Texas 288 Newcomer & Relocation Guide - 2018 Volume 2

Cane Island Parkway is now open!

The new four-lane, north/south parkway just three minutes from I-10, redefines accessibility.

• Homes from $200’s to the millions • Katy ISD • Award-winning builders • Developer of the Year • New Sections Now Open

2100 Cane Island Parkway Katy, Texas www. c a n e i s l a n d . c o m

2018 ISSUE 2

20 288 South Map 24 Texas & Cost Of Living Texas 288 32 School Districts 67 Texas 288 Toll Road Houston’s Active 68 Lifestyle

Texas 288 South Newcomer & Relocation Guide

contents | features Master Planned Communities

HoustonNewcomerGuides.com

ON THE COVER Frobergs Farm Frobergs Farm located in Alvin, Texas is a landmark to the Texas 288 region. Frobergs Farm has been providing fresh fruits and pies to the Alvin community for about 70 years. Make sure that you stop in and check out their produce and happenings and see why Frobergs is such a cornerstone of the community.

PHOTOGRAPHY We would like to thank the following for their contributions: Visit Houston Texas Alvin Community College Alvin ISD Angleton ISD Art Car Museum Brazosport ISD Children’s Museum City of Alvin Tourism Froberg’s Farm GHCVB Houston/Visit Houston Health South Pearland Houston Astros

20 68

Houston Zoo Meridiana Mike Fox Photography Pearland ISD Photo Courtesy of Meridiana

Pearland Town Center Pomona Sienna Plantation EDITORIAL We would like to thank the following writers for their editorial contributions to the publication: Joy Oden Cecile Nemitz-Ruffino © WEB Media Group LLC 2018 Texas 288 South Newcomer Guide 2018 - ISSUE 2 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without the written permission of the Publisher.

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TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

– ISSUE 2

Choose Wisely Smart Questions Lead To Smart Decisions

You make decisions every day. The question is, are you making the right ones?

At HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Pearland, we know how important it is to ask smart questions to help you or your loved one make the right decision for rehabilitation.

Questions like, • How often will I see a physician?

• Are the latest technologies available?

• Do the nurses specialize in rehabilitation?

Get the answers to choose wisely by calling HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Pearland at 346 907-3028.

Beginning April 1, 2018, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Pearland will become Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Pearland.

2121 Business Center Drive • Pearland, TX 77584 • healthsouthpearland.com ©2018:Encompass Health Corporation:1100103

contents|sections 16

WELCOME TO TEXAS 288 SOUTH HOUSTON • 10 HOUSING + NEIGHBORHOODS • 16 17 Neighborhoods 19 Master-Planned Communities

HOME FRONT • 22

22

Phone: 512-266-2900 info@HoustonNewcomerGuides.com www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com

CEO Derek Wright PRESIDENT Kevin Evans

24 Texas 288 Map & Cost of Living VICE PRESIDENT

EDUCATION IN TEXAS 288 SOUTH HOUSTON • 30 32 STAAR 32 Public Schools 37 Area Schools Districts

Robert Nusbaum CREATIVE DIRECTOR Erin Hayden Seal OPERATIONS MANAGER

37 Higher Education

Cecile Nemitz-Ruffino

ACTIVE ADULTS + SENIOR LIVING • 44

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

46 Senior Housing Options

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

47 Assisted Living Communities

Jill Roe

Trish Fleming Heidi Kerley

30

RELOCATION INFORMATION • 48 49 Vehicles

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Debora Licón

51 Recycling & Utilities

48

Paul Yarbrough

54 International Relocation 56 Places of Worship

Texas 288 South Houston Newcomer Guide is published and distributed bi-annually by WEB Media Group LLC. For advertising information,

HEALTHCARE RESOURCES • 58 60 Major Medical Facilities 62 Finding a Doctor

BUSINESS + COMMUNITY • 64

75

66 Major Employers List 66 Area Chambers of Commerce 67 T exas 288 Toll Road

LEISURE + RECREATION • 68

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.

70 Texas 288 South Area Attractions 75 Arts and Culture 80 Sports & Golf 82 Calendar of Events

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TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

– ISSUE 2

300 E. Highland Mall Blvd Suite 395 Austin Texas 78752 Phone: 512-266-2900 www.TexasRelocationGuides.com

Our housewarming gift to you: a $200 move-in bonus.

At TXU Energy, we hope this $200 VISA® prepaid card will help make your move a little easier–at least on your wallet. But that’s just the beginning of what we hope is a long relationship with you. By the way, did you know that along with connecting your electricity, we can help set up your Internet, TV, phone and even home security?

One call does it all with TXU Energy Complete Connect: 1-877-TXU-MOVE.

Call or visit txu.com/mover today for your $200 move-in bonus. Use promo code “MOVE.” Valid for new TXU Energy move-in accounts enrolled at a single-family residential premises through this offer on a qualifying electricity plan. Redemption instructions will be mailed following enrollment. Allow six weeks after TXU Energy has received payment of your first month’s bill to receive the bonus. Card is valid for six months after issuance. Limit one per premises. Offer subject to change or cancellation at any time. Additional eligibility requirements, terms and conditions may apply. ©2018 TXU Energy. All rights reserved. REP #10004

WELCOME from the

BRAZORIA COUNTY Where Texas Began, come and enjoy the coast all while being moments away from the Houston Metropolitan area and the Texas Medical Center.

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Brazoria County…..WHERE TEXAS BEGAN! Our county is located just south of the Houston metropolitan area. Its 1597 square miles offer a variety of historical, dining, entertainment, and shopping venues with a multitude of activities, events, and points of interest. We are blessed to have 28 miles of coastline on the Gulf of Mexico. Boating, fishing, and beachcombing are some of the most popular activities in our area.

Our County is one of the fastest growing in the region. Today more than 330,000 people call Brazoria County home. With the Houston Metropolitan area just a short drive away, we have the opportunity to avail ourselves to all the things they have to offer. We are close to the Texas Medical Center. However, we don’t have to leave our county to enjoy excellent medical care, museums, theater, parks, fine dining, and youth activities. In addition, we feature eight great and highly regarded school districts. We are the home of Alvin Community College, Brazosport College, and the University of Houston - Clear Lake Pearland Campus. Whether you are working towards a degree or taking continuing education classes, you will find many choices at all of these locations.

Brazoria County is the home of Sea Center Texas, the Nolan Ryan Center, Brazoria County Historical Museum, Varner Hogg Plantation, Abner Jackson Plantation, and many other wonderful sites. We showcase many county and city parks. Quintana Beach Park, Stahlman Park, and San Luis Park are some of the most popular. If outdoor sports are your game, we feature several golf courses, a water ski park, and many youth and adult sports complexes. We are proud of our rich history, and the community achievements that quality growth has brought to Brazoria County over the years. We encourage all to visit the many things we have to offer. We hope that you will see why we are so proud to call Brazoria County home!

Sincerely,

L. M. “MATT” SEBESTA, JR. Brazoria County Judge

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TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

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Your Lifestyle, Upgraded

The master-planned community of Sterling Lakes combines an exceptional location with impeccably designed homes from the $370s. Featuring gated access, spacious lots and a spectacular array of amenities, Sterling Lakes oers the family-friendly lifestyle you have been searching for.

Call today to learn more

(866) 837-3540 ext. 3802 TerrataHomes.com/SterlingLakes

WELCOME from

TEXAS 288 SOUTH REGION Welcome to Houston! Find your dream home in the Texas 288 South region and take advantage of what the community has to offer.

Welcome to Houston!

You’ve just arrived at 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, and home of the World Champion Houston Astros.

As you drive around and familiarize yourself with the Houston area, you’ll probably 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

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 buy or rent. The 37,000 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 appreciate that a home is one of the greatest investments you will ever make.

More than a million consumers begin searching for their dream home every month on HAR’s award-winning website, HAR.com, which actually showcases property listings for the entire state of Texas. Our site offers dozens of user-friendly 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.

Fax: 936-273-0344

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

FORT BEND

Sincerely,

6680 Greatwood Pkwy.

Sugar Land, TX 77479 713-629-1900 ext. 700 Fax: 281-343-9557

Kenya Burrell-VanWormer 2018 Chair Houston Association of REALTORS®

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TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

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FIREMANS #4 is the only blonde ale from Texas to ever win a medal at the most prestigious beer competition in the country.

Last year, Firemans was judged second best in category from a field of 126 entries from all over the USA.

in this section welcome recreation culture shopping & entertainment

10

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

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to e m o c l e W HOUSTON&

TEXAS 288

With 94 consulates, a dynamic bilingual population, two international airports and a top ranked port, Houston attracts newcomers from around the world who bring with them a world view of business, opportunity and life quality.

What do Houston, New York, Los Angeles,

entertainment. Newcomers have always

residing in the suburbs. In Central Houston

Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego and

played a big part in the Houston area’s

the Texas Medical Center continues to add

Boston have in common? According to

growth and diversity.

new facilities for education, research and

Resonance Consultancy’s 2016 U.S. Place

technology to its ever expanding, world-

Equity Index, each of the cities received

Houston is a leading domestic and inter-

high marks for product, programming,

national center for virtually every segment

people, prosperity and promotion. Houston,

of the oil and gas industry: exploration,

Houston, one of only three municipalities

the only Texas city in the top 10, took the

production,

marketing,

with two international airports, has direct

No. 7 spot in the survey. According to the

service, supply, offshore drilling, and tech-

access to Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica and

index, physical location is less important

nology. Construction projects estimated

Jamaica from Hobby Airport. While Hous-

today in determining the economic success

at $50 billion have been announced in the

tonians are world travelers, there is always

of cities, states and countries. Increasingly,

petrochemical corridor along the Gulf

something exciting to do from theatre and

the quality of a place determines where

Coast. These projects will bring thousands

dining to professional sporting events in

talent, capital and tourism flows.

of jobs to the area.

Houston’s Sports District.

Houston’s entrepreneurial spirit is detect-

For several years medical and healthcare

Houstonians often use the phrase “inside

able across a broad range of industries

industries have been adding and expanding

the loop” or “outside the loop” as a loca-

from manufacturing and healthcare to

facilities to serve a growing population

tion reference. Loop 610 or “the Loop” is

transmission,

class campus.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

11

WELCOME TO TEXAS 288 SOUTH

Brazos Bend State Park

a 38-mile ring around central Houston.

Exits off Texas 288 provide quick access to attractions inside the Loop: downtown, the Museum District, NRG Stadium, Hermann Park, Montrose, the Houston Zoo, Rice University, The Galleria, and the Texas Medical Center.

The

Museum

District

is

adjacent

to

Montrose - one of Houston’s most diverse neighborhoods. Rice University, The Glassell School of Art, Contemporary Arts Museum, C.G. Jung Educational Center, The Museum of Fine Arts, and Rothko Chapel are located in this vibrant district.

Nearby museums include the Children’s Museum, Holocaust Museum and the Museum of Health & Medical Science. The Houston Museum of Natural Science is situated near Miller Outdoor Theatre.

TEXAS 288 CORRIDOR The Texas 288 Corridor takes on its distinct personality outside the Beltway where cosmopolitan

Houston

transitions

into

suburban areas and an immense ecosystem

takes its name from the Brazos River, the 11th-longest river in the United States.

Early Spanish explorers called the Brazos the Rio de los Brazos de Dios, The River of the Arms of God.

Texas 288 and Texas 6 (SH 6), a major

Texas 288 can tout proximity to Houston’s largest employment centers including downtown Houston, the Texas Medical Center, The Galleria, Hobby Airport, NASA, and the Houston Energy Corridor.

In addition to being a tourist destination, the Brazosport area is home to Dow Texas Operations, BASF and Port Freeport. Texas 288 is ideally situated between the Port of Houston, the largest container port on the Texas Gulf Coast and Port Freeport.

Angleton, the county seat for Brazoria

Due to its size and proximity to Houston, Brazoria County is experiencing steady economic growth. In lower Brazoria county, billions of dollars are being invested in industrial complexes and new business enterprises, and Port of Freeport is expanding to accommodate projected growth in imports and exports due to the widening of the Panama Canal.

While the Texas 288 Corridor spans parts of Fort Bend, Harris and Galveston Counties most of the region lies within Brazoria County. Part of Stephen F. Austin’s “Old Three Hundred” colony of families arrived in the early 1820s. Brazoria County

12

Land.

The

nationally-acclaimed

Alvin

Community College campus was founded in Alvin almost 70 years ago.

County, and Lake Jackson are centers of commerce in lower Brazoria County.

Sun-loving Houstonians head to Clute, Surfside and Quintana Beach in the Brazosport Area.

In the Cities South chapter, you will learn more about each city and what makes the Texas 288 Corridor a quality place to live, visit, work and play.

RECREATION The Texas 288 Corridor is fortunate to have the Texas Gulf Coast as its most southern border.

Expansive

salt

and

freshwater

marshes, sloughs, ponds, coastal prairies, and bottomland forest make ideal habitats for all sorts of wildlife. Visitors to the Brazoria Natural Wildlife Refuge and San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge enjoy exceptional

in Brazoria County — “Where Texas Began” almost 200 years ago.

gateway into Fort Bend County and Sugar

Pearland, one of the fastest growing suburbs in the Houston area, and Friendswood, currently recognized as one the one of the safest cities in the Houston area, anchor the Texas 288 Corridor on the north. South of Pearland, Manvel and Alvin are shaping up to be the next residential and retail hubs.

Key to their growth is direct access to both

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

– ISSUE 2

wildlife watching, camping, fishing and some hunting. The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail and the Upper Texas Coast Guide show dozens of birding spots in the area.

For sporting enthusiasts, the Brazosport area has it all from deep sea fishing and kayaking to surfing and sun bathing at

“

If given the chance to move anywhere in the world, 67 percent of the Houstonians surveyed said they would stay in the area.

– 2017 Kinder Houston Area Survey –

Bryant Beach and Quintana Beach Park.

The Museum of Natural Science and Nature Center and Planetarium are in The Center for the Arts and Sciences in Clute.

The museum contains the largest seashell collection in the South along with dinosaur and mammoth fossils. Lake Jackson is home to Sea Center Texas, Lake Jackson Historical Museum, and Brazoria Natural Wildlife Refuge.

Brazos Bend State Park & George Observatory are just 45 minutes from downtown Houston. Visitors can explore the park on foot, bike, or horseback via more than 37 miles of trails. Activities include fishing, picnicking, camping, and star gazing.

In 2016, the City of Alvin was named a Playful City USA based largely on its vibrant Old Town Center, and well organized events, music festivals and Fun Runs that draw thousands of visitors.

Pearland caught the eye of the nation in 2015 when the Pearland Little League West team placed third in the Little League World Series in Williamsport PA. While baseball is popular, other outdoor activities are encouraged and supported by the City of Pearland. Independence Park is being re-designed with connecting trails to expand alternative transportation opportunities, sports fields, pavilions and new playground equipment.

”

forms to promote the arts, music, theater and the cultures of one of the most diverse populations in the state. Some of these cultural opportunities follow, but you will find more opportunities in the Arts & Culture chapter.

Brazosport Center Stages, the oldest continuously operating community theater in the Gulf Coast of Texas, is part of The Center for the Arts & Science in Clute. The Center also houses the Brazosport Fine Arts Council, Art League, Brazosport Symphony Orchestra, and the highly-acclaimed Museum of Natural Science and Planetarium.

In 2017, the Pearland Convention & Visitors Bureau teamed up with the Pearland Arts League and Pearland Alliance for Arts & Culture to create the Pear-Scape Art Sculpture Trail. In the Fall of the year, the Pearland Arts League sponsors Fusion of the Arts, a juried art show that supports local performing and visual artists. For theater enthusiasts, The Pearl Theatre Guild presents seasonal performances of classical and contemporary plays at its permanent home, The Pearl Theater.

CULTURE

Alvin Community College follows an annual calendar of entertainment that includes a mix of opportunities, from musical performances and theatrical productions, to art shows and seasonal sporting events. Alvin’s culture is most noticeable at special events and concerts that typically involve, in one way or another, everyone in town.

Residents of the Texas 288 Corridor are minutes from sporting events, theater, fine dining, clubs, historical parks, museums, a nationally acclaimed zoo, and seasonal events and festivals in central Houston.

Closer to home cultural events take many

Angleton has hosted the Brazoria County Fair in various forms since 1910. The 9-day event is known for its old-fashioned fair atmosphere and entertainment. The Fair attracts a quarter million people.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

13

WELCOME TO TEXAS 288 SOUTH

Photo Courtesy of Children’s Museum of Houston

SHOPPING, EATING OUT ENTERTAINMENT

grand opened recently after undergoing

Blueridge Transportation Group is devel-

extensive remodeling inside and out.

oping the Harris County segment for

When it comes to good eating, shopping and

TxDOT.

The

Harris

County

portion

entertainment the Texas 288 area has some-

To meet the tastes of its growing and diverse

includes all 8 direct connectors to the Sam

thing for everyone.

population restaurants specialize in Indian,

Houston Parkway as well as the reconstruc-

Asian,

tion of a majority of the Texas 288 and IH

Mexican,

Italian

and

German

The Baybrook Mall in Friendswood is

specialties. Kings Biergarten & Restaurant

surpassed in size only by the Galleria.

is considered to be among the best German

Baybrook Mall has added dozens of new

restaurants in the country. Locally-owned

The

stores, restaurants, and a vibrant lifestyle

Killen’s Steakhouse in Pearland is recog-

managed lanes in each direction, will begin

nized as one of the best in the U.S. by

at the Brazoria County line/Clear Creek

prestigious Travel & Leisure magazine.

and extend south through the northern

center that combines traditional retail with dining and entertainment options. The Lawn, a spacious grassy area measuring the length of a football field, is a gathering spot for the community.

Pearland Town Center is the go-to-place to shop, dine and meet friends for a night

610 interchange.

Brazoria

County

segment,

two

section of the corridor to approximately CR

TRANSPORTATION

58. Brazoria County will work to complete

According to the Texas Medical Center,

their portion of the project at the same time

approximately

the Harris County segment is ready to open

7,000

residents

of

the

Pearland area work in the medical center

in mid-2019.

out or for seasonal celebrations, Fun Runs,

and use Texas 288 and Loop 610 to get there.

movie nights, art shows and more. Court-

Texas 288 carries over 180,000 vehicles per

yard by Marriott is the exclusive hotel for

day and is one of the busiest corridors in

business and leisure travelers. The Center

Texas. The Sam Houston Tollway/Beltway

at Pearland Parkway is the dominant retail

8 is a major connector to destinations in all

future Grand Parkway, Texas 99 at County

location on Pearland’s east side.

directions via the Fort Bend Toll Road, U.S.

Road 60. The route for Segment B has been

59 (I69) and I-45.

approved, but construction is not expected

Future expansion of the Brazoria County section will take the managed lanes further south where Texas 288 will intersect with the

to start for several years pending financial

Residents of Alvin, Angleton and Lake Jackson have a variety of large retailers,

To alleviate the congestion on Texas 288,

reviews. Segment B starts near Texas 288

small shops, antique stores, automobile deal-

the Brazoria County Toll Road (BCTRA),

near County Road 60 travels south then east

erships and other services to choose from.

Harris County and Texas Department of

where it connects with Interstate 45 south of

The Brazos Mall, at the corner of Texas

Transportation (TxDOT) started construc-

League City. Segment C, U.S. 59 to Texas

288 at Oyster Creek Drive in Lake Jackson,

tion of the Texas 288 Toll Road in late 2016.

288, has environmental clearance. 

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TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

– ISSUE 2

Recognized as the 2017-2018 Community of the Year by the Greater Houston Builders Association and the Texas Association of Builders, Meridiana is a carefully planned community of new luxury homes amidst rolling green spaces, tranquil waterfront settings and resort-style amenities – all with immediate Texas 288 access minutes south of Pearland.

MERIDIANA EMERGES AS HOUSTON’S TOP COMMUNITY Opened in 2017, the award-winning communit y of fe r s new homes by Houston’s leading builders from the $200s to the $600s, including those on prized cul-de-sac properties and in exclusive gated sections.

Although officially open for just over a year, Meridiana already has embarked on its second phase with new homes by Chesmar Homes, David Weekley Homes, Highland Homes, Perry Homes, Plantation Homes, Shea Homes, Taylor Morrison and Trendmaker Homes. Six new model homes, each fully furnished and expertly decorated, will open daily this spring with a dedicated builder sales representative on-site.

Single and two-story homes in Meridiana feature gourmet island kitchens, Butler’s pantries, generous entertainment spaces, inviting master suites, spacious secondary bedrooms, wine grottos, media rooms and game rooms. Residents in Meridiana’s first phase also enjoy homesites sized five feet deeper than those in other masterplanned communities, a big plus for active families looking to add an oversized patio, outdoor kitchen or pool.

Speaking of Meridiana’s active families, they often can be found at the community’s lakefront Oasis Village, a sprawling, resort-style setting with family pool and cabanas, lap pool, splash pad, fitness center, café, fishing pier and outdoor

play area, all-weather ping pong and foosball tables, shaded sitting areas and lush central lawn. A glass-walled conservatory is set over the water adjacent to an exclusive Ambassador Yacht for Meridianas canine ambassador Soleil, the community’s lovable golden retriever.

Next to the Oasis Village, the new Iowa Colony City Park will offer a lush central lawn for soccer, Frisbee and kite flying along with a quadplex basketball court, two grass volleyball courts and ample shade to relax and unwind. The public park is part of a future, 100-acre tree-lined park setting with plans to open in the spring.

Meridiana families also enjoy an A+ education at the on -site Mer idiana Elementary School while fun is guaranteed with a full-time Lifestyle Coordinator who plans movie nights, festivals and other community gatherings.

Houston’s first master-planned community with outdoor learning labs, Meridiana provides a unique opportunity for residents of all ages to learn about the world around us. In Galileo’s Lab, a tree-lined, lakefront playground, children explore in a planetarium dome where an on-demand audio presentation explains how stars create the constellations. Two working telescopes provide an up-close look at the moon and stars while a working sextant measures angles between objects and

ADVERTISER CONTRIBUTION

the horizon. Toddlers also can use their imagination in a make-believe space capsule and at a ship’s wheel.

Other educational elements throughout the community include stone seating down Meridiana Parkway, across from the Oasis Village, which line up with the Meridian Tower to represent the winter and summer solstice lines.

Thinking of your drive time to work?

Meridiana is directly accessible to Texas 288 heading north and south via Meridiana Parkway. Simply exit the community and head north on Texas 288 to Pearland and the Texas Medical Center or turn south to Dow Chemical, BASF and other Brazoria County employers. Upon return, residents are greeted with an impressive LED screen of soothing seasonal images.

