montgomery county newcomer guide - 2016 vol 1
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R E LOCAT I ON
GUIDE
THIS ISSUE: A LOCAL’S GUIDE TO SHOPPING + DINING | FAMILY FRIENDLY FUN!
Housing and Neighborhoods
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2 P A L M B E A C H R E L O C A T I O N G U I D E – F A L L 2 0 1 6 | W I N T E R 2 0 1 7
Beth Ferester, one of Houston’s top ten Realtors®, has specialized in relocation for over 35 years, is a certified relocation specialist and member of the national Employees Relocation Council.
Beth has led her team of 15 relocation experts in assisting thousands of employees relocating to North Houston and The Woodlands.
It does make a difference which Realtor® you select when you relocate
Visit our website at www.ferester.com for more information or contact us directly at info@ferester.com to request information specific to your needs.
BETH FERESTER & COMPANYA specialty real estate brokerage with a legendary name presents
Our unique one-of-a kind RELOCATION GUIDE to The Woodlands, Texas and surrounding areas at...
New Homes And Resale • Community Information And History • Schools • Neighborhoods
Beth@Ferester.com | 713-702-6334 direct
www.TheWoodlandsRelocationGuide.com
H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 1
2 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
YOU R S OCI A L L I F EAWA ITS .
YOU R S OCI A L L I F EAWA ITS .
YOU R S OCI A L L I F EAWA ITS .
The Ultimate Private Club Lifestyle The Woodlands Country Club provides first-class amenities and the attentive, personalized service you only find at Texas’ finest country clubs. We invite you to experience two state-of-the-art fitness facilities, three beautiful clubhouses, an outstanding tennis facility with 21 courts, a resort-style pool with cabanas, exceptional dining, exciting social and networking events and more.
A limited number of social memberships are available at $170* per month.What are you waiting for?
281.863.1433 | wanda.murphy@clubcorp.com
832.405.6864 | amber.sickafoose@clubcorp.com*Some restrictions and exclusions may apply. Contact the Club for details. © ClubCorp USA, Inc. All rights reserved. 0517 34810 EA
YOUR HOME, YOUR STORY...CLOSE TO THE HEART OF EVERYTHING.
FROM THE LOW $300SGracepoint Homes develops communities and builds luxury and affordable
luxury homes across The Woodlands and Montgomery County area. Our team
takes a highly personal approach to everything we build–carefully balancing the
land, the architecture and lifestyle of the homebuyer to create one-of-a-kind life
stories. World-class architects are behind the distinctive design of our homes,
giving as much consideration to energy efficiency as to design aesthetics.
We encourage you to take a look at the Gracepoint Homes’ difference–the
architecture, the quality of our home construction, the communities we select
and the people who bring your story to life.
Prices and availability are subject to change without notice. 04/16
Stillwater | 5 Minutes toThe Woodlands Market Street, Zoned to The Woodlands High Schooln New Chapel from the low $300sn New Chapel Patio Homes from the $400sn Pintail from the $590sn Sweetgrass from the $670s Woodforest | Zoned to Montgomery ISD, Wooded Homesitesn Kingsley from the low $300sn Sanderling from the $410sn Grand Marion from the $600s The Woodlands and Shenandoah | Gated Communities, 5 Minutes to The Woodlands Market Street, Low Taxes, Conroe ISDn LILY from the $460sn MARION from the $520sn LAKESIDE COVE from the $620s BUILD ON YOUR LOT281.681.0400 | GRACEPOINTHOMES.COM
2 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8 H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 3
YOU R SOCI A L L I F EAWA ITS .
YOU R SOCI A L L I F EAWA ITS .
YOU R SOCI A L L I F EAWA ITS .
The Ultimate Private Club Lifestyle The Woodlands Country Club provides first-class amenities and the attentive, personalized service you only find at Texas’ finest country clubs. We invite you to experience two state-of-the-art fitness facilities, three beautiful clubhouses, an outstanding tennis facility with 21 courts, a resort-style pool with cabanas, exceptional dining, exciting social and networking events and more.
A limited number of social memberships are available at $170* per month.What are you waiting for?
281.863.1433 | wanda.murphy@clubcorp.com
832.405.6864 | amber.sickafoose@clubcorp.com*Some restrictions and exclusions may apply. Contact the Club for details. © ClubCorp USA, Inc. All rights reserved. 0517 34810 EA
YOUR HOME, YOUR STORY...CLOSE TO THE HEART OF EVERYTHING.
FROM THE LOW $300SGracepoint Homes develops communities and builds luxury and affordable
luxury homes across The Woodlands and Montgomery County area. Our team
takes a highly personal approach to everything we build–carefully balancing the
land, the architecture and lifestyle of the homebuyer to create one-of-a-kind life
stories. World-class architects are behind the distinctive design of our homes,
giving as much consideration to energy efficiency as to design aesthetics.
We encourage you to take a look at the Gracepoint Homes’ difference–the
architecture, the quality of our home construction, the communities we select
and the people who bring your story to life.
Prices and availability are subject to change without notice. 04/16
Stillwater | 5 Minutes toThe Woodlands Market Street, Zoned to The Woodlands High Schooln New Chapel from the low $300sn New Chapel Patio Homes from the $400sn Pintail from the $590sn Sweetgrass from the $670s Woodforest | Zoned to Montgomery ISD, Wooded Homesitesn Kingsley from the low $300sn Sanderling from the $410sn Grand Marion from the $600s The Woodlands and Shenandoah | Gated Communities, 5 Minutes to The Woodlands Market Street, Low Taxes, Conroe ISDn LILY from the $460sn MARION from the $520sn LAKESIDE COVE from the $620s BUILD ON YOUR LOT281.681.0400 | GRACEPOINTHOMES.COM
4 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
ON THE COVER
Woodforest, a project of Johnson
Development Corp., is a 3,000-acre
master-planned community surrounding
Woodforest Golf Club. Thirty model homes
are open in the forested landscape offer-
ing a broad array of home designs priced
from the $200,000s to the millions. For more
information, visit WoodforestTX.com.
Photo by Steve Chenn
courtesy of Woodforest
PHOTOGRAPHY
We would like to thank the following
for their contributions:
Grand Central Park
Woodforest
Lennar Homes
Houston Texans
Legacy Preparatory Christian Academy
The Woodlands Area EDC
The Greater Conroe EDC
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
The John Cooper School
The Woodlands Convention & Visitors
Bureau/Derrick Bryant Photography
The Art Car Museum
The Hobby Center For Performing Art
Eric Pohl
The Woodlands Country Club
EDITORIALJoy Oden
Judy Van Cleve
Cecile Nemitz-Ruffino
© WEB Media Group LLC 2017
All rights reserved. No part of this
publication may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form, by any
means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, or otherwise, without
the written permission of the Publisher.
Harris & Montgomery County Maps
Manageble, Affordable Lifestyle.
International Relocation Information
It’s Wine Time in Montgomery County
31 35 44
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contents | featuresR E LOCAT I ON
GUIDE
THIS ISSUE: A LOCAL’S GUIDE TO SHOPPING + DINING | FAMILY FRIENDLY FUN!
Housing and Neighborhoods
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35
Our housewarming gift to you: a
$200 move-in bonus.
At TXU Energy, we hope this $200 VISA® prepaid card will help make your move a little easier–at least on your wallet. But that’s just the beginning of what we hope is a long relationship with you. By the way, did you know that along with connecting your electricity, we can help set up your Internet, TV, phone and even home security? One call does it all with TXU Energy Complete Connect: 1-877-TXU-MOVE.
Call or visit txu.com/mover today for your $200 move-in bonus. Use promo code “MOVE.”
Valid for new TXU Energy move-in accounts enrolled at a single-family residential premises through this offer on a qualifying electricity plan. Redemption instructions will be mailed following enrollment. Allow six weeks after TXU Energy has received payment of your first month’s bill to receive the bonus. Card is valid for six months after issuance. Limit one per premises. Offer subject to change or cancellation at any time. Additional eligibility requirements, terms and conditions may apply. ©2017 TXU Energy. All rights reserved. REP #10004
THE RICHARDS GROUP
TRG JOB #: TXU-16-0095
CLIENT: TXU
TITLE: 2017 Movers Print C
PUB: Houston Newcomer Guide
INS. DATE:2017
TRIM: 8.5" x 11"
LIVE: 8" x 10.5"
BLEED: 8.75" x 11.25"
COLOR: 4CP/G7C3/280DM
FOR QUESTIONSCALL: Karen Newman214.891.5875
TXU-16-0095 SMP C 8_5x11.indd 1 12/8/16 3:09 PM
H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 54 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
Our housewarming gift to you: a
$200 move-in bonus.
At TXU Energy, we hope this $200 VISA® prepaid card will help make your move a little easier–at least on your wallet. But that’s just the beginning of what we hope is a long relationship with you. By the way, did you know that along with connecting your electricity, we can help set up your Internet, TV, phone and even home security? One call does it all with TXU Energy Complete Connect: 1-877-TXU-MOVE.
Call or visit txu.com/mover today for your $200 move-in bonus. Use promo code “MOVE.”
Valid for new TXU Energy move-in accounts enrolled at a single-family residential premises through this offer on a qualifying electricity plan. Redemption instructions will be mailed following enrollment. Allow six weeks after TXU Energy has received payment of your first month’s bill to receive the bonus. Card is valid for six months after issuance. Limit one per premises. Offer subject to change or cancellation at any time. Additional eligibility requirements, terms and conditions may apply. ©2017 TXU Energy. All rights reserved. REP #10004
THE RICHARDS GROUP
TRG JOB #: TXU-16-0095
CLIENT: TXU
TITLE: 2017 Movers Print C
PUB: Houston Newcomer Guide
INS. DATE:2017
TRIM: 8.5" x 11"
LIVE: 8" x 10.5"
BLEED: 8.75" x 11.25"
COLOR: 4CP/G7C3/280DM
FOR QUESTIONSCALL: Karen Newman214.891.5875
TXU-16-0095 SMP C 8_5x11.indd 1 12/8/16 3:09 PM
6 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
contents | sections20
32
46
66
WELCOME TO MONTGOMERY COUNTY • 20
HOUSING & NEIGHBORHOODS • 24 CitiesNeighborhoodsMaster Planned CommunitiesCounty Maps
HOME FRONT • 32 Temporary LodgingRent or BuyChoosing a RealtorMortgage Options
RELOCATION INFORMATION • 38 Moving CompaniesForwarding MailUtilitiesPublic TransportationInternational Relocation Information
EDUCATION IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY • 46 STAARPublic SchoolsPrivate SchoolsHigher Education
HEALTHCARE RESOURCES • 54 Major Medical Facilities
PLACE OF WORSHIP • 59 Directory of Contacts
ACTIVE ADULTS + SENIOR LIVING • 62 Senior Housing OptionsContinuing Care Retirement CommunitiesAssisted Living Communities
BUSINESS + COMMUNITY • 66 Area Chambers of Commerce Area Economic Development PartnershipMajor Employers List
LEISURE + RECREATION • 70 Area Convention and Visitors BureauParks & Attractions Arts and CultureDinning + ShoppingSports + GolfCalendar of Events
70 Tranquil, natural beauty, plus planned urban amenities – Grand Central Park is the cure for the common community.
7 builders u 9 model homes to tour u Easy access to I-45NEW HOMES FROM THE $280s
(936) 447-2820 u Gr andCentr alParkTX.com u A Johnson Development Community
Conroe
The Woodlands
SH 105
FM 1488
45
FM 2854
Grand Central Parkway
Lake Conroe
LOOP 336
GCPCO-310 Fall 2017 Newcomer Guide Ad 7.5x10_MECH.indd 1 9/26/17 8:41 AM
675 Bering Drive Suite 120
Houston Texas 77057
Phone: 713-952-1916
Fax: 713-952-1956
info@HoustonNewcomerGuides.com
www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com
CEO
Derek Wright
PRESIDENT
Kevin Evans
VICE PRESIDENT
Robert Nusbaum
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Erin Hayden Seal
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Cecile Nemitz-Ruffino
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Cathy Turner
PROJECT MANAGER
Jill Roe
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Judy Van Cleve Paul Yarbrough
Montgomery County Relocation Guide is published and distributed bi-annually
by WEB Media Group LLC F or advertising information, please call 713-952-1916.
Although every attempt is made to be as comprehensive and accurate as possible, WEB Media Group LLC is
not responsible for any misprints, errors, omissions, deletions, or the accuracy of
the information in the publication. WEB Media Group LLC does not
accept responsibility for any loss, injury, or inconvenience sustained by anyone
using this publication.
300 E. Highland Mall Blvd Suite 395
Austin Texas 78752
Phone: 512-266-2900
www.TexasRelocationGuides.com
H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 76 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
Tranquil, natural beauty, plus planned urban amenities – Grand Central Park is the cure for the common community.
7 builders u 9 model homes to tour u Easy access to I-45NEW HOMES FROM THE $280s
(936) 447-2820 u Gr andCentr alParkTX.com u A Johnson Development Community
Conroe
The Woodlands
SH 105
FM 1488
45
FM 2854
Grand Central Parkway
Lake Conroe
LOOP 336
GCPCO-310 Fall 2017 Newcomer Guide Ad 7.5x10_MECH.indd 1 9/26/17 8:41 AM
8 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
CRAIG DOYALCounty Judge Montgomery County
Dear Friend and Neighbor:
Welcome to Montgomery County, the 7th - fasting growing county in the nation and a thriving
community that has become a great place to raise families and run a business or develop a
career. From The Woodlands to Willis to historic Montgomery and the waters of a sprawling
Lake Conroe, welcome to the place where the words “quality of life” have kept their meaning.
As your County Judge, I preside over Commissioners’ Court and serve as the Chief Executive
Officer for Montgomery County government. Having previously served as county commis-
sioner of Precinct 2 since Aug. 2001, over that time I have learned that one of the keys to
keeping our quality of life is our economic development program to attract new industries and
corporations. That has enables us to broaden our county’s tax base and maintain an affordable
cost of living for the residents of this community.
As a 4th generation Montgomery County resident, a husband and a father of three, it is as
important to me as it is to you to have a community where our children are challenged to
learn, encouraged to seek their dreams and are supported with facilities and services that are
conducive to a safe and nourishing environment. If all of us work together we can accomplish
these goals. Once again, welcome to Montgomery County. Please feel free to contact me or
my staff if you need assistance.
Warm Regards,
County Judge Craig Doyal
501 North Thompson, Suite 401
Conroe, Texas 77301
Telephone:
936-539-7812
281-364-4200
Fax:
936-760-6919
cojudge@mctx.org
www.mctx.org
Moving? Start fresh with X1.
Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. © 2017 Comcast. All right reserved. TRP187372-0001
Bring the best in entertainment toyour new home with XFINITY.
Call 1-855-MOV-EDGE to speak to a dedicated Move Specialist or visit x� nity.com/moving today!
Astroblast and Miles from Tomorrowland available on XFINITY TV app
119939_TRP187372-0001 Movers Transit 8.375x10.875.indd 1 12/21/16 1:40 PM
8 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8 H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 9
Moving? Start fresh with X1.
Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. © 2017 Comcast. All right reserved. TRP187372-0001
Bring the best in entertainment toyour new home with XFINITY.
Call 1-855-MOV-EDGE to speak to a dedicated Move Specialist or visit x� nity.com/moving today!
Astroblast and Miles from Tomorrowland available on XFINITY TV app
119939_TRP187372-0001 Movers Transit 8.375x10.875.indd 1 12/21/16 1:40 PM
1 0 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
Parent moving in? Grown kids moving back?
These days, typical living is anything but. That’s what
makes NextGen so unique. Rather than just offer extra
room, NextGen homes feature private entrances,
separate garages, and innovative floor plans designed to
meet your unique needs. Discover multi-generational living
on a whole new level. NextGen. The Home Within a Home®.
Two homes. One roof. NextGen fits your life.
| from the $270s | NextGenHouston.com |Plans and elevations/renderings are artist’s concepts and may contain options or features which are not standard on all models. Features, amenities, floor plans, elevations, square footage and designs vary per plan and community and are subject to changes or substitution without notice. Contact a Lennar or Village Builders new home consultant for detail. Garage sizes may vary from home to home and may not accom-modate all vehicles. Stated dimensions and/or square footages are approximate and should not be used as representation of the home’s precise or actual size. Any statement, verbal or written, regarding “under air” or “furnished area” or any other description or modifier for the square footage size of any home is a shorthand description of the manner in which the square footage was estimated and should not be construed to indicate certainty. Models/lifestyle photos do not represent racial or ethnic preference. Copyright 2017 Lennar Corporation. All rights reserved. Lennar, the Lennar logo, Village Builders, the Village Builders logo and Next Gen and the Next Gen logo are registered service marks of Lennar corporation and/or its subsidiaries. 05/2017
FIRST FLOOR
PANTRY REF.
CO
AT
FRZ
STO
OP
SEAT
UP
BATH2
UTI
LIT
Y
MASTERBATH
CLOSET
PWDR
PORCH
12' x 10'
12' x 19'
15' x 14'
15' x 18'
12' x 10'
12' x 11'
12' x 8'
20' x 10'
19' x 23'
DININGROOM COVERED
PATIO
MASTERBEDROOM
FAMILYROOM
KITCHEN
PRIVATE
PRIVATELIVING ROOM
KITCHENETTE
GARAGE
GARAGE
FOYER
FIREPLACE
LENNARREV. 06.10.15PLAN 481N- NO FURNITURE
SECOND FLOOR
OPEN RAILING
UP
OPEN TO
BELOW
BATH 3
12' x 12'
15' x 19'
15' x 13'
13' x 11'
12' x 12'
BEDROOM 4
GAMEROOM
BEDROOM 3
BEDROOM 5
OPT. MEDIA
LENNARREV. 06.10.15PLAN 481N- NO FURNITURE
NextGen SuiteMain Home
LENNAR-018 Next Gen Newcomer Guide Ad 8.5x11_MECH.indd 1 5/5/17 12:25 PM
BRIAN J. BONDY
PresidentConroe/Lake Conroe
Chamber of Commerce
Welcome from the Chamber!
The Conroe/Lake Conroe area is excited to have you as a neighbor!
We believe that the Conroe/Lake Conroe community is an amazing place to live,
work, play and raise a family. As you learn more about this place we call ‘home’,
we hope that you’ll fall in love with it the way that we have!
On behalf of our 1,100+ members, our Board of Directors and staff of the
Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce, thank you for your interest in
becoming our neighbor. The cities of Conroe, Willis and Montgomery are rich in
Texas history and culture – as well as beautiful scenery – that it’s unlike anywhere
else in the state!
From the beauty of Lake Conroe…and year round usage…to charming downtown
Conroe, the best way to discover our treasures, is to experience them first hand.
So, come visit us…look around…explore our neighborhoods, stores, cultural
attractions and schools. You’ll find one common denominator in all of these
areas…our people make the Conroe/Lake Conroe area! If you need any addi-
tional assistance, please don’t hesitate to stop by the Chamber offices and let us
know how we can help!
Sincerely,
Brian J. Bondy
505 W Davis Street
Conroe, TX 77301
Telephone:
936-756-6644
www.conroe.org
1 0 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8 H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 1 1
Parent moving in? Grown kids moving back?
These days, typical living is anything but. That’s what
makes NextGen so unique. Rather than just offer extra
room, NextGen homes feature private entrances,
separate garages, and innovative floor plans designed to
meet your unique needs. Discover multi-generational living
on a whole new level. NextGen. The Home Within a Home®.
Two homes. One roof. NextGen fits your life.
| from the $270s | NextGenHouston.com |Plans and elevations/renderings are artist’s concepts and may contain options or features which are not standard on all models. Features, amenities, floor plans, elevations, square footage and designs vary per plan and community and are subject to changes or substitution without notice. Contact a Lennar or Village Builders new home consultant for detail. Garage sizes may vary from home to home and may not accom-modate all vehicles. Stated dimensions and/or square footages are approximate and should not be used as representation of the home’s precise or actual size. Any statement, verbal or written, regarding “under air” or “furnished area” or any other description or modifier for the square footage size of any home is a shorthand description of the manner in which the square footage was estimated and should not be construed to indicate certainty. Models/lifestyle photos do not represent racial or ethnic preference. Copyright 2017 Lennar Corporation. All rights reserved. Lennar, the Lennar logo, Village Builders, the Village Builders logo and Next Gen and the Next Gen logo are registered service marks of Lennar corporation and/or its subsidiaries. 05/2017
FIRST FLOOR
PANTRY REF.
CO
AT
FRZ
STO
OP
SEAT
UP
BATH2
UTI
LIT
Y
MASTERBATH
CLOSET
PWDR
PORCH
12' x 10'
12' x 19'
15' x 14'
15' x 18'
12' x 10'
12' x 11'
12' x 8'
20' x 10'
19' x 23'
DININGROOM COVERED
PATIO
MASTERBEDROOM
FAMILYROOM
KITCHEN
PRIVATE
PRIVATELIVING ROOM
KITCHENETTE
GARAGE
GARAGE
FOYER
FIREPLACE
LENNARREV. 06.10.15PLAN 481N- NO FURNITURE
SECOND FLOOR
OPEN RAILING
UP
OPEN TO
BELOW
BATH 3
12' x 12'
15' x 19'
15' x 13'
13' x 11'
12' x 12'
BEDROOM 4
GAMEROOM
BEDROOM 3
BEDROOM 5
OPT. MEDIA
LENNARREV. 06.10.15PLAN 481N- NO FURNITURE
NextGen SuiteMain Home
LENNAR-018 Next Gen Newcomer Guide Ad 8.5x11_MECH.indd 1 5/5/17 12:25 PM
1 2 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
J.J. HOLLIE
President and CEO
The Woodlands Area
Chamber of Commerce
Greetings from The Chamber!
The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing quality services,
creating opportunities for business success and serving as an effective catalyst for the
economic growth and prosperity of our community. Through the collective strength of
over 2000 members and our staff, we are committed to legendary leadership, business
advocacy, economic prosperity, partnerships, access to innovative resources and unprece-
dented service to our community.
The Woodlands Area offers extraordinary amenities, top-rated public and private schools,
higher education institutions close to home and an exploding medical corridor.
We hope that you choose to be a part of the dynamic business community that The
Woodlands Area has to offer. You will find that our community fosters business growth,
embodies a welcoming attitude as well as a charitable spirit. We encourage you to join us
in The Woods.
Sincerely,
J.J. Hollie
9320 Lakeside Blvd
The Woodlands, TX 77381
Telephone:
281-367-5777
email:
info@woodlandschamber.org
www.woodlandschamber.org
JJ Hollie
1 2 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8 H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 1 3
1 4 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
DANIELLE SCHEINER
Interim Director
Conroe Economic Development Council
Greetings from the Conroe EDC!
The Conroe Economic Development Council (CEDC) is a publicly funded entity that serves
as the lead economic development organization for the Conroe area. We have been assisting
business growth and development in our area since the mid to late sixties and came to the
forefront in 1995 when the citizens of Conroe passed the ½ cent local sales tax for economic
development. Since that time, CEDC has assisted hundreds of new and local businesses
involved in manufacturing, logistics and services to grow and expand in our city.
As the fastest-growing city in the United States, Conroe has enjoyed a tremendous amount
of new development and employment opportunities. Working hand in hand with local and
regional business and economic development organizations and our educational community,
we have successfully served as a first stop for assistance in expansion and relocation to Conroe.
We have a wealth of available research in demographics, land inventory and labor market
information. Other available assistance include: incentives for qualified projects, access to
workforce training, referrals for services and technical assistance.
Please contact us for information about our great city. We stand ready to help those who are
considering an expansion or relocation to Conroe and wish to be a vital partner in your move
to Montgomery County.
Sincerely,
Danielle Scheiner
505 West Davis Street
Conroe, Texas 77301
Telephone:
936-522-7118
www.gcedc.org
The Conroe Economic Development Council
The mission of the Conroe Economic Development Council is to enhance the strength and stability of the greater Conroe economy. CEDC is governed by the seven-member Board of the Conroe Industrial Development Corporation. For more information on the Conroe Economic Development Council, visit www.gcedc.org.
1 4 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8 H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 1 5
Valley Ranch is surrounded by world-class amenities including the community water park and the 135-acre Town Grove Park with seven serene lakes and miles of trails. The new Valley Ranch Town Center offers a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options near home.
Valley Ranch, a community Full of Life.
VALLEY-RANCH.COM
D I N I N G S H O P P I N G PARKS & TRAILS A M E N I T I E S
New Homes f rom the $180s to $400s
A CommunityFull of Life
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RAY LAUGHTER
Director of Economic Development City of Willis Economic Development Corporation
200 N. Bell Street
Willis, Texas 77378
Phone:
(936) 856-4611
www.visitwillis.com
On behalf of the City of Willis Economic Development Corporation it is my pleasure to welcome you to the
thriving community of Willis Texas. Long on rich history and poised for an exciting future, Willis is strategi-
cally located commercially, educationally, recreationally and for affordability.
Willis is close enough to Houston to conveniently enjoy all that the 4th largest city in the United States has to
offer, yet it is far enough away to have the quality of life associated with a progressive rural community. Willis is
known for its great schools in Willis ISD, one of the largest and finest community colleges in the nation in Lone
Star College, and is just minutes away from highly ranked Sam Houston State University.
That quality of life includes an abundance of recreational opportunities. The Willis area is adjacent to the
21,000 acre Lake Conroe, known for its outstanding fishing and water sports, and serves as the entrance to the
beautiful Sam Houston National Forest and recreational areas.
These unique features, along with the affordability of living and working in Willis, makes this dynamic city one
of the fastest growing regions in the Houston area. The service area population of Willis has increased by 73%
since 2000 and with several new master planned communities adding thousands of quality homes the opportu-
nities in the region is bright.
