MasonParkThree

I thought that I would update this out-dated thread (in case any other potential parents come across it) since we are still living in the East End and went through the HISD magnet admissions process earlier this year. Our daughter child was admitted to (arguably) the best elementary in town, minus the St. John's tuition, and with no strings pulled on our behalf. We gambled on the East End... and WON.

Technically, you can apply for a transfer to any school, zoned, magnet or otherwise, for any reason. Also, keep in mind that there are dozens of magnet programs in HISD schools, even underperforming ones, ie. Milby's successful science/engineering magnet. Most of those programs do not require testing, only interest in the magnet focus and "space available". You can apply to as many magnet programs as you want. There is only a limit on Vanguard (G/T) applications, three.

We are parents of young children and live in the East End. I doubt I will be sending my kids to Austin H.S. (or Milby, where we are zoned) simply because I don't have to. Those who live in HISD have the luxury of school choice. If you don't want your child to attend your zoned school than you can apply elsewhere. If you are accepted into a magnet program (which starts in K), then you can also expect your child to be bussed to the school of your choice at no cost. There have recently been plans to scrap the magnet transportation program though, and I'm sure changes are imminent. I would send my child to Lantrip, however, and possibly De Zavala or Carrillo (Vanguard). http://www.houstonis...00052147fa6RCRD

It's not open yet. There is still major work to be done, but the retail sign went up yesterday. I guess they are trying to stir up some early interest.

Now a 99

My husband and I rented between the Altic and Eastwood area for several years before purchasing a home near Mason Park. We are young professionals with a baby. We find this side of the East End to be much quieter, safer and family oriented than our last home... although we do have one neighbor with a deafening car sound system.. .but that's another story. We were able to get much more house for the money in this area and are enojoying the proximity to the park tremendously. I am disappointed in the number of families with young children, though. No playmates for my little one. There is a large 2 bedroom on Smallwood selling for about 115K, though personally I think it is also a bit overpriced and I would imagine is in need of renovation. I sometimes get frustrated when forced to make the drive to bookstores, ethnic food, organic produce, etc... but in the long run it saves us money. I used to shop at Half-Price books at least once a week. Now I browse the Houston Public Library catalog and have the books delivered to the Melcher Branch. Very cost effective Good Luck with your search. I just started looking at commericial/retail in the area this weekend myself. I imagine I will be stopping by here to ask for advice on this topic as well. I currently work out of my home, but I imagine a storefront might increase my client base.

I noticed a Children's Place going in today. As the mother of a one year old, I'm delighted. It is another step up for the area IMO.

My grandparents grew up in what they have always called "the old neighborhood", "Magnolia," or "the Avenues" on the other side of Harrisburg. They have also mentioned to me that "you had to have a really good job" to live around here back then. It appears as if it may come full circle.

Thank you for the hospitality musicman. We'd certainly like to meet some more Far Eastenders.

I have personally lived in both the near East End (Eastwood) and the far East End (Mason Park), and actually feel more secure farther out. There isn't nearly as much (shopping cart) foot traffic or noise here as where I lived in Eastwood. In fact, our garage was broken into three times during our last few months on McKinney which was one of the reasons we moved. I certainly wouldn't limit your search to Eastwood, Broadmoor, etc. I walk to and around the Mason Park track nearly every day with my baby in tow and have rarely, if ever, been concerned about our safety.

I suggested Idylwood to a friend who is selling her home in Montrose. She seemed interested, so I searched the listings this morning and was very surprised to see the new construction planned on MacGregor. I can't access a direct link yet but they are at the top of the price range in a HAR 77023 search. At first glance, the first graphic looks like the aftermath in a war zone. Not so much when maximized.

Electric and plumbing have been updated. It isn't exactly a two-story. More like a 1 1/2. Upstairs master is converted attic, so that does leave a non-existant attic for that part of the house. House was built in 1939. Thanks for your response. Luckily we won't have to deal with that issue for at least 4 years. I actually attended an HISD magnet school myself (Jones Vanguard), so we will definitely be considering the magnet school option for middle and high school at least.

Thanks to you all for the prompt responses. danax: The park is impressive and definitely one of the selling points of the neighborhood. I have noticed at least one McMansion down the the street already. I am grateful of your offer to ask around about child care options. Any information you can provide will be appreciated. jm1fd: That's us. The house is in great condition with beautiful moldings throughout. We could have done without the carpet over hardwoods, but that is a problem easily solved. We were unaware that the second story could cause potential upgrade problems. What was your concern? And as for the lot size, less lawn to mow is definitely not a problem for my husband, although my dogs may disagree. gnu: Thanks for the info. I really enjoyed the film and have been telling my husband about it for years. With the proper title I can keep an eye out for future showings. musicman: That thought has occured to me although we haven't met too many of them as of yet.

My family recently purchased a FSBO home in the Mason Park neighboorhood. We moved from the Eastwood area and find Mason Park to be much quieter with significantly less foot traffic. Most of our new neighboors have lived in neighborhood for 20+ years. We feel very safe. We have just discoverd this forum and have enjoyed reading your posts regarding the East End area. I am already a bi-weekly patron of Cafe Flores. We have also discovered the Dinner Bell bake shop crossaints, though we haven't yet made it in for a meal. We are very excited about the Chinese/Tapioca shop after reading positive reviews in earlier posts. We intended to buy in the Spring Branch area due to the reputation of the schools, but we couldn't resist our gem of home. The only issue that has me second guessing our decision is the lack of child care in the area. We initally had a family member confirmed to care for our baby, but that didn't pan out. Countless hours have been spent searching for a solution to the problem to no avail. I suppose a nanny agency is our only option now, though I don't know if that is within our budget. To the East Enders with children, what do you do for child care? Can you provide any guidance for us? Any comments are appreciated. Also, on a different topic, I remember watching a film which (I think) was titled "Not In My Backyard" in a property class at school. It was a documentary about a Bayou neighborhood and it's cultural/ethnic evolution. Has anybody seen it? I imagine it would be of interest here although it isn't exactly "East End". I would love to see it again, but can't seem to locate it.