Meridiana’s Welcome Center, situated in the community’s Oasis Village at 4003 Meridiana Parkway, is open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

For the latest information on Meridiana and its move-in ready homes, go to MeridianaTexas.com and sign up to receive e-mail updates from the community. Also, follow Meridiana at Facebook. com/MeridianaTexas and on Twitter and Instagram @meridianatexas. 

in this section

Photo Courtesy of Sienna Plantation

homes & lifestyle neighborhoods master-planned communities

16

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

– ISSUE 2

HOUSING &

NEIGHBORHOODS Pearland, Friendswood, Alvin, Manvel, Angleton, Lake Jackson, Clute, Freeport, Surfside & Quintana Beach

Expect to find large master planned communities covering hundreds to thousands of acres, smaller enclaves with just a few hundred residents, and established neighborhoods surrounding golf courses, bodies of water and native forests. Beach homes, river front, and lakeside homes are available, too.

Existing and newly built homes, broadly

based on the floor plan, size, materials,

neighborhood. Updating homes can be as

priced from the $200,000s to over $3

location and weather. Home builders can

simple as a coat of paint and new flooring,

million, are readily available throughout the

give you a good estimate from the start date

or it might call for more extensive remod-

Texas 288 Corridor. Some newcomers rent

until completion.

eling taking months to complete.

a home to test the waters and save money.

Houston’s leading home builders have adopted

Local Realtors can help you locate new and

Seniors looking for a new place to call home

energy-saving features in the insulation,

existing homes through the Multiple Listing

will find 55-plus apartments, independent

roofing, appliances, water heating system,

and assisted living senior communities, and

air conditioning system, windows, doors and

nationally-acclaimed rehabilitation hospitals

orientation. Resale homes can be updated

and specialized clinics in the Texas 288 area.

with energy-saving appliances and other

townhomes or apartments before purchasing

features to improve energy consumption. With Home builders typically have inventory

an average temperature of 86 degrees and nine

homes available for quick move-in with

months of warm weather, energy-efficient air

designer selections already installed. When

conditioning is a must-have in Houston.

building a home from scratch, design

Service (MLS) and other sources. For more information you can do research at www.

HoustonNewcomerGuides.com.

TOWN CENTER The Town Center area in Pearland is largely served by the Alvin Independent School District. A small area on the far west side is

consultants can help you with standard

Resale homes have unique advantages that

served by the Fort Bend Independent School

features, select upgrades and estimate prices

cannot be easily replicated, from mature

District. Shadow Creek High School, the

so that your finished home is comfortable,

landscaping to a premium home site on

district’s third comprehensive high school, is

affordable and what you expect. The time

a golf course, lake, greenbelt or wooded

on the corner of Broadway and Kirby near

it takes to build your new home will vary

setting, to its location in a highly desirable

Pearland Town Center.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

17

HOUSING & NEIGHBORHOODS

Photo Courtesy of Pomona

Photo Courtesy Pomona

Town Center’s retail centers, shopping, and

include parks and green spaces, lakes and

newly opened Park at Southlake features

entertainment venues make it a popular

ponds, resort-style pools, trail systems, village

playgrounds and a pool complex. Children

choice for active families. Town Center has

centers, exercise rooms, and neighborhood

attend schools within the award-winning

direct access to Broadway/FM 518, Texas

schools. Activity centers where newcomers

Alvin ISD and Fort Bend ISD.

288 and the Sam Houston Parkway which

can meet their neighbors.

can shorten drive times to employment

Pearland’s first master-planned community,

centers such as the Texas Medical Center,

“We believe amenities foster a stronger

Shadow Creek Ranch is in its final phase

Central Houston and southwest Houston.

sense of community because they bring

of development. Convenient shopping and

neighbors together,” Bynum said. “Making

dining options such as the Pearland Town

Town Center is home to Shadow Creek Ranch, the area’s largest master-planned community, Shadow Creek Ranch Business Center, Shadow Creek Ranch Square, the Medical Center District and the Lower Kirby District. Several hotels, a variety of restaurants, sports parks, churches, the Westside Library, and The Pearl Theater.

Discovery at Shadow Creek Ranch Apartments are a short walk to major destinations in the Town Center area.

a connection is important when it comes to

Center and Shadow Creek Ranch Town

feeling at home.”

Center and a variety of corporate campuses,

A fishing camp and pier, natural scape

immediate area

In 1857 the first group of settlers to arrive in north Brazoria County settled along Chocolate Bayou. They named the settlement Pomona from the Latin name Pomum, meaning “Fruit”.

Today, Pomona is the first LiveSmart

churches and child care facilities are in the

playground, amenity center, resort pools, walking trails and sports fields are part

TEXAS 6/MANVEL

of Pomona’s master plan. Pomona resi-

Texas 288 enters Manvel south of Pearland

dents have short drives to retail, health

Town Center. Alvin ISD serves communities

care, sporting events and employment

in Manvel and Alvin and a few communities

centers along FM 518 in Pearland. Pomona

in Pearland. This area is home to large-

Elementary opened this fall. Older students

scale communities including Southfork,

are zoned to Shadow Creek Ranch High

Sedona Lakes, Rodeo Palms and Pomona.

School. In addition, the Texas Medical

Manvel High School, Manvel City Hall and

Center is less than 20 miles from Pomona

a Brazoria County Annex are east of Texas

via Texas 288. Highland Homes, David

288 on Texas 6.

Weekley Homes, Coventry Homes, Plantation Homes, Perry Homes, and Trendmaker

Grand opening in 2018, NewPort Lake

Homes model homes are open daily.

Estates is being developed on 73 acres at

community to be developed by Hillwood

the southeast corner of CR 58 (Croix Rd)

Communities in the Houston-area. Russell

One of the newest communities in Pearland

and CR R48 (Old Airline Rd). NewPort has

Bynum, general manager of the Houston

is a 315-acre lakeside community on

three naturally designed lakes; 88 of the 199

Region, says top amenities in Houston

Broadway/FM 518 called Southlake. The

home sites are waterfront lots

18

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

– ISSUE 2

Bluewater Lakes in Manvel features lake and

in the South. Sienna Plantation also offers

earth’s movement, the solar system, princi-

cul-de-sac home sites, a community pool

34 parks, miles of trails, and the 18-hole

ples of gravity and velocity, wildlife habitats

and walking trails. An elementary school,

Sienna Plantation Golf Club. Camp Sienna

and more. In Galileo’s Lab, students study

junior high school and Manvel High School

is a 160-acre sports park along the Brazos

weather, water quality, the solar system,

(Alvin ISD) are all close by.

River Corridor. Schools are part of the

gravity and velocity.

Friendswood

Development

Company

is

famous for lifestyle amenities, Lakes of Savannah on Texas 6 continues the tradition.

With over 50 acres of lakes, at completion, beautiful views from peaceful vine covered retreats are enjoyed throughout the community.

highly rated Fort Bend ISD. Two other learning labs in Meridiana’s

SOUTH OF TEXAS 6

Amenity Village, a sky map and the

Meridiana recently won the coveted Texas

community’s signature 60-foot Meridian

Star Award 2017 for Community of the

Tower, demonstrate the sun’s movement in

Year largely based on its commitment to

relation to the earth. The sky map’s Solstice

creating a one-of-a-kind, education-based

and Equinox lines track the sun’s move-

Sienna Plantation in Fort Bend County is a

community. Meridiana Elementary School

comprehensive

master-planned

(Alvin ISD) opened in 2016. Residents have

community located between Missouri City and

a 30-minute drive to Dow Chemical, BASF,

Sugar Land. One of the top-selling communities

Freeport LNG and the Port of Freeport in

in Fort Bend County, Sienna Plantation offers

lower Brazoria County. While the Texas

new homes by 12 leading builders. Traditional

Medical Center and Central Houston are

single-family homes, low-maintenance patio

approximately 20 miles north.

10,000-acre

homes and luxury custom homes are priced

ment. The Meridian Tower casts a spot of sunlight on the ground that moves as the Earth rotates.

Amenity Village has a Welcome Center, fitness center with children’s play area, family pool with cabanas, splash pad, pool-

Meridiana is Houston’s first master-planned

side café and a shady, hillside amphitheater

community with outdoor learning labs,

for movie nights. Activities include catch-

Club Sienna, a 12-acre recreation complex,

created in collaboration with local educa-

and-release fishing, kayaking and a trail

is home to the largest water adventure park

tors. Students of all ages can study the

system to Meridian Elementary School.

from the high $200,000s to over $1 million.

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19

HOUSING & NEIGHBORHOODS

Photo courtesy Pomona Photo Courtesy of Meridiana

Meridiana’s second phase features a new

Cullen, McHard Drive, FM 518, Mykawa,

palatial Sri Meenakshi Hindu temple, one

addition, Chesmar Homes on 60-foot home-

Texas 35/Main, Magnolia Road, Bailey

of only three temples in the United States,

sites. The community’s second phase also

Road, and Veterans Dr.

sits in the heart of Mid-Town.

Opening in the spring of 2018, Town-

One of the area’s newest communities is

homes at Lake Park is the first townhome

Massey Lakes Estates. Close neighbors

community of its kind in west Pearland.

include the highly-regarded Massey Ranch

The one, two and three-bedroom town-

Elementary, the only elementary school

homes, from 766 to 1,557sq. ft. in size,

in the Pearland ISD to offer the Interna-

offer a long list of luxurious amenities

tional Baccalaureate® (IB) Primary Years

including attached garages. Community

Programme (PYP).

showcases homes by David Weekley Homes, Highland Homes, Lennar Homes, Perry Homes, Plantation Homes, Shea Homes, Taylor Morrison and Trendmaker Homes.

Sterling Lakes, the first community to be developed south of Texas 6, has a new entrance from Texas 288. New sections, including a one-acre lot section featuring

amenities are impressive: a cyber lounge with coffee bar, pool with splash pad and

Other neighborhoods in the West-Mid-

water features, two Lakes with Fountains,

Town-TX35 area include Country Place

Stone Meadow Homes offers homes

24/7 fitness center, 24-Hour clubroom

(Golf), Crystal Lake, Pearland Lakes, Silver-

priced from the $300,000s at Savannah

with billiards, 1200 sf. Community Event

lake, Silver Creek, Sunrise Estates, and

pavilion, fitness pavilion, bike storage,

Avalon Terrace.

Terrata Homes, opened in 2017.

Plantation on FM 1462 in the Alvin ISD. Over-sized acreage home sites from 1.25

grilling stations, and easy access to hike and bike trails.

communities in the Houston area. A

OLD TOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT

Newly developed, Townhomes at Lake Park

To revitalize the central and historical core

limited number of lake front lots are avail-

is the first townhome community of its

of Pearland, the City developed a Historic

able. Savannah Plantation can also boast

kind in west Pearland. The Public Safety &

District Revitalization Plan that improved

lower combined taxes.

Municipal Court building and Dawson High

new roads, storm water upgrades, side-

School are less than a mile from Lake Park.

walks, street signs and decorative lighting.

acres and larger are unique in new-home

PEARLAND WEST/MID-TOWN/TX35

Old Town Site is bordered by Orange Street the

to the north, Walnut Street to the south,

The area between Texas 288 and Texas

Stella Roberts Recycling Center, Pearland

Galveston Street on the east and Austin

35 was quick to respond to Pearland’s

Chamber of Commerce, John Hargrove

Street on the west.

first growth spurt more than 25 years ago.

Environment

Shopping centers, restaurants, specialty

Recreation Center and Natatorium, and

Some of Pearland’s finest churches are

shops, sports fields, historical sites and

Centennial Park. The highly-acclaimed

in the Old Town Site area, including St.

many City services are in the Mid-Town

Robert Turner College and Career High

Helen Catholic Church and School, and

area. Residents move around the area via

School are located in this area. The

First United Methodist Church. Though

20

Mid-Town

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

city

facilities

Complex,

– ISSUE 2

include

the

Pearland

small in size, Old Town is home for the Pearland Independent School District and hosts a Farmer’s Market on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month in Zychlinski Park on Grand Blvd.

retailers, restaurants, healthcare services, and

West Ranch, the largest master-planned

new-home communities.

community in Friendswood, features 100 acres of nature trails, parks and recreation

Texas 35 from Pearland enters the City of

areas, a resort-style swimming pool, compe-

Alvin at County Road 133. The City of

tition swimming pool and fishing pier.

Alvin benefits from Texas 6, which runs

PARKWAY AREA

east to west, and newly improved Texas 35

New-home communities include Magnolia

Pearland Parkway is a direct link to the Sam Houston Parkway and I-45 making it ideally situated for families needing quick access to Hobby Airport, downtown Houston, the Petrochemical Corridor and the Bay Area. The University of Clear Lake Pearland Campus is on the parkway south of the Beltway. North of the Beltway, Pearland Parkway becomes Monroe, the east boundary of Hobby Airport.

which connects north Brazoria County to

Creek, Westover Park, West Lake, Reserve

the south part of the county. Alvin can boast

at Clear Creek, and Sterling Creek.

Old guard city services in the area include City Hall, Tom Reid Library, the Melvin Knapp Activity Center, Post Office, YMCA, Independence Park, Pearland High School and Pearland’s only country club, Golfcrest Country Club. The newly renovated Pearland Regional Airport is south of Dixie Farm Road.

Established and newly-built communities, retail centers, office buildings, shallow ponds, manicured fields and natural green belts line both sides of the parkway as it meanders south toward Alvin. Most of the communities in this area are served by Pearland ISD, but Pasadena and Houston ISD also serve the area.

Neighborhoods in the Parkway area include Bridges at Blackhawk, Enclave at Highland Glen, Green Tee, Highland Crossing, Barker’s Landing, Highland Park, Riverstone Ranch, and Province Village.

affordable new homes and a good selection of resale homes, farms, ranches and acreage

BRAZOSPORT AREA

for custom building.

Brazoria, Clute, Freeport, Jones Creek, Lake

“Space to Spread Out” is the tagline at Bayou Trails Estates. This 20-acre commu-

Jackson, Oyster Creek, Quintana, Richwood, Surfside Beach.

nity features 16, 1-acre home sites that are

South Brazoria County consists of nine

200-ft. wide. More than ample space for

municipalities which offer a broad range of

a work shop, boats, swimming pools and

cultural, business and recreational activities.

Texas-sized outdoor kitchens. Bayou Trails

Students attend classes at Brazosport ISD

is being developed on FM 2917 off TX 35,

schools and can continue their studies at

near Alvin and Liverpool. Stone Meadow

Brazosport College.

Homes are priced from the $290’s to $500’s.

Located on Oyster Creek Drive in Clute, Active

new-home

communities

include

Woodshore is the newest neighborhood

Kendall Lakes, Mustang Crossing, North

to open in the Lake Jackson area. Prior to

Point Trails and Forest Heights.

being developed, the property had been held

FRIENDSWOOD

by a single family for over 130 years. Woodshore, about two miles east of Texas 288,

Friendswood, honored as one of “America’s

can boast natural amenities including lakes,

Top 100 Places to Live”, has an easy access to

a mature forest and a gently rolling terrain.

Hobby Airport, NASA, Ellington Field and the Bay Area. Acclaimed Friendswood ISD

Approximately 300 residential lots will be

and Clear Creek ISD service the area and

completed in six phases, phase 2 is currently

collectively employee thousands of teachers

under

and administrators.

move-in are available on a limited basis. 

development.

Homes

for

quick

Photo Courtesy of Pomona

ALVIN Alvin has much to offer retirees and families seeking a small-town pace, wide open spaces and parks, pedestrian friendly streets, and easy access to the arts and cultural events hosted by Alvin Community College. Alvin’s historical district, Town Center, speaks to the city’s heritage and future with thriving businesses, restaurants and boutique shops. In recent years, Alvin has attracted corporations seeking hundreds of skilled workers, big box

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

21

in this section

Photo Courtesy of Discovery Green - Katya Horner, Photographer

cities south houston by the numbers cost of living & map

22

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

– ISSUE 2

The

HOME FRONT Many of Houston’s best attributes are visible throughout the Texas 288 Corridor. With many recent accolades, including rankings amoung the fastest growing cities in the United States, Pearland is positioned on a growth curve that propels forward into the 21st century.

The Texas 288 Corridor offers a variety of

of the nation’s best hospitals, physicians,

include the University of Texas Health

homes and lifestyles, acclaimed schools,

researchers, educational institutions and

Science Center at Houston, Baylor College

low crime rates, and quick access to major

health care providers. The Texas Medical

of Medicine, Texas A&M College of Medi-

business centers, sports districts, beaches,

Center consists of dozens of hospitals and

cine, and the University of Texas Medical

higher

clinics equipped to provide quality family

Branch in Galveston.

educational

opportunities,

and

performing and visual art centers.

health care, cardiac care, cancer therapy, MRI,

Founded in 1945, the Texas Medical

THE TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER

Life Flight and innovative treatments in

Center has functioned much like a

The Texas Medical Center is the largest

hundreds of specialties.

municipal government, enforcing cove-

trauma

employer

in

Houston

with

care,

sports

medicine,

nants

106,000

and

restrictions,

coordinating

employees; about 11 percent live in northern

With more than 10 Million patient encoun-

activities among member institutions

Brazoria County and southwestern Harris

ters per year, the TMC offers the largest

and

County. Pearland is home to the highest

concentration

in

Today, TMC institutions are developing

number of these employees.

the world. TMC can boast 21 renowned

a shared vision that will focus on five key

hospitals, eight specialty institutions, eight

areas of importance in the 21st century.

With 1,345 acres, the Texas Medical

academic and research institutions, six

Design teams, each comprised of leaders

Center (TMC) is the eighth-largest business

nursing programs, four medical schools,

from member institutions focused on

district in the country. This internationally

schools of dentistry, public health, and

Clinical Research, Genomics, Health

recognized community is home to many

pharmacy.

Policy, Innovation, and Regenerative

of

medical

Affiliated

services

medical

schools

maintaining

the

infrastructure.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

23

TEXAS 288 HOUSTON HOME FRONT

Brookside

CreekVillage

Clear

865

Texas 288 South

288

BNSF

C

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

Four Corners

LEVI JORDAN PLANTATION STATE 2611 HISTORIC SITE

Brazoria Reservoir 332

STATE PRISON

523

2004

2611

zo s

36

ay terw Wa BRAZORIA t al s NATIONAL oa rac WILDLIFE In t REFUGE Gulf West

B288

Clute R iv er

Jones Creek Churchill

523

288

Rivers End

FREEPORT

LR

Oyster Creek

332

1495

2918

3005

Bay

Treasure Island

Richwood

Lake Jackson

2004

SAN BERNARD NAT WILDLIFE REFUGE

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

LR

Demi-John

LR

Amsterdam

o

521

ree k

ANGLETON

a Br

ake ar L

Wages......................$37,346,009,148

Danbury

2004

LR

LR

521

Mims

28

Surfside Beach

Quintana

JUSTIN HURST WILDLIFE MGMT AREA

G

u

i

c

Ced

524

Liverpool

LR B288 523

East Columbia

Wild Peach Brazoria

521

Mustang Lake East/West

N

1459

35

TO

UP

Unemployed.................................5.3

2852

Holiday Lakes Bailey’s Prairie

522

Sweeny

Harris Reservoir

UP

DA

35

2917

288

ES

1301

2917

655

Otey

Eagle Nest Lake

West Columbia

Old Ocean

ou

Bay

OR

Civilian labor......................2,279,367

1459

San Bernard Reservoirs

AG

July mean max...........................90.7

LR

LV

AT

Jan. mean. min..........................43.4

524

GA

ville Lin

M

Rainfall (in.)...............................56.81

Hillcrest Village

u

Danciger

517

ALVIN

1462

Bonney

STATE PRISON

k

LR

6

SF

ayo eB

1301

Altitude (ft.).................sea level–310

VARNERHOGG PLANTATION STATE HISTORIC SITE

Rosharon

528

BN

2403

R.

Land area(sq.mi.)..................1,703.5

B

Iowa Colony 288

Sandy Point

Cree

Damon

Manvel 521

STATE PRISON

zos Bra

H

W

D

EN

1462

36

r nard Rive er

Area (sq.mi.)..........................1,777.5

Sa n

R

B

T

lat

146'

T AR

518

co

FO

Cow

Population..........................4,538,028 ON

PEARLAND

518 1128

o Ch

HISTORIC BRAZORIA COUNTY BORDERS HARRIS, GALVESTON, FORT BEND, MATAGORDA & WHARTON COUNTIES. Change fm 2010........................10.9

HARRIS

35

l f

o

f

0

M

e

x

6 MILES

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 Q1 2018) City

Composite 100%

Grocery 13.61%

Housing Utilities Transportation Healthcare 27.59% 1 0.06% 9.59% 4.00% 35.15%

Atlanta

99.0

103.3

96.5

Austin

98.1

87.6

101.6

Boston

146.7

105.8

Chicago

123.8

Cleveland

100.0

Dallas/Fort Worth

103.1

99.7

105.5

Denver

111.7

97.4

134.6

86.3

103.9 109.0 97.5

Houston New York (Manhattan)

97.7 240.0

86.6 100.0

107.5 101.6

93.8

91.7

100.4 101.9

207.5

127.5 112.0

135.8 129.3

107.9

157.2

92.4 126.7

101.5 114.1

111.8

87.7

99.5 101.6

100.9 105.0

138.0

Phoenix

95.7

Raleigh

94.7 102.7

97.9

505.2

105.5

98.5

89.0 103.5

116.5

130.2

95.5 104.9 92.7 84.0

93.1 99.0

San Francisco

194.1

126.3

363.7

122.2

Seattle

149.6

126.9

199.4

114.4 133.0

Tuscon

24

93.7 102.1

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

Misc.

– ISSUE 2

79.7

132.6

95.1 96.1

102.5

103.2

105.5 108.1 91.3 94.8 115.3

145.2

97.7 92.8 100.2 98.8 125.1

128.8

123.7 135.8 100.3 99.8

Medicine, are planning the future growth

Municipal Management District to oversee

Pearland’s growing business community

of the Texas Medical Center.

a 288 Corridor Master Improvement Plan.

includes Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Merit

This Plan provides design, concepts and

Medical, Cardiovascular Systems, Kelsey

PEARLAND

landscaping plans to help enhance key inter-

Seybold, Re-Chem, Dover Energy, Aggreko,

As the third largest city in the Houston MSA

sections along Texas 288 between Beltway 8

PLC, Tool-Flo and FloWorks Interna-

and the 33rd largest city in Texas, Pearland

and County Road 59, and includes lighting,

tional. In the Lower Kirby District, Lonza

is a thriving community with a diverse and

special paving, water features, sculptural

Houston, Inc. is completing an 80,000-sq.ft.

educated workforce.

elements and landscaping.

biotech facility. Healthcare providers in the

In 2012, Pearland adopted the 20/20

Current

thoroughfares,

Hospital, HCA Pearland Medical Center,

Plan, a strategic outline for future success.

drainage, public safety, library expansions,

Methodist Hospital, HealthSouth Hospital

The plan incorporates a wide range of

parks, recreation facilities and sports venues.

and Kelsey Seybold.

economic development partners in govern-

Pearland Parks & Recreation has various proj-

ment, education, healthcare and business.

ects underway that are designed to engage an

Pearland, first settled in 1894, was incor-

New initiatives are focusing on significant

active community.

porated in 1959. The city currently has an

Pearland area include Memorial Hermann projects

target

estimated population of 120,000.

improvements along major corridors into the City of Pearland (Main Street/Texas 35,

University of Houston-Clear Lake Pearland

Cullen Boulevard, Broadway/518 and Texas

Campus offers undergraduate and grad-

FRIENDSWOOD

288) to attract commercial, retail and resi-

uate degree programs. Alvin Community

Friendswood’s reputation for traditional

dential developments.

