InTheLoop

You could consider 77035....Westbury, Willowbrook, et al.

It would require your entire 30 min. travel "budget", but there are some 175k/yard options avail... and the area is coming back strong.

Just one possibility...

L'horn guy:

Do tell. Care to elaborate on your "feeling" ?

Because I have a "feeling" that in the absence of evidence of Ms. Adams' race in the article, you just crossed a line....

Do tell.

Re: Heritage Plaza

It figures the NYT would herald what I consider to be pathetic architecture and one of the biggest missed opportunities in Houston architectural history, given the irreplaceable opportunity for that site. IMO, the Heritage site was/is Houston's front door and a picture-postcard opportunity to further improve the very cool Allen Pkwy/Memorial approach.

I remember when Ken Schnitzer was quoted as saying that the Wortham/Van Lieuw (sp) Heritage project was the single most irresponsible development in his career. I didn't have a dog in the 1980's leasing fight/bloodbath, but I recall his words in a different context as I grit my teeth looking at a nondescript box with an Astroworld-fake looking Mayan pyramid slapped on top.

This trite yawner of a building would rightly fade away most anywhere else, but instead blocks attractive distant views of Pennzoil, BOA and

other signature architecture associated worldwide with Houston. Gee, thanks.

Many of you are too young to remember when this blot arose on our cityscape and therefore will have little or no recollection of the previous view

from AP/Memorial, but IMO Heritage sucks for what is: a box with a plastic-looking pyramid top, and for what it did: obscure a superior downtown

view. I don't care that it was some kind of engineering/arch feat to incorporate Western Union and all that cable. It soiled our skyline.

I still drive visitors up Memorial who wonder if Heritage is a nod to our Middle Eastern petro-masters (the pyramid). At first blush, it's a logical

assumption!

That was the last major chance we had to enhance the western view of downtown (which is the signature view). What a mutt. Lost opportunity.

Ralo:

I tried to do what you're describing.

I became very bored very fast after I completed all my ATV trails, planted w'flowers, built a home, cleared brush, built a pond, stocked it, fished, etc.

It was as though I purchased a project - which I LOVED working on - that lost its thrill when I "finished". I believe I'm just hardwired for the sound of chopper rotors, auto horns, and the whole urban milieu. Never underestimate the impact of no good restaurants to speak of, if you're used to them.

On the other hand, I sincerely enjoyed visiting (non-summer) as often as possible...and i miss that.

To be honest, in the two years I tried the rural thing, my $3800/acre investment led to a $7350/acre offer (exclusive of improvements), and that was a gain I wanted to "harvest"...I wasn't torn up about the decision in the least.

The area I'm discussing is west of Bellville, about an hour from the Beltway NW of Houston in beautiful N. Austin County, which I highly recommend.

Good quality people all around.

I may consider trying it again once I pull off early retirement in a few years, but I'm still an urban animal, baby.

"...all the noise and the hurry seems to help, I know..." (Petulia Clark)

Thanks, Max.

Those are excellent, well-documented photos that tell the story.

I'm going down to look.

Good job.

If it proves to be close to your favored school and commuting is reasonable, then yes, by all means. There are some attractive greenbelts and small parks in the area, as well. It's nice.

On the other hand, if big-city amenities are important (The Children's Museum, all significant art museums, sports, the best hospitals, and all things quirky/quaint) then you need to know you are a LONG way away. Expats I hoist a pint with are continually amazed with Houston's strange dichotomy;

low population density (relative to UK), but miserable, slow traffic nevertheless if you leave your chosen distant enclave. I'm much more fond of areas closer in because of the freedom and flexibility - not to mention less traffic - but your priorities are in order.

In greater Houston, you should live as close to school and work as possible. That's just smart. Good call, and good luck!

Interesting thread.

Over the past 5 or so years, i've been grappling w/my conspicuous consumption predisposition.