The city of Willis is a rapidly developing commercial center for retail and industrial enterprises and the Willis
EDC is ready to help any business looking to locate or expand. A wide range of services and support are avail-
able to help growing businesses from startups to corporate relocations.
A growing and educated workforce, affordable land, quick access to major markets on I 45 and a business
supportive environment all make Willis Texas the place for you and your business.
Sincerely,
Ray Laughter
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1 8 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
CINDY HAMANN2017 Chairman
Houston Association of REALTORS®
Welcome to Houston!
You’ve just landed in one of the most vibrant and culturally diverse cities in America, with a
low cost of living, world-renowned Texas Medical Center, incredible cuisine, and countless
arts, entertainment, sports and recreation destinations, including Super Bowl LI.
As you drive around and familiarize yourself with the Houston metropolitan area, you’re
likely to notice license plates from many different states, as the addition of thousands of new
jobs over the past few years has drawn people here from all across the U.S.
The Houston real estate market has been one of the healthiest in the country, offering a wide
selection of communities and properties to suit every lifestyle, whether you plan to rent or
buy. The 34,000 members of the Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR) help make
the American Dream come true for individuals and families every day. HAR is the nation’s
second largest local REALTOR® organization and our members understand that a home is
one of the greatest investments you will ever make.
Well over a million consumers begin searching for their dream home every month on HAR’s
award-winning website, HAR.com, which extended its reach beyond Houston in 2014 to
provide property listings for the entire state of Texas. The site offers dozens of user-friendly
tools to explore specific properties and their amenities as well as to find detailed information
about neighborhoods, schools, businesses and much more.
Those same features are available through the free HAR.com app, making your property
search convenient while on the go. HAR and the City of Houston also developed the free
Houston Living app, which provides instant access to information about Houston’s elected
officials, city services and amenities, local events, neighborhood associations and much
more.
On behalf of HAR, it’s my great pleasure to welcome you to Houston. We hope you’ll take
advantage of everything our incredible community has to offer.
Sincerely,
Cindy Hamann
HAR CENTRAL3693 Southwest Freeway
Houston, TX 77027
713- 629-1900
Fax: 713- 961-4869
BAY AREA 16903 Buccaneer Lane, Suite 110
Houston, TX 77058
713-629-1900 ext. 750
Fax: 281-486-7530
MONTGOMERY COUNTY 19075 I-45 South, Suite 210
Conroe, TX 77385
713-629-1900 ext. 760
Fax: 936-273-0344
FORT BEND6680 Greatwood Pkwy.
Sugar Land, TX 77479
713-629-1900 ext. 700
Fax: 281-343-9557
www.thehomeconsignmentcenter.com
It’s Simple.Beautiful Designer Furniture, Accessories
& Jewelry all at Consignment Prices!
HCC WOODLANDS 27820 I45 North Conroe, TX 77385 Phone: 281-367-0420 woodlands@hccenter.com
18 LOCATIONS INCLUDING:
1 8 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8 H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 1 9www.thehomeconsignmentcenter.com
It’s Simple.Beautiful Designer Furniture, Accessories
& Jewelry all at Consignment Prices!
HCC WOODLANDS 27820 I45 North Conroe, TX 77385 Phone: 281-367-0420 woodlands@hccenter.com
18 LOCATIONS INCLUDING:
2 0 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
in this sectionwelcomerecreationcultureshopping & entertainment
toMONTGOMERY
COUNTY
H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 2 12 0 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
toMONTGOMERY
COUNTY
Since the late 1800s, a winning combination
of beautiful natural resources and efficient
transportation has fueled the growth of
Montgomery County and the area that today
encompasses The Woodlands, Conroe and
many more fast-growing communities.
People have been moving to Montgomery
County and The Woodlands since the first
settlers arrived more than 100 years ago,
attracted by the timber resources of the lush
Texas Pineywoods and a growing railroad
network.
Bush Intercontinental Airport opened in
1965, pushing Houston’s development north-
ward. Lake Conroe was created in 1973, and
some of the finest residential developments in
the country have sprung up around the pictur-
esque shores and wooded terrain surrounding
the lake. The Woodlands was dedicated in
1974 as a visionary “New Town,” and resi-
dents continue to enjoy their “livable forest.”
As prosperous as Montgomery County
has been over the past 50 years, the biggest
game changer has come very recently, with
ExxonMobil now occupying its new 385-acre
corporate campus in Spring, just west of
where I-45 North meets the Hardy Toll Road.
Ten thousand ExxonMobil employees in
upstream, downstream and chemical divi-
sions will ultimately work at this wooded
campus, bringing an incredible new vibrancy
for the area’s real estate market. Most impor-
tantly, this new state-of-the-art mega-campus
signals that Montgomery County has indis-
putably arrived as a live/work region that
stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Downtown,
the Energy Corridor or any other part of the
Houston metropolitan region.
Already, the “ExxonMobil effect” is becoming
evident in new planned communities breaking
ground throughout the Montgomery County
area. Established communities such as The
Woodlands continue to thrive and enhance
their appeal to residents and visitors alike. The
region is enjoying a new focus on quality of
life and transportation, with projects such as
the exciting Spring Creek Greenway and the
Grand Parkway, now open all the way from
U.S. 59 South (aka the Southwest Freeway)
to U.S. 59 North in the northeast Houston
region.
Montgomery County has always been a
region on the move, from the days of stage-
coaches to today’s super jets and express
roadways. And it’s always looked to the
future, from the railroad and sawmill pioneers
of the 1800s, to the leading scientists at the
Houston Advanced Research Center today.
Located in Montgomery County, Conroe was named number one of the 15 fastest-growing cities with populations of 50,000 or more in 2016. Conroe, Texas saw a growth rate of 7.8 percent from 2015 to 2016 - which us more than 11 times that of the nation.
Welcome
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RECREATION The forests and waterways that originally
attracted settlers to Montgomery County
play an important role in the area’s quality
of life today, providing recreational oppor-
tunities and beautiful backdrops for homes
and communities.
One of the area’s most exciting and ambi-
tious projects is the Spring Creek Greenway,
which will preserve some of the pristine
forests seen by the Akokisa Indians, who
roamed the land more than 200 years ago.
Now 80 percent complete, the Spring Creek
Greenway will conserve 12,000 acres of
forest on both sides of the creek, making
it the longest contiguous forested urban
corridor in the nation.
Several large anchor parks along the
Spring Creek Greenway are ready to enjoy,
including 55-acre Dennis Johnston Park,
featuring a popular loop trail, a fishing pond,
a butterfly and hummingbird garden, and
Big Stone Lodge, available for rental. The
Greenway also connects many of the area’s
existing natural jewels, including Mercer
Arboretum and Botanic Gardens and Jesse
Jones Park.
The area is home to many large natural
areas, such as 163,000-acre Sam Houston
National Forest and 1,722-acre W. G. Jones
State Forest.
Lake Conroe, a 21,000-acre lake meandering
along 21 miles, is the reserve drinking water
supply for the City of Houston and offers
clean, clear water for recreation, including
boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, golfing,
swimming, water skiing and much more. Its
shores are lined with prestigious communi-
ties and resorts.
CULTUREMontgomery County area attracts visitors
from all over with major cultural attrac-
tions such as the Cynthia Woods Mitchell
Pavilion in The Woodlands. Well-known
for pop and rock concerts, the Pavilion
is the summer home of the Houston
Symphony Orchestra.
The Symphony also performs at The
Centrum, an 881-seat world-class perfor-
mance facility, which hosts events by more
than 160 community non-profit groups
each year, drawing over 350,000 visitors.
The Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine
Arts opened in 2008 with the mission of
bringing world-class art exhibitions to
northwest Houston, and has since exhibited
everything from European masterworks
to contemporary art glass. This museum,
along with the Centrum and the Barbara
Bush Library, form the growing Cypress
Creek Cultural District.
The Crighton Theatre in downtown Conroe
stages everything from children’s plays
to concerts and musicals in a beautifully
restored 1934 building.
SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENTFrom modern to historic, the area is home
to some of the most unique shopping desti-
nations in the Houston area.
Market Street in The Woodlands is an
award-winning mixed-use town center and
one of the region’s finest shopping and
entertainment destinations. Market Street
has more than 75 national and specialty
retailers and restaurants, along with public
art, cinemas, a Wi-Fi enabled Central Park,
and a hotel.
Nearby, The Woodlands Mall offers a distin-
guished collection of over 160 exciting
stores and inspiring restaurants. In fact, The
Woodlands alone boasts 11 million square
feet of shopping, dining, hospitality and
entertainment.
An additional 700,000 square feet of Mont-
gomery County shopping is coming in
late 2017, with the anticipated opening of
336 Marketplace, a centerpiece of the new
Grand Central Park community at I-45
North and Loop 336 in Conroe.
© 2017 Ashton Woods Homes. All rights reserved. Prices may not include lot premiums, upgrades or options; community association and golf fees may be required. Plans, specifications, pricing, incentives, features, elevations, and materials subject to change without notice. Square footage and dimensions are approximate, subject to change and may vary in construction. Renderings, maps and displays are artists’ conceptions and not
actual depiction of home or its surroundings. Actual position of home on lot to be determined by site and plot plans; basements available subject to site conditions. Community improvements and amenities based on current plans and subject to change with no obligation to be completed. This is not an offer to sell real estate, or solicitation to buy real estate, in any jurisdiction where prohibited by law or where prior registration is required, including New York and New Jersey. Please see Sales Representative for additional information. 5.17
Design. Personalization. Possibilities.Find your inspired new home in North Houston.
The Meadows at Imperial OaksSpring from the $260s
Harpers PreserveThe Woodlands from the $410s
ashtonwoods.com
HarmonySpring from the $400s
WoodtraceTomball from the $360s
Lakes at NorthPointeCypress from the $250s
Kingwood – Village of Royal Brook Kingwood from the $380s
W E L C O M E T O P A L M B E A C HW E L C O M E T O M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y
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A few miles south, Old Town Spring
preserves one of the area’s most historic
business districts, with everything from
charming cafes to quaint boutiques. Special
events such as Springfest and the Texas
Crawfish Festival make Old Town Spring an
even livelier place to visit.
The area is also home to Wet ‘n’ Wild Splash-
Town, the region’s largest water amusement
park, and the Grand Texas destination devel-
opment is planning to open in phases on a
610-acre site at I-69 and S.H. 242.
TRANSPORTATIONTransportation has always been relatively
easy in Montgomery County. In pioneer
days, the rivers, streams and railroads deliv-
ered goods to markets on the Gulf Coast
and throughout the country. Today, one of
the world’s busiest airports and a growing
network of highways and transit options
provides residents with convenient access to
the Houston region and the world.
The Grand Parkway, also known as State
Highway 99, has opened all the way from
U.S. 59 South to U.S. 59 North, bisecting
the region on a southwest-to-northeast axis,
and making it possible to drive nonstop
from Fort Bend County to Montgomery
County. The Grand Parkway passes right by
the newly opened ExxonMobil campus and
many new developments in the area.
Any of the Texas based tags (the HCTRA
EZTag, TxDOT TxTAG or NTTA
TollTag) will work on the Grand Parkway
and on the rest of the toll roads in Houston
and across Texas.
The new Tomball Tollway, Hardy Toll
Road and I-45 North provide more critical
transportation links for the Montgomery
County area.
Now in the final design phase, the Hardy
Downtown Connector will extend the
Hardy Toll Road from its current terminus
at the 610 Loop all the way into downtown
Houston, alleviating congestion at the Loop.
When this connector is completed, the
Hardy Toll Road will be an approximately
25-mile express route from downtown
Houston to just south of The Woodlands.
Improvements to I-45 between the Sam
Houston Tollway and Downtown are also
in the works and will be a great benefit for
Montgomery County residents who work
in central Houston. METRO Park & Ride
services and even water taxis in The Wood-
lands round out the area’s diverse mobility
infrastructure.
From nature to commerce, it’s easy to see
why Montgomery County is one of the
nation’s fastest-growing counties, with job
growth and family income outpacing the
national average.
In the next chapter, we’ll take a look at some
of the new and established communities that
make the area such a great place to live.
New Homes from the $200sANGLIA HOMES · CENTURY COMMUNITIES · COLINA HOMES · WESTIN HOMES
• Conveniently located on Highway 105• Minutes from dining, shopping & entertainment• Conroe Independent School District
WedgewoodForest.comFollow us for community updates
At Wedgewood Forest, peaceful vistas are the norm, not the exception. Gently rolling terrain offers a distinct and secluded vantage point far from suburban sprawl, creating a serene oasis where nature takes center stage. Embraced by nature’s bounty, it’s easy to forget Interstate 45 is just minutes away, waiting to whisk you from your retreat to awaiting urban adventures.
*Prices and availability subject to change without notice.
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in this sectioncitiesneighborhoodsmaster planned communitiescounty maps
H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 2 52 4 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
Montgomery County is a vibrant mosaic of old towns abuzz with renewed vitality and new communities nestled in the woods. With its beautiful environment, highly regarded schools, convenient network of roadways and growing number of major employers such as ExxonMobil new residents from all over are making the area home.
Newcomers will find a tremendous variety of homes and neighborhoods to choose from – including large-lot communities, lakefront and golf course developments, and master-planned communities of all sizes. Here are brief profiles of some of Montgomery County’s most appealing neighborhoods and communities. More information is available at www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com.
CONROEThe largest city and county seat of Mont-
gomery County is named after lumberman
Isaac Conroe, who founded a sawmill there
in 1881. The new city was originally called
Conroe’s Switch, since it sat at the junction
of two railroads. Shortened to Conroe, the
city prospered because of its thriving lumber
and oil industries, and for one brief period
it boasted more millionaires per capita than
another other U.S. city.
Today, Conroe is booming like never before,
as Houston’s growth continues its northward
march, and ExxonMobil’s new campus
opens and fills up. The city is home to two
craft beer breweries and a distillery, and
it shows off its proud history at the Lone
Star Monument and Historical Flag Park.
Conroe has 24 city parks and a lively historic
downtown filled with two antique malls,
two live performance theaters, art galleries,
eateries and much more.
Several new communities have recently
opened in the Conroe area, including Gray-
stone Hills by Friendswood Development
Company. Located near I-45 North and
Conroe’s Loop 336, this 331-acre commu-
nity offers something few of its regional
competitors can match – genuine topog-
raphy with scenic hills and bluffs. With
new homes priced from the $300,000s to
$500,000, Graystone Hills offers amenities
including greenbelt trails, a nature preserve,
parks and a recreation center with a resort-
style swimming pool. Part of the highly
regarded Conroe ISD, homes in the commu-
nity are within close proximity to schools at
every grade level.
Located near The Woodlands, Harper’s
Preserve surrounds a beautiful nature
preserve on Harper’s Horsepen Branch, a
natural stream. Planned for 1,700 homes,
Harper’s Preserve has a gated entrance,
private streets, front-yard maintenance, and
abundant amenities including the West
Village Recreation Center, with a commu-
nity pool, an outdoor kitchen, a playground,
trails, and facilities for bowling, bocce ball
and horseshoes. Kids will love climbing on
the giant boulders overlooking a scenic lake.
Home styles range from low-maintenance
patio homes to large estate homes.
Grand Central Park is a new master-planned
mixed-use community located in the City of
Conroe that just celebrated its grand opening
jamboree. Combining living, working and
Home to lakes, forests, gently rolling hills, and all the conveniences, Montgomery County delights newcomers with historic small-town charm and leading-edge master-planned communities.
HOUSING &NEIGHBORHOODS
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playing, the community provides excel-
lent access to everything Montgomery
County has to offer, as well as close prox-
imity to Houston’s new Energy Corridor
and ExxonMobil campus. Located just 5
miles north of The Woodlands along Inter-
state 45 and S. Loop 336, Grand Central
Park is dedicated to protecting the woods
that outline the property and homes are
nestled among nature trails, parks, lakes and
many more outdoor amenities. Six leading
homebuilders will offer a wide variety of
patio homes, townhomes, luxury villas and
traditional single-family. Visit www.grand-
centralparktx.com.
Nature is a neighbor in the master- planned
community of Imperial Oaks. Just minutes
from the Woodlands, the Meadow at Impe-
rial Oaks has all the elements for families to
blossom – pools and playgrounds, shopping
and family fun, easy access to the roads to
work, the airport, or nearby medical facil-
ities. And the Conroe ISD is an excellent
place for young minds to grow. Visit www.
themeadowsatimperialoaks.com.
Stewart’s Forest is a breathtaking master-
planned community with gently rolling
terrain, located less than a mile from the key
crossroads of I-45 North and Loop 336 in
Conroe. This heavily wooded community
has meandering greenbelts and a recreation
center with a swimming pool and play-
ground. Part of highly regarded Conroe
ISD, Stewart’s Forest is convenient to every-
thing great about Montgomery Country,
from Lake Conroe and nearby parks and
forests, to the shopping and entertainment
of The Woodlands. www.stewartsforest.net.
LAKE CONROEThis 22,000-acre lake is one of the natural
crown jewels of Montgomery County, along
with its pristine national and state forests.
The 157 miles of shoreline surrounding this
scenic lake are ringed by some of the area’s
most beautiful communities, including
April Sound, Bentwater and Walden on
Lake Conroe. Many of these communities
have enhanced their gorgeous natural back-
drop by adding golf courses, tennis courts,
country clubs and other upscale amenities.
A manmade lake that opened in 1973,
Lake Conroe is fairly built out in terms of
development along its shoreline, but its
communities are still highly sought after
for permanent and vacation homes. Public
access and public boat launching is available
from several parks, including Lake Conroe
Park, Scott’s Ridge Swim Area and the vast
Sam Houston National Forest.
KINGWOOD/LAKE HOUSTONKingwood is Montgomery County’s
neighbor to the east, and the two share
many positive features, like beautiful
forests and lakes. Kingwood is part of the
Humble area, which like Montgomery
County is steeped in a rich history of
settlers, loggers and oil wealth. And like
Montgomery, Kingwood and Humble
have found modern prosperity as two of
the most popular areas for new commu-
nity development in the Houston region.
Slightly older than The Woodlands, King-
wood opened in 1971 as a partnership of
Friendswood Development Company (at
the time an Exxon subsidiary) and the
legendary King Ranch of Texas. With its
lakes, tree-lined streets, country clubs,
parks and secluded residential villages,
this 14,000-acre community has been one
of the region’s most sought-after addresses
for decades.
Popularly known as “The Livable Forest,”
Kingwood is largely completed and is
home to more than 65,000 happy resi-
dents. Opportunities to own a new home
remain in two of its most prestigious
areas, Barrington Kingwood and Oakhurst
at Kingwood.
Barrington Kingwood is a private 200-acre
enclave located just inside the gates of
Kingwood. Homes in Barrington King-
wood are surrounded by the back nine
holes of the Kingwood Country Club’s
scenic Lakes Golf Course, offering stun-
ning views. The key amenity is The Manor
House, an 18,000-square-foot clubhouse
offering a fitness center, an infinity edge
pool with a hot tub and sun deck, tennis
courts, a billiards room and much more.
This gated community is literally across
the street from baseball and soccer fields,
parks and Lake House, and a casual stroll
from shopping and dining. Residents who
love golf can choose from Kingwood’s five
championship courses.
A 700-acre community planned for 2,200
homes, Oakhurst at Kingwood is one of
the final Kingwood villages to be developed
by Friendswood Development Company.
The community boasts the Oakhurst Golf
Course, along with a recreation center and
neighborhood parks. Residents also enjoy
the amazing variety of amenities available
to all homeowners in Kingwood, including
more than 500 acres of parks and nature
reserves and more than 75 miles of trails.
Shopping and entertainment are offered at
Kingwood Town Center and Kings Harbor.
MAGNOLIAAdjacent to The Woodlands, Magnolia
was settled in the late 1840s and today calls
itself “the community of unity.” It has been
awarded Recognized Scenic City Certification
by Scenic Texas. Magnolia retains its small-
town charm even as it becomes a popular
location for large-lot communities, especially
those that can accommodate horses.
MONTGOMERYOne of the oldest towns in the state, Mont-
gomery is the birthplace of the Lone Star
flag of Texas. It began as a trading post
in 1826, and while the city itself hasn’t
grown much, the area is still popular with
newcomers. Just outside Montgomery, tens
of thousands of contented homeowners
reside in new and established communi-
ties, drawn by the area’s natural beauty,
proximity to commerce, and enduring small-
town charm.
One of the area’s newest and most inno-
vative communities is Woodforest, a
3,000-acre development that ranks among
the top 20 communities in the U.S. for
new-home sales. Nestled in a heavily
wooded environment between The Wood-
lands and Lake Conroe, Woodforest has a
27-hole championship golf course, parks,
playgrounds, a splash park, and miles of
hike-and-bike trails. Unique amenities
HarpersPreserveHarper’sPreserve
East VillageEntry
THE WOODLANDS
Hardy Toll Rd.
Hwy 242COLLEGE PARK
Grand Parkway
From downtown Houston, take I-45 North. Exit Highway 242 and turn right. From 242, turn right onto Harper’s Trace and follow the signs to the model homes.
Harper’s Preserve is a new, master-planned community located in The Woodlands area. Both private and convenient, this gated community surrounds a 160-acre forested preservation area. Inhabitated with native plants to complement its natural setting, Harper’s Preserve offers peace and beauty and is just minutes from The Woodlands Mall, one mile east of Interstate 45 off Highway 242. Come discover Harper’s Preserve, where privacy, convenience and beauty define this very special place.
- Highly-acclaimed Conroe ISD Schools- Easy and quick access to I-45 and the Hardy Toll Road- The Phase 1 Recreation Center, Preserve Park, is open! This park area features a community pool and pool barn, walking trails, playground, fire pit, bowling and bocce ball greens and horseshoe pits. Plus there are more amenities in East Village!
HarpersPreserve.com
New Homes & Patio Homes From the $260s-$600sAshton Woods | J. Patrick | Chesmar Homes | Plantation Homes | Drees Custom Homes | Gehan Homes
W E L C O M E T O P A L M B E A C HH O U S I N G & N E I G H B O R H O O D S
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HarpersPreserveHarper’sPreserve
East VillageEntry
THE WOODLANDS
Hardy Toll Rd.
Hwy 242COLLEGE PARK
Grand Parkway
From downtown Houston, take I-45 North. Exit Highway 242 and turn right. From 242, turn right onto Harper’s Trace and follow the signs to the model homes.
Harper’s Preserve is a new, master-planned community located in The Woodlands area. Both private and convenient, this gated community surrounds a 160-acre forested preservation area. Inhabitated with native plants to complement its natural setting, Harper’s Preserve offers peace and beauty and is just minutes from The Woodlands Mall, one mile east of Interstate 45 off Highway 242. Come discover Harper’s Preserve, where privacy, convenience and beauty define this very special place.
- Highly-acclaimed Conroe ISD Schools- Easy and quick access to I-45 and the Hardy Toll Road- The Phase 1 Recreation Center, Preserve Park, is open! This park area features a community pool and pool barn, walking trails, playground, fire pit, bowling and bocce ball greens and horseshoe pits. Plus there are more amenities in East Village!
HarpersPreserve.com
New Homes & Patio Homes From the $260s-$600sAshton Woods | J. Patrick | Chesmar Homes | Plantation Homes | Drees Custom Homes | Gehan Homes
2 8 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
include Forest Island, a 16-acre tennis and
aquatics center, and Admiral Bark Park,
named after the community’s first resident
canine. Nestled beneath a canopy of oak
trees, Lily Pad Park is an awesome water
park for the entire family.
Overall, Woodforest devotes 700 acres to
recreation and natural open space. Homesites
include golf course and lake frontage, and are
as large as one acre. Woodforest also includes
a 90-acre retail and mixed-use area, so resi-
dents will be able to shop and work where
they live and play. www.woodforesttx.com.
OAK RIDGE NORTH Oak Ridge North is situated just north of
Spring and south of Conroe along I-45,
with The Woodlands and Shenandoah as
close neighbors to the west. It is home to
just over 3,000 residents who affectionately
refer to it as “What a Hometown Should
Be.” The community manages to maintain
the hometown feel it was originally known
for, with friendly, close-knit neighbors who
can walk to schools and the two city parks.
And because of its proximity to The Wood-
lands, Conroe and Houston, residents of
Oak Ridge North can easily take advantage
of the entertainment, shopping, colleges
and universities, and other offerings in the
surrounding cities. www.oakridgenorth.com
SHENANDOAHShenandoah is a small city of about 2,200 that
connects The Woodlands to Conroe along
I-45 North. The west side of the city is almost
entirely residential while commercial and retail
property is zoned to the east side of I-45. The
Conroe Independent School District sports
complex is there and hosts events year-round.
One of the first new developments to open
in years will give newcomers an oppor-
tunity to enjoy the laidback Shenandoah
lifestyle. Planned for 92 homes by Pelican
Builders, Boulevard Green is located on a
12-acre site at Vision Park Boulevard and
Pine Forest Drive. Hallmarks of this gated
community include distinctive architecture,
low-maintenance living, elegant interiors
and affordability – all in a convenient loca-
tion only minutes from I-45 North and all of
the attractions in The Woodlands.
SPRINGAbout 55,000 people reside in Spring, which
maintains its small-town appeal while
welcoming newcomers to several growing
master-planned communities. Spring is
known throughout Houston for its quaint,
vibrant Old Town Spring shopping and
entertainment district, and the Spring Creek
Greenway is enhancing the area’s already
considerable natural appeal.
Area schools are highly regarded, and major
roadways including I-45 North, the Hardy
Toll Road and Grand Parkway add to the
area’s vitality. The new ExxonMobil campus
is located right across I-45 from Spring, and
this mega-development has had a huge and
positive impact on growth in Spring.
Harmony is a popular Spring commu-
nity that embraces the 12,000-acre Spring
Creek Greenway as its veritable backyard.