College offers core classes at the UHCL

values, quality education, and low crime

Pearland campus and Shadow Creek Ranch

makes it a top choice for young families.

The Pearland Economic and Development

High School, giving students the opportu-

Friendswood was named the number one

Corporation, the City of Pearland and

nity to attend elementary school through

place to live in Galveston County by Niche

local commercial property owners created a

college without leaving home.

2018 Best Places and received an A+ rating.

Freedom to Spread Out Stone Meadow Homes crafts stunning homes that provide a comfortable lifestyle for you and your family today – and for years to come.

Homes on 1 to 2.5 acre lots $280s to $500’s Savannah Plantation

FM 1462 6 miles east of Texas 288 1.25 to 2.5 acre home sites $300s to $500s Alvin I.S.D.

Bayou Trails Estates

Alvin area east of Highway 35 on FM 2917 1-acre home sites, 200-ft. wide $280s to $400s Alvin I.S.D.

On an acreage home site you will have plenty of space for an extra garage, workshop, outdoor kitchen, pool, sport vehicle storage and much more.

7714 Stratford Hall Drive Rosharon, Texas 77583 832-945-1462

stonemeadowhomes.com

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

25

TEXAS 288 HOUSTON HOME FRONT

Well maintained residential communities

In the late 1890s, three Quaker families

Alvin Community College (ACC), rated

in Friendswood are typically set among

named Friendswood in honor of their friend-

number seven best community college in

tall oaks planted centuries ago by early

ship and the heavily wooded river-banks in

Texas by Niche. Provides a wide variety of

settlers. West Ranch, a 766-acre master

the area. Friendswood was incorporated in

activities, events and seasonal celebrations

planned

1960. The population today is 39,800.

for residents and students.

ALVIN

Frontier Communications has partnered

community

by

Friendswood

Development Company, will feature 1,500 homes when built out.

Friendswood voters approved four separate bond projects in 2016. The $24 million, multi-phased plan will improve fire stations, library facilities, parks, roads and streets over a seven-year period. In 2016, for the

Alvin was honored with a 2016 Playful City USA designation for the 6th consecutive year. The national recognition program

café, among other amenities. Empere-

Farms, offering home grown fruit and

downtown

Houston,

Hobby

Airport,

Garden,

a

dent School District, Alvin Community

Confederate Cemetery. Stanton’s General

College, Walmart, Ascend Performance

Store, which originally opened in 1922,

Materials, INEOS Olefins & Polymers;

the

Alvin

Museum,

and

the Port of Houston, and Clear Lake. Top

feed store, farm supplies, livestock, restau-

employers

rant and gift shop. Old Town Center

Inde-

250 representatives with a total of 650 jobs.

Major Employers include Alvin Indepen-

is trip back in time with a grocery store,

Friendswood

on-Constar will initially employ more than

vegetables, Bayou Wildlife Park, Shimek

Ellington Field, petrochemical complexes, include

five high-tech training rooms, ergonomic workstations, game room, and internet

a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence

Space Center (NASA) just 10 miles away,

The 60,000-square-foot call center features

for making their cities more playable.

For starters, Alvin is home to Froberg

Residents have quick access to the Johnson

tegic Customer Care and Tech Support.

honors cities and towns across the country

28th year, the City of Friendswood received in Financial Reporting.

with Empereon Marketing to provide stra-

trendy

restaurants,

Empereon; Ron Carter Auto Group; Rice-Tec; Team, Inc, Diversified Ceramics, and the City of Alvin.

pendent School District, H-E-B. Grocery,

touting

breweries,

In 1893, Alvin became the first incor-

Kroger Texas, City of Friendswood and

music venues, shops and new businesses

porated city in Brazoria County. Alvin’s

the Clear Creek ISD. More than half of the

of all kinds, hugs the 110-year-old, fully

estimated population today is 26,474

city’s residents are employed in executive,

renovated Alvin Depot Centre and Clock

according to the U.S. Census Bureau popu-

professional and managerial positions.

Tower grounds.

lation estimate for 2017.

Photo Courtesy of Pearland Town Center

26

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

– ISSUE 2

MANVEL

IOWA COLONY

By size, 40 square miles, Manvel is one

Largely rural farm and ranch land describes Iowa Colony today, but change is coming.

Projected growth along Texas 288 from Houston to the Brazosport area places Iowa Colony directly in the path of major residential, retail and commercial developments.

of the largest cities in Brazoria County.

Developers are looking at Manvel for large multi-use projects encompassing commercial,

retail

and

large

master-planned

residential communities.

Just 20 miles from downtown Houston Manvel Town Center, a 270-acre retail site at the intersection of Texas 288 and Texas 6, will be the first multi-use development in the City of Manvel. The Weitzman Group is developing the mixed center for large anchor stores, smaller retail stores, pad sites for restaurants and commercial buildings.

Additionally, The Presido at Manvel is a 400-acre mixed use retail and residential development planned at the intersection of Texas 288 and Texas 6.

Manvel is home to four large-scale communities fronting on Texas 288: Sedona Lakes, Rodeo Palms, South Fork and Pomona. A fifth master-planned community, Meridiana, has approximately 3,500 lots planned in Manvel with additional lots in Iowa Colony.

In a future phase, residents will have quick access to Manvel via Meridiana Parkway.

Smaller-scale communities (Bluewater Lakes, Martha’s Vineyard, Lakeland) are being developed along Texas 6 east Texas 288.

The Alvin Independent School District serves the Manvel area. Manvel Junior High, Rodeo Palms Junior High School, Don Jeter and E. C. Mason Elementary Schools are in Manvel. The pride of

“We live and work in Texas 288”

Representing Buyers in New Construction & Resale

Meridiana, a large master-planned community by Rise Development, is forever changing the frontage along Texas 288. The Meridiana Parkway Interchange over Texas 288 offers quick access into the community. The parkway will eventually extend to Highway 6 in Manvel giving residents immediate access to another major thoroughfare.

Shelley Naiser

Mary Jennings

The discovery of oil in 1948 brought regional employment to Iowa Colony. The City of Iowa Colony was incorporated in 1973, the current population is 1,120. Alvin I.S.D. serves Iowa Colony.

Angleton has been the county seat of Brazoria

County

since

1896.

Today,

Angleton can boast excellent schools, affordable housing, a low crime rate, and a high quality of life just minutes from the Texas Gulf Coast. The Brazoria County Fair, one of the largest fairs in Texas, is held in Angleton in October.

The Parks and Recreation Department operates and maintains more than 200

NEW CONSTRUCTION Pomona Meridiana Southlake Lakes of Savannah Sedona Lakes RESALE Shadow Creek Ranch Southern Trails Silverlake

Sterling Lakes, located 3 miles south of Texas 6 at CR 56, was the first community of any size to be developed in Iowa Colony. Sierra Vista, a sister community is under development.

ANGLETON

Your Texas 288 Neighborhood Experts.

Ashley Warren

OFFICE: 281-809-3719 MOBILE: 832-654-1262

www.ShelleyNaiserProperties.com 11,000 square-foot terminal office building, a restaurant and private hangers. The $2.5 million facility is a key part of the airport’s $34 million, 20-year master plan.

The expansion is being funded by several sources including Brazoria County, the Federal Aviation Administration and the State of Texas. Angleton became an incorporated city in 1912, the current population is approaching 20,000.

Manvel, Manvel High School, is east of

acres of developed parkland spread over

BRAZOSPORT AREA

Texas 288 on Texas 6.

eight parks. These community parks feature

The Brazosport area is situated where the

playgrounds, disc golf, outdoor volley-

Brazos and San Bernard Rivers meet the

ball courts, horse shoes, rental pavilions,

Texas Gulf Coast; a natural environment

fitness trails, butterfly gardens, youth sports

for outdoor activities. The lifestyle offers

complexes and dog parks. The Angleton

a wide range of recreational opportunities

Recreation Center offers a variety of

including fishing, boating, camping, bird-

activities including a weight room, fitness

watching and 44 miles of beaches.

Manvel’s history was greatly influenced by the railroad, settlers from the north and oil. It was named after Allen Manvel, the president of the Santa Fe Railroad.

Manvel went from a recorded population of 106 in 1970 to a population of 3,549 in 1980, due to the construction of highway

classes, a full court gymnasium, meeting rooms and indoor pool.

Texas 288. Manvel was incorporated in

The Brazosport area owes much to Dow Chemical Company and the other chem-

1961, the current population is estimated

The Texas Gulf Coast Regional Airport

ical

to be 10,115.

(LBX) located in Angleton features an

that developed the area starting in the

and

petrochemical

manufacturers

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

27

TEXAS 288 HOUSTON HOME FRONT

“

U.S. Gulf Coast, Dow Chemical opened the

Texas 288 Corridor boasts quick access to the Texas Gulf Coast and Central Houston.

Texas Innovation Center (TXINN) in Lake Jackson. The TXINN houses advanced laboratory

”

facilities,

technical

expertise

centers and administrative offices for the Texas operation in the A. P. Beutel Building.

1930s. Nine separate municipalities--Bra-

employers throughout Brazoria County.

zoria, Clute, Freeport, Jones Creek, Lake

Clute is home to the “Great Texas Mosquito

The Lake Jackson area is experiencing

Jackson, Oyster Creek, Quintana, Rich-

Festival” held each year in July. The popula-

growth in other ways with the opening

wood and Surfside Beach—comprise the

tion of Clute is 11,211 and growing.

of a new H-E-B grocery store and Kroger Marketplace on Oyster Creek Drive. Other

Brazosport Area.

CLUTE The

nationally-recognized

Brazosport

LAKE JACKSON

retailers, hotels and commercial businesses

Lake Jackson, the largest city in the Brazo-

are building or completing new locations

sport area, is said to have been planned

within the city. Residential communities

College in Clute occupies 156 acres of

almost foot-by-foot by architect, Alden B.

are also being developed to satisfy a strong

naturally landscaped grounds enclosed on

Dow, and Dr. A. P. Buetel, the first general

demand for new-homes and apartments.

two sides by Oyster Creek. The Brazosport

manager of Dow’s Texas Division in

Fine Arts Council, Art League, Brazosport

1941. Today, Dow Chemical’s A. P. Beutel

Center Stage and the Museum of Natural

Building rises prominently above Texas 288

Science and Nature Center, and Planetarium

to welcome visitors to Lake Jackson.

The Brazos Mall, Texas 288 at Oyster Creek Drive, recently completed a $25 million remodeling. The mall is anchored by

are all located in The Center for the Arts

Dillard’s,

JC

Penney

and

AMC

and Sciences. The college is a key provider

To mark its continuing commitment to the

Cinemas. A former Sears store was redevel-

of a highly-trained work force for industrial

Brazosport area, Brazoria County and the

oped to house T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods.

We Invite You & Your Family to Experience the Magic of Our

Elizabethan Madrigal Feast A Holiday Tradition Since 1988

Tickets Include Gourmet 3 - Course Dinner

30

th

28

! y r a s r e v i n n A

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

400 College Blvd Clute, TX 77531

– ISSUE 2

November 23 - December 9, 2018 RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

For tickets go to brazosportcenter.org or call 979-265-7661

world. Dow recently completed a new

Jetty Park in Surfside has panoramic views of

ethylene and plastics plant in Freeport,

the Gulf. Activities include a full playground,

part of a $6 billion expansion along the

fishing, crabbing and relaxing. A boat ramp

Gulf Coast. At full operating capacity, two

on Thunder Road claims to have the fastest

million metric tons a year, the Freeport

ramp access to the Texas Gulf Coast.

plant will be the world’s largest ethylene production facility.

Plant construction is surging in the Freeport area. Freeport LNG started construction of

QUINTANA BEACH Quintana Beach County Park is a 51-acre beachfront park located on the upper Texas gulf coast with day-use amenities

the liquefaction project and expects to achieve

and overnight facilities. Natural attrac-

commercial operation in 2018, and BASF has

tions

started construction of an ammonia plant, a

nature viewing, swimming, surfing, beach-

joint venture with Norway-based Yara Inter-

combing, and shelling.

include

bird

watching,

fishing,

national ASA. Founded in 1958, BASF’s Freeport campus is the company’s oldest

Open year-round, the park features paved

manufacturing site outside Europe.

full-service RV campsites, self-contained cabins,

Photos Courtesy of Froberg’s Farm

tent

camping,

restrooms

and

In addition to the economic impact of

showers, a meeting/party house complete

Dow Chemical, BASF, and numerous

with kitchen, an event center, covered

other chemical companies, Freeport is

pavilions, picnic tables, grills, playgrounds,

a thriving port city just three miles from

volleyball court, hiking trails, pedestrian

open Gulf of Mexico waters. Port Freeport

beach, lighted fishing pier, access to the

Adjacent to the mall, a full-service Courtyard

currently ranks 26th among U.S. ports in

west jetty, and paved parking. 

by Marriott serves the business community.

international cargo tonnage. Freeport has a

Lake Jackson is a jump-off point for endless indoor and outdoor activities. Sea Center Texas, a fish hatchery producing 20 million fingerlings a year; Lake Jackson Historical Museum, and The Gulf Coast Bird Observatory are located in Lake Jackson. The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail and the Upper Texas Coast Guide show more than a dozen birding spots in the area. The population of Lake Jackson is approaching 28,000.

FREEPORT

population of 12,100.

SURFSIDE BEACH Surfside Beach is a popular destination for locals and Houstonians throughout the year.

While just 2.2 square miles in size, Surfside offers visitors a host of activities. Beach houses are available for short stays or longer family vacations. You will find homes for sale or lease along the beach and inland.

The Bluewater Highway runs the length of

“We will provide timely, knowledgeable and dedicated service to locate and secure the property that best meets your needs and requirements.

Whether you choose to lease, buy or sell, we will skillfully guide you every step of the way.”

Surfside Beach and continues northeast to San Luis Pass and the bridge onto Galveston

Freeport, the second largest city in the

Island’s west beach. The Bluewater Highway

Brazosport area, is less than 5 miles from the

Trail is a nature trail designed for walks, golf

mouth of the Brazos River. Popular activi-

carts, bicycles, or joggers.

ties include fishing from land and offshore, crabbing, and sun bathing at Bryant Beach

Stahlman Park, a favorite event venue and

and Quintana Beach Park. The Gulf Coast

Gulf-side park, is ideal for large occasions

Bird Observatory and Brazoria National

or casual gatherings. Views of the Gulf of

Wildlife Refuge are in Freeport.

Mexico via decks, a gazebo, and walkover are spectacular. Across from Stahlman

Freeport is home to Dow Chemical, one

Park, the crabbing pier is a favorite spot

of the largest chemical companies in the

with locals of all ages.

Professional Service You Can Trust!

Your Houston Real Estate & Apartment Locating Specialists

281.326.HOME

www.DavidTheLocator.com HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

29

in this section STEM public schools area school districts higher education

30

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

– ISSUE 2

EDUCATION IN TEXAS 288 SOUTH The only thing more expensive than investing in education is not investing in education. Districts in the Texas 288 Corridor offer an impressive array of high quality educational opportunities to prepare a growing population for future careers.

The Texas 288 Corridor is served by

(STAAR) tests. STAAR tests measure a

students. Open-enrollment Charter schools

five independent school districts: Alvin,

child’s performance, as well as academic

receive state funds based on the average

Angleton, Brazosport, Friendswood and

growth and college and career readiness.

daily attendance of students; however, they

Pearland. In addition, limited areas are

The number of subjects tested and the

do not receive funds from local tax revenue.

served by the Fort Bend, Houston, Pasa-

number of tests taken each year varies by

dena and Clear Creek Independent School

grade. Results from STAAR are used to

As health care and biotechnology indus-

Districts. Each district is governed by its own

calculate annual school and district perfor-

tries grow and mature within the Texas 288

board of elected trustees and offers a variety

mance ratings. For current information,

Corridor, career opportunities for educated

of study areas, extracurricular activities, and

ask your school district for updates or visit

skilled workers are increasing. Students

special education departments to meet the

the Texas Education Association (TEA)

interested in health science careers can

needs of students. All of the school districts

website at tea.texas.gov.

enroll in programs offered at local community colleges and advance their degrees at

in the Texas 288 Corridor “Met Standards” in the 2017 Accountability Ratings Report

In the State of Texas, charter schools operate

released by the Texas Education Agency.

under and receive academic accountability

numerous colleges and universities.

ratings from the Texas Education Agency.

Several

Texas students take the State of Texas

All charter students in Texas take the same

between local colleges and industry to train

Assessment

STAAR test as traditional public school

students for job specialties in high demand.

of

Academic

Readiness

programs

utilize

partnerships

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

31

T E X A S 2 8 8 H O U S T O N E D U C AT I O N

Photo Courtesy of Pearland ISD

STEM EDUCATION

In 2013, the average STEM occupation paid

The Texas Science, Technology, Engi-

STEM is an acronym for Science, Tech-

about $80,000 annually. That’s roughly 1.7

neering, and Math (T-STEM) Challenge

nology, Engineering and Math education.

times the average yearly U.S. wage.

Scholarship Program was established by

Simply defined, STEM is an interdisciplinary and applied approach that is coupled with hands-on, problem-based learning.

Advocates of integrated approaches to STEM education believe teaching STEM in a more connected manner, especially in the context of real-world issues, can make STEM subjects more relevant to students and teachers. The goal being to increase the number of students who consider a career in a STEM-related field, and to improve

There are several STEM Initiatives in Texas to inspire existing and new programs. The Texas Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (T-STEM) Initiative provides a foundational approach to empower teachers, inspire students, and advance the STEM education. The` public-private initiative of academies, professional development centers and networks is designed to improve

House Bill 2910. Grants awarded under the T-STEM program allow community and technical colleges to provide merit-based scholarships to qualifying, high-achieving full-time students pursuing careers in STEM and related fields. Participating colleges partner with local business and industry to identify local employment needs in T-STEM occupations and to

instruction and academic performance in

develop part-time employment opportuni-

science and mathematics-related subjects at

ties for scholarship recipients.

college readiness.

secondary schools.

Some educators want to include Art in

The school districts in the Texas 288 Corridor

STEM programs making STEAM. Propo-

are integrating STEM teaching principals

nents of STEAM see art as a way of

in K-12 grade. Local businesses and indus-

offering more diverse learning opportuni-

tries are also taking an active part in STEM

ties, and better access to STEM programs

educational programs to strengthen the

for

Engaging

STEM skills of students while introducing a

students’ strengths using art activities

variety of career choices. Stephen F. Austin

increases motivation and the probability

Elementary School in the Brazosport ISD is

of STEM success.

a dedicated STEM campus for grades K-6.

The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects

Dow Chemical Company, a world leader in

communities in the Houston metropolitan

a 13 percent growth in careers in the STEM

STEM education, works closely with local

area. The district is home to 29 campuses

sector between 2012 and 2020, compared

schools, colleges, government and other

and a Career and Technical Center with more

with 11 percent growth in non-STEM sectors.

industries in support of STEM education.

expected for Alvin ISD’s future.

32

all

types

of

learners.

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

– ISSUE 2

TEXAS 288 SCHOOL DISTRICTS Alvin ISD www.alvinisd.net Alvin ISD serves the Alvin-Manvel-Rosharon-Pearland areas. Spanning more than 252 square miles across Brazoria County, Alvin ISD caters to some of the fastest growing

Shadow Creek High School, Alvin ISD’s

Alvin ISD Board of Trustees has made

third high school, opened in 2016 and will

Career & Technical Education (CTE)

house up to 2,500 students. Shirley Dill

a priority through the expansion of the

Brothers and Pomona Elementary Schools

CTE program, which allows students to

opened in 2017.

earn certifications in pathways such as

Alvin ISD is the employer of choice for more than 3,000 educators and staff who are committed to helping every student achieve their maximum potential. The district currently serves more than 22,000 students, with a projected growth rate of 1,000 or more students every school year.

Teaching Outreach - There are various programs in Alvin ISD that aim to further the education of students, even outside class.

For the first time in the district’s history, the Alvin ISD Book Bus; now, the “library on wheels” will be able to serve hundreds of Alvin ISD students.

The

number

of

welding, veterinary sciences, cosmetology, and as an Emergency Medical Technician

Children's Museum of Houston

(EMT). Phase 1 of the new CTE center is complete, housing autotech education.

Phase 2 of the center began construction in March of this year.

Angleton ISD www.angletonisd.net Angleton Independent School District strives to provide a high-quality education and today serves approximately 6,700 students in a 396-square mile district.

Because the district recognizes the value

Advanced

Placement

Scholars increases annually, while the district boasts a growing number of students who distinguish themselves in various academic, fine arts and athletic competitions. This year, there were two National Scholars as well as six National Hispanic Scholars.

Academic Challenges - Alvin ISD high school seniors average $5 million in academic, fine arts, and athletic scholarships every year. SeaPerch, Project Lead the Way, STEM Academy and MAP (Magnet Academic Program) are just a few of the programs that provide opportunities to broaden knowledge, skills, and experiences to Gifted and Talented and highly motivated students. In addition, special education programs are also provided for students with disabilities through special instruction, modifications, and services.

of producing highly skilled graduates, AISD has designed multiple pathways for college and career readiness. AISD is in its ninth year of the Dual Language Program, an educational model in which native English speakers and native speakers of another language receive instruction in both languages to promote bilingual literacy in an ever-growing global market.

Career & Technology Programs - Additionally, Angleton High School offers several career and technology programs, such as welding, criminal justice and culinary arts.

Students can participate in award-winning fine arts programs, championship athletic programs, and a wide array of academic courses including Advanced Placement and Dual/Concurrent College classes. The most accelerated level of AISD’s advanced academics program (Pre-AP/AP) is its X-elerate program for 5th or 6th grade students.

Alvin ISD high school students can earn

STEAM & STEM Education - Wanting

college credit by taking advantage of

to give students more opportunities to

more than 75 Dual Credit courses offered

become involved in STEAM fields, the

through a unique partnership with Alvin

district has made a huge push to incorpo-

Community College. Along with Dual

rate multiple STEAM related programs

Credit courses, students can earn both a

in the classroom and as extracurricular

high school diploma and an Associate

activities,

Degree from Alvin Community College.

academic success.

promoting

innovation

Bring this for $2 discount per ticket for up to 6 people. Not valid with any other offer.

Code: Texas 288 Exp. 12/31/19

and

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

33

T E X A S 2 8 8 H O U S T O N E D U C AT I O N

Photo Courtesy of Brazosport ISD

Photo Courtesy Angleton ISD

AISD Wildcat STEM Academy is an initiative based on the high school’s T-STEM

Brazosport ISD www.brazosportisd.net

graduation, an alternative to a traditional high school model through both face to face and online instruction.

designation from the state. Students in the academy can apply to be part of a cohort

Brazosport Independent School District

of students who are grouped together to

encompasses over 200 square miles of agri-

Stephen F. Austin Elementary, in its third year

focus on STEM related careers. As one

culture, ranching, industry, technology,

as a School of Choice, is a dedicated elemen-

of only 70 T-STEM Academies in Texas,

service and small business, all thriving on

tary STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering

a horizon that spans from beachfront to

and Math) campus for grades K-6.

