Central - West Houston Newcomer & Relocation Guide - 2019 Issue 2 by web-media-group

contents | features 14 18 80 85

Phone: 713-952-1916

Houston’s Cost of Living: How it Compares with Other Cities

Fax: 713-952-1956 info@HoustonNewcomerGuides.com www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com CEO

SPOTLIGHT: Inner Loop Living in Houston

Derek Wright PRESIDENT Kevin Evans

Houston-Area Sports, Golf and Parks

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Erin Hayden Seal OPERATIONS MANAGER

Houston-Area Calendar of Events

Cecile Adams ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER & PROJECT MANAGER Jill Roe ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Paul Yarbrough Candi Thomas Shawna Adkins SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Debora Licón

This publication is published and distributed bi-annually by WEB Media Group LLC For advertising information, please call 713-952-1916.

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

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

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

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

contents | sections WELCOME TO HOUSTON • 8

HOUSING + NEIGHBORHOODS • 12 13 Neighborhoods 16 Harris County Map

THE HOME FRONT • 28

30 Master-Planned Communities 32 Mortgage Options

EDUCATION IN HOUSTON • 34 36 Public Schools 38 Private Schools 48 Higher Education

ACTIVE ADULTS + SENIOR LIVING • 50

53 Senior Housing Options 54 Assisted Living Communities

Fax: 713-952-1956 info@HoustonNewcomerGuides.com www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com

PHOTOGRAPHY We would like to thank the following for their contributions: Children’s Museum Fort Bend Christian Academy Houston Astros Houston Dynamo Houston Zoo - Stephanie Adams Kingdom Heights Lycee International de Houston Rise Communities Röhe and Wright Sam Houston Race Park School of the Woods

RELOCATION INFORMATION • 56

University of Houston – Victoria

57 Moving Companies

Visit Houston

58 Utilities 62 International Relocation

Phone: 713-952-1916

64 Places of Worship

HEALTHCARE RESOURCES • 66 68 Moving Medical Tips

Texas Renaissance Festival

EDITORIAL We would like to thank the following writers for their editorial contributions to the publication: Joy Oden Cecile Adams

69 Finding a Doctor

BUSINESS + COMMUNITY • 70 71 Area Chambers of Commerce

72 Houston by the Numbers

LEISURE + RECREATION • 74

transmitted in any form, by any

76 Area Attractions

means, electronic, mechanical,

78 Theater Districts 79 Museums 87 Shopping 88 Dining

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

photocopying, or otherwise, without the written permission of the Publisher.

WELCOME FROM THE

CITY OF HOUSTON MAYOR Diversity, Entrepreneurship, Thriving Economy, World-Class Entertainment Just a few of the benefits of living in the Greater Houston area.

Greetings! Let me be the first to welcome you to Houston! You are going to love living here. We are the most diverse City in the nation – a City with an entrepreneurial spirit and a City where you can achieve your dreams. Houston is still the Energy Capital of the World, but our economy has diversified over the years to include technology, medicine and manufacturing and shipping. I invite you to explore all that this great city has to offer. Whether it’s our world-class restaurants, theaters, museums, shopping, thrilling sports teams or the new Independence Plaza at the Johnson Space Center which houses the world’s first and only replica of the space shuttle/carrier, Houston has it all. It all combines together to create the ideal city in which to live, work and play. Houston Newcomer and Relocation Guides can be an invaluable source of information as you prepare for your relocation. It showcases every aspect of living and working in the city of Houston.

We look forward to having you as a Houstonian!

Sincerely,

Sylvester Turner City of Houston Mayor

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

WELCOME TO

CENTRAL & WEST HOUSTON Dear Houston Newcomers,

777 N. Eldridge Pkwy. Ste 270 Houston, TX 77079

On behalf of our fine West Houston and Katy business organizations and our members, it is an honor to welcome you to the area. We are proud of our communities. From Downtown Houston to Katy, you will find outstanding retail centers, fine hotels and restaurants, and excellent recreational opportunities that are all close to home. The vibrant economic climate of the area is second-to-none. International corporations and entrepreneurs alike seek out the many business opportunities the area has to offer. Development within the 610 Loop and along Interstate 10 West, Highway 6, and the Grand Parkway provides unlimited growth potential for emerging, expanding, or relocating companies. From Alief to Spring Branch, West Houston’s business and residential communities are diverse and the possibilities are endless. Westchase has many attractive living options within walking distance of some of Houston’s largest employers. The Energy Corridor’s concentration of worldwide and Houston-based petroleum companies is a tribute to the ambition and drive of the area. Master-planned communities and resale homes in West Houston and Katy continue to meet the housing demands of families relocating to our area with some of the most affordable prices in the country. Homes in the lovely Memorial Villages are a solid value because of their location and serene setting. Additionally, the redevelopment of Downtown Houston and the popularity of the Intown and Galleria neighborhoods is tremendous. The highway and transportation infrastructure is ever-growing to meet the mobility needs of our residents and businesses. Light rail, the expansion of Interstate 10, and two new toll roads make traveling from West Houston and Katy to other parts of the city quick and convenient. Health care for residents is exceptional. The world-class Texas Medical Center in the heart of Houston has many affiliated hospitals and clinics close to home to meet the medical needs of area residents. Education is another primary consideration for relocating families. The Alief ISD, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Houston ISD, Katy ISD, Lamar CISD and Spring Branch ISD are among the very best in Texas. Additionally, there is an outstanding variety of private and parochial schools from which to choose. We welcome you to our area and would like the opportunity to serve you personally. Please do not hesitate to contact or simply stop by our offices to see how we may be able to assist you in your relocation. Sincerely,

David Hightower, President Energy Corridor District

Jeannie M. Bollinger, President & CEO Houston West Chamber of Commerce

Ann F. Hodge, President/CEO Katy Area Chamber of Commerce

Lance LaCour, President/CEO Katy Area Economic Development Council, Inc.

Jim Murphy, General Manager Westchase District

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

WELCOME FROM THE

HOUSTON ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS Welcome to Houston! Find your dream home in the Northwest Houston region and take advantage of what the community has to offer.

Welcome to Houston, Texas — 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. As you drive around and familiarize yourself with the Houston area, you’ll no doubt notice license plates from many different states, as the addition of thousands of new jobs over the past few years has drawn people here from all across the U.S.

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

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

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

The Houston real estate market has been among the healthiest in the country, offering a wide selection of communities and properties to suit every lifestyle — for those buying or renting. The more than 39,000 members of the Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR.com) 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 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. On behalf of HAR, it’s my distinct pleasure to welcome you to Houston. We hope you take advantage of everything our incredible community has to offer. Sincerely,

FORT BEND 6680 Greatwood Pkwy. Sugar Land, TX 77479 713-629-1900 ext. 700 Fax: 281-343-9557

Shannon Cobb Evans 2019 Chair Houston Association of REALTORS®/HAR.com

In this section

Welcome Recreation Shopping & Entertainment Culture

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

Welcome to HOUSTON A new Houstonian arrives about every fourteen minutes; in the last year, a new job was added to the area about every twelve. Many of the new jobs and new residents are settling in West Houston through the Inner Loop, one of the city’s most dynamic parts.

Houston resonates with energy, recreation, entertainment and some of the top-selling master-planned communities in the United States. Quality of life – including top-rated schools – has drawn residents and employers alike. It’s hard to think of another region anywhere in the U.S. more energetic than West Houston. And we mean “energetic” literally, because West Houston and the Downtown Houston area are the Energy Capital of Houston, which is the Energy Capital of the World. Just like the country, Houston’s growth has always headed west. More than 1.7 million people live in Greater West Houston and 580,000 are employed in the area, according to data from the West Houston Association. West Houston residents are highly educated, with 43%

holding a college degree, compared to 36 percent of Houstonians. Many – but by no means all – of West Houston’s residents and employers are associated with the energy industry. West Houston is home to the world-famous Energy Corridor, home to more than 300 multi-national, national and local companies involved in every aspect of energy. As the region’s third-largest employment center – only Downtown Houston and the Texas Medical Center are bigger – the Energy Corridor has more than 91,000 employees. With so many smart and successful professionals working in the area, it’s no surprise that several West Houston ZIP codes rank among the wealthiest in Texas and the U.S., according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and

eight of the most affluent Houston neighborhoods are within the Central to West Houston area. Top-rated schools and world-class healthcare round out West Houston’s envied quality of life. The area is served by the Katy Independent School District, one of the best districts in the U.S., as well as Fort Bend, Cypress-Fairbanks, Spring Branch and Houston ISD, all of which have excellent ratings and campuses. West Houston is also attracting new private schools, such as the British International School of Houston, which has opened a new $80 million K-12 campus in Katy. There is also a growing concentration of modern, leading-edge hospitals in West Houston, including Memorial Hermann

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WELCOME TO WEST HOUSTON

Katy, Houston Methodist St. Catherine and Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH) West Campus. Houston’s world-renowned M.D. Anderson Cancer Center chose Katy as the location for its first complete standalone facility outside of the Texas Medical Center.

LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch is another open-air festival of shopping, dining and entertainment, with buildings evoking the feel of a small-town Main Street, and events that include outdoor movies, concerts and a weekly Farmer’s Market. A little further west, Katy Mills Mall is one of the biggest outlet malls in the nation, and nearby the Katy Main Street development is planned for 1 million square feet of shopping, restaurants and services. It will be built in two phases; phase one is already complete.

RECREATION West Houston is much more than a lovely place to learn, work and live. Residents enjoy the leafy outdoors by hiking, cycling, birding, and golfing. With over 200 sunny days a year, a moderate climate and many public and private courses, this is a golfer’s paradise.

immerse yourself in history at an area museum or memorial, visit a performance of traditional dance, appreciate the visual artistry on display at a local gallery or sample one of any number of

international cultures. Of

course,

down the road, the world-class museum district, galleries, theatres and performance venues of Houston make taking in an amazing show easy.

TRANSPORTATION Some of the most significant mobility

Recently completed is Grand Crossing, a master-planned development at the southwest corner of the Katy Freeway and Grand Parkway, with shops, offices and a hotel. University Center, a mixed-use development at the northeast corner of this key intersection, will be anchored by a 46-acre University of Houston campus.

In addition, the area boasts more than 26,000 acres of parks, reservoirs and open space, plus more than 50 miles of trails, which includes the 9,200-acre Cullen Park and the 7,800-acre George Bush Park, two of the largest metropolitan parks in the United States.

But the fun doesn’t stop at shopping. There’s plenty of amusement to be had at many venues for play, like Top Golf, a golf games venue, or IFly, where you can soar on an upward air current. Or, splash your way through summer at Typhoon Texas and at any of the many splash pads, play fountains and pools in the area.

A master plan to create more than 100 miles of interconnected trails in West Houston, within a 6-mile radius centered at the intersection of the Katy Freeway (I-10 West) and State Highway 6, is well under way.

projects in the metropolitan area are happening in West Houston. The Katy Freeway (I-10) – the undisputed major artery of West Houston – was expanded in a $2.8 billion, 23-milelong project completed in 2008, and a new project is adding more lanes. Still considered one of the nation’s most innovative urban mobility projects, the Katy Freeway has toll lanes with variable congestion pricing, along with free lanes for high-occupancy vehicles. The Westpark Tollway, another key to West Houston mobility, stretches from the 610 Loop to the Grand Parkway, and

The Katy Prairie Conservancy is succeeding in preserving an ecologically vital prairie and associated wetlands on Houston’s far west side for the enjoyment and benefit of all. The number of protected acres has grown to 20,000, up from 1,300 acres 15 years ago.

And take advantage of some of the most diverse dining options in the world at one of the thousands of restaurants in the area. Choose from a quick bite at a rustic local tradition, or enjoy a world-class culinary experience from an award-winning chef. All are ready to serve you in West Houston.

SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT

CULTURE

West Houston is becoming one of the most vibrant shopping and entertainment destinations in the Gulf Coast region. With 5 major anchors and over 150 shops and restaurants, the recently rejuvenated Memorial City Mall is one of the region’s most popular malls. Located at the Katy Freeway and Sam Houston Tollway, the 37-acre CityCentre development is an urban mix of restaurants, shops, offices and apartments, set amid European-style open-air plazas and carefully designed green spaces.

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

construction has begun to extend this popular tollway another 2.5 miles westward to Fulshear. Widening of FM 1093 is also part of this vital mobility project. The Grand Parkway is also a strategic part of West Houston’s mobility infrastructure. Houston’s third major loop is now open from U.S. 59 South to U.S. 59 North as a toll road, allowing commuters

The people of West Houston like to celebrate – their heritage, their community, their food, heck, anything. And you’ll find many festivals and parties all year long. From Katy’s Wild West Brewfest to Music on the Patio at Italian Maid Café in Fulshear; gatherings to eat, enjoy and engage are everywhere.

to travel without stopping from Fort Bend

Houston is the most diverse city in the country and the cultural offerings reflect that. In West Houston, it’s possible to

million new residents to Harris County by

2020

County in the south to the Cy-Fair area, The Woodlands area and Montgomery County toward the north and east. With so much in its favor, it’s no surprise that West Houston sits in the middle of a growth trend that is projected to add 3.4 2050. You might be one of them and you’ll find a warm welcome in West Houston. 

Visit us today at

in this section

Cities Neighborhoods Cost of Living & Map Neighborhood Spotlight Inner Loop Living

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

HOUSING &

NEIGHBORHOODS From established neighborhoods with mid-century homes and treelined streets, to mega master-planned communities that are among the nation’s top-sellers, West Houston offers a diverse range of housing choices.

Whether it’s a cozy Memorial enclave or a new Katy development with thousands of acres, West Houston communities share many desirable traits: highly regarded public schools, proximity to many of the region’s largest and most popular parks and trail systems, and easy accessibility to major employers, shopping and healthcare providers. Following are brief introductions to some of the most significant neighborhoods, communities and municipalities in West Houston and Katy.

NEIGHBORHOODS

homes priced from the $250,000s to more

archway” tunnels made of evergreens and

than $1 million. The community is easily

seasonal colors, leading to a three-acre lake

accessible from the Cane Island Parkway

and the Cane Island Welcome Center.

exit from I-10 West. Less than four miles west of the Grand Parkway, Cane Island

CROSS CREEK RANCH

is located in the Katy school district and is

The master plan for this community was

only minutes from the Energy Corridor and

designed with two priorities – to enhance

other destinations. The first phase includes

the lifestyles of its residents and to be kind

13 model homes in 7 residential neigh-

to the environment. The results are evident

borhoods. Three of these neighborhoods

in Flewellen Creek Park, a 150-acre park

are gated, and overall home styles include

that winds through the heart of Cross

traditional single-family homes and luxury

Creek Ranch, providing a habitat for birds

patio homes. The first phase also includes

and wildlife while also connecting the

a 4-acre amenity center with an amphithe-

entire community. With a boardwalk and

ater shaded by 75-year-old oak trees. Other

overlook, Polishing Pond is a beautiful

attractions include a pool and splash pad, a

nature habitat and water quality basin that’s

two-story fitness center, and two spacious

about the size of 48 football fields. More

CANE ISLAND

tree houses with decks. A glass conservatory

amenities include the Adventure Island

Named after the 1872 settlement that later

offers an ideal place for community events

Water Park, miles of hike and bike trails,

became Katy, Cane Island is a 1,000-acre

and exhibits. The heavily wooded half-

Arbor Park, and a spacious fitness center.

community planned for more than 2,000

mile arrival experience includes two “living

Cross Creek Ranch Hill, a 40-foot incline

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WEST HOUSING & NEIGHBORHOODS

affectionately dubbed as Mt. Fulshear, is

Consolidated School Districts.

Planned for 2,800 homes, this 1,350-acre community is planned to include a swimming pool, pocket parks, and hike and bike trails. Near the Energy Corridor, Jordan Ranch is part of the five-star Lamar Consolidated Independent School District, with new junior high and high schools, and a new elementary that opened this past school year. New homes are offered by six leading homebuilders, including David Weekley, Highland, Newmark, Perry, Plantation and Westin.

JORDAN RANCH

KINGDOM HEIGHTS

One of the newest communities from

Kingdom

Johnson Development, Jordan Ranch is

uniquely designed to provide “lakefront”

ALIEF

in Fulshear, recently named the #1 place

and “park side” living to homeowners at

to raise a family in the Houston area by

an affordable price in Rosenberg. Kingdom

Niche.com. Jordan Ranch is one mile from

Heights is a 572-acre master planned

I-10 West, with convenient access to the

community with 12 lakes and 39 parks being

Grand Parkway, which now extends all the

developed on 150-acres, water and green

way from U.S. 59 South to U.S. 59 North.

space will separate this community from

Recognized as a town in 1894, Alief is named after its first postmistress, Alief Ozelda Magee, who was part of the first family to settle in the area. Today, the original 1,250-acre town is located mostly within the city limits of Houston,

a popular place for residents to walk their dogs, fly kites, enjoy picnics or simply relax. One of its most unique amenities is the Italian Maid Café, offering everything from Lasagna Bolognese to Chicken Aioli for dine-in or takeout. Located at the crossroads of FM 1463 and FM 1093, just west of the Grand Parkway and Westpark Tollway, Cross Creek Ranch is served by the award-winning Katy and Lamar

Heights

was

any other in Fort Bend County. The community includes a large recreation center with a resort style pool and fitness center. Excellent Lamar ISD schools; Foster High School and Briscoe Junior High are right down the road. Kingdom Heights is just minutes from Sugar Land Towne Centre, the Stafford Civic Center, Fort Bend Theatre and an array of local shopping, dining, entertainment and recreation opportunities. New-home offerings in Kingdom Heights start in the mid $200’s from three quality builders. Kingdom Heights development plan will eventually have 1,430 home sites.

carefully

and

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 (2019 1st Quarter) CITY

COMPOSITE 100%

Atlanta

102.3

101.8

104.2

85.7

100.6

107

105.1

Austin

99.5

89.7

103.1

95.6

91.2

106.2

102.6

Boston

153.5

110.5

227.2

119.6

121.4

117

129.6

Chicago

120

96.8

150.9

93.6

128

100.9

109.8

Cleveland

95.7

106.4

81.7

96.9

92.3

104.2

103

Dallas/Fort Worth

106.7

101.9

112.8

107.9

93.5

105.2

106.7

Denver

111.1

98.6

137

83.6

102

102.6

104.5

Houston

95.4

87.1

90.7

107.3

96.3

92.3

99.6

NYC (Manhattan)

238.4

139.7

487.6

123

142.2

111.9

136.9

Phoenix

97.4

109.2

113.2

92.9

Pittsburgh

102.2

111.3

103.9

110.4

111.4

98.8

93.2

Raleigh

94.5

90.8

96.3

97.7

101.3

101.7

San Francisco

200.1

135.6

359.4

122.2

150

130.5

132.4

Seattle

159.4

128.6

225.7

107.9

143.6

130

136.4

Tuscon

96.7

98.8

98.6

109.9

99.3

99.8

GROCERY 13.40%

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

HOUSING 29.34%

UTILITIES 8.94%

TRANSPORTATION

9.22%

HEALTHCARE 4.26%

MISC. 34.84%

with some of its area in unincorporated Harris County. Alief ’s boundaries include Westheimer on the north, Sam Houston Tollway on the east, the Fort Bend County line on the west, and U.S. 59 South on the south. The boundaries of the Alief Independent School District are roughly equivalent. In the early 20th century, Alief flourished as a rice and cotton-growing town and new settlers included German immigrants and African-Americans. Alief grew rapidly in the 1970s and 1980s and soon became home to a diverse population. Today, it is home to Houston’s thriving Chinatown community and the desirable Westchase business district.

KATY One of the fastest-growing and most desirable

Photo Courtesy of Kingdom Heights

suburbs in the Houston area, Katy is located where Fort Bend County, Harris County and

and as large tracts of developable land in Katy

estate located between I-10 West and U.S.

Waller County converge. The Katy Freeway

become harder to find. Today, Fulshear has

290 West, and to the west of the Sam

(I-10 West), the Grand Parkway and the West-

some of the newest, largest and most successful

Houston Tollway. The area is home to the

park Tollway link Katy to the nearby Energy

master-planned communities in the Houston

Addicks and Barker reservoirs, created

Corridor and all of Houston. From historic

region, including Cross Creek Ranch and

in 1938 to control downstream flooding

homes and shops in Old Town Katy, to new

Fulbrook on Fulshear Creek. The extension of

of Buffalo Bayou. These reservoirs cover

homes and upscale restaurants in some of

the Westpark Tollway westward to Fulshear is

approximately 26,000 acres and lend the

the nation’s largest and most popular master-

underway and will improve the already good

area a natural, small-town feel that persists

planned communities, Katy has it all. The

mobility in the area. The appeal of the land is

actual City of Katy has a population of about

today. They are also home to some of the

another attraction, as the Katy prairie changes

15,000, but the overall Katy area is home to

area’s largest and most popular parks and

to gently rolling terrain around Fulshear.

natural observation areas, including the

more than 18,282 people (according the the

2,154-acre Bear Creek Park, offering trails,

2017 US Census Bureau Estimate), which

The town was established in 1824 by Churchill

is more than Pittsburgh. Katy receives a

Fulshear, one of Stephen F. Austin’s Old 300

steady stream of accolades from national

settlers, who purchased parcels of land and

This area also has a number of established

publications and groups for its high quality

set up a colony. In 1888, Fulshear granted

communities, including Copperfield. Located

of life, its highly regarded schools and its

passage to the San Antonio & Aransas Pass

along Highway 6, just west of U.S. 290,

educated and affluent population. Some

Railway and the town grew to 11 stores, three

Copperfield was completed in the 1980s

of the biggest retail and entertainment

saloons, a post office, school and hotel. Today,

and early 1990s as one of Houston’s earliest

complexes in the Houston region are in

Fulshear is undergoing another kind of boom,

master-planned communities. Thanks to the

the Katy area, including Katy Mills Mall,

as modern-day settlers stake their homestead

scenic restrictions along Highway 6, the recre-

home to more than 200 premium outlet

claims. But the town is still home to friendly

ational areas and the protective covenants put

stores, and LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch,

families, descendants of the women who took

in place by Friendswood Development Co.,

offering dozens of

shops, restaurants,

lunches to the railway workers when then

Copperfield is still a very attractive, desir-

salons and cafes in a pedestrian friendly

stopped in their town. Niche.com rated the

able and well-maintained community. Other

Main Street atmosphere. The University of

town the “number one place to raise a family

completed neighborhoods in the area include

Houston and Houston Community College

in the Houston area.”

Deerfield Village and Hearthstone.

BEAR CREEK & HIGHWAY 6 AREA

Today, Towne Lake is one of the newest and

FULSHEAR In some ways, Fulshear is the new Katy, as

The Bear Creek and Highway 6 area is a

area, which is preserving its natural appeal

Houston’s growth marches ever westward,

wedge of prime west-by-northwest real

with hundreds of acres devoted to lakes

sports fields, picnic areas and tennis courts.

both have campuses in Katy. largest master-planned communities in the

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WEST HOUSING & NEIGHBORHOODS

and parks. It was named Master-Planned

to Highway 6, with Memorial Drive as its

Galleria increases the area’s appeal. The

Community of the Year by the Greater

spine, with a succession of wooded, highly

redevelopment of the former Exxon Chem-

Houston Builder’s Association. Residents

desirable

Frostwood;

ical campus nearby is adding a major new

in this area are served by two highly

Nottingham; Wilchester; Fleetwood; and

attraction. The area is also close to some

successful school districts – Katy ISD and

Barkers Landing. These neighborhoods

of Houston’s most popular parks, including

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD.

are prized for their large, leafy lots, and for

Terry Hershey Park, with its well-used bike

highly rated schools in the Houston and

and running trails along Buffalo Bayou.

neighborhoods:

MEMORIAL WEST

Katy school districts, along with many

“Memorial West” commonly refers to

outstanding private schools. Proximity to

the middle ground between the close-in

Energy Corridor employers and to shopping

BRIAR FOREST NEIGHBORHOODS

Memorial area and Katy. It stretches west

at Memorial City Mall, CityCentre and the

Briar Forest is bounded by Buffalo Bayou to the north, Westheimer to the south, Gessner to the east and Dairy Ashford to the west. With easy access to I-10, the beltway,

Harris County

Westpark Tollway, Westheimer, Westchase

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

borhoods of Briargrove Park, Walnut Bend,

Population..........................4,538,028 Change fm 2010........................10.9 Area (sq.mi.)..........................1,777.5 Land area(sq.mi.)..................1,703.5 Altitude (ft.).................sea level–310 Rainfall (in.)...............................56.81 Jan. mean. min..........................43.4

District and the Energy Corridor, the area is very well situated. It includes the neighLakeside Place and Ashford Forest which are all located along Briar Forest Drive. Briargrove Park, situated between Gessner

July mean max...........................90.7 Civilian labor......................2,279,367 Unemployed.................................5.3 Wages......................$37,346,009,148 Per Capita Inc......................$55,088 Prop. Value............$472,155,923,085 Retail Sales..............$88,892,139,887

and the Sam Houston Tollway (Beltway 8), is a closely knit, family-oriented neighborhood

approximately

1,500

well-maintained homes. Walnut Bend is located west of Briargrove Park and the Sam Houston Tollway. Many homes are within walking distance of

1093

1876

Stafford Missouri City

521

Pasadena

865

South Houston

William P. Hobby Airport

134

Deer Park LR

330

SAN JACINTO MONUMENT

Lakeside Country Club.

La Porte

146

Baytown 99

the

“Ashford”

subdivisions:

Ashford

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

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

Branch and the upscale Memorial area.