Situated just minutes from I-45 North and
the Hardy Toll Road, this wooded 1,000-
acre community offers unique amenities
such as Barefoot Park, where residents
are encouraged to kick off their shoes and
enjoy the outdoors. The park has a resort-
style pool with a beach-entry lagoon, a
splash pad, and a community pavilion
with an outdoor fireplace. Coordinated by
a dedicated lifestyle director, the commu-
nity presents events all years, like Pumpkin
Fest and Pictures with the Easter Bunny.
Harmony is planned for 2,600 homes,
with a variety of award-winning home-
builders and homesites ranging from 55 to
75 feet wide. www.harmony-houston.com.
TOMBALLOnce called Peck, Tomball was renamed
in 1907 in honor of its local congressman,
Thomas Henry Ball, who played a major
W E L C O M E T O P A L M B E A C HH O U S I N G & N E I G H B O R H O O D S
Photo courtesy of Gracepoint Homes Lake Conroe - photo courtesy of Annette Evans
2 8 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8 H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 2 9
role in the development of the Port of
Houston. Today, Tomball is home to about
11,000 residents who appreciate its small-
town atmosphere and proximity to The
Woodlands and other fast-growing commu-
nities in the Montgomery County area.
Bounded by State Highway 249 and FM 2978
– with FM 2920 as Main Street –Tomball
is ideally located just 28 miles northwest of
downtown Houston. With one of the highest
elevations in the region, Tomball has fertile,
forested land that drew farmers and ranchers
in the early 19th century. Later, railroads and
then oil and gas brought more prosperity to
Tomball. Today, the area is home to thriving
master-planned communities.
Adjacent to The Woodlands, just off
Huffsmith and Wiseman Roads, is Lakes
at Creekside. Surrounded by wooded
beauty and eight lakes, and just minutes
from the Grand Parkway, The Woodlands
and the new ExxonMobil campus, this
master-planned community is wonderfully
welcoming. Lakes of Creekside is comprised
of just over 600 home sites, and has a
tremendous array of amenities not usually
offered in a close-knit community such as
bike paths, splash pads, a pavilion and more.
Lakes of Creekside is located within both
the Tomball and Klein Independent School
Districts. Visit www. lakesatcreekside.com.
Wildwood at Northpointe by Friendswood
Development Company is located just off S.H.
249. This 700-acre community has beautiful
lakes, miles of wooded trails, tennis courts,
parks, and a clubhouse with a sparkling pool.
Willowbrook Mall is nearby, and 11 Tomball
parks are only minutes away. Burroughs Park,
a 330-acre recreational area, is close by, as are
many golf courses and country clubs. www.
wildwoodcommunities.com.
Woodtrace, another Friendswood Devel-
opment community in Tomball, is a gated
enclave at the corner of S.H. 249 and FM
149. Woodtrace has beautiful amenities
including 23-acre Woodtrace Lake and
Central Park, which has a natural creek with
footbridges and trails. The recreation center
offers a pool, park and clubhouse. www.
woodtracecommunity.com.
Willowcreek Ranch, a development of
Caldwell Communities, is another popular
Tomball community. This gated community
has a sparkling 50-acre lake as its center-
piece, with more amenities including an
Equestrian Center, miles of hike and bike
trails, and numerous parks and green spaces.
Overlooking the main lake, The Lakehouse
Lodge offers residents a place to play, enter-
tain, work out, and enjoy life, unbridled.
www.willowcreekranchtx.com
All of these communities are part of the
highly regarded Tomball Independent
School District, and higher education is
offered at Lone Star College – Tomball.
Healthcare is nearby at the Tomball
Regional Medical Center. The city hosts
many popular festivals throughout the year,
including the Tomball Music Festival, the
Rails & Trails Mudbug Festival and Tomball
Bluegrass Festival.
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With three local offices in Montgomery County to serve you, put our expertise and market knowledge to work on your next real estate transaction.
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3 0 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
WILLISWhen the Willis brothers donated land to
the Great Northern Railroad for a track
from Houston to Chicago, a town was
born. The railway and fertile land to grow
watermelon, cotton and other cash crops, as
well as trees for a thriving timber industry
allowed the community to grow. Straddling
I45 and north of Conroe, today Willis is the
gateway to Lake Conroe and the home of a
highly rated school district.
THE WOODLANDSOpened in 1974, The Woodlands has reigned
for decades as one of the top-selling master-
planned communities in the U.S., widely
admired for its beautifully preserved environ-
ment and quality amenities.
In recent years, The Woodlands has come into
its own as a total community where people
live, work and play, with the flourishing of
The Woodlands Town Center, the Market
Street shopping and entertainment district and
other key components. The Woodlands has
also become a major employment center, and
without doubt the community’s success and
quality of life drew the attention of Exxon-
Mobil, which built its new campus just south
of the 28,000-acre community.
Now home to nearly 100,000 residents, The
Woodlands offers amenities including 190
miles of hike and bike trails, 121 parks and
seven golf courses. The Woodlands will
ultimately include 8,000 acres of natural unde-
veloped land in parks and nature preserves.
The Woodlands lifestyle is centered on
the environment, the arts, technology and
healthy living. The Woodlands Town Center
features The Woodlands Waterway at the
heart of the commercial district. The 1.4-mile
long waterway links office buildings, shops,
restaurants and plaza areas, with water taxis
providing transportation between these areas
and more destinations including the 1.3
million square-foot The Woodlands Mall and
Market Street. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell
Pavilion, one of the most popular outdoor
amphitheaters in the world, hosts national
touring shows and cultural performances.
An exceptional collection of larger-than-life
sculptures and outdoor art installations adorns
public spaces.
Stillwater is a residential community that
will evoke timeless southern sophistication
to create a hometown beyond compare. The
homesites are planned to border community
lakes and reserves, easily accommodated by
the surrounding W.G. Jones State Forest.
Stillwater is located close to I-45 and within
minutes to premier local attractions such as
The Woodlands Market Street, The Wood-
lands Mall and The Cynthia Woods Mitchell
Pavilion. www.stillwatertx.com.
Three highly rated school districts – Conroe,
Magnolia and Tomball ISD – along with
acclaimed private and preparatory schools
give residents access to excellent choices for
education. The Woodlands is also home to
Lone Star College- Montgomery, and two
renowned healthcare campuses, Memorial
Hermann The Woodlands and St. Luke’s.
W E L C O M E T O P A L M B E A C HH O U S I N G & N E I G H B O R H O O D S
LIVE, WORK and PLAY
in beaut i fu l Willis, Texas
www.visitwillis.com
• Family-Friendly Community• Welcoming to New Businesses • New Housing Developments in Progress• Convenient Location on I-45• Outdoor Lovers’ Paradise
3 0 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8 H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 3 1
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PanoramaVillageDobbin
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W.G. JONESSTATE FOREST
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SAM HOUSTONNATIONALFORESTLake
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Montgomery County © Texas Almanac
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FT. BENDPARKW
AY
Harris County © Texas Almanac
Courtesy of the Texas Almanac, published by the Texas State Historical Association, Austin, Texas.
Montgomery County
Harris CountyLargest county in eastern half of state; level; typically coastal surface and soils; many bayous, canals for artificial drainage; Lake Houston, Sheldon Reservoir; partly forested.
Population 4,538,028
Change fm 2010 10.9
Area (sq.mi.) 1,777.5
Land area(sq.mi.) 1,703.5
Altitude (ft.) sea level–310
Rainfall (in.) 56.81
Jan. mean. min. 43.4
July mean max. 90.7
Civilian labor 2,279,367
Unemployed 5.3
Wages $37,346,009,148
Per Capita Inc. $55,088
Prop. Value $472,155,923,085
Retail Sales $88,892,139,887
Rolling, half timbered; Sam Houston National Forest; loam, sandy, alluvial soils; Lake Conroe and Lewis Creek Reservoir.
Population 537,559
Change fm 2010 17.9
Area (sq.mi.) 1,076.9
Land area(sq.mi.) 1,041.7
Altitude (ft.) 50–430
Rainfall (in.) 48.77
Jan. mean. min. 40.4
July mean max. 93.5
Civilian labor 259,473
Unemployed 4.8
Wages $2,191,523,418
Per Capita Inc $60,490
Prop. Value $54,317,835,443
Retail Sales $7,833,735,189
3 2 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
in this sectiontemporary lodgingrent or buychoosing a realtormortgage options
HOME FRONTThe
Pho
to c
ou
rte
sy o
f Le
nn
ar H
om
es
H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 3 33 2 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
TEMPORARY LODGINGSometimes, newcomers need temporary
housing while they continue their home
search, or while they wait for their new
home to be built or renovated. Like most big
cities, Houston has many options for tempo-
rary housing, but perhaps it’s even truer
here, because companies are experienced
at serving the historically heavy influxes of
newcomers who work in Houston’s thriving
energy, medical and aerospace sectors.
Many multifamily complexes have corpo-
rate programs with fully furnished units
and short-term leases available. Hotels
are another option, including the growing
number of extended-stay hotels in the area.
When staying in a hotel for 30 days or
longer, Texas law allows for an exemption of
the 6% state hotel tax; see the hotel manage-
ment for information on how to apply for
this exemption.
Consider the location and style of housing that
would best suit you during your temporary
stay. Is proximity to work the top consideration
during this hectic period? Or it might be most
important to stay near an airport if you’ll be
doing a lot of traveling during the transition.
Would you be most comfortable in a hotel or
apartment, or would you prefer a single-family
home or townhome?
Good sources for locating temporary housing
include your company’s human resources
department, your Realtor and/or builder, and
the Internet.
Bottom line: the rapid growth of Mont-
gomery County and environs means that
newcomers will find plenty of temporary
housing options throughout the area – from
extended-stay hotels and corporate lodging,
to single-family homes and condos for rent.
RENT OR BUY?There can be advantages to both renting or
buying a new home, depending on one’s
immediate priorities and long-term goals.
According to Freddie Mac, renting can
make more sense if you have a career or life-
style that requires you to move frequently, if
you prefer a set monthly budget and cannot
afford unforeseen home-maintenance
expenses, or if you don’t have the time or
desire for home maintenance.
More reasons to rent: if you enjoy having
amenities such as a pool, gym, concierge
and tennis courts; if you plan on downsizing
your living space or retiring soon; and if you
are experiencing a financial setback and/or
rebuilding your credit.
Freddie Mac says buying may be best if
you have reliable income, good credit and
documentation for your assets; if you can
afford at least a 5% down payment and
closing costs; and if you are financially
able to take on home maintenance and
improvements.
It may also be better to buy if you want to
build equity and qualify for homeowner tax
breaks and credits; if you have an adequate
cash reserve to withstand loss of employment
or another financial setback; and if you plan
on staying in your home at least four years.
NEW HOME VS. EXISTING HOMEAdvantages of buying a new home include
“new” everything – from carpets to appliances.
Energy efficiency is another big consideration.
New homes can include the latest high-effi-
ciency heating and cooling systems, along
with advanced insulation and window prod-
ucts that weren’t available 10 or 20 years ago.
A new home will require less maintenance
in the short term, and new homes are wired
and capable of accommodating the latest
technologies.
There are also advantages to buying an existing
home, especially in Montgomery County,
which offers plenty of resale homes ranging
from historic farmhouses to homes just a few
years old. Existing homes might be less expen-
sive, have established landscaping, or other
HOME FRONTThe rapid growth of Montgomery County means newcomers can find everything they need for a smooth move – from abundant temporary housing choices, to skilled Realtors and custom builders who are eager to help.
The
3 4 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
T H E H O M E F R O N T
“extra” features, such as window coverings,
that may not be included in new homes, and
traditional floor plans.
Used homes may also have a track record of
appreciation over the years, although Realtor.
com cautions that past performance does not
guarantee future market appeal.
CUSTOM HOME BUILDINGOne of the great things about Montgomery
County is the diversity of communities and
homesites to choose from for building the
custom home of your dreams. The choices
are almost endless. You can find an acreage
homesite in a community that still feels rural
and pastoral, or you can tap into the increas-
ingly urban vibe of places like The Woodlands
Town Center and build a townhome that might
look a home in New Orleans or Charleston.
You can also find homesites with views of the
area’s many golf courses, lakes and parks. And
almost everywhere, you’ll find the beautiful
trees the area is known for.
Also in Montgomery County, you’ll find a
wide selection of homebuilders and Realtors
who are extremely knowledgeable and experi-
enced in building custom homes in the region.
The benefits of building a custom home are
getting exactly what you want – from the
location of the lot, to the design of the exte-
rior style and interior floor plan. Many buyers
have extended multi-generational families
or adult children living at home, and garage
apartments and ground floor “casitas” (small
houses) are popular options for accommo-
dating these family members.
Inside, too, a custom home allows you to
personalize every aspect of every room – from
countertops and flooring, to paint colors and
lighting and plumbing fixtures. And if you
want to create a special place to incorporate an
architectural element that’s a family treasure
or recent discovery, that’s very easy to do when
building custom.
CHOOSING A REALTORChoosing the right Realtor in a vast area
such as Montgomery County can make a big
difference, because a good Realtor can help
you navigate a fast-changing market land-
scape. A knowledgeable Realtor can lead you
to new opportunities in communities that are
brand-new or not quite on the market, and can
also help you find final chances in communi-
ties that are fast building out.
To find the right Realtor, talk with recent
clients, check with the state real estate board to
confirm the Realtor’s licensing and check for
disciplinary action and complaints; research
how long the Realtor has been in business, and
look at their current listings to see if they have
enough to indicate a healthy business, but not
so many that you’d just be a number. Bankrate.
com also recommends looking at a Realtor’s
credentials – those initials after their name that
indicate certifications and areas of expertise.
MANAGEABLE, AFFORDABLE LIFESTYLE
Atlanta 99.3 103.6 94.3 84.6 103.0 107.9 103.9
Austin 96.2 90.3 100.0 82.0 90.9 100.3 100.6
Boston 145.7 105.8 204.9 139.9 111.4 133.3 127.0
Chicago 123.5 105.6 156.1 91.3 130.4 101.3 114.7
Cleveland 100.2 112.9 84.9 111.1 100.3 99.9 104.2
Dallas 102.0 98.0 103.1 107.0 94.1 101.6 103.5
Denver 112.1 96.7 133.7 90.9 104.6 105.1 109.9
Houston 98.1 88.6 101.5 121.5 100.3 93.0 92.4
New York (Brooklyn) 181.0 121.4 324.6 118.7 126.7 111.1 132.1
Phoenix 95.1 96.1 94.4 98.2 93.3 96.2 94.6
Raleigh 96.1 106.5 83.4 97.0 102.1 99.8 99.6
San Francisco 191.8 125.2 365.1 116.8 138.7 126.2 125.1
Seattle 152.8 123.8 206.6 127.9 137.6 123.5 136.5
Tucson 94.9 104.5 76.0 95.8 96.5 100.3 104.6
City Composite Grocery Housing Utilities Transportation Healthcare Misc.
100% 13.61% 27.59% 10.06% 9.59% 4.00% 35.15%
When it comes to overall cost of living, Houston is still an affordable place to live and work. Here’s how the Houston area ranked in a comparison to other major U.S. cities (based on Q3 2017)
COST OF LIVING
3 4 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8 H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 3 5
T H E H O M E F R O N T
MANAGEABLE, AFFORDABLE LIFESTYLE
Houses are selling in Houston; single-family home sales are up and housing inventory grew. Not only have sales blossomed, (creating an almost 12% increase over last year at this time), but there was also tremendous activity in the rental market. Along with the pace of sales, the median price also increased, although Houston still ranks as one of the most affordable big cities in the U.S. for homeownership.
“In all, Houston’s economic diversity and health will continue to protect and preserve home values over the long haul, and it will continue to be a great place to live, work and raise a family,” says Houston real estate expert and blogger Toni Nelson.
H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 3 5
3 6 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
More good news comes in the form of relaxed
lending standards that could benefit first-time
buyers. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the
two federally chartered mortgage corpora-
tions, recently relaxed lending guidelines that
were tightened after the national housing
crisis that began in 2008. Now, some buyers
can get a mortgage with only 3 percent down
payment and a minimum FICO credit score
of 620. Homebuyer assistance programs are
also offered by various government agen-
cies. Some groups, including teachers, police
officers and firefighters, may also qualify for
special assistance programs.
HOW MUCH CAN YOU AFFORD?Determining an affordable purchase price for a
home is the essential first step to home owner-
ship. Experts recommend spending about 28
percent of the household budget on housing,
and a recent Rice University study found that
Houston area residents spend typically about
30 percent of their incomes on housing, so
the city overall is right in line with that advice,
albeit slightly on the high side.
Experts also suggest that household expenses
not exceed 43 percent of personal income
before taxes. The mortgage payment, insur-
ance, credit card balances, utilities, food
and health care as well as any payments on
outstanding loans and leases are expenses,
while household income includes salary and
other declared revenue such as dividends and
royalties. In the case of townhomes, condos
and other types of housing where a monthly
maintenance fee is charged, that too must be
considered in the overall expenses.
Developed by the Real Estate Center at Texas
A&M University, the Texas Housing Afford-
ability Index (THAI) measures the ratio of
median household income required to buy a
median-priced home, using a 30-year mort-
gage with a 20 percent down payment as its
model. A THAI of 1.00 indicates that the
median household income is just enough
to qualify for a loan to purchase the medi-
an-priced home. Montgomery County’s most
recent THAI was an impressive 1.96, which
makes the area more affordable than the
overall Houston region, state and nation based
on THAI averages.
MORTGAGE OPTIONSSeveral different types of mortgages are
common today. A standard 30-year fixed
rate mortgage is the most common way to
finance a home; 15-year fixed rate mortgages
are another option. The 40-year mortgage
has become more popular in some parts of
the country where home prices are rising fast,
but many experts agree that the tradeoff of
a slightly lower monthly payment for much
more interest paid over the life of the loan
does not make economic sense.
For all fixed-rate loans, the amount of the
mortgage, payment, the interest rate and the
term of the loan are fixed and fully self-amor-
tizing, which means at the end of the term,
the principal has been repaid.
The purchase price less the down payment
is the principal of the mortgage. Dividing
the principal by the number of payments in
a 30- year or 15- year mortgage and adding
the interest determines the monthly house
payment. Escrow money for taxes and insur-
ance is added to the payments according to
the terms of the lender, and the amounts are
recalculated annually.
The Alternative Mortgage Instrument (AMI)
is a loan in which at least one of the four
components varies. The most common AMI
is the Adjustable Rate Mortgage with a vari-
able interest rate. Customarily, the ARM
interest rate begins low and periodically
adjusts either up or down within limits based
on a pre-specified index. The initial low rate,
and therefore, the lower monthly payment,
enables the buyer to meet the income and
debt-ratio requirement.
DOWN PAYMENTThe down payment is the cash committed
toward the purchase of a home. For most
loans, a down payment of 20 percent of the
purchase price is required to avoid paying
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), although
it is possible to take out a secondary loan to
avoid PMI.
INTEREST RATESInterest rates fluctuate frequently and vary
from lender to lender. Interest on a 30-year
fixed rate mortgage is likely to be different
from that of a 15-year, and adjustable rate
mortgages reset according to the terms of
the lender.
CLOSING COSTSBetween 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price
of a home, closing costs include related fees
such as costs for running credit reports, loan
origination, appraisal, survey, title insurance,
and discount points paid to lower the interest
rate. Closing costs are typically paid by the
buyer at the time of closing.
CREDIT REPORTLenders will require a credit report from the
credit bureau that has collected your credit
history for the past seven to 10 years. Credit
reports document your financial history and
reflect the amount of credit you have, the time-
liness with which you pay your bills, if you
have declared bankruptcy and other factors
that give the lender a financial snapshot.
Traditional mortgage lenders require an
established credit history, but some lenders
may offer more flexible mortgage programs
for people with limited or no established
credit record.
Credit reports also carry your credit score,
a numeric ranking between 300 and 850
that many lenders use. It is calculated using
five factors: payment history, amount of
outstanding debt, length of credit history,
T H E H O M E F R O N T
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new credit and the sources of credit in use. In
addition to informing lenders of credit-wor-
thiness, your credit score can also determine
the interest rate you pay. The better the credit
score, the lower the interest rate. More infor-
mation on credit scoring is at myfico.com.
PRE-APPROVAL VS. PRE-QUALIFICATIONGetting pre-approved for a mortgage is
beneficial because it gives sellers a level of
assurance that the prospective buyer can
obtain a mortgage – a big plus in a compet-
itive market. Pre-approval requires the
completion of a loan application and some-
times a fee. Pre-qualification, on the other
hand, is just an estimate of a mortgage that a
prospective buyer might qualify for.
TAX DEDUCTIONSSome home purchase costs are deductible
if you itemize deductions. These costs may
include mortgage interest, real estate taxes and
PMI payments. For more information, visit
irs.gov or ask your tax preparer or attorney.
BANKSBanks offer a full range of services that
usually include mortgages at competitive
rates. In addition to checking and savings
accounts, their mortgage lending is another
option for homebuyers. Be sure to ask about
fees associated with the bank’s services,
different accounts, minimum balance require-
ments, ATM charges, availability of funds
policy, direct deposit and other options.
Contact the Texas Department of Banking
at www.dob.texas.gov.
CREDIT UNIONSCredit unions are a good source to check for
mortgage loans because they may offer lower
rates. Historically, credit unions have been
employer-based financial institutions but
today it is common for credit unions to be
community-based, meaning that anyone can
use a credit union as their primary financial
institution. Members are insured for up to
$250,000 per account by the National Credit
Union Administration. More information
about credit unions is available from the
Texas Credit Union League and the Credit
Union National Association.
HOMEOWNERS INSURANCEHomeowner insurance is required by mort-
gage lenders, and is essential even if a home
is paid for. Buyers are typically asked to
pay one year of insurance at closing, with
premiums included in monthly mortgage
payments.
Selecting an insurance company and deter-
mining coverage is the responsibility of the
buyer, and should begin as soon as the contract
to purchase a house is accepted by the seller.
The Texas Board of Insurance is a valuable
source of information. Many companies offer
discounts when home insurance is combined
with auto coverage, life insurance, health insur-
ance and other types of insurance that may
be needed. In the Houston and Montgomery
County areas, flood insurance is required
or recommended by mortgage companies
in some neighborhoods. Check with your
builder, Realtor or lender to determine the
status of your property. www.tdi.texas.gov.
FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERSA variety of programs are designed to help
first-time buyers, including FHA loans with
a 3 percent down payment discussed at the
beginning of this article.
Montgomery County, Harris County and
other governmental entities also offer home-
buyer assistance programs that can provide
down payment assistance and special
financing for buyers who meet certain house-
hold income and purchase price criteria.
Other programs include Southeast Texas
Housing Finance - www.sethfc.com and
the Harris County Downpayment Assis-
tance Program - www.harriscountytx.gov/
csd. Information is also available from the
Texas Department of Housing & Commu-
nity Affairs - www.tdhca.state.tx.us. Realtors,
mortgage lenders and builders are also good
sources of information about available home-
buyer assistance programs.
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T H E H O M E F R O N T
in this sectionmoving companiesforwarding mailutilitiespublic transportationinternational relocation information
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MOVING COMPANIESIf you are moving from out of state, it may
be necessary to hire a moving company.
The best time to move is the middle of
the month rather than the end or during
summer vacation, when moving companies
are busiest. If the move is less than 250 miles
away, consider making the move yourself.
Compare the relative costs of moving your-
self versus using the services of a moving
company, and be sure to take into consider-
ation your time and effort, as well as your
physical ability.
At the other extreme, the global economy of
Houston and Montgomery County draws
newcomers from all over the world, and
there are a few important considerations to
keep in mind when moving from overseas. If
your overseas move is work-related, find out
how much of the expense will be covered.
As a general rule, many experts recommend
scaling the move down to essential items
and those with emotional value. Find out
about import fees and duty costs, especially
for items you may have purchased overseas.
Also consider the size of your new space:
will it be larger or smaller than the home
you’re leaving? If you’re a U.S. citizen who
is moving back from overseas, then you
might have many items in U.S. storage, so
you’ll need to plan the logistics of getting
these to your new home as well.
TYPES OF MOVING ESTIMATESMost companies give free estimates based
on distance and the weight of household
contents. Some moving companies include
the costs of packing materials in their bid
while others break out supplies separately.
Packing services, fuel charges, wait time and
temporary storage costs may vary consid-
erably so be sure to ask about all charges.
Moving companies offer three types of esti-
mates: the binding estimate, non-binding
estimate and not-to-exceed binding estimate.
The binding estimate lists all items to be
shipped and the required services on the
estimate form, and the price quoted is the
binding price. Every charge is itemized,
so that if an item is added or deleted, it is
easy to re-calculate the cost. The moving
company must also specify the length of
time the price quote is in effect, which is
usually 60 days. This type of estimate does
not require additional payment over the
amount of the estimate.
The non-binding estimate, which is the only
type of estimate offered in some intrastate
situations, is not guaranteed. The real cost
of services is determined after the truck is
loaded and weighed, and charges above
the estimate can run more than 20 percent.
Be sure to attend the truck weigh-ins both
before and after furniture and household
items are loaded to accurately calculate the
total weight. The estimated amount of your
move should be entered on each form that
is prepared by the mover, including orders
for special services and bills of lading. If the
amounts are not included, do not sign or
accept the document.
The third type of estimate, called the
not-to-exceed estimate, is usually the best.
The mover gives a binding estimate, then
RELOCATIONINFORMATION
Moving? Learn about Montgomery County and the Greater Houston area in order to make your move much smoother, especially if you are relocating from out-of-state. To help get you started, the following pages offer some general tips on Houston’s basic services.
4 0 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
weighs the vehicle and reduces the price if
the weight is less than anticipated. Ask all
movers if they offer this type of service.
