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THIS ISSUE: A LOCAL’S GUIDE TO SHOPPING + DINING | FAMILY FRIENDLY FUN!
s d o o h r o b h g i e N
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Housing and
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YOU R SOCI A L LIFE AWA 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
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
– WINTER/SPRING 2018
YOUR HOME, YOUR STORY...CLOSE TO THE HEART OF EVERYTHING.
Stillwater | 5 Minutes to The Woodlands Market Street, Zoned to The Woodlands High School
FROM THE LOW $300S Gracepoint 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
281.681.0400 | GRACEPOINTHOMES.COM
n New Chapel from the low $300s n New Chapel Patio Homes from the $400s n Pintail from the $590s n Sweetgrass from the $670s
Woodforest | Zoned to Montgomery ISD, Wooded Homesites n Kingsley from the low $300s n Sanderling from the $410s n Grand Marion from the $600s
The Woodlands and Shenandoah | Gated Communities, 5 Minutes to The Woodlands Market Street, Low Taxes, Conroe ISD n LILY from the $460s n MARION from the $520s n LAKESIDE COVE from the $620s
BUILD ON YOUR LOT
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It’s Wine Time in Montgomery County
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Harris & Montgomery County Maps
Montgomery County Relocation Guide • Winter / Spring 2018
contents | features Manageble, Affordable Lifestyle.
Housing and
Neighborhoods
ON THE COVER
International Relocation Information
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 offering 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
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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
EDITORIAL Joy 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,
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
photocopying, or otherwise, without the written permission of the Publisher.
– WINTER/SPRING 2018
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. Ca rd 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 HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
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contents | sections WELCOME TO MONTGOMERY COUNTY • 20
20
HOUSING & NEIGHBORHOODS • 24 Cities Neighborhoods Master Planned Communities County Maps
HOME FRONT • 32 Temporary Lodging Rent or Buy Choosing a Realtor Mortgage Options
RELOCATION INFORMATION • 38
32 46
Moving Companies Forwarding Mail Utilities Public Transportation International Relocation Information
www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com CEO Derek Wright PRESIDENT Kevin Evans VICE PRESIDENT Robert Nusbaum CREATIVE DIRECTOR Erin Hayden Seal OPERATIONS MANAGER Cecile Nemitz-Ruffino
STAAR Public Schools Private Schools Higher Education
PROJECT MANAGER
PLACE OF WORSHIP • 59 Directory of Contacts
ACTIVE ADULTS + SENIOR LIVING • 62 Senior Housing Options Continuing Care Retirement Communities Assisted Living Communities
BUSINESS + COMMUNITY • 66 Area Chambers of Commerce Area Economic Development Partnership Major Employers List
LEISURE + RECREATION • 70 Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Parks & Attractions Arts and Culture Dinning + Shopping Sports + Golf Calendar of Events 6
Fax: 713-952-1956 info@HoustonNewcomerGuides.com
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Major Medical Facilities
70
Houston Texas 77057 Phone: 713-952-1916
EDUCATION IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY • 46
HEALTHCARE RESOURCES • 54
66
675 Bering Drive Suite 120
MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
– WINTER/SPRING 2018
Cathy Turner
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
Lake Con roe
Tranquil, natural beauty, plus planned urban amenities – Grand Central Park is the cure for the common community.
NEW HOMES FROM THE 280s $
Gran d Ce ntral Park way
(936) 4 47-2820
u
Gr a ndCentr a lPa r k T X .com
LO O
FM 1 488 The Woo dlan ds
7 builders 9 model homes to tour Easy access to I-45 u
Con roe 36
SH 1 05
FM 2 854
45
u
u
A Johnson De v elopment Com munit y HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
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CRAIG DOYAL County 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.
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
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 commissioner 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
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
– WINTER/SPRING 2018
Moving? Start fresh with X1.
Astroblast and Miles from Tomorrowland available on XFINITY TV app
Bring the best in entertainment to your new home with XFINITY. Call 1-855-MOV-EDGE to speak to a dedicated Move Specialist or visit xfinity.com/moving today!