Spring Branch, which spreads along the

tree-filled lanes, huge lots and gated

entire neighborhood surrounding Houston’s

north side of I-10 from about the 610 Loop

enclaves. Styles range from rambling brick

most iconic shopping mall. Whether you

to the Beltway, maintains a suburban char-

ranch houses to Georgian-style mansions.

call it Uptown or simply the Galleria area,

acter with post-World War II homes, 1950s

Many well-kept townhome and condo

it’s arguably the city’s most prolific spot for

era shopping plazas and tall trees. Starting

complexes are also in the area.

high-rise and mid-rise condominiums that are for sale rather than for lease.

in the 1970s, a large number of apartment complexes began rising in the area, leading

Stretching to the Beltway and beyond,

to its eventual decline.

the greater Memorial area is also heavily

A good example is the Astoria, a 75-unit

wooded and highly desired, with mature

high-rise on Post Oak Boulevard. Nearly

Spring Branch is coming back, however,

trees, well-preserved original homes and

sold out before it was completed, this

with young homeowners moving in to

new construction.

29-story Art Deco style building is just one of many new high-rise developments in

restore and expand existing homes, and homebuilders redeveloping large tracts

Residents of these neighborhoods shop

formerly occupied by apartments and shop-

at Memorial City Mall, the Galleria,

ping centers.

and the CityCentre urban-style mixed

Just up San Felipe, the dense urban vibe

use center. Republic Square, the former

of the Galleria gives way to well-planned

With names such as Bunker Hill Village

Exxon Mobil campus is being trans-

neighborhoods such as Tanglewood, best

and

formed into a mixed-use center set

known as the current neighborhood of

among ponds and woods.

former President George H.W. Bush. Filled

Hedwig

Village,

the

Memorial

Villages are nestled in a woody area along

the area.

with parks, shady esplanades and large

Memorial Drive, mostly south of I-10. Home to some of the wealthiest ZIP codes

UPTOWN

leafy lots, Tanglewood has rambling ranch

in Houston and the nation, these villages

Uptown is the term that Galleria area

houses alongside newer Mediterranean and

maintain a rural character with winding

boosters have worked to establish for the

English style homes. 

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

SPOTLIGHT:

INNER LOOP g n i v Li With 92 consulates, a dynamic multi-lingual population, two international airports and a top ranked port, Houston attracts newcomers from around the globe who bring with them a world view of business, opportunity and life style.

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

“We

28-foot

than the state of New Jersey – most of its

welcoming sign says it all. Open and

Love

Houston.”

The

growth takes place outside of the 610 Loop,

friendly Houstonians embody a boisterous

the innermost of the three highway rings

spirit of growth and optimism – a can-do

around Houston. But inside 610, the living

attitude – and celebrate individuality and

is good and getting better.

quirky creativity. Houston, the city with no limits, is Amer-

WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT LIVING IN CENTRAL HOUSTON?

ica’s most diverse city. Whatever their

Today, Central Houston is experiencing

backgrounds, newcomers from around the

a renaissance the likes of which it hasn’t

nation and the world come to Houston in

seen since John and Augustus Allen

huge numbers.

founded the city at the confluence of

Houston’s status as the Energy Capital of the World remains unrivaled. The city is home to more than 3,700 energy related firms, including 40 of the nation’s 145

Buffalo and White Oak Bayous in 1836. Known as Allen’s Landing, and sometimes called Houston’s Plymouth Rock, this spot provided a natural turning basin for the first Port of Houston.

publicly traded oil and gas exploration and production companies.

Like much of Central Houston, the area surrounding

Allen’s

Landing

declined

Despite the slowdown in the energy

dramatically throughout the second half

industry over the past couple of years, opti-

of the 20th century, as Houston’s booming

mism has crept back into the markets as the

postwar growth focused almost exclusively

price of oil has slowly improved; consensus

on the suburbs. Today, however, Allen’s

is building that the Houston economy may

Landing has made a rousing comeback,

also have seen the worst of this drilling

thanks to a $4.6 million revitalization that

downturn and that better times are just

added a terraced lawn, a concert wharf and

ahead, according to the University of

new public art. The historic Sunset Coffee

Houston Bauer Institute for Regional Fore-

Building at Allen’s Landing is being reno-

casting. That’s largely because Houston has

vated and transformed into a recreational

worked hard to diversify its economic base

and cultural center.

since the hard oil crash of the 1980s, with healthcare and other recession-resistant

The rebound of Allen’s Landing mirrors

industries now accounting for a larger share

the revitalization that’s taking place in

of the regional economy. In fact, Houston

many other parts of Central Houston. As

has more Fortune 500 company headquar-

newcomers and longtime residents alike

ters than any U.S. city other than Chicago

seek to experience the convenience and

and New York.

cultural richness of city living, long-forgotten or simply sleepy neighborhoods in

Houston’s Texas Medical Center is the

all directions from Downtown are waking

largest in the world, employing more

up and offering new living opportuni-

than 106,000 people and welcoming 10

ties that are as diverse as Houston itself.

million patient visits each year. The Port

These include urban lofts in converted

of Houston is the nation’s top seaport by

warehouses, gleaming new mid-rise and

many measures, and ranks as one of the

high-rise

busiest ports in the world by cargo tonnage.

bungalows and cottages, and new town-

NASA’s Johnson Space Center adds to

homes and single-family residences.

buildings,

renovated

historic

Houston’s economic diversity, and the city has consular offices from 92 countries.

Living in central Houston means easy access to Houston’s rich cultural scene.

Due to Houston’s sheer enormity – the

The

8,929-square-mile metro area is larger

Houston has the largest concentration of

Theatre

District

Downtown

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

SPOTLIGHT: INNER LOOP LIVING

seats outside of New York. This 17-block

Center, next to the incredibly popular

Houston’s original downtown entertain-

district is home to nine performing arts

Discovery

quickly

ment complex - offers movies at Sundance

organizations that wow audiences in

become

people-filled

Cinemas, concerts at Bayou Music Center,

venues including Jones Hall, the Hobby

version of Central Park. On the exciting

Center, the Wortham Theater Center and

east side of Downtown, BBVA Compass

the Alley Theater. Overall, Houston has

Stadium is home to the Houston Dynamo

The

more than 500 arts organizations – most

soccer team. Reliant Stadium, home to the

Post Office was sold in 2015, and a top

of them in Central Houston.

Houston Texans football team, is just inside

local developer is transforming it into a

the 610 Loop.

mixed-use complex called Post HTX with

Green, Houston’s

which own

has

Just southwest of downtown, in the pedes-

and a variety of restaurants. 16-acre

site

the

Downtown

private event space and residential, office,

trian-friendly Museum District, more than

After decades of mainly being a 9-to-5

8.7 million visitors explore the 19 museums

destination for office workers, Downtown

that make up the tree-lined, culture-filled

Houston is fast transforming itself into

Meanwhile, more options include movies and

neighborhood each year. Within a 1.5-mile

a 24/7 place where people live, work and

concerts at historic Market Square Park, and

radius of the iconic Mecom Fountain, are

play. More than a dozen new residential

amusements at The Downtown Aquarium.

such famous institutions as the Museum of

towers are sprouting up all over downtown,

Fine Arts-Houston, the Houston Museum

and a host of new hotels opened in time to

of Natural Science, and more more special-

welcome fans to Houston for Superbowl

ized museums such as the Houston Center

LI. The largest of these, the 1,000-room

for Contemporary Craft, the Holocaust

Marriott Marquis, is one of many new

Museum, and the Asia Society Texas Center.

towers ringing Discovery Green and it

is home to many of the nation’s most

features a Texas-shaped lazy river.

acclaimed

retail and restaurant spaces.

It‘s well known that Houstonians eat out more than residents of any other city, and with 11,000 eateries to choose from, who could blame them? Central Houston new

restaurants,

including

Oxheart in the Warehouse District, Reef

For sports fans, all of Houston’s professional teams are rooted in the central city.

For Downtown entertainment, Green Street

in Midtown, and Hugo’s, Uchi and Under-

The Astros baseball team play downtown at

Houston is home to the House of Blues, the

belly in Montrose. In a city where more

Minute Maid Park, built around the historic

Lucky Strike bowling alley, a growing array

than 90 languages are spoken, great ethnic

Union Station railroad depot. Also down-

of stores and restaurants, and new luxury

food is everywhere, from the many Viet-

town, the Rockets play basketball at Toyota

hotel Hotel Alessandra.

namese restaurants along Milam Street in

Bayou Place,

Considerations When Searching for a Home in Central Houston: • W hile much of Houston is unzoned, check out potential restrictions such as deed restrictions and historic district status – the latter has been spreading through Central Houston. While restrictions can be very beneficial for neighborhood preservation, they might not be compatible with a buyer’s future vision for their new property. • It’s relatively quick and easy to check the reputation of volume builders in large suburban communities, but inner city builders and renovators may be very small or even brand-new. Real estate agents and previous buyers can be good sources to check with. • If schools are a consideration, keep in mind that the reputations of inner city schools can vary widely from campus to campus, even within a small geographic area. Urban districts such as HISD have many outstanding magnet and neighborhood schools, however, attendance boundaries are not often flexible.

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

• W hen moving into a transitional neighborhood, keep in mind that problems such as crime, litter and rundown or abandoned properties may still take several more years to turn around. Redevelopment, while sometimes fast, can also progress very slowly. • If it’s important to you, consider that large tracts of open or industrial land, especially if they border a major street, can be redeveloped as multifamily residential, commercial or other. • If a home or neighborhood is located near a major freeway, keep in mind that urban freeways are always candidates for expansion. Do your research on projects that have been announced or talked about. The expansion of I-45 North and the proposed Houston-Dallas high-speed rail line may impact a number of Central Houston neighborhoods. • A s with high-rise and mid-rise living anywhere, keep in mind that a great view is never guaranteed to last forever, unless your building looks onto a park or other green space.

Midtown, to the original Ninfa’s Mexican restaurant on the recently-beautified Navigation Boulevard. Central Houston is a shopper’s paradise that includes funky fashion boutiques in Montrose, antiques stores in the Heights, and a large cluster of art galleries and home decor stores along Kirby and Richmond.

Westheimer

the

undisputed

champion of Houston’s shopping streets, crowned by The Galleria, Texas’ largest shopping center with 400 fine stores and restaurants, and over 30 million shoppers every year. Located right outside the 610 Loop, The Galleria has everything from Neiman-Marcus, Gucci and Saks Fifth

Avenue for uber-luxury, to Macy’s for moderately priced fashion. Just inside the

the University of Texas and Texas A&M

include a much-needed redesign of the

Loop on Westheimer, Highland Village

University for advanced research.

congested portion that winds through

has everything from Pottery Barn to Williams-Sonoma. At Westheimer and Kirby, West Ave is an example of several large mixed-use developments coming onboard in Central Houston. West Ave has shopping and

Many Central Houston schools are worldclass, from HISD gems such as HSPVA, Carnegie Vanguard, and the High School for Health Professions, to sought-after neighborhood elementary schools and private schools.

dining on its lower floors, including big draws like Tootsies for fashion, and restaurants including Pondicherry and Eddie V’s. On top of it all are 400 apartments. Another new mixed-use complex, the River Oaks District, has opened on the site of a former car lot on Westheimer, between The Galleria and Highland Village. The vision is to offer an urban experience with high-end retail, street-side cafes, office space, a cinema and 279 residential units. Just inside the Beltway at I-10 West, City Centre is another growing concentration of retail, office, residential and entertainment with a walkable urban feel. As Central Houston continues to improve, so does its offering of schools. Houston has more than 40 colleges, universities

While still not nearly as bad as in other cities, traffic congestion in Central Houston and throughout the metro region has increased as the population continues to grow. However, local and state governments are taking major steps to make sure that roadways keep pace with growth.

Downtown Houston. Central Houston residents are enjoying a growing number of options for getting around without cars. A decade ago, Houston’s first light rail line opened along Main Street, taking riders through Downtown, Midtown, the Museum District, the Medical Center and to NRG Stadium. Known as the Red Line, this popular rail line also created a catalyst for new development along the way, especially in Midtown, which has boomed with new midrise residential buildings, townhomes eateries and arts centers.

After its recent major expansion, which included the nation’s first managed toll lanes for solo drivers, the Katy Freeway (I-10 West) continues to offer one of the area’s smoother commutes. That’s great news for the many Central Houston residents in The Heights, Spring Branch and other areas who work in the Energy Corridor along the Katy Freeway, starting a few miles outside of the Sam Houston Tollway.

and other institutions of higher learning.

The original Red Line was extended north from Downtown to Northline Mall, passing through several quickly redeveloping areas such as North Main Street, the Near Northside and Lindale Park. The Red Line also extends south from Downtown, through the Museum District and Texas Medical Center to reach its terminus at NRG Park. Today, Metro Rail is a popular network with the Green Line, which runs from the Theatre District, through Down-

Rice University is consistently hailed as

A major widening of U.S. 290 North

town and

one of the nation’s finest, and the Univer-

starting at Loop 610 has been completed,

End, stopping at the Magnolia Park Transit

Houston’s redeveloping East

sity of Houston has earned Tier One

and a major rebuilding of I-45 is in the

Center. The Purple Line extends from

status, placing it in the same league as

planning stages. The I-45 project will

Downtown through the rapidly gentrifying

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

SPOTLIGHT: INNER LOOP LIVING

Third Ward, also connecting the University

websites, information centers, and builders

East Downtown, sometimes called EaDo, is

of Houston and beautiful MacGregor Park.

with hundreds of plans and lots to choose

located across U.S. 59 North, right behind

from, much of Central Houston’s new

the big George R. Brown Convention Center.

development takes place one or two houses

The site of Houston’s original Chinatown,

at a time. However, a growing number of

this area declined as Chinatown moved to

larger communities with up to 100 new

Bellaire Boulevard and the freeway created a

homes are being developed on former

daunting barrier. Today, this area is coming

commercial sites as demand for Central

alive with renovated warehouse lofts, town-

Houston living ramps into high gear.

homes and mid-rises, and residents can walk

Bike trails are an increasingly popular way to get around in Houston. The frequently used Heights trail opened a few years ago, and a new Downtown connection links it to East End trails. The trail has also been expanded to the west, connecting it to Timbergrove and other hot neighborhoods along White Oak Bayou.

to an increasing number of local restaurants,

Houston has plenty of parks off the bayous.

The reward for your search can be discov-

bars, live music venues, as well as Dynamo

ering

stadium and Minute Maid Park.

Central

Houston

home

and

Hermann Park, between Downtown and

neighborhood that perfectly fits you, your

the Medical Center is home to the Houston

personality and your lifestyle. A fringe

Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theater and Japa-

benefit is stopping to eat and shop at some

nese Gardens, which recently celebrated its

fun and funky urban spots as your house

centennial birthday with new public art and

hunt unfolds.

the McGovern Centennial Gardens. A new and improve Memorial Park.

While not the only neighborhood with Downtown

Houston

If Central Houston sounds like a great place

offers a living experience like nowhere else

to live, it is because it is – there have never

in the city, thanks to the growing number

been so many options in so many areas. Our

of restaurants, bars, parks, sports venues

next chapter introduces you to many of them.

and cultural attractions in the center of the city. Downtown even has its own grocery store, the Phoenicia Market, located on

HOUSING & NEIGHBORHOODS

the ground floor of the Park Place apartment high-rise.

As the nation’s largest city without zoning laws, Houston sometimes presents challenges for those who like to live in a controlled and predictable environment. Any hesitations, however, are usually far outweighed by the city’s relative affordability and cultural dynamism.

Views are also a huge consideration, since Houston’s skyline is regarded as one of the nation’s most beautiful, and even views looking away from Downtown can take in verdant parks and historic neighborhoods. Downtown has 25 mid and high-rise resi-

dential buildings, each with its own distinct character, style, and charm. New Market Square Tower Apartments, a 40-storey tower on historic Market Square, is the tallest residential building in Down-

ability and cultural dynamism.

options for getting around, with two new rail lines and new connections for Houston’s Street is a dedicated bike lane, connecting

DOWNTOWN HOUSTON living,

EaDo, Downtown residents have increasing

expanding trail system. One lane of Lamar

master plan is also underway to renovate

high-rise

Whether they live on Market Square or in

trails along Buffalo Bayou to trails in EaDo and the East End.

HOUSTON HEIGHTS & GREATER HEIGHTS One of the hottest areas in Central Houston for new construction and renovation, the Houston Heights is a fairly compact area, at least by its legal definition. Founded in 1891 as a separate city connected to Downtown Houston by streetcar, the Houston Heights proper stretches just a few blocks east and west of Heights Boulevard, with I-10 West and 20th Street as its southern and northern boundaries. As newcomers continue to flood into the area, and as builders work feverishly to find houses and lots to accommodate them, “The Heights” has come to refer to an ever-expanding envelope of neighborhoods located north and west of Downtown, and the redevelopment fervor is also spreading outside the 610 Loop.

town and offers a new level of luxury. This

Following its glory days in the late Victo-

building, like many new and existing resi-

rian era and the first half of the 20th

dential buildings in Downtown, has units

century, The Heights declined as auto-

borhood profiles are brief by necessity, and

for lease rather than purchase, but a few new

mobiles and highways made it popular to

meant to offer ideas for deeper exploration.

buildings are also testing the for-sale market.

escape to new suburbs like Spring Branch,

A few smaller historic Downtown Houston

now going through a decay-and-rebirth

In contrast to suburban master-planned

buildings offer condos for sale, including

cycle of its own. From Victorian mansions

communities, most of which have robust

Hermann Lofts and Bayou Lofts.

to modest cottages, many original homes

With Central Houston offering so many opportunities to cover, the following neigh-

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

were demolished in the 1950s and 1960s as commercial interests invaded the area. Many other once-glorious homes were subdivided into apartments. But as early as the late 1970s, Houstonians began to rediscover The Heights and a nascent renovation trend got a foothold. As early as the 1990s, some builders began creating new homes that were hard to distinguish from the old Victorians. The renovation pioneers battled crime and a severe lack of restaurants and retail, but they were rewarded with affordable prices and seemingly unlimited opportunity. Today, the pace of new construction and redevelopment all over The Heights is fast and furious, and property values have soared. It is not uncommon to find homes over the $1 million mark, and modest bungalows can fetch more than half a million. As affluent residents have poured in, grocery stores, retailers and restaurateurs have followed. Today, the Heights is

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home to some of the hottest restaurants in Houston, and the cultural scene is also thriving with many art galleries and artist studios in the area. Parts of the Heights area, including much of the Houston Heights and surrounding

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neighborhoods including Norhill and the Woodland Heights, have been declared as protected historic districts, curtailing demolition and restricting renovations of historic homes. Builders remain very active in these neighborhoods, where single-family detached homes are the predominant style. Construction

activity

the

Greater

Heights area has spread all the way west to Ella Boulevard, encompassing N. Shepherd Dr. and Durham (Shepherd’s southbound counterpart), and neighborhoods such as Shady Acres, Sunset Heights and Independence Heights. In these areas, newly constructed townhomes and row houses offer a much more affordable entry price than in the historic districts.

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HOTELALESSANDRA-HOUSTON.COM HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

SPOTLIGHT: INNER LOOP LIVING

A number of vintage 1950, ‘60s and ‘70s

War II, but many began rediscovering its

for residents, the party crowd has moved else-

neighborhoods located just north of the 610

treasure trove of historic homes as early as

where, and Washington is developing a more

Loop are increasingly being transformed

the late 1970s, and a strong gentrification

mature and sedate restaurant following.

with new construction, including Oak

movement has taken hold. Washington is bookended by the Sixth

Forest, Shepherd Forest and Candlelight Forest. Neighborhoods such as Timber-

Today, East End neighborhoods like East-

Ward and First Ward neighborhoods as it

grove and Garden Oaks that have long been

wood and Broadmoor are starting to offer

meets Downtown to the east. To the west,

tight and well-preserved pockets in the area

new construction, with new homes built

it leads to the conglomeration of neigh-

are also seeing new construction.

by Craftsman and other compatible styles.

borhoods commonly referred to as the

Idylwood and Country Club Place are two

West End and Rice Military, which hug

Though still in its earliest stages at this

well-preserved gems next to the Wortham

Memorial Park.

point, construction and renovation activity

Golf Course and the verdant Villa de Matel

has also spread out to hug the 610 Loop

convent. University Oaks is a tidy enclave

and I-45 North, which have traditionally

next to the University of Houston.

formed the northern and eastern boundThe industrial area between Downtown and

aries of the “Greater Heights.”

Cullen Street, Eastwood’s northern boundary, North Main Street is a main artery in

is rapidly filling with townhomes and, in a

Northside Village, where turn-of-the-cen-

few cases, historic warehouse loft conversions.

tury homes in working-class neighborhoods

One of the area’s largest new projects, will

are being renovated or replaced with new

have about 40 townhomes on the site of a

construction.

former bakery at Polk and Cullen.

An increasing number of newcomers are

The East End revitalization has mostly

rediscovering Lindale Park, located just

stayed inside the 610 Loop, although Glen-

inside the 610 Loop.

brook Valley, located just outside the Loop near Hobby Airport, is drawing hipsters and

EAST END

other newcomers who love its large stock of

Bracketed by Downtown and I-45 South,

intact Mid-Century Modern homes.

with the University of Houston campus once one of Houston’s most fashionable

WASHINGTON CORRIDOR & RICE MILITARY

right across the freeway, the East End was

historic

Washington

Arguably Houston’s oldest existing neighborhood, the Sixth Ward is a compact area filled with Victorian era cottages and a limited amount of new construction. The larger First Ward area, recently dubbed the First Ward Arts District for its heavy concentration of warehouses converted into artists’ studios, is very active with new construction and a limited amount of preservation. Rice Military and the entire West End area began transforming with townhomes and other new construction in the 1990s and that continues today. The name belies its proximity to Memorial Park, which was originally Camp Logan, a World War I training camp for the U.S. Army. Proximity to the Galleria and I-10 have added to the area’s popularity.

MIDTOWN / MUSEUM AREA

places to live. Eastwood, filled with quaint

Houston’s

Avenue

Sandwiched between two of Houston’s

brick cottages and foursquares, was started

corridor has seen many changes over the

largest employment centers – Downtown

in 1911 by William A. Wilson, who also

past 100 years or so. Though signs depicting

and the Texas Medical Center – Midtown is

developed the much pricier Woodland

the nation’s first president would have us

booming with new residential development.

Heights. The East End was also home to the

think otherwise, the street is actually named

original Houston Country Club, opened in

after Washington County, as it was origi-

Over 100 years ago, Midtown was home to

1908 on the site of what is today the city’s

nally part of the highway route to Brenham.

many of Houston’s poshest neighborhoods, but these gave way to decline and commercial

public Gus Wortham Golf Course. The streetcar from Downtown to the Heights

encroachment after World War II. For a peek

The East End has had a large Hispanic popu-

also ran down Washington, and in the 1960s

at the past glory of Midtown, visit Adkins

lation since the early 20th century, when

the street became lined with used-car lots.

Architectural Antiques on Fannin, or stop at

many Mexicans began to settle there after

Things began to change in the 2000s, when

one of the many restaurants along Milam to

fleeing the upheaval of the Mexican Revo-

Washington emerged as Houston’s hottest

taste its recent history as an enclave for Hous-

lution. Also home to the Port of Houston at

new nightclub scene. Townhomes also began

ton’s Vietnamese community.

its eastern boundary, the East End has long

to sprout up and down Washington, with the

been a diverse working-class melting pot of

parallel corridors of I-10 and Buffalo Bayou

About 20 years ago, Midtown began its

Hispanics, Germans and Italians.

forming the boundaries.

rebound

with

townhomes

flourishing

south of the Pierce Elevated, which is Like many inner-city neighborhoods, the

Residences and rip-roaring nightclubs are not

considered the boundary between Down-

East End began a slow decline after World

always an ideal combination, and fortunately

town and Midtown.

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

The transformation of Baldwin Park tells the rebirth of Midtown in one glance. Located near Elgin (which becomes Westheimer a few blocks west) and Highway 288, Baldwin Park was founded in 1910 and is home to stately Live Oak trees. For many decades, the park was mainly a hangout for vagrants. After a recent renovation that added a jogging track and brightly colored playground equipment, the park is filled with people of all ages who live in block after block of newly built townhomes in all directions. Mid-rise and high-rise development has also taken root in Midtown, both for-sale and rental. Washington Avenue / Memorial Park

As the gateway to the Museum District, Midtown is developing a cultural vibe of its own. It’s long been home to the Ensemble

in the world, with 54 institutions covering

sure giveaways that these popular residential

Theater, Houston’s resident African-Amer-

more than one thousand acres – has long

enclaves hugging the 610 Loop are separate

ican theater company, and new additions

been a catalyst for residential development.

cities. Long valued as safe and stable urban

include

National

The Medical Center has played a major

enclaves at a time when surrounding Central

Museum in the stunning 1925 Houston

role in the booming growth of the suburban

Houston

Light Guard Armory building.

Highway 288 Corridor, which includes

otherwise, Bellaire, West U and the adjacent

Pearland, and in recent years it has spurred

city of Southside Place never experienced the

a residential resurgence in its own backyard.

boom-and-decline cycles common to other

the

Buffalo

Soldiers

The area’s cultural bona fides got even more

neighborhoods

were

perceived

parts of the Houston area. Nonetheless, these

legit with the opening of the Midtown Arts and Theatre Center in late 2015. On the

Hermann Park was one of the first areas in

cities have been remarkably transformed in

Main Street rail line, the center includes six

Houston to offer high-rise living, with build-

past decades, with modest frame and brick

theaters and performance spaces, a gallery,

ings including the Spires, Parklane, Warwick

homes giving way to large newly constructed

coffee shop and wine bar. Nearby, the

Towers and the nearby 5000 Montrose.

homes. This rebuilding trend continues today.

