Best Suburb

[ProHouston]

Crime Reports (by offense)

Sugar Land's murder rate exceeds the national average in 77479.

As you'll see, overall crime in each of the other popular suburbs is lower than the Sugar Land zips.

BTW, there's no 77410 zip code in Cypress that I've heard of. Phantom zip code? If you can find it on a map, please show us.

Are you kidding me? Even your numbers (though less legit than mine from Yahoo, or CNN Money below) show only one category out of 9 where SL is above the national average. And that's in only one of the 4 SL zip codes. The other zip codes show SL below average.

Also, here are the crime stats as reported by Money's Best City rankings.

Sugar Land Nat'l Avg

Personal crime 23 45

Property crime 31 74

BTW, your phantom zip is located here (image from realtor.com).

[mrfootball]

Are you kidding me? Even your numbers (though less legit than mine from Yahoo, or CNN Money below) show only one category out of 9 where SL is above the national average. And that's in only one of the 4 SL zip codes. The other zip codes show SL below average.

Also, here are the crime stats as reported by Money's Best City rankings.

Sugar Land Nat'l Avg

Personal crime 23 45

Property crime 31 74

BTW, your phantom zip is located here (image from realtor.com).

Less legit, my ass.

And most of the Sugar Land zips are at or near the National Avg. in every crime statistic.

The perception is, no other 'nice' suburb comes up as many times as Sugar Land in the nightly news when it comes to these types of crimes. Not The Woodlands, Not Klein. Not Cypress. Not Katy. Not Kingwood (though they did have one major homicide case for the first time in a number of years).

As for 77410, its used for PO Boxes. Its not even on the zip code maps. As I stated the main Cypress Zips are 77429 and 77433.

[musicman]

May have something to do with TV. Seems like there's a driveway robbery, assault, kidnapping, carjacking, mugging or dead bodies found in Sugar Land every week.

just had a story on 13 news about a driveway robbery in SL.

[ProHouston]

Less legit, my ass.

And most of the Sugar Land zips are at or near the National Avg. in every crime statistic.

The perception is, no other 'nice' suburb comes up as many times as Sugar Land in the nightly news when it comes to these types of crimes. Not The Woodlands, Not Klein. Not Cypress. Not Katy. Not Kingwood (though they did have one major homicide case for the first time in a number of years).

As for 77410, its used for PO Boxes. Its not even on the zip code maps. As I stated the main Cypress Zips are 77429 and 77433.

I'll take legitimate stats over your perceptions any day.

[mrfootball]

I'll take legitimate stats over your perceptions any day.

I'll take bandit-free driveways over your 'legitimate stats' any day

[bachanon]

I don't think you can rank a burb unless you live in one. The Woodlands provides NOTHING for the astronomical fees one pays. iwas once told Tanglewood was a suburb when I lived there....\

so if tanglewood is a burb, it ranks number one in my book.

nothing? for one, your community association fees pay for your garbage pick up as well as keeping the roadways, greenspace and parks clean of debris. here's some more:

Parks and Recreation

Community Associations of The Woodlands, Texas, Parks and Recreation Department, operates and maintains more than 140 miles of hike and bike paths, nearly 100 parks, 12 swimming pools, more than 1,800 acres of open space, The Woodlands Recreation Center, and a variety of amenities for residents to enjoy.

Hike and bike pathways are for non-motorized use and are located throughout the villages of The Woodlands so residents can enjoy a variety of activities, such as walking, jogging, bicycling and roller-blading. Pathways are also conveniently linked throughout neighborhoods to parks and area shopping centers.

Parks offer residents opportunities for recreation and socializing, and contain various amenities such as swimming pools, picnic pavilions with barbecue grills, basketball courts, playground equipment, sports fields, volleyball and tennis courts.

The purpose of the Parks and Recreation Department is to maintain, contribute to and enhance the quality of life in The Woodlands. This purpose is achieved through the provision and facilitation of recreational programs for residents of all ages with a special emphasis on teen programming, the protection and restoration of our native and forested environment, and stewardship of common areas of the associations including parks, swimming pools, facilities, pathways, athletic fields, roadsides and medians.

With this understanding, a goal of the Parks and Recreation Department is to be timely and responsive in addressing the needs and concerns of citizens of The Woodlands. We, the parks and recreation team, recognize that our customers want solutions to their problems, quality and reliability, and most importantly to be valued and understood. We also recognize that every customer is different and strive to treat customers the way they want to be treated. We welcome and accept the responsibility and accountability for providing the best quality customer service possible.

