Well it's been a good move from Clear Lake to Pearland and let me just tell you, just as I begin to learn more about the wonderful things this city offers I want you to learn and experience it as I have because I know how important it is for new home owners to get familiar with the area. If you are looking to buy a home here then I am glad you are reading this! Well first let's talk about the commute. Well for the past 10 years we have lived in the quiet Clear Lake suburbs. Yes it was a good stay but the trips to commute have been the most intolerable I have ever experienced! While it used to take me a good 35-45 minutes to get into town, and that was if the freeway was not congested with traffic, now it only takes me a straight 17 minutes to get into town. Wow, I feel like it took me longer to do my hair, that wasn't long?
So Here we go:
#1. What Everyone Should Learn Is...? The commute. The commute has good and it's bad. For one, the city has grown so much that it does have its own traffic problems and the way around that is to come up with a good time to leave the house to make your in town appointments. There are certain times it gets crazy but that is expected in every neighborhood. I am beginning to also learn the back roads or shortcuts to getting you to the freeway faster. Throw out the old navigator and get lost, find your way out. There is always a shortcut!
Try this: Take a drive out to Pearland on your day off, go and see how long it takes you to get from your home to your destination during the hours you normally take to get to work. Take your favorite music and cruise. I was told that there used to be signs reminding people that if they lived in Pearland they would already be home. Now that's good advertising!
#2. How Can You Find Out About the Schools?
So getting back to my story, if you have kids you probably have already asked about the schools in the area. Well as a mom that has placed both her children in Catholic schools, I too was worried about the public school system so I went to check them out. After looking at the schools I can tell you that I was really impressed by what I saw. It was very clean, well maintained, the common areas at all these schools were very nice and well organized. Really I was impressed! A lot of the schools have wonderful websites that let you look into the school and show you staff, projects, and resources. My child was glued to the computer just browsing pictures in anticipation. She really enjoyed the activities offered and loved reading the teacher bios.
Now I know everyone does not have kids but if you are a parent you want to be sure they are safe and in a great school. Don't hesitate to just go to the school and check it out!
Try this: the very best way to see the school is to schedule a tour. Believe it or not, walking in doesn't get you a free pass inside. You actually have to make an appointment and don't act surprised when they tell you that they can only offer you an appointment in April when you asked in January. It seems they do them in groups and they can accommodate you if it there is a scheduling problem but really if you say, "look Thursdays don't work" and that's the only day available, GO! The next one will be months.
There are also plenty of day cares, mother days out, pre-k 's around that are very professional and to tour those are so much easier! So when you decide you want to move, make sure the first thing you do is VISIT THE SCHOOLS a.s.a.p!
*(There are a few private schools and I haven't seen those but if I go I will definitely post more about those or if you go there feel free to leave me a comment. I need your opinion.)
So getting back to the story, we did go around several times before moving to eat at some of the restaurants in the areas we liked and just to observe. We saw lots of things we liked. The West side is much newer and is really packed with some entertaining venues and features a ton of new homes and these areas are almost completely full. In fact when I visited the area 2 years ago there were plenty of homes left and now it seems that even the model homes must be sold!
#3. Does Subdivision Research Mean Hiring an Agent?
When it comes to your future home you will want to know everything about that particular subdivision, the prices and the extra cost to live there. There is so much that can be revealed when you hire an agent.
Try this: I would take as many trips as possible out there and really see if that is the area you want to live in. There are so many possibilities on where you can live. Some offer a great value and some offer more of a lavish lifestyle. So take it upon yourself to go out there and not only look at the area but hire a real professional that can get you that dream home. Someone that loves the community as much as you do! (hint, hint)
Well after all that searching my family finally decided to go with living in the Shadow Creek Ranch area and when my friends come to visit they boast that it is a really nice area and it reminded them of a bit of a vacation stay. There are really some great places to visit and I will let you know them all in future posts! So stay tuned and subscribe to my posts!
Really I want you to learn as much as possible so that if you decide to move here you will have known in advance that you made a wise choice.
I will educate and share some great stories about Pearland so stay tuned!
For information about subdivisions in Pearland links go to: to http://www.pearlandtx.gov/Home/ShowDocument?id=6
For the school information visit: http://www.alvinisd.net/ and go to the link Facility Locations and Attendance Zones
Don't hesitate the phone is by my side. Until the next post!! Ciao! Ciao!
Don't hesitate the phone is by my side. Until the next post!! Ciao! Ciao!
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