Across Highway 288, the Riverside neigh-

Functioning as bedroom communities for

borhood along North and South MacGregor

Houston, these small cities are home to tree-

has a fascinating history. Developed in the

filled parks and esplanades, well-regarded

1930s as an alternative to River Oaks, which

schools, and independent police depart-

at the time did not allow Jewish residents,

ments. Bellaire gained a significant green

South of the U.S. Highway 59 bridges,

the neighborhood became home to many of

space about a decade ago when the city

Midtown gives way to the Museum

Houston’s wealthiest families, with imposing

acquired the landmark Teas Nursery for a

District, which has flourished both east

homes in the style of French chateaux,

new park.

and west of Highway 288 with historical

English castles and Southern mansions. In

renovations and new condos, townhomes

the 1950s, Riverside became home to many

These neighborhoods are also sought-

and mid-rises. Proximity to museums,

of Houston’s elite African-American resi-

after because of their proximity to the

Hermann Park, Rice University and the

dents; after falling into disrepair decades

Texas Medical Center, Rice University

Medical Center, plus easy access to high-

later, Riverside is now enjoying a resurgence

and the popular Rice Village shopping

ways, all add to the area’s appeal.

of newcomers who are restoring its stately

district. As it passes through the area,

mansions and more modest homes alike.

Kirby Drive is also lined with many

long-awaited transformation of Midtown’s 6-acre “super block” into a residential, retail and restaurant playground over top of an underground parking facility for 360 cars is complete.

HERMANN PARK / TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER / RIVERSIDE With over 106,000 employees, the vast Texas Medical Center – the largest medical center

upscale stores and restaurants.

RICE VILLAGE / WEST UNIVERSITY / BELLAIRE

MONTROSE

The different colored street signs – red in

Houston’s original hip urban neighborhood,

Bellaire, blue in West University Place – are

Montrose has added to its persona as home

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

SPOTLIGHT: INNER LOOP LIVING

to many of the city’s GLBT residents and

and newly constructed townhomes, condos

escaped the teardown-and-rebuild movement

businesses, and now increasingly includes

and apartments.

that is widespread across the city.

many of the grand old homes in Montrose

RIVER OAKS AND UPPER KIRBY

River Oaks is surrounded by several shady,

are being lovingly preserved, the area is

Still Houston’s ultimate address after nearly

stately neighborhoods such as Avalon Place

increasingly seeing denser development

a century, River Oaks spans 1,100 beautifully

and Royden Oaks, stretching to Upper

including townhomes and mid-rises. Much

wooded acres along Buffalo Bayou, just a few

Kirby and the Highland Village shopping

of the new development is rental, such as the

minutes’ drive from downtown along scenic

area on Westheimer.

30-story tower rising at 3400 Montrose, and

Allen Parkway. Ranked as Houston’s most

the 390-unit, 7-story Susanne apartments

expensive neighborhood, and among the

across from the acclaimed H-E-B grocery

nation’s top 10 wealthiest communities, it’s

a surge in residential development. Much

store at Alabama and Dunlavy.

home to the exclusive River Oaks Country

of it, like apartments in the West Ave

Club. Property values are estimated to range

mixed-use project, is rental. Mirroring a

Home to St. Thomas University and the

from $1 million to over $20 million – a far

trend that’s spread throughout Houston,

Menil Collection museum, Montrose has

cry from the $2,200 price for lots when River

older low-rise garden apartments are being

also gained new grocery stores, including

Oaks opened in the late 1920s.

demolished for mid-rise and high-rise

residents of all ages and identities. While

The Upper Kirby area is also experiencing

apartments in Upper Kirby.

H-E-B and Whole Foods. The neighbor-

River Oaks opens its doors – or at least its

hood is in no danger of losing its funky vibe

garden gates – to the rest of the city for the

SPRING BRANCH / MEMORIAL

annual Azalea Trail tour, and it is home to the

Paralleling the westward spine of the Katy

Museum of Fine Arts Rienzi and Bayou Bend

alongside hipster boutiques, gay bars, coffee

Freeway (I-10) are two very different areas –

House museums. The neighborhood also

shops and vintage clothing stores.

lends its name to the popular upscale River

modest mid-century Spring Branch and the

though, as nationally acclaimed new restaurants such as Underbelly and Uchi thrive

Oaks Shopping Center along West Gray.

The Fourth Ward area, also known as Freedman’s Town, has benefitted from the

One of the ways River Oaks resembles the

appeal of its location between Montrose

rest of Houston is that, despite the stately

and Downtown. It sports new restaurants

architecture of its grand old homes, it has not

upscale Memorial area. Spring Branch, which spreads along the north side of I-10 from about the 610 Loop to Beltway 8 (Sam Houston Tollway), maintains a suburban character with post-World War II homes, 1950s era shopping plazas and tall trees. Starting in the 1970s, apartment complexes began rising in the area, leading to its eventual decline. Spring Branch is coming back, however, with young homeowners moving in to restore and expand existing homes, and homebuilders redeveloping large tracts formerly occupied by apartments and shopping centers. With names such as Bunker Hill Village and Hedwig Village, the Memorial Villages are nestled in a woody area along Memorial Drive, mostly south of I-10. Home to some of the wealthiest ZIP codes in Houston and the nation, these villages maintain a rural character with winding tree-filled lanes, huge lots and gated enclaves. Styles range from rambling brick ranch houses to Georgian-style mansions. Many well-kept

Public mosaic art mural located in Midtown Park

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

townhome and condo complexes are also in the area.

Stretching to the Beltway and beyond, the greater Memorial area is also heavily wooded and highly desired, with mature trees, well-preserved original homes and new construction. The entire area is well-served by Memorial City Mall and the CityCentre urban-style mixed-use center. Brand new is Republic Square, 35 acres of lush grounds, an 11- acre lake, a field ripe for festivals, and a stunning meeting and events center.

UPTOWN / TANGLEWOOD / SHARPSTOWN

High-Rise & Mid-Rise Living

Uptown is the term that Galleria area

High-rise buildings generally have a richer blend of amenities, because they contain more residences and are typically marketed as the ultimate in luxury living.

boosters have worked to establish for the entire neighborhood surrounding Houston’s most iconic shopping mall. Whether you call it Uptown or simply the Galleria area, it’s arguably the city’s most prolific spot for high-rise and mid-rise condominiums that are for sale rather than for lease. A good example is the Astoria, a 75-unit high-rise on Post Oak Boulevard. Nearly sold out before it was completed, this 29-story Art

Since a mini-boom of high-rise buildings was built in Central Houston in the early 1980s, the area hadn’t seen many new residential towers, with the exception of a few in the Galleria and River Oaks areas. Today, the local landscape for high/mid-rise is changing fast, with a growing population and rising land values again making Central Houston a hotspot for new construction. Today, Downtown, Montrose, Midtown, the Hermann Park/ Medical Center area and other neighborhoods offer many new options for living “above it all.”

Deco style building will surely inspire more

Throughout Central Houston, many older “garden style” apartment

new high-rise development in the area.

complexes – those with two- and three-story buildings grouped around courtyards – are being demolished to make way for mid-rise and high-rise

Just up San Felipe, the dense urban vibe of

buildings. This is a result of the growing interest in Central Houston living,

the Galleria gives way to the sedate, well-

along with rapidly rising land prices that make it more feasible for devel-

planned

opers to “go vertical.”

neighborhood

Tanglewood,

where development started in the 1930s. Perhaps best known as the current neighborhood of former President George H.W. Bush, Tanglewood has parks, leafy esplanades and large lots filled with oak trees. Original rambling ranch houses exist alongside newer Mediterranean and English style homes. A few years ago, including Sharpstown on a list of revitalizing Central Houston

Beyond height, high-rise buildings generally have a richer blend of amenities, because they contain more residences and are typically marketed as the ultimate in luxury living. These amenities include concierge services, reserved garage parking, expansive fitness centers, common areas including rooftop decks with swimming pools, and perhaps retail and cafes on the lower level. A mid-rise may well offer some of these amenities, especially a fitness center and pool. As far as renting vs. owning, the same pros and cons apply to mid-rise and high-rise living as to traditional single-family homes and townhomes. One

neighborhoods would have been question-

big difference is that high-rise and mid-rise buildings also include mainte-

able, but today this former suburb inside

nance fees that vary, but can approach $1 per square foot per month in

Beltway 8 is outgrowing its label as one of

many high-rises. Such fees typically include salaries for building staff, land-

Houston’s “best hidden neighborhoods” and

scaping, insurance and building maintenance. Beyond monthly fees, unit

is attracting newcomers who appreciate its

owners can be charged special assessments – sometimes totaling tens of

mid-century homes, its relative value and

thousands of dollars – for major maintenance items such as elevator repair

convenient location. 

and exterior renovation.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

in this section Rent or Buy

Master Planned Communities Mortgage Options

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

The

HOME FRONT The rapid growth of Houston means newcomers can find everything they need for a smooth move – from abundant temporary and permanent housing choices, to skilled realtors and custom builders who are eager to help.

Houston is a city of options; you can live

HOME OWNERSHIP

Of course, even after the sale goes through,

close to your work, surrounded by nature,

There’s nothing like owning your own piece

there are costs associated with owning your

in a vibrant community, near exciting

of property to help you feel connected to an

own home. Maintenance and repairs will be

amenities, or any combination of these. In

area and its people. And if you’re looking for

addition to choice, you’ll find bargains and with today’s low interest rates, now might be a good time to buy a house in West Houston, where almost every housing budget can be accommodated. Single-family home buyers can choose eco-friendly designs, new homes in master-planned neighborhoods, luxury residences in gated communities or resale homes in established districts. You may

a home to call your own, West Houston has plenty of choices: brand-new custom homes, new production-builder home, townhouses, resale houses, and all have their advantages. The first consideration is location, location, location. Where do you want to live? What neighborhoods appeal? Do you want a new housing development with the latest ameni-

required. One rule of thumb is to budget one percent of the sale price for maintenance; another is to set aside one dollar per square foot per year. There’s no hard and fast rule, but generally, upkeep costs will go up as the age of the home increases and the condition deteriorates. Most new homes have warranties that cover problems for the first few years. And home warranty policies can be purchased for re-sale homes. In addi-

ties, or a settled community with established

tion, make sure you are aware of any deed

traditions? What about a yard? Walking or

restrictions or homeowner’s association

recreational opportunities? Proximity to

regulations that might be in effect in your

shops and work? And the big one: schools?

chosen area and any corresponding assess-

Begin your search for the right home at the

Even if you don’t have children, buying in

ments. Taxes vary by county, school district

Real Estate section of www.houstonnewcom-

an area with excellent schools will pay off

and Municipal Utility District (MUD). The

erguides.com or by visiting www.har.com.

when it comes time to sell.

good news is that mortgage interest and

want to consider leasing as well, and there are a range of condominiums, townhouses and lofts available for lease or sale.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

HOUSTON HOME FRONT

property taxes can be deducted from your

(www.ghba.org) is an excellent source of

the effort and wait are often worth it, espe-

federal income tax.

reputable home improvement companies.

cially if you work with a quality builder:

Other useful sources of information are the

you get an outstanding, distinctive home

The best place to start is with a professional

local area Chambers of Commerce and the

built right to your specifications. Some

REALTOR®, who will be able to guide you

Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org).

customs homes are one-of-a-kind, created

and your family to the right area and choice.

using original plans from the ground up. In

NEW HOMES

other cases, builders work with buyers to

If starting from scratch and building from

customize rooms, adjust square footage, add

the ground up appeals to you, the many

details or energy-saving features. Whatever

outstanding homebuilders in West Houston

your new-home dream, it’s not too early to

are ready to help. There is a wide range of

talk to a builder. You will also want to view

choices for home sites – in new and estab-

homes already built by the company and, if

lished subdivisions, on the waterfront, on a

possible, speak to homeowners about their

golf course, even with a pastoral or forested

experience with the builder and the process.

setting on an acreage. A realtor can quickly

Be sure to interview two or more builders

narrow down your site-selection process by

before signing a contract. Ask them how long

matching the best locations to your needs;

they’ve been in business, how many homes

she can also work with you to find a builder.

they’ve completed and if they have any

Some specialize in green building and energy

references. Once you’ve chosen the builder,

efficiency or may have advanced training

review the contract carefully. You should

from the National Association of Home

understand if the final price is guaranteed,

Builders (NAHB). Be sure to tour model

what the move-in date is and how upgrades

homes to evaluate the designs, features, and

or change orders are handled. Attorneys who

Realtors often specialize in particular neigh-

workmanship of each builder. The archi-

specialize in construction are available to

borhoods and can give you the benefit of their

tectural styles, floor plans, interior finishes,

years of experience and local knowledge.

appliance choices and other options vary, and

PRE-OWNED HOMES Very often, pre-owned homes are situated in established neighborhoods. This allows you to assess the character of the community, talk to a couple of neighbors, get a feel for the street. Watch for great locations on golf courses, near parks, lakes or shops. Is the house in an area zoned to a desirable school? Or is it in an area prone to flooding? Are there homeowner’s associations, deed restrictions or zoning laws? Remember, you can change the ugly house, but you cannot change its ugly location. You will also want to consider your commute. How far is it to work? How does that cost in convenience, time and money compared to the cost of the house?

it’s important to begin fine-tuning your tastes

Pre-owned homes are as different in style

and preferences. Designers can help with

and character as their previous owners

selecting packages and upgrades to complete

were, and often this adds wonderful appeal

a home beautifully as well as on time and on

and opportunity. Some homes are ready

budget. Production houses can usually be

to move in; some need a little work; others

finished in 90 to 120 days, and most builders

need transformations in order to meet your

have homes in varying stages of completion

needs. Before you purchase a pre-owned

and can accommodate newcomers who

home, hire a licensed inspector to analyze

need to move in quickly. Right now, homes

the house, inside and out, and evaluate its

in a variety of styles, locations and price

condition. Inspections will identify struc-

review contracts and their fee may save you money in the long run, helping you to avoid misunderstandings and frustration.

MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITIES The popularity of master-planned communities has been one of the reasons West Houston continues to grow. These communities are some of the finest in the country because they plan for the best use of the land, allowing exceptional living, lower environmental impact, quality construction, and

points are under construction. Please visit

mixed use, which attracts families and busi-

www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com

for

nesses alike. All of this adds up to thriving,

a complete list of homebuilders in the West

vibrant neighborhoods. Large parcels of

Use the Chambers of Commerce in this

Houston area. The Greater Houston Builders

land in Katy, Fulshear and the Grand

guide for referrals. In addition, the Better

Association works to “provide advocacy,

Parkway area have been carefully set out for

Business Bureau also offers important infor-

education and meaningful services to benefit

home sites and commercial use. Housing

mation on home-repair companies.

its members and the housing industry. On

choices in master-planned communities

its website (www.ghba.com), you can find a

focus on single-family homes in a variety

Even if the house is sound, you may want

list of area builders, spec builders, neighbor-

of styles, sizes and price points. However,

to do a little or a lot of remodeling. From

hoods, product and service providers, as well

townhouses and apartment homes are also

painting walls to removing them, you

as other consumer resources.

included in the planned areas and they often

tural and hard-to-spot problems that need to be addressed. If repairs are needed, be sure to get several estimates for the entire project.

may need to hire the services of a remod-

share common greenbelts and recreational

eling company to realize your dream. The

You may be dreaming about a custom home.

facilities. Schools, shopping, health care and

Greater

While building one takes time and planning,

other services are close to home and, very

Houston

Builders

Association

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

often, so is work or a transit center which

or online. Rental houses and townhomes are

cuts down, or softens the commute. Master

listed on the Houston Association of Realtors

planners understand that their designs are

website (www.HAR.com) and are updated

for people and their communities are further

every 15 minutes.

enriched by youth sports leagues, welcoming recreation centers, and local events, all of

Realtors are the best source for leasing

which bring neighbors together.

single-family homes. Check out preferred neighborhoods,

considering

community

APARTMENT HOMES

pools, civic associations and deed restrictions.

If you move a lot, or if your budget does

Most single-family houses do not include

not allow for a home purchase, renting or

utilities in the lease, so tenants must arrange

leasing might be the answer for you. Many

for electricity, water, gas, cable and internet

rental houses and apartment homes are

separately. Deposits are usually one-monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

available in West Houston right now. The

rent and there may be extra fees for pets,

prices are determined by location, square

utility installations or service charges. Rental

footage, and amenities.

rates vary as much as the properties on offer,

Apartment locators or leasing agents at the complexes are ready to answer questions, assist with move-in details and help new residents become familiar with the neighborhood. Select properties provide apartment information, floor plans, photos and virtual tours online. What may be considered luxu-

starting at around $2000 per month and increasing with the size, location, and condition of the property.

TEMPORARY LODGING Interim housing with a range of rental terms is also available. Motels, hotels and luxury

rious in other parts of the country is standard

suites are often handy to business districts

in West Houston. Many units have fireplaces,

and key roads and can be found throughout

ceiling fans, built-in microwaves, washer/

West Houston. Many offer exercise rooms,

COMMUNITY AND HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATIONS

dryer connections, on-site recreational facil-

Wi-fi, jacuzzis and mini kitchens. Short stays

In many neighborhoods, community and

ities and covered parking. Some facilities

are a convenient necessity during a move, but

homeowner associations establish and enforce

allow pets. Most require a security deposit

if you stay longer than 30 consecutive days,

deed restrictions, and all property owners are

and a credit card report; leases range from six

you will qualify for an exemption from the

required to be members. Most community asso-

months to one year. Month-to-month leases

stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s six percent hotel tax. Be sure to advise

ciations are set up as non-profit corporations

are available but usually command higher

the hotel of your extended stay and go to

and are comprised of property owners within

prices. Complexes have different plans for

www.cpa.state.tx.us for an exemption certif-

the development. New homeowners become

utilities, cable and Internet service, and addi-

icate. (Always consult a tax professional for specific tax information).

automatic members of the association when

tional deposits and activations services may be necessary. Discuss any special housing

they acquire title to the property and are then bound by its rules and enforcement power.

requirements you may have with the leasing

DEED RESTRICTIONS

agent and be sure that the terms are written

Deed restrictions, land-use and building regu-

into the lease. In Texas, all real estate agree-

lations, protect homeowners and their property

People are buying houses in Houston; in

ments must be in writing. Go to the Houston

value. Often functioning in place of zoning

fact, the Houston Association of Realtors

Apartment Association (www.haaonline.org)

laws, they ensure a home is not turned into a

recently reported that home sales were

to download sample lease forms.

commercial establishment or apartment. Deed

up by 4.2 percent from the same time

restrictions are recorded in county records

last year. And the median home price

RENTAL HOUSES

Often, there is an annual maintenance fee.

and are binding for all property owners. Some

increased to $298,354 because of a strong

Need more room or amenities than an

master-planned communities have stricter

showing of luxury home sales. However,

apartment can offer? Houses, condos and

restrictions to ensure the continued success of

Houston still ranks as one of the most

townhomes can also be leased and are usually

the development. New homeowners should

affordable big cities in the U.S. for home-

listed with area realtors or property manage-

be familiar with existing deed restrictions and

ownership, and is a place where homes

ment companies. Sometimes, individual

consult them before making any improvements

tend to retain their value because of new

owners will list their units in area newspapers

to the property.

buyers entering the market.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

“In all, Houston’s economic diversity and

with only a 3 percent down payment and a

health will continue to protect and preserve

minimum FICO credit score of 620. Home-

home values over the long haul, and it will

buyer assistance programs are also offered

continue to be a great place to live, work

by various government agencies.

and raise a family,” says Houston real estate

groups, including teachers, police officers

expert and blogger Toni Nelson.

and firefighters, may also qualify for special

Some

assistance programs.

West Houston offers a great deal of value within the greater Houston region. Highly

HOW MUCH CAN YOU AFFORD?

regarded schools, vast parks and a thriving economy add further value to home choices

Determining an affordable purchase price

that range from townhomes to estate homes,

for a home is the essential first step to home

both newly built and existing.

ownership. Experts recommend spending

In addition, the lending climate may be

about 28 percent of the household budget

easier for first-time buyers. Fannie Mae

on housing, and a recent Rice University

and Freddie Mac, the two federally char-

study found that Houston area residents

tered

recently

typically spend about 30 percent of their

relaxed lending guidelines that were tight-

incomes on housing, so the city overall is

ened after the national housing in 2008.

right in line with that advice, albeit slightly

Now, some buyers can get a mortgage

on the high side.

mortgage

corporations,

CREDIT REPORTS Lenders need your credit report, which is an analysis of your credit history over the last seven-to-ten years. Called the FICO score, it includes your employment history, your payment activity, the amount you owe, the amount of available credit you’re using, the length of the history, any new credit and other factors. You will be scored anywhere between 301 and 850, with anything over 740 considered an excellent score. Higher scores lead to better loans and lower rates. There are three credit reporting agencies and you may contact them to obtain your credit history.

FREE CREDIT REPORTS

TRANSUNION®

1-877-322-8228 www.transunion.com

You are entitled to a free credit

EQUIFAX®

report from each of the three

1-800-685-1111 www.equifax.com

credit reporting agencies once every 12 months. You

EXPERIAN®

can request all three reports at once, or space them out

1-888-397-3742 www. Experian.com

throughout the year.

Experts also suggest that household expenses not exceed 43 percent of personal income before taxes. The mortgage payment, insurance, credit card balances, utilities, food and health care as well as any payments on outstanding loans and leases are expenses, while household income includes salary and other declared revenue such as dividends and royalties. In the case of townhomes, condos and other types of housing where a monthly maintenance fee is charged, that too must be considered in the overall expenses.

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

Developed by the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, the Texas Housing Affordability Index (THAI) refers to the ability of a median-income family to purchase a median-priced house in an area, reflecting the capacity of that family to qualify for a mortgage, using standard financing terms. A THAI of 1.00 indicates that the median household income is just enough to qualify for a loan to purchase the median-priced home; a ratio of less than 1.0 suggests that the family cannot afford the house.

MORTGAGE OPTIONS Several different types of mortgages are common today. A standard 30-year fixed rate mortgage is the most common way to finance a home; 15-year fixed rate mortgages are another option. The 40-year mortgage has become more popular in some parts of the country where home prices are rising fast, but many experts agree that the tradeoff of a slightly lower monthly payment for much more interest paid over the life of the loan does not make economic sense. For all fixed-rate loans, the amount of the mortgage, payment, the interest rate and the term of the loan are fixed and fully self-amortizing, which means at the end of the term, the principal has been repaid. The purchase price less the down payment is the principal of the mortgage. Dividing the principal by the number of payments in a 30- year or 15- year mortgage and adding the interest determines the monthly house payment. Escrow money for taxes and insurance is added to the payments

according to the terms of the lender, and the amounts are recalculated annually.

hand, is just an estimate of a mortgage that a prospective buyer might qualify for.

buyer, and should begin as soon as the contract

The Alternative Mortgage Instrument (AMI) is a loan in which at least one of the four components varies. The most common AMI is the Adjustable Rate Mortgage with a variable interest rate. Customarily, the ARM interest rate begins low and periodically adjusts either up or down within limits based on a pre-specified index. The initial low rate, and therefore, the lower monthly payment, enables the buyer to meet the income and debt-ratio requirement.

TAX DEDUCTIONS

The

Some home purchase costs are deductible if you itemize deductions. These costs may include mortgage interest, real estate taxes and PMI payments. For more information, visit www.irs.gov or ask your tax preparer or attorney.

(www.tdi.state.tx.gov) is a valuable source

DOWN PAYMENT The down payment is the cash committed toward the purchase of a home. For most loans, a down payment of 20 percent of the purchase price is required to avoid paying Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), although it is possible to take out a secondary loan to avoid PMI.

BANKS Banks offer a full range of services that usually include mortgages at competitive rates. In addition to checking and savings accounts, their mortgage lending is another option for homebuyers. Be sure to ask about fees associated with the bank’s services, different accounts, minimum balance requirements, ATM charges, availability of funds policy, direct deposit and other options.

Board

Insurance

of information. In some fast-transitioning West Houston neighborhoods, the value of the lot may represent a much larger-than-average share good idea to talk with several insurance companies – especially those who specialize in the area – to make sure you are getting ample coverage and the best rate. Many companies offer discounts when home insurance is combined with auto coverage, life insurance, health insurance and other types of insurance that may be required. In the Houston and surrounding areas, flood insurance is required or recommended by

Contact the Texas Department of Banking toll free 877-276-5554 or visit www.dob.texas.gov.

mortgage companies in some neighborhoods. Check with your builder, realtor or lender to determine the status of your property.

CREDIT UNIONS

Interest rates fluctuate frequently and vary from lender to lender. Interest on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage is likely to be different from that of a 15-year, and adjustable rate mortgages reset according to the terms of the lender. Interest rates are expected to continue to remain near historic lows.

Credit unions are a good source for mortgage loans because they may offer lower or competitive rates. Historically, credit unions have been employer-based financial institutions but today it is common for credit unions to be community-based, meaning that anyone can use a credit union as their primary financial institution. Members are insured for up to $250,000 per account by the National Credit Union Administration.

Typically, between 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price of a home, closing costs include related fees such as costs for running credit reports, loan origination, appraisal, survey, title insurance, and discount points paid to lower the interest rate. Closing costs are usually paid by the buyer at the time of closing.

Texas

of overall property value, and it may be a

INTEREST RATES

CLOSING COSTS

to purchase a house is accepted by the seller.

More information about credit unions is available from the Texas Credit Union League (www.tcul.org) and the Credit Union National Association (www.cuna.org).

HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE

FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS A variety of programs are designed to help first-time buyers, including FHA loans with a 3 percent down payment as previously discussed. The City of Houston, Harris County and other governmental entities also offer

homebuyer

assistance

programs

that can provide down payment assistance and special financing for buyers who meet certain household income and purchase price criteria. Helpful websites include www.houstontx.gov/housing and www.hrc.hctx.net. Other programs include Southeast Texas Housing Finance (www.sethfc.com) and

PRE-APPROVAL VS. PRE-QUALIFICATION

Homeowner’s insurance is required by

the Harris County Downpayment Assis-

mortgage lenders, and is essential even

tance Program (harriscountytx.gov/csd).

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is beneficial because it gives sellers a level of assurance that the prospective buyer can obtain a mortgage – a big plus in a competitive market. Pre-approval requires the completion of a loan application and sometimes a fee. Pre-qualification, on the other

if a home is paid for. Buyers are typi-

Information is also available from the

cally asked to pay one year of insurance

Texas Department of Housing & Commu-

at closing, with premiums included in

nity Affairs (www.tdhca.state.tx.us ).

monthly mortgage payments. Selecting an insurance company and deter-

Realtors, mortgage lenders and builders are also good sources of information about

mining coverage is the responsibility of the

available homebuyer assistance programs. 

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

in this section

Photo Courtesy of the LycÃ©e International de Houston; Zohaib Hassan

Houston School Districts Private Schools Higher Education

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

EDUCATION IN HOUSTON

The only thing more expensive than investing in education is not investing in education. School districts in the Houston area offer students an impressive array of high quality educational opportunities through STEM programs and other studies.

CENTRAL HOUSTON EDUCATION Ask anyone why they love living in Central Houston, and most mention the arts, restaurants, culture, convenience and other perks of urban life. Public education would probably not rank high on the list, but that is changing as the fast-growing population of Central Houston increasingly includes families with school-age children. It might take more research to find a great school in Central Houston than in the suburbs, but a little extra effort can reward you with many exciting options for public schools as well as private and parochial schools with strong traditions of academic excellence. With a few exceptions, such as the Spring Branch area, the Houston Independent School District covers most of Central Houston. While it never ranks as high as top suburban

districts on district-wide test scores and other metrics, HISD has many academic jewels that are among the best in the nation.

programs covering diverse interests. Wilson

These include HISD’s well-known specialty high schools, such as the High School for the Performing & Visual Arts, Carnegie Vanguard, and the DeBakey High School for Health Professions. Many neighborhood high schools, such as Lamar High School in the Montrose/River Oaks area, have well-regarded academics and special programs, such as International Baccalaureate.

HISD also has more than 20 charter schools

Montessori in Montrose is HISD’s first all-Montessori school, serving grades K-8.

including the Energized for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) Academy and the Young Scholars Academy for Excellence. Most students living within HISD boundaries may apply to attend a magnet or charter school, although competition can be stiff for some campuses. Many other HISD schools

Many HISD neighborhood elementary schools are also excellent and much soughtafter, the result of hard work by dedicated staff and parents. Some of the most notable HISD primary campuses include River Oaks Elementary and Harvard Elementary in the Heights. Poe Elementary near the Museum District is an arts magnet school, one of many HISD magnet

have open enrollment boundaries, although preference is typically given to students living within the neighborhood attendance zones. Central Houston also has many private and parochial schools that are as diverse as the city itself. These include the Awty International School in Spring Branch, popular with Houston’s thriving international community,

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

and schools affiliated with virtually every religious tradition.

are disabled by a physical or mental impairment have educational opportunities equal to those provided to non-disabled students.

Great sources for researching local schools include Children at Risk, (childrenatrisk. org), which publishes annual rankings of area schools, with campus-by-campus data. The Texas Education Agency evaluates public schools and districts under state and federal accountability requirements. Its latest reports are at www.tea.texas.gov. More helpful websites include www.greatschools.org and www.houstonisd.org.

CHARTER SCHOOLS Charter schools operate under fewer rules, which allows for innovation, flexibility and more personalized learning. They offer tuitionfree open enrollment and may specialize in a specific area; some offer students in higher grades the chance to take high school and college courses simultaneously. Charter schools must be fiscally and academically as accountable as public schools, adhere to the Texas Education Agency curriculum standards and give their students STAAR tests. The State of Texas provides funds based on the average daily attendance of the students, just as it does for public schools; however, charter schools do not receive funds from local tax revenue and most do not receive state facilities funding. Visit Texas Charter Schools Association at www.txcharterschools.org.

WEST HOUSTON EDUCATION “What are the schools like?” This is one of the first questions a new Houstonian with a family will ask. And in West Houston, the answer is: “Pretty, darn good!” Top-notch education has long been a major ingredient in West Houston’s winning recipe for quality of life, and one of the key reasons the area’s population continues to increase. West Houston is home to some of the largest and most respected public school districts in Texas and the U.S., and offers its residents an impressive array of high-quality educational opportunities.

HOUSTON-AREA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS Houston Independent School District www.houstonisd.org • 713-556-6000 The Houston Independent School District is the largest public school system in Texas and the seventh largest in the United States. HISD is focused on providing safe, secure schools where students can excel and prepare for college and careers.

But learning isn’t just for kids; there are excellent facilities for adult training and continuing education in the area or right nearby.

STUDENT ASSESSMENT: STAAR The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness Program measures a child’s academic growth, and college and career readiness. Reading and mathematics are tested each year in grades three to eight; writing in grades four and seven; science in grades five and eight; social studies in grade eight and end-of-course (EOC) assessments are required for English 1, English 11, algebra 1, biology and U.S. history, which count for 15% of the final grade in that course. www.tea.texas.gov.

The district has at least 27,000 full-time employees, educates more than 209,000 students in 280 schools spread out over 333 square miles. 96% of rated HISD schools met state student progress standards, and the district has reduced students’ drop-out rate by 43% in the last 8 years. HISD stands out as a district of choice with a robust portfolio of schools, including strong neighborhood campuses, magnet and vanguard schools, charter schools, fine arts and language programs, early college high schools and career academies, and other specialized programs. The district works to ensure all students have access to a global education and are prepared to compete and be successful in a global society upon graduation.

SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS Students enrolling in Texas Public Schools can be tested for dyslexia and related disorders. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination and assures that students who

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

Katy Independent School District www.katyisd.org | 281-396-6000 Katy ISD is a fast-growing district currently teaching over 77,956 students, but welcoming about 2500 more each year. It serves parts of Fort Bend County and encompasses 181 square miles. Right now, there are 66 campuses, including 7 four-year high schools, but a soon-to-be completed elementary school will open at near-maximum capacity soon. KISD offers an outstanding instructional program with facilities, equipment and materials that are among the best in the state, and every KISD campus achieved the highest possible rating under the 2018 Texas state accountability system. Each year, the district receives many accolades. Katy ISD schools earn some of the highest ratings in Texas from GreatSchools. org and Children At Risk, two nonprofit groups that provide rankings based on test scores, the number of students taking advanced classes, graduation rates and other metrics. Most recently, it was named the best school district in the Houston-Metro area by Niche, and was selected for District Administration’s District of Distinction Award. For the second year in a row, Katy ISD community surpassed one million volunteer hours. Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District www.cfisd.net • 281-897-4000 Another fast-growing district is Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, with a student enrollment of almost 115,000. It is the second-largest district in the Houston area, the thirdlargest in the state, and was awarded the TEA’s highest possible rating of Met Standard for the fourth straight year. CFISD is a destination district for its college/career preparation, extracurricular prowess and award-winning programs. With a diverse student population (students speak more than 100 languages or dialects), it is proof of the visionary work of educators, businesses, organizations and taxpayers who believe in making life better for the next generation: CFISD offers an unparalleled universal public education experience for all children.

A fiscal leader in Texas, the district is one of only three to earn a five-star rating from Texas Smart Schools for all six years of the program. CFISD opened its 11th high school in late August and currently has 8 new construction projects and other renovation plans underway. The professionals at CFISD work to maximize every student’s potential through rigorous and relevant learning experiences preparing students to be 21st Century global leaders. Fort Bend Independent School District www.fortbendisd.com • 281-634-1000 One of the most highly regarded school districts in Texas, the Fort Bend Independent School District offers an outstanding K-12 public education system and has more than 76,000 students attending 80 campuses. These include 11 high schools, 15 middle schools, 50 elementary schools and three unique secondary campuses addressing specialized academic need and vocational interests. With more than 11,000 full and part-time employees, FBISD is the largest employer in Fort Bend County. FBISD is also one of the state’s most culturally diverse districts, so the schools work with students, their families and the community to meet each student’s unique needs. FBISD, its campuses and its students are routinely recognized for exemplary achievements by organizations such as The National Merit Scholars Program, the National Association of Music Merchants, Children at Risk, and the United States Presidential Scholars Program. The District’s high schools have also earned top rankings in national rankings from Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report. Fort Bend ISD is committed to its mission to inspire and equip all students to pursue futures beyond what they can imagine. Lamar Consolidated Independent School District www.lcisd.org • 832-223-0000 The Lamar Consolidated Independent School District is another major player in the educational lineup for the West Houston and Katy areas. Covering more than 384 square miles,

LCISD is one of the area’s largest districts geographically, with an enrollment that exceeds 32,000 students at 43 campuses. While welcoming growth, LCISD has kept its small-town values, focusing on putting students first. Campuses are designed with smaller enrollments and sixth-grade-only campuses focus on the needs of pre-adolescents to provide a smooth transition to secondary schools. Lamar CISD is an HEB Excellence in Education Large District winner and home to National Principals of the Years, Gates Millennium Scholars, National Blue Ribbon Schools, Rodeo Art Grand Champions, and State Athletic Champions. Recently, the district was named a member of the comptroller’s Honors Circle for financial and academic excellence. Spring Branch Independent School District www.springbranchisd.com • 713-464-1511 Some of West Houston’s most desirable and established neighborhoods are served by the Spring Branch Independent School District, which encompasses about 44 square miles of wooded suburbs and vibrant business

districts located west of downtown Houston along the Katy Freeway. With an enrollment of more than 35,000 students, SBISD has 25 traditional elementary schools, 7 regular middle schools, 4 traditional high schools and 4 special campuses. SBISD also operates two innovative and highly rated charter schools. Cornerstone Academy is a middle school, and Westchester Academy for International Studies is a middle and high school campus where students can pursue challenging International Baccalaureate program options in grades 7-12. SBISD follows a small neighborhood school concept where attendance areas have been established for each individual school. Students go to the schools from kindergarten through high school in the attendance area in which they live, and campus attendance zones rarely change. About half of all SBISD campuses (18) are rated Recognized or Exemplary by the Texas Education Agency (TEA); SBISD is ranked an Acceptable School District by TEA.

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

PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN CENTRAL HOUSTON

you peace of mind and give your child the best possible experience.

program and an external AdvancED Corporation Systems Accreditation which ensures each school’s adherence to AdvancED Stan-

Memorial Lutheran School www.memoriallutheranschool.org 713-782-4022

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

Memorial Lutheran School is a Classical Lutheran School offering small classes and programs for infants through the 8th grade. Pre-School through 8th grade students attend daily chapel, and their Early Start children attend Chapel twice a week. MLS

For the last sixteen years Mr. & Mrs. Papadopulos have been the franchise owners for Primrose Schools of Pearland and Primrose School of First Colony. They have provided for the Pearland and Sugarland families a nurturing environment where children are happy, safe and having fun while learning. The Papadopulos’ are looking to bring that same Primrose School experience to the Upper Kirby community.

offers a strong music program that includes General music class, orchestra, band, choir and chimes. Core subjects include Phonics, History, Math, Science, and a comprehensive Language Arts program (Writing, Reading, Grammar, Spelling and Vocabulary) and Latin (1st - 8th grade). Memorial Lutheran provides technology by way of one-to-one Chromebooks in middle school, iPads, a computer lab, and interactive white boards in each classroom. Athletic offerings include soccer, volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, track, softball and baseball. Extracurricular programs include academic competitions, National Junior Honor Society, outdoor education, debate, and Bible Bowl. A before and after school extended program and summer camp are also offered. Early Childhood: Infants, Toddlers, Twos, Threes, Pre-K 4; Elementary Level: Grades K to 4; Middle School: Grades 5 to 8. Tours of the school can be scheduled by calling the admissions office at 713-782-4022. Conveniently located in the Galleria area. Application or inquiry can be made on the school’s website – www.memoriallutheranschool.org. Primrose School of Upper Kirby www.primroseschools.com/schools/upper-kirby

713-522-6700 The Primrose Experience: Building the

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

St. Francis Episcopal School www.StFrancisHouston.org • 713.458.6117 Imaginative, critical thinkers and people for others. At St. Francis, they believe their mission matters. So from the Reggio-inspired approach in Primary School to the inquiry-based environment of Lower School to the hotbed of 21st century learning that is the St. Francis Middle School, they engage and inspire students

think

critically,

explore

deeply, and take the academic and artistic leaps that allow them to mature in independence and innovation. At St. Francis, success equals so much more than a grade on paper. On their two

What makes the Primrose Experience unique? The People and Culture. One reason parents choose Primrose is because they know they are leaving their children with qualified, caring people. The management team members and teachers exceed expectations by creating and maintaining trusted relationships with every family they serve, and share their vision: To deliver the best and most trusted early childhood education and child care services for families across America.

campuses, more than 900 students live, grow,

The Balanced Learning System. The Primrose Balanced Learning System provides high-quality educational experiences that support children’s development as well-rounded individuals. The Balanced Learning curriculum addresses children’s social-emotional, 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.

a St. Francis high school. Slated to open to

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

Galleria, is one of Houston’s leading schools

Right Foundation for Future Learning and Life. Choosing the right care for your child

dards for Quality Early Learning Schools.

and give together through beloved annual service projects; 40-plus teams in 13 sports; rousing theatre and choir productions; three orchestras;

unforgettable

living-history

events; and a dizzying array of school-day and after-school enrichment programs—all while worshipping side by side during regular chapel and Eucharist services. Now, the community is set to turn another page as they realize the long-held dream of its founding freshman class in the 2018–19 school year, the St. Francis Upper School will reimagine the traditional high school experience, emphasizing thematic learning over staid survey courses and 21st century skills over the rote memorization of decades past. St. Michael Catholic School www.stmichaelcs.org • 713-621-6847 Established in 1954, St. Michael Catholic School (SMCS), conveniently located near the for children three years of age through eighth grade. Its mission is to form disciples of Christ through an education focused on faith, conscience, scholarship, and service. CONTINUED PAGE 40 >

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

Primrose School at Greenway Plaza & Primrose School of Upper Kirby 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

(STEAM); social studies; music; physical development and 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.

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 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

Preschool through Kindergarten Classrooms: Encouraging children to venture out and discover the world around them in the Primrose Venture Program. After School Care for ages 5 to 10: Stimulating continued exploration of a child’s individual interests in the Primrose Explorers Program. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL OR VISIT ONE OF OUR LOCATIONS

FACT:

A baby loves peek-a-boo when he begins to understand an object exists, even when not in view. BALANCED LEARNING® WAY:

We have teachers who could represent the U.S. in peek-a-boo. SPOTS ARE LIMITED. ENROLL TODAY! Primrose School at Greenway Plaza 713.888.0848 | PrimroseGreenwayPlaza.com Primrose School of Upper Kirby 713.522.6700 | PrimroseUpperKirby.com

ADVERTISER CONTRIBUTION

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.

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

To ensure classroom success and prepare

labs capable of plant and animal studies

students for challenges beyond campus

and in-depth lab experiments; two fully-

life, St. Michael Catholic School integrates

equipped art rooms and a kiln room; library,

faith and knowledge to educate the whole

including media center and resource room;

person, offering religious education and

regulation athletic field for football, soccer,

sacramental training; enhanced creative

practice track and gymnasium with boys’

writing programs; Spanish courses; interactive science curriculum enhanced by

and girls’ locker rooms and two concession

hands-on learning, competitive and award

stands; a school chapel that offers an area

winning athletics; service and leader-

for reflection and spiritual development; and

ship opportunities; fine arts, music, and

dedicated performing arts classrooms. These

performing

facilities provide students with the most

arts

instruction;

academic

rallies such as Prep Bowl, National Junior

current educational tools and resources.

Honor Society, honors math and science courses; and a Sacred Art History program

St. Michael Catholic School graduates are

that is unique to SMCS.

accepted to Houston’s most premier private and public high schools that include: St.

The campus occupies more than ten acres of land and serves approximately 500 co-ed

Agnes Academy, St. Thomas High School,

students in a state-of-the-art 70,000 square-

Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, Duchesne

foot LEED-certified building with two

Academy of the Sacred Heart, Incarnate

computer labs; laptop and tablet mobile

Word Academy, St. Pius X High School,

labs; SMART Board in each classroom;

Episcopal High School, The Kinkaid School,

one-to-one device program using Chrome

and the High School for the Performing and

books for middle school students; science

Visual Arts.

Photo Courtesy of Faith West Academy

PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN WEST HOUSTON Ascension Episcopal School www.aeshouston.org • 713-783-0260 Ascension Episcopal School is a Christian private school located in the Westchase District of Houston, TX. AES is a diverse community committed to guiding each child toward academic excellence while promoting Christian values and cultivating their God

Now Enrolling 3 Months - 8th Grade

given talents. For over 45 years AES has educated around 180 students a year ages 3 months to 5th grade, and expanded to 8th grade in August 2019. AES offers a unique blend of traditional education methods and modern techniques

Small Class Sizes Athletic & Arts Programs Club Activities Extended Care Options

while including parents in the overall educational success of each child. The classroom average is 9 students per class with a low student to teacher ratio which assures individual attention while building leadership skills and confidence. AES seeks to train and develop each of its students in the intellectual physical, social and

Learn more at www.aeshouston.org

emotional areas of their personality. The school has many after-school clubs such as robotics, art, dance, martial arts, and cooking. AES also offers sports to students beginning in Pre-K.

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

AES provides a nurturing atmosphere in

Project-based learning means students aren’t

highest quality learning environment in the

which understanding, tolerance, self-esteem

confined to desks listening to lectures, but

world. The school ensures that students are

and confidence are instilled. Before and after

are actively collaborating on complex, inter-

equipped with the skills they will need to be

school care is offered at Ascension Epis-

disciplinary projects that incorporate math,

successful in the future workplace. Serving

copal School, located at 2525 Seagler Road,

writing skills, history and cultural compe-

children from Pre-K to 12th Grade, learning

Houston, TX 77042. Visit their website or

tence, and more. Science explorations take

and achievement at BISH is supported by

call to schedule your tour today.

place in our expansive gardens, as even

collaborations with The Juilliard School,

the youngest students study life-cycles in

Massachusetts

The Branch School

real-time, cultivating plants and examining

(MIT) and FIRST LEGO League. These

www.thebranchschool.org • 713-465-0288

caterpillars as they transform. Within a

collaborations have allowed the school

culture of loving kindness, accomplished

to fully embed STEAM programming

The Branch School, serving children in PK3

educators help children develop as inquisitive

throughout all year groups. The campus

through 8th grade, is an oasis of calm in a

scholars and as kind people with an authentic

spans 34-acres and features purpose driven

hurry-up world. Assured of the love and

regard for one another and our world.

technology developed in conjunction with

avid interest of their teachers, our inquisitive students explore a STEAM-infused curric-

Visit us online at www.thebranchschool.org

ulum with confidence. We believe children

or call us at 713-465-0288 to book a school

are unlimited – that they realize their potential when they know they are loved and their teachers are in their corner. That support enables children to reach a little higher, to learn more than they thought they could, and

tour. We can’t wait to meet you. The British International School of Houston (BISH) www.bishouston.org • 713-290-9025

Institute ®

Technology

Apple, customizable maker spaces, state-ofthe-art science labs, three athletic fields, an aquatic centre, two NCAA regulation size gymnasiums, and a 550-seat performing arts theater designed in collaboration with Juilliard. Every aspect of the school is centered around learners and learning. From the innovative design of a new

ultimately, to become leaders of others. In a

The British International School of

275,000-square-foot building to their exten-

phrase, the mission of The Branch School is

Houston is the city’s premier indepen-

sively trained teachers, BISH is committed

to inspire students to love, learn, and lead.

dent school committed to creating the

to offering a world-class, personalized

WHERE CHILDREN LOVE, LEARN, AND LEAD In this hurry-up world, The Branch School offers a culture of loving kindness, where accomplished educators help children develop as inquisitive scholars and kind people with authentic regard for one another and our world.

Accredited by:

Our STEAM-infused, project-based curriculum taps students’ creative energy for deep and lasting learning. Schedule your visit at www.TheBranchSchool.org.

1424 Sherwood Forest St. Houston, TX 77043 • 713-465-0288 • TheBranchSchool.org

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

learning approach that enables each student to excel. Graduates achieve outstanding academic success through the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and gain acceptance to the finest universities and colleges in the US, UK and around the world. Students at BISH have access to incredible educational opportunities because it is part of Nord Anglia Education (NAE), the world’s premium schools organization. With 44 international schools around the world, including China, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and North America, NAE

Photo Courtesy of Fort Bend Christian Academy

educates more than 38,000 students globally. Conveniently located off IH10 at N. Westgreen Boulevard and just minutes

Faith West Academy (FWA) is a private

from the Grand Parkway, the British Inter-

elementary and secondary school with

national School of Houston is accessible

enrollment of 400 students in preschool

to families residing in all cities across the

through twelfth grade. The senior class of

Greater Houston Area, including Katy,

2019 had 60 students. The school operates

Houston, The Woodlands and Sugarland.

on the principles of Christian faith and incor-

Faith West Academy

porates these principles in its purposes, goals,

www.faithwest.org • 281-391-LOVE

procedures and operations. FWA is known

for its high academic standards and continues to uphold core values of: reverence for God, respect for ourselves, others and authority and responsibility for one’s action. The school has a very strong academic focus that reflects the interest, involvement, and profile of the community. “Our mission is Excellence Without Compromise, that enables our students to achieve God’s purpose in their

Faith West Academy • Preschool - 12th Grade • Advanced Technology Classrooms • Individualized Learning Programs • I-20/International Students • Extended Care Available • FFA and 4-H Programs • Top State Awards Academics Agriculture Athletics Fine Arts

Celebrating Thirty-seven Years of Academic Excellence 281.391.5683

2225 Porter Road Katy, TX 77493

www.faithwest.org

Photo Courtesy of Fort Bend Christian Academy

lives,” says Principal Mary Strickland. “We take pride in the academic achievements of our students, the skills of our teachers, and the involvement of our parents.” FWA adopts a Biblical worldview of education,

which

includes

Biblical-

ly-based curriculum and weekly chapel service. The faculty members are caring, committed Christians and the student body is interdenominational. From academics to athletics, missions to music, chapel to clubs, students are encouraged to express their uniqueness. A competitive athletic program is available for our junior high and high school students, along with fine arts (such as band and theatre), agriculture sciences/FFA, and cheerleading. Our high school students compete through Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS). The teaching staff is fully degreed in academic disciplines from elementary through high school. The teaching faculty in the secondary CONTINUED PAGE 44 >

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

FORT BEND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY OFFERS BALANCE TO FAMILIES Relocating to a city as large as Houston can be overwhelming, but getting your family plugged into the r ight school com m un it y can ease the t rans ition and make a new place feel like home. Often, the r ight school choice is determined by the school’s ability to balance academics, extracur ricular opportunities and spiritual values. Fort Bend Ch r i stian Academy, a p r ivate school serving grades pre-k through 12, embodies that balance.

WE TRUST GOD Ch r istian val ues a re a d r iving fo rce i n p a re nt s’ d e c i s i o n to e n ro l l t h e i r children in FBCA. FBCA proclaims that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of G o d. A l l s u b j e ct s a re p res e nte d from a biblical perspective, with the Scripture as the measuring rod of all t r uth. Students i n eve r y g rade level at te n d we e k l y ch a p e l a n d m i d d l e s c h o o l a n d u p p e r s c h o o l s t u d e nt s take theology courses as part of their graduation requirements.

WE PURSUE WISDOM A college-preparatory curriculum is the other primary reason parents decide FBCA is the right school for their family. Students at FBCA receive an academically challenging course of study with a curriculum designed to provide a superior spiritual and intellectual environment. Fifty different Honors and Advanced Placement classes are offered at the upper school level, and middle school students with accelerated educational development may also participate in an honors curriculum.

WE SHAPE SOCIETY F B CA fe at u res e n r i ch m e nt c l a s s es, competitive athletics, before and after school programs, nationally-recognized c l u b s a n d exce pt i o n a l co m m u n i t y service and philanthropic involvement. Students hold multiple state championships in athletics and fine arts. The school has produced a number of National Merit Scholars, and 100% of graduates enroll in college or enlist in the military, w i t h m o s t s t u d e nt s at te n d i n g t h e i r

first-choice university. Alumni serve in various career fields, and many obtain post-graduate degrees in law, medicine, engineering and more.

WE LEAD WITH LOVE Finally, the community aspect of FBCA truly makes it feel like home. Various events th roughout the yea r provide oppor tunities for the whole family to come together. There are multiple ways for parents to get involved such as Parent Teacher Fellowship, Men’s Bible Study and Moms in Prayer. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE BALANCED EDUCATION AT FORT BEND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, VISIT WWW.FORTBENDCHRISTIAN.ORG

EXPERIENCE FA I TH . A C A DE MIC S. A RT S. AT HL E T IC S.

THE DIFFERENCE

College-Preparatory Christian Education Grades PreK-12 • fortbendchristian.org ADVERTISER CONTRIBUTION

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department has thirty-five members with an average student-teacher ratio of 10 to 1. Pre-AP and Advanced Placement courses are offered in all major core subjects. The Academy is accredited by the International Christian Accrediting Association and by AdvanceED, organizations both approved and recognized by the state of Texas.