Parks & Recreation Links

Summer Recreation Programs (PDF)

2007 Swim Lessons

Interactive Pathway Map

Park Amenities Matrix

Park Rules

Pathway Etiquette

Recreation Center and Programs

Spring Programs 2007 - Action Guide

Program Registration

Park Safety Tips

Wheel-Friendly Parks

Pool Schedule and Swim Pass Information

CB&I TRI

Construction Updates

Integrated Forestry Management Program

Request for Bids

Summer 2007 Concert-in-the-Park schedule

Dog-friendly Parks

Ten For Texas

Triathlon One O One

2007 Summer Camps

In the Spotlight Teen Talent

Environmental Services

The Community Associations of The Woodlands, Environmental Services Department, is active in promoting earth-friendly programs throughout the community, with programs such as Don't Bag It, Yard of the Month, Xeriscape, Adopt-a-Path, Texas Recycles Day and Earth Day, just to name a few. The department also provides educational information by arranging local seminars and conducting educational programs at area schools, in cooperation with existing community resources and volunteers.

In addition, the Environmental Services Department monitors the contract with Waste Management of Texas, Inc., a private waste company, to provide an integrated residential solid waste management system for The Woodlands. Services include once-per-week curbside collection of garbage, recyclable materials and yard waste.

The department also oversees The Woodlands Recycling Center, located on Research Forest Drive.

* Mosquito Information

Call 281.210.3900, or e-mail enviro@catw-tx.org for more information on Reduce-Reuse-Recycle, Volunteer Opportunities, Less Toxic House, Earth Friendly Yards and Dealing with Wildlife.

Environmental Services Links

Earth Day 2007

Garbage, Recycling and Yardwaste Pickup Information

Local Recycling Guide

Recycling Center Checklist

Adopt a Pathway

Composting Classes

2007 Holiday Garbage Schedule

Donations Guide

Mosquito Information

Household Chemical Waste Facility

Walk in the Woods Nature Lectures

Woodlands Landscaping Solutions

Neighborhood Services

The mission of Neighborhood Services is to create a sense of community and a safe community through a series of outreach programs into the neighborhoods of The Woodlands. We also foster a neighborhood-based network of volunteers, community partnerships and public safety partnerships. Our goal is to create opportunities for educating and informing residents about the services available to them and to create a linkage between Community Associations of The Woodlands, Texas, community and the villages.

Click here for the Telephone Network Message page

Please click here for information related to preventing fires and arson

* Request a Paint Kit

* False Alarms Brochure

* Solicitor Information

*

Top 5 Points of Interest

Contact us at neighbor@catw-tx.org

there is much more that the "astronomical" fees pay for, i don't feel like posting more. i'm perplexed at how someone could say the fees provide "NOTHING". my association fees are under $500 a year. i feel that living in the environment provided is worth it.

[KatieDidIt]

Bach, yeah the parks parks parks parks. And if you want to use the pools that association fees pay to keep up, you can buy a 60 dollar pool pass for each person.

Seriously though, we rarely use the parks. The pathways are now on high traffic roads and if you don't like traffic noise, you don't use them. Trash pickup once a week at the curb for the fees we pay is a little silly. County keeps up the roads. Many other issues I can rant about, but we are moving so what's the point.

As far as the aspects around the home or dealing with residency, compared to Tanglewood and other inner loop neighborhoods, they provide very little for 3 times the amount.

Bach, I pay 2800 a year in associaiton fees. If I paid 500 maybe I wouldn't delicate flower so much, because that would be a good deal. The association feeing process is very socialistic.

[westguy76]

2,800!!!! A YEAR IN THE WOODLANDS?

[mrfootball]

When we were looking back in 2004, it was more like $1200.

$2800 sounds more like Carlton Woods or a a similar higher-end section. I don't believe the majority of the Woodlands pays that high of a fee.

[KatieDidIt]

When we were looking back in 2004, it was more like $1200.

$2800 sounds more like Carlton Woods or a a similar higher-end section. I don't believe the majority of the Woodlands pays that high of a fee.

Mr. Football. They base the association fees in The Woodlands on what your tax appraisals are. So, its an association tax. With the new hikes we will be over 3000 next year. I would consider us a mid-range home in Sterling Ridge. I can't imagine what the really elborate Customs pay. Everyone gets EXACTLY the same types of services, but as the home value goes up so does the association fee.

Carlton Woods is subjected to this also PLUS they have pay an additional fee. I thinks its like another 1000 a month. NOt sure on the amount though.

[westguy76]

Wow, I never would have imagined and escalating scale based on county appraised values for association fees? Is this rare? I've never heard of it. I pay $800 out in Cinco Ranch and so do several people I know who live here. And we have comparible ammenities, no?

[TheNiche]

just had a story on 13 news about a driveway robbery in SL.

