Houston’s finest neighborhoods are governed by strict covenants. Homeowners are expected to abide by the rules. These rules are designed to protect the value of the homes, and the neighborhood. It is a good idea to learn as much as you can about the neighborhood before making a decision.
- Visit the neighborhood on a week-end when the homeowners will be at home. Stop and visit with your future neighbors. Find out what they like and don’t like about the neighborhood.
- Find out the demographics of the subdivision. Public records are available based on the 2000 census which reveal household income, martial status, population by age group, school enrollment, occupation, etc. This gives you the opportunity to see if your neighbors fit in with your lifestyle.
- Do you want privacy and security? Many of the luxury neighborhoods employ off-duty Police officers and Constables to patrol the neighborhoods. Gated communities are becoming more popular in Houston. Some of these Gated Communities maintain a guard post at the entrance.
- Is the neighborhood in a Historical district? If your future home is located in a historical district. You may find that improvements to your home are governed by the city. While this seems very nice, it usually costs about 3 times more money to work on a historical home than one that is not. This is because guidelines limit the type of changes you can make. For example, a homeowner wants to put energy efficient windows in the home. But because the new windows have to match the existing windows the cost is much higher.
- Are shopping malls, boutique stores, dining and entertainment located nearby? There are some beautiful luxury neighborhoods which are either located miles away from shopping or they are near malls which have gone into decline. Spend some times in the shopping centers; do you fell comfortable with the people who are shopping in the center?
- In Houston some of the luxury neighborhoods are small towns which have become surrounded by Houston. Many of these neighborhoods have their own park, police and fire departments. These police departments are known for keeping crime down in the neighborhood by being aggressive, with quick response times. Luxury neighborhoods have more parks with better equipment. Families with children especially prefer these neighborhoods.
- The Homeowners Association fess can be expensive in luxury neighborhoods, and the rules strict. The association will charge for security service, gate fees, landscaping maintenance, pool, etc. Because Houston has no zoning laws. These organizations are responsible for many decisions affecting your home. They may tell you how high a fence can be built between homes. The color of paint you use in your painting your home, and the type of dog you are allowed to keep at your home.
- What Zip Code is the home located in? Certain zip codes in Houston are considered very prestigious. For example the zip code 77019 is assigned to River Oaks. If you live anywhere close to River Oaks and your zip code is 77019. Then you are thought of as living in the River Oaks area.
- What schools are assigned to the neighborhood? Houston schools can vary from being very good to very poor. Many wealthy people send their children to private schools. But with the economy in a recession, this is becoming less of an option. Look at the school on line, then go by the school to met the teachers and principal to decide if you want you child to attend this school.
In summary, the more information you acquire about a neighborhood, the better decision you will make.
Call Bill Edge at 713-240-2949 to see Houston homes in 24 hours or less.