In 2001, I purchased a 3 level 3480 sf t'house in Camp Logan, 150' from Memorial Park. I wandered the climate-

controlled space and sought a "piece" for this empty area, a "knicknack" for this alcove. In short, I tailored

myself to the space. When I had a party 2-3 times/yr., it was ideal. That left the other 360+ days. I liked the way

the place looked more than the place "lived". Maybe if I were a professional fund-raiser/entertainer...

Ultimately, the waste ate at me and I moved...

In 2005, I bought a new custom in the best part of "upper Kirby" - and dwindled down to 2900 sf. This is the coolest place

I've ever owned: Far more intelligently laid out, adapted to the lot and adjacent properties. The architect made it a treat

for the eye; "modern art gallery" was the most-heard description when I had my 2-3 parties/yr. At these times I could use

my "wineglass dishwasher", double oven, and 20' x 50' x 12' "gathering area" to entertain. It goes without saying the $/sf

(and the absolute price) was far higher than the Camp Logan space. But once again, there were those 360+ other days....

In 2008 (spring) although I've done well enough to keep right on moving "up", I decided that, in reality, I spend the vast

majority of my time reading or watching TV sports in about 300 sf, except for sleeping. I really don't need my 15' long

English antique table; I generally eat standing up or while moving! So, I bought a 1900 sf circa-1955 ranch-style in July in a largely

nondescript (but good) neighborhood near the loop. I spent between 1/3 and 1/4 of the Upper Kirby home price. It seems I

will be hand washing my good wine glasses now. I'll never knock anyone out anymore with my "digs", but I'm having a great

time gardening in my (comparably) huge back yard...and I have enough interior space...easily.

If you check out of the conspic/consum market, you notice the positive "ripple effect": Prop taxes down 67%...A/C down 50%,

no need for pro window washing, pro landscape maintainence. Service workers charge less when they are called in (shockingly

less, at times). It may be easier for me to effect this change because I grew up in a similar ranch house - with three other people -

and was not a trustfund/silver spoon type.

Maybe my "green" thinking was a factor, but as much as anything, it began to seem silly and wasteful to own something chiefly to

exhibit my relative affluence a few times a year. Even a home roughly half the size of my Camp Logan t'home seems plenty large these days. I must credit an architect who teaches a non-credit at Rice about "your dream home". His imminently practical advice to us was to build a living space - period. He analogized that it is far cheaper to "put up" out-of-towners at a nice hotel (even the St. Regis) than to add additional sf for sporadic visitors - you could, in fact spoil them rotten w/spa packages, dinners, etc., then host them at your place during the day and still come out way ahead! (If anyone knows his name, I'd appreciate them posting it;

I'd recommend his class to anyone mulling over these issues). He simply urged us to monitor the space we actually needed and stick fairly close to that.

I'm 48, and I think I have finally conquered my ego, at least as it relates to the showplace v. home issue. My 2-3 parties this year may seem a little more crowded and I may do strategic 'splain'in to a close friend or two (the market meltdown came after my move) since I don't want anyone to think that this decision was driven by extraneous reasons. Maybe I'll get the upscale bug again,and maybe I'll "go back", but I sincerely hope I don't. I think I finally have a handle on my inner conspicuous consumer, and ego.

Want to see Mosaic's "country cousin"?

In 2005-6 "The Glass House" was completed in Denver. Same general exterior (beautiful, in my book), 389 units, 8th floor pool/club room, twin towers atop 7 level garage, adjacent to picturesque park w/fast running S. Platte River at base. Beautiful finshes in all common areas, but cut corners on interior finishes (mediocre cabinets, etc.). Walk to downtown.

Pre-sale announcement followed by immediate 100% sellout. A year later, almost every "flipper" had been rewarded as +/- $300/sf presale went to

$400/sf + w/in a year. Currently still full, pricing holding up except for oddball view units, etc.. Why? Read TheNiche's insights as to location, above.