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Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. © 2017 Comcast. All right reserved. TRP187372-0001
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BRIAN J. BONDY President Conroe/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! 505 W Davis Street Conroe, TX 77301 Telephone: 936-756-6644 www.conroe.org
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 additional assistance, please don’t hesitate to stop by the Chamber offices and let us know how we can help!
Sincerely,
Brian J. Bondy
LENNAR REV. 06.10.15 PLAN 481N- N
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
– WINTER/SPRING 2018
MASTER BEDROOM
COVERED PATIO
12' x 10'
15' x 14'
PL
RE
FI E AC
NNAR EV. 06.10.15 AN 481N- NO FURNITURE
DINING ROOM
FAMILY ROOM
MASTER BATH
15' x 18'
SEAT
Two homes. One roof.
KITCHEN 12' x 19'
UP
12' x 10'
FOYER
NextGen fits your life.
CLOSET FRZ
PRIVATE
UTILITY
REF.
COAT
PANTRY
Parent moving in? Grown kids moving back?
PWDR BEDROOM 4
BATH 2
12' x 12'
OPT. MEDIA
15' x 13'
PORCH
These days, typical living is anything but. That’s what
GAME ROOM
GARAGE 19' x 23'
15' x 19'
PRIVATE LIVING ROOM
makes NextGen so unique. Rather than just offer extra
BATH 3
12' x 11'
BEDROOM 5
UP OPEN RAILING
13' x 11'
12' x 8'
STOOP
room, NextGen homes feature private entrances, KITCHENETTE
BEDROOM 3 12' x 12'
OPEN TO BELOW
separate garages, and innovative floor plans designed to SECOND FLOOR
meet your unique needs. Discover multi-generational living
Main Home
GARAGE 20' x 10'
NextGen Suite
FIRST FLOOR
LENNAR REV. 06.10.15 PLAN 481N- NO FURNITURE
on a whole new level. NextGen. The Home Within a Home®.
|
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 accommodate 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
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
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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 unprecedented service to our community. 9320 Lakeside Blvd
The Woodlands Area offers extraordinary amenities, top-rated public and private schools, higher education institutions close to home and an exploding medical corridor.
The Woodlands, TX 77381 Telephone: 281-367-5777 email:
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.
info@woodlandschamber.org www.woodlandschamber.org
Sincerely,
JJHollie J.J. Hollie
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
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DANIELLE SCHEINER Interim Director Conroe Economic Development Council
Greetings from the Conroe EDC!
505 West Davis Street
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.
Conroe, Texas 77301 Telephone: 936-522-7118 www.gcedc.org
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
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.
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
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A Community Full of Life
DINING
SHOPPING
PARKS & TRAILS
AMENITIES
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.
New Homes from the $180s to $400s
VALLEY-RANCH.COM HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
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RAY LAUGHTER Director of Economic Development City of Willis Economic Development Corporation
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 strategically 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 200 N. Bell Street
known for its great schools in Willis ISD, one of the largest and finest community colleges in the nation in Lone
Willis, Texas 77378
Star College, and is just minutes away from highly ranked Sam Houston State University.
Phone: (936) 856-4611
That quality of life includes an abundance of recreational opportunities. The Willis area is adjacent to the
www.visitwillis.com
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 opportunities 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 available 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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MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
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CINDY HAMANN 2017 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.
HAR CENTRAL 3693 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 BEND
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.
6680 Greatwood Pkwy. Sugar Land, TX 77479 713-629-1900 ext. 700
Sincerely,
Fax: 281-343-9557
Cindy Hamann
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
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It’s Simple. Beautiful Designer Furniture, Accessories & Jewelry all at Consignment Prices!
18 LOCATIONS INCLUDING: HCC WOODLANDS
27820 I45 North Conroe, TX 77385 Phone: 281-367-0420 woodlands@hccenter.com
www.thehomeconsignmentcenter.com HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
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in this section welcome recreation culture shopping & entertainment
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
– WINTER/SPRING 2018
Welcome to
MONTGOMERY COUNTY 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.