Fusion Academy, Houston Galleria

Grace School

www.fusionhoustongalleria.com

www.graceschool.org • 713-782-4421

713-963-9096 Fusion Academy is a fully accredited private middle school and high school where all classes are one –to-one: one student and one teacher per classroom. This unique educational model was born

Fort Bend Christian Academy

over 28 years ago out of frustration with

www.fortbendchristian.org • 281-263-9105

the status quo and the passionate belief in the power of positive relationships

Fort Bend Christian Academy exists to glorify God through excellence in college-preparatory Christian education. FBCA is a pre-k through grade 12 school located on a 35-acre campus in the heart of Sugar Land, one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas. As an interdenominational school, FBCA welcomes a diverse population of students who attend more than 100 area churches.

to unlock academic potential. Fusion’s school model isn’t solely about the smallest class size possible; it’s about helping kids flourish not only academically, but socially and emotionally, too. Many of their students feel like they don’t “fit” at a traditional school. That sense of not belonging can make school an uninspiring place to be. Fusion serves kids who

Students at FBCA receive an academically challenging course of study with curriculum designed to provide a superior spiritual and intellectual environment. Fifty different Honors and Advanced Placement classes are offered at the upper school level, and middle school students with accelerated educational development may also participate in an honors curriculum. Spiritually, academically and professionally qualified, all teaching staff are certified educators, many possessing a master’s degree or higher.

aren’t flourishing in a conventional environment, and offers them a community where they feel connected, supported, and understood. This creates a perfect solution for kids who have mild learning difference, ADHD, social anxiety or school avoidance; those who have a demanding extracurricular schedule; and those who are gifted and need more challenging material.

The story of Grace is the story of a community committed to providing a rigorous educational program that embraces the teachings of Jesus Christ in order to inspire compassionate, thoughtful students eager to engage in the world around them. Founded in 1975, Grace School offers a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. A highly accredited, independent, Christian school, Grace School serves students and their families from twenty months through eighth grade. Located on an enchanting 13-acre campus in Houston, Texas; the school provides a premier academic program to a diverse, co-ed student population. Grace School faculty and staff are certified, experienced, committed and intentional. Teachers demonstrate a deep understanding of the developmental level of their students and implore a vast variety of instructional strategies tailored to best meet the individual needs of our students. Our teachers, embodying Christian values, honor each child as an individual as they emphasize the importance of growth in both academics and character. Upon completion of our curricular program, students are well prepared and highly recruited by Houston’s top tiered high schools.

Fusion Academy is so much more than a school. Along with being a full time, accredited academy, they also provide class for

FBCA features small class sizes, uniforms, a hot lunch program, before and after school programs, enrichment classes, clubs and strong community service involvement. Outside of the classroom, students hold multiple state championships in athletics and fine arts.

credit, hybrid programming, and tutoring/ mentoring. They work to find the right “Fusion Fit” for every family that walks through their door. They support students currently enrolled at Fusion Academy, and also support students attending local public and private schools over the summer and

The school has produced a number of National Merit Scholars, and 100% of graduates enroll in college or enlist in the military, with most students attending their first-choice university. Alumni serve in various career fields, and many obtain post-graduate degrees in law, medicine, engineering and more.

throughout the school year. Their commitment to customized education for every student is at the core of what they do at Fusion. They offer rolling admissions to get students back in school quickly; they have extended hours to meet student

For more information about Fort Bend Christian Academy, contact the Admissions Office at admissions@fortbendchristian.org or call

scheduling needs; and they are year round,

281-263-9105.

fulfill a course requirement in one summer.

which means they can get a student back on track for the upcoming school year or

At the heart of our welcoming and collaborative environment, you will find that school-initiated family and community relationships are a top priority. Grace School invites you to join the exceptional leadership, extraordinary faculty, talented students, and generous families that star in their story. Schedule a tour by visiting their website www.graceschool.org. Houston Christian High School www.houstonchristian.org • 713-580-6020 Houston Christian High School is a fouryear, interdenominational college preparatory high school that provides rigorous academic programs designed to prepare every student for collegiate study and beyond. Founded in 1997, HC is a place where students can discovertheir life-callings while excelling academically. Houston Christian is accredited CONTINUED PAGE 46 >

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

Fusion Academy Houston Galleria

One to One works

The value of fusion

You can't hide in a one-to-one classroom. You aren't competing with 40 other students to be heard. You aren't afraid to speak up because it's just you and the teacher. And there is no possibility of falling through the cracks.

Every student's path is different and we partner with others to help them achieve their goals, whatever they may be. Many of our students go on to attend a college or university, while some pursue a trade school, gap year, or another option.

Students and teachers spend their 50 minute class period together working through the material at a pace that works for the students. Our teachers work to first build trust with their students as a foundation for learning. We believe in the model "love, motivate, teach." Students aren't going to care about the material, if they don't feel connected with their teacher. A mentorship naturally forms, and that positive relationship drives student success.

While other schools may be cutting their art and music programs, we have a robust roster of electives for students to explore and pursue their creativity. We also have a wellness program that includes art and music, along with physical wellness and healthy habits. Students learn healthy self- expressions and how to deal effectively with stress, anxiety, low self- esteem, body image issues and social pressure.

beyond the classroom

Homework doesn't go home. Yes, you read that correctly. All students complete their homework in one of our Homework Cafe spaces on campus. Here, they have access to teacher help, and are kept accountable to finish their homework before leaving campus that day . No more nightly homework battles!

Schedule a tour to come see customized education in action! Call us at 713.963.9096Â or visit us at fusionhoustongalleria.com

WH E N T R ADI T I ONA L S CHO OLS D ON ' T W O RK . . .

WE DO .

Fusion Academy is a fully accredited private middle and high school where positive relationships, one-to-one classrooms and customized education unlock the academic potential of every student.

fusionacademy.com Full-Time Academy

Hybrid Programs

ADVERTISER CONTRIBUTION

Class for Credit

Tutoring/ Mentoring

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

by The Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS), and is a member of the Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC).

Spring

Branch,

Cypress-Fairbanks,

and

Katy communities, and there is also a strong public school representation. HC graduates attend an ever-expanding list of top colleges

One of the most distinct and intentional components of the HC experience is their leadership development program. Through classroom teaching, hands-on opportunities, and worldwide travel, students have the chance to explore ideas and roles beyond the classroom walls. HC is committed to celebrating diversity and strengthening the student’s community, heritage, vision of honor, and leadership.

and universities in Texas and throughout the United States. Situated on a beautifully appointed 45-acre, state-of-the-art, collegiate-style campus, HC is conveniently located at the intersection of W. Sam Houston Pkwy N and Kempwood Drive. Demonstrating a continuing commitment to enhancing educational excellence and whole-child development, Houston Christian recently completed the 7,400 sq. ft. Brown

Another hallmark of HC is the caring teachers, mentors, and role models who engage students in service and leadership opportunities through student government, athletics, and fine arts. The combination of HC’s distinctive programs, spiritual life focus, and award-winning arts and athletics makes every student’s experience encompassing, yet also unique.

Family Dance Studio as well as the new, two-story, 7,000 sq. ft. Harrell Family Strength & Conditioning Center. Houston Christian is a place where students can do more, be more, and succeed more. It is a place where students can play sports and participate in fine

The majority of HC’s 500 students come

arts, where they can develop leadership

from private schools throughout Houston,

skills and explore the world through

life-changing travel. Most importantly, HC is a place where students will have the opportunity to grow spiritually in ways they could never imagine. For more information about the school and the admissions process, please call 713-5806020 or visit www.houstonchristian.org. The Lycée International de Houston – Bilingual School www.lihouston.org • 832-474-1013 Houston’s Only Bilingual School – 18 months old to 18 years old, the Lycée International de Houston’s mission is to provide an inclusive and diverse learning environment in which our rigorous international programs foster academic excellence, innovation, creativity and cross-cultural communication to inspire a passion for learning and empower each student with knowledge, understanding, and open-mindedness. Considering the richness, diversity, and challenges of this dual-language system in French and English, students educated at the LIH are well-prepared to meet—and often exceed—the demands

Teaching What Matters 2700 W Sam Houston Pkwy N | Houston, Texas 77043 | 713-580-6000 | www.houstonchristian.org HCHS_NW-RelocationAd-HalfPage_April17.indd 1

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

4/17/19 8:39 AM

2020

of the best universities in France, North America, and Europe.

valuable preparation for life in our globally

LIH believes that children who develop their intellect and character in a bilingual, multicultural environment learn respect and appreciation for cultural differences and are better prepared for their future in a global environment. The ability to understand concepts, ask questions, problem-solve, write, play, and make friends in multiple languages is an advantage that will last a lifetime. LIH’s curriculum, taught by outstanding teachers in a traditional and structured environment, combines the greatest strengths of both the French National Education and Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) curricula.

Preparing for the French Baccalaureate

connected time period.

or the Franco-American Baccalaureate, students at LIH become highly proficient critical thinkers by acquiring the rigorous writing skills and broad academic knowledge necessary in both French and English, that is sought by colleges and universities worldwide. In addition, LIH offers the International Baccalaureate – a recognized program that provides a personalized approach to learning. School of the Woods – Montessori www.schoolofthewoods.org • 713-686-8811

Learning a language is a most rewarding intellectual adventure for young minds. Becoming truly bilingual opens students up to other cultures in a genuine way. They gain a deeper understanding of the values, beliefs and customs of other cultures and an ability to move seamlessly between them. We cannot think of a more

From age 2½ through college prep high school, School of the Woods offers a total continuum of interactive Montessori education in a unique learning environment, through curriculum personalized by Montessori-credentialed teachers according to each student’s needs, interests and abilities.

Now in its sixth decade (founded in 1962), School of the Woods is Houston’s oldest continuously operating Montessori school and is non-profit, independent and non-sectarian. It is a full member school of the American Montessori Society and accredited by AdvancED (formerly SACS). Educational programs encompass: Woods Lower School for Early Childhood-Kindergarten, Elementary (Grades 1-3), and Upper Elementary (Grades 4-6); Woods Middle School (Grades 7-8); and Woods High School (Grades 9-12). Auxiliary programs include Dance, Gymnastics, Before/After School Care, Tutorials, Instrumental Music, Sports, Summer School and Summer Performance Arts. All children are eligible for enrollment regardless of race, color, creed, or national or ethnic origin. St. Jerome Catholic School www.stjeromecs.org • 713-468-7946 St. Jerome Catholic School offers a rigorous, accredited, academic program in

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

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

an environment which is learner focused. Highly qualified, caring teachers and staff help the children realize their God-given gifts. Students have the opportunity to participate in City-wide competitions (Science Fair, Spelling Bee).

offers excellent public arts and continuing education programs.

HIGHER EDUCATION IN WEST HOUSTON

St. Jerome School has been educating students in a Christ-centered environment for over 50 years. You are invited to visit St. Jerome and experience the vibrant, diverse community that is Family.

A variety of well-regarded institutions offer higher education in West Houston, and residents also have easy access to top-rated colleges and universities throughout the Houston region.

St. Jerome is conveniently located in Spring Branch at 8825 Kempwood Dr. between Hollister and Blalock. The school is easily accessible from I-10, US 290, and Beltway 8. Come Pray, Learn, and Grow.

The University of Houston System at Cinco Ranch offers courses leading to more than 30 bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and UH has announced plans to issue $60 million in bonds to fund a new, expanded campus in Katy that will focus on the energy industry while also offering a broad

HIGHER EDUCATION IN CENTRAL HOUSTON

range of programs. West Houston is also served by the Houston Community College System and Lone Star College, two of the

Higher education is a strength for Central Houston, with choices that are many and diverse. With more than 40,000 students, the University of Houston is the thirdlargest university in Texas and has made great academic strides in recent decades. UH has achieved Tier One research university status from the Carnegie Foundation, putting it in the same league as the University of Texas and Texas A&M University. UH has more than 300 degree programs and many, including creative writing, architecture and law, are considered among the nation’s best.

largest and most comprehensive community colleges in the nation. New Horizons - Your Partner in Training 713-552-1414 • www.nhhouston.com

Rice University, situated on a beautiful oak-lined campus near the Texas Medical Center and Hermann Park, is consistently ranked among the top 20 universities in the U.S. and among the top 100 in the world. Known for its small student-to-faculty ratio and its high level of research, Rice also

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

an extensive selection of vendor-authorized training and

The Texas Medical Center is home to a number of colleges and universities, including Baylor College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center and Texas Woman’s University. Other Houston institutions of higher learning include Texas Southern University, Houston Baptist University and Houston Community College System.

Rounding out the program at St. Jerome are a variety of extracurricular activities including sports (soccer, volleyball, basketball, track), Student Council, drama, scouts, prep bowl, altar servers, lectors, cantors, choir, visual arts, yearbook, and instrumental class. Students attend Mass every week.

Vendor-Authorized - New Horizons offers

certifications for top

technology providers, such as Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA and VMWare.

Being

an authorized partner ensures that the students have the highest quality training materials and train on the latest products and technologies available. Courses provided fall into categories like desktop applications, technical training and professional development. Flexible Training Approached 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 geographical boundaries from learning by bringing students and instructors together synchronously in a virtual realtime classroom environment. This program provides students all of the benefits of being in a dynamic interactive classroom – enabling students to study from work, home or a New Horizons center. New Horizons offers real-time, cloudbased 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

For more than three decades, New Horizons Computer Learning Centers has been a leader in IT training. With over

the systems and applications taught in

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.

A Leader in the Industry - New Horizons

2020

the classrooms, empowering them to learn on their own schedules.

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

regarding

the

improved

performance and productivity of

their

employees immediately following New Horizons training.

University of Houston-Victoria

academic programs in all three UHV

Accountancy program. UHV’s business

www.uhv.edu/katy • 281-396-3700

academic schools: Arts & Sciences; Busi-

programs are accredited by the Association

ness Administration; and Education, Health

to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business,

Professions & Human Development.

a distinction achieved by less than 5 percent

West Houston students can make their mark at UHV Katy. Students can pursue a

of business schools worldwide.

variety of academic programs at the new

UHV also has agreements with area

University of Houston-Victoria at Katy

community colleges, including Houston and

School of Education, Health Professions &

location. Whether they want to transfer in

Lone Star, allowing for a seamless transfer

Human Development students can pursue

to complete a bachelor’s degree or pursue

to UHV Katy.

degrees in many areas, including adminis-

a master’s degree, UHV Katy offers classes

tration and supervision, special education,

online or face to face at convenient times,

In the School of Arts & Sciences, transfer-

curriculum and instruction, and an online

including nights and weekends.

ring and graduate students have a choice

RN to BSN in Nursing. UHV offers

of many majors, including mathematics,

master’s degrees in school and clinical

It’s no wonder readers of the Katy Times

digital gaming and simulation, criminal

mental health counseling through programs

have voted UHV as the Best College in

justice, biomedical sciences and psychology.

accredited by the Council for Accreditation

Katy four years in a row, and Living Maga-

The school also offers a Specialist in School

of Counseling and Related Educational

zine readers named UHV the Best College/

Psychology degree.

Programs. A new master’s degree is offered

University in Katy/Fulshear.

online in sport management. The School of Business Administration

UHV Katy recently moved into a convenient

offers Bachelor and Master of Business

Learn more about the available degree

new location shared with the University

Administration

concen-

programs and certifications offered at

of Houston at 22400 Grand Circle Blvd.

trations that include accounting, finance,

UHV Katy by contacting 281-396-3700 or

Located near the intersection of Interstate

human resources management, manage-

katyrecruitment@uhv.edu. More informa-

10 and the Grand Parkway, the three-story,

ment and marketing. Students also can

tion about UHV’s degrees can be found at

80,000-square-foot building is home to

enroll in the university’s new Master of

www.uhv.edu/majors-degrees. 

programs

with

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

in this section

Senior Housing Options Continuing Care Retirement Communities Assisted Living Communities

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

ACTIVE ADULTS

+ senior living The times of aging in America, they are a-changing – and many senior Houston residents couldn’t be happier about it. Long gone are the days of mandatory retirement at age 65, and with it, the idea that one’s golden years were to be spent simply sitting quietly on the front porch in a rocking chair as they watch life go by.

More and more seniors don’t see them-

to pasture to watch the rest of the world go

upscale retirement communities that offer an

selves as seniors (unless they get a discount

by. Today’s seniors now have many options,

array of housing, activity, exercise and social

if they do). Increasingly, the years after age

dreams and plans, and very often, the

options, to full-care facilities that care for

65 are more numerous and more active.

energy to pursue them. Of course, people

people with mental and physical disabilities,

According to the U.S. Department of Health

with more leisure time can perfect their golf

and every-thing in between, there is a senior

and Human Services, Americans’ life expec-

swing, or carefully tend their prized azaleas,

living solution to fit every desire and need.

tancy in 2000 was 76.8 years; in 2018, it was

but these days, they’re also choosing to go

78.7. One of the reasons is that Americans

back to school, learn a new language, run

are healthier: today’s seniors visit the doctor

marathons, volunteer, or take up a new

and emergency room less, spend fewer days

hobby. More people are opting to burn out

in hospital and exercise more.

rather than rust out.

Turning 65 no longer means receiving a

And the options for living and playing are

some time into the stock-taking process

watch, a party and hearty congratulations

also evolving to meet the changing demands

by taking a personal inventory of living

for years spent at a job, only to be put out

of this growing group of people. From

expenses, health, interests and expectations.

TAKING STOCK In order to narrow your options in what could be an overwhelming list of choices and to help you choose the best one, put

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

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

Budget Inventory: what does it cost to live

Housing and Urban Development,

• What are the options for downsizing into a

every month? What are you spending on

HUD offers this federally insured private

less expensive home, renting an apartment,

housing or rental; how much does it cost

loan which can give you greater financial

or moving into an assisted living or

to heat it, cool it, pay taxes or a mortgage

security to supplement social security, meet

alternative senior housing situation?

on it? What other expenses do you have?

unexpected medical expenses, make home

Food, entertainment, transportation? What

improvements and more. And, unlike a

medical expenses do you currently have,

traditional home equity loan or second

or do you anticipate? Be as thorough and

mortgage, you usually do not have to repay

honest in your assessment as you can, so

the loan until you no longer use the home

that you can make an informed decision.

as your principal residence, sell it, or pass away. The money from a reverse loan may

Lifestyle inventory: How do you want to

be paid out in a variety of ways: a lump

live? Need more time for golf ? You might

sum, a regular monthly cash advance, as a

want to live on a course. Want to do some

credit line account, or any combination of

volunteering? You may decide to move

the above. To qualify, you must be at least

closer to the city, school or community

62, and own the home outright or carry a

center. Want to make new friends? Many

mortgage small enough to be paid off by the

senior’s communities are set up to allow you

proceeds; there are no income or credit qual-

to do just that. Again, the more careful you

ifications or monthly payments, but you are

are in your analysis, the more prepared you

responsible to pay the annual taxes, property

will be to make the right decisions.

insurance and maintenance of the home.

SHOULD YOU STAY OR SHOULD YOU GO?

But maybe, it’s time for a move. Perhaps the 30-year family home is too big and you’re rattling around it like a marble in a shoe box, or you’re tired of the outdoor upkeep, or you want to be closer to the place or activities that you now have time for. Before you choose your new home, once again, take stock. Be realistic about your situation, your expectations, your finances and your health. It’s as important to consider access to medical doctors and facilities as it is to think about fun and leisure pursuits. Make sure the new community is one that you will enjoy, that it has convenient amenities and access to services, and that a

gage is the best fit for your retirement plan is

new house will be a good investment. If you’re

to honestly assess the following:

still active, you might want to be among folk

today’s market?

You can retire in your own home by with-

PACK IT UP

The best way to determine if a reverse mort-

• How much would the home sell for on

STAY PUT

(Visit AARP’s website and use their Reverse Mortgage Calculator: www.aarp.com).

just like you. Think carefully before making decisions that will determine your happiness in the years to come.

• What would the cost be to buy, or rent, and

drawing some of the equity you’ve built up

maintain a new home?

with a reverse mortgage, which is a special type of home loan that lets you convert a

• Would there be any money left over from

ACTIVE SENIOR HOUSING COMMUNITIES

portion of the equity in your home into

the purchase of a new home that could be

If you’re a healthy, independent senior,

cash. Guaranteed by the U.S. Department

safely invested?

you may find that you simply want to live

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

in a community where you can enjoy the company of others and your own personal interests. Moving to an active independent living retirement community might be the best fit for your budget and lifestyle, where options include renting an apartment or purchasing a property. Many active senior communities have information packets and offer tours. A personal visit will give valuable, firsthand information and an opportunity to meet

“

Seniors in Houston find that they have a wide variety of housing options that can accommodate their budget, while enjoying their lifestyle in a community that encourages the development and pursuit of their personal interests.

”

current residents who can share their own experience and insider’s view. Ask about

CCRC sooner rather than later, as most

activities, sporting options, and social

CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES

opportunities. Other day-to-day living

A Continuing Care Retirement Community

when they first move in.

health and fitness programs, organized

arrangements should also be considered, such as shopping centers and grocery stores within easy walking distance, and the availability of transportation services. Where is the community located in proximity to major health care providers?

require that new residents live independently

(CCRC) offers care in a residential facility for seniors, with a full menu of services and

There is a range of contract options offered

living situations. Residents may go from

by CCRCs. An extensive-care contract is the

independent living, to assisted living and

most expensive, but carries the least risk,

nursing home care, depending on their indi-

providing unlimited long-term nursing care

vidual, changing needs and abilities.

at little or no additional cost for as long as nursing-home services are required. A

What security measures are in place for

A CCRC (also called Life-Care Facilities or

residents? For ultimate peace of mind, you

modified-care contract comes with medium

Communities) generally offers a contract

financial risk, and provides long-term health

might opt to rent a home under a short-

that covers a continuum of care, including

or nursing services for a specified period,

term agreement at first to make sure the

access to housing, services, and health care

after which, the senior or guardian is respon-

community provides for your needs and

for more than one year, or the balance of

sible for additional costs. A fee-for-service

lives up to your expectations.

one’s life. It is a wise idea to move into a

contract offers an a-la-carte approach,

SENIOR HOUSING OPTIONS “The time to begin thinking about a retirement community isn’t when you have to have it,” advises Terry Martinez with Parmer Woods Retirement & Assisted Living. “Think about it when you don’t need it. There are a wide variety of alternatives available for every level of activity, health and need. Today’s Baby Boomers who are in or approaching their retirement years are taking advantage of active retirement communities where residents are vigorous and involved. Or, they are finding senior-care housing communities that em-ploy medically trained staff, provide housekeeping and meal preparation services, as well as transportation for shopping, medical visits, and social outing. Or, they are seeking a more physically and medically sup-portive environment. Whatever choice is best for you, it’s out there, but should be considered without stress.

And the prices vary. “When you’re trying to stay within a particular price range, you want to match your living requirements with services offered,” says Martinez. “If you are very independent and don’t need assistance – just want a meal plan, for example – then the associated costs are much less than for someone who requires more care.” Also, Medicare generally does not pay for long-term care, only for services deemed medically necessary that are provided by a skilled facility or home health care center. Medicaid will pay for certain health services and nursing home care for older people with low incomes and limited assets. The place you choose should facilitate life at a level of independence that is comfortable for you or for your loved one.

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

requiring that residents pay separately for all health and medical services provided by the facility, as well as long-term care. Most CCRCs expect an entrance fee, plus monthly fees thereafter. Some require an equity agreement where seniors purchase

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

Often, an ALC will create an individ-

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

will be provided. This plan is then peri-

ualized service plan for seniors upon admission, detailing personal services that odically reviewed and updated to ensure changing needs are met. Housing in an ALC may be studios or one-bedroom apartments

a condominium or co-op apartment on the

CCRCs can be anything from high-rise

with small kitchen facilities. Typically, ALC

property instead of paying an entrance fee.

apartments, to cottages, townhouses or

housing units have group dining facilities

Less commonly found are CCRC contracts

single-family homes, and are an excellent

and common areas where residents gather to

where residents pay monthly fees only.

option for those who are independent and

enjoy social and recreational activities.

in good health, but might need some assisBefore signing a contract with a CCRC,

tance with daily living needs or require

conduct a thorough review of the facili-

skilled nursing care.

ty’s services, operations and finances, and determine if it is appropriate to your needs,

ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES

lifestyle and expectations. It’s also a good idea to ask a family attorney or accountant to review the contract. If the contract is

As with other options, a visit to the center is a must. Pay attention to first impressions: • Are the grounds well maintained? • Is the staff friendly?

An Assisted Living Community (ALC)

• Are the residents properly dressed?

bridges the gap for those who need assis-

• What activities are available?

tance with daily activities a nursing home

found agreeable, ask to spend at least one night and two days at the facility, to test drive the community and make sure it is a good fit. Some points to consider include:

might offer, but wish to live independently.

ALCs that competently provide required

Residents in an ALC are unable to live

services without forgetting about little

completely by themselves, but don’t need

details will give the same care and attention

constant supervision. An ALC offers its

to residents.

residents assistance with eating, bathing,

• Are pets allowed in your residence?

dressing,

laundry,

housekeeping,

and

NURSING CARE FACILITIES

• What social, recreational and cultural activities are offered?

keeping track of medications. They often

A Nursing Care Facility (NCF) is a state

have centers for medical care, but typically

licensed, private-care facility that provides

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

do not offer the extensive medical services

24-hour skilled hospital care for residents

provided by a nursing home. An ALC is

who do not require hospitalization but

not a substitute for a nursing home, but

cannot stay at home.

• Are there fitness facilities onsite? • Is the staff friendly and knowledgeable?

rather is a stepping stone between complete

• What healthcare and personal care services are available?

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

independence and services provided by a

It pays to shop around when selecting an

nursing home.