Marketed to young professionals/trust fund babies with an "edgy" campaign. Bought by empty-nesters, those who wanted a pied a terre prior to driving to the slopes, and a few folks who wanted to walk to work. Not the target crowd. It was hilarious to read the Glass House official blog

written by a chick who used terms like "peeps" ad nauseum, "communicating" with owners who just didn't want to "get it", dude.

If you want to see how a city got infill RIGHT, check out Riverfrontpark.com, and see how Denver did/is doing transit and infill. Denverinfill.com is also a top-notch "scorecard" site that does a great job of politically pressuring crap building owners and surface parking lot blighters.

BTW, Denver already has a "Pavillions" with mostly the same old bowling alley/music venue, etc. that is being hyped here. Denver attracts far more after hours folks d'town (huge convention city). Nevertheless, after 2-3 years Pavillions turned into a hangout for scary-looking kids from adjacent neighborhoods who panhandle, smoke, glare, skate and kill time. What they don't do is spend $, and there has been turnover from quality retail to

cheaper stuff. The almost-new movie theatre is so bad that I once had to endure the projectionist stopping the movie, turning up the lights and ejecting

several "patrons".

I hope the Houston Pavillions crowd learned, but I doubt it. Maybe Denver Pav. is a success (I don't know) but it is in no way a landmark Denverites are proud of...and they have a much more vibrant downtown scene.

I just don't see our Pavillions standing the test of time...but hey, it's not my $!. I would suggest lots of security (LOTS!) and a no-nonsense approach to loitering.

Westguy-

No offense, but what do you call e.g., Meyerland, since it somehow doesn't meet your criteria for a suburb anymore ?

"Inner city" ? "Lost world" ? "Gateway to the suburbs"? "Sub-suburb'? "Wealthy for a ghetto"? "Land of the petro-pinchers"?

"Non-burned-out inner ring"? "Non-subprime Wonderland"? "Juraissic Park"?

Mostly kidding here, but the fact is the are close-in suburbs all over the country - called suburbs - even if they were developed in

1920!

As someone wisely noted in this thread, the term "exurb" was coined in only the last half-century or so SPECIFICALLY TO DIFFERENTIATE

these distant areas from the already extant "suburbs". Otherwise the term, which is commonly used, wouldn't exist!

If Greatwood is a suburb, it is a suburb of Sugarland, not Houston. It is an exurb in relation to H-town (and so on)...

I have a very close relative who picked the dress that Joan Robinson was buried in; they were good

friends and went to Stephens College together.

She was positive that Hill killed her friend - and I completely believe her.

John Hill was a very clever, very spoiled mama's boy. He spent $ like a drunken sailor.

I also don't buy the "just a burglary" story. Long before her murder, Mr. Ash Robinson HATED Hill and did not trust him.

Money was one reason, but his treatment of Joan irked him a great deal. When Hill was killed, Mr. Robinson was already

an old man and his major reason for living -his beautiful talented daughter- was taken from him. He knew exactly what

to do, and I'm glad he got his revenge.

There has not been a photo posted that does justice to what a knockout Joan Robinson was - movie star material!

VicMan:

My opinion on your question...

In Montrose, the closer you are to Midtown (east), the less family-friendly. It's possible that Midtown's recent growth in the

W. Gray/Dallas area is improving the 'hood as Midtown moves toward NE Montrose, but...not yet.

I'd say stay at least 3 blocks away from Lower Westheimer From Dunlavy/Mandell all the way to Midtown. Too many petty crooks and panhandlers.

I do believe that (only generally) the west side is nicer than the east. The NW part headed toward RO Shopping center is nice, as are parts of the area nearer to 59.

The issue w/summarizing Montrose is its long history of halfway houses, Covenant House and other places that attract non-residents. I lived in a beautiful little area (Kipling/Marshall) a few steps from Annunciation School and the Univ. of St. Thomas, but the "Covenant crowd" ruled the late night.

Urination on the neighbor's house, truck broken into, bench stolen from inside gated front yard, etc. Besides this challenge are the "budget" apartment complexes close to Richmond (Dunlavy, etc.) that seem overcrowded with people just "hangin' out", drinking during the weekday, etc.