AISD started its academy last year at the high school with a STEM pathway focused on Robotics and Engineering Design.

urban convenience to rich farmland.

Challenging

and

Rigorous

Coursework

The district serves eight communities - Clute,

- BISD offers challenging and rigorous

Freeport, Jones Creek, Lake Jackson, Oyster

coursework in all 17 schools with the three

Creek, Richwood, Quintana and Surfside

high schools offering Advanced Placement

Beach - meeting the needs of nearly 12,400

(AP) classes and extensive Dual Credit

students on 17 campuses, setting the standard

college courses in a partnership with Brazo-

for educational excellence with the mission to

sport College. Along with these possibilities,

graduate each student to be future ready.

BISD also offers extensive services for gifted

Brazosport ISD provides a rigorous and rele-

Excellence through Ability, Responsibility,

inspire young people’s interest and partici-

vant learning experience for each child in an

Creativity & Honor Program) program, for

pation in science, as well as the You Be the

environment that is safe and conducive to

students in grades K-8.

Chemist Challenge. Last year an Angleton

learning. Through fiscal responsibility, BISD

Junior High eighth grader took first in the

ensures financial strength and provides the

state competition.

resources to equip and maintain quality

This year the academy is adding a STEM pathway in Health Science and Computer Programming.

The

Wildcat

STEM

Academy has been expanded to include the Angleton Junior High School.

Additionally, the district participates in FIRST—For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology—that helps

facilities and educational programming. To

students under the ‘SEARCH’ (Seeking

Diverse Programs - Local industry partners actively support elementary through high school robotic programs along with NASA supported rocket engineering opportunities.

In 2017 Northside Elementary became the

support its mission, BISD students from

Northside STEAM Academy, a special-

pre-kindergarten to twelfth grade receive a

BISD offers robust Career & Technical

ized elementary school that focuses on

quality education through superior services

Education (CTE) programs in the areas

science and technology as they are inter-

and diverse programs.

of construction, health, finance, industry,

preted through engineering and the arts

welding, culinary, floral design, with more

while based in mathematical elements. The

Two Schools of Choice

being added this year. In partnership with

Northside STEAM Academy will maintain

B*Success Academy – a 9-12 grade campus

Brazosport College, the district will now offer

the benefits of being a neighborhood school.

that offers students who are on track for

an additional 12 dual credit courses in Career

34

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

– ISSUE 2

and Technical Education (CTE) pathways.

UIL participation is high with state winners

Starting the Fall of 2018, students who meet

advancing to the playoffs where many teams

entrance requirements at both Brazosport High

reach the top. The District was awarded the

School and Brazoswood High School, will be

2014, 2010 and 2009 Lone Star Cup, which-

able to enroll in more CTE based pathways.

honors a district for top academic and athletic

Unique Opportunities - All BISD students have classroom access to chromebooks with those

records, and has continued to be in the top three other years.

in grades 6-12 receiving a district purchased

Friendswood High School was named

Chromebook to provide students 24/7 access

in the Nation’s Top 1500 high schools

to their assignments, homework, online

by Newsweek Magazine. US News and

textbooks, tutorials, and other educational

World Report placed the school in the

resources. These digital devices enable the

top 30 comprehensive high schools in

teachers to differentiate their lessons both in

Texas. Consequently, the many awards its

terms of how they teach and how the students are expected to demonstrate their learning.

All BISD campuses offer a wide range of extracurricular activities to meet the varying needs of all students. From elementary campus clubs to secondary UIL opportunities that include nationally recognized and award winning fine arts programs along with exceptional athletic programs in grades 7 – 12, there is a place for every student to belong.

clubs, organizations, sports, and programs receive make FHS a top contender in the State and Nation. In the Academic Decathlon program FHS has won more state championships than any other high school in the nation.

The FHS Band and Choir as well as the Friendswood Junior High Band and Choir have won prestigious competitions at all levels. The Drama Department has won

Brazosport ISD is made up of kind,

more UIL competitions than any other

caring and compassionate employees and

high school group in the State over the past

community members who work together

10 years. In 1987, members of the FISD

to ensure that students have a wide range

School Board implemented a Character

of high-quality programs to engage every

Ed program. Since then the Westwood

learning style and assist in tapping into

Elementary was named the first State

their unique gifts.

School of Character and a National School of Character.

Friendswood ISD www.myfisd.com

Pearland ISD www.pearlandisd.org

The

Friendswood

Independent

School

District was established in 1948 and covers

Located in one of

15 square miles. Fully accredited by the

est-growing suburbs, Pearland Independent

the nation’s fast-

Texas Education Agency, the district’s

School District provides a world-class

curriculum emphasizes academic skills,

education to 21,500 students.

higher academic thinking and cooperative learning strategies.

Pearland ISD has 23 campuses: 11 elementary schools (including an International

The FISD School Board was named 2016

Baccalaureate World School), four middle

Outstanding School Board of the Year in the

schools, four junior high schools, two tradi-

region and is currently being considered for

tional high schools, a college and career

the top honors at state level.

high school and an alternative campus.

FISD has six campuses: one K-5 campus, one

The district also offers a Gifted and Talented

K-3, two 3-5 intermediate campus, one 6-8

Academy (grades 5-8) and Dual Language

grade junior high and one 9-12 high school.

Pilot Program at four elementary campuses.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

35

T E X A S 2 8 8 H O U S T O N E D U C AT I O N

maintains over 1,200 acres of land, 74 schools and 13 other sites for administration, athletics, agriculture, and the FBISD Police Department. FBISD has 11 high schools, 15 middle schools and 50 elementary campuses; and to address various vocational interests and special learning needs, the district also has a Technical Education Center, the M.R. Wood Center for Learning, the Ferndell Henry Center for Learning, and the Progressive High School.

Houston ISD www.houstonisd.org The Houston Independent School District Photo Courtesy of Brazosport ISD

is committed to providing a high-quality education. HISD has 284 schools and more

District Excellence- While achieving top

medals for rodeo art or advancing to the

state accountability ratings, Pearland ISD

UIL state finals.

than 214,175 students, making it the largest district in Texas and the seventh-largest in the United States. HISD serves a dynamic,

consistently rises to the top of state and regional lists for academic excellence,

Pearland ISD students also graduate college

highly diversified community and is one of

student support and more.

and career ready, thanks to a variety of CTE

Houston’s largest business enterprises.

and dual credit programs for workforce In 2017, Niche.com ranked Pearland ISD

learning and associate degree opportunities.

the No. 3 district in the Houston metro area and No. 18 in Texas based on testing data

In fall 2015, the district established RISE

and student and parent surveys.

Mentoring to connect students with caring, committed adults community-wide. Mentors

For high academic achievement combined

and mentee meet on campus 30 minutes a

with cost-effective operations, the district

week, developing a relationship that helps

also

earned

TXSmartSchools’

highest

rating, five stars given to only 46 districts/ charter schools statewide this year.

In addition, Pearland ISD continues to be one of the largest Houston-area districts with all schools graded “B” or above in Children at Risk’s 2017 school rankings. Eighteen of 20 district campuses included in Children at

students rise above challenges to succeed in school and life.

teachers

and

community,

Pearland ISD students are equipped to become leaders with grit who impact their world.

Risk’s annual rankings received an “A” grade.

Student Achievement- Individually, Pearland ISD students stand out among their peers.

District high school students consistently score above state and global averages in SAT/

AREA SCHOOL DISTRICTS Fort Bend ISD www.fortbendisd.com

ACT scores and earned 568 Advanced Placement Scholar Awards in 2016.

Pasadena ISD serves much of

south-

east Harris County, including a portion of Pearland near Pearland Parkway. The district was awarded “Recognized” status in July of 2011 in State Accountability Ratings released by the Texas Education Agency.

All of the district’s 67 schools earned an

Through diverse education options and supportive

Pasadena ISD www1.pasadenaisd.org

Academically

Acceptable

rating.

Pasa-

dena ISD is comprised of 67 total school campuses, has a graduation rate of 89% and a total enrollment of 55,395 students.

Lutheran South Academy www.lutheransouth.org • 281-464-8299 Lutheran South Academy offers a Christian, college preparatory curriculum to a diversified student body of approximately 900 students in grades PreK3-12th. Over 99% of its graduates continue into post-secondary

As one of the largest districts in Texas, Fort

educational institutions. LSA is accredited

Bend ISD spans 170 square miles in north-

in accordance with the Texas Education

In fine arts and athletics, students frequently

east Fort Bend County, just southwest of

Agency, AdvancED, and the Southern Asso-

bring home the gold, whether awarded gold

Houston and Harris County. The district

ciation of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

36

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

– ISSUE 2

Lutheran South employs only certified

with qualified, caring people. The manage-

teachers, many having Master Degrees or

ment team members and teachers exceed

beyond. LSA also offers a licensed before and

expectations by creating and maintaining

after school care program for their students.

trusted relationships with every family they serve, and share their vision: To deliver the

LSA is a member of the Texas Association

best and most trusted early childhood educa-

of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS),

tion and child care services for families

and regularly sends athletic teams to district and state playoff competitions. The athletic

across America.

program includes a wide range of individual

The Balanced Learning System. The Prim-

and team sports. There are also opportuni-

rose Balanced Learning System provides

ties for students to participate in TAPPS

high-quality educational experiences that

competitions in Art, Band, Choir and

support children’s development as well-

various academic disciplines. LSA is located

rounded individuals. The Balanced Learning

off I-45 South near Dixie Farm Road.

curriculum addresses children’s social-emo-

Primrose Schools of Pearland www.primroseschools.com The Primrose Experience: Building the Right Foundation for Future Learning and Life. Choosing the right care for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. At the end of the day, it comes down to entrusting the care of your child to a provider that will give you peace of mind and give your child the best possible experience.

Primrose Schools is an accredited early childhood education preschool that offers a premier educational child care experience for families across the country. The Primrose Experience starts with fostering a strong connection and partnership with

tional,

cognitive,

creative

and

physical

development as they determine what experiences children need at different age levels.

The curriculum is reviewed and updated annually to ensure continued alignment with early learning standards.

The Standards of Excellence. Primrose Schools holds schools to high standards of excellence with the implementation of quality assurance and continuous improvement

through

an

internal

Service

Excellence Assurance program and an external AdvancED Corporation Systems Accreditation which ensures each school’s adherence to AdvancED Standards for Quality Early Learning Schools.

St. Helen Catholic School www.SHCSsaints.org 281-485-2845

parents to help build the right foundation for future learning and success in school

The mission of St. Helen Catholic School

and in life.

(SHCS) is to “grow children in wisdom,

For the last sixteen years Mr. and Mrs. Papadopulos have been the franchise owners for Primrose Schools of Pearland, Primrose School of First Colony, and Prim-

age and grace.” Joyfully following this mission has enabled SHCS to also grow tremendously in student numbers during the past six years. Total enrollment in 2011

rose School of Upper Kirby. They have

was 210 students, almost 400 St. Helen

provided for the Pearland, Sugar Land, and

Saints enrolled in 2017.

Houston families a nurturing environment where children are happy, safe and having fun while learning.

This growth has called upon the generosity of the St. Helen Parish community to assist SHCS with housing the growing

What makes the Primrose Experience

student body and they responded gener-

unique? The People and Culture. One

ously. After celebrating the school’s 20th

reason parents choose Primrose is because

anniversary a new, educational facility

they know they are leaving their children

opened in 2017.

The new 75,000 sq. ft. facility is wellequipped with a large gym and cafeteria, spacious classrooms, a media center, technology lab, and two large science labs.

State-of-the-art safety equipment has been installed in the completely enclosed campus. Aesthetically pleasing, the facility will enable the St. Helen family to continue to “grow” the total child, spiritually, emotionally, and socially.

Their History - STCS is a short, but successful story. Founded in 1996 through the vision and generosity of the parishioners of St. Helen Catholic Church, SHCS has grown into one of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston’s premiere Catholic Schools from its humble beginnings of only 50 students in 1997. At that time, the members of the St. Helen community envisioned teaching Catholic values, strengthening students in the Catholic faith, and teaching students and staff to witness to the presence of Jesus Christ in the world.

Currently, the school continues to promote and adhere to their ideals with a culturally-diverse community composed of the clergy, parishioners, parents, students, school personnel, and all persons who help to fulfill the school’s mission.

St. Helen Catholic School promotes high, rigorous, and traditional academic standards within a Christ-centered, spiritual environment. The campus is dually accredited

by AdvancED (formerly Southern Association of Schools) and TCCBED (Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops Education Department, in conjunction with the Texas Education Agency). SHCS enrolls all year long for grades PK3-8th grades.

HIGHER EDUCATION Alvin Community College www.alvincollege.edu • 281-756-3500 Since classes officially began in September 1949, Alvin Community College has provided southeast Texas with 70 years of exceptional educational opportunities,

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

37

T E X A S 2 8 8 H O U S T O N E D U C AT I O N

Photo Courtesy Brazosport ISD

Photo Courtesy Dawson High School

pathways to rewarding careers and personal

The Department of Continuing Education

Pell Grant program, which offers funding

enrichment programs. Although the tradi-

and Workforce Development (CEWD)

for students in corrections programs to

tional view of a college is to prepare high

provides programs that incorporate current

earn a higher education degree or certi-

school graduates for professional careers,

and new technical courses; training part-

fication. Research has shown that an

there is so much more to ACC.

nerships with business and industry; and

education reduces the recidivism rate for

other opportunities for individuals to

those leaving corrections.

ACC has been ranked by many organi-

acquire and upgrade skills or seek personal

zations as among the best community

enrichment. CEWD provides a variety of

Brazosport College in Lake Jackson

colleges in the nation. Graduates who take

programs that allow students to further or

www.brazosport.edu • 979-230-3000

license exams have an average pass rate of

begin new careers in a number of fields

99 percent compared to the state average

including health care, professional services,

of 89 percent.

industrial arts and more.

Brazosport

Independent

School

District

encompasses over 200 square miles of industry, technology, agriculture, ranching,

With Dual Credit and Dual Degree

In 2017, ACC started offering courses

service and small business, all thriving on a

students as young as 13, ACC partners

at two new locations. ACC classes are

with area school districts including Alvin,

horizon that spans from beachfront to urban

available at Alvin ISD Shadow Creek

Pearland, Danbury and Living Stones

convenience to rich farmland.

High School and the University of Hous-

Church to help give motivated teenagers

ton-Clear Lake Pearland campus.

The district serves eight communities - Clute,

a head start in college and toward their career goals.

ACC has been designated as a Hispanic-Serving

Institution

by

the

U.S.

With credit students as old as 85, ACC

Department of Education. The college

provides quality instruction to adults of all

received a $3.8 million STEM grant to

ages who wish to change careers, improve

enhance its developmental Math courses

their job skills or just challenge themselves.

and its Process Technology program.

To make getting a degree easier, ACC also

Freeport, Jones Creek, Lake Jackson, Oyster Creek, Richwood, Quintana and Surfside Beach - meeting the needs of nearly 12,500 students on 19 campuses, setting the standard for educational excellence with the mission to graduate each student to be future ready.

Brazosport ISD provides an individualized

offers more than 100 online courses. There

For more than 50 years, ACC has been

are three Associate Degree programs that

providing education for inmates with the

learning experience for each child in an

can be earned entirely online along with one

Texas Department of Criminal Justice. It

environment that is safe and conducive to

certificate program. Associate Degrees now

was the first college in Texas to do so. ACC

learning. Through fiscal responsibility, BISD

available online are those in the Sociology,

is one of a handful of colleges and univer-

ensures financial strength and provides the

Psychology, and Management.

sities to take part in the Second Chance

resources to equip and maintain quality

38

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

– ISSUE 2

Primrose Schools of Pearland YOUR CHILD’S PATH TO EDUCATIONAL DISCOVERY BEGINS HERE We believe who children become is as important as what they know. For over 30 years, Primrose Schools has helped empower children like yours to reach their full potential. Our exclusive, time-tested Balanced Learning approach was created from the best early education wisdom of balancing pu r poseful play and nu r tu r ing guidance to encou rage curiosity, confidence, creativity and compassion.

Proprietary Curriculum: Research-informed and time-tested Training: We train our people to be the best Equipment: From tables and chairs to toys and books, every piece of equipment is chosen for a purpose

health; and compassion, kindness and life skills continuously throughout the day.

Your Child’s Path to Educational Discovery Begins Here Every stage of your child’s education is filled with age-appropr iate, enr iching exper iences led by our passionate, committed and caring staff.

Infant to Preschool Classrooms: Inspiring curiosity and wonder in the Primrose Wonder Program.

Preschool through Kindergarten Classrooms: Encouraging children to venture out and discover the world around them in the Primrose Venture Program.

Assessment: Highly personalized and tailored to each age level We know that a child’s interests can lead to exciting exploration, discovery and understanding of the world. That’s why our proprietary curriculum integrates language and literacy; science, technology, engineering, creative arts and math (STEAM); social studies; music; physical development and

After School Care for ages 5 to 10: Stimulating continued exploration of a child’s individual interests in the Primrose Explorers Program.

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N C A L L O R V I S I T O N E O F O U R LOCATIONS

FACT:

There are valuable lessons involved in learning how to use a microscope.

BALANCED LEARNING® WAY:

Including how to share.

SEE BALANCED LEARNING IN ACTION. CALL FOR A TOUR TODAY! Primrose School of Pearland 713.436.4120 | PrimrosePearland.com Primrose School of Pearland Parkway 281.997.8855 | PrimrosePearlandPkwy.com Primrose School of West Pearland 713.436.0404 | PrimroseWestPearland.com

Each Primrose school is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools® and Balanced Learning® are registered trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2018 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved. See primroseschools.com for ‘fact’ source and curriculum detail.

ADVERTISER CONTRIBUTION

T E X A S 2 8 8 H O U S T O N E D U C AT I O N

facilities and educational programming. To

earned by students this past school year.

Thanks to a generous donation from Dow

support its mission, BISD students from

In partnership with Brazosport College,

Texas Operations, elementary students in

pre-kindergarten to twelfth grade receive a

the district offers an additional 12 dual

BISD will have opportunity to gain knowl-

quality education through diverse programs

credit courses in Career and Technical

edge and skills for future careers through

and superior services.

Education (CTE) pathways. Students who

engaging

meet entrance requirements at BISD high

STREAM labs that offer leading hands-on

Diverse Programs

schools, are also able to enroll in more

curriculum from provider Pitsco Education.

Local industry partners actively support

CTE based pathways.

The three schools –A.P. Beutel Elementary,

elementary through high school robotic programs along with NASA supported rocket engineering opportunities.

BISD

is home to the number one SystemsGo Goddard Level of Rocketry Program in the nation! At 28,500 feet of flight, the student designed, built and managed rocket went

Brazos Success Academy – a 9-12 grade campus that offers students who are on track for graduation, an alternative to a traditional high school model through both face to face and online instruction.

rocketry programs in the U.S.

fourth year as a School of Choice, is a

nical Education (CTE) programs in the areas of construction, health, finance,

dedicated elementary STEM (Science, Engineering

newly

created

Freeport Elementary – are outfitted with cross-curricular STREAM (science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, math) programs for students in Grades K-6.

Challenging and Rigorous Coursework

Stephen F. Austin Elementary, in its

Technology,

in

Stephen F. Austin STEM Academy and

Two Schools of Choice

higher and farther than of all other school

BISD also offers robust Career & Tech-

programs

and

Math)

campus for grades K-6.

BISD offers challenging and rigorous coursework in all 19 schools with the three high schools offering Advanced Placement (AP) classes and extensive Dual Credit college courses in a partnership with Brazosport College. Along with these possibilities, BISD

industry, welding, culinary, floral design,

Three Elementary Campuses to Pilot

with more than 1300 certifications being

Career-Focused Dow STREAM Labs

also offers extensive services for gifted students under the ‘SEARCH’ (Seeking Excellence through Ability, Responsibility, Creativity & Honor Program) program, for students in grades K-8.

Unique Opportunities All BISD students have classroom access to Chromebooks with those in grades 6-12 receiving a district purchased Chromebook to provide students 24/7 access to their assignments, homework, online textbooks, tutorials, and other educational resources. These digital devices enable the teachers to differentiate their lessons both in terms of how they teach and how the students are expected to demon-

Endless

strate their learning.

Possibilities

All BISD campuses offer a wide range of extracurricular activities to meet the varying

Now offering classes at three convenient locations!

Alvin Community College-Main

Shadow Creek High School

University of Houston Clear Lake-Pearland

3110 Mustang Rd Alvin, Texas 77511

11850 Broadway St Pearland, Texas 77584

1200 Pearland Pkwy Pearland, Texas 77581

needs of all students. From elementary campus clubs to secondary UIL opportunities that include nationally recognized and award winning fine arts programs along with exceptional athletic programs in grades 7 through 12, there is a place for every student to belong.

EOI

40

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

– ISSUE 2

Brazosport ISD is made up of kind, caring and compassionate employees and community

members who work together to ensure that

is accessible via convenient METRO bus

following:

students have a wide range of high-quality

service to all points in Houston. One of

Accounting;

programs to engage every learning style and

the newest features of the South Campus

General Business; Bachelor of Science

assist in tapping into their unique gifts.

is the Workforce Building located next to

in Management; Bachelor of Science in

South Campus’ existing Willie Lee Gay

Criminology; Bachelor of Applied Science

Houston Community

Hall. South Campus also is home to the

College South Campus

award-winning South Early College H.S.

www.hccs.edu • 713-718-6858

(SECHS). This specialized HISD high school focuses on STEM careers, and

Houston

Community

College’s

South

draws students from across the district.

Campus is a great place to start, continue

Bachelor Bachelor

of of

Science

in

Science

in

in Informational Technology; Bachelor of Science in Psychology; and Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with EC-6 generalist certification.

or enhance an educational journey. Conve-

University of Houston-Clear Lake /

Graduate degrees offered include Master of

niently located at 1990 Airport Boulevard

Pearland Campus

Arts in Behavioral Science-General; Master

just off Texas Highway 288 South at

www.uhcl.edu/pearland • 281-212-1690

of Arts in Criminology; Master of Arts in

Airport, students begin essential coursework leading to an Associate’s degree, workforce certification, or trans-fer credits to a four-year institution. HCC also offers highquality GED and adult education courses.

Psychology; Master of Science in CounMore than 750 students during fall 2016 semesters

chose

University

of

Hous-

ton-Clear Lake Pearland Campus to make their dreams come true. The 40-acre wooded area on Pearland Parkway is the

The campus is expanding to meet the

perfect campus setting for a new Science &

growing needs of communities in Hous-

Research Building currently under construc-

ton’s south and southeast areas. Public

tion. The facility is slated to open in 2019.

and Master of Science in Educational Management with Principal Certification or Special Education Certification.