Since the late 1800s, a winning combination
1974 as a visionary “New Town,” and resi-
of beautiful natural resources and efficient
dents continue to enjoy their “livable forest.”
transportation has fueled the growth of Montgomery County and the area that today
As prosperous as Montgomery County
encompasses The Woodlands, Conroe and
has been over the past 50 years, the biggest
many more fast-growing communities.
game changer has come very recently, with ExxonMobil now occupying its new 385-acre
People have been moving to Montgomery
corporate campus in Spring, just west of
County and The Woodlands since the first
where I-45 North meets the Hardy Toll Road.
settlers arrived more than 100 years ago, attracted by the timber resources of the lush
Ten thousand ExxonMobil employees in
Texas Pineywoods and a growing railroad
upstream, downstream and chemical divi-
network.
sions will ultimately work at this wooded campus, bringing an incredible new vibrancy
Bush Intercontinental Airport opened in
for the area’s real estate market. Most impor-
1965, pushing Houston’s development north-
tantly, this new state-of-the-art mega-campus
ward. Lake Conroe was created in 1973, and
signals that Montgomery County has indis-
some of the finest residential developments in
putably arrived as a live/work region that
the country have sprung up around the pictur-
stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Downtown,
esque shores and wooded terrain surrounding
the Energy Corridor or any other part of the
the lake. The Woodlands was dedicated in
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 stagecoaches 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.
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
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WELCOME TO M P AOL N MT G B EOAMCEHR Y C O U N T Y
RECREATION
Big Stone Lodge, available for rental. The
for pop and rock concerts, the Pavilion
The forests and waterways that originally
Greenway also connects many of the area’s
is the summer home of the Houston
attracted settlers to Montgomery County
existing natural jewels, including Mercer
Symphony Orchestra.
play an important role in the area’s quality
Arboretum and Botanic Gardens and Jesse
of life today, providing recreational oppor-
Jones Park.
tunities and beautiful backdrops for homes
The Symphony also performs at The Centrum, an 881-seat world-class perfor-
The area is home to many large natural
mance facility, which hosts events by more
areas, such as 163,000-acre Sam Houston
than 160 community non-profit groups
One of the area’s most exciting and ambi-
National Forest and 1,722-acre W. G. Jones
each year, drawing over 350,000 visitors.
tious projects is the Spring Creek Greenway,
State Forest.
and communities.
which will preserve some of the pristine
The Pearl Fincher Museum of
Fine
Lake Conroe, a 21,000-acre lake meandering
Arts opened in 2008 with the mission of
along 21 miles, is the reserve drinking water
bringing world-class art exhibitions to
supply for the City of Houston and offers
northwest Houston, and has since exhibited
Now 80 percent complete, the Spring Creek
clean, clear water for recreation, including
everything from European masterworks
Greenway will conserve 12,000 acres of
boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, golfing,
to contemporary art glass. This museum,
swimming, water skiing and much more. Its
along with the Centrum and the Barbara
shores are lined with prestigious communi-
Bush Library, form the growing Cypress
corridor in the nation.
ties and resorts.
Creek Cultural District.
Several large anchor parks along the
CULTURE
The Crighton Theatre in downtown Conroe
Spring Creek Greenway are ready to enjoy,
Montgomery County area attracts visitors
stages everything from children’s plays
including 55-acre Dennis Johnston Park,
from all over with major cultural attrac-
to concerts and musicals in a beautifully
featuring a popular loop trail, a fishing pond,
tions such as the Cynthia Woods Mitchell
restored 1934 building.
a butterfly and hummingbird garden, and
Pavilion in The Woodlands. Well-known
forests seen by the Akokisa Indians, who roamed the land more than 200 years ago.
forest on both sides of the creek, making it the longest contiguous forested urban
SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT From modern to historic, the area is home to some of the most unique shopping destinations 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,
Design. Personalization. Possibilities.
and a hotel.
Find your inspired new home in North Houston.