If I had a kid, and Montrose is the spot, I'd go...

1)A couple blocks south of Lanier (maybe Kipling/Woodhead)

2)Cherryhurst neighborhood just N. of the park

3)NW Montrose (N. of Westheimer, few blks east of Shepherd)

4)Alabama area near the Menil/St. Thomas

There are obviously other areas - just research your potential neighbors like never before!

I believe the "brickwork" below the windows was fashioned from recycled tires.

So, it's got that going for it.

I LOVE Montrose. I owned a home there for 6 years.

But for a young couple, with little kids, who are largely unfamiliar with Houston?

Montrose shouldn't be near the top.

The Uptown area is loaded with options, and is really the only area I'd bike to work from, given the Galleria work locale. Cycling in the area borders on the flat-out dangerous!

Try:

Afton Oaks, Briargrove, Tanglewood, WestU, Bellaire and their adjacent neighborhoods.

A new Houston mantra: Close to work, close to school...all else: ungreen, uncool!

Is that center still infamous for car break-ins?

The 8-10 times I've been, I've seen multiple tell-tale small piles of glass...

and, yet, a remarkable # of yellow topped security trucks and, of course

lots of HPD. Leaving my car 2 hours for a movie struck me in its similarity

to parking a block from the Midtown Greyhound Station:

Everything will possibly be OK.

Great dirt, but if you don't have a better mix of national chains with those limited inventory mom-and-pops,

then we see what happens. Nighttime is OK w/restaurants, theatre, expensive diversions (D+, but

everything else crumbles.

I hope they find some daytime winners...

Unless your hubby is required to work w/in the energy corridor (and/or you hate cities), then your best bet is as close in as you can afford (on the near west or near SW sides of town). You can happily live your life and NEVER visit Kirkwood/Memorial (and similar distant suburb/exurbs) and never need to do so. Odds are good you will travel "in", on the other hand for everything from specialized med care at the world's largest med center, to the zoo, the museums, the best shopping, the Astros, Rockets, and Texans, festivals, Harris County jury duty and...you get the idea.

There's nothing wrong per se w/Kirkwood/Memorial - it quite attractive and it has better amenities than most areas miles from town.

There is, however, a good reason why traffic and future skyrocketing population #s are such popular topics on HAIF. I'm not sure you want to be at the mercy of our transit/freeway folks.

Southampton, Southgate, Bellaire, Meyerland, Afton Oaks, Ferndale Place, Davy Crockett (and others) tend to offer 20 min. round trips to the important places. Educated, academically-minded residents and most all the nation's 4th largest city offers.

Buckhead sets a reasonably high standard, BTW !!!!

It's great to see hard work and vision recognized - nationally, no less!

The yard looks pretty great, too!

Congrats!

Memebag:

You've got nothing, just like the editor implies.

I've read (skimmed, to be honest) the book you "hang your hat on". I change none of my claims.

Your retort is/was useless (as pointed out) given the nature of this forum.

Maybe some of your meds are combining in a way that turns you, um, peculiar ?

Your attack on my comment "I'm sorry to be unsympathetic" underscores my speculation about med problems: "If you were, then you wouldn't have posted this". Huh? What? Let me break it down for you-slowly. I am not sympathetic. That's what I said. I am sorry (really) that I am not. The point you missed - wildly - is that I am urging people to move in closer to lessen pollution, help avoid the energy gun to head, and lead a life not dominated by planning commutes, among other things. Sorry that sailed over your pointed head.

Actually the thesis within relates to INFILL and the unintended benefit of creating so much!

I've read a dozen or more books about suburban sprawl and/or urban renewal. Even the authors are equivocal about their tentative conclusions. It is a bit sad that you are hanging your hat on one book. I guess that beats reading widely and developing an informed opinion. My informed opinion is that Houston is almost unique in its growth pattern sans formal zoning, few geographical limits and rapid growth.