University of Houston - Clear Lake www.uhcl.edu • 281-283-7600 The University of Houston-Clear Lake

spaces and recreation areas are in the planning stages for the campus, which also

seling with School Counselor Certification;

Undergraduate

degrees

include

the

named Ira K. Blake as the university’s

Brazoria County chooses Brazosport College Online Degree Opportunities | Affordable Education

www.brazosport.edu | 979.230.3000

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

41

T E X A S 2 8 8 H O U S T O N E D U C AT I O N

training materials and train on the latest products

and

technologies

available.

Courses provided fall into categories like desktop applications, technical training and professional development.

Flexible Training Approach Based on Learner Needs - They understand that not everyone’s learning needs or preferred methods are the same. Therefore, their flexible training approach gives the ability to customize dedicated classes to satisfy specific needs.

Learning

methods

include

Online

ANYTIME, on-site training, private classes and Online LIVE. Online Live removes

Photo Courtesy of Alvin Community College

geographical boundaries from learning by bringing students and instructors together fifth president. Blake joins the university

Classroom Building and Recreation and

after having served as provost and senior

Wellness Center at UHCL, and the Health

vice president for Academic Affairs at

Sciences

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

UHCL Pearland Campus.

and

Classroom

Building

at

associate vice chancellor for academic and student affairs for Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education at Dixon University Center as well as assistant to the president for public engagement at Kutztown University.

She holds a doctorate and master’s degree from

in

developmental

Columbia

psychology

University

and

a

second master’s degree in educational psychology from San Francisco State University. Blake received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from George Washington University.

University

of

Houston-Clear

Lake

room environment. This program provides students all of the benefits of being in a dynamic interactive classroom – enabling

since 2009.

Prior to serving at Bloomsburg, Blake was

synchronously in a virtual real-time class-

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

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, 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 learning and quality assurance company,

represents a dynamic force in modern

Vendor-Authorized

education, offering undergraduate, grad-

offers an extensive selection of vendor-au-

uate and doctoral students a close-knit,

thorized training and certifications for

academic

a

top technology providers, such as Micro-

student population of more than 8,600

soft, Cisco, CompTIA and VMWare.

surveys regarding the improved performance

students. The university has three build-

Being an authorized partner ensures

and productivity of their employees imme-

ings under construction; the STEM and

that the students have the highest quality

diately following New Horizons training. 

42

community.

UHCL

has

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

– ISSUE 2

-

New

Horizons

Knowledge Advisors. Plus, research shows that New Horizons training yields a 4:1 benefit-to-cost ratio, based on manager

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

43

in this section retirement communities independent care assisted living memory & extended care

44

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

– ISSUE 2

ACTIVE ADULTS +senior living

While the options for living and playing are evolving to meet the changing demands of today’s active seniors, families should carefully approach senior relocation with preparation, sensitivity and patience.

There are just over 40 million Americans

an emotional passage that requires both

of this growing group of people. From

age 65 and older today, accounting for 13

patience and lots of preparation.

upscale retirement communities that offer an

percent of the population. By 2030, when all the baby boomers will have passed age 65, the over-65 crowd will reach 20 percent of the population. The average life expectancy for a 65-year-old American is 17.7 years for a male, and 20.3 years for a female.

an overwhelming process, with or without the help of family members. Leaving their

home,

friends,

and plans, and very often, the energy to

array of housing, activity, exercise and social options, to full-care facilities that care for

pursue them. Retiring Baby Boomers are

people with mental and physical disabilities,

mobile and connected to technology, much

and every-thing in between, there is a senior

like younger generations are today. In retire-

living solution to fit every desire and need.

ment, they want to spend leisure time with

For seniors, rightsizing and relocating is

behind

Today’s seniors have many options, dreams

church,

their adult children and grand kids, travel,

TAKING STOCK

socialize and engage in all sorts of activi-

To narrow an overwhelming list of choices

ties. Active and independent is their motto; rocking chairs can wait.

and to help you choose the best one, put some time into the stock-taking process

favorite restaurants, doctors, decades of

And the options for living and playing are

by taking a personal inventory of living

memories, furniture, art and keepsakes is

also evolving to meet the changing demands

expenses, health, interests and expectations.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

45

A C T I V E A D U LT S & S E N I O R L I V I N G

SHOULD YOU GO, OR SHOULD YOU STAY? It is possible to retire in your own home by withdrawing some of the equity built up with a reverse mortgage; a type of home loan that lets a homeowner convert a portion of their equity into cash. A Home

• Would there be any money left over from the purchase of a new home that could be safely invested?

• What are the options for downsizing into a less expensive home, renting an apartment, or moving into an assisted living or alternative senior housing situation?

Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) for Purchase (H4P) is a federally insured loan

PACKING UP

program offered through FHA.

Before choosing a new home be realistic about your situation, expectations, your

With an HECM loan, if a homeowner lives

finances and health. Make sure the new

in the home and stays current on taxes and

community is one that you will enjoy, that

insurance, they do not pay a monthly mort-

it has convenient amenities and access to

gage payment which significantly improves

services, and that a new house will be a good

their cash flow. Retirees should plan for a

investment. It is as important to consider

larger monetary investment with an HECM

access to medical doctors and facilities as

loan and there are some restrictions. A mort-

it is to think about fun and leisure pursuits.

gage expert can answer questions about

Residents of the Texas 288 corridor have

HECM and other loans designed for retirees.

high quality health care centers close to home and quick access to the acclaimed

The best way to determine if a reverse mort-

Texas Medical Center.

gage is the best fit for your retirement plan is to honestly assess the following: • How much would the home sell for in today’s market?

• What would the cost be to buy, or rent, and maintain a new home?

46

HOUSING OPTIONS

accommodate several generations. Leaving secondary bedrooms for children and an additional family room on the second floor.

The goal of multi-generation design is to allocate the space and privacy each family member needs, while encouraging social interaction among family members.

The place you choose should facilitate life at a level of independence that is comfortable and affordable. There are a wide variety of alternatives available for every level of activity, health and need.

ACTIVE SENIOR HOUSING Healthy, independent seniors may want to live in a community where they can enjoy the company of others and their own personal interests. Active seniors in good health might opt for an age restricted independent living residential community with full amenities, a variety of home options including apartments, a golf course, dining rooms, and swimming pools.

Seniors relocating to a new city often live

A personal visit will give valuable, firsthand

with family members to be closer to their

information. Ask about health and fitness

grand kids, and to help busy young families

programs, organized activities, sporting

manage hectic schedules. New homes with

options, and social opportunities. Other

two master suites on the first floor can easily

day-to-day living arrangements should also

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

– ISSUE 2

be considered, such as shopping centers and grocery stores within easy walking distance, and

the

availability

of

transportation

services. Is the community located in proximity to major health care providers?

More than three decades ago, Country Place in Pearland was developed for 55-plus residents with full amenities, including an 18-hole golf club. Today,

• Is food prepared onsite? If so, how is it?

• Are there fitness facilities onsite?

both physically and socially active. After millions of dollars in improvements the golf club is now open to the public.

CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES

ities and make an appointment with the administrator or director of nursing.

• Is the staff friendly and knowledgeable?

• What healthcare and personal care services are available?

• What preparations have been made for handling medical and evacuation emergency situations?

planned activities, clubs and events at the Country Place Clubhouse keep residents

facilities. Plan on visiting several facil-

• Is there easy access to offsite activities such as shopping and is transportation provided?

ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES An Assisted Living Community (ALC)

A Continuing Care Retirement Community

bridges the gap for those who need assistance

(CCRC) offers care in a residential facility

with daily activities a nursing home might

for seniors, with a full menu of services and

offer, but wish to live independently. Resi-

living situations. Residents may go from

dents in an ALC are unable to live completely

independent living, to assisted living and

by themselves, but don’t need constant super-

nursing home care, depending on their indi-

vision. An ALC offers its residents assistance

vidual, changing needs and abilities.

with eating, bathing, dressing, laundry, housekeeping, and keeping track of medi-

CCRCs can be anything from high-rise

cations. An ALC is not a substitute for a

apartments, to cottages, townhouses or

nursing home, but rather is a stepping stone

single-family homes, and are an excellent

between complete independence and services

option for those who are independent and

provided by a nursing home.

Ask to see the compliance survey report prepared by the State of Texas. It will list deficiencies found in resident care during routine inspections, and the facility’s effort to correct them. Under Texas law, nursing homes must make this and other survey compliance reports available upon request.

Tuscany Village Rehabilitation and Nursing Home in Pearland has achieved the highest rating of 5 stars from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Contact the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) at 800-458-9858 or www.dads.state.tx.us for more information.

ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA CARE FACILITIES Seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia need specialized care. While some Assisted Living Communities offer services and separate facilities for residents with early onset symptoms, because of the progressive nature of the disease, it may become necessary to transfer the resident to another facility that

in good health, but might need some assistance with daily living needs or require

Often, an ALC will create an individ-

skilled nursing care.

ualized service plan for seniors upon

can give the right level of service.

admission, detailing personal services that

Facilities specializing in the care of Alzhei-

A CCRC (also called Life-Care Facilities or

will be provided. This plan is then peri-

mer’s and dementia patients should provide

Communities) generally offers a contract

odically reviewed and updated to ensure

a treatment plan that considers not only the

that covers a continuum of care, including

changing needs are met. Housing in an

resident’s medical needs, but also the needs

access to housing, services, and health

ALC may be studios or one-bedroom

of the entire family with social services,

care for more than one year, or the balance

apartments with small kitchen facilities.

professional consultations and individu-

of one’s life. There is a range of contract

Typically, ALC housing units have group

alized treatment reviews, all set within a

options offered by CCRCs. Before signing a

dining facilities and common areas where

calm, soothing environment that is sensi-

contract, conduct a thorough review of the

residents gather to enjoy social and recre-

tive to the needs of the patient. While

facility’s services, operations and finances,

ational activities.

relocating can be difficult for seniors the

and determine if it is appropriate to your

rewards are great. An afternoon fishing

needs, lifestyle and expectations. It’s also

NURSING CARE FACILITIES

with a grandson, attending a dance recital,

a good idea to ask a family attorney or

A Nursing Care Facility (NCF) is a

or watching a grandchild graduate from

accountant to review the contract. Some

state licensed, private-care facility that

college, are all priceless lifetime memories

points to consider include:

provides 24-hour skilled hospital care for

and well worth the hassles of relocating.

• Are pets allowed in your residence?

• What social, recreational and cultural activities are offered?

residents who do not require hospitalization but cannot stay at home. Consult

The Texas 288 region offers a full range of

with a trusted doctor or health care prac-

senior living opportunities, for more informa-

titioner for recommendations of nearby

tion visit HoustonNewcomerGuides.com 

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

47

in this section vehicles recycling & utilities home & community place of worship international relocation

48

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

– ISSUE 2

RELOCATION INFORMATION

No one likes to move and it’s never without its headaches and hassles, but the more you understand the process, and your new environment, the easier the move will be and the faster you can start enjoying your new home.

Moving to a new city or even across town

districts, community and social organiza-

can be over-whelming when it comes to

tions, area newspapers & magazines, and

setting up utilities, selecting a cable and/or

places to worship. Chambers of Commerce

satellite service, finding the best places to

and Economic Development contact infor-

shop, choosing a recycling center, getting a

mation is in the Business Chapter.

driver’s license and registering your automobiles. While real estate professionals, mortgage lenders and insurance agents are ready to assist newcomers during the home buying processes, after closing there will be lots of things to do before you complete

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION METRO

(Houston’s

Metropolitan

Transit Authority) offers options for your

provides curb-to-curb rides to persons with disabilities.

In order to make your drive easier, consider using select freeways’ convenient HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes which are available during peak periods for vehicles with two or more riders. For schedules, trip planners, commute calculators and route information, visit www.ridemetro.org or call 713-635-4000.

the move. There are many moving-related

commute. A carpool matching service and

VEHICLES

resources available at HoustonNewcomer-

METRO Vans offer riders the opportunity

In Texas, you must buckle up. Children

Guides.com to help you settle in.

to share the journey and cost. Express

eight years old or younger, or shorter than

buses provide non-stop journeys to down-

4-feet-9-inches, must be secured in an

This chapter includes contact information

town, the medical center and other centers.

approved car seat. Texas law also requires

for Harris, Brazoria, Galveston and Fort

Park and Ride services are offered from

people who drive in Texas to pay for any

Bend county offices, city offices, school

locations all across Houston. METROlift

accidents they may cause. So, you must

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

49

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

have automobile liability insurance, and

Steps, One Sticker” vehicle inspection and

to take the written test, the road test, and

must produce proof of it if stopped.

registration program in 2015. A blue-bor-

the vision test. For further information,

dered registration sticker will serves as a

DPS locations and hours of operation, call

automo-

combined proof of registration and inspec-

713-681-6187.

bile liability insurance law. If stopped for

tion with one expiration date. Passing

any reason, proof of liability insurance is

vehicle inspection will be a requirement to

A copy of the Texas Motor Vehicle Laws is

required. The minimum liability limits are

renew a registration.

available from the General Services Depart-

Texas

enforces

a

mandatory

$30,000 for each injured person, up to a

ment, Texas Department of Public Safety,

total of $60,000 per accident, and $25,000

To register a vehicle, present the automo-

for property damage per accident. This basic

bile title and pay a new resident fee, a title

coverage is called 30/60/25 coverage. TexasSure is a verification system that tells law enforcement and county tax officials if you or the car you’re driving has auto liability insurance. For more information, visit TexasSure.com.

All vehicles must be registered in the

fee, and the cost of new license plates. All

P. O. Box 4087, Austin, Texas, 78773 or www.dps.texas.gov

out-of-state vehicles are required to have the following for registry in the state of Texas: (1) proof of safety inspection, (2) your out-of-state title, (3) payment of a new resident fee, a title fee, the license plates cost, and (4) proof of liability insurance.

SERVICES AND UTILITIES PUBLIC SAFETY POLICE For emergencies only, call 911.

If you are a resident of Texas and hold a

The Houston Police Department, other

valid driver license from another state, you

municipal police forces and the Harris

must obtain a Texas driver license within

County Sheriff ’s Department serve the

90 days of establishing residency. Proof

greater

of registration, proof of insurance, your

programs

Social Security card or latest W-2, your

Contact your homeowner’s association or

tion renewals may be purchased at various

valid out-of-state license, and $16 in cash

civic club for information. Crime Stoppers,

locations. For a list of locations visit the

or check are required to obtain a Texas

offering rewards for information that leads to

county web page.

driver license. You will be required to pass

an arrest, can be reached at 713-222-TIPS.

county within 30 days of establishing residency. The cost is based on the model and year for cars and gross weight for trucks.

Subsequent registration may be handled online or in person. Motor vehicle registra-

both the written test and the vision test. If

Houston operate

area. all

Crime across

Watch Houston.

you do not have a current Texas or out-of-

FORWARDING MAIL

The State of Texas stopped issuing inspec-

state license, or if you are changing the

To schedule a change of address, go to

tion stickers and transitioned to a “Two

class of your license, you will be required

www.USPS.com or pick up a change of

TWO STEPS, ONE STICKER

50

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

– ISSUE 2

address form from your local United States

these services are typically included in the

Houstonians have the “power to choose” an

Post Office. The Post Office will send a

homeowners’ association dues. Contact the

electric provider. Retail Electric Providers

confirmation verifying your forwarding

homeowners’ association for information.

(REPs) compete to sell electricity to homes

details. You can set both your forwarding

and businesses, and competing REPs may Curbside recycling is offered in most neigh-

offer lower prices, options for renewable

borhoods and drop-off recycling centers are

BEING GREEN CURBSIDE RECYCLING

energy, added customer services, and incen-

located throughout the area. For informa-

tives or promotions.

Most common acceptable waste includes

Recycling

paper, telephone books, cans, plastics

Calendar, visit: www.houstontx.gov.

start date and end date.

tion about Houston’s Curbside Automated Program

and

a

Recycling

1 and 2, and used motor oil. Rinse and

The Public Utility Commission recommends the three “C’s” before selecting a provider: contact, compare, and choose. PUC certifies all REPs. Be sure to allow several days

bags and package materials, and place the

UTILITIES GAS/ ELECTRICITY

recycle container on the curb by 7:00 a.m.

CenterPoint Energy is the primary provider

Used oil should be in the original container

hooked-up before the move-in date. If estab-

for natural gas in the Houston area. For infor-

lishing service for a new home or building, a

mation visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

permit or inspection may be required.

drain containers, remove lids, caps, plastic

or in a screw top non-detergent container.

for the ordering process so electricity can be

BAG-IT AND RECYCLE-IT Many local communities have Bag-It programs requiring yard trimmings to be placed in separate bags from trash and garbage. Place the bag at the curb on the regular garbage day to be collected. Limit contents to grass, leaves and small twigs; the bag cannot weigh more than 50 pounds and should be less than 4-ft. in length and 18 inches in diameter. Do not put anything into storm drains.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS MATERIALS & ELECTRONICS HHMs are accepted at Pearland recycling center Tuesday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Items accepted include: flammable oil based paint, paint products and refinishers, pool chemicals, corrosives, acids and cleansers, batteries, motor oil, filters and cooking oil, latex paint, antifreeze, computers, monitors, printers, printer cartridges, and cell phones.

There is a charge for recyclers not living In Brazoria County. 281-489-2795.

TRASH PICKUP AND RECYCLING Most municipalities provide trash pickup.

Call the Solid Waste Management Department to find out on which day garbage and light trash is collected in your area. Some subdivisions opt to contract with local

Where do you live?

The Texas 288 corridor falls within Harris, Brazoria, Galveston and Fort Bend Counties. Legal records maintained by these counties include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, automobile licenses, fees and inspections, divorce proceedings, DBAs, taxes and more. Contact the county of residence for specific services offered.

Harris County Court House 201 Caroline, Houston, TX 77002 713-755-6411 / harriscountytx.gov

South Belt Annex (Scarsdale) 281-464-0115

Brazoria County Courthouse County Clerk’s Office 111 E. Locus, Suite 200, Angleton, TX 77515-4678 979-864-1355 brazoria-county.com

Tax Assessor Collector Ro’vin Garrett, RTA 281-756-1320

Real Property Records 1524 E. Mulberry, Angleton TX 77515-4678

Sub-offices: Alvin 260 George Street 281-331-3692

Manvel/W. Pearland 7313 Corporate Dr. 281-756-2450

Pearland County Clerk’s Office 2436 South Grand 281-412-3399

Brazosport 309 Plantation 979-297-5023

West Columbia 111 N. 10th Street 979-345-5914

Galveston County Court House 722 Moody Avenue, Galveston, TX 77550 409-766-2284 galvstoncountytx.gov

Fort Bend County Tax Office 301 Jackson Street. Richmond, TX 77469 281-342-3411 fortbendcountytx.gov

garbage collection companies, and fees for

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51

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

your city of residence or homeowner’s association to set up water and sewer services.

HOME & COMMUNITY HOAS Homeowner associations typically establish and enforce deed restrictions. All homeowners and property owners are required to be members and pay annual maintenance fees.

Among other things, deed restrictions are written land-use and building-type agreements that prevent homes and lots from being converted to commercial establishments.

Homeowners become automatic members of the association when they acquire title to property in the neighborhood.

CABLE/SATELLITE

WATER AND SEWER

Several providers offer satellite and cable

Water, sewer and drainage services are typi-

HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION

cally provided by the public works depart

The Texas Homestead Exemption law

television, as well as high-speed internet.

Ask about bundled services, special promotional rates and discounts for newcomers.

of each city or municipal utility district

Depending on where you live there may be

(MUD). There are several districts in the

other services available.

Texas 288 area and services vary. Contact

applies to property tax levies. All homeowners in Texas can claim a yearly exemption of 20 percent of the total assessed value of their homesteads. To qualify, owners must have title to a property on January 1 of the current tax year, and have filed a Homestead Exemption Affidavit annually with the county tax assessor’s office.

VOTER REGISTRATION You must be 18 years old, a resident of the

Houston, Galveston, Clear Lake, Brazoria, Ft Bend, Waller, Montgomery, Chambers and Liberty Counties.

We offer a full array of same day services.

county in which you’re registering and a U. S. citizen to vote. Fill out a voter registration application which is available at a Voter Registrars Office, the Secretary of State’s Office, many post offices, libraries and high schools.

Online Order Entry

Submit your application no later than 30 days

REAL TIME Tracking

prior to an election to vote. Contact the Texas

Uniformed Messengers

www.votetexas.gov.

Guaranteed Service

PET LICENSING/LEASH LAWS

Secretary of State at 1-800-252-VOTE or visit

Dogs and cats in Texas must be vaccinated

www.lonestardeliveryonline.com

against rabies by four months of age. They

Texans Serving Texans, 24 Hours a Day!

narian can administer vaccinations and

281-935-4048 • Toll Free 877-527-5737

will need a booster after a year, and every one to three years after that. Any veteriprovide license tags, as well as information on keeping your pet healthy. 