MORE CONSIDERATIONSBe aware that many moving companies
fall behind schedule, so consider hiring
a moving company that will guarantee a
pickup and delivery date. Make sure those
dates are in the contract. Pick-up and
delivery dates should not be open-ended.
Although moving companies provide
liability insurance on household belongings
by the pound, it is wise to purchase extra
insurance that provides additional coverage,
especially for those items that are more
valuable.
Before the movers arrive, get prepared. Take
an inventory of your belongings and note
their condition. If the moving company
performs their own inventory, check it
carefully against your own before signing
anything. Should any of your belong-
ings arrive with scratches, dents or other
damages, photographs will help verify a
claim so consider taking pictures of valuable
items or making a video inventory before
the movers arrive.
It is important to be sure you will be at your
new home on the date the moving company
is scheduled to deliver. If no one is home to
receive the delivery, your belongings will go
into storage, and the moving company may
require payment in cash before unloading.
Tax deductions may apply to your move so
keep appropriate records. Contact the I.R.S.
at 800-829-1040 or www.irs.gov, or ask your
tax preparer or attorney.
TIPS FOR HIRING A MOVING COMPANY• Select a moving company carefully and
visit www.protectyourmove.gov to confirm
their license.
• The Southwest Association is another
resource for information about moving
companies and they can be reached at
www.mytexasmover.com or 512-476-0107,
Toll Free: 800-759-2305
• Contact the Better Business Bureau for any
complaints that might be on file at www.
houston.bbb.org or 713-868-9500.
• The Interstate Commerce Commission
offers a free brochure, “Your Rights and
Responsibilities When You Move.” You
can also find the brochure on many
websites by searching for its title.
FURNITURE AND APPLIANCE RENTAL In some cases, it may be necessary to rent
furniture or appliances while waiting for
your old ones to be delivered, or while
shopping for new items that will fit your
new space perfectly.
Some companies specialize in renting furni-
ture to newcomers and offer packages by
the household, the room or by the piece.
They also offer different styles, along with
accessories such as artwork, lighting, rugs
and indoor plants. Flexible lease terms,
quick delivery and professional setup and
removal are some of the services offered by
rental companies. If you decide you like a
particular item or items, purchase is usually
available.
FORWARDING MAILTo submit your change of address, go to
www.usps.com.
LEGAL RECORDSLegal Records maintained by Harris County
and Montgomery County include birth
certificates, death certificates, marriage
licenses, automobile licenses, fees and
inspections, divorce proceedings, DBAs,
taxes, and more. Contact the county of resi-
dence for specific services offered.
The Harris County Civil Court House
20l Caroline, Houston, TX, 77002
713-755-6411; www.co.harris.tx.us
The Montgomery County Court House
210 W. Davis, Conroe, TX, 77301
281-689-3133; www.mctx.org
UTILITIESElectricity
Retail Electric Providers compete to sell
electricity, allowing consumers to compare
plans, pricing and features. The Public
Utility Commission recommends the three
“C’s” before selecting a provider: contact,
compare, and choose. Allow several days for
the order to process. If establishing service
for a new home or building, a permit or
inspection may be required.
Select electricity, natural gas, local phone
and long distance, cable or satellite televi-
sion, and high-speed Internet services at
www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com.
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4 0 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8 H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 4 1
Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. America’s fastest Internet based on report at Speedtest.net/awards/us. Speedtest is a trademark of Ookla, LLC. Used under license. Reliably fast claim based on 2014 FCC Measuring Broadband America report.
© 2016 Comcast. All rights reserved. NPA173012-0008
Call 1-877-806-7198 or visit xfinity.com today for a great offer on the XFINITY® X1 Triple Play
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110863_NPA173012-0008 Lifestyle ad_7.5x4.875.indd 1 1/14/16 1:47 PM
Gas
CenterPoint Energy is the major provider
for natural gas in the greater Houston
and Montgomery County areas. As the
regulated utility in the Houston area,
CenterPoint Energy owns and maintains
the electric delivery system as well as sells
natural gas. Visit CenterPointEnergy.com
to learn more.
The ENERGY STAR program supports
energy efficiency in new homes. Learn
more about buying an ENERGY STAR
home at www.energystar.gov.
Water and Sewer
Water, sewage and drainage services are
typically provided by the public works
department in each city, or by a munic-
ipal utility district (MUD). There are
a number of these districts throughout
Montgomery County and services vary
by district. Contact your local city or
home owner’s association for detailed
information.
Telephone, Cable, and Internet Service
Greater Houston and Montgomery County
have four area codes: 713, 281, 832, and
936. When placing calls, 10-digit dialing
is required. The many telephone service
providers to choose from also offer satel-
lite and cable television services, along
with bundled services, special promotional
rates and discounts for newcomers.
Comcast / XFINITY
It’s easy to get xfinity in your new home.
Call 1-877-500-6828 today!
Get connected to XFINITY – TV, Internet,
and Voice service made possible by
Comcast’s network upgrade to an all-dig-
ital platform. They will set up your new
home in no time. You can even choose your
own convenient two-hour appointment
window. Also ask about Xfinity Home,
combining Security, Control, Energy and
Peace of Mind at Your Fingertips. For
more information visit www.comcast.com/
moversedge.
Consolidated Communications
As more of us buy items requiring Internet
service and create home networks, the
demand for faster Internet increases. Consol-
idated Communications can now offer you
the speed you need to run a complete home
communications and entertainment system.
Plans from 6 Mbps up to 1 Gig, free wireless
router, no data cap and contract buyouts are
available. Consolidated also offers Digital
TV, Digital Phone and Home Security and
Automation services. Learn more at www.
consolidated.com or call 844.YOUR.CCI.
Terms and conditions apply. Services are not
available in all areas.
Trash Pickup
The Cities of Houston, Conroe, Humble,
The Woodlands and Spring, along with
many other municipalities, provide trash
pick-up. Call the solid waste department
in your jurisdiction to find out which day
garbage and light trash are collected.
Some subdivisions opt to contract with local
collection companies, and fees for these
Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. America’s fastest Internet based on report at Speedtest.net/awards/us. Speedtest is a trademark of Ookla, LLC. Used under license. Reliably fast claim based on 2014 FCC Measuring Broadband America report.
© 2016 Comcast. All rights reserved. NPA173012-0008
Call 1-877-806-7198 or visit xfinity.com today for a great offer on the XFINITY® X1 Triple Play
Uninterrupted quality time
Stream movies and shows, fasterThe results are in. XFINITY® delivers the fastest Internet in America, based on over 60 million consumer tests run at Speedtest.net. Enjoy reliably fast speeds, even during peak hours, so everyone can do what they love online — all at the same time.
110863_NPA173012-0008 Lifestyle ad_7.5x4.875.indd 1 1/14/16 1:47 PM
4 2 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
services are typically included in the home-
owner’s association dues. Contact your
homeowner’s association for information.
Curbside recycling is offered in most neigh-
borhoods, and drop-off recycling centers are
located throughout the area.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATIONThe Metropolitan Transit Authority of
Harris County, also known as METRO, is
recognized as one of the best and safest bus
systems in the nation offering an extensive
system of bus routes and a growing network
of light-rail lines. Express bus service is avail-
able to downtown Houston and other select
shopping centers and business districts from
the Greenspoint Transit Center, located near
Interstate 45 North and Greens Road.
For commuting alternatives, METRO
provides Park and Ride services from transit
facilities in Spring, and at Kuykendahl and
I-45 North.
The Harris County Motorist Assistance
Program (MAP), sponsored in part by
METRO, sends specially marked MAP vehi-
cles to motorists who are experiencing car
trouble on Houston area freeways. They are
equipped to handle minor repairs and auto-
motive emergencies.
Houston’s major highways have High Occu-
pancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes for vehicles with
two or more passengers during peak travel
periods. To share a ride, contact the METRO
Carpool Matching Service, 713-635-4000.
METRO offers curb-to-curb service for
mobility impaired and disabled passengers.
Call 713-658-0180 or visit their website
www.ridemetro.org.
OWNING A VEHICLENew residents must obtain a Texas driv-
er’s license within 90 days of establishing
residency. Texas residents moving to a new
address within the state must update their
license as well.
To obtain a Texas driver license, take proof
of registration, proof of insurance, a Social
W E L C O M E T O P A L M B E A C HR E L O C A T I O N I N F O R M A T I O N
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Security card or a current W-2 form, and
a valid out-of-state license to the nearest
Department of Public Safety office. For
license requirements including fees and
locations, visit www.txdps.state.tx.us.
Vehicles may be registered for license plates at
district field offices in the county of residence.
The cost is based on the model and year for
cars and gross weight for trucks. Subsequent
registration may be handled by mail or in
person. Motor vehicle registration renewals
may be purchased at various locations.
Harris County 713-224-1919 • www.tax.co.harris.tx.us
Montgomery County936-756-0571 or 281-364-4200 www.montgomerytexas.gov
Texas law requires that the driver and front
seat passenger wear seat belts. Children
eight years of age or younger or less than 4
feet nine inches tall must be secured in an
approved car seat. Texas also has a manda-
tory automobile liability insurance law, and
if a driver is stopped for any reason, proof
of liability insurance coverage will be neces-
sary. The insurance required must provide:
$30,000 bodily injury, $60,000 per person
per accident and $25,000 property damage.
A copy of the Texas Motor Vehicle Laws is
available at www.txdmv. gov.
VOTINGTexas voters must be 18 years old and
register at least 30 days prior to an elec-
tion. Those already registered to vote
but who change precincts need to file an
address change. For information, go to
www.votetexas.gov. In Harris County, call
713-368-VOTE. In Montgomery County,
call 936-756-0571 or 281-364-4200.
FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTSFor emergencies only: 911 For non-emergencies: 311
The Conroe Police Department and munic-
ipal police departments, the Montgomery
County Sheriff, and Constables serve the
region. The Houston Police Department or
the Harris County Sheriff may have jurisdic-
tion in some areas.
Active Crime Watch programs operate in
numerous neighborhoods, and another very
valuable program known as Crime Stoppers
accepts anonymous tips and offers rewards
for information leading to an arrest.
Houston Crime Stoppers
713-222-TIPS (8477)
Montgomery County Crime Stoppers 1-800- 392-STOP (7867)
PETSIn most jurisdictions, pets not wearing
licenses and/or on a leash can be impounded.
Dogs and cats in Texas must be vacci-
nated against rabies by four months of
age. Boosters are given one year after the
initial vaccination, and pets will need to be
vaccinated at one- to three-year intervals
depending on local requirements.
Call 844.YOUR.CCI or visit consolidated.com
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4 4 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
MOVING TIPS What to do
Social Security Number
1-800-772-1213
Information/ Applicationwww.ssa.gov/forms
Physical locations:8989 Lakes at 610 Drive, 77054
16200 Dillard Drive, 77040
5414 Aldine Mail Road, 77039
THINGS TO KNOWWait 10 days after your
arrival to apply for a
social security number.
Takes approximately 2 weeks
for the card to arrive.
No fee for the application.
Take original or certified copies
of immigration documents,
passport & biographical
information & photo.
W E L C O M E T O P A L M B E A C HI N T E R N A T I O N A L R E L O C A T I O N
TRANSPORTATIONTexas Drivers License Application
and Locations
www.txdps.state.tx.us
• Texas has a 90-day grace period.
• A written & driving skills test required.
• Credit cards, cash, checks, and
money orders.
• Take your passport, social security number,
proof of residency, lawful presence, status.
• Proof of vehicle registry.
• Completed application.
BANKING Banks
www.findabetterbank.com
• A checking account can be opened
individually or jointly.
• A debit card will give you immediate
access online and at ATMs.
• Social Security number, driver’s license,
proof of residence, photo ID (passport),
pay stub or utility bill and a minimum
opening deposit.
• International banks in the USA include
HSBC, Citigroup, Barclays, Deustche Bank
and Credit Suisse. An account at one of
these banks can usually be opened in the US.
Credit Unions
www.findabetterbank.com
• Credit unions are owned by members.
If your company has a credit union, you
can easily set up an account and get a
credit card.
• Social Security number, a photo ID
(passport), minimum deposit required.
Credit Cards www.creditcards.com
• Request a credit card & debit card
(ATM) when opening a bank account.
• You will need a residential address,
phone and place of employment, credit
history.
HOUSINGApartments
Houston Apartment Association Q&A:
www.haaonline.org
• Prices for apartments are based on
apartment size and number of bed-
rooms Rates typically include basic
utilities (ask for details).
• Rental requirements include: a credit
and security check. Texas Drivers
license, passport, bank statement, proof
of employment, and a deposit.
• Rental applications may require your
credit history, employment history,
rental history and criminal history, and
disclosure of legal status or proof of
legal residency.
• You are responsible for your lease for
the entire term of your contract.
• If you terminate your lease contract
early,rent may be accelerated and
additional charges can be levied
against you.
• Get any changes to your lease contract
or term in writing.
• Be sure to ask about pet deposits.
• Apartment locators will help you find
an apartment and their services are free.
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Leasing a Home
• Leasing a home is much like renting an
apartment.
• You might be expected to take care of the
yard on a weekly basis, maintain the prop-
erty and abide by homeowner regulations.
• You will pay all the utility bills (water,
power, trash pickup & cable).
• You will need a TX driver’s license, proof
of employment, credit & personal referenc-
es and a deposit consisting of the first and
last month’s rent.
Buying a Home
• You can view homes for sale and find a
Realtor who speaks your language on
www.HAR.com.
Realtor/Homes for Sale & Lease
www.HAR.com
• You can check your credit score through
your bank.
• To purchase a home you will need a good
credit score based on your credit history.
• Report all of your income on your tax
return as mortgage loans require proof of
income - typically your IRS return.
• You do not need a Realtor to purchase a
home, but Realtors are trained to help you
with pricing and other legal responsibilities.
• Realtors use various sources including Mul-
tiple Listing Service (MLS) to find homes.
• Realtors are usually paid by the seller,
their services are free to buyers.
New Homes, Builders and Communities
www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com
Realtors are independent and can help you
locate a newly constructed home available
from a variety of builders. Builder sales reps.
work for the builder. If you are working with
a Realtor, you should register your Realtor
with the homebuilder when you arrive.
HEALTHCAREAffordable Care Act
www.healthcare.gov
• If you are relocating to the U.S. for a job,
the HR department will assist you with
health insurance for your family.
• To shop and compare health insurance
visit the Affordable Care Act web page.
• You will need your social security num-
ber, passport, health history, employer
information, and a credit card.
TAXES State of Texas
Texas does not have state taxes. Texas col-
lects 8.25% sales tax & property tax only.
Internal Revenue Service
www.irs.gov
• Federal income tax for most workers is
filed on April 15 of each year.
• There are numerous rules and regulations
for expatriates, the following are resources
to get you started. Your employer can also
assist you.
EDUCATION Day Care
www.childcarecenter.us
• Some centers only care for children until
they are ready for Kindergarten at age 5.
Other schools offer Kindergarten.
• Will need your child’s birth certificate, so-
cial security number, passport, application.
• Schools vary widely, make several trips
with and without your child at different
times of the day. Ask for referrals.
Public Schools
PK-12 Texas Education Association:
tea.texas.gov
• Required for children 6-18 years of age in
USA.
• Child’s birth certificate, passport, social
security number, transcript, doctor’s
statement.
• The Houston area has excellent public
schools which serve students from Pre-K
through 12th grade.
• You can research individual school dis-
tricts, schools, ratings and test scores at the
Texas Education Association web site.
• Elementary school (grade 1 through 5 or
6), Middle school or junior high (up to
grade 8 or 9), High school or senior high
(up to grade 12).
Colleges
www.petersons.com
Community colleges are located in all parts
of Houston. Houston has numerous 4-year
colleges and technical schools.
Private Schools
HoustonNewcomerGuides.com
Houstonprivateschools.com
Privateschoolreview.com
There are a variety of independent and
faith-based private schools in the Houston
area.
• Enrollment is most cases is based on
openings in certain grades.
• Check with each school for enrollment
requirements as they vary from school to
school.
• International schools offer the Interna-
tional Baccalaureate program and might
be better suited for children planning to
later attend university outside the US.
IMMIGRATION VISAMost questions are answered on the U.S.
Citizenship & Immigration websites below.
Contact your Consulate about your coun-
try’s requirements.
General How Do I Guides
www.uscis.gov; www.uscitizenship.info
Employment Visa
www.travel.state.gov; www.uscis.gov
Green Card
www.uscis.gov/greencard
Permanent Resident
www.uscis.gov
Schedule appointment with USCIS officer:
www.infopass.uscis.gov
PETS Entry Requirements
www.dshs.state.tx.uss
• Dogs & cats must be vaccinated by 4
months of age followed by booster shots
every couple of years.
• Pets not wearing license tags and/or
leashed can be impounded.
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in this sectionSTAARpublic schoolsprivate schoolshigher education
H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 4 74 6 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
Along with beautiful lakes, forests and a
thriving economy, Montgomery County
offers excellent educational opportunities.
There is a variety of highly regarded public
school districts, ranging from small-town
gems to some of the largest in the Houston
area. The region also has a wide range of
private and parochial schools, along with
a growing list of opportunities for higher
education.
STUDENT ASSESSMENT TESTING: STAAR The State of Texas Assessments of
Academic Readiness (STAAR) measures
a child’s performance, as well as academic
growth, college and career readiness. Results
from STAAR calculate annual school and
district performance ratings. Annual Assess-
ments cover: reading and mathematics,
grades 3-8; writing at grades 4 and 7; science
at grades 5 and 8; social studies at grade 8;
and end-of-course assessments for English
1, English 11, Algebra 1, biology, and U.S.
history. All of the districts in Montgomery
County met approved standards in 2016.
For more information and complete district
and individual school information, visit the
Texas Education Association at www.tea.
texas.gov
STEM EDUCATIONSTEM, an acronym for science, technology,
engineering and math education, is an
interdisciplinary and applied approach that
is coupled with hands-on, problem-based
learning.
According to a recent poll of U.S. CEOs,
employers will need 1.6 million new STEM
employees by 2019. In 2013, the average
STEM occupation paid about $80,000 annu-
ally; roughly 1.7 times the average yearly
U.S. wage.
The Texas science, technology, engi-
neering and mathematics (T-STEM)
initiative provides a foundational approach
to empower teachers, inspire students and
advance STEM education. There are 70
T-STEM Academies and seven blended
Early College High School/T-STEM Acad-
emies serving more than 40,000 students
across the state.
TEXAS CHARTER SCHOOLSCharter schools were authorized by the
Texas Legislature in 1995 to provide an
alternative to traditional public schools.
Open-enrollment charter schools are public
schools that have the flexibility to adapt to
the educational needs of individual students.
Charter schools provide a personalized
learning environment that promotes greater
student achievement.
In the State of Texas, charter schools operate
under and receive academic accountability
ratings from the Texas Education Agency.
All charter students in Texas take the same
STAAR test as traditional public school
students. Charter schools receive state funds
based on the average daily attendance of
students (same as traditional public schools);
however, they do not receive funds from
local tax revenue.
PUBLIC SCHOOLSConroe ISD
www.conroeisd.net • 936-709-7752
Conroe ISD is a 348-square mile school
district that is geographically diverse and
includes The Woodlands, Shenandoah, Oak
Ridge North, Conroe, and Caney Creek, as
well as several other smaller towns, commu-
nities, and unincorporated areas. As the
13th largest district in Texas and the 71st
largest in the U.S., Conroe ISD serves over
59,000 students across 60 campuses and is
one of the fastest growing districts in the
State with an average enrollment growth of
approximately 1,500 students per year.
EDUCATIONHome to some of the largest and most highly rated public school districts in Texas and the U.S., Montgomery County offers its residents an impressive array of high quality educa-tional opportunities. Higher education is another strength.
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Conroe ISD is a community of individ-
uals working together to achieve the best
for students. The District is proud of the
accomplishments of students, teachers
and administrators who have helped make
Conroe ISD a great school district. Achieve-
ment scores continue to increase and are
well above the State and national averages.
The mean SAT score for the District is 1556
compared to 1484 for the nation and 1393 for
the State. The mean ACT score is 23.2 with
the nation and State at 20.8 and 20.6 respec-
tively. Conroe ISD also has a graduation rate
of 95.7%, one of the highest in Texas.
For the sixth year in a row, TxSmartSchools,
awarded the highest rating of 5-Stars to
Conroe ISD for having high academic
standards while spending efficiently. And
speaking of efficient spending, Conroe ISD’s
tax rate is one of the lowest in the Greater
Houston metropolitan area at $1.28.
Conroe ISD offers a comprehensive core
academic program, a vast array of athletics,
a cutting-edge Career and Technical Educa-
tion curriculum, and a slate of fine arts
courses to meet the needs and interests of all
students.
The Conroe Independent School District
encompasses 348 square miles, educates
nearly 54,000 students and consists of 56
campuses. The appealing size of the district
and the small-town surroundings of the
Conroe area foster strong involvement by
parents and the surrounding community.
From specialized programs and the latest in
technology to outstanding extracurricular
and athletic programs, Conroe ISD strives
to meet the diverse needs of students at all
grade levels.
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
www.cfisd.net • 281-897-4000
Located approximately 20 miles northwest
of downtown Houston, Cypress-Fairbanks
ISD is a destination district for college/
career preparation, extracurricular prowess,
and award-winning programs. The 23nd
largest school district in the nation, and 3rd
largest in the Houston area, CFISD is also
one of the fastest-growing districts nation-
wide with a student enrollment of about
115,000. These students are taking advan-
tage of a district that was, for the fourth
straight year, awarded the highest possible
rating of Met Standard in the Texas Educa-
tion Agency’s accountability ratings.
CFISD’s 11th high school opened in August
to serve students in the southwest portion
of the district. This state-of-the-art piece of
the district’s first-ever “educational village”
will be followed by a future middle school
and elementary campus. CFISD is contin-
ually taking steps to transform schools into
21st Century learning environments. It
has recently upgraded more than 100,000
network connections and completed 100
percent of the network electronics infra-
structure hubs throughout the campus,
helping manage nearly 90,000 district-
owned devices in addition to student-owned
devices and wireless connections.
The district is made up of 54 elementary
schools, 18 middle schools, 11 high schools
and five special program facilities, where
staff and educators are working to “maxi-
mize every student’s potential through
rigorous and relevant learning experiences
preparing students to be 21st Century global
leaders.” The CFISD vision is LEAD:
Learn. Empower. Achieve. Dream.
Magnolia ISD
www.magnoliaisd.org • 281-356-3571
Located 45 miles north of Houston and to
the west of The Woodlands, the Magnolia
Independent School District provides an
outstanding learning environment offering
innovative programs, modern facilities and
exceptional teachers.
The district serves approximately 13,000
students and provides a well-balanced
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curriculum to meet the needs of all students
offering advanced academics, dual credit
programs, Career and Technical Education
career paths and certifications, Early Child-
hood, and full-day Kindergarten. Magnolia
West High School is the only public school
in Montgomery County to offer the Interna-
tional Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
This prestigious, challenging academic
program prepares junior and senior students
for the rigor of college course work and is
recognized by elite universities around the
world as an excellent preparatory curric-
ulum. One of the fastest growing districts
in the state among comparable size districts,
Magnolia’s campuses include eight elemen-
tary schools, two 6th grade junior high
schools, two 7th and 8th grade junior high
schools, three high schools and one alter-
native high school. This growth has been
met with excellent facilitates and increased
community support.
Students in the district are recognized for
national and state accolades in academics,
athletics, agriculture, health science, career
and technology, fine arts programs, and the
Navy Junior ROTC. District honors include
National Merit Scholars and above average
SAT and ACT scores.
The mission of Magnolia ISD is to provide
an educational environment that will enable
all students to develop essential academic
skills for a lifetime of learning and to be
responsible, contributing citizens in a diverse
and changing world.
Montgomery ISD
www.misd.org • 936-582-1333
MISD educates over 8300 students who live
within the 231 square-mile boundary. The
district has eight schools with three more
on the way. MISD will be opening a new
elementary school and junior high school
in the Fall of 2017 with a new high school
opening in the Fall of 2018.
The district employs an outstanding instruc-
tional staff of 519 certified teachers. Of these
educators, the staff has an average of 13.05
years of teaching experience and 115 teachers
hold advanced degrees MISD class sizes are
small and average about 15.5 students for
each teacher, which enables them to give
their students individualized attention and
in-depth instruction. Montgomery ISD main-
tains an environment rich in opportunities for
their students to engage in and develop their
passions. In addition, Montgomery High
School was named one of Newsweek’s Best
High Schools in America.
With an unyielding commitment to excel-
lence, MISD seeks to provide a premier
academic program that recognizes the
unique potential of each student and inte-
grate the intellectual, social, cultural and
physical aspects of learning. Staff and
educators work to empower each student to
become an eager lifelong learner committed
to academic excellence, integrity, respon-
sible citizenship and service to others.
The district tracks its students’ progress
through the Texas Academic Performance
Reports (TAPR). Details about the district’s
involvement in these programs can be found
on the Texas Education Agency’s School
Performance page, www.tea.state.tx.us.
Tomball ISD
www.tomballisd.net • 281-357-3100
The Tomball Independent School District
is a highly regarded public school system
that maintains a reputation for excellence.
The district serves approximately 15,000
students in grades pre-kindergarten through
12 in 18 modern, well-equipped facilities
that were designed and built with students
and their needs in mind. The district is
committed to high student achievement
characterized by quality instruction,
equality of opportunities and resources,
and demonstrated results.
Tomball ISD is proud to offer various
academic programs that focus on ensuring
students are college and workforce ready.
Courses in the Career & Technical Educa-
tion department offer certifications that
prepare students to become contributing
members of the workforce within the
Tomball community.The district also
offers courses based on engineering curric-
ulum provided by Project Lead The Way
– a non-profit organization and a provider
of K-12 science, technology, engineering,
and mathematics (STEM) programs. The
Health Science program is another certi-
fication option for Tomball ISD students.