That's why your buddy's book is close to useless in this discussion...and why your tart little (very little) sniping invites disdain.

Next time refute, challenge, opine - whatever you can manage...and try not to get in over your head.

You commuters need to move in closer.

This storm just underscores how fragile a path you all have to your distant jobs.

As you long-distance drivers know far better than me, there are myriad "mini-Ikes" for the commuter: Rain/flood, minor power outages, wrecks,

pre-holiday traffic, 5000 new neighbors farther out (e.g., Hwy 290), hazardous spills, police chases, deteriorating concrete/giant potholes, "looks like a lost load of ____" (you name it) and even motorcades....

Ike/post-Ike is an opportunity for exurbans to reevaluate and join us as the rejuvenation of H-town continues.

I wouldn't care, but you traffic sitters are ruining our air just like the refineries...I'm just hoping you folks are less stubborn than, say, Lyondell Petroleum!

I live well inside the loop and traffic signal problems are so minor as to be an afterthought. It's cost me less than half an hour cumulatively since

Ike. I typically have a half-dozen or more easy alternate routes, even if there is a (rare) significant problem....unlike many commuters.

Because of the stupid, developer-driven growth unique to Houston over the last 50 years, there are gaping "holes" relatively close to town that are

now being exploited (e.g., just south of 610 and many other areas). This mindless, unguided growth has a wonderful unintended benefit rarely

available in other large cities. That benefit is INFILL OPPORTUNITIES where smaller projects literally "fill in" the holes left by the Mischer crowd,

the Kickerillo operation, and the good old anti-transit, pro-concrete Bob Laniers who prefer mega $, mega-sized projects in the sticks. Cheap land, economies of scale = Rich(er) developers. Congrats to them and their rice-field conversions, where people wait with near-breathless anticipation for a freaking Target or the standard 6-8 national restaurant chain locations, while getting angry about the lack of MORE new road construction (and guess what - don't hold your breath, cause the road boom is mostly over).

If you live way out and that's near your job - not talking to you. If you take transit - not talking to you. You are not the problem. If you are pulling your hair out because you work in town and are sitting at blinking/broken light (maybe the 5th in a row) and still have 20-40 miles of driving/waiting ahead of you, yes, I'm referring to you. Move in ! You are contributing to the increase in asthma rates among little kids. You are burning precious fossil fuels, to the delight of Iran, Russia and Venezuela. You are standing in the way to any shot at energy independence. You may be damaging your heart (breathing hours of exhaust and stress/anger). You are spending less time with your family. You are wearing out your car (@ 5 - 20 mph

with constant braking). You are at higher risk of deadly accidents. You are further from the best medical care; do you really want to rely on Life Flight

for a medical problem that happens to occur 6-9 am or 4-7 pm and is beyond the scope of the "regional" med center that you or an ambulance could

easily access?

I'm sorry for the lack of sympathy, but the sprawl has been detrimental to EVERYONE'S quality of life in our region including those of us who didn't participate. I'm hopeful that Ike's painful aftermath will be a catalyst for change because of the avoidable ADDITIONAL hardships for those who thought 200 mi./wk urban commuting (just 20 mi. to work) was a smart decision. It's not for the common good, that's for sure.

There are other, smarter options. Join us! You will have hours a week to pat yourself on the back for a smart decision (hard to do behing the wheel...)

I hope the lights are restored soon.

Lots of mulch created?

Franny:

I know your new neighborhood like the back of my hand, and it is a solid one. It is no more or less gay than Westbury, nor is it more or less gay than Bellaire or Willowbend. Some have offered unsupported "information" to the contrary about Westbury, then couldn't come close to proving it. It is all the same.