NCF. Consult with a trusted doctor or

2020

health care practitioner for recommenda-

they can answer the following recom-

tions of nearby facilities. Plan on visiting

mended questions about any facility:

at least four or five area facilities, and make an appointment with the administrator or director of nursing. Check to make sure that information provided is consistent with information gathered during the facility tour. The home should have clean floors and smell fresh. 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, as well as a well-lit place for review. Another option available is to contact the Texas Health and Human Services (DADS) at 800-458-9858 or hhs.texas.gov. While state law prohibits agency employees from recommending one facility over another,

• Have there been any proposed license terminations in the past two years?

ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA CARE FACILITIES Seniors

diagnosed

with

Alzheimer’s

disease or another form of dementia need specialized care. While some Assisted

• How many complaints have been filed in the past year?

Living Communities offer services and

• How many complaints in the past year have been found to be valid?

onset symptoms, because of the progres-

• How many deficiencies have been cited in the past two years?

necessary to transfer the resident to

• How many “quality of care” violations have been cited in the past two years?

separate facilities for residents with early sive nature of the disease, it may become another facility that can give the right level of service. Facilities specializing in the care of Alzhei-

• When did DADS last visit the facility, and what was the purpose of the visit?

mer’s and dementia patients should provide

• Has the owner of this facility had other facilities recommended for license termination?

resident’s medical needs, but also the needs

The answers to these questions, combined with observations and impressions made during facility tours and staff interviews will allow you to select the right nursing care facility.

alized treatment reviews, all set within a

a treatment plan that considers not only the of the entire family with social services, professional consultations and individucalm, soothing environment that is sensitive to the needs of the patient. Please visit www.agingcare.com for additional information on care for the elderly. 

LOOKING FOR HOMES JUST GOT EASIER…

Search more than 8 million properties

Ask Your REALTOR®

HOMES And RENTALS HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

in this section

Moving Companies Forwarding Mail Utilities Public Transportation International Relocation

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

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. With its energetic pulse and cosmopolitan

At the other extreme, the global economy of

while others break out supplies separately.

yet neighborly personality, Houston awaits

Houston draws newcomers from all over the

Packing services, fuel charges, wait time and

your arrival. But first, check out these basics

world, and there are a few important consid-

temporary storage costs may vary consider-

provided to help make your move smooth

erations to keep in mind when moving from

ably so be sure to ask about all charges.

and easy. Then you’ll be ready to enjoy every-

overseas. If your move is work-related, find out

thing this dynamic region has to offer.

how much of the expense will be covered. As a

Moving companies offer three types of esti-

general rule, many experts recommend scaling

mates: the binding estimate, non-binding

MOVING COMPANIES

the move down to essential items and those

estimate and not-to-exceed binding estimate.

If you are moving from out of state, it may be necessary to hire a moving company. The best time to move is the middle of the month rather than the end or during

with emotional value. Find out about import fees and duty costs, especially for things you

The binding estimate lists all items to be

may have purchased abroad. Also consider

shipped and the required services on the esti-

the size of your new space: will it be larger

mate form, and the price quoted is the price

or smaller than the home you’re leaving? If

paid. Every charge is itemized, so that if an

summer vacation, when moving companies

you’re a U.S. citizen who is moving back from

item is added or deleted, it is easy to re-calcu-

are usually busiest.

overseas, then you might have many items in

late the cost. The moving company must also

U.S. storage, so you’ll need to plan the logistics

specify the length of time the price quote is in

of getting these to your new home as well.

effect, which is usually 60 days. This type of

If the move is less than 250 miles away, and you don’t have much stuff, consider

estimate does not require additional payment

making the move yourself. Compare the

TYPES OF MOVING ESTIMATES

relative costs of moving yourself versus

Most companies give free estimates based

using the services of a moving company,

on distance and the weight of household

The non-binding estimate, which is the only

and be sure to take into consideration your

contents. Some moving companies include

type of estimate offered in some intrastate

back, time and effort.

the costs of packing materials in their bid

situations, is not guaranteed. The real cost of

over the amount of the estimate.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

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

services is determined after the truck is loaded

Tax deductions may apply to your move so

certificates,

and weighed, and charges above the esti-

keep appropriate records. Contact the I.R.S.

licenses, automobile licenses, fees and

mate can run more than 20 percent. Be sure

at 800-829-1040 or www.irs.gov, or ask your

inspections, divorce proceedings, DBAs,

to attend the truck weigh-ins both before and

tax preparer or attorney.

taxes, and more. Contact the county of resi-

after furniture and household items are loaded

• Select a moving company carefully by confirming their license at www.protectyourmove.gov

estimated amount of your move should be entered on each form that is prepared by the mover, including orders for special services

• T he Southwest Association is another resource for information about moving companies and they can be reached at

and bills of lading. If the amounts are not included, do not sign or accept the document. The third type of estimate, called the

www.southwestmovers.org or : 800-759-2305

not-to-exceed estimate, is usually the best.

• Contact the Better Business Bureau for any complaints that might be on file at www.houston.bbb.org or 713-868-9500.

The mover gives a binding estimate, then weighs the vehicle and reduces the price if the weight is less than anticipated. Ask all movers if they offer this type of service.

MORE CONSIDERATIONS Be aware that many moving companies fall behind schedule, so consider hiring a moving company that will guarantee a pickup and delivery date. Make sure those dates are

certificates,

marriage

dence for specific services offered.

Tips for Hiring a Moving Company

to accurately calculate the total weight. The

death

The Harris County Civil Court House 20l Caroline, Houston, TX, 77002 713-755-6411, www.harriscountytx.gov The Fort Bend County Court House 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond, TX, 77469 281-342-3411, www.fortbendcountytx.gov

UTILITIES

• The Interstate Commerce Commission offers a free brochure, “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.” ICC Office of Compliance and Consumer Assistance, Washington, D.C., 20423.

ELECTRICITY

You can also find the brochure on many websites by searching for its title.

“C’s” before selecting a provider: contact,

in the contract. Pick-up and delivery dates

Retail Electric Providers compete to sell electricity, allowing consumers to compare plans, pricing and features. The Public Utility Commission recommends the three compare, and choose. Allow several days for the order to process. If establishing service

should not be open-ended.

FURNITURE AND APPLIANCE RENTAL

Although moving companies provide liability

In some cases, it may be necessary to rent furni-

insurance on household belongings by the

ture or appliances while waiting for your old

Select electricity, natural gas, local phone

pound, it is wise to purchase extra insurance

ones to be delivered, or while shopping for new

and long distance, cable or satellite televi-

that provides additional coverage, especially

items that will fit your new space perfectly.

sion, and high-speed internet services at

for a new home or building, a permit or inspection may be required.

www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com.

for those items that are more valuable. Some companies specialize in renting furniBefore the movers arrive, make prepara-

ture to newcomers and offer packages by

GAS CENTERPOINT ENERGY

tions. Take an inventory of your belongings

the household, the room or the piece. They

CenterPoint Energy is the major provider

and note their condition. If the moving

also offer different styles, along with accessories such as artwork, lighting, rugs and

for natural gas in the greater West Houston

company performs their own inventory, check it carefully against your own before

indoor plants. Flexible lease terms, quick

signing anything. Should any of your

delivery and professional setup and removal

belongings arrive with scratches, dents or

are some of the services offered by rental

other damages, photographs will help verify

companies. If you decide you love a partic-

a claim so consider taking pictures of valu-

ular item, purchase is usually available.

able items or making a video inventory

As the regulated utility, Center-

Point Energy owns and maintains the electric delivery system and sells natural gas. Visit www.CenterPointEnergy.com to learn more. ENERGY STAR certified homes use

FORWARDING MAIL

before the movers arrive.

Area.

less energy than homes built to the Texas

To submit your change of address, go to www.

residential

It is important to be sure you will be at your

usps.com. The USPS can hold your mail,

party tested, and provide homeowners

new home on the date the moving company

forward or accommodate a change of address.

with a better lifestyle for less money. By

is scheduled to deliver. If no one is home to

LEGAL RECORDS

into storage, and the moving company may

Legal

require payment in cash before unloading.

County and Fort Bend County include birth

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

code,

are

third-

purchasing an ENERGY STAR certi-

receive the delivery, your belongings will go

building

2020

Records

maintained

fied home, you can have all the features by

Harris

you desire in your new home, plus better performance |

CONTINUED PAGE 60 >

LIVE THE GIG

Delivering 1 Gig speed to your home through fiber-to-the-home technology. Discover new and exciting things the Internet has to offer with CCI! If your home is like most, you have multiple devices tied to one Internet connection in your home. These devices can be TVs, laptops, smartphones, tablets, printers, home security systems or game consoles. The more devices you have connected to your Internet connection, the more overall speed you need to support them.

Consolidated Communications, Inc. (CCI) offers 1 Gig service*, which is equivalent to 1,000 Mbps, and is among the fastest connections available to residential customers across the nation. The 1 Gig service gives you the freedom to do more.

CUSTOMERS WITH A 1 GIG CONNECTION CAN EXPERIENCE: - Use multiple devices at once without sacrificing speed - S tream movies, download videos and upload photos with virtually no buffering or waiting - Experience online gaming with a fast, stable connection - R un multiple security cameras and use â&#x20AC;&#x153;smart homeâ&#x20AC;? technology with remote access to video, locks, lights, thermostat and other household devices -W ork from home with a reliable connection that supports VPN access and video conferencing -W ith no data caps you never have to worry about tracking your usage

*SERVICE IS NOT AVAILABLE IN ALL AREAS

TO FIND OUT MORE PLEASE CALL 844.YOUR.CCI OR VISIT CONSOLIDATED.COM.

ADVERTISER CONTRIBUTION

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

and lower utility bills-all while helping

local city or homeowner’s association for

Used oil should be in the original container

prevent greenhouse gas emissions.

detailed information.

or in a screw top non-detergent container.

Many of the leading builders in the Houston

TELEPHONE, CABLE, AND INTERNET SERVICE

BAG-IT AND RECYCLE-IT

area build ENERGY STAR certified homes: Ashton Woods Homes, Beazer Homes,

The Greater Houston area has four area

requiring yard trimmings to be placed in sepa-

Castlerock Communities, David Weekley

codes: 713, 281, 832, and the newest,

rate bags from trash and garbage. Place the

Homes,

Texas

346. When placing calls, 10-digit dialing

bag at the curb on the regular garbage day to

Homes, Greeneco Builders, Infinity Classic

is required. The many telephone service

be collected. Limit contents to grass, leaves

Homes, KB Home, Kickerillo Homes,

providers to choose from also offer satellite

and small twigs; the bag cannot weigh more

Lennar Homes, Meritage Homes, Riverway

and cable television services, along with

than 50 pounds and should be less than 4-ft. in

Builders, Ryland Homes. Learn more

bundled services, special promotional rates

length and 18 inches in diameter. Do not put

about buying an ENERGY STAR home at

and discounts for newcomers.

anything into storm drains.

CenterPoint Energy’s ENERGY STAR

CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS

TRASH PICKUP

for New Homes Program, is just one

Consolidated Communications is a leading

of the utilities programs that supports

ipalities, such as The Memorial Villages and

business

communica-

energy-efficiency

www.

the cities of Katy and Fulshear, provide

tions provider serving customers across its

centerpointefficiency.com for more infor-

trash pick-up. Call the solid waste depart-

11-state service area. Consolidated provides

mation on CenterPoint Energy’s energy

ment in your jurisdiction to find out which

advanced

efficiency programs.

day garbage and light trash are collected.

business and residential customers across

Dunhill

Builders,

First

Many local communities have Bag-It programs

houstonenergystarhomes.com.

efforts.

Visit

WATER AND SEWER

and

The City of Houston and many other munic-

broadband

communication

solutions

their fiber-rich network, which extends

Many subdivisions opt to contract with local

across California, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas,

collection companies, and fees for these

Water, sewage and drainage services are

Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Penn-

services are typically included in the home-

typically provided by the public works

sylvania and Texas.

owner’s association dues. Contact your homeowner’s association for information.

department in each city, or by a municipal utility district (MUD). There are a number

Founded more than a century ago, the

of these districts throughout Houston, Katy,

company is dedicated to turning tech-

Fulsher and services vary. Contact your

nology into solutions, connecting people and enriching how their customers work and live. Consolidated prides itself on delivering a better experience by putting their customers’ needs first; building a stronger community through employee volunteerism and company giving; and evolving and innovating to meet and exceed the needs and expectations of their customers. Visit www.consolidated.com or call 844-YOUR-CCI (844-968-7224).

BEING GREEN CURBSIDE RECYCLING

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, also known as METRO, is recognized as one of the best and safest bus systems in the nation offering an extensive system of bus routes and a growing network of light-rail lines. For

commuting

alternatives,

METRO

provides Park & Ride services from three locations in West Houston and Katy, including Addicks (Highway 6), Kingsland and Grand Parkway. The Harris County Motorist Assistance

Most common acceptable waste includes

Program (MAP), sponsored in part by

paper, telephone books, cans, plastics

METRO, helps motorists experiencing

1 and 2, and used motor oil. Rinse and

car trouble on Houston area freeways.

drain containers, remove lids, caps, plastic

The specially marked MAP vehicles are

bags and package materials, and place the

equipped

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

tive emergencies.

CENTRAL | WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019 – ISSUE 1

handle

minor

automo-

Houston’s major highways – including the

required must provide: $30,000 bodily

Katy Freeway and U.S. 290 West – have

injury, $60,000 per person per accident

High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes for

and $25,000 property damage. A copy of

vehicles with two or more passengers during

the Texas Motor Vehicle Laws is available

peak travel periods. To share a ride, contact

at www.txdmv. gov.

the METRO Carpool Matching Service at 713-635-4000.

TWO STEPS, ONE STICKER Texas employs a “Two Steps, One Sticker”

The Katy Freeway also offers toll lanes for

vehicle

solo drivers, with prices varying at different

program. The blue-bordered registration

travel times.

sticker serves as a combined proof of regis-

METRO offers curb-to-curb service for mobility impaired and disabled passengers. Call 713-658-0180 or go to www.ridemetro.org.

OWNING A VEHICLE

inspection

and

registration

tration and inspection with one expiration date. Passing vehicle inspection is a requirement to renew a registration. Vehicles may be registered for license plates at district field offices in the county of resi-

• Houston Crime Stoppers 713-222-TIPS (8477) • Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers 281-342-TIPS (8477)

TEXAS GOVERNMENT VOTER REGISTRATION You must be 18 years old, a resident of the county in which you’re registering and a U.S. citizen to vote. Simply fill out a voter registration application which is available at a Voter Registrar’s Office, the Secretary of State’s Office, many post offices, libraries and high schools. Submit your application no later than 30 days prior to an election in order to vote in it. Contact the Texas Secre-

New residents must obtain a Texas driv-

dence. The cost is based on the model and

er’s license within 30 days of establishing

year for cars and gross weight for trucks. To

residency. Texas residents moving to a new

address within the state must update their

and pay a new resident fee, a title fee, and the

license as well.

cost of new license plates. All out-of-state

LEGAL RECORDS

vehicles are required to have the following

Legal records maintained by Harris County

for registry in the state of Texas: (1) proof

include birth certificates, death certificates,

of safety inspection, (2) your out-of-state

marriage

title, (3) payment of a new resident fee, a

fees and inspections, divorce proceedings,

title fee, the license plate’s cost, and (4) proof

taxes and more. Call the Harris County

of liability insurance. Subsequent registra-

Court House at 713-755-6411 or go to

tion may be handled by mail or in person.

www.harriscountytx.gov.

To obtain a Texas driver license, take proof of registration, proof of insurance, a Social Security card or a current W-2 form, and a valid out-of-state license to the nearest Department of Public Safety office. For license requirements including fees and locations, visit www.dps.texas.gov. Vehicles may be registered for license plates at

Motor vehicle registration renewals may be purchased at various locations.

district field offices in the county of residence. The cost is based on the model and year for cars and gross weight for trucks. Subsequent

PUBLIC SAFETY

registration may be handled by mail or in

FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS

person. Motor vehicle registration renewals

For emergencies only: dial 911.

may be purchased at various locations.

For non-emergencies: dial 311.

• In Harris County, call 713-224-1919 or visit www.harriscountytx.gov

The Houston Police Department or the Harris

• In Fort Bend County, call 281-342-3411 or visit www.fortbendcountytx.gov.

of Harris County, while the Memorial Villages

In Texas, you must buckle up. Children eight years of age or younger or shorter

tary of State at 1-800-252-VOTE or visit www.votetexas.gov.

licenses,

automobile

licenses,

PET LICENSING/ LEASH LAWS Dogs and cats in Texas must be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age. They will need a booster after a year, and then every one-to-three years after that. Any veterinarian can administer vaccinations and provide license tags, as well as information on keeping your pet healthy in Texas. 

County Sheriff have jurisdiction in most areas are served by their own autonomous police departments. The Fort Bend County Sheriff ’s Office has jurisdiction in those parts of the region that lie in Fort Bend.

than 4 feet nine inches must be secured in an approved car seat. Texas also has

Active Crime Watch programs operate in

a mandatory automobile liability insur-

numerous neighborhoods, and another very

ance law, and if a driver is stopped for

valuable program known as Crime Stoppers

any reason, proof of liability insurance

accepts anonymous tips and offers rewards

coverage will be necessary. The insurance

for information leading to an arrest.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

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

TRANSPORTATION 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.

MOVING TIPS What to do Social Security Number 1-800-772-1213 Information/ Application www.ssa.gov/forms

BANKING CREDIT UNIONS

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

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.

THINGS TO KNOW BANKS

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

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.

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. 62

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

CREDIT CARD www.creditcards.com • Request a credit card & debit card (ATM) when opening a bank account. • You will need a residential address, phone & place of employment, credit history.

HOUSING APARTMENT www.haaonline.org • Prices for apartments are based on apartment size and number of bedrooms Rates typically include basic utilities • Rental requirements include: a credit & security check. Texas Drivers license, passport, bank statement, proof of employment, and a deposit. • Rental applications may require your credit history, employment history, rental history and criminal history, and disclosure of legal status or proof of legal residency. • You are responsible for your lease for the entire term of your contract. • If you terminate your lease contract early, rent may be accelerated and additional charges can be levied against you. • Get any changes to your lease contract or term in writing. • Be sure to ask about pet deposits. • Apartment locators will help you find an apartment and their services are free.

LEASING A HOME • Leasing a home is much like renting an apartment. • You might be expected to take care of the yard on a weekly basis, maintain the property and abide by homeowner regulations.

• You will pay all the utility bills (water, power, trash pickup & cable). • You will need a TX driver’s license, proof of employment, credit & personal references & a deposit consisting of the first & last month’s rent.

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

REALTOR/HOMES FOR SALE & LEASE www.HAR.com • You can check your credit score through your bank. • To purchase a home you will need a good credit score based on your credit history. • Report all of your income on your tax return as mortgage loans require proof of income - typically your IRS return. • You do not need a Realtor to purchase a home, but Realtors are trained to help you with pricing and other legal responsibilities. • Realtors use various sources including Multiple Listing Service to find homes. • Realtors are usually paid by the seller, their services are free to buyers.

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

TAXES STATE OF TEXAS Texas does not have state taxes. Texas collects 8.25% sales tax and property tax only.

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE Internal Revenue Service: www.irs.gov • Federal income tax for most workers is filed on April 15 of each year. • T here are numerous rules and regulations for expatriates, the following are resources to get you started. Your employer can also assist you.

EDUCATION DAY CARE: www.childcarecenter.us • Some centers only care for children until they are ready for Kindergarten at age 5. Other schools offer Kindergarten. • Will need your child’s birth certificate, social security number, passport, application. • Schools vary widely, make several trips with and without your child at different times of the day. Ask for referrals.

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

HEALTHCARE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT www.healthcare.gov • If you are relocating to the United States 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.

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. •E lementary 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

PRIVATE SCHOOLS • HoustonNewcomerGuides.com • Houstonprivateschools.com • Privateschoolreview.com • There are a variety of independent and faith-based private schools in the Houston area. • Enrollment is most cases is based on openings in certain grades. • Check with each school for enrollment requirements as they vary from school to school. • International schools offer the International Baccalaureate program and might be better suited for children planning to later attend university outside the US.

RELOCATOIN IMMIGRATION VISA Most questions are answered on the United States Citizenship & Immigration web sites below. Contact your Consulate about your country’s requirements. General How Do I Guides: • www.uscis.gov | 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.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

PLACES OF

WORSHIP

Half of Americans have looked for a new church or place of worship, most because they moved. If faith is a vital part of your daily life, you should easily be able to find a spiritual home in the West Houston area. In addition to sacred enlightenment, places of worship also provide social support, volunteer opportunities, educational options, and access to groups with common interests. If you are looking to make new friends, a congregation might be the perfect place to find them. * *Pew Research 2015

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Braeswood Assembly of God 713-777-1651 | braeswoodchurch.org

Alston Road Church of Christ 832-886-4594 | alstonroadchurch.org

Family Life 281-392-0637 | flag.church

Fry Road Church of Christ 281-578-1897 | fryroad.org

BAPTIST

Westbury Church of Christ 713-729-7880 | westburycoc.com

Bear Creek Baptist 281-859-9900 | bearcreek.church Clay Road Baptist 713-462-3401 | gocrbc.org Houston First Baptist 713-681-8000 | houstonsfirst.org Second Baptist Church 713-465-3408 | second.org Second Baptist Church – West 713-465-3408 | second.org/west Tallowood Baptist 713-468-8241 | tallowood.org Westbury Baptist Church 713-723-6428 | wbchouston.org

BUDDHIST

St. Andrew Lutheran 713-468-9565 | standrew-lcms.org St. Mark Lutheran 713-468-2623 | stmarkhouston.org

METHODIST Ashford Methodist Church 281-497-1146 | ashfordumc.org

West Houston Church of Christ 281-856-0001 | westhoustonchurch.org

Bear Creek United Methodist 281-463-2330 | bearcreekumc.org

EPISCOPAL

Chapelwood Methodist Church 713-465-3467 | chapelwood.org

Ascension Episcopal Church 713-781-1330 | aeshouston.org The Church of St John The Devine 713 622-3600 | www.sjd.org Emmanuel on Memorial 281-493-3161 | emmanuel-houston.org Holy Spirit Episcopal Church 713-468-5138 | holyspirithouston.org St. Christophers Episcopal Church 713-465-6015 | stchrishouston.org St. Francis Episcopal Church 713-782-1270 | sfch.org

First Methodist Houston 713-652-2999 | fmhouston.com Memorial Drive United Methodist 713-468-8356 | mdumc.org St. Peters Methodist Church 281-492-8031 | stpkaty.org St. Luke’s Methodist Church 713-622-5710 | stlukesmethodist.org Westminster United Methodist 713-782-7750 | wumc.com

NON DENOMINATIONAL

Vietnamese Buddhist Center 281-575-0910 | vnbc.org

St. Martin’s Episcopal Church 713-621-3040 | stmartinsepiscopal.org

West Houston Zen Center 713-467-0997 | westhoustonzen.org

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 713-521-0891 | ststephenshouston.org

Current Christian Church 281-395-4722 | currentchristian.org

CATHOLIC

Bridgepoint Bible Church 832-448-1330 | bridgepointbible.org

HINDU

Hope City Church | yourhopecity.com

St. Albert of Trapani 713-771-3596 | stalbertoftrapani.org

Chinmaya Mission 281-568-9520 | cmw.chinmayamission.com

Katy Community Fellowship 281-391-0099 | katyfellowship.com

St. Anne Catholic Community 713-526-3276 | saintanne.org

INTERDENOMINATIONAL

Lakewood Church 713-635-4154 | lakewoodchurch.com

St. Andrew Kim Korean 713-465-2682 | stakim.org

New Life Church 713-932-1479 | newlifechurch.net

ISLAM

St. Cecilia Catholic Church 713-465-3414 | saintcecilia.org

Houston Masjid of Al-Islam 713-643-9586 | masjidwdmohammed.com

St. Michael Catholic Church

Masjid El Faroug Islamic Center 713-465-2020 | elfarouq.org

713-621-4370 | stmichaelchurch.net St. Thomas More Catholic 713-729-0221 | stmhouston.org St. John Vianney Church 281-497-1500 | stjohnvianney.org

JEWISH Congregation Beth Israel 713-771-6221 | beth-israel.org Congregation Beth Rambam 713-723-3030 | bethrambam.org

CHRISTIAN (Disciples Of Christ)

Temple Sinai 281-496-5950 | temple-sinai.org

Current Christian Church 281-395-4722 | currentchristian.org

LUTHERAN

Powerhouse Christian Church 281-391-0095 | powerhousechurch.tv

ORTHODOX St. Joseph’s Orthodox Church 713-973-7001 | saintjosephorthodox.org

PRESBYTERIAN Covenant Presbyterian Church 281-870-0349 | covenantpca.org Grace Presbyterian Church 713-781-7615 | gpch.org Grand Lakes Presbyterian Church 281-646-7500 | grandlakespc.org Christ Evangelical Presbyterian 713-526-1188 | cepc.org

All Saints Lutheran 281-498-5047 | allsaintslutheranco.org

Memorial Drive Presbyterian 713-782-1710 | mdpc.org

Christ Memorial Lutheran 281-497-0250 | christ-memorial.org

Pines Presbyterian Church 713-467-2234 | pinespc.org

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE

Christ the Servant Lutheran 713-784-6620 | christtheservant.net

St. Philip Presbyterian Church 713-622-4807 | saintphilip.net

Seventh Church of Christ, Scientist 713-532-7323 | christianscienceheals.com

Memorial Lutheran Church 713-782-6079 | mlchouston.org

St. Thomas Presbyterian Church 281-497-4846 | stthomaspc.org

First Christian-Katy 281-492-2693 | fcckaty.com Memorial Drive Christian Church 713-789-0060 | mdccdoc.org

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

in this section Area Hospitals Medical Moving Tips Finding a Doctor

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

HEALTHCARE RESOURCES The cutting-edge healthcare facilities, physicians and medical services available in Houston have grown over the years to meet the healthcare needs of the communities they serve. Patients now have the opportunity to heal closer to home, work and family. The city of Houston is world-famous for medical care. At the forefront of advancing life sciences, Texas Medical Center is one of the world’s most respected medical centers. Each year, TMC receives 10 million patient visits. It has 106,000 employees, 50,000 life science students and thousands of volunteers. It is home to 21 renowned hospitals, 14 support organizations, and a myriad of academic and research institutions, and specialty schools. As the largest medical complex in the world with 9200 beds, it is busy; a baby is born here every 20 minutes and a surgical procedure begins every three.