Nearby, The Woodlands Mall offers a distin-
The Meadows at Imperial Oaks Spring from the $260s
Harmony Spring from the $400s
Lakes at NorthPointe Cypress from the $250s
Harpers Preserve The Woodlands from the $410s
Woodtrace Tomball from the $360s
Kingwood – Village of Royal Brook Kingwood from the $380s
ashtonwoods.com
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-
© 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
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.
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
– WINTER/SPRING 2018
A few miles south, Old Town Spring
The Grand Parkway, also known as State
Houston, alleviating congestion at the Loop.
preserves one of the area’s most historic
Highway 99, has opened all the way from
When this connector is completed, the
business districts, with everything from
U.S. 59 South to U.S. 59 North, bisecting
Hardy Toll Road will be an approximately
charming cafes to quaint boutiques. Special
the region on a southwest-to-northeast axis,
25-mile express route from downtown
events such as Springfest and the Texas
and making it possible to drive nonstop
Houston to just south of The Woodlands.
Crawfish Festival make Old Town Spring an
from Fort Bend County to Montgomery
even livelier place to visit.
County. The Grand Parkway passes right by
Improvements to I-45 between the Sam
the newly opened ExxonMobil campus and
Houston Tollway and Downtown are also
many new developments in the area.
in the works and will be a great benefit for
The area is also home to Wet ‘n’ Wild SplashTown, the region’s largest water amusement park, and the Grand Texas destination devel-
Any of the Texas based tags (the HCTRA
opment is planning to open in phases on a
EZTag,
610-acre site at I-69 and S.H. 242.
TollTag) will work on the Grand Parkway
TxDOT
TxTAG
or
NTTA
and on the rest of the toll roads in Houston and across Texas.
TRANSPORTATION Transportation has always been relatively easy in Montgomery County. In pioneer days, the rivers, streams and railroads delivered goods to markets on the Gulf Coast and throughout the country. Today, one of
The new Tomball Tollway, Hardy Toll Road and I-45 North provide more critical transportation links for the Montgomery County area.
Montgomery County residents who work in central Houston. METRO Park & Ride services and even water taxis in The Woodlands 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.
the world’s busiest airports and a growing
Now in the final design phase, the Hardy
network of highways and transit options
Downtown Connector will extend the
In the next chapter, we’ll take a look at some
provides residents with convenient access to
Hardy Toll Road from its current terminus
of the new and established communities that
the Houston region and the world.
at the 610 Loop all the way into downtown
make the area such a great place to live.
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.
• • •
Conveniently located on Highway 105 Minutes from dining, shopping & entertainment Conroe Independent School District
WedgewoodForest.com Follow us for community updates
New Homes from the $200s ANGLIA HOMES · CENTURY COMMUNITIES · COLINA HOMES · WESTIN HOMES *Prices and availability subject to change without notice.
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23
in this section cities neighborhoods master planned communities county maps
24
MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
– WINTER/SPRING 2018
HOUSING &
NEIGHBORHOODS 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.
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 masterplanned 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.
and oil industries, and for one brief period
including greenbelt trails, a nature preserve,
it boasted more millionaires per capita than
parks and a recreation center with a resort-
another other U.S. city.
style swimming pool. Part of the highly regarded Conroe ISD, homes in the commu-
Today, Conroe is booming like never before,
nity are within close proximity to schools at
as Houston’s growth continues its northward
every grade level.
march, and ExxonMobil’s new campus opens and fills up. The city is home to two
Located near The Woodlands, Harper’s
craft beer breweries and a distillery, and
Preserve
it shows off its proud history at the Lone
preserve on Harper’s Horsepen Branch, a
Star Monument and Historical Flag Park.
natural stream. Planned for 1,700 homes,
Conroe has 24 city parks and a lively historic
Harper’s Preserve has a gated entrance,
downtown filled with two antique malls,
private streets, front-yard maintenance, and
two live performance theaters, art galleries,
abundant amenities including the West
eateries and much more.
Village Recreation Center, with a commu-
surrounds
a
beautiful
nature
nity pool, an outdoor kitchen, a playground, Several new communities have recently
trails, and facilities for bowling, bocce ball
opened in the Conroe area, including Gray-
and horseshoes. Kids will love climbing on
CONROE
stone Hills by Friendswood Development
the giant boulders overlooking a scenic lake.