What we're talking about is "Near Southwest Houston" (NSH). In my opinion, you have chosen to live in the BEST part of Houston. There are professional/managerial people all over the place. Because of proximity to the Texas Medical Center (and a lesser extent Rice U.), no other largely middle-class (+) area of the Houston region can match the intellectual firepower of the near southwest side. Maybe the surgeons choose River Oaks, West U, etc., but there are Ph.D level researchers, educators and the like on most every block. I mention that fact because of your strong interest in educating the kiddo. You will be among like-minded folks over here; believe me!

This area is home to the largest Jewish contingent in Texas, along with several temples, the (much-recommended) Jewish Community

Center and numerous other institutions. If you care about top-notch community education, believe me, you will be thrilled to have Jewish neighbors. In my experience, most Jews place their kids' education at the top of their priorities. As a NSH-area student, I was very impressed (and pushed) by a very large group of academically-focused Jewish kids at (nationally-ranked) Bellaire H.S. I feel lucky because of it. Consider joining the JCC - it is a United Way Agency and membership is non-denominational. It is a kiddy wonderland and offers excellent adult fitness and cultural options.

I'm happy for your choice, but a little concerned about your "strategy". I've lived around NSH for forty + years, and I've got to say that grabbing the kid for a house-to-house introduction is, well, a bit risky - for any new arrival. Few do that - straight or gay. Move in, give it some time and EASE into the hood. Walk the block w/ the kid, play w/em in the front yard, etc.. Let your new neighbors observe you from a distance. Things will thaw quickly. Most everyone today is so overscheduled and stretched that your gender preference will likely be little more than an afterthought UNLESS you push the issue. I'd suggest maybe a "howdy" to your adjacent neighbors, and lots of friendly waves and smiles to everyone else for a time. Let your hood absorb you guys at its pace. It will, especially with a cute little tyke as your "calling card".

I've moved 5 times within NSH and strongly believe the low-key arrival is the best way to a harmonious neighborhood experience.

Congrats on an excellent choice. I know Tanglewilde pretty well and this area is far superior in my honest opinion. Good luck!

I guess it's unavoidable, but timewise, I'm going with:

Westheimer @ W. Loop (heavy traffic or not). Each cycle takes forever.

also: Willowbend @ Stella Link (why ?)

Richmond @ Shepherd

Elgin @ anything in Midtown

Post Oak Blvd @ W. Loop

San Felipe @ W. Loop

Memorial @ Chimney Rock

Bellaire @ Bissonnet

MOST Westheimer intersections outside the loop also qualify, in my book...

Dr. Food:

Clearly you love Westbury, and have a financial interest in being a "booster" as a homeowner - nothing wrong with that.

As a person who has lived close (real close) to Westbury for the better part of 40+ years, I'm calling you out on your

"scientifically designed" polling. You cited three different sources (Chron, Hou Press, US Census) as "proof" that Westbury

is 25% GLBT. I'm calling BS on your proof; there is no way that 1 in 4 people in Westbury are GLBT. So, to definitively

prove me wrong, cite here for us the "scientific" method that proves your 25% assertion. Other than a mere opinion or

very sloppy methodology, I assert there is no way you can prove what I consider a ridiculously high GUESStimate.

Please cite your sources, and the methodology so we can draw our own conclusions. Your Westbury-zealotry, while appealing,

disqualifies you as an objective observer. I like Westbury, though I find parts a bit threadbare (unlike you), and have lived amongst gay folks happily most all my life - it seems "they" live with most of the same old problems as "we" do. However, I am a stickler

for accurate stats - and you have none.

There is no way that 25% of the residents of Westbury are gay, lesbian, bisexual and/or transexual. I invite you to prove me wrong with real verifiable statistics and not opinion pieces from wishful thinkers or flat-out guesses. Be specific, and verifiable!

...and I'm glad you like Westbury. I've been hanging out there since the sixties and saw some of those houses being built; I dated Westbury HS girls and most of my oldest friends grew up there. Mostly , I'm glad it now has a future; twenty or twenty-five years ago it was headed straight to blight. It's great to see improvement.