52

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

– ISSUE 2

Recreation............................. 979-297-4533 Municipal Court ................... 979-297-1031 Library .................................... 979-415-2590 Post Office 210 Oak Dr S...... 800-275-8777

MANVEL

HOUSTON City Hall 900 Bagby .............. 713-837-0311 Mayor Sylvester Turner.......... 713-837-0331 City Controller....................... 832-393-3460 Fire Department.................... 713-247-5000 Municipal Court.................... 713-247-5228 Police Department............... 713- 884-3131

ALVIN City Hall 216 West Sealy....... 281-388-4200 Mayor Paul Horn................... 281-388-4278 Fire Department.................... 281-331-7688 Municipal Court.................... 281-388-4250 Police Department............... 281-388-4370 Post Office 455 E. House....... 281-585-3306

ANGLETON City Hall 121 S. Velasco........ 979-849-4364 Mayor Jason Perez............... 979-849-4364 Fire Department.................... 979-849-1265 Fire/EMS.................................. 979-415-2710 Municipal Court.................... 979-849-2471 Police Department............... 979-849-1265 Recreation Center................ 979-849-0410 Public Works...................979-849-4364 X318 Post Office 100 Cannan ...... 800-275-8777

FRIENDSWOOD City Hall 910 S Friendswood Dr .................... 281-996-3200 Mayor Mike Foreman........... 281-996-3270 Fire Department.................... 281-482-0085 Municipal Court.................... 281-996-3252 Police Department............... 281-996-3300 Post Office 310 Morningside Drive ......... 800-275-8777

LAKE JACKSON City Hall 25 Oak Drive........... 979- 415-2400 Mayor Joe Rinehart.............. 979-415-2500 Public Work............................ 979-415-2430 Police ..................................... 979-415-2700 Civic Center ......................... 979-415-2600

City Hall 6615 FM 1128 ......... 281-489-0630 Mayor Debra Davison.......... 281-489-0630 Emergency Medical Service (EMS) ....................... 281-489-6144 Police Department .............. 281-489-1212 Municipal Court.................... 281-489-1229 Brazoria County Library ....... 281-489-7596 Post Office 6825 Masters Road............... 800-275-8777

PEARLAND City Hall 3519 Liberty Drive ................. 281-652-1600 Mayor Tom Reid ................... 281-652-1654 Neighborhood Center......... 281-485-1987 Emergency Medical Service 281-652-1951 Fire Department.................... 281-652-1950 Library..................................... 281-485-4876 Melvin Knapp Senior Center 281-485-9875 Municipal Court.................... 281-997-5900 Police Department .............. 281-997-4100 Stella Roberts Recycling Center ................................... 281-489-2795 Service Center ..................... 281-652-1900 Post Office 3519 E Walnut St. .................. 800-275-8777 Post Office Cullen Blvd......... 800-275-8777 Keep Pearland Beautiful...... 281-489-2795

BRAZORIA COUNTY Matt Sebesta, Jr., County Judge ...................... 281-756-1200 Donald Payne, Commissioner Pct. 1 ............ 979-265-3953 Ryan Cade, Commissioner Pct. 2 ............ 979-864-1548 Stacy L. Adams, Commissioner Pct. 3 ............ 281-331-3197 David Linder, Commissioner Pct. 4 ............ 979-345-1130

TEXAS STATE REPRESENTATIVES District 25-Dennis Bonnen..... 979-848-1770 District 29-Ed Thompson....... 512-463-0707

U. S. SENATORS John Cornyn.......................... 713-572-3337 Ted Cruz ................................ 713-718-3057

TEXAS STATE SENATOR Larry Taylor, Senator District 11 ................ 281-485-9800

U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: District 14-Randy Weber....... 979-285-0231 District 22-Pete Olson............ 281-486-1095

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Adult Reading Center.......... 281-485-1000 Angleton Area Emergency Medical Corps ...................... 979-849-3547 Big Brothers Big Sisters .......... 713-271-5683 Boy Scouts of America......... 409-744-5206 Brazoria County Fair ............. 979-849-6416 Brazoria County Women’s Center: Alvin........................................ 281-585-0904 Angleton................................ 979-849-2500 Freeport.................................. 979-233-7174 Pearland................................ 281-485-0934 West Columbia...................... 979-345-5014 Emergency............................ 800-243-5788 Christian Helping Hands ...... 281-485-9776 Exchange Club of Pearland.832-221-2679 Forgotten Angels Foundation............................ 834-243-5925 Resale Shop........................... 832-243-6463 Girl Scouts of America.......... 713-292-0300 Knights of Columbus............. 281-485-8960 United Way of Brazoria County .................... 979-849-9402

NEWSPAPERS/MAGAZINES Texas 288 South Newcomer Magazine.......... 281-997-0279 Alvin Sun ................................ 281-331-4422 The Facts ............................... 979-237-0100 Friendswood/Pearland Reporter News ...................... 281-485-7501 The Journal Pearland/Friendswood Houston Chronicle .............. 713-362-7211

SCHOOL DISTRICTS Alvin I.S.D................................ 281-388-1130 Angleton I.S.D........................ 979-864-8000 Brazosport I.S.D...................... 979-730-7000 Clear Creek I.S.D................... 281-284-9901 Danbury I.S.D......................... 979-922-1218 Fort Bend I.S.D....................... 281-634-1000 Friendswood I.S.D.................. 281-482-1267 Houston I.S.D.......................... 713-556-6000 Pearland I.S.D........................ 281-485-3203 Sante Fe I.S.D......................... 409-925-3526

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

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.

54

TRANSPORTATION

Credit Card

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.

www.creditcards.com

BANKING

for details).

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.

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

– ISSUE 2

• 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 Apartment

Houston Apartment Association Q&A: www.haaonline.org • Prices for apartments are based on apartment size and number of bedrooms Rates typically include basic utilities (ask • 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.

TAXES

State of Texas

Private Schools • HoustonNewcomerGuides.com

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

• Houstonprivateschools.com

Internal Revenue Service

There are a variety of independent and faith-

• Privateschoolreview.com

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

based private schools in the Houston area.

Realtor/Homes for Sale & Lease

EDUCATION

International Baccalaureate program and

Day Care:

might be better suited for children

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 to find homes.

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

www.childcarecenter.us

planning to later attend university

• Some centers only care for children until

outside the US.

New Homes/Builders/ Communities

• Child’s birth certificate, passport, social

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

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.

• 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

they are ready for Kindergarten at age 5.

Other schools offer Kindergarten.

IMMIGRATION VISA

• Will need your child’s birth certificate,

Most questions are answered on the U.S.

social security number, passport,

Citizenship & Immigration web sites below.

application.

Contact your Consulate about your coun-

• Schools vary widely, make several trips with and without your child at different

try’s requirements.

times of the day. Ask for referrals.

General How Do I Guides:

Public Schools

• www.uscis.gov

PK-12 Texas Education Association: tea.texas.gov • Required for children 6-18 years of age in USA. 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).

College www.petersons.com Community colleges are located in all parts of Houston. Houston has numerous 4-year colleges and technical schools

• www.uscitizenship.info

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

Green Card: www.uscis.gov/greencard

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

PETS Entry Requirements: www.dshs.state.tx.us • 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.

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55

PLACES OF

WORSHIP

Half of Americans have looked for a new church or place of worship, most because they moved. Finding a church or place of worship for newcomers usually begins with a personal visit and introduction. When making a final choice, regular church goers most value quality of the sermons and feeling welcome, followed by the style of the service and location.* *Pew Research 2015

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TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

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If faith is a vital part of your daily life,

Episcopal Church..................281-482-7630

you should easily be able to find a spiritual

First Baptist Friendswood.......281-482-7573

home in the Texas 288 area. In addition to

Friendswood Baptist Church........................281-996-6880

sacred enlightenment, places of worship also provide social support, volunteer opportunities, educational options, and access to

Friendswood Friends Church...................... 281-482-7821

groups with common interests. If you are

Good Shepherd Episcopal...281-482-7630

looking to make new friends, a congregation

Hope Lutheran Church.........281-482-7943

might be the perfect place to find them.

Lord of Light Lutheran...........281-992-2168

The Texas 288 Corridor has hundreds of

Mary Queen Catholic Church.................. 281- 482-1391

churches and places of worship, some of

New Hope Church.................281-604-4000

the churches have huge congregations while others have a hundred or fewer. All of them welcome newcomers through their doors.

Reach Church Assembly......281-993-4500 Southeast Church of Christ...281-992-2168 The Harbor..............................281-388-3500 Trinity Fellowship Church.......281-482-0577

ALVIN/MANVEL

United Methodist ...................281-482-7535

Alvin Church of Christ............281-331-3673 Alvin Church of The Nazarene.........................281-331-0065

PEARLAND

Alvin Lutheran Church...........281-331-5457

Chabad House Texas Medical .......................713-522-2004

Alvin Missionary Baptist..........281-331-6726 Bayou Drive Baptist................281-585-8061 Christ Covenant Church...... 281-331-4619 City View Church...................832-696-9805 Emanuel Worship Center......281-585-2773 Faith Community Church.....281-331-1430 Faith Family Fellowship..........281-331-3960 First Baptist Church.................281-489-8514 First Christian Church.............281-331-5825 First Presbyterian Church.......281-585-3406 First United Methodist Church................. 281-331-3482

Calvary Baptist Church ........281-489-7236

St. Andrews Episcopal Church................. 281-485-3843 St. Helen Catholic Church....281-485-2421 St. Mary’s Syro Malabar Catholic..................832-495-2848 Vineyard Christian Fellowship ...............................281-997-0722

ANGLETON Central Assembly of God.....979-849-1208 Christian Tabernacle.............979-849-8649 Church of Christ Wilkins Street.................979-849-6391 Church of God Prophecy.....979-267-0073 First Assembly of God............979-849-6112 First Assembly of God............979-849-6112 First Baptist Church.................979-849-4311 First Presbyterian Church.......979-849-5722 First United Methodist Church................. 979-849-6305 Good Shepherd Lutheran....979-849-2223 Holy Comforter Episcopal.....979-849-1672

City View Church...................713-204-0692 Congregation Beth Israel .....713-777-4315

Holy Trinity Catholic Church...979-849-2421

Crosspoint Church.................281-485-1848

St. John Lutheran...................979-849-7253

Crossroads Community Church.............. 713-436-2211

Triumph Angleton...................979-849-7361

Epiphany Lutheran Church..281-485-7833 First Baptist Church.................281-997-9000 First Church of Pearland........281-992-4538 First Presbyterian Church.......281-485-2977 First United Methodist Church................. 281-485-1466

Second Baptist Church.........979-849-7220

Westside Church of Christ.....979-849-8376

BRAZOSPORT AREA Assembly of God...................979-297-9541 Baptist Temple........................979-849-3602 Brazosport Christian...............979-265-3590

Grace Episcopal Church......281-331-5657

Hindu-Sri Meenakshi Temple ................281-489-0358

Heights Baptist Church..........281-331-8201

Hope Church Presbyterian...281-701-7536

Hope Church Presbyterian...281-701-7536

Majestic Christian Center....281- 997-1242

Living Stones Church.............281-331-9517

New Life Lutheran Church... 281-485-1818

New Hope Church.................281-604-4000

Peace Presbyterian Church... 713-436-5673

First Baptist of Freeport..........979-233-5347

Sacred Heart Catholic Church ...................281-489-8720

Pearland Church of Christ....281-485-2436

First Baptist...............................979-297-2496

Pearland Islamic Center.......281-412-0478

First Presbyterian.....................979-297-3049

Revolution Center..................832-561-5665

Grace Community................979-239-8635

Second Baptist Shadow Creek.......................713-465-3408

Second Baptist Church.........979-297-6469

South Park Baptist Church....281-331-3902 St. John the Baptist Catholic..281-331-3751

FRIENDSWOOD Baybrook Baptist Church......281-996-1316 Calvary Houston....................281-648-5800 Church of Christ.....................281-482-7966 Clear Creek Community Church...............281-338-5433 Community Church...............281-756-8655

Shadow Creek Muslim Center ......................832-802-8131 Shadycrest Baptist Church.....281-485-1481 Shepherd of the Heart Methodist............................... 713-436-5080 Silverlake Community Church.............. 281-997-6006

Chapelwood United Methodist................... 979-297-7991 Christ Lutheran Church ........979-297-2013 Church of Brazosport.............979-583-3791

St. Mark Lutheran...................979-297-2667 St. Michael’s Catholic...........979-297-3041 St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church................. 979-297-6003 The R.O.C.K. Brazosport.........979-529-9396 Vineyard Church....................979-297-4648

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in this section finding a doctor medical moving tips major medical facilities

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TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

– ISSUE 2

HEALTHCARE RESOURCES The greater Texas 288 area has grown in both size and population over the past 20 years. The everyday demands for high-quality healthcare are drawing skilled practitioners, service providers and medical facilities to the area.

Just 14 miles north of central Houston, the world-class Texas Medical Center is a 1,300acre “city of medicine” and employment center. About 11 percent of Texas Medical Center employees live in northern Brazoria County and southwestern Harris County.

Pearland is home to the most workers.

hospital to open in Pearland; HealthSouth

Medicine on a site southeast of Memorial

Rehabilitation Hospital, and a Kelsey-Sey-

Hermann Hospital–established in 1925 and

bold Clinic are in the district. Houston

the first hospital in the Texas Medical Center.

Methodist Emergency Care Center is situated on FM 518 at Kirby Drive.

Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital is located off Beamer on the east side of the

In recent years, the Texas 288 area has celebrated a variety of openings throughout the region, including hospitals, numerous emergency centers, a variety of specialized medical clinics and multi-story professional buildings.

You will find major providers in the Shadow Creek Ranch Business District, west of Texas 288 between Shadow Creek Ranch Boulevard and FM 518. Memorial Hermann Health System’s Convenient Care Center and Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital; HCA’s Pearland Medical Center, the first

region. Healthcare related businesses in the

Today, the Texas Medical Center is a major business district where planning, infrastructure, transportation and other issues are growing in importance. The 290 buildings in

Lower Kirby District, Kirby Drive north

the Texas Medical Center offer 45.8 million

of Shadow Creek Parkway, include Merit

gross square feet of space and 28,000

Medical Systems, Kelsey-Seybold head-

parking spaces.

quarters, Pearland Surgery Center, and Cardiovascular Systems. Lonza Houston,

TMC

employs

approximately

106,000

Inc., a Swiss pharmaceutical and biotech

employees and holds a prominent position

firm, is finishing up a clinical manufac-

in medical information—a critical edge

turing, research and development facility in

that attracts top researchers, academics and

the lower Kirby District.

physicians more than 20,000 MDs, PhDs

The Texas Medical Center

and researchers work at member institu-

Over 65 years have passed since the ground

tions. Collaborative projects extend locally

breaking in 1945 for Baylor College of

to Rice University.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

59

HEALTHCARE RESOURCES

MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITIES

The system’s ambulatory care network also includes Memorial Hermann Urgent Care and Memorial Hermann Convenient Care

Memorial Hermann www.memorialhermann.org 713-272-1673

Centers. Using its resources to advance the

One of the largest not-for-profit health systems in the nation, Memorial Hermann is an integrated system that serves Southeast Texas and the Greater Houston community with 16 hospitals, including four in the Texas Medical Center, a level I trauma center, a hospital for children, one of the top two rehabilitation hospitals in the United States, an orthopedic and spine hospital along with ten suburban hospitals and two surgery centers.

Memorial Hermann Life Flight® – is the largest and busiest air ambulance service in the United States.

contributes more than $451 million annu-

health of the community, Memorial Hermann ally in uncompensated care and community benefit programs, including an award-winning network of public school-based health centers.

Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital brings the expertise of the Memorial Hermann Health System close to home, making the

Services include Heart and Vascular and Women’s Care, including six well-appointed Labor, Delivery, Recovery & Postpartum suites, as well as Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

Memorial Hermann Pearland lends support to Memorial Hermann’s role as the official healthcare provider of Pearland ISD Athletics.

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, Getting Back to Life www.healthsouthpearland.com

region’s top medical experts available to families in the Pearland/Brazoria County area. The hospital features advanced medical services and state-of-the-art technology used to address diverse healthcare needs, from quick

MOVING MEDICAL TIPS 1 2 3

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.

4

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

If 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.

7

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.

60

outpatient visits to procedures requiring highly specialized inpatient care.

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

– ISSUE 2

What is a stroke? A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or burst.

When this happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood – and oxygen – it needs, so it starts to die. A stroke can result in difficulties in moving around, performing daily activities, and talking or understanding. The type and extent of the difficulties depends on the size and location of the stroke.

Know the signs. While a stroke can happen quickly, it is still important to understand the warning signs to get medical help immediately by calling 911. Every second counts, as time lost is brain lost. Stroke warning signs include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, or trouble with vision.

What happens after a stroke? A stroke patient’s greatest gains are usually made in the first 30 days following the stroke.

Studies indicate that 60 percent of stroke survivors can benefit from aggressive rehabilitation intervention.

Eighty percent of those treated with aggressive rehabilitation can return to their homes, work, schools or active retirement.

Where you go makes a difference.

According to the recent adult stroke rehabilitation guidelines released by the American Heart Association*, whenever possible, stroke patients should be treated at an in-patient rehabilitation facility rather than a skilled nursing facility. While at an in-patient rehabilitation facility, a patient participates in at least three hours

KEEP YOUR HEALTH ON TRACK WITH HOUSTON METHODIST PRIMARY CARE Houston Methodist provides the care you need to keep you and your family healthy. From regular checkups to more complex concerns, our board-certified doctors offer expertise and access to our network of world-class specialists.

Many of our practices offer: • Online scheduling • Most major insurance plans accepted • Convenient locations Visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg or call 281.930.6639 to schedule an appointment.

Long Meadow Farms • Riverstone • Sienna Plantation Sugar Land • Sweetwater

HEALTHCARE RESOURCES

of rehabilitation a day from physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists. Nurses are continuously

Pearland Medical Center PearlandMC.com 713-770-7000

visit

Pearland Medical Center holds the distinc-

rehabilitation

tion as the first hospital to open in the

facility may be a free-standing facility

Pearland area. The hospital provides quality

or

healthcare services including surgical suites,

available daily.

and An

a

doctors

typically

in-patient

separate

unit

of

a

hospital.

imaging, a 24-hour emergency department When stroke happens, we’re here to help.

and comprehensive cardiovascular services

Located at 2121 Business Center Drive in

with Pearland’s ONLY 24-hour cardiac

Pearland, HSRH of Pearland, will become

catheterization lab and STEMI program

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital

with an on-call team.

of Pearland in April 2018, can make a difference in the lives of stroke patients. Call 346 907-3028 to schedule a tour. *Source: American Heart Association, Inc.

Pearland Medical Center’s strong relationship with the HCA Healthcare’s Gulf Coast Division family offers Pearland

Medical Center patients access to the best in high-quality health care. In addition to the acquisition of Tomball Regional Medical Center, the HCA Healthcare Gulf Coast Division also acquired Houston Northwest Medical Center, Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital, Park Plaza Hospital, and Plaza Specialty Hospital in 2017.

The division’s network now includes 14 hospitals in the Houston area, making HCA Houston’s largest health care provider.

CHI St. Luke’s Health Brazosport CHI St. Luke’s Health Brazosport in Lake Jackson is the only Level III Trauma Center in Brazoria County. Brazosport Regional includes over 100 board-certified physicians and nearly 600 highly-qualified employees.

The 158-bed hospital offers state of the art diagnostic and comprehensive treatment services, an advanced cardiac care center and full service multidisciplinary cancer center.

HEALTHCARE NEWS Science & Research Building, UH/CLC Pearland UHCL has started construction of a $24.6 million Heath Sciences and Classroom Building on the Pearland Campus. Slated

FINDING A DOCTOR

to open in 2019, the facility will offer

The following is list of local and national physician resource, - where

lite operation of UHCL’s Center for Autism

you can search for general practice physicians by location, specialty,

and Developmental Disabilities.

and more.

American Medical Association: Resource for general health information, as well as a search function for local physician resource under the

RN-to-BSN

and

Licensed

Professional

Counselors programs. Plans include a satel-

The 3-story, 69,539 square-feet building will feature a 100-seat tiered lecture hall, 3 60-plus seat classrooms, learning class-

“Patients” tab of the site. www.ama-assn.org

rooms, computer teacher labs, biology

American Academy of Pediatrics: National website for children’s

and chemistry labs, simulated hospital

health resources; separate “Parenting Corner” website is compre-

rooms, nurses’ and pharmacy stations, and

hensive site for health-related news, questions, and other topics.

general offices.

www.aap.org • www.healthychildren.org

Nationwide, healthcare jobs are expected

Texas Medical Association: Listing of member physicians across the

to grow 26 to 35 percent by 2020, the U. S.

state, as well as information on general health resources; go to the “Find

Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, making

A Physician” tab to search by specialty or location. www.texmed.org

healthcare the fastest growing segment. 

62

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

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LIST OF MEDICAL SCHOOLS & CENTERS Baylor College Of Medicine....713-798-4951 One Baylor Plaza, Houston, 77030

Rice University............................713-348-0000 6100 Main Street, Houston,77005

Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital .................... 713-704-5437 6411 Fannin Street, Houston, 77030

Ronald Mcdonald House.........713-795-3500 1907 Holcombe Boulevard Houston, 77054

Menninger Clinic....................... 713-275-5000 12301 Main Street, Houston, 77035

St. Dominic Village ..................713-741-8700 2401 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, 77021

Michael E. Debakey High School For Health Professions..................... 713-741-2410 3100 Shenandoah Street, Houston, 77021

CHI St. Luke’s Hospital .............832-355-1000 6720 Bertner Avenue, Houston, 77030

Michael E. Debakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center ........................ 713-791-1414 2002 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, 77030

Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center .............................713-790-1200 1400 Laconcha Street, Houston, 77054-1802

Harris County Hospital District... 713-566-6400 Ben Taub General Hospital .... 713- 873-2000 1504 Taub Loop, Houston, 77030 Quentin Mease Community Hospital......................................713-873-3700 3601 North Macgregor Way, Houston, 77004

Harris County Institute Of Forensic Sciences.....................713-796-9292 1885 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, 77054 Houston Academy Of Medicine..............................713-524-4267 John P. Mcgovern Building, 1 515 Hermann Drive Houston, 77004-7126 Houston Academy Of Medicine Texas Medical Center Library ........... 713-795-4200 Jesse H. Jones Library Building, 1133 John Freeman Boulevard, Houston, 77030

Shriners Hospitals For Children..713-797-1616 6977 Main Street, Houston, 77030

Texas A & M University System Health Science Center Institute Of Biosciences & Technology........................... 713- 677-7700 2121 West Holcombe Boulevard Houston, 77030-3303 Texas Children’s Hospital ........832-824-1000 6621 Fannin Street, Houston, 77030 Texas Heart Institute ................832-355-4011 6770 Bertner Avenue, C550, Houston, 77030 Texas Medical Center .............713-791-6454 John P. Mcgovern Campus, 2450 Holcombe

Boulevard, Suite 1, Houston, 77021-2040 Texas Southern University College Of Pharmacy & Health Sciences 713-313-7035 3100, Cleburne Avenue, Houston, 77004 Texas Woman’s University .......713-794-2000 Institute Of Health Sciences-Houston 6700 Fannin, Houston, 77030

TIRR Memorial Hermann (The Institute For Rehabilitation and Research).....713-799-5000 1333 Moursund Street, Houston, 77030 University Of Houston College Of Pharmacy ................................. 713-795-8380 1441 Moursund Street, Houston, 77030 University of Houston-Victoria Nursing ......................................361-570-4848 Various locations in Houston area University of St. Thomas............713-522-7911 3800 Montrose Houston, 77006 The University Of Texas ........... 713-792-2121 M.D. Anderson Cancer Center 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, 77030 The University Of Texas Medical800-917-8906 Branch At Galveston............... 409-772-2222 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, 77555

The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston..... 713-500-4472 7000 Fannin, Houston, 77030 Harris County Psychiatric Center 713-741-5000, 2800 South Macgregor Way, Houston, 77021 Nora’s Home for Transplant Patients .....................................832-831-3720 8300 El Rio Houston, 77054 Texas Medical Center Library.713-795-4200 1133 John Freeman Boulevard 77030

Houston Community College System ........................713-718-2000 3100 Main Street, Houston, 77002 Houston Hospice .....................713-467-7423 1905 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, 77030 John P. Mcgovern Museum Of Health And Medical Science.............. 713-521-1515 John P. Mcgovern Building 1515 Hermann Drive Houston, 77004-7126 Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center ........................713-704-4000 6411 Fannin Street, Houston, 77030-1501 The Methodist Hospital ............713-790-3311 6565 Fannin Street, Houston, 77030 Prairie View A & M University College Of Nursing ..................713-797-7000 6436 Fannin Street, Houston, 77030

The Texas Medical Center - Credit: Jackson Myers

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in this section major employers local chambers of commerce Texas 288 Toll Road

64

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

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BUSINESS &

COMMUNITY Major national and international firms with offices in the Texas 288 region employ thousands of workers and add billions of dollars to the economic diversity of Brazoria County and the State of Texas.