The world-class healthcare of the Texas

Memorial Hermann Katy is known for

Medical Center is now available in West

providing

Houston. Houston Methodist West Hospital

patient-centered care and leading edge

is a full-service, acute care hospital that

technology close to home. It is nationally

brings the Houston Methodist tradition

recognized for patient safety and quality

of excellence and leading medicine to

and features a medical staff with disciplines

West Houston, Katy and the surrounding

spanning 38 specialties.

The dedicated scholars collaborating at the Texas Medical Center have great expertise in cardiovascular disease, cancer, children’s medical problems, neuroscience, strokes, rehabilitations and other areas. More heart surgeries are performed here than anywhere else in the world. www.texasmedicalcenter.org.

and the only dedicated pediatric emergency

In addition to the most modern and

service in Greater West Houston. Recently,

comprehensive healthcare facilities in the

TCH West was one of just 13 hospitals out

Greater Houston region, residents of West

of more than 1,300 nationwide to be selected

Houston and Katy can find family doctors

as a Top Children’s Hospital by The Leapfrog

and specialists, as well as neighborhood

Group, which compares hospitals across the

emergency clinics that are equipped to

nation based on safety, quality and efficiency.

treat most illnesses, minor injuries and

communities. With almost 200 beds and some of the most innovative minds in South Texas, it is tending to virtually every health care need. The Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus is the area’s only dedicated pediatric hospital,

excellent

clinical

expertise,

Houston’s world-renowned M.D. Anderson Cancer Center is now in Katy. Taking advantage of more than 70 years’ experience in dealing with cancer, the center offers cancer care and treatment in a community setting, keeping patients close to home.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

HEALTHCARE RESOURCES

other health-related needs. With little or no waiting, walk-in patients can get a routine physical, school immunizations, and standard screening tests. Some clinics are located within stores or shopping centers and have extended hours to accommodate their patients. Recent additions to personal health care options include specialty clinics that treat conditions such as smoking cessation and weight loss. Wellness Centers affiliated with hospitals or a physician’s practice frequently offer weight reduction, health management programs and medical spa treatments.

MOVING MEDICAL TIPS

Houston Methodist West Hospital houstonmethodist.org/west Houston

Methodist

West

Hospital

leading medicine in the West Houston, Katy and surrounding communities by delivering the Houston Methodist standard of unparalleled safety, quality, service and

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 5 6 7

innovation. As Houston Methodist’s fifth hospital since 1919, the hospital provides nearly 200 beds and some of the most inno-

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.

vative minds in South Texas, addressing virtually every health care need. Clinical excellence at Houston Methodist West begins with the highly trained medical staff, representing a wide range of medical specialties and subspecialties. Specialties include orthopedics and sports medicine, neurology, cancer, heart and vascular care, minimally invasive surgery, urology, and women’s services, among others.

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. 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. Pack an emergency first aid kit to take en route to your new home. Items such as bandages, thermometer, pain killers or aspirin, antihistamine, firstaid ointment, tweezers and decongestant can come in handy.

These professionals collaborate to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care right in your backyard. The hospital houses some of today’s latest technologies to ensure you’re receiving the best care possible. Patients experience a spiritual, healing environment thanks to the natural atmosphere, chapel, private patient rooms and chaplaincy services. Houston

Methodist

West

Hospital

currently expanding to meet the area’s growing population. The expansion will

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

additional

patient

rooms,

emergency

rooms and state-of-the-art operating rooms. Expansion of imaging services will include the latest screening technology, and the maternity unit will have the newest patient and guest amenities. An additional free

For more information about Houston Meth-

a medical staff of more than 1,000 affil-

odist West, visit houstonmethodist.org

iated physicians representing more than

Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center www.memorialhermann.org 713-272-1673

70 specialties, each day Memorial City explores new, innovative treatments that are changing health care and improving quality of life for patients. Their 426-bed facility includes a 33-story tower, home

parking garage was recently completed. Free valet services are offered at the main

Building on a 40-year legacy of caring

to Women’s Memorial Hermann, Chil-

entrance of the hospital for the convenience

for the residents of Greater and west

dren’s Memorial Hermann and a new

of patients and their guests.

Houston, Memorial Hermann Memo-

Center for Advanced Orthopedics. Their

rial City Medical Center is an advanced,

comprehensive Cancer Center, Digestive

At Houston Methodist, your family’s well-

award-winning academic medical center,

Health Center and IRONMAN Sports

being is at the center of everything wedo.

offering high-level care typically found

Medicine Institute offer highly special-

From simple checkups to more complex

only in the Texas Medical Center. With

ized care close to home. 

concerns, our new Primary Care group in Katy at 23530 Kingsland Blvd. provides the compassionate care you need, as well as access to Houston Methodist’s leading network of world-class specialists. Many patients require extended hospitalization after a short stay in the hospital. Houston Methodist St. Catherine, located just a few miles away in Katy, is designed for patients with complex clinical needs who require intensive medical and rehabilitative care, and who are not well enough for placement in a skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility. Houston

Methodist

Emergency

Care

Center in Cinco Ranch is open 24/7/365 to treat patients of all ages who are ill or injured. The state-of-the-art facility includes 10 private treatment rooms and on-site emergency care services, including X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, ultrasound and laboratory services. The center is located at 26000 FM 1093 (at Cinco Rose), between the Cinco Ranch and Fulshear communities. For conditions requiring hospital admis-

FINDING A DOCTOR Moving to a new city is exciting, but it also requires finding the grocery store you like, the schools your kids will attend - and the healthcare practitioners that fit the needs of your family. The following is list of local and national physician resource, including the American Medical Association - where you can search for general practice physicians by location, specialty, and more. American Medical Association: Resource for general health information, as well as a search function for local physician resource under the “Patients” tab of the site. www.ama-assn.org

sion or further evaluation, patients have direct, expedited admission to Houston Methodist West. As West Houston, Katy and Fulshear continue to grow, Houston Methodist West will continue growing with it. With a full range of services and specialties and facilities throughout the region, you can be confident

American Academy of Pediatrics: National website for children’s health resources; separate “Parenting Corner” website is comprehensive site for health-related news, questions, and other topics. www.aap.org • www. healthychildren.org Texas Medical Association: Listing of member physicians across the state, as well as information on general health resources; go to the “Find A Physician” tab to search by specialty or location. www.texmed.org

you’ll find expert care, close to home.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

in this section

Major Employers Local Chambers of Commerce Houston By The Numbers

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

BUSINESS &

COMMUNITY In all, there are more than 300 local, national and multinational energy-related companies in West Houston; but the region’s economic diversity goes way beyond oil and gas.

The

Houston

growth of Cypress Fairbanks. This member-

its primary purpose is to increase the values

employers reads like a Who’s Who list of

roster

major

West

driven organization is the collective voice for

of district properties through initiatives in

global corporate giants, from BP America

its more than 500 member businesses, and

transportation, public safety and security,

and Shell, to ConocoPhillips and Citgo

provides value through advocacy, leadership

urban environmental design, business devel-

Petroleum. Approximately 600,000 people

and growth. It works to support and unite

opment, and staffing and administration.

work in the West Houston area, with other

members, while creating strategic partner-

major employers involved in healthcare,

ships in transportation, education and local

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce

education, transportation, engineering and

infrastructure. It also maintains strong alli-

www.fortbendchamber.com

construction, and retail.

ances with elected officials which ensures

Following is a partial list of some of the

that it remains well informed on public

The largest single county chamber in the

policy affecting the region.

Houston region, the Fort Bend Chamber

major chambers of commerce and economic development

organizations

working

advance West Houston and surrounding areas; their websites offer a wealth of information about the region.

of Commerce has more than 1,200 member Energy Corridor District www.energycorridor.org The Energy Corridor District works to

companies and organizations. As the voice and advocate for business excellence, the chamber strives to be a catalyst for economic

enhance the quality of life and sense of

prosperity, tourism and community involve-

Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce

place in the over 1,700 acres that extend

ment. It is among the one percent of

www.cyfairchamber.com

along both sides of Interstate 10 and along

chambers of commerce in the nation to earn

Eldridge Parkway. The district’s vision is to

a 5-Star Accreditation, and is committed

Since 1986, the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber

be internationally recognized as a premier

to maintaining and improving the excellent

of Commerce has played a vital role in the

place in which to work, live and invest. And

quality of life enjoyed in Fort Bend.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY

HOUSTON by the NUMBERS Want to know how living the Houston area compares to other cities? Assuming a $60,000 salar y in the city you’re moving from and that you’d own a house here, we used a salary/cost of living calculator to help figure out the rest. If you made $53,759 in Denver, for example, your salar y could decrease to $41,995 in Houston - and you’d still maintain the same standard of living. See the table below for the results from a sampling of other cities.

Fulshear Area Chamber of Commerce www.fulshearareachamber.com The Fulshear Area Chamber of Commerce helps all types of businesses increase their exposure

and

networking

opportunities

within the over 300 square mile service area. The fastest-growing chamber in Texas, the organization strives to constantly and consistently find innovative ways to involve and support all members. It is committed to being a prolific multi-event and networking content provider in order to benefit the area business community. Some sponsored events include: “How to Win Wednesdays,” “Fulshear State

MOVING FROM HERE

SALARY

MOVING FROM HERE

of the City,” and weekly podcasts.

SALARY

Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council

Phoenix

61,439

New York City

25,910

Detroit

61,826

Los Angeles

41,996

The Greater Fort Bend Economic Develop-

Austin

61,375

Chicago

50,705

ment Council promotes economic vitality

San Francisco

33,401

Las Vegas

54,455

support and grow the business culture in

Boston

40,832

Portland

45,498

Denver

53,759

St. Louis

63,697

Miami

52,467

Raleigh

65,105

Pittsburgh

59,757

Cincinnati

64,818

cate for policies that encourage businesses

Dallas

61,311

Charleston

58,336

commit capital investment, and retain and

www.fortbendcounty.org

in Fort Bend. Championing the causes that the county, the Fort Bend EDC and its partners are the leading advocates for economic growth, quality development, workforce development, and pro-business policies on a local, state, and federal level. They advoto relocate and expand within the county, create quality jobs. Houston West Chamber of Commerce www.hwcoc.org “In Business, For Business” is the motto of the Houston West Chamber of Commerce, which has been working for West Houstonians since 1975. The chamber lists four cornerstones:

creating

and

improving

economic opportunities for all; advocating and creating a climate of growth and success for its broad and diverse business membership; providing unique opportunities for members by connecting them to important community issues; and building stronger communities by staying focused and involved in top business, civic and social priorities.

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

Katy Area Chamber of Commerce www.katychamber.com The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce has served the Katy-area business community

“

by assisting with and advocating for business development and economic growth since 1960. This voluntary organization of businesses and professionals offers services to strengthen existing businesses, encourage small business creation, and develop a talented workforce. Acting as spokesman for the busi-

Home to hundreds of energy related companies, Central & West Houston is solidly grounded as the energy hub of Houston, the Energy Capital of the World. But West Houston’s thriving economy is also highly diversified.

”

ness and professional community, the chamber delivers services to enhance the quality of life and business development opportunities for members and the whole community. Katy Business Association www.katybusinessassociation.com The Katy Business Association promotes businesses in the downtown “Heart of Katy,” where visitors can find antiques stores, restaurants, gift and specialty shops, arts and crafts, and much more. Downtown Katy also has an information and tourist center located in the historic Missouri-Kansas-Texas railroad depot. The KBA and its members work to preserve the traditions and history that make Katy one of the best cities to live and work, while meeting the challenges of today’s growth and changing demographics. Katy Economic Development Council www.katyedc.org Founded in 2003, the Katy Area Economic Development Council’s mission is to lead the economic development efforts of the Katy area to recruit, retain and expand new high quality, high impact companies, jobs and talent to improve the quality of life and place of Katy-area residents. Since its inception, the Katy Area EDC has grown to over 200 members, has a budget of of $800,000 + and has assisted in the creation of thousands of jobs and billions in capital investment. Spring Branch Management District www.sbmd.org Spring Branch Management District’s mission is to positively impact public

safety, business development, environ-

The West Houston Association has a

mental and urban design, and mobility

40-year history of bringing new ideas

and transportation to facilitate profit-

to Greater West Houston. Its member-

ability, promote the redevelopment and

ship includes property owners, major

growth of the area, and to help create

employers

an environment attractive to business.

interests who combine to advocate for

Located between the Energy Corridor,

improved mobility, better infrastructure

the Galleria and Downtown Houston,

and a sustainable, quality of living envi-

Spring Branch is an area rich with diverse

ronment for the 1.6 million residents and

culture and history. Initiatives by Spring

600,000 employees. One major initiative is

Branch Management District include

its Quality Planned Development (QPD)

public

programs,

program, which recognizes real estate

security patrols, graffiti removal and

developments designed to create quality

maintenance of various landscapes.

living and working environments, like

safety

awareness

and

community

Cinco Ranch, Cross Creek Ranch, BridgeUptown Houston www.uptown-houston.com

land and Towne Lake.

Uptown Houston, the umbrella term for

Westchase District www.westchasedistrict.com

what was formerly called “the Galleria area,” is an urban community of exceptional beauty, sophistication, style and international prominence in the heart of Houston. Defined by its unique blend of prestigious business and residential addresses, with the best in shopping, hotels, dining and entertainment, Uptown is unrivaled as the city’s premiere shopping district. It also has more than 28 million

Westchase District was created by the State of Texas at the request of property owners within the district, who voluntarily tax themselves to provide a higher level of services than the city of Houston would. The District’s initiatives focus on economic development, mobility, beautification, and maintaining a high level

square feet of office space, 7,600 hotel

of public safety. As a result, Westchase

rooms, and is home to Waterwall Park.

District offers an attractive suburban lifestyle in one of Houston’s largest, most

West Houston Association www.westhouston.org

dynamic urban centers. The unique character of the District has made it a business and retail hub. 

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

in this section Parks and Attractions Arts and Culture Sports and Golf Calendar of Events Dining & Shopping

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

LEISURE & RECREATION

Life is too short to just work; you gotta play too. And in vibrant Houston, fun activities abound, with annual events such as the world’s largest rodeo, the nation’s largest renaissance festival and the country’s quirkiest event, the art car parade.

The city’s diverse personality shines through with buoyant events like the Chinese New Year, Cinco de Mayo, Juneteenth and LBGTQ Pride Celebration. It’s often said that Houston doesn’t cherish its history, but that’s not the case with traditions like the 83-year-old Azalea Trail and numerous historic home tours. Plus, Houston’s rich arts, theatre and restaurant scenes offer exciting experiences every day. One of the best websites for finding out about special events in Houston is www.visithouston. com, the official site of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau. The website includes a visitor’s guide, interactive maps, coupons and discounts, and itinerary ideas. One of its most popular features is the Houston CityPass, which provides admission to five of Houston’s top attractions at a substantial discount!

AND IN THE WEST HOUSTON, THE FUN CONTINUES Some events, like Fulshear’s July 4 Freedom Fest, reflect the region’s small-town roots and love of tradition. Others, like the Katy Wild West Brew Fest and the West Houston Food

Truck Festival, celebrate the region’s newer,

Theatre. Laugh until you cry and be part

trendier vibes.

of the fun at Houston Improv, the city’s premier comedy club. Or take in one of the

West Houston has plenty of attractions,

many galleries or show spaces.

too, including cultural centers and history museums, like the Katy Heritage Museum,

It’s possible to fly indoors on a supportive

the Vietnam War Memorial, or the Veterans

draft at Ifly. Water down those spicy hot

Museum of Texas, where the service provided

summer days by slipping down a soggy slide

by all American soldiers from World War II to

at Typhoon Texas or paddle in a puddle at

the present is documented and celebrated.

any one of the many splash-pad parks.

Part of the rich demographic diversity that is

If you need it, it’s here. The shopping in

Houston, cultural centers and festivals cele-

Houston draws wallets from around the

brating societies from around the world are

world. And in West Houston, the shopping

everywhere. In West Houston, you can take a

options are vast. From vibrant malls, outdoor

hula class at Houston’s Hula Halou & Polyne-

markets and specialty shops, you can find the

sian Dance studio or enjoy a performance of

perfect thing, often at the right price. New

traditional Indian dance at the Anjali Center

urban-style destinations like CityCenter and

for Performing Arts. Houston is home to the

LaCenterra also buzz with free concerts,

second largest Asian population in America

outdoor movies and much more.

(after Los Angeles) and in West Houston, it’s very easy to enjoy a traditional Thai or Chinese meal, or treat yourself to a foot

Some of the largest urban parks in the nation are in West Houston, like Terry Hershey Park

massage.

where you can mountain bike the anthills, or

Take the stage and hone your acting skills

can enjoy an owl prowl. The former Exxon

or watch others command the stage at a

Chemical campus along the Katy Freeway

dramatic production at the Queensbury

is being developed into a wooded space for

Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary where you

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

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

photos and antiques. Old Town Katy offers unique shopping and dining in the original heart of Katy.

people to relax in nature and take a break from the bustle of urban life. Enjoying such a rich tapestry of activities and presentations takes fuel to keep your

CityCentre www.citycentrehouston.com

energy up, and in West Houston, you’re in

also recalls the careers of the 130 members of the Katy VFW group, which includes men and women from every branch of the armed forces who served in combat. Mary Jo Peckham Park

luck. Hundreds of restaurants, from small

West Houston’s urban-style mixed-use center at the Katy Freeway and Sam Houston Tollway offers an ongoing slate of events in addition to its shopping, dining and entertainment options. Check their website for events such as visual arts exhibits, live music and dancing under the stars, Doggy Party on the Plaza dates, and more.

mom-and-pop cafes to successful national franchises to one-of-a-kind culinary destinations mean the dining scene is varied and wonderful. You’ll be sure to find something to eat that hits the spot.

AREA ATTRACTIONS Brookwood Community www.brookwoodcommunity.org

Katy Mills Mall www.katymills.com

Located in Brookshire, just west of Katy, this is a non-profit residential facility and vocational program for adults with disabilities. Brookwood is known for the wonderful ceramics and other gift items made by its residents; its expansive gift shops and art galleries carry a wide array of unique items. The garden shop, with plants and flowers grown by residents, rivals the best nurseries anywhere. Ditto for the very popular café. Group tours are available.

A tourist destination of the retail kind, Katy Mills has 1.3 million square feet of shopping, dining and entertainment. Katy Heritage Park www.katyheritagesociety.com Katy Heritage Park has restored historical buildings including the Wright Museum, the Featherstone House, the Stockdick House and the old Post Office. Concerts are held at the Tradition Bank Bandstand.

Central Green www.willowforkdrainagedistrict.com/ central-green

Katy Prairie Conservancy www.katyprairie.org

Free outdoor movies, concerts and special events such as an annual children’s festival are offered year-round at this half-acre multipurpose park, surrounded by lakes and restaurants in LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch. Developed by the Willow Fork Drainage District, Central Green has an outdoor stage, large shady oaks, and outdoor seating around a grassy lawn.

Tour thousands of acres of preserved prairie with leisurely family friendly tours or more strenuous nature hikes. Open Trails events are also offered. LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch www.lacenterra.com This shopping, dining and entertainment destination at Grand Parkway and Cinco Ranch Boulevard offers free public events throughout the year, including a weekly Farmer’s Market, outdoor concert series, Baby Boot Camp and Mondays with Mom.

City of Katy Attractions www.katychamber.com Katy offers the Railroad Park & Museum, housed in the old MKT Depot, which also serves as the city’s visitor information center. A caboose and elegant Verdin street clock grace the park. Also, the Katy Heritage Museum displays vintage farming artifacts from Katy’s pioneer days, along with old

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

Katy Veterans Museum cityofkaty.com/visit-us/museums This museum in VFW Park features exhibits of every foreign conflict involving the US. It

2020

Located north of I-10 West near Pin Oak, this 32-acre park includes a playground, mini golf, a large picnic pavilion and a fishstocked lake. It also has a lighted walking trail, a tropical fish pond, a community center with an exercise room, and restrooms. No Label Brewery www.nolabelbrew.com Tour Katy’s own craft brewery, No Label Brewing Co., located in a repurposed rice silo in Old Town Katy. Tours and tastings are offered every Saturday, and special events take place throughout the year. The Water Wall Galleria Designed by architect Philip Johnson more than 20 years ago, the Galleria-area Water Wall offers a refreshing respite for visitors seeking a mid-afternoon break. The 64-foottall fountain - built to look like a “horseshoe of running water” - sits among 186 oak trees at the base of the 64-story Williams Tower. Bayou Bend Collection & Gardens www.mfah.org Bayou Bend, the magnificent home of Miss Ima Hogg, is best known for her superb collection of American decorative arts, innovative architecture, and breathtaking gardens. The heavily wooded 14 acres (5.7 ha) along Buffalo Bayou include eight formal gardens. Three of the gardens are named for a statue of a goddess or muse displayed in the garden, Clio, Diana and Euturpe. 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.

McGovern Centennial Gardens & Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion www.hermannpark.org

Hermann Park www.hermannpark.org

The McGovern Centennial Gardens is home to a diverse collection of gardens including an arid garden, a rose garden, a woodland garden, an interactive family garden, and more. You can get a bird’s-eye view of it all by walking the spiral path to the top of a 30-foot mount.

Arguably Houston’s “Central Park,” this 445-acre park wedged between the Museum District and Medical Center celebrated its 100th birthday recently 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 Arboretum & Nature Center www.houstonarboretum.org Nestled along the western edge of Memorial Park, the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and the opportunity to experience the natural world – all in the center of town. Visitors can explore nature by walking on five miles of trails, take classes and visit the Discovery Room and the Nature Shop at the Nature Shop. Houston Zoo houstonzoo.org | www.shrp.com

Miller Outdoor Theatre www.milleroutdoortheatre.com Since 1923, Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park has been Houston’s venue for free outdoor performances. This remarkable facility with its free high-quality programs is unique in the US. It is the only proscenium theatre in the country that offers an artistically excellent, culturally diverse eight month season of performances totally free of charge to the public. Moody Gardens www.moodygardens.org A tropical destination for families and groups. Explore the all new Rainforests of the World along within the Aquarium Pyramid®, the Discovery Museum & the action of the IMAX® 3D, 4D or Ridefilm theaters. Cruise aboard the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, tee off at the new Moody Gardens Golf Course and relax at the Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center for an ideal getaway.

Port of Houston Boat Tour 713-670-2416 The Port of Houston offers free, 90-minute round-trip, educational cruises along the Houston Ship Channel. Embarking from the port’s Sam Houston Landing, visiting sightseers can enjoy passing views of international cargo vessels, and operations at the port’s Turning Basin Terminal. Measuring 95 feet in length and 24 feet in width, the boat carries a maximum capacity of 100 passengers, with air-conditioned lounge seating and additional standing room on the boat’s rear deck. Sam Houston Race Park Sam Houston Race Park is one of Houston’s premier racing, dining and entertainment destinations, located just 15 minutes from Downtown. Sam Houston Race Park have a variety of exciting sports and entertainment in addition to live horse racing as well. The Park features two major racing seasons – Thoroughbred Season (January through March) and Quarter Horse Season (March through May). San Jacinto Monument & Museum www.sanjacinto-museum.org 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.

Aiming to be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife, The Houston Zoo cares for over 6,000 animals, even educating some. Each year, over 2 million guests are enchanted, educated, and inspired as they experience the incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. With exemplary animal care in mind, the Zoo provides engaging animal experiences for visitors in multiple seasonal and permanent attractions, like holiday Zoo Lights and the new Gorillas of the African Forest exhibit. The Houston Zoo is open seven days a week, from 9:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located at 6200 Hermann Park Drive.

Photo courtesy of The Houston Zoo

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Space Center Houston www.spacecenter.org

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

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

The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts brings first-class entertainment and cultural enjoyment to Houstonians by way of the generosity of their donors. This arts complex is home to the Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS), and the Houston Broadway Series. Houston Grand Opera 510 Preston St., Houston, 77002 www.houstongrandopera.org

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

THEATER DISTRICTS

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

Alley Theatre 615 Texas Ave., Houston, 77002 www.alleytheatre.org

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

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

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. 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. 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 for actors, directors and additional staff. Stages contributes much to the Houston community, including the availability of thrilling live performances. The Theatre produces daring and innovative plays focusing on new off-Broadway hits and world premieres. Society for FINE the Performing Arts 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

HOUSTON BALLET 501 Texas Ave., Houston, 77002 • www.houstonballet.org

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

The Houston Ballet is a classically trained company with diverse repertory whose range includes the classics are well as contemporary works. This company attracts the world’s best dancers and choreographers. The Houston Ballet also has a world class Academy whose instruction levels vary from professional dancer to non-professional dancers. 2020

A non-profit based in Houston, Texas,

Buffalo Soldiers National Museum

As one of the most heavily attended

Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) offers a

3816 Caroline St., Houston, TX 77004

museums in the United States, the Houston

world –class musical theatre experience that

www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com

Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) seeks to enhance knowledge and delight in natural

ranges from full-scale Broadway productions to educational initiatives that extend

The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum

science and related subjects. It houses

beyond the stage and into the community.