I attended Fondren M.S. in the 1970s and have lived fairly close to Westbury all my life. My 75 year old mom lives in Maplewood South-North (adjacent to Westbury). I was fortunate to live in a tiny area zoned to Bellaire HS so I avoided Westbury HS unlike the vast majority of my childhood friends - luckily.

Nobody is happier than me with a potential W'bury renaissance. It was depressing watching it deteriorate throughout the eighties and nineties, especially knowing many/most of the original owners remained, aging in a worrisome environment. It seemed somehow unfair, considering its great location and original relative affluence.

What a newbie needs to know is that W'bury is HUGE and cannot be boiled down. No matter what its boosters claim, it is adjacent to or near some of the worst aspects of SW Houston - the circa 1970s apartment complexes . Ask any HPD or HC officer about Bellfort or Airport apartments just a minute or two west of Westbury - some of the most dangerous in the city. Check out the Gasmer/ Chimney Rock area after dark. Are you comfortable around S. Main?

However, as I said, W'bury is huge. In general, if it is priced VERY affordably relative to other areas in W'bury, avoid it like the plague. Because as others have noted, there are "pockets" of good and bad all over W'bury, I won't get too specific, but in general try to stay more to the north and to the east of the community.

I lived in the Bellfort/Fondren area in my apartment days (1980s) and hate that area with a vengance. There are criminals all over the place. The west side of W'bury (and Maplewood South, etc.) is just too close for me.

As to the gay population, there is no way that 25% of the population of Westbury is GLBT - I agree with flipper. Whomever did that census is just an idiot or a dreamer. It may be (just) possible that a quarter of NEW residents are GLBT, but there are so many heteros who are now in their 60s/70s still living there that even almost UNIMPEACHABLE sources like The Houston Press sound just stupid if they made such a claim...and I'd love to evaluate their methodology.

There may be intolerant neighborhoods out there, but in my experience, all (except the richest) neighborhoods with lots of seniors tend to welcome new blood - gay or whatever. They are fearful of run-down homes, loud, angry neighbors and deed restriction violations. If you are gay (or whatever) and keep up the property and keep down the noise, people in Westbury, Bellaire, Meyerland are all the same - you're OK.

In 1983 I bought my first Bellaire home - from a gay couple. They loved the house, just not each other. Bob moved to Sunset Terrace. Dave moved to Southampton. In 1993, I bought a home in the heart of the Montrose on Kipling - from a gay couple.

They loved the home but not the neighborhood (Covenant House, esp.), so they moved - to Mid Lane. My point is that, outside of the Montrose, there are no "GLBT enclaves" or "GLBT-tolerant" areas of close-in Houston. THEY ALL ARE, including Westbury.

I think we should celebrate that fact.

However, if you are looking for a neighborhood with greater upside than Westbury (in the near future), cough up just a little more

and move into what is, in my opinion, the SW hood where major appreciation looms - Willowbend - closer to everything, and still

affordable - for awhile.

Editor:

You seem upset that a number of people are disillusioned w/Lovett. Why?

It is generally considered to be the single largest purchase in a person's lifetime, and if it is poorly built you are stuck

with it, potentially for many years. You may lose significant money. In short, buying, then living with a lousy house is one

of the most stressful experiences of a person's life, since you eat and seek shelter there most every day.

Hopefully, Mr. Perry's joke on consumers, the TRCC, will bite the Sunset dust, and something resembling fairness will emerge

for consumers. Maybe then, you will be less offended by these commentaries. Until then, you should EXPECT them, as they

are the cries/warnings of the effectively "disenfranchised" consumer.

Your "mugging" analogy is not applicable, BTW...not even close. Think about it.

Why scold people for their invited opinions?

I'm glad some folks agree that it's hard to vote on a "best suburb" when there is not really a true suburb on the list. My favorite exurb is The Woodlands followed closely by (parts of) Sugarland.

My favorite SUBURBS are: (by decending budget): River Oaks, Southampton, Crestwood, Meyerland and Willow Meadows/Bend.

What are your favorite suburbs?