Aren't Channel 13's offices along the Southwest Freeway? Strangely enough, aren't most of the TV stations along the Southwest Freeway?

Could it be that Sugar Land gets so much bad press because 1) good press doesn't scare people, 2) more affluent people are easier to scare, 3) Sugar Land is a shorter drive? Editor is in the business; perhaps he could comment on my theory.

[musicman]

Aren't Channel 13's offices along the Southwest Freeway? Strangely enough, aren't most of the TV stations along the Southwest Freeway?

Could it be that Sugar Land gets so much bad press because 1) good press doesn't scare people, 2) more affluent people are easier to scare, 3) Sugar Land is a shorter drive? Editor is in the business; perhaps he could comment on my theory.

They are on bissonnet, inner loop.

[ArchitecturalPRGirl]

Music man,

I was talking about my earlier point that suburbs have no originality, just master planned concrete communities with ugly strip centers, chain restaurants and Walmarts. Nothing truly unique like the Village, a pedestrian friendly shopping area with interesting architecture and warm character.

I know exactly what a suburb is and try to avoid them at all costs.

[TheNiche]

Music man,

I was talking about my earlier point that suburbs have no originality, just master planned concrete communities with ugly strip centers, chain restaurants and Walmarts. Nothing truly unique like the Village, a pedestrian friendly shopping area with interesting architecture and warm character.

I know exactly what a suburb is and try to avoid them at all costs.

I don't know about that. I've almost gotten run over out there by a distracted SUV driver before, and the only thing "warm" about the Village Arcade is the weather.

[KatieDidIt]

I just sum it up the fact the burbs ain't got no soul.

[ArchitecturalPRGirl]

You must have never shopped at 5 & 10 or sat outside and had coffee at Croissant Brioche, or eaten at Benjy's, or walked into the Bead shop. The Village Arcade isn't the only part of the Village. That's the new part. All the other streets are what's great. Except now Randall Davis is doing that ugly ass mixed-use development Sonoma and ruining the back side of the Village. Besides the fact that is the stupidest marketing campaign/slogan ever! Something about "Home to lawyers, hippies (now changed to Bohemians), and something else stupid. They need to fire their marketing team.

[TheNiche]

You must have never shopped at 5 & 10 or sat outside and had coffee at Croissant Brioche, or eaten at Benjy's, or walked into the Bead shop. The Village Arcade isn't the only part of the Village. That's the new part. All the other streets are what's great. Except now Randall Davis is doing that ugly ass mixed-use development Sonoma and ruining the back side of the Village. Besides the fact that is the stupidest marketing campaign/slogan ever! Something about "Home to lawyers, hippies (now changed to Bohemians), and something else stupid. They need to fire their marketing team.

Of course not. Do I sound like the kind of guy that buys beads and related accoutrement or overpriced coffee? There are some places at the Village that are of interest, but the only ones that can draw me in with any regularity are Half Price Books and the Istanbul Grill; I'll eat elsewhere if someone in the Village if someone is picking up the tab, but otherwise, the offerings are overpriced. Parking sucks, and I came to realize by way of my near-miss that walking sucks. Weather typically also sucks. Besides, the Village Arcade may not comprise the entire Village, but it is hard to ignore since it dominates the scene. So the aesthetic sucks. ...but the kicker is that the demographics suck. I have difficulty coexisting with people that spend lots of money on crap, especially in large numbers.

And as you pointed out, the Medeterrainian style is coming, and would seem as though it could co-dominate the aesthetic. I'm sure that it'll do well from a sales point of view, but for me, it just further solidifies the notion that Rice Village is the suck.

[musicman]

And as you pointed out, the Medeterrainian style is coming, and would seem as though it could co-dominate the aesthetic.

yeah...definitely will make it more commonplace.

[mpbro]

...but for me, it just further solidifies the notion that Rice Village is the suck.

No, you misunderstood -- "pedestrian friendly" in Houston means that you park your car and have a sidewalk from your car to your destination. It does NOT imply that you'll actually cross a street. ;-)

We live within walking distance of the Pillage, but avoid it after 11 am on the weekends. Seems like the only time we go is when OTL friends want to meet.

I knew that the Village had officially entered suckdom when you started getting towed away when you visited the G-man. Oh, and Di Falco's Brewing Supply leaving didn't help.

[bachanon]

................and benjy's is overrated.

[ArchitecturalPRGirl]

Oh you all need to get out more and stop being so bitter. Parking sucks anywhere you go, that's life. Be glad you live in Houston because you would never survive in NY or Cali. And as for the weather, you chose to live in humid Houston so don't complain.