The largest city and county seat of Montgomery 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
Company. Located near I-45 North and
Home styles range from low-maintenance
Conroe’s Loop 336, this 331-acre commu-
patio homes to large estate homes.
nity offers something few of its regional competitors can match – genuine topog-
Grand Central Park is a new master-planned
raphy with scenic hills and bluffs. With
mixed-use community located in the City of
new homes priced from the $300,000s to
Conroe that just celebrated its grand opening
$500,000, Graystone Hills offers amenities
jamboree. Combining living, working and
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
25
WO H E LUC S IONM GE &T O N EPI A GLHMB OB R EH AO CO H DS
playing, the community provides excellent access to everything Montgomery County has to offer, as well as close proximity to Houston’s new Energy Corridor and ExxonMobil campus. Located just 5 miles north of The Woodlands along Interstate 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.grandcentralparktx.com. Nature is a neighbor in the master- planned community of Imperial Oaks. Just minutes from the Woodlands, the Meadow at Imperial 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 facilities. And the Conroe ISD is an excellent place for young minds to grow. Visit www. themeadowsatimperialoaks.com. Stewart’s Forest is a breathtaking masterplanned 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 playground. Part of highly regarded Conroe ISD, Stewart’s Forest is convenient to everything great about Montgomery Country, from Lake Conroe and nearby parks and forests, to the shopping and entertainment of The Woodlands. www.stewartsforest.net.
LAKE CONROE This 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 backdrop by adding golf courses, tennis courts, country clubs and other upscale amenities.
26
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 HOUSTON Kingwood 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 community development in the Houston region. Slightly older than The Woodlands, Kingwood 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 residents. 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 Kingwood are surrounded by the back nine holes of the Kingwood Country Club’s scenic Lakes Golf Course, offering stunning 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
MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
– WINTER/SPRING 2018
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.
MAGNOLIA Adjacent 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 smalltown charm even as it becomes a popular location for large-lot communities, especially those that can accommodate horses.
MONTGOMERY One of the oldest towns in the state, Montgomery 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 communities, drawn by the area’s natural beauty, proximity to commerce, and enduring smalltown charm. One of the area’s newest and most innovative 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 Woodlands 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
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!
New Homes & Patio Homes From the $260s-$600s Ashton Woods | J. Patrick | Chesmar Homes | Plantation Homes | Drees Custom Homes | Gehan Homes
HarpersPreserve.com COLLEGE PARK
THE WOODLANDS
Harper’s Harpers Preserve
. ll Rd
o dy T Har
y rkwa
d Pa
Gran
East Village Entry
Hwy 242
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. HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
27
WO H E LUC S IONM GE &T O N EPI A GLHMB OB R EH AO CO H DS
Photo courtesy of Gracepoint Homes
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 residents 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 Woodlands, 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
28
Lake Conroe - photo courtesy of Annette Evans
SHENANDOAH Shenandoah 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 opportunity 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 location only minutes from I-45 North and all of the attractions in The Woodlands.
SPRING About 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.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
– WINTER/SPRING 2018
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 community 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 1,000acre 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 resortstyle pool with a beach-entry lagoon, a splash pad, and a community pavilion with an outdoor fireplace. Coordinated by a dedicated lifestyle director, the community 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 homebuilders and homesites ranging from 55 to 75 feet wide. www.harmony-houston.com.
TOMBALL Once called Peck, Tomball was renamed in 1907 in honor of its local congressman, Thomas Henry Ball, who played a major
role in the development of the Port of Houston. Today, Tomball is home to about 11,000 residents who appreciate its smalltown atmosphere and proximity to The Woodlands and other fast-growing communities 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 Development 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
BUYING OR SELLING We will get you where you want to be,
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 centerpiece, 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, entertain, 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.
HOME.
With three local offices in Montgomery County to serve you, put our expertise and market knowledge to work on your next real estate transaction. 936.856.5590 City of Conroe | Lake Conroe
www.GaryGreene.com
281.789.0411 Magnolia
©2017 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. A Realogy Company. All Rights Reserved. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated. Better Homes and Gardens, the Better Homes and Garden Real Estate logo are registered service marks owned by Meredith Corporation and licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC.