This program prepares students for a
career in the medical field by offering
classes in medical terminology, nutrition,
hydration and safety, and by caring for
individuals who reside in nursing facili-
ties or nursing homes. Courses offered in
Tomball ISD’s Career & Technical Educa-
tion program offer additional educational
opportunities as students decide on a
career choice.
As part of its mission to provide innova-
tive, individually rigorous, and personally
valuable educational experiences that allow
students to become responsible, produc-
tive citizens, Tomball ISD is proud that its
“The Montgomery County continued economic and population growth has a positive impact on education. Public school district across the region boast strong reputations for both academic
and extracurricular program.”
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students are graduating from high school
ready for college, or with highly valued
professional credentials in a variety of
industries.
Willis ISD
www.willisisd.org • 936-856-1200
Education is exciting for the more than
7,000 Willis Wildkats who attend one of five
elementary schools, two middle schools and
one high school. Willis ISD is a growing
K-12 district nestled between the Sam
Houston National Forest and Lake Conroe.
The District and all campuses once again
achieved the highest rating of “Met Stan-
dard” under the 2016 State Accountability
System. Since 2013, Willis ISD schools have
earned a total of 15 Academic Achievement
Distinctions Designations.
Higher expectations for student achievement
are set every year and are complimented
by a comprehensive array of rigorous
academic programs including Gifted and
Talented, Career and Technology, Advanced
Placement, and Dual Credit courses.
College-ready juniors and seniors can take
Lone Star College courses in their high
school classrooms, with some students grad-
uating with more than 40 hours of college
credit. Through the Career and Technology
program, students can get a quick start on
their career by acquiring skills in a variety
of areas including architecture and construc-
tion, agriculture, audio/video technology,
business management, health science, hospi-
tality services and information technology.
Individual talents and valuable life skills are
enriched through the athletic, fine arts and
extracurricular programs.
Willis ISD honors small-town values and
traditions. It is a community that pulls together
for the kids and develops personal connections
with them and their families. At the same time,
staff and educators are focused on preparing
the students to live and work successfully in
the global community of the 21st century.
Spring ISD
www.springisd.org • 281 891-6000
Spring ISD is focused on its students and
grounded in its community partnerships.
It serves about 37,000 pre-kindergarten
through twelfth-grade students in a diverse
district located 20 miles north of central
Houston. Its vision states: Spring Indepen-
dent School District will be a district of
choice known for high-quality academics
with innovative and specialized programs
that meet the needs of all students in a posi-
tive learning environment.
Guided by its strategic plan, Every Child
2020, the district supports the growth and
development of all students. Every learner
can succeed in Spring, with academic accel-
eration and enrichment available for the
gifted and talented, while special education
services are provided for those with disabil-
ities. Bilingual instruction and English as a
Second Language programs are also offered.
A renewed focus on literacy for all and an
expansion of early childhood programs
are both part of the district’s commitment
to prepare graduates who are college and
career ready. In addition, student athletes
from the district have made their mark at
all levels of their chosen sports. Meanwhile,
through district art, dance, music, theater,
and speech programs, Spring ISD students
have been recognized regionally and nation-
ally for achievement in the arts.
The district’s 38 campuses include 18
schools built within the last decade, as well
as numerous renovated ones, ensuring that
students have secure, modern facilities in
which to become lifelong learners, critical
thinkers, and responsible citizens – ready
to contribute, compete, and lead in today’s
global society.
PRIVATE SCHOOLSCovenant Christian School
www.covenantonline.com • 936-890-8080
Covenant Christian School is an
inter-denominational, Christ-centered,
college-preparatory school situated on a
35 acre facility serving students in Pre-K
through grade 12. The school is nationally
accredited by the Association of Christian
Schools International (ACSI) and Texas
Association of Private and Parochial
Schools (TAPPS). Covenant’s mission is for
students to develop a sincere desire to impact
the world with excellence and to glorify God
in every area of life.
Teachers challenge students to succeed and
stand behind them with the support needed
E D U C A T I O N I N H O U S T O N
Photo courtesy of Legacy Preparatory Christian Academy
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to fulfill their potential and reach their
dreams using faith-based college-prepara-
tory curriculum and experiential learning
opportunities. Not surprisingly, Covenant is
known for its consistently high scores on stan-
dardized achievement tests. More than 95%
of graduates attend colleges and universities
throughout Texas and across the nation.
Sportsmanship and competition acquire
deeper meaning at Covenant. Coaches
encourage and train athletes to compete at
high levels while instilling Godly character
– on and off the field and court. Students
in grades 6 thru 12 compete on a variety of
championship teams throughout the school
year allowing them to explore and develop
God-given strengths and talents.
Covenant inspires artistic expression
through art, music and drama. Starting in
Pre-K, students receive instruction from art
teachers who offer children an awareness of
beauty and detail found in God’s creation.
The unparalleled music department stirs a
lifelong appreciation for musical expres-
sion beginning with the youngest students
continuing through senior year. Cove-
nant’s championship Choral Praise Group
travels to New York performing at Carnegie
Hall in alternating years. In junior high,
creative drama teachers instruct students
in performance and production, serving as
a springboard for the annual Junior Class
Play at the historic Crighton Theater.
A heartfelt and unwavering commitment
to excellence underlies all that Cove-
nant does with every student. Covenant
is located at 4503 I-45 North, Conroe,
TX 77304. For more information and to
schedule a tour, contact the Admissions
Office at (936) 890-8080.
Legacy Preparatory Christian Academy
www.legacypca.org • 936-337-2000
Founded in 2005, Legacy Preparatory
Christian Academy is a private Christian
school comprised of grades Pre-K through
12th. Legacy Prep prepares students to be
successful in college and life by providing a
rigorous academic background that is rich in
opportunities.
The school strives to develop a biblical worl-
dview combined with community service, a
strong work ethic, and study habits critical
to college-worthy students. The vision of
Legacy Prep is to cultivate parental involve-
ment in the educational process of their
children and to come alongside parents to
prepare the students to be college-worthy,
character witnesses for Christ.
Legacy Prep is a University Model School
certified by the National Association of
University Model Schools (NAUMS), head-
quartered in Fort Worth, Texas. The school
attained NAUMS certification in July 2008 and
was recertified in April of 2014. Legacy Prep is
also accredited by AdvancEd/SACS (Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools). The
school participates in ASCI and TAPPS.
Currently, Legacy Prep has over 400
students enrolled and attending school on
the 22-acre campus in The Woodlands.
The school offers a wide array of sports
including football, baseball, volleyball,
basketball, cheerleading, golf, tennis, cross
country, track & field, and more. Extra-cur-
ricular activities include National Honor
Society, National Junior Honor Society,
student council, fine arts, and more.
Legacy Prep meets on a university-style
schedule giving families many benefits
they will not find elsewhere. The first is to
give parents more time with their children
to impart the faith and values they hold
dear. Secondly, through Legacy Prep’s
academically challenging college prepa-
ratory curriculum, the school prepares
students to be successful as they enter
higher education at a university. Students
develop the skills of an independent
learner far sooner than traditional types of
schooling allow and experience a smooth
transition as they enter the college or
university of their choice.
For more information about Legacy Prepa-
ratory Christian Academy, please visit
their website at www.legacypca.org or call
936-337-2000.
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The John Cooper School
www.johncooper.org • 281-367-0900
An independent, PK-12, college preparatory
school, located on 43 acres that were set
aside for an independent school by Wood-
lands founder George Mitchell. The school
opened in 1988 and has grown to become
one of the premier independent schools in
the Houston area.
Cooper provides a challenging education in
a caring environment. Traditional educa-
tional practices combined with innovative
new teaching methods enable students to
become critical and creative thinkers, effec-
tive communicators, responsible citizens
and leaders, and lifetime learners.
HIGER EDUCATIONLone Star College
www.LoneStar.edu
Houston and the Gulf Coast Region can be
full of surprises. World class museums, five
star restaurants and star studded entertain-
ment are just some of the amenities that
attract people from all over the world.
Another benefit the area enjoys is Lone
Star College. Many people are surprised
to learn that LSC has more than 95,000
students walk through its doors each
semester. LSC is today’s smart choice for
students looking to earn an undergraduate
degree, start a new career or update their
skills.
Students choose LSC because of the extra
attention they get thanks to their small
class sizes, averaging only 23 students per
class, the convenient campus locations that
are close to home and the flexible schedules
LSC offers. No matter what their goals are,
Lone Star College is ready to help them
realize their dreams.
LSC is recognized as a world leader in
workforce training and helps build a strong
regional workforce in industries like health
care, construction, accounting, energy,
computer technology and transportation.
LSC also helps qualified students find
financial aid and grant funding options
that can provide training at little or no cost.
Many students interested in a four-year
degree start at LSC, then transfer to the
university of their choice, saving thousands
of dollars without sacrificing quality. LSC
students can also take advantage of the
Honors College at LSC for high achieving
students and study abroad and international
programs, programs not commonly associ-
ated with a community college.
High school students can get a jump-start
on college with Dual Credit classes which
allow them to earn high school and college
credit simultaneously. Students save money
on college tuition, complete their degrees
quicker and build confidence by easing
the transition to college. LSC was recently
recognized as a Top 10 producer of asso-
ciate degrees, ranking fourth nationally
among all community colleges in the U.S.
by Community College Week magazine.
LSC is a proud member of the community
and a major contributor to the local and
regional economy with an annual economic
impact of $3.1 billion.
Affordable, close to home, world class.
When you add up all the benefits, you can
see why more than 95,000 students choose
Lone Star College. Visit LoneStar.edu to
learn more about the significant role LSC
plays in our community.
New Horizons - Your Partner in Training
713-552-1414 • www.nhhouston.com
For more than three decades, New Hori-
zons Computer Learning Centers has
been a leader in IT training. With over 100
locations worldwide, they have grown to
become the largest independent training
company in the industry. Their career
and corporate training solutions help turn
ambitious personal and business goals into
results. They use varying training methods
for virtually every schedule and learning
style, along with vendor-approved learning
tools and expert instruction. They have
trained more than 30 million people to
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make the most of technology, and they feel
like they are just getting started.
Vendor-Authorized - New Horizons offers
an extensive selection of vendor-authorized
training and certifications for top tech-
nology providers, such as Microsoft, Cisco,
CompTIA and VMWare. Being an autho-
rized partner ensures that the students have
the highest quality training materials and
train on the latest products and technologies
available. Courses provided fall into cate-
gories like desktop applications, technical
training and professional development.
Flexible Training Approach Based on
Learner Needs - They understand that
not everyone’s learning needs or preferred
methods are the same. Therefore, their flex-
ible training approach gives the ability to
customize dedicated classes to satisfy specific
needs. Learning methods include Online
ANYTIME, on-site training, private classes
and Online LIVE. Online Live removes
geographical boundaries from learning by
bringing students and instructors together
synchronously in a virtual real-time classroom
environment. This program provides students
all of the benefits of being in a dynamic inter-
active classroom – enabling students to study
from work, home or a New Horizons center.
New Horizons offers real-time, cloud-based
lab solutions as well, allowing students to
access their labs anytime and anywhere. The
state-of-the-art, fully-configured live lab envi-
ronment provides students hands-on access
to the systems and applications taught in the
classrooms, empowering them to learn on
their own schedules.
A Leader in the Industry - New Horizons
is ranked in the top 5% in the industry for
training quality and customer satisfaction
as reported by an independent third-party
learning and quality assurance company,
Knowledge Advisors. Plus, research shows
that New Horizons training yields a 4:1
benefit-to-cost ratio, based on manager
surveys regarding the improved performance
and productivity of their employees imme-
diately following New Horizons training.
New Horizons is the leading IT training company, providing training in everything from desktop applications, technical and professional development. Whether you want to brush up your skills or transition to a new career, New Horizons will set you on the right course.
New Horizons of Houston | www.nhhouston.com | 713.552.1414
New home. New opportunities.
Lone Star College is nationally recognized academic leader.
• Top 5 Associate Degree Producer in the nation
• 4th in the U.S. for the number of Hispanic students earning their associate degrees
• High-quality academic transfer programs
• Workforce education and career training programs
• Full online degrees, hybrid classes and convenient individual online courses
• A prestigious Honors College which offers a wide range of opportunities for high-achieving students
• A fraction of the cost of a four-year university
Lone Star College is a productive community partner that is close to home, affordable, and focused on student success.
Visit LoneStar.edu to learn more.
LSC-CyFair • LSC-Kingwood • LSC-Montgomery • LSC-North Harris • LSC-Tomball • LSC-University Park
A LEADER IN HIGHER EDUCATION
10.18.17.06
10.18.17.06 HoustonNewcomer'sGuideAd_v1FIN.indd 1 10/20/17 8:51 AM
5 4 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
HEALTHCARE
The cutting-edge health-care facilities, physicians and medical services available in Montgomery County and The Woodlands have grown over the years to meet the healthcare needs of the communities they serve. Patients now have the opportunity to heal closer to home, work and family.
betteraccessIt’s official! Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlandshas arrived. Inpatient, outpatient and emergencyservices are fully open and operational.With abrand new, state-of-the-art campus, designed and built just for kids, and many of the nation’stop-ranked pediatric providers and programs,we’re the place to go when a child needs care.
For a parent, there’s only one thing better thanhaving a world-renowned pediatric hospitalnearby – having one right in your own backyard.
For more information, call 936-267-5000 or visit texaschildrens.org/woodlands.
Now open! Built just for kids.© 2017 Texas Children’s Hospital. All rights reserved. WLD232_093017
WLD232_ad_BetterAccess_MontCoReloGuide.qxp_Layout 1 9/27/17 11:17 AM Page 1
5 4 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
AD
betteraccessIt’s official! Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlandshas arrived. Inpatient, outpatient and emergencyservices are fully open and operational.With abrand new, state-of-the-art campus, designed and built just for kids, and many of the nation’stop-ranked pediatric providers and programs,we’re the place to go when a child needs care.
For a parent, there’s only one thing better thanhaving a world-renowned pediatric hospitalnearby – having one right in your own backyard.
For more information, call 936-267-5000 or visit texaschildrens.org/woodlands.
Now open! Built just for kids.© 2017 Texas Children’s Hospital. All rights reserved. WLD232_093017
WLD232_ad_BetterAccess_MontCoReloGuide.qxp_Layout 1 9/27/17 11:17 AM Page 1
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Thanks to its fast-growing and affluent
population, Montgomery County and The
Woodlands offer some of the most modern
and comprehensive healthcare facilities in
the Greater Houston region. Family doctors
and specialists, emergency clinics and several
large, award–winning hospitals have built
new facilities along the I-45 corridor. These
state-of-the-art facilities offer advanced
cardiac care, cancer research and therapy,
trauma care, sports medicine, and many
other innovative treatments. Staffs include
top ranking physicians, quality nursing care
and highly skilled support services.
Patients can expect to find comfortable,
attractive rooms designed for ease of care.
Public areas and waiting areas are accom-
modating and meant to reduce the stress
that frequently accompanies hospital visits.
Neighborhood emergency clinics are equipped
to treat most illnesses, minor injuries and other
health-related needs. With little or no waiting,
walk-in patients can get a routine physical,
school immunizations, and standard screening
tests. Some clinics are located within stores or
shopping centers and have extended hours to
accommodate their patients.
Recent additions to personal health care
options include specialty clinics that treat
conditions such as smoking cessation and
weight loss. Wellness Centers affiliated
with hospitals or a physician’s practice
frequently offer weight reduction, health
management programs and medical spa
treatments.
The world-renowned Texas Medical Center,
where patients from around the world seek
treatment, is about an hour’s drive from
Montgomery County. For more informa-
tion, go to www.texasmedicalcenter.org.
AREA HOSPITALS
CHI St. Luke’s Health
CHI St. Luke’s Health is dedicated to a
mission of enhancing health through high-
quality, cost-effective care. In conjunction
with physicians and community partners,
CHI St. Luke’s Health is committed to excel-
lence and compassion in caring for the whole
person. Health is not merely the absence of
illness or the presence of physical well-being,
and our team of experienced, compassionate
physicians and staff understands that it’s the
result of achieving a balance between the
elements found within each patient and in
our greater communities as a whole.
Our North Houston community is constantly
growing, and it’s part of our healing mission to
grow with it. We’re dedicated to bringing well-
ness to every member of our community by
providing expert resources at convenient loca-
tions. With hospitals in The Woodlands and
Springwoods Village, plus freestanding ERs
and specialist clinics, we have you covered, no
matter where you are or what you need.
Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands
As Houston and its surrounding commu-
nities grow, Texas Children’s Hospital
continues to expand as well. Texas Children’s
H E A L T H C A R E R E S O U R C E S
1. If you have a special healthcare need or requirement, refer to and call the healthcare advertisers in this publica-tion to get information.
2. Call the offices of all your current physicians/dentists and tell them that you are moving. Ask for referrals they might be willing to make.
3. If you have already selected physicians/dentists, ask your current physician to forward copies of the records of each of your family members to your new doctor.
4. If you have not yet selected physicians/dentists, ask your current physician/dentist to make copies of pertinent records of all your family members for you to take with you. Pack these records in your suitcase, not in the moving van, so they will be readily available in case of an emergency.
Moving Medical Tips5. It is extremely important that you get the immunization records for
your children before you move. You cannot enroll your children in local schools without these records. You will also need certified copies of your children’s birth certificates as well as the addresses of your children’s former schools.
6. If you are a member of a healthcare HMO/PPO plan, or have a prescription drug card, be sure to notify the company of your moving plans. The insurance company should be able to provide you with a list of physicians/ healthcare facilities in the area.
7. Pack an emergency first aid kit to take en route to your new home. Items such as bandages, thermometer, aspirin, antihistamine, first-aid ointment, tweezers and decongestant can come in handy.
8. Don’t forget your pets. Contact your veterinarian for copies of their records. Ask for referrals they might be willing to make.
5 6 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8 H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 5 7
is not only committed to meeting the needs
of patients and families we serve, but we are
committed to doing that in a way that works
for them. For so many, this means providing
care close to home. That’s exactly why we
are building Texas Children’s Hospital The
Woodlands.
The communities in this area are some of
the fastest-growing in the nation, with a
combined population already exceeding
1.1 million. The pediatric population
alone is projected to grow to more than
350,000 in the next three years. In order to
meet this need, Texas Children’s Hospital
The Woodlands, a 560,000-square-foot,
state-of-the-art facility, is being designed
specifically to serve children and families.
We are proud that the hospital will be the
first dedicated to children’s care in The
Woodlands community.
Outpatient services are now offered at
Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands.
The Outpatient Building houses 72 exam
rooms and nearly 20 areas of specialized
care including cardiology, sports medicine,
diabetes and endocrinology, neurology and
hematology/oncology. Inpatient services,
including the emergency center, will open
in 2017. The hospital will house 32 inpa-
tient rooms, 25 emergency center exam
rooms, four operating rooms, 12 radiology
rooms and 28 critical care rooms, with
plans to add up to 200 additional beds in
the future to meet community needs.
Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands
is led by Michelle Riley-Brown, president,
Dr. Charles Hankins, chief medical officer
and Dr. Jeffrey Shilt, chief surgical officer.
Texas Children’s anticipates serving fami-
lies in counties throughout Greater North
Houston including Montgomery, Walker,
Grimes, Liberty, Harris, Polk, San Jacinto
and Hardin counties and beyond.
The hospital building project is part of
Promise: The Campaign for Texas Children’s
Hospital. The goal of the comprehensive
$475 million fundraising effort is to help
ensure that Texas Children’s continues to
meet the needs of the patients it serves 5, 10
and even 20 years from now. For more infor-
mation, visit texaschildrens.org/woodlands.
Find addresses, directions, and more at
CHIStLukesHealth.org/Locations
North Houston is growing fast, and CHI St. Luke’s Health is committed to growing with it—not just in size, but also by being there for families as they grow and change. With local hospitals, medical groups, and emergency centers across the area, we have you covered.
Whether you’re new to North Houston or just looking to explore more about your community, download our New Mover Guide at ImagineBetterHealth.org/Welcome and you’ll also receive a free gift!
Hospitals with 24/7Emergency Departments
Hospital-based CommunityEmergency Centers
Baylor St. Luke’sMedical Group Locations
Our North Houston Network of Care
45
RESEARCH
FOREST
DR
THE WOODLANDS
CONROE
MONTGOMERY
HUNTSVILLE
Our Locations
SPRINGWOODSVILLAGE
The Woodlands Hospital | Lakeside Hospital | Springwoods Village Hospital
CHI St. Luke’s Health-Lakeside Hospital meets the federal de�nition of a physician-ownedhospital. Ownership information is available upon request.
UT Physicians
UT Physicians, the clinical faculty prac-
tice of the McGovern Medical School at
UT Health has experienced unparalleled
growth over the last seven years. With
offices originally located solely across the
street from the McGovern Medical School,
UT Physicians now boasts more than 200
clinical sites in and around the Greater
Houston Area.
The idea of community-based UT Physi-
cians clinics is one that started with the
goal of bringing UT Physicians doctors to
the patients. “Back in 2007 and 2008, we
created a strategic plan for UT Physicians
to follow the growth and population changes
in Houston. We knew that if we didn’t grow
outside of the Texas Medical Center, we
would not survive as a group practice,” says
Andrew Casas, chief operating officer of UT
Physicians.
The addition of the UT Physicians Pediatric
Center at The Woodlands provides a variety
of specialty services for children 0 – 18 years
in age. Available pediatric specialty services
include cardiology, endocrinology, gastroen-
terology, and neurology. With staff highly
trained in all aspects of their job including
providing an exceptional patient experience,
the clinic is maintaining a 95 – 97% patient
satisfaction rating. A dedicated clinic with
physicians passionate and honored to treat
their patients as part of the UT Physicians
growing family. “We’re providing timely
pediatric subspecialty care close to home
and in your neighborhood,” says Dr. Kath-
erine Velez, Endocrinologist.
Thomas Murphy, M.D., assistant dean for
community affairs and health policy, says that
patients outside of the Texas Medical Center
provide stability and long-term patient rela-
tionships. “Right care, right place, right cost
– it’s a simple concept,” he says.
UT Physicians Pediatric Center at The Wood-
lands, 920 Medical Plaza Drive Suite 140
(Medical Plaza 2), The Woodlands, Texas
77380. For more information or to schedule
an appointment at call 713-486-6760 or visit
our website at UTPhysicians.com.
FINDING A DOCTOR Moving to a new city is exciting, but it also requires finding the grocery store you like, the schools your kids will attend - and the health-care practitioners that fit the needs of your family. The following is list of local and national physician resource, including the American Medical Association - where you can search for general practice physicians by location, specialty, and more.
American Medical Association: Resource for general health information, as well as a search function for local physician resource under the
“Patients” tab of the site. www.ama-assn.orgAmerican Academy of Pediatrics: National webs ite fo r ch i ld ren’s health resources; separate “Parent ing Corner” webs i te i s comprehensive site for health-related news, questions, and other topics. www.aap.org • www.healthychildren.org
Texas Medical Association: Listing of member physicians across the state, as well as infor-mation on general health resources; go to the “Find A Physician” tab to search by specialty or location. www.texmed.org
H E A L T H C A R E R E S O U R C E S
5 8 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
UT Physicians Pediatric Centerat The Woodlands
Now welcoming new patients
Faustino G. Ramos, MDGeneral Outpatient Pediatric CardiologyFetal EchosOther Languages: Spanish
Katherine Velez, MDPediatric DiabetesPediatric EndocrinologyOther Languages: Spanish
Ian Butler, MDGeneral Pediatric NeurologyTourette SyndromeMovement Disorder
Pediatric Cardiology Pediatric Gastroenterology
Pediatric NeurologyPediatric Endocrinology
920 Medical Plaza Dr., Suite 140The Woodlands, Texas 77380713-486-6760UTPhysicians.com
Clinic Hours:Mon-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Amanda Schuck-Phan, DOInflammatory Bowel DiseaseGastroesophageal RefluxEosinophilic EsophagitisFailure to Thrive Proper NutritionCeliac Disease
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
UTP Pediatric Clinic The Woodlands Houston Newcomers Ad.pdf 1 5/4/2017 1:13:20 PM
Places of WORSHIP
Montgomery County offers a variety of churches ranging from Non-Denominational to Methodist to Baptist. Not to be overlooked, there are several mosques and synagogues also in the area. The following pages list some of the houses of worship located in Montgomery County.
The Woodlands United Methodist Church
www.thewoodlandsumc.org • 281-297-5900
The Woodlands United Methodist Church
(TWUMC) is a 12,000-member congregation
located in suburban Houston, Texas. TWUMC
is an evangelical Methodist church offering 10
live worship services each week in three unique
worship styles across two campuses. Each
Sunday, TWUMC webcasts three services
(one in each style) live online. TWUMC offers
dynamic Christian programs for all ages, placing
special emphasis on discipleship, missions and
outreach. TWUMC also runs an accredited
preschool, a private elementary school, and
a licensed counseling center. The TWUMC
mission is to “Win people to Jesus Christ,
disciple them in faith, and help those in need.”
Learn more at www.thewoodlandsumc.org
Main Campus Service Times
Traditional Worship - Sunday
8:30, 9:35 and 11:00 a.m.
Harvest Contemporary Worship - Sunday
9:30 and 11:00 a.m., 5:30 p.m
Loft Modern Worship - Saturday
6:00 p.m. / Sunday: 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.
Woodforest Campus Service Times
The Church at Woodforest - Sunday
10:00 a.m.
