One of the amazing perks about living in Houston is the easy ability to buy affordable and great housing inside the city. Yes, you can move out to the suburbs and purchase giant new homes in gated communities, but you can also choose to live in the loop to have easier access to city life. As Houstonians are looking to shorten their commutes, take advantage of public transportation, enjoy inner loop dining and entertainment, and send their kids to some great public schools, life inside the loop is becoming an increasingly attractive option. Young people, retirees, young families, and urbanities are all moving to different areas inside the 610 loop.
I currently live in an awesome EaDo condo, right next to lots of restaurants and nightlife. We can actually walk to places, including downtown, which is pretty exciting in Houston. Our place is a former warehouse, so it has been beautifully reconstructed with a beautiful modern kitchen and bath I can't imagine life without. But now, as we are looking to grow our family, a one bedroom condo next to a live music venue and multiple bars really isn't going to work. We have been on a search that has lasted quite a few months, and are hopefully narrowing our options down.
My obsession as of late has been HAR.com. This is the fastest and easiest way to to search Houston real estate. I may have wasted a few good hours on this website, hours which could have been spent writing a couple of novels, solving the energy crisis, or figuring out the meaning of life. But instead I have spent lots of time comparing 3 to 4 bedroom houses, estimating the cost to install central AC, and inspecting photos for the deatils of "original" hardwoods and the like. I know have a fountain of knowledge for anyone looking to buy and live in the loop, but unfortunately none of it is helping us find a house.
Granted, we've only been at this for 3 months or so. We're priced out of the Heights and Montrose, so we've seen dozens of places in the East End, Idylwood, Museum District, and Riverside Terrace. It seems like Andrew and I can't see eye-to-eye on things, and there's always a huge compromise for one of us thus negating the option. I am OK with doing some updating, while Andrew wants things done and easy. I like little hobbit houses, and Andrew wants lots of space. I like historic places brimming with character, and Andrew likes clean, modern looks. We have yet to find the "perfect" place, the one you walk into and sigh and say, "This is our home!"
Now, if we were to move to Clear Lake, Westbury, Memorial, Spring Branch, etc...we would be able to find a wonderful place that meets all our requirements. I now get why people move to the suburbs; it's just so much easier! Especially when you factor future children into the picture, it really becomes a great option.
Fortunately, one thing we do see eye-to-eye on is our commitment to stay inside the loop. This will keep Andrew's commute at 5 -10 minutes max, potentially with him even riding the light rail to work. I will be working in the city probably for the remainder of the time we live here, so a good central location is key. We want our future children to grow up in diverse and culturally-rich neighborhood while attending great schools, museums, and festivals. We both want to support Houston as the inner loop grows and develops to become the quirky, urban, and diverse city that it is.
Now if only we could find our house. Oh, perfect inner loop house, I know you are out there!
