HtownAg92

I live in Woodshire and can answer some of the questions that you asked. As for crime, it is minimal. There was an uptick in break-ins the past few years, but increased awareness by the police and extra constable patrols (paid for by our voluntary HOA dues) seem to have put a stop to them. As for police response time, it is pretty quick. There is a substation at Braeswood and Newcastle that puts police here pretty quick if called. I've never felt unsafe walking in the neighborhood, and there are residents walking all day long. I'm pretty sure that most homes in the neighborhood have enough setback and elevation that flooding is not an issue. My house did not flood during Allison and I don't think any on my street did either. The neighborhood, as Kate mentioned, is in a transition period. When we bought in 2003, there were very few younger couples / kids in the neighborhood - mostly original owners. As those owners have sold, the neighborhood has gotten much younger and we see many more kids. As for Longfellow, it seems to be transitioning as well, but as it stands now, it isn't the greatest of schools. I believe there has been movement to encourage Linkwood and Woodshire residents to "stay home", but it may be some time before it is a desirable school. Pershing has been rebuilt and is fine. As Kate mentioned, Woodshire is zoned to Bellaire High, which is one of the best high schools in the state. As for the changes in the neighborhood, I think it comes with the territory in a neighborhood with original homes built in the 50's that is "starting over" with new families and kids. At least in Woodshire, I do not see the "disinvestment" resulting from new builds in the neighborhood. Everyone still keeps up with their homes and yards here, regardless of whether it is an older home. I wouldn't let growth and rebuilding deter you from buying here. The location can't be beat - West U / Bellaire location without West U / Bellaire prices. That, along with the "dreaded" rebuilding, has done nothing but steadily increase property values, which cannot be said for many other areas.