H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 5 95 8 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
6 0 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
ASSEMBLIES OF GODConroe First Assembly of God conroefirst.org
Living Waters Assembly of God livingwatersonline.org
Living Word World Outreach livingwordwoc.org
Spring First Church springfirst.org
The River Assembly of God theriverag.org
BAPTISTCommunity Baptist Church cbcwoodlands.org
Champion Forest Baptist Church Conroe championforest.org
Crossroads Baptist Church crbctw.org
First Baptist Conroe fbcconroe.org
First Baptist Church Montgomery fbcmontgomery.com
First Baptist Church of Willis firstbaptistwillis.org
Founders Baptist Church foundersbaptist.org
Mims Baptist Church mimsbaptist.org
Northside Baptist Church northsideconroe.com
RiverPointe Baptist Church riverpointebaptist.org
Spring Baptist Church springbaptist.org
Spring Creek Baptist Church springcreekbc.net
The Woodlands First Baptist Church thewoodlandsfirst.org
West Conroe Baptist Church wcbc.us
BUDDHISTTexas Buddhist Association jadebuddha.org
CATHOLICSacred Heart Church shconroe.org
St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church staoptw.org
St. Ignatius Loyola ignatiusloyola.org
St. Matthias the Apostle st-matthias.net
Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic ssjwoodlands.com
CHRISTIAN (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)Community Christian Church woodlandsccc.org
The Woodlands Christian Church twcc.org
CHURCH OF CHRISTConroe Church of Christ conroechurch.org
N Woodlands Church of Christ northwoodlandsareacoc.com
Woodland Oaks Church of Christ woodlandoaks.org
Woodlands Church of Christ woodlandschurchofchrist.org
EPISCOPALHoly Comforter Episcopal Church holycomforterspring.org
St. James the Apostle Episcopal Church stjta.org
Trinity Episcopal Church trinitywoodlands.org
HINDUHindu Temple of The Woodlands woodlandshindutemple.org
INTERDENOMINATIONAL Calvary Chapel ccthewoodlands.org
ISLAMThe Islamic Society of Greater Houston isgh.org
Woodlands Islamic Center wic-woodlands.org
JEWISHChabad of The Woodlands jewishwoodlands.comCongregation Beth Shalom cbsw.org
Jewish Community North cjcn.org
LUTHERANGood Shepherd Lutheran Church gslcthewoodlands.org
Grace Lutheran Church graceconroe.org
Living Savior Lutheran Church livingsaviortexas.org
Living Word Lutheran Church lwlc.org
Lord of Life Lutheran Church lolonline.org
Resurrection Lutheran Church churchthatcares.org
Spirit of Joy! Lutheran Church sojoy.org
St. Mark Lutheran Church stmarkconroe.org
Tree of Life Lutheran Church treechurch.net
METHODISTChrist Church United Methodist cc-um.org
Faith United Methodist Church faithumcspring.org
First United Methodist Church fumc-conroe.org
St. Paul United Methodist Church stpaulconroe.org
The Loft – The Woodlands UMC thewoodlandsumc.org/loft
The Woodlands United Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380281-297-5900 • thewoodlandsumc.org
NON-DENOMINATIONAL Ark Church thearkchurch.com
Conroe Community Church conroecommunitychurch.org
First Assembly of God conroefirst.org
Generations Church gchurch.net
Living Branch Church lbclife.org
The Crossing Church thecrossing.cc
Vineyard Church of Conroe conroevineyard.org
Woodlands Church woodlandschurch.tv
WoodsEdge Community Church www.woodsedge.org
ORTHODOXSt. Anthony the Great Orthodox Christian Church stanthonythegreat.org
St. Cyril Orthodox Church stcyril.us/orthodox-houston
St Jonah Orthodox saintjonah.org
PRESBYTERIANAlden Bridge Presbyterian Church trpctw.org
Crown & Covenant RP Church crowncovenantchurch.org
First Presbyterian Church Conroe fpcconroe.org
Grace Presbyterian Church gracewoodlands.org
The Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church wcpc-tx.org
WE’RE BETTER
TOGETHER.Life’s too hard to go it alone.Come live life as it was really intended: in a supportive community. Each week we meet to worship God, serve others and connect through small groups.
Join us as we find meaning and purpose together at The Woodlands United Methodist Church.
2200 Lake Woodlands Drive | The Woodlands, TX 77380281.297.5900 | thewoodlandsumc.org
P L A C E S O F W O R S H I P
6 0 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8 H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 6 1
ISLAMThe Islamic Society of Greater Houston isgh.org
Woodlands Islamic Center wic-woodlands.org
JEWISHChabad of The Woodlands jewishwoodlands.comCongregation Beth Shalom cbsw.org
Jewish Community North cjcn.org
LUTHERANGood Shepherd Lutheran Church gslcthewoodlands.org
Grace Lutheran Church graceconroe.org
Living Savior Lutheran Church livingsaviortexas.org
Living Word Lutheran Church lwlc.org
Lord of Life Lutheran Church lolonline.org
Resurrection Lutheran Church churchthatcares.org
Spirit of Joy! Lutheran Church sojoy.org
St. Mark Lutheran Church stmarkconroe.org
Tree of Life Lutheran Church treechurch.net
METHODISTChrist Church United Methodist cc-um.org
Faith United Methodist Church faithumcspring.org
First United Methodist Church fumc-conroe.org
St. Paul United Methodist Church stpaulconroe.org
The Loft – The Woodlands UMC thewoodlandsumc.org/loft
The Woodlands United Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380281-297-5900 • thewoodlandsumc.org
NON-DENOMINATIONAL Ark Church thearkchurch.com
Conroe Community Church conroecommunitychurch.org
First Assembly of God conroefirst.org
Generations Church gchurch.net
Living Branch Church lbclife.org
The Crossing Church thecrossing.cc
Vineyard Church of Conroe conroevineyard.org
Woodlands Church woodlandschurch.tv
WoodsEdge Community Church www.woodsedge.org
ORTHODOXSt. Anthony the Great Orthodox Christian Church stanthonythegreat.org
St. Cyril Orthodox Church stcyril.us/orthodox-houston
St Jonah Orthodox saintjonah.org
PRESBYTERIANAlden Bridge Presbyterian Church trpctw.org
Crown & Covenant RP Church crowncovenantchurch.org
First Presbyterian Church Conroe fpcconroe.org
Grace Presbyterian Church gracewoodlands.org
The Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church wcpc-tx.org
WE’RE BETTER
TOGETHER.Life’s too hard to go it alone.Come live life as it was really intended: in a supportive community. Each week we meet to worship God, serve others and connect through small groups.
Join us as we find meaning and purpose together at The Woodlands United Methodist Church.
2200 Lake Woodlands Drive | The Woodlands, TX 77380281.297.5900 | thewoodlandsumc.org
6 2 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
in this sectionsenior housing optionscontinuing care retirement communitiesassisted living communities
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The times of aging in America, they are a-changing – and many senior Montgomery County residents couldn’t be happier about it. Long gone are the days of mandatory retirement at age 65, and with it, the idea that one’s golden years were to be spent simply sitting quietly on the front porch in a rocking chair.
ACTIVE ADULTS + SENIOR LIVING
More and more seniors don’t see them-
selves as seniors (unless they get a discount
if they do). Increasingly, the years after age
65 are more numerous and more active.
According to the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services, Americans’ life expec-
tancy in 2000 was 76.8 years; in 2014, it was
78.8. One of the reasons is that Americans
are healthier: today’s seniors visit the doctor
and emergency room less, spend fewer days
in hospital and exercise more.
Turning 65 no longer means receiving a
watch, a party and hearty congratulations
for years spent at a job, only to be put out
to pasture to watch the rest of the world go
by. Today’s seniors now have many options,
dreams and plans, and very often, the
energy to pursue them. Of course, people
with more leisure time can perfect their golf
swing, or carefully tend their prized azaleas,
but these days, they’re also choosing to go
back to school, learn a new language, run
marathons, volunteer, or take up a new
hobby. More people are opting to burn out
rather than rust out.
And the options for living and playing are
also evolving to meet the changing demands
of this growing group of people. From
upscale retirement communities that offer an
array of housing, activity, exercise and social
options, to full-care facilities that care for
people with mental and physical disabilities,
and every-thing in between, there is a senior
living solution to fit every desire and need.
TAKING STOCKIn order to narrow your options in what
could be an overwhelming list of choices
and to help you choose the best one, put
some time into the stock-taking process
by taking a personal inventory of living
expenses, health, interests and expectations.
Budget Inventory: what does it cost to live
every month? What are you spending on
housing or rental; how much does it cost
to heat it, cool it, pay taxes or a mortgage
on it? What other expenses do you have?
Food, entertainment, transportation? What
medical expenses do you currently have,
or do you anticipate? Be as thorough and
honest in your assessment as you can, so
that you can make an informed decision.
Lifestyle inventory: How do you want to
live? Need more time for golf ? You might
want to live on a course. What to do some
volunteering? You may decide to move
closer to the city, school or community
center. Want to make new friends? Many
senior’s communities are set up to allow you
to do just that. Again, the more careful you
are in your analysis, the more prepared you
will be to make the right decisions.
SHOULD YOU STAY OR SHOULD YOU GO?Stay Put: You can retire in your own
home by withdrawing some of the equity
you’ve built up with a reverse mortgage,
which is a special type of home loan that
lets you convert a portion of the equity in
your home into cash. Guaranteed by the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development, HUD offers this federally
insured private loan which can give you
greater financial security to supplement
social security, meet unex-pected medical
expenses, make home improvements and
more. And, unlike a traditional home equity
loan or second mortgage, you usually do not
have to repay the loan until you no longer
use the home as your principal residence,
sell it, or pass away. The money from a
reverse loan may be paid out in a variety of
ways: a lump sum, a regular monthly cash
advance, as a credit line account, or any
combination of the above. To qualify, you
must be at least 62, and own the home outright
or carry a mortgage small enough to be paid off
by the proceeds; there are no income or credit
qualifications or monthly payments, but you are
responsible to pay the annual taxes, property
insurance and maintenance of the home.
6 4 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
The best way to determine if a reverse mort-
gage is the best fit for your retirement plan is
to honestly assess the following:
• How much would the home sell for onto-
day’s market?
• What would the cost be to buy, or rent, and
maintain a new home?
• Would there be any money left over from
the purchase of a new home that could
besafely invested?
• What are the options for downsizing into
aless expensive home, renting an apart-
ment, or moving into an assisted living or
alternative senior housing situation?
Visit AARP’s website and use their Reverse Mort-
gage Calculator: www.aarp.com.
Pack It Up: But maybe, it’s time for a move.
Perhaps the 30-year family home is too big
and you’re rattling around it like a marble
in a shoe box, or you’re tired of the outdoor
upkeep, or you want to be closer to the place
or activities that you now have time for. Before
you choose your new home, once again,
take stock. Be realistic about your situation,
your expectations, your finances and your
health. It’s as important to consider ac-cess to
medical doctors and facilities as it is to think
about fun and leisure pursuits. Make sure the
new community is one that you will enjoy,
that it has convenient amenities and access to
services, and that a new house will be a good
investment. If you’re still active, you might
want to be among folk just like you. Think
carefully before making decisions that will
determine your happiness in the years to come.
SENIOR HOUSING OPTIONS“The time to begin thinking about a retire-
ment community isn’t when you have to
have it,” advises Terry Martinez with Parmer
Woods Retirement & Assisted Living. “Think
about it when you don’t need it. There are a
wide variety of alternatives available for every
level of activity, health and need. Today’s
Baby Boomers who are in or approaching
their retirement years are taking advantage
of active retirement communities where resi-
dents are vigorous and involved. Or, they
are finding senior-care housing communities
that em-ploy medically trained staff, provide
housekeeping and meal preparation services,
as well as transportation for shopping,
medical visits, and social outing. Or, they
are seeking a more physically and medically
sup-portive environment. Whatever choice
is best for you, it’s out there, but should be
considered without stress.
And the prices vary. “When you’re trying
to stay within a particular price range, you
want to match your living requirements with
services offered,” says Martinez. “If you
are very independent and don’t need assis-
tance – just want a meal plan, for example
– then the associated costs are much less
than for someone who requires more care.”
Also, Medicare generally does not pay for
long-term care, only for services deemed
medically necessary that are provided by a
skilled facility or home health care center.
Medicaid will pay for certain health services
and nursing home care for older people with
low incomes and limited assets.
The place you choose should facilitate life at
a level of independence that is comfortable
for you or for your loved one.
ACTIVE SENIOR HOUSING COMMUNITIESIf you’re a healthy, independent senior, you
may find that you simply want to live in a
community where you can enjoy the company
of others and your own personal interests.
Moving to an active independent liv-ing retire-
ment community might be the best fit for your
budget and lifestyle, where options include
renting an apartment or purchasing a property.
Many active senior communities have infor-
mation packets and offer tours. A personal visit
will give valuable, firsthand information and
an opportunity to meet current residents who
can share their own experi-ence and insider’s
view. Ask about health and fitness programs,
organized activities, sporting options, and
social opportunities. Other day-to-day living
arrangements should also be considered, such
as shopping centers and grocery stores within
easy walking distance, and the availability of
transportation services. Where is the commu-
nity located in proximity to major health
care providers? What security measures are
in place for residents? For ultimate peace of
mind, you might opt to rent a home under a
short-term agreement at first to make sure the
community provides for your needs and lives
up to your expectations.
CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES A Continuing Care Retirement Community
(CCRC) offers care in a residential facility for
seniors, with a full menu of services and living
situations. Residents may go from indepen-
dent living, to assisted living and nursing home
care, depending on their individual, changing
needs and abilities.
A CCRC (also called Life-Care Facilities or
Communities) generally offers a contract that
covers a continuum of care, including access to
housing, services, and health care for more than
one year, or the balance of one’s life. It is a wise
idea to move into a CCRC sooner rather than
later, as most require that new residents live
independently when they first move in.
There is a range of contract options offered by
CCRCs. An extensive-care contract is the most
expensive, but carries the least risk, providing
unlimited long-term nursing care at little or
no additional cost for as long as nursing-home
services are required. A modified-care contract
comes with medium financial risk, and provides
long-term health or nursing services for a spec-
ified period, after which, the senior or guardian
is responsible for additional costs. A fee-for-ser-
vice contract offers an a-la-carte approach,
requiring that residents pay separately for all
health and medical services provided by the
facility, as well as long-term care.
Most CCRCs expect an entrance fee, plus
monthly fees thereafter. Some require an
equity agreement where seniors purchase
a condominium or co-op apartment on the
property instead of paying an entrance fee.
Less commonly found are CCRC contracts
where residents pay monthly fees only.
Before signing a contract with a CCRC,
conduct a thorough review of the facili-
ty’s services, operations and finances, and
determine if it is appropriate to your needs,
lifestyle and expectations. It’s also a good
idea to ask a family attorney or accountant
to review the contract. If the contract is
A C T I V E A D U LT S & S E N I O R L I V I N G
6 4 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8 H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 6 5
found agreeable, ask to spend at least one
night and two days at the facility, to test
drive the community and make sure it is a
good fit. Some points to consider include:
• Are pets allowed in your residence?
• What social, recreational and cultural
activities are offered?
• Is food prepared onsite? If so, how is it?
• Are there fitness facilities onsite?
• Is the staff friendly and knowledgeable?
• What healthcare and personal careservices
are available?
• What preparations have been made for
handling medical and evacuation emer-
gency situations?
• Is there easy access to offsite activities such
as shopping and is transportation provided?
CCRCs can be anything from high-rise apart-
ments, to cottages, townhouses or single-family
homes, and are an excellent option for those
who are independent and in good health, but
might need some assistance with daily living
needs or require skilled nursing care.
ASSISTED LIVINGAn Assisted Living Community (ALC) bridges
the gap for those who need assistance with
daily activities a nursing home might offer,
but wish to live independently. Residents in an
ALC are unable to live com-pletely by them-
selves, but don’t need constant supervision. An
ALC offers its residents assistance with eat-ing,
bathing, dressing, laundry, housekeeping, and
keeping track of medications. They often have
centers for medical care, but typically do not
offer the extensive medical services provided
by a nursing home. An ALC is not a substitute
for a nursing home, but rather is a stepping
stone between complete independence and
services provided by a nursing home.
Often, an ALC will create an individ-
ualized service plan for seniors upon
admission, detailing personal services that
will be provided. This plan is then peri-
odically reviewed and updated to ensure
changing needs are met. Housing in an ALC
may be studios or one-bedroom apartments
with small kitchen facilities. Typically, ALC
housing units have group dining facilities
and common areas where residents gather to
enjoy social and recreational activities.
As with other options, a visit to the center is
a must. Pay attention to first impressions:
• Are the grounds well maintained?
• Is the staff friendly?
• Are the residents properly dressed?
• What activities are available?
ALCs that competently provide required
services without forgetting about little
details will give the same care and attention
to residents.
NURSING CARE FACILITIESA Nursing Care Facility (NCF) is a state
licensed, private-care facility that provides
24-hour skilled hospital care for residents
who do not require hospitalization but
cannot stay at home.
It pays to shop around when selecting an
NCF. Consult with a trusted doctor or health
care practitioner for recommendations of
nearby facilities. Plan on visiting at least four
or five area facilities, and make an ap-point-
ment with the administrator or director of
nursing. Check to make sure that informa-
tion provided is consistent with information
gathered during the facility tour. The home
should have clean floors and smell fresh.
Ask to see the compliance survey report
prepared by the State of Texas. It will list defi-
ciencies found in resident care during routine
inspections, and the facility’s effort to correct
them. Under Texas law, nursing homes must
make this and other survey compliance
reports available upon request, as well as a
well-lit place for review.
Another option available is to contact the Texas
Department of Aging and Disability Services
(DADS) at 800-458-9858 or www.dads.
state.tx.us. While state law prohibits agency
employees from recommending one facility
over another, they can answer the following
recommended questions about any facility:
• Have there been any proposed license
terminations in the past two years?
• How many complaints have been filed in
the past year?
• How many complaints in the past year
have been found to be valid?
• How many deficiencies have been cited in
the past two years?
• How many “quality of care” violations
have been cited in the past two years?
• When did DADS last visit the facility, and
what was the purpose of the visit?
• Has the owner of this facility had other facil-
ities recommended for license termination?
The answers to these questions, combined with
observations and impressions made during
facility tours and staff interviews will allow you
to select the right nursing care facility.
ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIACARE FACILITIESSeniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease
or another form of dementia need specialized
care. While some Assisted Living Commu-
nities offer services and separate facilities for
residents with early onset symptoms, because
of the progressive nature of the disease, it
may become necessary to transfer the resi-
dent to another facility that can give the right
level of service.
Facilities specializing in the care of Alzhei-
mer’s and dementia patients should provide
a treatment plan that considers not only the
resident’s medical needs, but also the needs
of the entire family with social services,
professional consultations and individual-
ized treatment reviews, all set within a calm,
soothing environment that is sensitive to the
needs of the patient. Please visit www.aging-
care.com for additional information on care
for the elderly.
6 6 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
in this sectionlocal chambers of commerceeconomic developmenthouston by the numbersmajor employers
BUSINESS &COMMUNITY
H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 6 76 6 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a newcomer relocating to the Houston region for the city’s tremendous employment opportunities – some of the best in the nation.
Within the 600-square-mile Houston region,
no area shines brighter than Montgomery
County, home to one of the largest recent
corporate relocations anywhere in the nation.
Many people are already hard at work at
ExxonMobil’s beautiful new state-of-the-art
campus in Montgomery County, and more
are coming – perhaps you are one of them, or
know somebody who’ll soon work there. This
385-acre campus is in Spring, just South of
The Woodlands and to the West where I-45
North meets the Hardy Toll Road. It’s been
projected that the overall economic impact of
this new campus will total billions of dollars,
spurring the construction of thousands of
new homes and millions of square feet of
commercial space in the surrounding area.
ExxonMobil has grabbed the headlines lately
– and rightly so – but Montgomery County
is also home to a growing number of major
companies, including Anadarko Petroleum,
with its 2,400 employees in The Woodlands.
With other big employers including Hewitt
Associates, Baker Hughes and Huntsman,
The Woodlands has become one of Hous-
ton’s biggest employment centers and is
sprouting an impressive skyline visible
along I-45 North. There’s already talk of
this region emerging as Houston’s second
“Energy Corridor.”
In the pioneer days, abundant natural
resources such as timber, water and oil
sparked an economic boom throughout
Montgomery County. Today, the quality of
life made possible by many of these same
resources is drawing business, as compa-
nies relocate near where the majority of
their employees want to live. Following is a
partial list of some of the major chambers of
commerce and economic development orga-
nizations working to advance Montgomery
County. Their websites are a wealth of infor-
mation about the areas they represent.
CONROE/LAKE CONROE CHAMBER OF COMMERCEFirst organized as the Montgomery County
Chamber of Commerce in 1934, the Greater
Conroe/Lake Conroe Area Chamber of
Commerce is celebrating 83 years of service to
the Montgomery County area, having grown
from three members to more than 1,100 today.
This dynamic organization works to generate
awareness, create partnerships and provide
leadership for progressive development and
growth while enhancing the quality of life in
Montgomery County www.conroe.org.
GREATER CONROE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCILThe Greater Conroe Economic Development
Council works to link new or relocating busi-
nesses to all the resources they need, allowing
them to make informed decisions and enjoy a
seamless transition experience. Their mission
is to enhance the strength and stability of the
greater Conroe economy by supporting existing
businesses and industries and attracting new
ones, bringing in new capital and employment
opportunities. www.gcedc.org
GREATER MAGNOLIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Greater Magnolia Chamber of Commerce
has served Southwest Montgomery County
since 1982, supporting area businesses and
giving back to the community through schol-
arships and special events. The Chamber’s
leadership has succeeded in providing answers
to members and the community, increasing
mobility and improving environmental quality.
www.magnoliatexas.org
MAGNOLIA PARKWAY CHAMBER OF COMMERCEThe Magnolia Parkway Chamber of
Commerce promotes member businesses and
encourages economic development in their
BUSINESS &COMMUNITY
Conroe Independent School DistrictElementary And Secondary SchoolsConroe Independent School DistrictMontgomery CountyConroe Regional Medical CenterNov DownholeCity Of ConroeConsolidated Communications ServicesWal-Mart Stores IncNov Fluid Control 3 LocationsProfessional DirectionalTri-County Services IncGullo Cars Of Conroe, IncJyoti International IncMilk Products Lp Dba BordenNov Texas Oil ToolsTurbo DrillRussell Construction Company
Medivators IncMckesson PharmaceuticalBall CorporationHuntsman Petrochemical LlcMs Energy ServicesProtect Controls IncCrown Beverage PackagingTeam Oil ToolsSan Jacinto River AuthorityNexeo Solutions LlcBauer ManufacturingStreater-Smith Honda NissanHempel Coatings USA IncLone Star Family Health ClinicConroe Machine LLCTony Gullo Motors I, LPJohn Wiesner Inc
HOUSTON by the NUMBERS
CITY OF CONROE TOP EMPLOYERS
Want to know how living in the Houston
a rea com pa res to othe r c i t i e s?
Assuming a $60,000 salary in the city
you’re moving from and that you’d own
a house here, we used a salary/cost of
living calculator to help figure out the
rest. If you made $60,000 in Seattle, for
example, your salary could decrease
to $41,995 in Houston - and you’d still
maintain the same standard of living.
See the table below for the results from
a sampling of other cities.
Phoenix 61,439Detroit 61,826Austin 61,375San Francisco 33,401Boston 40,832Denver 53,759Miami 52,467Pittsburgh 59,757Dallas 61,311Seattle 41,995Philadelphia 49,305Atlanta 58,979Baton Rouge 63,766New York City 25,910Los Angeles 41,996Chicago 50,705Las Vegas 54,455Portland 45,498St. Louis 63,697Raleigh 65,105Cincinnati 64,818 Charleston 58,336Knoxville 68,194Madison 56,382Salt Lake City 61,120Virginia Beach 59,817
MOVINGFROM HERE
YOU’D NEEDTO MAKE
service area along FM 1488, FM 2978 and
beyond. Calling itself “the Chamber without
borders,” it hosts monthly meetings and events
throughout the year for members and prospec-
tive members. www.magnoliaparkwaycc.org.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY HISPANIC CHAPTERAnyone with an interest in supporting or
developing a relationship with the Hispanic
business community in Montgomery County
and surrounding area is welcome to join
the MCHC. Not only do they work to help
businesses penetrate the growing Hispanic
market, but they are also involved with issues
important to the Hispanic community, such
as immigration, day labor, education and
health. Learn more at www.mchchamber.org.
SPRING KLEIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCEThe Spring Klein Chamber of Commerce is
a non-profit organization with a mission to
connect businesses within the Spring-Klein
area, which in turn will allow the growing
community to thrive. Through a variety of
networking events and programs, executives,
business owners and like-minded profes-
sionals can succeed, while contributing to
the success of others and the overall business
climate of the Spring and Klein areas. www.
springkleinchamber.org.
CITY OF WILLIS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCILThe Willis Economic Development Corpo-
ration (EDC) provides assistance and
resources to business owners in the City of
Willis. The Willis EDC offers resources,
incentives, and information that help busi-
ness owners make a good decision about
where to locate their business, and serve
as an advocate as businesses get up and
running in the community. Learn more at
www.visitwillis.com.
THE WOODLANDS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCEAs one of the largest and most influential
business associations in the Houston region,
the Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce
represents small and emerging businesses,
mid-market companies and industry leading
corporations. The Chamber continuously
cultivates new and innovative ways for
members to market themselves, their prod-
ucts and services to fellow members and
the community. It is working to be an effec-
tive catalyst for the economic growth and
prosperity in the Woodlands area. www.
woodlandschamber.org.
THE WOODLANDS AREA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIPThe Woodlands Area Economic Devel-
opment Partnership can help existing
companies expand or help move a company,
its employees and families to this dynamic
community where they can live, work and
grow. It is a direct link to all the area has
to offer, allowing business people to make
informed decisions and smooth transitions.