(BSNM) is proud to educate the public and

the Burke Baker Planetarium, Wortham

TUTS is equipped for actors and aficio-

preserve and promote the history, tradition

GIANT Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly

nados of all ages and abilities.

and outstanding contributions of America’s

Center and a fascinating variety of perma-

Buffalo Soldiers from the Revolutionary War

nent exhibit areas that examine astronomy,

Wortham Theater Center

to the present. Here, you can find workshops,

space science, Native American culture,

501 Texas Ave., Houston, 77002

youth outreach programs and exhibits about the

paleontology, energy, chemistry, gems and

www.houstonfirsttheaters.com

history of the Buffalo Soldiers and their service.

minerals, Texas wildlife and more.

Houston’s largest performing arts complex,

Children’s Museum of Houston

is home to the Houston Ballet and Houston

1500 Binz St., Houston, TX 77004

Grand Opera and is partnered with Da Cam-

www.cmhouston.org

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

era of Houston and Mercury the Orchestra Redefined.Featuring two theaters, the Alice

A duck pond, playhouse, grocery store,

and George Brown Theater and the Lillie

Mexican village, puppet show and an

and Roy Cullen Theater. Since its opening in 1987, Wortham has entertained more than 8 million people.

infant play area are all under one roof. The fun-filled hands on experience at the Children’s Museum of Houston will not leave anyone bored. For nearly 30 years, the place for families to play, laugh, learn and grow.

MUSEUMS The Art Car Museum 140 Heights Blvd., Houston, 77007 www.artcarmuseum.com Otherwise known as the “Garage Mahal”, The Art Car Museum is dedicated to contemporary art. It is an exhibition forum

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

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

with an emphasis on art cars, other fine arts

also offers special programs and educational

and artists that rarely, if ever, are acknowl-

opportunities. Admission is Free.

edged by other cultural institutions. Most popular to Houstonians is the annual Art

The Health Museum

Car Parade.

1515 Hermann Dr., Houston, 77004 www.thehealthmuseum.org

The Menil Collection is an art museum that houses both permanent collection and welcomes special exhibitions. Making art accessible to all is vital to their mission, so no admission fee is charged and all public programs are free. They hope to educate and inspire by being readily accessible to future generations. The Museum of Arts, Houston (MFAH) 1001 Bissonnet, Houston, 77005 www.mfah.org

The Health Museum is Houston’s most

5555 Hermann Park Dr., Houston, 77030

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents its exceptional exhibitions and installations to Houston residents and visitors alike. The Museum has numerous collections that fill the galleries year-round embracing every era of history from across the globe. Make time to visit the Bayou Bend Collection not too far away. From 2015 to 2019 the campus of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston will transform into a

www.hmns.org

magnificent two new buildings. 

interactive science learning center and a member institution of the world-renowned Texas Medical Center. The Health Museum

Blaffer Art Museum helps the community to engage in contemporary art through exhibitions, publications and public programs. This art museum is free, and open to the public in an effort to promote participation in the arts. Blaffer Art Museum is also the gateway between the University of Houston and the City of Houston.

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

The Contemporary Arts Museum of Houston

for local, national and international arts

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

The Holocaust Museum Houston is dedicated to educating people about the Holocaust, remembering the 6 million Jews and other innocent victims and honoring the survivors’ legacy. The Holocaust Museum Houston has a permanent exhibition called “Bearing Witness: A Community Remembers,” as well as other pieces of history.

is the most visited health museum of its kind in the country.

Popular exhibits include:

DeBakey Cell Lab, Amazing Body Pavilion and the McGovern 4D Theater. The Houston Museum of Natural Science

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

SPORTS

Photo Courtesy of The Houston Astros

& GOLF

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

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

SPECTATOR SPORTS

Astros are on a roll. Currently the winnin-

name is reflective, in part, of Houston:

gest team in baseball, the team and its fans

an energetic, hard-working, risk-taking

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.

are having a lot of fun. Playing in Minute

kind of town. 2006 and 2007 MLS Cham-

Maid Park, one of the country’s few

pions, fans have lots to cheer about as this

stadiums with a retractable roof, the team

team continues to rank well both at home

serves up entertaining baseball action at

and internationally. The Dynamo play

home about 80 times over the course of

in BBVA Compass Stadium, an architec-

the season. Fans enjoy gourmet hot dogs,

turally acclaimed venue, located east of

pork sliders, tex-mex fare and many other

downtown.

The Houston Astros www.astros.com

The Houston Dynamo

sional

www.houstondynamo.com

team playing in the Southwest Division of

Part of the West Division of Major League Baseball’s American League, the Houston

Founded in 2005, the Dynamo is Hous-

basketball champions, the Rockets are

ton’s Major League Soccer Team. The team

regular challengers in playoff action and

delectable choices while enjoying the game. Around the park, many restaurants,

The Houston Rockets

clubs and music venues hop, especially on

www.houstonrockets.com

game day.

The Houston Rockets are the city’s profesNational

Basketball

Association

the Western Conference. Two-time world

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

always provide exciting end-to-end action in the Toyota Center. Many star players have passed through the team’s roster over its almost-fifty-year history and now James Hardin and the rest have launched the Rockets back into competitive contention. The Houston Texans www.houstontexans.com Football is huge in Texas and the Texans are huge in Houston. In their 16th season, this NFL professional team are the 2011, 2012 and 2015 AFC South Division Champions. Head coach Bill O’Brien and has put Photos Courtesy of the Houston Texans

together an exciting roster that includes fan favorites, like J.J. Watt, and new up-andcomers, like Deshaun Watson.

GOLF

Sunday football is celebrated in NRG stadium cheering on the team, tailgating

Winters in Houston are mild and temperate,

with friends in the parking lot before and

with the average high in January (the coldest

after the game, at many sports bars around

month) at 62.9°F and the average low at

town, or in front of your own television.

43.2°F. There are over 200 days of sunshine,

Go Texans!

so Houston is a golfer’s paradise.

And there are plenty of places to play in West Houston. A wide range of municipal, public, or private courses, as well as country clubs offer varying terrain and challenges to suit every golfer’s taste. Here, you’ll find stunning courses designed by golf legends such as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Fazio. Or watch the professionals grip it and rip it at the nearby Shell Houston Open. In addition, golf lessons, clinics, PGA professionals and First Tee Programs are offered throughout the greater Houston area.

WEST HOUSTON PARKS Arthur Storey Park Arthur Storey Park, blends the importance of storm water retention with a park environment that includes amenities provided through a local initiative. Every weekend, hundreds of Harris County residents enjoy all that Arthur Storey Park has to offer. Bayland Park Situated three miles outside of the southwest end of the Inner Loop—on 70 acres at the corner of Hillcroft and Bissonnet—Bayland Park remains a popular outdoor destination for visitors of all ages and abilities. The multi-use park makes room for different sports as it features fields for baseball, softball, football and soccer, as | CONTINUED PAGE 84 >

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

2020

GOLF COURSES PUBLIC Bear Creek Golf Course

281-859-8188

bearcreekgolfworld.com

The Golf Club at Cinco Ranch

281-395-4653

cincoranch.com

Hermann Park Golf Course

713-526-0077

hermannparkgc.com

Memorial Park Golf Course

713-862-4033

houstonmunicipalgolf.org

Pine Crest Golf Club

713-462-4914

pinecresthouston.com

River Ridge Golf Club

800-553-7517

riverridgegolfclub.com

Sharpstown Park Golf Course

713-988-2099

houstonmunicipalgolf.org

The Club At Falcon Point

281-392-7888

falconpoint.com

Black Hawk County Club

281-494-4244

bhawkcc.com

Meadowbrook Farms

281-693-4653

meadowbrookfarmsgolfclub.com

Pine Forest Country Club

281-463-0900

pfcc.com

Royal Oaks Country Club

281-899-3207

royaloakscc.com

Westwood Golf Club

713-774-3011

wwgolfclub.com

Weston Lakes Country Club

281-346-1412

westonlakes.net

Willow Fork Country Club

281-579-6262

willowforkclub.com

Weston Lakes Country Club

281-346-1228

westonlakes.net

PRIVATE

embers of Willow Fork Country Club

• New Renovated Championship Golf Course • Active Tennis Associations

• New Renovated Clubhouse

belong for many reasons. We offer

golf, tennis, fitness, and swimming, as well as both casual and fine dining. We’ve also taken the next step and put a tremendous effort into providing

• Casual and Fine Dining • Social Events....

activities and events that further reach out and

I am In.

nis associations, and a virtually non-stop calendar

welcome families. With a variety of activities, including 18 holes of championship golf, active tenof social events, this is an incredible country club experience for all of our members.

Please contact Stacey Brandt, our Membership Director today at 281.579.6262 Ext. 112 or email sbrandt@willowforkclub.com to schedule a personal tour of the Club and visit about our

membership opportunities.

Willow Fork Country Club 21055 Westheimer Parkway Katy, Texas 77450

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

well as a tennis court, jogging trail, commu-

Cullen Park

nity center and a pavilion. Bayland Park is also

Park visitors interested in enjoying the

equipped with a running track for the visually

scenery can walk or ride their bikes along the

impaired. There are restrooms and picnic

paved trail that begins at the Phase II picnic

tables spread throughout the park, along with

area and ends 3.34 miles later at Highway 6.

two playgrounds.

The trail takes you past wildflower plantings, two wetland environments, and through the

Bear Creek Pioneers Park

shade of splendid oaks. In addition, there are

The history of Bear Creek Pioneers Park

5 miles of trails in other areas of the park,

that was created in the 1940s by the United

some of which follow the picturesque banks

States Army Corps of Engineers to prevent

of Mayde Creek.

the repetition of flooding that occurred in Houston in 1935. Bear Creek Pioneers

George Bush Park

Park occupies a portion of the Addicks

Named in honor of the 41st president of

Reservoir, which was previously a land that

the United States George H.W. Bush. The

was occupied for 100 years by farmers that

7,800-acre park located on the far west side

were mostly German immigrants and their

of Houston, serves as a major attraction and

descendants. In 1965, Harris County leased

nature reserve. The park has a system of

2,154 acres (8.72 km2) of the reservoir and

jogging trails, many surrounded by swamps,

started the park development.

forest, and bayous. Many of the trails follow

Bear Creek Pioneers Park is 2,168 acres in size

round. The trail is well known for its flexibility

and has paved roads and parking for visitors.

in biking, many speed bikers ride the trails. It

The park also features walking trails, an eques-

is very similar to the nearby Terry Hershey

trian trail, a small zoo (including buffalos, an

Park in that both feature paved trails. A crit-

ostrich, and emus) an aviary, playgrounds,

ical shortcoming of the trail system is that the

soccer fields, little league and softball fields,

sole paved trail does not form a loop, requiring

four lighted tennis courts, eight picnic pavil-

cyclists to either ride in the traffic lanes of high-

ions, horseshoe courts, and hundreds of picnic

speed thoroughfares or retrace their route.

the Buffalo Bayou, and biking is popular year

tables and grills. Near the aviary, ducks can

In addition to the biking trail, there is a large

been seen walking freely around a pond. The

wooden bridge that crosses the Buffalo Bayou,

park also has restrooms all around the park

dubbed “the Boardwalk”. Capable of holding

and drinking water fountains.

five tons, the Boardwalk was built in 2004, mainly to cross the swampy, meandering Buffalo Bayou. The bayou flows slowly and

Hermann Park - Photo courtesy of GHCVB

unsteadily in the area, spilling some of its water into swamps as it conjunctions with a second bayou. The Boardwalk provides easy access across the bayou, seating, but no access to the Buffalo Bayou shoreline. Hockley Park Hockley Park has many of the amenities

which is built on a man-made hill.

priate stone (and if the sun is shining!). 

something else few other places can boast: a Soap Box Derby track. The half-mile derby track was finished in 2010 and draws racers from around the region and beyond to try out their soap box skills. Visitors can also

Paul D. Rushing Park Named for Houston professional engineer Paul D. Rushing who designed and coordinated a variety of area land development projects over three decades, this 232-acre park is a gem in the Katy Prairie. In addition to a series of ballfields and clubhouses, Paul Rushing Park offers an abundance of other recreational opportunities. The Chainof-Lakes wildlife habitat is a centerpiece. Covering more than 100 acres the area consists of a series of interconnected lakes of varying depths that provide the perfect habitat for native and seasonal birds. Summer birds include the black-bellied whistling duck and black-necked stilt. Fall brings shorebirds and waterfowl as well as hawks and sparrows. Bald eagles and crested caracarases also make stops here.

bike and rollerblade up and down the track

areas, a pond and a playground. But it has

WEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE

Nottingham Park Touted as a “Kid Fit Park” one of Nottingham Park’s most impressive features is the splash park - a terrific water play area for kids of all ages, and one of the largest of its kind in the Houston area.

Terry Hershey Park The land occupied by Terry Hershey Park was acquired by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1940s. Located along the banks of Buffalo Bayou and South Mayde Creek, the park spans 500 acres and features some of the nicest on and off-road bike trails in Texas. There is a walk-in sundial where your shadow will tell you the time if you stand on the appro-

typical of a county park, such as picnic

Mary Jo Peckham Park In 1991 the Mary Jo Peckham Park for all Children opened. The park is designed to provide enjoyment for children and families, as well as older people and those with disabilities. Occupying 32 acres, the park features include a large playground; both toddler and regular swing sets; a miniature golf course that includes putters for young children; picnic pavilion; gazebo; well-stocked fishing lake where you can feed the ducks; a lighted walking trail; public restrooms both in the community center which houses an exercise room and indoor pool and outside along the walking trail; several picnic tables; grills; and a tropical fish pond.

2020

Calendar of

EVENTS Houston area events you will not want to miss

JANUAR Y Chevron Houston Marathon Established in 1972, the Houston Marathon Committee, Inc. (HMC), a Running USA Founding Member, annually organizes the nation’s premier winter marathon, half-marathon and 5K. Over 300,000 participants, volunteers and spectators make Chevron Houston Marathon Race Day the largest single-day sporting event in Houston. www.HoustonMarathon.com Annual MLK Youth Parade The MLK Youth Parade will kick-off the MLK Holiday weekend of events. The parade will be held in Houston’s Midtown, originating on San Jacinto Street & Elgin Street beginning at 12 Noon (CST) and will feature more than 100 performing groups from across the nation including 15 award winning marching bands. www.mlkgrandeparade.org

FEB R UAR Y Mardi Gras Galveston Island The Island’s Mardi Gras celebration, is expected to draw more than 300,000 attendees for 29 live concerts, 23 parades, 22 balcony parties and five elegant masked balls. And, this island-style Mardi Gras has plenty of personality: from the classic revelry found in the heart of Galveston’s historic downtown district – where the bulk of festivities take place – to electronic dance parties and family friendly events and parades, Mardi Gras! Galveston offers excitement everyone can enjoy. www. galveston.com/mardigras Texas Home & Garden Show Houstons’ Premier “One Stop Shopping Opportunity” for all your home & garden needs. From Windows and Doors to Ceilings and Floors over 700 experts, products, services and ideas all under one roof. Attractions, Vacation, Leisure & Outdoor Attractions, Green Energy products, Home Décor, Building Products, Kitchens, Bath & More, Outdoor Living, Pools, Spas, Remodelers, How-to-Workshops, The Texas Home & Garden Show will be held at NRG Center Hall A. www.texashomeandgarden.com

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MA R C H

zones and over 300 activities. All proceeds benefit Child Advocates and the abused

World’s Champion Bar-B-Que Cookoff You won’t want to miss the biggest pre-party to the world’s largest livestock show and rodeo. More than 250 teams led by barbecue aficionados will compete in a traditional Texas cook-off. While most team tents are invitation-only, visitors can enjoy the public venues including the Miller Lite Garden, Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon and the Chuck Wagon, where you receive a complimentary chopped beef sandwich plate. Come enjoy three days of cooking, competition, eating and dancing! www.rodeohouston.com

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 Crawfish & Music Festival The Annual Texas Crawfish & Music Festival has taken the friendly, relaxed

Houston Livestock Show And Rodeo™ The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ was organized for charitable, educational and scientific purposes to encourage and promote the breeding, raising and marketing of better livestock and farm products at public fairs and to promote and maintain research and educational functions within the livestock industry. It is the general policy of the Show to utilize, in the fiscal year subsequent to which it is earned, the excess of its revenue over expenses for the furtherance of its exempt purpose, including the granting and/or funding of scholarships, educational endowments, agricultural research projects and other similar programs and the funding of related capital additions and improvements www.rodeohouston.com

fun and community feel of Old Town Spring and served it up big, with hot, fresh Crawfish, along with the best of Cajun dishes and classic festival fare. www.texascrawfishfestival.com Nature Fest 12,000 attendees and many wild animals April 2016 for the ninth Nature Fest, an annual event that brings attention to the award-winning master planned community’s commitment to the environment and ecosystem. www.bridgeland.com

MA Y Cinco De Mayo Block Party on Main Street Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at five Main Street bars in Midtown. The party at Capitol Bar will expand into the parking lot, and entertainment and revelry will spread

Freedom Over Texas Freedom Over Texas is the Mayor’s Official Fourth of July Holiday Event. Held on the banks of Buffalo Bayou, it features multiple stages of nationally recognized and local recording artists, family-friendly activities, and of course, unrivaled pyrotechnic artistry set to music. www.houstontx.gov/july4 City Of Katy Freedom Celebration This collaborative effort will showcase a day filled with activities provided by the Katy Fire Department, Katy Heritage Society and Heritage Park, VFW Lodge and Park, and Katy Parks and Recreation. Attractions will include vehicle extrications, visits from U.S. Army and Marine representatives, a firehouse tour, water hose playtime, bounce houses, petting zoo and free hotdogs at the Fire Station, plus a delicious BBQ plate lunch for sale and both live and silent auctions all benefitting the VFW lodge. www.cityofkaty.com

to Leon’s Lounge, Mongoose versus Cobra, Traffic Lounge and Cle Day & Nightclub.

J UN E Free Press Summer Fest Presented by Free Press Houston, Summer

AP R I L

Fest is an annual 2-day music festival held at Buffalo Bayou’s Eleanor Tinsley Park.

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

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fill Oak Meadow Park at Bridgeland in

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

4th of July Celebration

It features dozens of performances on 5 different stages, as well as fireworks, interactive art installations, music workshops and some of the best of today’s local and national musicians. www.fpsf.com

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AUGUST Katy Summer Nights Enjoy family-friendly movies in the park at Katy City Park from 8pm to 11pm, or whenever the movie ends. www.cityofkaty.com Houston International Jazz Fest This will be the 27th anniversary of the Houston International Jazz Festival, which traditionally showcases Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Soul and Latin Fusion. 15 to 25 artists are featured. www.jazzeducation.org

SE P TE M B E R Taste Of The World Houston Food And Wine Festival The Houston World Food & Wine Festival celebrates food, drink, music and dance from around the world. The festival has a globe-trotting theme that invites attendees to try out a new variety of food and arts and enjoy an international experience. It provides a feast for the senses and reflects the multicultural diversity of Houston. Texas Renaissance Festival Plantersville - Based on travel-worthiness, chance to broaden horizons and the ability to introduce people to try new things and connect with others, the Texas Renaissance Festival has been voted the best cultural festival in the country by USA Today and 10Best. Enjoy magicians, jugglers, minstrels, troubadours, comedians, food, arts and crafts that all celebrate life in the 16th Century. “When people step through the Royal Gates into the Texas Renaissance Festival, they are transported not only to another time, but to another world,” says Terre Albert, the festival’s general manager. www.texasrenfest.com

OC TO B E R 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 various Houston area charities – such as: Children’s Assessment Center, Houston Area Women’s Center, Star of Hope Mission and many more. www.greekfestival.org

Market in Simonton. Headliners are George Ducas and Jesse Raub Jr. www.fulshearareachamber.com

N O VEMB ER Katy Community Camp Out The event will start on Friday at 4pm through Saturday at 10am. Come out to VFW Park and set up your campsite with us! Enjoy a hot dog dinner, camp fire and s’mores! Get comfortable with your family under the stars to enjoy an outdoor movie before cuddling up for the night in your tents. Saturday morning we will be serving a pancake breakfast before you head out to enjoy the rest of your weekend. There is no fee, but you must register in advance. www.cityofkaty.com Nutcracker Market The Houston Ballet’smajor fundraiser, the Nutcracker Market is a shopping wonderland. This year’s market will feature more than 325 national and international merchants carefully selected for their unique offerings. Look for gourmet food, home décor, garden accessories, clothing, novelties and the perfect gift. www.houstonballet.org H-E-B Holiday Parade The Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade will welcome the holiday season by celebrating all things Houston, including a salute to the world-acclaimed Texas Medical Center. The Fun begins at 9am when the downtown streets come alive with zesty marching bands, imaginative floats and colorful balloons. Bring the family.

Katy Rice Harvest Festival Considered one of Greater Houston’s top festivals, the annual Katy Rice Harvest Festival celebrates the area’s historic farming roots with two days of family fun, including two stages with continuous live entertainment,crafts, food booths and more, all found in Historic Downtown Katy. www.riceharvestfestival.org Red Barn Festival Enjoy food, drinks, music and fun at this year’s Red Barn Festival in Red Potato

DECEMB ER Katy Old Fashioned Christmas Festival This event is located in Historic Downtown Katy in December and is graciously hosted by Katy Market Day. This special Christmas market includes feature produce, arts and crafts, antiques, jewelry, gifts, clothes and homemade items. While you are in town be sure to check out their great boutiques and shops. www.katymarketday.com 

AREA SHOPPING CITYCENTRE 800 Town and Country Blvd. Houston, 77024 www.citycentrehouston.com Forest West Shopping Center 5375 Antoine Dr Houston, TX 77091 The Galleria Houston 5058 Westheimer Rd. Houston, 77056 www.galleriahouston.com Highland Village 4055 Westheimer Rd. Houston, TX 77027 Katy Mills Mall 5000 Katy Mills Cir Katy, TX 77494 www.katymills.com La Centerra at Cinco Ranch 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. Katy, 77494 www.lacenterra.com River Oaks Shopping Center 1964 W Gray St Houston, TX 77019 www.riveroaksshoppingcenter.com Town & Country Village 12850 Memorial Drive Houston, 77024 www.townandcountryvillage.com Uptown Park 1400 Post Oak Blvd. Houston, TX 77056 West Oaks Central Shopping Center 2703 Highway 6 S Houston, TX 77082 www.shopwestoaksmall.com

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DINING SCENE West Houston spans from Fulshear to the Galleria, so finding a scrumptious place to dine will not leave anyone feeling disappointed. The choices are endless: BBQ, Tex-Mex, Greek, Korean – you name it, and it’s a guarantee that the West Houston area will have it covered.

Antonia’s Restaurant 2001 Katy Mills Blvd. Katy, 77494 www.antoniaskaty.us Bistro Provence 13616 Memorial Drive, Houston,TX,77084 www.bistroprovence.us Sushi Hana Japanese Kitchen 1638 S. Mason Rd. Katy, 77450 www.sushihanakaty.com Ray’s Gourmet Country 8502 FM 359, Fulshear, 77441 www.raysgrill.com Masraff’s 1753 Post Oak Blvd. Houston, 77056 www.masraffs.com Local Foods 5740 San Felipe St. Houston, 77057 www.houstonlocalfoods.com Pizaro’s Pizza 14028 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77079 www.pizarospizza.com Sushi Jin 14670 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77079 www.sushijin.us Georgia’s Market Memorial Village 9201 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024 www.georgiasmarket.com Vine Wine Room 12420 Memorial Drive, Houston, 77024 www.vinewineroom.com The Tasting Room 818 Town and Country Blvd. #100 Houston, 77024 www.tastingroomwines.com CRU 2800 Kirby Dr. B-130, Houston, 77098 www.cruwinebar.com

Brenner’s Steak House 10911 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77079 www.brennerssteakhouse.com

The Union Kitchen Memorial 12538 Memorial Dr. Houston, 77024 www.theunionkitchen.com

Dish Society 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. Katy, 77494 www.dishsociety.com

Lupe Tortilla 318 Stafford St., Houston, TX 77079 9313-A Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024 www.lupetortilla.com

Doux Cafe 865 Dairy Ashford Rd., Houston, TX 77079 www.douxcafe.net Straits 800 Sorella Ct #940, Houston, TX 77024 www.straitsrestaurants.com Peli Peli 5085 Westheimer Rd., Ste B2515, Houston, 77056 www.pelipeli.com The Devine Affair 14021 Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77079 www.thedevineaffair.com

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The Cellar Door 829 S. Mason Rd. Suite 280 Katy, 77450 www.thecellardoorwinebarkatytx.com Memorial Wine Cellar 7951 Katy Freeway, Houston, 77024 www.memorialwinecellar.com

Empire Turkish Grill 12448 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77024 www.empireturkishgrill.com

Another Round Wine Bar 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. D Katy, 77494 www.anotherroundkaty.com

Churrascos Memorial City 947 Gessner Rd., B290, Houston, 77024 www.churrascos.com

1919 Wine & Mixology 2736 Virginia St. Houston, 77098 www.1919wmb.com

Carmelo’s Restaurant Italiano 14795 Memorial Drive, Houston, 77079 www.carmelosrestaurant.com

Drexel House Eatery & Wine Bar 3974 Westheimer Rd. Houston, 77027 www.drexel-house.com

Jonathan’s the Rub 9061 Gaylord Dr, Houston, TX 77024 www.jonathanstherub.com

Sonoma Wine Bar 2720 Richmond Ave. Houston, 77098 www.sonomahouston.com

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