One word comes to mind when I think about living inside the loop...diversity. That is what through me off when I first moved here 15 years ago. There were so many choices. I wasn't sure which way to go.

I'm sure many of you have felt the same way. Do I go for the posh, polished Galleria area? Choose the buzz of Downtown? How about the quaintness of the Heights? West U, Bellaire or Meyerland? River Oaks, The Med Center or Montrose? So many choices, which one is right for you and your family?

Every month, we are going to throw a spotlight on neighborhoods around town that are great places to raise a family. We are going to highlight facts and figures and give you a quick snapshot of what life is like in these communities in the hopes that we are able to educate you enough to make an informed decision when you start to consider relocating your family.

We know that many of our readers find us when they go from that hot, hip couple to the petrified, new parents in search of information and support to transition into their next phase of life. We are proud to assist in guiding local parents through the trials and tribulations of becoming a mom or dad by connecting you with the experts in our community who can help. We believe that this column will continue in that tradition when you are looking to buy that new home for you ever expanding family.

What are the first things that pop in every parent's minds when they are considering a new neighborhood for their family:
1 - Schools (Public or Private)
2 - Homes (Cost, Size, Style, Age, Taxes, Etc)
3 - Neighborhoods (Location, Safety, Parks/Recreation, Neighbors, Amenities, Etc.)
4 - Surrounding community (Safety, Restaurants, Shopping, Access to highways, Etc)
5 - Image (Neighborhood status, Notoriety, Sentimentality)

These can be in any order, but I believe them to be the top five reasons for choosing a neighborhood to call home. Let's examine each of them individually.

Schools

Public vs. Private

When you live in the Greater Houston area, this is the million dollar question. Where do I send my kids to school? Do I send them to public school to teach them how to deal with the ‘real world’ and all of its challenges or do I choose to invest a small fortune in their education from the time that they cut their first tooth? Which will offer them the better education? The better life? What can we afford?

HISD covers these neighborhoods with approximately 25 elementary, middle and high schools. While most are not considered Exemplary, there are many new options available within the HISD structure. For instance, Woodrow Wilson Elementary in Montrose offers a Montessori curriculum Prek-8 and Garden Oaks in the Heights offers PreK-6. There are also high schools offering not only college credit, but full college degrees when you graduate high school! Check out www.hisd.org or www.houstonfamilymagazine.com/feb2009 for more information.

Now, if your child is more artsy, then HISD has an amazing option for children who can get in. The Houston High School for the Performing Arts and Visual Arts in the Heights prepares its students for a professional life in the arts. Check out their amazing curriculum at www.hspva.org.

If you want to go the private school route, you have many to choose from. There are approximately 45 private schools to choose from in 77008, 77007, 77005, 77401, and 77018. They range in styles and philosophies from Montessori to Traditional. Your best bet is to choose the philosophy that best suits you and your child, make a list of those that fall into that category and take a tour. You will glean more from the tour and meeting the staff than any brochure or website can offer. Tuitions vary tremendously, so set your budget before you begin looking. You can definitely be swept away!

Homes

Whether you are interested in new construction or renovating a turn of the century home, you have plenty to choose from in these areas.  The biggest factor, in my opinion, is your budget and the neighborhood amenities.

You will need to do some research and a lot of drive-bys to get a true feeling for the neighborhoods. Many of these gems are hidden away and could go unnoticed if you do not spend a little time doing your homework on the areas. Ask your friends and co-workers where they live or better yet, where they grew up. A lot of the older neighborhoods have seen a resurgence of renovations over the years and have been restored to their glory days.

The Heights homes range in price from $415,000 – 1.2 million
Bellaire homes range in price from $475,000 - $2.4 million
West U homes range in price from $949,000 - $4 million

However, if the thought of building your dream home is tops on your list, then there are numerous home builders on this side of town that could make your dreams come true. Check out our website for a sample to choose from.