If you think it's so expensive, I'll buy you a beer so you can CHILL OUT. Literally and figuratively

[musicman]

Oh you all need to get out more and stop being so bitter. Parking sucks anywhere you go, that's life. Be glad you live in Houston because you would never survive in NY or Cali. And as for the weather, you chose to live in humid Houston so don't complain.

If you think it's so expensive, I'll buy you a beer so you can CHILL OUT. Literally and figuratively

just like the 'tude you find in the village

[TheNiche]

Parking sucks anywhere you go, that's life.

Not where I go.

Be glad you live in Houston because you would never survive in NY or Cali. And as for the weather, you chose to live in humid Houston so don't complain.

I don't think I'd want to survive in NY or Cali!

And why would I complain about the weather when I can park within 50 feet of the door at most places 95% of the time?

If you think it's so expensive, I'll buy you a beer so you can CHILL OUT. Literally and figuratively

Free beer sounds good and I'd love to meet and chat. PM me with time/place and I'll be there.

[PureAuteur]

I'll take bandit-free driveways over your 'legitimate stats' any day

To be fair, MrFootball, Cypress doesn't have a SW Houston warzone directly beside it. Given its location, Sugarland has a very good crime rate. I would attribute it to the fact that it's a good community, not unlike Cypress/Longwood. Where you live, the spatial distribution of crime involves low crime areas bordered by lots of other low crime areas, so you're at an advantage. I think a lot of sw Houstonians and Aliefers are bitter to the fact that people are living so comfortably in Sugarland while sw Houston is in shambles, so they want to take it out on the homeowners. It's kind of like a class warfare. Be glad that you don't have it in 77429.

[ProHouston]

You must have never shopped at 5 & 10 or sat outside and had coffee at Croissant Brioche, or eaten at Benjy's, or walked into the Bead shop. The Village Arcade isn't the only part of the Village. That's the new part. All the other streets are what's great. Except now Randall Davis is doing that ugly ass mixed-use development Sonoma and ruining the back side of the Village. Besides the fact that is the stupidest marketing campaign/slogan ever! Something about "Home to lawyers, hippies (now changed to Bohemians), and something else stupid. They need to fire their marketing team.

From the way his units sell, I'd have to say that his marketing team are all stars.

[ArchitecturalPRGirl]

That's a pretty judgemental, assumptive and small-minded remark. All kinds of people from all over go to the Village. You should re-think that.

No need to respond.

[TheNiche]

No need to respond.

Ahem, still waiting for my invite.

Seriously. I'll do it and look forward to it. I don't make cameo appearances for just anyone, and its not every day that I get to meet an architectural PR girl.

[PureAuteur]

Of course not. Do I sound like the kind of guy that buys beads and related accoutrement or overpriced coffee? There are some places at the Village that are of interest, but the only ones that can draw me in with any regularity are Half Price Books and the Istanbul Grill; I'll eat elsewhere if someone in the Village if someone is picking up the tab, but otherwise, the offerings are overpriced. Parking sucks, and I came to realize by way of my near-miss that walking sucks. Weather typically also sucks. Besides, the Village Arcade may not comprise the entire Village, but it is hard to ignore since it dominates the scene. So the aesthetic sucks. ...but the kicker is that the demographics suck. I have difficulty coexisting with people that spend lots of money on crap, especially in large numbers.

And as you pointed out, the Medeterrainian style is coming, and would seem as though it could co-dominate the aesthetic. I'm sure that it'll do well from a sales point of view, but for me, it just further solidifies the notion that Rice Village is the suck.

The Village Arcade will look good in comparison to that mixed use project, The Sonoma. Mediterranean style is so over-used and tired. I can't believe they decided on this style for the Rice Village when there are so many possibilities! Where are all the talented architects these days? Every time you see new luxury apartments or luxury condos go up in Houston recently it's been a generic "luxury" design with a Meditteranean or Tuscan name, as if it is the general marketing consensus with these developers that those types of names equate to luxury in people's minds. Why don't they just build nice residential projects like they did in the 70s and 80s without the luxury pretense? How about trying a new style, a unique style, perhaps? Palm trees and the Rice Village do not mix.

That's a pretty judgemental, assumptive and small-minded remark. All kinds of people from all over go to the Village. You should re-think that.

No need to respond.

Everyone makes remarks that could be characterized as such. I find it refreshing when people aren't constantly trying to be politically correct when say or type something.

[ArchitecturalPRGirl]

I agree with you on the boring, generic style and names. Especially Sonoma. They should have tried to keep with some of the art deco architecture that makes the Village unique. All the new stuff is built so cheaply these days too.

As for the music man's remark, I agree that people should disagree, but it was an ignorant statement.

Hey niche, sorry but I can't reveal my identity:)

Signed,

Mystery Woman