Major employers in the Texas 288 region include international chemical industry giants that bring billions of dollars to the state and thousands of jobs to the region. In lower Brazoria County, Dow Chemical Corporation is the largest single employer and recent expansion projects will add hundreds of jobs.

Olin Corporation, Phillips 66, BASF Corporation, Schlumberger Technology, Ascend Performance Materials, INEOS Olefins, and Chevron Phillips Chemical, among others, have operations in the area.

The Port of Freeport offers chemical manufacturing and petroleum processing businesses quick access to world markets. Other important commodities handled by the port are clothing, fresh fruits and vegetables, rice, paper goods, project cargo, plastic resins, aggregate, autos, and windmill components.

The estimated statewide economic impact of Port Freeport in 2015 was $46.2 billion.

The Texas 288 Corridor’s economic diversity includes manufacturing, healthcare, life sciences, energy, education, government, transportation, engineering and construction, tourism, agriculture and retail.

Unemployment is below the national average and close to the state average.

Dallas-based Centennial, which operates seven regional malls outside of Texas, Atlantic Creek Real Estate Partners and

The area’s north gateway, the intersection of Texas 288 and Beltway 8, offers excellent access to Central Houston, southwest and west Houston, the Petrochemical District, NASA and Hobby Airport. The Pearland area is home to the largest number of Texas Medical Center employers and has one of the most diversified populations in the state.

Business relocating to the area will find an energized and friendly climate to start and build a business. Area residents have higher than average annual incomes and a high percentage are college educated.

BUSINESS NEWS Brazos Mall in Lake Jackson The 41-year-old Brazos Mall in Lake Jackson re-opened in October following a $25 million revitalization and rebranding.

Improvements include new retailers, a new logo and color scheme, new floors, seating, lighting and an updated food court. T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods joined the roster of stores prior to the opening.

North Shore Properties Group purchased the mall in 2016.

Courtyard by Marriott Omkar Enterprises opened a $12 million Courtyard by Marriott on an 8-acre tract adjacent to the mall. The four-story, 116-room hotel has been customized to the meet the needs of local businesses and their international business partners. The full-service hotel offers room service and other amenities.

Rushi Patel, Vice President of Operations for Omkar, worked closely with the City of Lake Jackson, Dow Chemical and other local businesses to custom fit the hotel design.

Unusual for Courtyard by Marriott, the hotel has a total of 6,500 square feet in meeting and event space, including a ball room with a pre-event bar. Visitors and locals can get together at a comfortable lounge in a separate part of the hotel.

Dow Chemical is completing a five-building research and development complex near the

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65

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY

TEXAS 288 SOUTH TOP EMPLOYERS The economy in the Texas 288 South area is thriving and growing rapidly.

Due to its growth across various business sectors, it has been recognized as one of the most recession-resistant economies in the United States.

Dow Chemical Corp.

Alvin ISD Pearland ISD Texas Dept. of Criminal Justice The Infinity Group

Pearland Area Chamber of Commerce Commerce Center 6117 Broadway, Pearland, 77581

IVY DISTRICT IN PEARLAND Development plans are back on track for the Ivy District, a 48-acre, $300-million residential and mixed-use development in the Lower Kirby District near Texas 288 and Beltway 8.

Pearland Economic Development Corp is currently working with AMG to ensure infrastructure is in place before construction resumes. The Pearland City Council approved a development agreement with American Modern Green to extend South Spectrum Boulevard from Texas 288 to Kirby Drive. Two other roadways including a bridge over Clear Creek will be built by the developer. Road improvements include landscaping, lighting, and drainage. The City has already approved a waterline connection and public park.

281-485-3634 • pearlandtexaschamber.us

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Alvin Economic Development City of Alvin 216 W. Sealy St., Alvin, 77511 281-388-4281 • alvin-tx.gov Bazoria County Economic Development Alliance 4005 Technology Drive, Suite 1010 Angleton, 77515 979-848-0560 • eda-bc.com Friendwood Economic Development City of Friendswood 910 S. Friendswood Dr, 77546 281-996-3200 • friendswood.com

BASF Corp.

The Ivy District is part of the Lower Kirby Urban Center, a plan that the city of Pearland conceived in 2009 to bring pedestrian-friendly mixed-use developments, light manufacturing, office space, retailers and technology or research centers to the 1,200acre area near Texas 288 south of Beltway 8.

Currently under contruction, the Ivy District will be opening soon and creating more than 900 jobs to the Pearland area.

Schlumberger Technology Corp.

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

25 Oak Drive, Lake Jackson, 77566

Alvin-Manvel Area Chamber of Commerce 105 W. Willis, Alvin, 77511 281-331-3944 • alvinmanvelchamber.com

979-415-2500 • chooselakejackson.com

Brazosport ISD Brazoria County Olin Corp.

Phillips 66 Angleton ISD

Brock Group Excel TDECU City of Pearland Source: Brazoria Economic & Development Alliance

mall called the Texas Innovation Center. Dow has about 7,000 employees in the region.

Brazosport Regional Health System Ascend Performance Materials INEOS Olefins & Polymers USA Frontier Communication Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. Columbia-Brazoria ISD Mammoet Mundy Support Services

66

Pearland Economic Development Corporation 11233 Shadow Creek Parkway, Suite 235 Pearland, 77584 281-997-3000 • pearlandedc.com Manvel Economic Development Corp.

20025 Highway 6, Manvel, 77578 281-489-0630 • cityofmanvel.com Lake Jackson Development Corp.

Angleton Chamber of Commerce 222 North Velasco, Angleton, 77515 979-849-6443 • angletonchamber.org Brazoria County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 200 West 2nd Street, Suite #210 Freeport, 77541 979-233-2223 • bchispanicchamber.com Brazosport Chamber of Commerce 300 Abner Jackson Parkway, Lake Jackson, 77566 979-285-2501 • brazosport.org Friendswood Chamber of Commerce 1100 S. Friendswood Drive Friendswood, 77546 281-482-3329 • friendswoodchamber.com

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

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TOURISM & CONVENTION BUREAUS Alvin Convention & Visitors Bureau Alvin200 Depot Centre Blvd, Alvin, 77511 281-585-3359 • alvintexas.org Pearland Convention & Visitors Bureau 11200 Broadway St., Suite 1390 Pearland, 77584 713-436-5595 • visitpearland.com Clute Visitors Bureau 100 Parkview Drive, Clute, 77531 979-265-2508 • goclute.com Brazosport Visitors & Convention Council 300 Abner Jackson Parkway Lake Jackson, 77566 979-285-2501 • visitbrazosport.com

UNDER CONSTRUCTION TX288 TOLL ROAD The Brazoria County Toll Road (BCTRA), Harris County and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) are moving forward on the Texas 288 Toll Road.

Construction of the Harris County portion started in late 2016.

518 under the overpass. This project will greatly improve the capacity and efficiency of the FM 518/Texas 288 intersection.

The City of Pearland has established a management district to improve the condition and maintenance of the Texas 288

BRAZORIA COUNTY

right-of-way and surrounding areas. This

Matt Hanks, Brazoria County Engineer

management district is working with both

Construction is underway! The long-awaited Brazoria County Expressway has officially entered the construction phase. Notice to Proceed was given to the contractor in July and construction activity can be seen the entire limits of the Brazoria County project.

The construction should be completed in the summer of 2019. For updates and notifications regarding the Brazoria County Expressway; please visit the new website at BCExpressway.org.

part of the toll road project. The overall look

Brazoria County and the City of Pearland as of the corridor will improve tremendously once the project is completed.

The Brazoria County section of the tolled managed lanes will be owned and controlled

by Brazoria County.

HARRIS COUNTY SECTION Blueridge Transportation Group (BTG) is developing the longest and most difficult portion of the Texas 288 Toll Road within

The Brazoria County segment of the Texas 288 Toll Road will have two managed lanes in each direction beginning at the Brazoria County line/Clear Creek and extending south to approximately CR 58. The Brazoria County section has an estimated construction cost of approximately $100 million; construction and began in Spring 2017 should be completed by mid-2019.

Brazoria County and TxDOT will also reconstruct the FM 518 interchange at Texas 288 as part of the Brazoria County project.

Brazoria County submitted the project, with TxDOT support, to reconstruct the main lane bridges over FM 518 and widen FM

Drivers using Texas 288 should be alert and drive carefully at all times.

Harris County. The Harris County portion includes three major interchanges: Beltway 8, (8) direct connector/ramp bridges; Loop

Frequent drivers can check www.Drive288.com for construction alerts.

SEGMENT 1 (RED) From the North, begins about halfway between Almeda-Genoa Rd and Sam Houston Tollway (near Anderson Rd), ending just south of Sam Houston Tollway at Clear Creek (the Harris and Brazoria county line). Includes the Sam Houston Tollway/Beltway 8 interchange.

SEGMENT 2 (ORANGE) From the North, begins at Sims Bayou, ending about halfway between Almeda-Genoa Rd and Sam Houston Tollway (near Anderson Rd).

SEGMENT 3 (YELLOW) From the North, begins about halfway between Belfort and Reed Rd, ending at Sims Bayou.

610, (8) direct connector/ramp bridges; Texas

SEGMENT 4 (GREEN)

Medical Center, (2) direct connector/ramp segments will be completed by mid-2019.

From the North, begins at Holly Hall/Mainer St, ending about halfway between Belfort and Reed Rd. Includes the I-610 interchange.

The Harris County portion, a 10.3-mile

SEGMENT 5 (BLUE)

stretch from US 59 to the Harris County

From the North, begins at MacGregor Way/ Brays Bayou, ending at Holly Hall/Mainer St.

bridges. BTG estimates that the Harris County

line at Clear Creek, has six segments that are differentiated by the following colors and boundaries (map above).

SEGMENT 6 (BROWN)

Construction is heavy in some segments

From the North, begins at the US 59/I-69 and SH 288 split, ending at MacGregor Way/Brays Bayou.

and entrances/exits can change overnight.

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67

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

68

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

– ISSUE 2

LEISURE & RECREATION

With Houston to the north, the Texas Gulf Coast to the south and an international airport just a few miles away, finding something exciting to do at a moment’s notice isn’t a problem. Among so many choices, choosing what to do is the problem!

There is always a new place to discover or

Picking strawberries on a family farm is an

with annual celebrations such as the Chinese

an experience waiting to happen in Hous-

annual event shared by generations, and

New Year, Cinco de Mayo, Juneteenth and

ton’s lively districts, parks, sports centers

crawfish festivals are plentiful in the spring

LGBT Pride Parade.

and shopping malls. Houston’s appreciation

months. The only Mosquito Festival in the

for the performing and visual arts is most

United States is held in Clute just a few

One of the best websites for finding out

visible in its acclaimed theaters, world-class

miles from the Texas Gulf Coast.

about special events in Houston is www.

museums and refined art galleries. Houston is second only to New York City for the

Community theatres and local companies

number of theaters, and can boast profes-

perform classic and contemporary plays on a

sional resident companies in all the major

seasonal basis for loyal patrons. If art is your

performing arts disciplines.

inspiration, frequent art exhibits and juried shows feature local and regional artists.

The Texas 288 region has its own activities

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

from international festivals and musical

As detailed on the following pages, Houston

itinerary ideas. One of its most popular

concerts to rodeos and fishing tournaments.

hosts annual events including the world’s

features is the Houston CityPass, which

There is even a wild life park with zoo

largest rodeo and the Art Car Parade. The

provides admission to 5 of Houston’s top

animals, a scuba lake and a water ski park.

city’s diverse personality shines through

attractions at a substantial discount. 

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69

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

Photos Courtesy of Alvin Train Depot

TEX AS 2 8 8 S O U TH A T TR A CTIONS Alvin Train Depot www.alvintexas.org/historic-depot-center The fully restored Alvin Depot & Clock Tower is located on the Santa Fe mainline in downtown Alvin. Trains stopped at the depot from the early 1900s until 1960. The depot has a second life today as a special events venue and offices for the Visitors Bureau.

Bayou Wildlife Park www.bayouwildlifezoo.com The Bayou Wildlife Park in Alvin is one of only four zoos in the state of Texas. Visitors take a safari-like adventure through the park to see the animals in their natural habitats.

Animals come from 19 different countries, including Africa, Asia, Australia, and North and South America.

River. 37 miles of trails are open to walking and cycling. The park has equestrian trails, but horses are not available. The park is the busiest in the spring and fall months and on

Center for the Arts & Sciences www.bcfas.org Located in Clute, the Center promotes the

mild winter days. Brazos Bend is famous for

appreciation of art, natural science, theater,

its wild alligator population. The George

nature and music. The Center’s planetarium

Observatory is part of the Houston Museum

features a 30-foot dome equipped with a

of Natural Science.

Spitz Star Ball projector to produce the night sky as it appears to the naked eye. High tech

Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge www.fws.gov/refuge/brazoria The Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge is part of the Texas Mid-coast National

equipment gets up close views to comets, exploding stars, and black holes.

Froberg’s Vegetable & Fruit Farm www.frobergsfarm.com

Wildlife Refuge Complex, which includes Brazoria, San Bernard and Big Boggy

Froberg’s Country Store is open year

National Wildlife Refuges. Located east

round seven days a week excluding major

of Angleton and Lake Jackson, the refuge

Holidays. Froberg’s offers homegrown

complex is a haven for both wildlife and

fruits and vegetables along with produce

people. For wildlife, the expanse of salt and freshwater marshes, sloughs, ponds, coastal

from other areas. Froberg is famous for its homemade pies, fried pies, pickles, jellies,

Brazos Bend State Park & George Observatory www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/ brazos-bend

prairies, and bottomland forest represent

Brazos Bend is one of the last remaining wild places open to the public in the greater Houston area. The park is approximately 5,000 acres of prairie, wetland and bottomland forest along the west bank of the Brazos

of habitats, the richer the ecology, the

ends late May. Starting the last weekend

Refuge’s location on the Texas Gulf helps

in September until the first weekend in

Freeport draw one of the highest Audubon

November, the farm adds a Corn Maze,

Christmas bird counts in the nation - more

Indoor Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival

than 200 species.

with fun activities for the kids.

feasting and lodging for all or part of the year. For people, there is exceptional wildlife watching. The greater the number

7 07 0 T E X A S 2 8 8 S O U T H N E W C O M E R G U I D E 2 0 1 8

– ISSUE 2

preserves, pralines, pecan brittle, peanut brittle, kettle and caramel corn. Strawberry picking typically starts in January and

Haak Vineyards and Winery www.haakwine.co

Sea Center Texas www.tpwd.state.tx.us/seacenter

Haak Winery in Santa Fe is the only

The 75-acre center is a marine fish

commercial vineyard in Galveston County.

hatchery and aquarium. This educa-

Visitors can take tours and stay for tastings

tion and entertainment facility includes

This Texas Historical Commission prop-

during business hours.

the aquarium, red drum hatchery, and a

erty is situated on 66 acres along the Brazos

wetlands walkway and exhibit.

River in West Columbia. The site tells the

Pear-Scape Trail www.visitpearland.com Visitors to Pearland can see the city and some beautiful 4-ft. pears painted by local artists on the Pear-Scape Trail. 20 pears were uniquely designed for the trail.

Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site Museum www.thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/ varner-hogg-plantation-state-historic-site

story of the plantation’s 134-year history, Stephen F. Austin Statue www.brazoriacountytx. govdepartments/parks-department/ munson-park-stephen-f-austin-statue Stephen

F.

Austin-Munson

Historical

County Park represents a unique private-

including a majestic plantation house, pecan orchards, numerous outbuildings and other outdoor features.

Sri Meenakshi Temple www.emeenakshi.org

Pearwood Skate Center

public partnership following years of

Sri Meenakshi Temple Society was estab-

www.pearwoodskate.com

community support for Brazoria County’s

lished in 1977. Houston families took turns

most famous resident, Stephen F. Austin, Reminisce about the “good old days” of

and performed daily poojas. University of

“the Father of Texas. Following a ground-

Houston professor of architecture, Sri Ranjit

big hair and shoulder pads and enjoy a fun

swell of support to honor Austin, local

Banerjee, developed the initial master plan

afternoon or evening of roller skating at

residents raised funds to construct the 72-ft.

for the first five acre tract, which included

Pearwood Skate Center in Pearland. Quad

high statue and grounds. The park is the

the main temple hall and Ganesh temple.

skates or in-line skates are included with

first county-run historic site and is open

your entry fee.

five days per week.

Stephen F. Austin Paddling Trail Paddle Brazoria County down the Brazos River There are four connecting trails along the Brazos River: in total 35.4 miles to paddle.

For maps and trip details visit www.tpwd. texas.gov/fishboat/boat/paddlingtrails/ inland

COLUMBIA BOTTOMLAND WATERWAY 8.3 mile stretch on the Brazos River through the impressive Columbia Bottomland forests.

SUGAR MILL STRETCH

OLD SETTLEMENT PASSAGE

GULF PRAIRIE RUN

10.4 mile route that offers views of historic bridges amongst the Columbia Bottomlands.

9.8 mile trail through Columbia Bottomland hardwoods toward Freeport

6.9 mile section gives paddlers an easy route.

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

HOU S T ON A R E A A T TR A C T IONS Avenida Houston at Discovery Green www.avenidahouston.com

and covers approximately 1,466 acres inside the 610 Loop. The 18-hole Memorial Park Golf Course, Texas’ top-rated municipal

“Avenida” comes from Avenida de las Americas, the boulevard that fronts the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRBCC). The 97,000-square-foot Avenida Houston includes Discovery Green’s 12-acre park, public art installations, and two convention headquarter hotels; the Hilton Americas-Houston and the Marriott Marquis Houston.

Avenida Houston skirts Houston’s active Sports District; Toyota Center and Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Rockets, Houston Astros and dozens of annual concerts. A few short blocks away, soccer fans can see the Houston Dynamo or Dash, the professional men’s and women’s soccer teams.

Visitors will get a taste of why Houston is named the Culinary and Cultural Capital of the South with nearly 20 restaurants in the immediate vicinity. With events, festivals and other programs taking place along Avenida de las Americas it’s becoming the in-place to meet and play.

Houston Arboretum and Nature Center and Memorial Park www.houstontx.gov

golf course, lies at the heart of the park along with tennis courts, softball fields, swimming center, track, croquet, volleyball, skating, and cycling. The most famous feature of the park is the 2.93 mile running course of crushed granite and is probably the most popular in Houston with almost 3 million visits annually.

The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, an arboretum and botanical garden, is located within the park on 155 acres. The Nature Center holds classes and hosts events.

Battleship Texas and San Jacinto Monument Museum www.sanjacinto-museum.org 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

Sam Houston Statue in Hermann Park/Houston

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Discovery Green www.discoverygreen.com Since it opened in 2008, this 12-acre downtown park has been a hit with Houstonians who enjoy its restaurants, public art displays, dog parks, lakes, and seasonal events including the holiday ice rink. More than 1.2 million visitors come to more than 600 events at Discovery Green each year, including movies in the park, concerts and fitness programs.

George Ranch Historical Park www.georgeranch.org Located on a 20,000-acre working ranch, this 460-acre living history park includes historic homes, costumed interpreters and livestock. Tracing history that began in 1824, it is open daily. Special events such as the Texian Market Days Festival and Spring Break activities are offered year round.

Hermann Park www.hermannpark.org

Texas program provides many recreational and educational experiences for visitors as

Memorial Park, opened in 1924, is one of the largest urban parks in the United States

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

well as numerous programs and self-guided tours. 281-479-2431

Photos Courtesy of Visit Houston Texas

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Arguably Houston’s “Central Park,” this 445-acre park wedged between the Museum District and Medical Center celebrated its

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100th birthday in 2014 with a major facelift and the new McGovern Centennial Gardens, featuring 15 acres of rose gardens, an interactive family garden, a 30-foot garden mount, and a sculpture promenade. Hermann Park is also home to the Houston Zoo, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Miller Outdoor Theater, a Japanese Garden, train and pedal boats, and a golf course.

Houston Zoo www.houstonzoo.org

Asia Society www.asiasociety.org Asia Society is the leading educational organization dedicated to promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships among people, leaders and institutions of Asia and the United States in a global context. Across the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, the Society provides insight, generates ideas, and promotes collaboration to address present challenges and create a shared future.

Space Center Houston www.spacecenter.org Space Center Houston is the visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the area’s only Smithsonian affiliate. Houston’s No. 1 attraction for international visitors, Space Center Houston emphasizes engaging educational exhibits in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It offers permanent and special exhibits, attractions, theaters and seasonal camps for kids.

Moody Gardens www.moodygardens.org • 800-582-4673

The Galleria Houston www.simon.com/mall/the-galleria

Photo Courtesy of The Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo had a record year for attendance in 2016, welcoming 2,550,453 million visitors and maintaining its elite position as the second-most-attended US zoo with a paid admission.

The zoo’s multiple seasonal and permanent attractions like holiday Zoo Lights and the Gorillas of the African Forest exhibit have helped drive attendance. Gorillas of The African Forest gives visitors the opportunity to observe gorillas in a lush forest setting adjacent to the existing chimpanzee habitat.

The Houston Zoo is open seven days a week, from 9:00 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is located at 6200 Hermann Park Drive.

Photos Courtesy of Moody Gardens

A tropical destination for families and Photos Courtesy of Visit Houston Texas

The Galleria attracts more than 26 million visitors each year and is a major destination for shoppers from Latin America. The Galleria is the largest mall in Texas and the fourth largest in the nation. Modeled after the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, built in 1867, Houston’s Galleria also includes its famous ice rink.

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. 

SCHLITTERBAHN GALVESTON ISLAND WATERPARK www.schlitterbahn.com With its huge array of awesome aquatic adventures, Schlitterbahn Galveston Island can be your personal happy place! During the summer season the park offers over 35 amazing rides and attractions. The Heated Indoor Season, October through mid-April, features more than a dozen heated attractions in a tropical, heated indoor oasis.

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Houston’s Theater District will impress the most demanding theatre aficionados. This cultural destination in downtown Houston is home to the Alley Theatre, Jones Hall, Wortham Theater Center, and the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Numerous restaurants and trend setting bars serve patrons before curtain calls and after performances.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

Photo courtesy of Hobby Center For The Performing Arts

ARTS, CULTURE s n o i t c a r t t & A

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TH E AT E R D IS TR IC T 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.

Houston Symphony 615 Louisiana, St., Ste. 102, Houston, 77002 www.houstonsymphony.org Photo Courtesy of Alley Theatre

Alley Theatre

Houston Grand Opera

615 Texas Ave., Houston, 77002

510 Preston St., Houston, 77002

www.alleytheatre.org

www.houstongrandopera.org

One of

America’s leading not-for-profit

theatres calls the Houston Theater District Photo Courtesy of Houston Symphony

Home – The Alley Theatre. The Alley Theatre is nationally recognized for their performing

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.

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.