Learn more at www.edpartnership.net.
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H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 6 9
Medivators IncMckesson PharmaceuticalBall CorporationHuntsman Petrochemical LlcMs Energy ServicesProtect Controls IncCrown Beverage PackagingTeam Oil ToolsSan Jacinto River AuthorityNexeo Solutions LlcBauer ManufacturingStreater-Smith Honda NissanHempel Coatings USA IncLone Star Family Health ClinicConroe Machine LLCTony Gullo Motors I, LPJohn Wiesner Inc
LOOKING FOR HOMES JUST GOT EASIER…
HOMES And RENTALS
Ask Your REALTOR®
Search more than8 million properties
WHERE BUSINESS AND INNOVATION MEET Deison Technology Park in Conroe, Texas
9 3 6 - 5 3 8 - 7 1 1 8 • g c e d c . o r g
North of Houston and The WoodlandsAdjacent to regional airport with U.S. Customs facilitySites ranging from 2 to 248 acres
All utilities and regional detention in place Four-lane direct access to I-45 Incentives for qualified projects
7 0 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
in this sectionattractions and family funart and culturegolf and sportscalendar of events
H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 7 17 0 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
From art fairs to crawfish festivals, from live
music to rodeos, there’s always a reason to
get out and enjoy yourself in Montgomery
County. And when you want to venture a
little further from home, all the attractions
of the Greater Houston region are right next
door.
CONROE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAUDiscover all the entertainment treasures
Conroe has to offer, including concerts,
restaurants, golf courses, a calendar of
events and more. You’ll also find travel plan-
ning and professional planners for business
groups. Several helpful publications are
offered at www.playinconroe.com or call
936-522-3500.
GREATER HOUSTON CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU Discover the fun side of the fourth largest
city in America. The Greater Houston
Convention and Visitors Bureau (GHCVB)
is the principal marketing organization for
the city of Houston and Harris County and
highlights all the venues, events, museums
and fun things to do. It offers itinerary
planning, information for business travelers
and conventions, a list of free stuff, and
much more.
Discounts and coupons are available on
their interactive web site in both English and
Spanish along with comprehensive infor-
mation including an online events calendar,
maps, video gallery, city blog. Visitor infor-
mation packets and a Meeting Planners
guide can be found at www.VisitHouston-
Texas.com.
CITYPASS ADVENTURESSee five of the most popular one-of-a-kind
sights Houston offers at a discount with
CityPASS: Adults -$59 – Children $49. You
have nine days to use them and they save
you nearly half off regular ticket pricing.
Available at the Houston Visitor’s Center -
www.VisitHoustonTexas.com
THE WOODLANDS CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAUThe Woodlands Convention and Visitors
Bureau is always ready to share information
about fun things to do and is a great resource
for visitors, newcomers and residents.
Whether it’s just the two of you, a getaway
with the family, a reunion or large gathering,
or a business meeting, there’s something for
everyone in The Woodlands.
Try award winning restaurants, wine bars
and world-class entertainment in Town
Center. Or enjoy the great outdoors by
renting a kayak or strolling along The
Woodlands Waterway, taking in an outdoor
concert at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell
Pavilion or hiking through the winding trails
at the George Mitchell Preserve.
Request a free visitor’s guide and map
at www.visitthewoodlands.com or call
877-963-2447 or 281-363-2447.
OLD TOWN SPRING VISITORS BUREAUEnjoy a stroll back in time among more than
150 shops, galleries, museums and restau-
rants that line the shady lanes of Old Town
Spring. Take in one of the many events and
festivals held year-round, or just relax in one
of the gazebos. For accommodations, tours
and a map, visit at www.shopspringtexas.
com or call 281-288-2355.
LEISURE &RECREATION
Take small towns steeped in history and tradition, mix in The Woodlands and other communities with increasing sophistication, sprinkle in dashes of lakes, parks and forests, and add weather that’s great for being outdoors. There you have the recipe for fun. Welcome to Montgomery County.
7 2 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
The theater district is an impressive cultural and entertainment center; features nine world renowned performing arts organizations, and many smaller ones, in four venues – Jones Hall, Wortham Theater Center, Alley Theatre and Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.
ARTS, CULTURE &
Attractions
H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 7 37 2 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
ARTS, CULTURE &
Alley Theatre
615 Texas Ave., Houston, 77002
www.alleytheatre.org
One of America’s leading not-for-profit
theatres calls the Houston Theater District
Home – The Alley Theatre. The Alley
Theatre is nationally recognized for their
performing arts company lead by Artistic
Director Gregory Boyd and Managing
Director Dean R. Gladden. Specializing
in productions of the classics, modern
plays and premieres, The Alley Theatre
produces more performances than all
other performing arts organizations in the
Houston Theater District.
Bayou Place
500 Texas Ave., Houston, 77002
www.bayouplace.com
Bayou Place is Houston’s premier destina-
tion for great food and good times. Popular
venues such as the Revention Music Center
and Sundance Cinemas are located here as
well as many dining options – most popular is
Houston’s own Hard Rock Café. This mosaic
of entertainment options makes Bayou Place
a prime spot for the Houston Theater District.
Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
800 Bagby St., Ste. 300 Houston, 77002
www.thehobbycenter.org
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
brings first-class entertainment and cultural
enjoyment to Houstonians by way of the
generosity of their donors. This arts complex
is home to the Theatre Under The Stars
(TUTS), and the Houston Broadway Series.
Houston Ballet
501 Texas Ave., Houston, 77002
www.houstonballet.org
The Houston Ballet is a classically trained
company with diverse repertory whose range
includes the classics are well as contemporary
works. This company attracts the world’s best
dancers and choreographers. The Houston
Ballet also has a world class Academy whose
instruction levels vary from professional
dancer to non-professional dancers.
Houston Grand Opera
510 Preston St., Houston, 77002
www.houstongrandopera.org
Adding to Houston’s rich cultural environ-
ment, Houston Grand Opera entertains with
their innovative programs, community events
and educational projects. Houston Grand
Opera has a solid reputation for commis-
sioning and producing new works, including
56 world premieres and seven American
premieres since 1973. Stop in and visit and see
why Houston Grand Opera has toured exten-
sively, including trips to Europe and Asia, and
is the only opera company to have won a Tony,
two Grammy awards, and two Emmy awards.
Houston Symphony
615 Louisiana, St., Ste. 102, Houston, 77002
www.houstonsymphony.org
The Houston Symphony’s mission is to
“inspire and engage a large diverse audience
in Greater Houston and beyond through
exceptional orchestral and non-orchestral
performances, educational programs and
community activities.” By 2025, the Houston
Symphony aims to be one of America’s most
relevant and accessible top-ten orchestras.
Jones Hall
615 Louisiana St., Houston, 77002
www.houstonfirsttheaters.com
Jones Hall is a monument to the memory
of Jesse Holman Jones, an eminent figure
in Houston during the first half of the 20th
Century. Today, Jones Hall is home to the
Houston Symphony and the Society for the
Performing Arts. More than 400,000 visi-
tors attend some 250 events annually.
Main Street Theater
2450 Times Square Blvd., Houston 77005
333 S. Jensen, Houston, 77003
www.mainstreettheater.com
Main Street Theater was founded in 1975
and has been opening doors for locals of all
ages to engage in the performing arts. They
offer classes for children and adults and hold
performances by both local authors and
established writers.
Stages Repertory Theatre
3021 Allen Pkwy. Ste. 101, Houston, 77019
www.stagestheatre.com
Stages Theatre is one of only two theatres
in the region that offers year-round employ-
ment for actors, directors and additional
staff. Stages contributes much to the
Houston community, including the avail-
ability of thrilling live performances. The
Theatre produces daring and innovative
plays focusing on new off-Broadway hits
and world premieres.
Society for the Performing Arts
615 Louisiana St., Ste. 100, Houston, 77002
www.spahouston.org
The Society for the Performing Arts is the
largest nonprofit presenting organization of
its kind in the entire Southwest region. SPA
is renowned for delivering to Houston inter-
nationally acclaimed artists from the entire
performing arts spectrum, and has been
doing so for over 50 years.
Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS)
800 Bagby, Ste. 200, Houston, TX 77002
www.tuts.com
A non-profit based in Houston, Texas,
Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) offers a
world –class musical theatre experience that
ranges from full-scale Broadway productions
to educational initiatives that extend beyond
the stage and into the community. TUTS is
equipped for actors and aficionados of all
ages and abilities.
Wortham Theater Center
501 Texas Ave., Houston, 77002
www.houstonfirsttheaters.com
Houston’s largest performing arts complex,
is home to the Houston Ballet and Houston
Grand Opera and is partnered with Da
Camera of Houston and Mercury the
Orchestra Redefined. The Wortham Center
features two theaters, the Alice and George
Brown Theater and the Lillie and Roy Cullen
Theater. Since its opening in 1987, Wortham
has entertained more than 8 million people.
THEATER DISTRICT
7 4 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
L E I S U R E & R E C R E A T I O N
The Art Car Museum
140 Heights Blvd., Houston, 77007
www.artcarmuseum.com
Otherwise known as the “Garage Mahal”,
The Art Car Museum is dedicated to
contemporary art. It is an exhibition forum
for local, national and international arts
with an emphasis on art cars, other fine arts
and artists that rarely, if ever, are acknowl-
edged by other cultural institutions. Most
popular to Houstonians is the annual Art
Car Parade.
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
3816 Caroline St., Houston, TX 77004
www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com
The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
(BSNM) is proud to educate the public and
preserve and promote the history, tradition
and outstanding contributions of America’s
Buffalo Soldiers from the Revolutionary
War to the present. Here, you can find work-
shops, youth outreach programs and exhibits
about the history of the Buffalo Soldiers and
their service.
Children’s Museum of Houston
1500 Binz St., Houston, TX 77004
www.cmhouston.org
A duck pond, playhouse, grocery store,
Mexican village, puppet show and an
infant play area are all under one roof.
The fun-filled hands on experience at the
Children’s Museum of Houston will not
leave anyone bored. For nearly 30 years,
the place for families to play, laugh, learn
and grow.
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
5216 Montrose Blvd., Houston, 77006
www.camh.org
The Contemporary Arts Museum of
Houston is an institution dedicated to
presenting the best and most exciting
international, national and regional art.
Patrons of every age will appreciate the
collections of work and dynamic exhi-
bitions on display. CAMH also offers
special programs and educational oppor-
tunities. Admission is Free.
The Health Museum
1515 Hermann Dr., Houston, 77004
www.thehealthmuseum.org
The Health Museum is Houston’s most
interactive science learning center and a
member institution of the world-renowned
Texas Medical Center. The Health Museum
is the most visited health museum of its kind
in the country. Popular exhibits include:
DeBakey Cell Lab, Amazing Body Pavilion
and the McGovern 4D Theater.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science
5555 Hermann Park Dr., Houston, 77030
www.hmns.org
As one of the most heavily attended
museums in the United States, the Houston
Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) seeks
to enhance knowledge and delight in natural
science and related subjects. It houses the
Burke Baker Planetarium, Wortham GIANT
Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center and
a fascinating variety of permanent exhibit
areas that examine astronomy, space science,
Native American culture, paleontology,
energy, chemistry, gems and minerals, Texas
wildlife and more. www.hmns.org
Holocaust Museum Houston
5401 Caroline St., Houston, 77004
www.hmh.org
The Holocaust Museum Houston is
dedicated to educating people about the
Holocaust, remembering the 6 million Jews
and other innocent victims and honoring the
survivors’ legacy. The Holocaust Museum
Houston has a permanent exhibition called
“Bearing Witness: A Community Remem-
bers,” as well as other pieces of history.
The Menil Collection
1533 Sul Ross St., Houston, TX 77006
www.menil.org
The Menil Collection is an art museum
that houses both permanent collection and
welcomes special exhibitions. Making art
accessible to all is vital to their mission, so
no admission fee is charged and all public
programs are free. They hope to educate
and inspire by being readily accessible to
future generations.
The Museum of Arts, Houston (MFAH)
1001 Bissonnet, Houston, 77005
www.mfah.org
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
presents its exceptional exhibitions and
installations to Houston residents and visi-
tors alike. The Museum has numerous
collections that fill the galleries year-round
embracing every era of history from across
the globe. Make time to visit the Bayou
Bend Collection not too far away. From
2015 to 2019 the campus of the Museum
of Fine Arts, Houston will transform into a
magnificent two new buildings.
Blaffer Art Museum
University of Houston - 120 Fine Arts
Bldg. Houston, 77204
www.blafferartmuseum.org
Blaffer Art Museum helps the community
to engage in contemporary art through exhi-
bitions, publications and public programs.
This art museum is free, and open to the
public in an effort to promote participation
in the arts. Blaffer Art Museum is also the
gateway between the University of Houston
and the City of Houston.
Photo courtesy of The Art Car Museum
MUSEUM DISTRICT
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The Woodlands Town Center /
The Woodlands Waterway®
The Woodlands Town Center, the down-
town of The Woodlands, is a 1,000-acre
destination for shopping, dining and enter-
tainment attractions. The Woodlands Mall
is a regional shopping center with more than
1.3 million square feet of indoor and outdoor
venues. Visit Market Street, a 34-acre, Main-
Street-styled shopping and special event
venue. Waterway Square is distinguished by
a 120-foot-long cascading water wall with
dancing columns of water and fountains
choreographed to music with colored lights at
night. A children’s interactive fountain is also
located in Waterway Square. Award-winning
restaurants, new wine bars and great enter-
tainment spots surround The Fountains.
The Woodlands Waterway®, a 1.4-mile-long
landscaped water feature runs through the
heart of Town Center and links to the urban
residential areas. Navigating around The
Woodlands is not only easy, but fun aboard
the Waterway Trolley or hop on a Water Taxi
to explore all the sites along the corridor.
Riva Road Boat House rents kayaks for those
who prefer to do their own paddling.
Eleven hotels to suit any budget, including
AVIA, the all-new, boutique hotel located
in Market Street, The Woodlands Resort,
with its Forest Oasis Waterscape™, and The
Woodlands Waterway Marriott, a four-dia-
mond property.
Town Center offers exceptional retail, dining
and entertainment for residents and visitors.
For more information visit www.thewood-
landscvb.com/www.visitthewoodlands.com.
The Woodlands Children’s Museum
The Woodlands Children’s Museum creates
opportunities that educate, empower, and
excite children and families through play
while inspiring a lifelong sense of wonder
and discovery. Patrons can book their
birthday parties, field trips and other educa-
tional outreach events by contacting The
Woodlands Children’s Museum. They are
ideal for ideal for children 7 years of age and
under. Visitors can explore the interactive
exhibits discovering creative and imagina-
tive play experiences.
Crighton Theatre
The Crighton Theatre is located in down-
town Conroe, and is truly a historic
landmark and Texas treasure. Then Conroe
Mayor Harry M. Crighton, an oilman, built
the theatre in 1934 in the style of the great
Majestic Theatre in Houston using native
stone. The Crighton flourished for many
years but closed in the 1960s. The theatre
was eventually donated by Crighton family
descendants and the theatre was restored to
its original grandeur.
The Crown Jewel of Montgomery County is
now the home base for Stage-Right Produc-
tions, The Montgomery County Performing
Arts Society, The Sounds of Texas Music
Series, and Christian Youth Theatre, and a
number of acclaimed musicians play there
regularly. Productions at the Crighton are
funded in part by a grant from the Conroe
Commission on Arts & Culture and the
Crighton Theatre Foundation.
The restoration of the Crighton Theatre
began the preservation and renovation
efforts that visitors see in downtown Conroe
today. Great restaurants, shops, and art
galleries now occupy the blocks around
theatre, and it has become a sought after
venue for special events.
For event and ticket information or to make
a donation visit www.crightontheatre.org.
St. Francis Wolf Sanctuary
Wolves and wolf-dogs take refuge at the
non-profit sanctuary outside of Montgomery,
Texas where they receive protection and
loving care. Volunteers run the sanctuary and
give guided tours (by reservation only). On
occasion, lucky guests have an opportunity to
socialize with a few of the more tame wolves
or wolf dogs. SFWS is also dedicated to the
education of the public about wolves. Many
visitors are surprised to learn that wolves in
the wild are officially extinct in Texas. www.
wolvesofsaintfrancis.org.
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is
an outdoor amphitheater surrounded by
a lush forest. The Pavilion hosts contem-
porary concerts, is the Summer Home of
the Houston Symphony, and past perfor-
mances by Bette Midler, Van Halen, Tina
Turner, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Britney
Spears, Clint Black, Coldplay, and other
well-known groups. The schedule of diverse
With its huge array of awesome aquatic adventures, Schlitterbahn Galveston Island can be your personal happy place! During the summer season the park offers over 35 amazing rides and attractions. The Heated Indoor Season, October through mid-April, features more than a dozen heated attractions in a tropical, heated indoor oasis.
SCHLITTERBAHN GALVESTON ISLAND WATERPARK www.schlitterbahn.com
AREA ATTRACTIONS
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rock, classical, and jazz performances along
with free seating makes the arts accessible to
everyone.
George P. Mitchell, former chairman of
Mitchell Energy & Development Corp. and
founder of The Woodlands, along with his
wife Cynthia Woods Mitchell, for whom
The Pavilion is named, envisioned a first-
class performing arts facility during the
community’s planning stages. The Pavilion
opened in 1990. Overall seating at the venue
accommodates 16,500 guests including a
lawn capacity of about 10,000.
For a calendar of events and ticket informa-
tion visit www.woodlandscenter.org.
Discovery Green
Since it opened in 2008, this 12-acre
downtown park has been a hit with Hous-
tonians who enjoy its restaurants, public
art displays, dog parks, lakes, and seasonal
events including the holiday ice rink. More
than 1.2 million visitors come to more than
600 events at Discovery Green each year,
including movies in the park, concerts and
fitness programs. www.discoverygreen.com
Hermann Park
Arguably Houston’s “Central Park,” this
445-acre park wedged between the Museum
District and Medical Center celebrated
its 100th birthday in 2014 with a major
facelift and the new McGovern Centennial
Gardens, featuring 15 acres of rose gardens,
an interactive family garden, a 30-foot
garden mount, and a sculpture promenade.
Hermann Park is also home to the Houston
Zoo, the Houston Museum of Natural
Science, Miller Outdoor Theater, a Japanese
Garden, train and pedal boats, and a golf
course. www.hermannpark.org
The Water Wall Galleria
Designed by architect Philip Johnson more
than 20 years ago, the Galleria-area Water
Wall offers a refreshing respite for visitors
seeking a mid-afternoon break. The 64-foot-
tall fountain - built to look like a “horseshoe
of running water” - sits among 186 oak trees
at the base of the 64-story Williams Tower.
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Nestled along the western edge of Memorial
Park, the Houston Arboretum and Nature
Center offers an escape from the hustle
and bustle of city life and the opportunity
to experience the natural world – all in the
center of town. Visitors can explore nature
by walking on five miles of trails, take
classes and visit the Discovery Room and
the Nature Shop at the Nature Shop. Visit
www.houstonarboretum.org
Houston Zoo
Aiming to be a leader in the global move-
ment to save wildlife, The Houston Zoo
cares for over 6,000 animals, even educating
some. Each year, over 2 million guests are
enchanted, educated, and inspired as they
experience the incredible variety of animals
and ecosystems, as well as attend special
private and public events and entertainment.
With exemplary animal care in mind, the
Zoo provides engaging animal experiences
for visitors in multiple seasonal and perma-
nent attractions, like holiday Zoo Lights
and the new Gorillas of the African Forest
exhibit. The Houston Zoo is open seven
days a week, from 9:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. and
is located at 6200 Hermann Park Drive. For
ticket information call 713-533-6500 or visit
www.houstonzoo.org.
Moody Gardens
A tropical destination for families and
groups. Explore the all new Rainforests
of the World along within the Aquarium
Pyramid®, the Discovery Museum & the
action of the IMAX® 3D, 4D or Ridefilm
theaters. Cruise aboard the Colonel Paddle-
wheel Boat, tee off at the new Moody
Gardens Golf Course and relax at the
Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Conven-
tion Center for an ideal getaway. Visit www.
moodygardens.org or 800-582-4673.
Port of Houston Boat Tour
The Port of Houston offers free, 90-minute
round-trip, educational cruises along the
Houston Ship Channel. Embarking from
the port’s Sam Houston Landing, visiting
sightseers can enjoy passing views of
international cargo vessels, and opera-
tions at the port’s Turning Basin Terminal.
Measuring 95 feet in length and 24 feet in
width, the boat carries a maximum capacity
of 100 passengers, with air-conditioned
lounge seating and additional standing room
on the boat’s rear deck. 713-670-2416
Sam Houston Race Park
Sam Houston Race Park is one of Houston’s
premier racing, dining and entertainment
destinations, located just 15 minutes from
Downtown. Sam Houston Race Park have
a variety of exciting sports and entertain-
ment in addition to live horse racing as well.
The Park features two major racing seasons
– Thoroughbred Season (January through
March) and Quarter Horse Season (March
through May).
San Jacinto Monument & Museum
Site of the battle that won Texas indepen-
dence from Mexico. The world’s largest
masonry structure invites visitors to learn
about events that shaped Texas history.
281-479-2421
Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston, a $70-million,
183,000 square-foot entertainment and
educational complex designed by Disney
Imagineering, offers hands-on, space-related
experiences to visitors. In addition to a full-
size reproduction of the space shuttle, guests
can use computer trainers to perform opera-
tions similar to the ones the astronauts used
to launch a satellite or land a shuttle.
NASA scientists and astronauts give brief-
ings about current activities, visitors observe
scientists and mission specialists at work
and in training via live video hookups. The
theaters, including an IMAX screen, feature
space flight films. Exhibits include thou-
sands of space artifacts, the Skylab space
station and the largest collection of moon
rocks on display anywhere on earth. A
60-minute tram tour of the JSC complex is
another source of entertainment and educa-
tion for JSC guests. 281-244-2105
L E I S U R E & R E C R E A T I O N
SPORTS & GOLF
7 6 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8 P A L M B E A C H R E L O C A T I O N G U I D E . C O M 7 7
Montgomery County offers a wide variety of sports and recreational activities to please everyone: couch potatoes, weekend warriors, full-on athletes and die-hard fans love the sports scenes. With year-round mild
temperatures, getting up and getting out has become a way of life.
SPORTS & GOLF
SPORTS DISTRICTWithin walking distance of Avenida de las Americas, the Houston Astros
baseball team plays in Minute Maid Park, built around the grand 1911 Union
Station depot. The Astros have played in one World Series against the Chicago
White Sox.
The Houston Rockets play basketball at Toyota Center a short walk from
Minute Maid Park. Toyota Center is also a popular venue for concerts. The
Rockets have won two NBA championships and four Western Conference titles.
The Houston Dynamo soccer team take the field at BBVA Compass Stadium,
located on the exciting east side of downtown, home to a growing concentra-
tion of clubs, restaurants and newly constructed homes. A new bike trail and
METRO’s new East End rail line add to the vitality of this area. Houston Dyna-
mo’s have won two MLS Cups being in their first two seasons.
GOLFWinters in Houston are mild and temperate, with the average
high in January (the coldest month) at 62.9°F and the average
low at 43.2°F. There are over 200 days of sunshine, so Houston
is a golfer’s paradise. And there are plenty of places to play in
Montgomery County. A wide range of municipal, public, or
private courses, as well as country clubs offer varying terrain and
challenges to suit every golfer’s taste. Here, you’ll find stunning
courses designed by golf legends such as Arnold Palmer, Jack
Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Fazio. Or watch the profes-
sionals grip it and rip it at the nearby Shell Houston Open.
In addition, golf lessons, clinics, PGA professionals and
First Tee Programs are offered throughout the greater
Houston area.
Photo courtesy of Woodforest
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HOUSTON SHINES FOR SUPER BOWL LIThe biggest volunteer program in Super
Bowl history took place in Houston in
2017. Where 10,000 volunteers assisted
over a million visitors to the city for Super
Bowl LI. To host downtown festivities in
true Texas style, Avenida de las Americas,
which runs in front of the George R. Brown
Convention Center, was transformed into a
walkable plaza and chic culinary district
across the street for Houston’s central park,
Discovery Green.
The Texans, Houston’s NFL team, while
not playing in the Super Bowl this year,
continue to win the hearts and support
of fans who celebrate home games with
themed tailgate parties at NRG stadium
and fill up sports bars around town to cheer
the team on.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY PARKS
Charles Traylor Memorial Park
Charles Traylor Memorial Park, located at
13551 Rogers Road, Willis, Texas 77378, is
a 61 acre facility with eight lighted baseball
fields, four lighted softball fields, one regula-
tion lighted football field and covered horse
arena with concession stands and restrooms.
Gene Campbell Sports Complex
Gene Campbell Sports Complex, located
at 3200 FM 1484, Conroe, Texas 77303, is
a 60-acre facility with six lighted baseball
fields, six lighted softball fields, concessions
and restrooms. Sports programs are offered
through Conroe Area Youth Baseball (CAYB)
and Conroe Area Girls Softball Association
(CAGSA). Private use of the fields requires
prior permission from Montgomery County
and the ball association and is subject to
availability.
Gwen Hruska Park
Gwen Hruska Park is located on Brandon
Road in the unincorporated area of River
Plantation three miles south of Conroe on
Interstate 45. The park includes 5,022 linear
feet of concrete trails funded by the Texas
Parks and Wildlife Grant Assistant Program.
The park consists of 12 acres of land acquired
through Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) buyout properties and land
donations after the 1994 flood disaster.
Lake Conroe Park
Lake Conroe Park, located at 14968 Hwy
105 West, Montgomery, Texas 77356, sits on
the west shores of Lake Conroe and offers 13
acres of grounds, barbeque pits, picnic facili-
ties and restrooms as well as swimming areas
and fishing piers. Additional amenities include
two covered pavilions available for rent, a soft-
ball field and volleyball areas. Admission is
$2.00 per person, kids 5 and under are free.
