/

Community/Parks/Jones/ to learn more.

H. Jones Park & Nature Center is part

Community/Parks/LindsayLyons

Lake Houston Wilderness Park

www.hcp4.net/Community/Parks/Stahl.

fauna. Redbud Hill Homestead is a re-creation of an 1820s-30s Texas colonization era homestead and it sits beside a recreated Akokisa-Ishak Indian Village. There are also playgrounds, picnic facilities, and a wide variety of innovative, educational and entertaining programs. Check out www.hcp4.net/

In Lake Houston Wilderness Park’s almost 5,000 acres of wooded parkland, visitors can hike, bike, kayak, horseback ride and even stay overnight in cabins or walk-in campsites.

This park is all about sports and it features 10

of the Spring Creek Greenway Trail.

SM AL L E R N OR T HE A ST HOUS T ON P A RKS

Turkey Creek Park Turkey

Creek

Park

is

an

equestrian

throughway in Cypress Creek Greenway.

It connects riders to more than 80 miles of equestrian trails surrounding George Bush

The heavily forested park also houses the

Carter Park

Pine Grove Dining Hall and a nature center

Located near Spring, Carter Park is a lovely

IAH are open only to riders certified through

with displays of forest and wetland habitats,

spot to get away from the urban clamor. Visi-

the Houston Airport System’s Airport

amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates. Guests

tors can practice archery, ride a bicycle, walk

Ranger program. However, with Turkey

young and old can learn about deer, snakes,

a lovely nature trail, share a picnic at one of

Creek Park and the Cypress Creek Greenway,

turtles, even dissect an owl pellet. Or they can

the many tables or in the pavilion, launch a

full-day excursions are readily available to

go geo-caching, scavenger hunting, fishing,

canoe or fish in Spring Creek. For more infor-

horses and their riders. Go to www.hcp4.net/

orienteering and more. www.houstontx.gov/

mation, go to www.hcp4.net/Community/

Community/Parks/TurkeyCreek for more

parks/parksites/lakehoustonpark.html

Parks/Carter.

information.

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NORTHEAST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

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Intercontinental Airport. Note: the trails at

CALENDAR of EVENTS HOUSTON AREA EVENTS YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS

With natural beauty, temperate climate, diverse cultures and lots of fun folks, Houston offers plenty of amusing entertainment.In Northeast Houston, you’re only minutes away from a world-class arts and cultural scene. Houston’s live theatre, music, and opera are highly regarded; and the fine arts, both classic and contemporary, are on display for all to enjoy at galleries and museums in the Museum District. There are sporting events all year, and the city’s parks welcome picnickers, hikers, bicyclists, boaters and pets. But there are creative enjoyments to be found in Northeast Houston, too.

One of the best websites for discovering special events in Houston is www.visithouston.com, the official site of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau. The website includes a visitor’s guide, interactive maps, coupons and discounts, and itinerary ideas. One of its most popular features is the Houston CityPass, which allows holders to skip lines and get in to 5 of Houston’s must-see attractions at a discount. These include Space Center Houston, the Houston Zoo, the Houston Museum of Natural Science and others.

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L E I S U R E & R E C R E AT I O N

NOVEMBER Nutcracker Market www.houstonballet.org The Houston Ballet’s major fundraiser, the Nutcracker Market is a shopping wonderland. This year’s market will feature more than 325 national and international merchants carefully selected for their unique offerings. Look for gourmet food, home décor, garden accessories, clothing, novelties and the perfect gift.

H-E-B Holiday Parade The 65th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade will welcome the holiday season by celebrating all things Houston, including a salute to the world-acclaimed Texas Medical Center. The Fun begins at 9am when the downtown streets come alive with zesty marching bands, imaginative floats and colorful balloons. Bring the family.

Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker November–December; www.houstonballet.org From the towering 40-foot Christmas tree to the cooks that magically fly through the air, this ballet spectacular is a holiday tradition that delights young and old.

Zoo Lights November–January; www.houstonzoo.org The Houston Zoo magically shines with brilliant displays of colorful lights and festive holiday music. Sip on hot chocolate as you take in the thousands of glimmering lights on the huge oak trees, whimsical colorful projections and lifesized animated animal sculptures.

DECEMBER Home for the Holidays – Old Town Spring www.oldtownspring.com The local shops and businesses come alive with the Spirit of the Season, offering a variety of local, unique holiday gift ideas and treasures. Holiday-makers stroll the winding paths, enjoy the thousands of twinkling lights, hot chocolate and other holiday lights and a visit with Santa.

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JANUARY Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com Houston’s largest single-day sporting event includes the ABB 5K and Team races. Fast, flat and friendly, the event draws over 250,000 participants from around the world.

FEBRUARY Mardi Gras Galveston www.galveston.com/mardigras Texas’ largest Mardi Gras celebration is on the historic Strand in Galveston.

Celebrate with headliner performances, family events, feasts and festivities, not to mention over 3 million beads.

MARCH The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo www.rodeohouston.com The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the world’s largest live entertainment and livestock exhibition and one of the richest regular-season rodeo events.

Carnival, livestock show, wine tasting, barbeque and a steady train of concerts by internationally-famous performing artists, the 20 days of rodeo fun attract millions of guests and require the efforts of over 30,000 volunteers.

The Azalea Trail The Azalea Trail is a promenade through some of Houston’s most glamorous homes and gardens. Organized by the River Oaks Garden Club, it is held each March when the showy purple, pink, white or yellow Azaleas are at their most spectacular.

APRIL The McDonald’s Houston Children’s Festival www.houstonchildrensfestival.com This event is the largest children’s festival in the United States and has

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been selected as “one of the world’s 300 unmissable events” by Frommer’s Travel Guides. There are 5 stages, 9 big family adventure zones and over 300 activities. All proceeds benefit Child Advocates and the abused and neglected children they serve.

The Art Car Parade www.thehoustonartcarparade.com The Art Car Parade is the highlight of a three-day celebration of the drive to create: Art Car Weekend. Held each spring, the parade attracts over 250 ingenious entries and more than 250,000 spectators. It is sponsored by the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art.

JUNE Free Press Summer Fest www.fpsf.com Presented by Free Press Houston, Summer Fest is an annual 2-day music festival held at Buffalo Bayou’s Eleanor Tinsley Park. It features dozens of performances on 5 different stages, as well as fireworks, interactive art installations, music workshops and some of the best of today’s local and national musicians.

JULY Freedom Over Texas Freedom Over Texas is the Mayor’s Official Fourth of July Holiday Event. Held on the banks of Buffalo Bayou, it features multiple stages of nationally recognized and local recording artists, family-friendly activities, and of course, unrivaled pyrotechnic artistry set to music.

AUGUST Houston International Jazz Fest www.jazzeducation.org This will be the 28th anniversary of the Houston International Jazz Festival, which traditionally showcases Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Soul and Latin Fusion. 15 to 25 artists are featured.

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