Shannon

Natty, I understand your frustration with people who may lump all of the Third Ward into "the ghetto," but I think what started all of this might have been my request for information on land in the general area, taking into account that I am a single woman who lives alone and who has to be cognizent of my own safety.

There are a lot of beautiful houses in the North and South McGregor areas, and I wish I could afford to live there, but there are also some really, really scary places just a street or two over. I think what you read and have taken issue with was someone who was trying to help me and who was aware of my single status.

Like many neighborhoods in Houston, the Third Ward is a place where you can have a crack house three doors down from a mansion. My challenge is to find an affordable space, close to my work, and in a safe neighborhood. Everyone on this board has been very helpful, and I don't think anyone meant to slam the Third Ward or anything. I hope this helps clear things up a little.

Thanks,

Shannon

These are all great suggestions! I really appreciate everyone's help -- thanks so much!

I live in the old Prospect Apartments, on Prospect at Almeda between Binz and Southmore. They're great -- large, very art deco, built by William Hobby in 1939, I think. Curved walls, original hardwoods and tile. The neighborhood can still be a bit dodgy here and there, but it's like River Oaks compared to how it was just a few years ago. It takes me less than 10 minutes to get to work, and I actually live in a place with some character. That's almost unheard of in Houston!

Thanks, JM. I've been looking at houses for a couple of years, and I've come to the conclusion that I'm so picky I won't be happy with anything that is already built. Also, I like a lot of non-traditional stuff that you don't see very often, and I absolutely require a pool. I know the land is going to be more than I want to spend, but of course I want to pay as little as possible.

Niche, I work near Holly Hall and 288, and need to stay around that area because of work commitments. I'm willing to go east of 288 or south of the Loop if the neighborhoods are decent, as well as just about anywhere else within a 10-15 minute drive. I'm not jazzed about going south on 288 because of the traffic issues. I am cautious about neighborhoods, as I am a single woman who lives alone.

Again, if anyone has any recommendations on builders, contractors, real estate/land agents, or architects, I would love to hear them. Thanks in advance!

Hi! I am looking around for a residential lot on which I plan to have a custom home built. I'd like to build in the 288/South Loop area, or within a very easy driving distance from there, but I'm not having a lot of luck finding lots on HAR and the other usual suspects. Does anyone know of a realtor or other professional who might be able to help? I'm unsure of exactly how large the lot would have to be, but it would be less than half an acre and I wouldn't want to spend more than around $30K. I don't know if that's reasonable or not, but I'll see what I can find.

This is my first venture into home building or even home ownership, as I have always rented. I have an idea for a mid-century modern rectangular house with a central open courtyard/pool area. The house itself will be two bedrooms with a study and two and a half baths. Yes, I'm looking for recommendations on architects, too.

I am just in the planning/thinking stages now, but I do want to get moving on this. I don't know any architects or contractors, so recommendations and advice is welcome. I'm reading several books on the process and doing a lot of Internet research, but that only goes so far. If anyone has any pearls of wisdom for me, I would appreciate them!

Thanks,

Shannon