Mussel Pond Preserve
Mussel Pond Preserve is a 22 acre conser-
vation easement under Legacy Land Trust
located on FM 2854 in Montgomery
County Precinct Two. The site is named for
the unique native Texas freshwater mussels
(Unionidae) found along the edge of the
ten acre pond located on the preserve. The
formal opening of the preserve was in 2009.
Montgomery County War Memorial Park
Montgomery County War Memorial Park is
located in downtown Conroe on Highway
105 in front of the Montgomery County Tax
Office. The Veteran’s Park, as it is commonly
called, was dedicated April 29, 1976 by
Gerald Ford, President of the United States
in memory of those who served our country.
The Veterans of Foreign War, Montgomery
County Democratic Party, The Patriotic and
Historical Society as well as various other
organizations, hosts ceremonies on Memo-
rial Day each year commemorating fallen
soldiers of Montgomery County.
Montgomery County Nature Preserve
The Montgomery County Preserve, located
at 1122 Pruitt Road in south Montgomery
GOLF COURSESPUBLIC
High Meadow Ranch Golf Club 281-356-7700 highmeadowranchgolf.com
The Village Golf Club 936-856-5531 thevillagegc.com
WindRose Golf Club 281-370-8900 windrosegolfclub.com
Woodforest Golf Club 936-588-8800 woodforestgolf.com
PRIVATE
April Sound Country Club 936-447-1700 aprilsoundcountryclub.com
Bentwater Yacht & Country Club 936-597-6224 bentwater.com
Bluejack National Golf Club 281-475-2165 bluejacknational.com
Canongate at the Woodlands 281-362-0010 canongatetexas.com
The Club at Carlton Woods 281-863-5800 carltonwoods.com
The Clubs of Kingwood - Kingwood 281-358-2171 theclubsofkingwood.com
The Clubs of Kingwood - Deerwood 281-360-1060 theclubsofkingwood.com
The Golf Trails of The Woodlands 281-882-3000 thegolftrails.com
Lake Windcrest Golf Club 281-259-2279 lakewindcrestgc.com
River Plantation Country Club 936-271-1083 riverplantationcc.com
Walden on Lake Conroe Golf Club 936-448-4668 playwalden.com
Willow Creek Golf Club 281-376-1501 willowcreekclub.com
The Woodlands Country Club- 281-863-1400 thewoodlandscc.com Palmer Course
7 8 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8 H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 7 9
County behind the Recycling Facility, provides
a wonderful area for birdwatching, native plant
observation and hiking. The 71-acre green
way, free to visit and open to the public daily,
brings many ecotourists to southern Mont-
gomery County. Local Master Naturalists
as well as Butterfly Enthusiasts of Southeast
Texas (B.E.S.T.) hosts official national butterfly
counts, monitors water quality, and provides
educational programs for area citizens.
Memory Park
Memory Park is alive with native and natu-
ralized Texas trees and plants, and there are
walking trails, benches for relaxing, pavil-
ions, a fountain, bridges, rainwater projects,
a duck nesting area, specialized gardens, a
naturalized area and waterfalls surrounding
a large pond. The park contains a Shake-
speare garden featuring a bust of the bard,
signage in braille donated by the Lions Club,
and various statues including the Honor
Flight Eagle dedicated to the local veterans
of World War II. Many of the plants and
items in the park have been purchased and
donated by families in memory of their
loved ones.
ORWALL Sports Complex
The Woodlands Sports Park, located on
Pruitt Road in south Montgomery County, is
a 27 acre park consisting of softball, football,
and baseball fields with concession stands
and restrooms. The Park property is owned
by the Woodlands Corporation and leased
to Montgomery County who subleases
with Oak Ridge – Woodlands Area Little
League, Inc. (ORWALL). ORWALL main-
tains the park and facilitates the recreational
programs. Private use of the fields requires
prior permission from the association.
Sallas Sports Complex
Sallas Sports Complex, located at 21675
McClesky, New Caney, Texas, 77357, is a 20
acre facility with five lighted baseball fields
and three lighted softball fields with conces-
sions and restrooms.
Tamina Park
Tamina Park is a four acre parcel of land
located approximately one half mile east of
Interstate 45 in South Montgomery County
on Main Street. The site contains a small
community building, a softball field and
covered basketball court with four goals,
picnic tables and benches, playground equip-
ment, barbeque grills, and bike racks.
West Montgomery County Park
West Montgomery County Park, located at
16716 FM 149, Montgomery, Texas, 77356,
is a 50 acre park with five lighted baseball
fields, four lighted softball fields, two foot-
ball fields, restrooms, two concession stands
and picnic areas. West Park is maintained by
Montgomery Youth Sports Association and
Montgomery Girls Softball Association.
Willis Ag Barn and Arena
The Willis Agricultural Barn and Arena is
located in the north end charlesof Charles
Traylor Memorial Park. The covered arena with
concession stand and restrooms is managed by
the Willis Agricultural Booster Club.
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Texas and the grape go back a long way.
According to the Texas Wine and Grape
Growers Association, Texas is home
to the first vineyard in north America,
started by a Franciscan priest sometime
around 1662. Vineyards continued to
spread as European settlers brought more
grapevine cuttings to mission outposts
across the state. Today, Texas has at least
4,000 acres of producing vineyard farm-
land on more than 400 wineries. In a
perfect blend of agriculture and tourism,
wineries attract over 1.8 million visitors
each year.
In southeast Texas, rainy springs lead
to long summer days and on the rolling
hills and gentle dells of Montgomery
County, with their warm breezes and
micro climates, some of the finest ingre-
dients for vineyards and the production
of wine are in place. The more successful
varietals grown locally are Black Spanish
(Lenoir), Blanc do Bois, Champanelle,
and others. While local vintners may be
recent entrants into the world of wine
craft, care, expertise and simple hard
work is starting to pay off and wine
enthusiasts the world over are begin-
ning to take a sip and want another. And
Montgomery County’s flavors are gaining
favor; some of the best Texas wines are
produced right here.
Wine is such a big deal
in Montgomery that it’s
celebrated on the third
Saturday of September
with the Montgomery
Wine and Music Fest in
historic downtown with
three stages of musicians,
kids’ zones, down-home
Texas food and plenty of
wine to taste and take
home.
Wine Time IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
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Wine is such a big deal in Montgomery
that it’s celebrated on the third Saturday
of September with the Montgomery
Wine and Music Fest in historic down-
town with three stages of musicians, kids’
zones, down-home Texas food and plenty
of wine to taste and take home.
While the majority of vintner’s doors are
open to visitors for tastings and sales on
most days, there are special programs and
events that attract visitors particularly.
Many local wineries host special events
and concerts; some have themed tasting
nights or parties; all are welcoming and
eager to share the fruit of their labor.
WINE TRAILSSeveral times a year, select Montgomery
Wineries are part of the Texas Blue-
bonnet Wine Trail, a pleasant rural
driving tour with stops for six or seven
unique wine experiences which may
include wine tasting, grape crushing
and stomp, music concerts, wine paired
dinners, vineyard tours, wine-related gifts
and more. Enjoy the ride and taste your
way across southeastern Texas.
Spring Bluebonnet Wine and Cheese
Trail happens over three weekends in
March and among the Texas wildflowers
and blooming viticulture.
Harvest Trail occurs on two weekends in
July, when visitors can celebrate grape
harvest and crush while learning about
grape production in southeastern Texas.
The Texas Department of Agriculture
has designated October as Texas Wine
Month, and this is can be recognized
with the October Wine and Sausage Trail
during the first two weekends in October.
Holiday Crystal Wine Trail, held over the
first two weekends in December, lets visi-
tors jump start their holiday gift giving,
while enjoying a calming taste of wine.
February Wine and Chocolate Trail cele-
brates Valentine’s Day over four days in
February. For more information, go to
www.texasbluebonnetwinetrail.com.
A sampling of Montgomery County Premier Wineries
BERNHARDT WINERY This down-home Texas winery is set in the rolling
hills near Plantersville. Here, award-winning small-batch wines of classic varietals
and unique blends are created, and visitors are treated to a fun tasting experience
in a warm environment. But there’s much more here, too. The winery hosts many
events, like the Summer Sunset Lawn Concert Series, the Vino Piazza Primavera
– an artisan marketplace – weddings and other private functions. Plus, visitors can
stay at The Loft Bed and Breakfast. Check out www.bernhardtwinery.com.
CORK THIS! WINERY Started by a former business executive that wished
for greener grass (or vineyards), the people at Cork This! make wine fun and have
fun making wine, producing wines with names like “Party on your Palate,” “Rich
Urban Biker,” and “Irreconcilable Differences.” It’s a favorite place for locals and
travelers alike because wine tasters are made to feel comfortable and welcome.
Cork This! Has a strong Groupies Wine Club and hosts numerous events. www.
corkthiswinery.com.
ENCHANTED MANOR MEADERY Enchanted Manor Meadery of
Magnolia brews meads onsite at the Texas Renaissance Festival. Their meads
are crafted from Texas wildflower honey sourced from a farm on the nearby
Texas gulf coast prairies, which was selected for its location far from sources
that could affect the taste of the naturally flavorful and nuanced honey. Visit
enchantedmanormeadery.com.
GRIFFIN MEADERY Griffin Meadery is located in Willis and is producing
small-batch, premium quality wine and liquid gold. Meads range from a cinnamon
and vanilla combo with a festive flair, to ones that taste of black current, chocolate
or even jalapeno, but beware: the last one has a kick! You can also learn how to
make your own mead. The legendary griffin is known as the guardian of treasure,
and that’s what they’re producing here. Go to www.griffinmeadery.com.
RANCHER’S DAUGHTER Rancher’s Daughter was once a boutique in
Western Winery; today it’s a boutique in downtown Montgomery with its own
winery. Celebrating everything Texas, the shop sells 275 varietals of wine, while the
winery produces wines with names like Highway 105, Spotted Mule, and Cowgirl
Blush. Wine enthusiasts and friends gather on the third Wednesday of the month
for Wine Down Wednesdays that feature speakers, wine and music.
WHITLEY VINEYARDS AND WINE BAR Whitley Vineyards and Wine
bar is located in the heart of the historic district of Montgomery and features
handcrafted wines. Owner Gina Whitley used to stroll through her 1/3 acre back-
yard vineyard at sunset with a glass of wine, and dream about a future as a vintner.
Today, that dream is coming true. A family operation, the vineyard and wine
production creates quality reds, roses, and whites. Whitley hosts regular ladies’
nights and welcomes visitors as part of the annual Antiques Festival in the historic
district of Montgomery. www.whitleyvineyards.com.
WILD STALLION VINEYARDS Wild Stallion Vineyards began in 2008
with a small test planting of Blanc du Bois grapes, a variety most suited to the
gulf coast region. The vineyard has grown to over three acres and a range of
varieties. Both the 2014 Sweet Moscato and the 2014 Blanc du Bois (Dry) were
Southwest Wine Summit Silver Medal Winners. Located near the Woodlands, The
Wild Stallion Event Center hosts many events, like Sangria Saturdays, concerts and
weddings. Visit www.wildstallionvineyards.com
DINING SCENEDiverse
When it comes to restaurants, Montgomery County has one of the best in the nation, according to a new Yelp ranking. Tony’s Italian Delicatessen at 16283 Highway 105 tops the list of the website’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the US for 2017. The eatery’s menu boasts a wide variety of sandwiches, salads, soups and baked goods.
8 2 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 8 3
SHOPPING The Boardwalk Towne Lake
9945 Barker Cypress Rd.Cypress, 77433
www.boardwalktl.com
The Galleria Houston5058 Westheimer Rd.
Houston, 77056www.galleriahouston.com
Houston Premium Outlets29300 Hempstead Rd.
Cypress, 77433www.premiumoutlets.com
Katy Mills Mall5000 Katy Mills Cir
Katy, TX 77494www.katymills.com
Market Street9595 Six Pines Dr.
The Woodlands, 77380www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com
Old Town SpringSpring Preservation League, 123-F Midway, Spring, 77373
www.oldtownspring.com
Outlets at Conroe1111 League Line Rd.
Conroe, 77303www.outletsatconroe.com
Willowbrook Mall2000 Willowbrook Mall
Houston, TX 77070www.shopwillowbrookmall.com
The Woodlands Mall1201 Lake Robbins Dr.The Woodlands, 77380
www.thewoodlandsmall.com
7 leguas15949 Highway 105 W, Suite 66 Montgomery, TX 77356www.7leguasmex.com
Black Walnut Cafe9000 New Trails Drive The Woodlands, TX 77381-5208www.blackwalnutcafe.com
Caffe di Fiore10110 Woodlands Pkwy.The Woodlands, TX 77382www.caffe-di-fiore.com
Cozy Grape Wine Bar and Bistro14340 Liberty StreetMontgomery, TX 77356www.cozygrape.com
Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse1900 Hughes Landing Blvd, Suite 400 The Woodlands, TX 77380-3794www.fogodechao.com
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria20 Waterway Ave Ste 100The Woodlands, TX 77380-3442www.grimaldispizzeria.com
Guadalajara Hacienda27885 Interstate 45 N. The Woodlands, 77380www.guad.com
Hubbell & Hudson Bistro4526 Research Forest DriveThe Woodlands, 77381www.hubbellandhudson.com
Jasper’s9595 Six Pines Dr, Ste 900 The Woodlands, TX 77380www.jaspersthewoodlands.com
Landry’s Seafood1212 Lake Robbins DriveThe Woodlands, 77380www.landrysseafood.com
McKenzie’s Barbeque & Burgers17099 Walden RoadMontgomery, TX 77356www.mckenziesbarbeque.com
Nick’s Fish Dive & Oyster Bar20 Waterway Ave., Ste 105The Woodlands, 77380www.nicksfishdive.com
Ocean Boullevard Bistro & Martini Bar1200 Marina Dr, Just off Highway 105 Montgomery, TX 77356www.obbistro.com
Olive Oil373 Rayford Sawdust RoadThe Woodlands, TX 77380www.oliveoilgreekrestaurant.com
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen18165 Interstate 45 S. Conroe, 77385www.pappadeaux.com
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille6700 Woodlands Pkwy., Ste. 300The Woodlands, 77382www.perrysrestaurants.com
Pho Dat Vietnamese Cafe18024 Texas 105, Ste 600Montgomery, TX 77356
Ransom’s Steakhouse & Saloon300 CB Stewart DriveMontgomery, TX 77356www.ransomssteakhouse.com
Robard’s Steakhouse2301 N Millbend Drive The Woodlands, TX 77380www.robardssteakhouse.com
Thai Wok In Resturant15917 Highway 105 W Ste FMontgomery, TX 77356www.thaiwokin.com
The Big Sombrero19402 Highway 105 W Montgomery, TX 77356www.thebigsombrero.net
The Pizza Shack20873 Eva St Ste GMontgomery, TX 77356www.pizzashack.com
The Republic Grille4775 W. Panther Creek, Ste. 490The Woodlands, 77381www.therepublicgrille.com
The Toasted Yolk Cafe2129 W Davis St, Suite c Conroe, TX 77304www.thetoastedyolk.com
Tommy Bahama’s Restaurant & Bar9595 Six Pines Drive The Woodlands, TX 77380-1531www.tommybahama.com
Tony’s Italian Delicatessen16283 Highway 105 W, Suite 9Montgomery, TX 77356www.tonysitaliandelicatessen.com
Truluck’s Seafood Steak & Crab House1900 Hughes Landing Blvd. Ste. 600The Woodlands, 77381www.trulucks.com
Vernon’s Kuntry Katfish5901 W. Davis St, Conroe, TX 77301
Walden Yacht Club13101 Melville DriveMontgomery, TX 77356www.waldenyachtclub.com
World’s Burgers17099 Walden RoadMontgomery, TX 77356www.worldsburgers.com8 2 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8 H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 8 3
8 4 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
CALENDARof EVENTSMONTGOMERY COUNTY EVENTS
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8 4 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8 H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 8 5
ONGOING
Crighton Theatre
www.crightontheatre.org
Built in 1934, this beautifully restored
Vaudeville- era theater in downtown
Conroe is home to several local arts groups
that present musicals, dramatic plays and
concerts. The Crighton is also available for
rent. For the schedule and more informa-
tion, visit the website.
Cypress Creek Cultural District
www.cypresscreekculturaldistrict.org
Comprised of the Pearl Fincher Museum,
Barbara Bush County Library, the
Cypress Creek Foundation for the Arts
and other institutions, this centralized
civic complex on the banks of Cypress
Creek brings together art, music, litera-
ture, education and nature for more than
1 million residents in the surrounding
area. The District hosts several annual
events, including CreekFest Houston.
Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts
www.pearlmfa.org
The Pearl Fincher Museum brings world-
class art exhibitions and art education
opportunities to the Montgomery and
Northwest Houston areas. Showcasing
rarely seen local and international artists,
the Pearl offers free family programs
as well as Summer Art Camp. Visit
their website for details on current and
upcoming exhibitions and activities.
Conroe Symphony Orchestra
www.conroesymphony.org
This community orchestra is made up
of committed professional and talented
amateur musicians from all walks of
life. It was founded in the summer of
1997 with the mission of “adding to the
cultural enrichment of the community,
assuring a better quality of life for the
Conroe area. The CSO Season includes
traditional classical treasures, popular
favorites and featured soloists. For infor-
mation and upcoming performances, go
to their website.
Sounds of Texas Music Series
For 20 years, this series has brought
quality, intimate concerts to Mont-
gomery County, with classic and
emerging artists playing in the historic
Crighton Theatre in downtown Conroe.
JANUARY
Taste of the Town at The Woodlands
Town Center
www.tasteofthetown.org
Taking place at The Woodlands
Waterway Marriott, Taste of the
Town is the premier culinary event
of South Montgomery County.
Enjoy mouth-watering appetizers,
entrees, desserts, pastries, and bever-
ages from some of the area’s finest
restaurants, caterers, bakeries, deli’s
and beverage companies. Your ticket
includes food, beverages and festivities.
FEBRUARY
Texas Home & Garden
www.texashomeandgarden.com
Houstons’ Premier “One Stop
Shopping Opportunity” for all
your home & garden needs. From
Windows and Doors to Ceilings
and Floors over 700 experts, products,
services and ideas all under one roof.
MARCH
The Woodlands Marathon
www.thewoodlandsmarathon.com
The Fidelity Investments The Wood-
lands Marathon is a BOSTON
QUALIFIER and has seen will
traverse the streets of Town Center and
the community on a single-loop 26.2-
mile pretty flat course, finishing on
the scenic Waterway. Participants have
the opportunity to run for charities
in the Charity Challenge and to date
over $370,000 has been raised for chari-
ties and volunteer organizations. Come
join the excitement as we welcome
close to 9,000 runners.
APRIL
The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival
www.woodlandsartsfestival.com
The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival
(WWAF) weekend event is a celebration
of visual, culinary and performing arts.
The Festival gives patrons the rare and
special opportunity to meet and talk with
artists from around the country, sample
great food, watch the Art of Food demos,
enjoy live music and entertain their families
at their interactive “ARTOPOLY” area.
Montgomery County Fair
www.mcfa.org
The Montgomery County Fair Associa-
tion is a 501(c)(3) charity supported by
more than 600 volunteers dedicated to
supporting the youth of Montgomery
County. The Montgomery County Fair
Association welcomes everyone to the Fair-
grounds in Conroe, Texas to enjoy shows,
games, educational exhibits, a rodeo,
carnival, and much more. This ten day
event serves as a platform for youth to be able
to display their projects in a public setting,
having FUN! The Montgomery County Fair
Association is also proud to award scholar-
ships to students with and without Fair
projects every year. Since the program
began in 1993 over $1.5 million have been
given in college scholarships.
JUNE
Wine & Food Week in The Woodlands
www.wineandfoodweek.com
One of America’s largest and most
comprehensive wine and food events. This
festival features celebrity chefs, more than
500 wines, 40+ events and tastings from
50 restaurants. Join more than 10,000 food
and wine fans as The Woodlands uncorks
this event.
The Woodlands Fall Home & Garden Show
www.woodlandsshows.com
Exhibitors at the Spring and Fall Home &
Garden Shows in The Woodlands are the
finest companies in The Woodlands and
the North Houston area.
8 6 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
The Lighting of the Doves Festival is a long-standing tradition in The Woodlands that signifies the start of the holiday season in the community. Symbolizing peace during the holidays, the ceremonial illumination of the giant doves has attracted thousands of visitors each year. The Festival includes traditional and international performances, showcasing the cultural diversity of The Woodlands and holiday traditions celebrated around the world. Featuring snow play areas, vendor booths, children’s activities and strolling entertainment, Lighting of the Doves culminates with a special appearance by Santa Claus arriving by sleigh down The Woodlands Waterway and a dazzling fireworks display.
NOVEMBERTHE LIGHTING OF THE DOVES FESTIVALwww.HolidayInTheWoodlands.com
JULY
Freedom Fest – City of Montgomery www.experiencemontgomery.com
Celebrate the fourth of July and enjoy some down-home fun with a freedom parade, crafter’s market, baking contest, BBQ cook-off, live music and the Freedom Fest Kids Zone.
Fireworks Over Lake Conroe www.conroe.chambermaster.com
Celebrate America’s Independence with a BANG on Lake Conroe. Enjoy authentic Americana food, snow cones and fun at the party. The sky-popping fireworks will be on display over the south end of Lake Conroe.
AUGUST
Montgomery County Agricultural Fair www.mcagfair.com
Since 1945, Montgomery County has celebrated its agricultural traditions with this popular event. Come for toe-tapping entertainment and feel good about helping with community scholarships.
SEPTEMBER
Longhorn Rod Run www.oldtownspring.com
Antique cars compete in various categories for prizes in Old Town Spring. Stroll the streets and view these beautiful vintage automobiles.
Montgomery Wine and Music Fest www.experiencemontgomery.com
Event to be held in the streets of Historic Montgomery. Discover Texas Wines, Texas Food, Texas Beer, and Great Texas Music!
OCTOBER
Autumn Art and Wine Festival –
Old Town Spring
October is Texas Wine Month and Old
Town Spring with over 150 quaint shops is
the perfect place to enjoy the soft fall weather
and a taste of wine. Stroll main street as you
enjoy gourmet foods and creative arts in
painting, photography, clothing, jewelry and
crafts by talented artists.
Creekfest
www.creekfesthouston.com
CreekFest is a one-day festival held in
northwest Houston to celebrate the
arts and outdoors in the Cypress Creek
community. Highlights include a 5k fun
run, live music, a marketplace, local artists,
tasty food and much more.
Petfest – Old Town Spring
www.petfestoldtownspring.com
PetFest is a weekend event dedicated to
finding homes for animals in shelters and
rescue groups. It’s a fun-filled festival of enter-
tainment and education that raises money,
volunteers and foster homes. Bring your pet!
Bridgeland Annual Howloween Fest
www.bridgeland.com
Watch the Canine Frisbee Disc Club,
Splash Dogs and the popular doggie
fashion show. Enjoy the many crowd-and-
canine approved activities. You and your
pet will have a dog-gone good time.
NOVEMBER
Texas Renaissance Festival
www.texrenfest.com
The Texas Renaissance Festival is the
nation’s largest, most acclaimed renais-
sance themed park. Each year, over
500,000 guests visit near Plantersville
to enter an enchanted world of lords,
ladies, pirates, elves and other fanciful and
interactive characters. There are over 200
daily performances on more than 20 stages
throughout the village, as well as shops,
live demonstrations by craftsmen and
plenty of food and drink to tickle every
palate and quench every thirst.
Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival
Live music, street performers, car show,
Kid Zone, fireworks and, of course,
catfish.
Annual Home for the Holidays in Old Town
www.oldtownspring.com
Old Town Spring’s shops and restaurants
come alive with spectacular displays of
holiday lights, plus strolling performers,
festive exhibits and family friendly
activities.
DECEMBER
Conroe Kennel Club All Breed Show
www.conroekennelclub.org
Sponsored by the Conroe Kennel Club at
the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. All
breeds welcome.
Caroling On The Square
www.thewoodlandscvb.com
Carolers welcome visitors and a special
visit by Santa Claus on December 1 and
22 ring in the holidays. For a complete
schedule visit their website.
8 6 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8 H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 8 7
8 8 M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y N E W C O M E R G U I D E – W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 88 8 N O R T H E A S T H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E – F A L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8To learn more, visit www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com
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ad index AUTOMOTIVEMy Plates ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 42
BUILDERSAshton Woods .............................................................................................................................................................................. 22Chesmar Homes........................................................................................................................................................................... 37Empire ..........................................................................................................................................................................Back CoverGracepoint Homes ........................................................................................................................................................................ 3Lennar and Village Builders ........................................................................................................................................................ 11Signorelli Company ..................................................................................................................................................................... 15
CHURCHESThe Woodlands United Methodist Church ................................................................................................................................ 61
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EDUCATIONCovenant Christian School ......................................................................................................................................................... 51The John Cooper School ............................................................................................................................................................ 52Legacy Preparatory Christian Academy .................................................................................................................................. 52Lone Star College ........................................................................................................................................................................ 53New Horizons Computer Learning Center ................................................................................................................................ 53
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REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS & OFFICESBella Via Realty ............................................................................................................................................................................ 13Beth Ferester & Company ............................................................................................................................... Inside Back CoverBetter Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene ........................................................................................................... 29HAR.COM ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 69
RECREATIONHouston Rockets .......................................................................................................................................................................... 79Schlitterbahn ................................................................................................................................................................................ 17Texas Renaissance Festival ......................................................................................................................................................... 87The Woodlands Country Club ...................................................................................................................................................... 2
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