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

Photo Courtesy of The Houston Grand Opera

Adding to Houston’s rich cultural environment, Houston Grand Opera entertains with

The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

their innovative programs, community events

brings first-class entertainment and cultural

and educational projects. Houston Grand

enjoyment to Houstonians by way of the

Opera has a solid reputation for commis-

generosity of their donors. This arts complex

sioning and producing new works, including

is home to the Theatre Under The Stars

56 world premieres and seven American

(TUTS), and the Houston Broadway Series.

premieres since 1973. Stop in and visit and see

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

Photo courtesy of Houston Symphony

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-pro76

fessional dancers.

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE – SPRING/SUMMER 2018

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.

Photo Courtesy of Main Street Theater

Main Street Theater 2450 Times Square Blvd., Houston 77005 333 S. Jensen, Houston, 77003 www.mainstreettheater.com 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.

Stages Repertory Theatre 3021 Allen Pkwy. Ste. 101, Houston, 77019 www.stagestheatre.com Stages Theatre is one of only two theatres in the region that offers year-round employment

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

Society for FINE the Performing Arts www.spahouston.org The Society for the Performing Arts is the 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

Miller Outdoor Theatre, Photo Courtesy of Houston First

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.Featuring 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.

LOOKING FOR HOMES JUST GOT EASIER…

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HOMES And RENTALS HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

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

M U S E U M D I S TR IC T The Art Car Museum 140 Heights Blvd., Houston, 77007 www.artcarmuseum.com

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston

and other innocent victims and honoring the

5216 Montrose Blvd., Houston, 77006 www.camh.org

survivors’ legacy. The Holocaust Museum

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.

The

Contemporary

Arts

Museum

Houston has a permanent exhibition called of

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

“Bearing Witness: A Community Remembers,” as well as other pieces of history.

The Menil Collection 1533 Sul Ross St., Houston, TX 77006 www.menil.org

of work and dynamic exhibitions on display.

CAMH also offers special programs and

The Menil Collection is an art museum

educational opportunities. Admission is Free.

that houses both permanent collection and welcomes special exhibitions. Making art

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

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

The Health Museum is Houston’s most interactive science learning center and a member institution of the world-renowned Texas Medical Center. The Health Museum is the most visited health museum of its kind in the country. Popular exhibits include: DeBakey Cell Lab, Amazing Body Pavilion Photo Courtesy of The Art Car Museum

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

Children’s Museum of Houston 1500 Binz St., Houston, TX 77004 www.cmhouston.org A duck pond, playhouse, grocery store, Mexican village, puppet show and an infant play area are all under one roof. The

and the McGovern 4D Theater.

inspire by being readily accessible to future generations.

The Museum of Arts, Houston (MFAH) 1001 Bissonnet, Houston, 77005 www.mfah.org The Museum of

Fine Arts, Houston

presents its exceptional exhibitions and The Houston Museum of Natural Science 5555 Hermann Park Dr., Houston, 77030 www.hmns.org

installations to Houston residents and

As one of the most heavily attended

embracing every era of history from across

museums

the

the globe. Make time to visit the Bayou

Houston Museum of Natural Science

Bend Collection not too far away. From

(HMNS) seeks to enhance knowledge

2015 to 2019 the campus of the Museum

and delight in natural science and related

of Fine Arts, Houston will transform into a

subjects. It houses the Burke Baker Plane-

magnificent two new buildings.

in

the

United

States,

visitors alike. The Museum has numerous collections that fill the galleries year-round

tarium, Wortham GIANT Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center and a fascinating examine astronomy, space science, Native

Blaffer Art Museum University of Houston - 120 Fine Arts Bldg.

Houston, 77204

American culture, paleontology, energy,

www.blafferartmuseum.org

variety of permanent exhibit areas that

chemistry, gems and minerals, Texas wildlife and more.

Blaffer Art Museum helps the community to engage in contemporary art through exhi-

Holocaust Museum Houston

bitions, publications and public programs.

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

This art museum is free, and open to the public in an effort to promote participation

fun-filled hands on experience at the Children’s Museum of Houston will not leave

The

is

in the arts. Blaffer Art Museum is also the

anyone bored. For nearly 30 years, the place

dedicated to educating people about the

gateway between the University of Houston

for families to play, laugh, learn and grow.

Holocaust, remembering the 6 million Jews

and the City of Houston.

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TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

Holocaust

– ISSUE 2

Museum

Houston

T E X AS 2 8 8 S O U TH M US E UMS Alvin Historical Museum, Alvin

on display—a dinosaur replica; and exhibits

Schuster Home, Freeport, TX

300 W. Sealy, Alvin, Texas

on wildlife, rocks and minerals, archaeology,

979-297-0868

281-331-4469 • www.alvinmuseum.org

fossils and aquariums.

Housed in a former post office, the Alvin

Cultural Heritage Museum

port was incorporated, the Schuster house

Historical

2341 N. Galveston Avenue, Suite 200.

was a special place for family gatherings and

Built in 1917, the same year the city of FreeMuseum

showcases

artifacts

and memorabilia from Alvin’s history. The museum is located at 300 West Sealy.

This intimate 390 square-foot museum installation is serving as an exhibit space

Brazoria County Historical

until a permanent museum facility is built

Museum, Angleton

in Pearland. Visitors can view the 100+

979-388-1208 • www.bchm.org

Visions of India collection featuring Indian art and artifacts, reflecting both India’s

Housed in the 1897 Brazoria County Court-

culture and art. Sam Kannappan curates

house the museum includes an exhibit on

the exhibit sponsored by the Pearland Alli-

the Austin Colony and other exhibits on the

ance for Arts & Culture.

frontier experience.

Lake Jackson Historical Museum, Brazosport Museum of Natural

Lake Jackson

Science Clute

979-297-1570 • lakejacksonmuseum.org

979-265-7831 • www.bcfas.org

holidays. Large crafted columns supported the wrap around porch and two enclosed chimneys provided for wood-burning stoves.

Ten foot ceilings and many windows helped keep the area cool. It serves as an example of family life during the founding of Freeport. Tours are given on the fourth Saturday of every month.

Surfside Historical Museum 979-233-1531 • www.surfsidetx.org A display of artifacts and exhibits on the history of Surfside Beach, Fort Velasco,

Museum highlights the history of

Brazoria County and Texas. Outside monu-

Named one of the ten best museums in

Lake Jackson, “The City of Enchant-

ments commemorate the Battle of Velasco

Texas by Frommer’s Travel Guide. Features

ment”, exhibits in history, humanities,

and sinking of the Acadia during the Civil

the largest collection of shells—over 14,000

and the sciences.

War. FREE admission

T E X AS 2 8 8 S O U TH TH E A TER & A RT Alvin Live, Alvin Community College

Kid’s Backporch Productions

281-756-3767

281-412-5350

This small, intimate venue gives students

This non-profit youth theatre group presents

experience in television and radio broad-

children’s theatrical productions starring

casting while raising funds for the college

adult and child actors.

communications department.

Brazosport Center Stages Theater 979-265-7661 • www.bcfas.org The oldest continuously operating community theatre on the Gulf Coast of Texas, providing generations of audiences quality theatrical events.

Brazosport College Art Gallery

Pearland Arts League (PAL) 713-340-1965 www.pearlandartsleague.com PAL members have a shared interest in promoting fine arts by incorporating the artistic talents of local residents at annual art exhibits and shows.

Pearl Theater/Pearland Theatre Guild 713-340-2540

979-230-3000 • www.brazosport.edu The Pearl Theater near Shadow Creek Some of the finest works from around the

Ranch is the Guild’s permanent home.

United States are on display, showcasing

Productions include classic and contempo-

various mediums and styles from contempo-

rary plays, classes, camps and workshops for

rary and modern to traditional works.

adults and children. 

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Houston offers a variety of sports and recreational activities to please everyone. Couch potatoes, weekend warriors, full-on athletes and die-hard fans love the sports scene.

HOUSTON PROUD

Major events in Houston require tens of thousands of volunteers who take on a variety of jobs and responsibilities to make the event Houston Proud. More than 33,000 individuals serving on over 100 committees form the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo volunteer corps, giving more than 2.1 million total hours. 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.

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

SPORTS

About a year ago, Hurricane Harvey, showed Houston’s tenacity and volunteer spirit. As flood waters rose, strangers helped strangers to safety, businesses responded, and volunteers lined up to do their part and give. Houston Strong became the mantra the city lived and ultimately played by.

PEARLAND GOLF CLUB

While many Houstonians recovered and rebuilt their homes and lives after Harvey, another event just a few months later changed the city again. The Houston Astros won the World Series Championship for the first time in its franchise history, defeating the Dodgers 5-1 in Game 7 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Houston exploded with pride, celebration and inspiration. Houston Strong!

What a series it was. Houston and Los Angeles set the record for most home runs in a single World Series. Game 5 kept Houstonians up late, ending with a 13-12 Astros win in the 10th inning and way past mid-night. It was the first World Series since 1970 between two teams with more than 100 wins during the regular season.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

YOUR BEST ROUND AWAITS YOU 713-773-9603 | www.PearlandGolfClub.com 3123 Flower Field Ln Pearland, Texas 77584

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 Houston Rockets play basketball at Toyota Center a short walk from Minute Maid Park. Toyota Center is also a popular venue for concerts.

restaurants and newly constructed homes. A

varying terrain and challenges to suit every

new bike trail and METRO’s East End rail

golfer’s taste. Here, you’ll see striking views

line add to the vitality of this area.

of downtown Houston from one of the

The Houston Dynamo soccer team takes the field at BBVA Compass Stadium, located on the exciting east side of downtown, home to a growing concentration of clubs,

highest tee boxes in the city. You can play a

GOLF

round of golf in a certified Audubon Coop-

The average high in Houston in January (the

erative Sanctuary, tee off in a country club

coldest month) is 62.9°F and the average

known to be one of the most challenging

low is 43.2°F; there are over 200 days of

and well-maintained in the city, or play a

sunshine. Houston is a golfer’s paradise.

round of golf in your own neighborhood. In addition, golf lessons, clinics, PGA profes-

The Texas 288 Corridor has its share of

sionals and First Tee Programs are offered

both public and private courses that offer

throughout the area. 

TEXAS 288 GOLF COURSES Clear Creek Golf Club

713-738-8000

www.clearcreekgolfclub.com

Pearland Golf Club at Country Place

713-773-9603

www.pearlandgolfclub.com

Magnolia Creek Golf Links

281-557-0555

www.clubcorp.com/Clubs/Magnolia-Creek-South-Shore

Sienna Plantation Golf Club

281-778-4653

www.siennagolf.com

South Shore Harbour Country Club

281-334-0525

www.clubcorp.com/Clubs/Magnolia-Creek-South-Shore

Southwyck Golf Club, Pearland

713-436-9999

www.southwyckgc.com

Wildcat Golf Club

713-413-3400

www.wildcatgolfclub.com

Wilderness Golf Course

979-297-4653

www.thewildernessgc.com

Timber Creek Golf Club

281-993-1140

www.timbercreekgolfclub.com

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

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CALENDAR of EVENTS

Photos Courtesy of Visit Houston Texas

TEXAS 288 & SURROUNDING AREA EVENTS YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS

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J AN U A R Y Chevron Houston Marathon Established in 1972, the Houston Marathon has become the nation’s premier winter marathon, half-marathon and 5K. About 25,000 runners participate in threerace weekend event. Organized by 7,500 volunteers, marathon is Houston’s largest single-day sporting event.

HoustonMarathon.com

FE BR U A R Y Mardi Gras Galveston Island The island’s 107th Mardi Gras celebration is expected to draw more the 300,000 attendees. The island-style Mardi Gras has plenty of personality from the classic revelry found in the heart of Galveston’s historic down-town district to electronic dance parties and family friendly events and parades. www.galveston.com/mardigras

M AR C H Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo The world’s largest rodeo features dazzling competitions, award-winning barbecue, and block-buster concerts by country and western and other music super stars.

Young farmers vying for scholarships

exhibit their prize livestock, plus an outdoor carnival at NRG Park. www.rodeohouston.com In Bloom Music Festival This annual 2-day music festival is held at Buffalo Bayou’s Eleanor Tinsley Park. It features dozens of perfor-mances on five different stages, fireworks, interactive art, music workshops, local and national musicians. www.fpsf.com 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 and yellow Azaleas are at their most spectacular. www.riveroaksgc.org

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

The Art Car Parade 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. www.thehoustonartcarparade.com

MA Y Houston Dragon Boat Festival The Texas Dragon Boat Association, in collaboration with Buffalo Bayou Partnership, presents its 17th Annual Houston Dragon Boat Festival. The festival will showcase 30 teams competing along the banks of Buffalo Bayou at Allen’s Landing, and will feature Asian cuisine, music, arts and crafts, and cultural performances for the whole family. www.texasdragonboat.com Comicpalooza Comicpalooza is Texas’ largest pop culture convention. Comicpalooza is one of the best multi-format pop culture con in the southwest. Events include J-Fashion, cosplay, a film festival, literary conference, a code fest, maker space, Mars Rover rides, video and tabletop gaming, professional wrestling, & roller derby bouts. www.visithoustontexas.com

Photos Courtesy of Visit Houston Texas

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

Photos Courtesy of Houston Zoo

J UN E Juneteenth Celebration Juneteenth is a celebration of June 19, the day Texas learned of President Abraham

Freedom Over Texas – July 4 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

Lincoln’s signing of the Eman-cipation

and local recording artists, family-friendly

Proclamation freeing all slaves. The event

activities, and of course, unrivaled pyro-

at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann

technic artistry set to music.

events aimed at raising awareness of African-American heritage.

Carnival Houston Celebrating carnival from the Caribbean, Brazil and New Orleans Mardi Gras. It is an exciting explosion of music, cuisine,

The Houston International Jazz Festival traditionally showcases Jazz, Rhythm and

www.artcolonyassociation.org

AU GUST Houston International Jazz Fest, August 4-6

Blues, Soul and Latin Fusion. www.jazzeducation.org

revelry, costume parade and performances.

Texas Renaissance Festival

The Premier Annual Carnival Houston

Plantersville - Based on travel-worthiness,

show will showcase carnival costumes and

chance to broaden horizons and the ability

performances such as Samba, Merengue,

to introduce people to try new things and

and costume masqueraders, Dance Perfor-

connect with others, the Texas Renaissance

mances, Calypso, Soca, Salsa, and Samba.

Festival has been voted the best cultural festival in the country by USA Today

J UL Y

and 10Best. Enjoy magicians, jugglers, minstrels, troubadours, comedians, food,

July 4th Celebrations are held throughout

arts and crafts that all celebrate life in the

the greater Houston area. Check with your

16th Century.

visitors’ bureau or city for details.

www.texrenfest.com

84

The Original Greek Festival Join in the celebration at the Original Greek Festival held at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Part of the proceeds are donated to vari-ous Houston area charities. www.greekfestival.org Bayou City Art Festival Downtown This acclaimed juried art show in downtown Houston spans several blocks filled with paintings, sculptures, jewelry and music, plus great food, wine cafes, beer taverns and a kids zone.

Park includes blues, gospel and jazz performers and a variety of smaller

OCTOB ER

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

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Quilt Festival More than 1,600 quilt and fiber art works will be on exhibit at this renowned show and sale. Shop more than 1,100 booths, free demos and edu-cation exhibits in the George R. Brown Convention Center. www.quilts.com Nutcracker Market The Houston Ballet’s major fundraiser, the Nutcracker Market is a shopping wonderland. This year’s market will feature more than 325 nation-al and international merchants carefully selected for their unique offerings. Look for gourmet food,

home dĂŠcor, garden accessories, clothing,

Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo

novelties and the perfect gift.

Presented by TXU Energy. Millions of

www.Houstonballet.org

LED lights illuminate animal-themed light

HGMS Gem, Jewelry, Mineral & Fossil Show The Houston Gem and Mineral Society will hold its annual celebration of rocks, showcasing unique jewelry and other earthly delights. See demonstrations, educational exhibits and

displays, 15 miles of tree lighting, and seasonal songs and stories. www.zoolights.houstonzoo.org

TEXA S 288 EV ENTS Following are just a few of the events held annually in the Texas 288 area.

For a complete list of events check the City, Chamber of Commerce or Visitors Bureau web pages.

Houston Galleria Uptown Holiday Lighting The annual holiday tradition flips the

JA NUA RY Pearland Winterfest

one-of-a-kind treasures.

switch on a half-million twinkling lights

www.hgms.org

along with music, holiday charac-ters, and

Recreation Center Natatorium. Call for

a special appearance by Santa. Fireworks

ticket information and event schedule.

grand finale. Numerous Christmas events

281-412-8900

H-E-B Holiday Parade The 68th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade will welcome the holiday season by celebrating all things Hou-ston. The Fun begins at 9am when the downtown streets come alive with zesty marching bands,

from tree lighting ceremonies and parades to fun runs are held in various cities in the Texas 288 region throughout the holiday sea-son. Check your city’s web page for

imaginative floats and colorful balloons.

information or contact the Convention &

Bring the family.

Visitors Bureau

www.houstontx.gov/thanksgivingparade

www.uptownhouston.comTEXA S

This popular family event is held at the

MA RCH Angleton Market Days More than 200 diverse vendors from across the State gather at the Brazoria County Fairgrounds each spring for this large indoor and outdoor market. www.angleton.tx.us

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

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Lake Jackson: Bird Banding The mission of the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory is to protect the birds and their habitats around the Gulf of Mexico and beyond. Volunteers collect baseline data on bird populations at the sanctuary. The banding station is an excellent oppor-tunity to see birds up close and to learn all the birds of our community. www.gcbo.org • 979-480-0999

OCTOB ER Pearland Art & Crafts on the Pavilion Unique collection of artists and craft artisans support this annual show at the Pearland Town Center. Saturday & Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. www.visitpearland.com

A PR I L Brazosport CenterFest 2018 Artist from across the state show and sell

Lake Jackson, July 4th Celebration Annual fireworks display at Dunbar Park, 9-9:30 pm. Parking is available at

work ranging from fine wood sculptures to

the Brazos Mall.

beautiful paintings to pho-tography, glass,

www.lakejackson-tx.gov

clay, metal, jewelry, and much more! www.brazosportcenterfest.org

Pearland - July 4th Celebration A military salute followed by the Texas

Alvin Music Festival & Cook-Off

Unlimited Band. Spectacular fireworks

The annual event draws visitors from

display at sundown. Full size car-nival,

all around to enjoy live music, IBCA

food, face painting and more! , 6:30-10:00

sanctioned Cook-Off, kids activities,

p.m. Admission is FREE.

food, dancing, and a beer garden. Just

www.pearland.com/4thofJuly

around the corner from Pearland, Alvin is minutes away on Highway 35.

Great Texas Mosquito Festival

www.alvinmusicfestival.com

Three-day family event featuring food,

Lake Jackson: Taste of the Town Sample food and drinks from a variety of the Brazosport Area’s finest restaurants.

Live auction at the Food Court. www.brazosport.org

J UL Y Fireworks, Food and Fun!

NOV EMB ER/ DECEMB ER Lake Jackson: Festival of Lights Kick-off the holiday season with this carnival, games, parade, snow and more!

Carnival runs Thursday - Sunday. www.lakejackson-tx.gov Pearland Hometown Christmas Annual tree lighting ceremony & Christmas village in Pearland Town Center. Christmas Parade is held on Satur-day.

arts & crafts, booths, a carnival, contests, and headline entertainers. Have your photo taken with the world’s largest mosquito, “Mr. Willie Man-chew”. Clute Municipal Park. www.mosquitofestival.com

SE P TEMB ER

Alvin - July 4th Celebration.

Pearland Fusion of the Arts

Alvin Community College - 3110

Juried art show held annually to showcase

Mustang Road.

local performing and visual artists.

www.alvincollege.edu/campusevents

www.pearlandartleague.com

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Brazoria County Fair & Rodeo 80th Anniversary of the largest county fair in Texas with Rodeo, Science Fair, concerts, BBQ Cook-off, and Livestock Show & Carnival. Fair grounds in Angleton. www.brazoriacountyfair.com 979-849-6416

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

– ISSUE 2

Alvin Home for the Holidays Kid’s craft and movie are planned for Friday night. Saturday’s events at National Oak Park feature food, a Christ-mas market, kid’s activities, a snow hill, entertainment and a lighted parade. www.alvintexas.org Angleton Heart of Christmas on the Square This annual event features a lighted parade, food, children’s activities and fun for all around the court house.

Visit us today at

ad index APARTMENTS/HOTELS Discovery at Shadow Creek Ranch .......................................................................................................................................... 19 Courtyard Marriott Pearland ...................................................................................................................................................... 13

BUILDERS & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTS Meridiana........................................................................................................................................................... Inside Front Cover Pomona by Hillwood Communities..............................................................................................................Outside Back Cover Terrata Homes in Sterling Lakes .................................................................................................................................................... 7 Sienna Plantation ........................................................................................................................................................................... 1 Stone Meadow Homes ............................................................................................................................................................... 25

EDUCATION Alvin Community College ........................................................................................................................................................... 40 Brazosport College ...................................................................................................................................................................... 41 Brazosport ISD ............................................................................................................................................................................... 35 Primrose School of Pearland........................................................................................................................................................ 39 New Horizons Computer Learning Center................................................................................................................................. 43

FOOD & BEVERAGE Real Ale Bewing Co........................................................................................................................................................................ 9

HEALTH CARE HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Pearland ....................................................................................................................... 3 Houston Methodist Hospital ........................................................................................................................................................ 61

REAL ESTATE & RELOCATION SERVICES Innovative Realty Group: David Moore .................................................................................................................................... 29 HAR.COM....................................................................................................................................................................................... 77 Shelly Naiser Properties................................................................................................................................................................. 27

RECREATION The Brazosport Center for the Arts & Sciences.......................................................................................................................... 28 Children’s Museum of Houston................................................................................................................................................... 33 Houston Rockets........................................................................................................................................................................... 85 Pearland Golf Club....................................................................................................................................................................... 81 Schlitterbahn Galveston Island.................................................................................................................. 73, Inside Back Cover

SERVICES & UTILITIES TXU Energy ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Lonestar Delivery .......................................................................................................................................................................... 52

Advertise in the next issue

Reserve your premium position today!

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– ISSUE 2 To learn more, visit www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE 2018

Elevate the everyday.

Pomona by Hillwood Communities elevates life’s everyday moments to take center stage. It’s a place to both escape and connect, to unwind and to energize. Our community isn’t a place, it’s a collection of homes to build bonds between neighbors, friends and families.

COVENTRY HOMES

Conveniently located in the Highway 288 corridor, just minutes from the Texas Medical Center, Pomona is close to everything with plenty of breathing room built in. And as a Live SmartSM community, amenities have been carefully designed to promote genuine connection, inspiration and growth. Pomona is setting the standard for what it means to Live SmartSM.

pomonabyhillwood.com

New Homes From The Mid $200s-$600s

DAVID WEEKLEY HOMES HIGHLAND HOMES PERRY HOMES PLANTATION HOMES TRENDMAKER HOMES

4545 Pomona Parkway Manvel, TX 77578