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29
WO H E LUC S IONM GE &T O N EPI A GLHMB OB R EH AO CO H DS
WILLIS When 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 WOODLANDS Opened in 1974, The Woodlands has reigned for decades as one of the top-selling masterplanned communities in the U.S., widely admired for its beautifully preserved environment 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 ExxonMobil, which built its new campus just south of the 28,000-acre community.
An exceptional collection of larger-than-life sculptures and outdoor art installations adorns public spaces. Stillwater is a residential community that
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 undeveloped 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
LIVE, WORK and PLAY
in beautiful
• • • • •
touring shows and cultural performances.
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 Woodlands 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.
Willis, Texas
Family-Friendly Community Welcoming to New Businesses New Housing Developments in Progress Convenient Location on I-45 Outdoor Lovers’ Paradise
www.visitwillis.com
30
MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
– WINTER/SPRING 2018
Montgomery County
430'
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Montgomery County © Texas Almanac
New Caney
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45
SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL FOREST
69
ree k
HOUSTON
Area (sq.mi.)
1,076.9
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1,041.7
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$7,833,735,189
59
Harris County
Largest county in eastern half of state; level; typically coastal surface and soils; many bayous, canals for artificial drainage; Lake Houston, Sheldon Reservoir; partly forested.
Retail Sales
$88,892,139,887
Ea San st Fork Jacinto 865
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BATTLESHIP TEXAS 134
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288
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59
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1,777.5
LR
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Population 4,538,028
362
UP
1736
0
Courtesy of the Texas Almanac, published by the Texas State Historical Association, Austin, Texas.
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
31
in this section
Photo courtesy of Lennar Homes
temporary lodging rent or buy choosing a realtor mortgage options
32
MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
– WINTER/SPRING 2018
The
HOME FRONT The 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.
TEMPORARY LODGING Sometimes, 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
Good sources for locating temporary housing include your company’s human resources department, your Realtor and/or builder, and the Internet.
at serving the historically heavy influxes of
Bottom line: the rapid growth of Montgomery County and environs means that newcomers will find plenty of temporary housing options throughout the area – from extended-stay hotels and corporate lodging,
newcomers who work in Houston’s thriving
to single-family homes and condos for rent.
cities, Houston has many options for temporary housing, but perhaps it’s even truer here, because companies are experienced
energy, medical and aerospace sectors. Many multifamily complexes have corporate programs with fully furnished units and short-term leases available. Hotels
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.
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 management 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?
According to Freddie Mac, renting can make more sense if you have a career or lifestyle 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 HOME Advantages 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-efficiency heating and cooling systems, along with advanced insulation and window products 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 expensive, have established landscaping, or other
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
33
THE HOME FRONT
“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.
Also in Montgomery County, you’ll find a
CHOOSING A REALTOR
wide selection of homebuilders and Realtors
Choosing the right Realtor in a vast area
who are extremely knowledgeable and experi-
such as Montgomery County can make a big
enced in building custom homes in the region.
difference, because a good Realtor can help
The benefits of building a custom home are getting exactly what you want – from the location of the lot, to the design of the exterior style and interior floor plan. Many buyers
CUSTOM HOME BUILDING One 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 increasingly 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.
have extended multi-generational families or adult children living at home, and garage apartments and ground floor “casitas” (small houses) are popular options for accommodating these family members.
you navigate a fast-changing market landscape. 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 communities 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
Inside, too, a custom home allows you to
disciplinary action and complaints; research
personalize every aspect of every room – from
how long the Realtor has been in business, and
countertops and flooring, to paint colors and
look at their current listings to see if they have
lighting and plumbing fixtures. And if you
enough to indicate a healthy business, but not
want to create a special place to incorporate an
so many that you’d just be a number. Bankrate.
architectural element that’s a family treasure
com also recommends looking at a Realtor’s
or recent discovery, that’s very easy to do when
credentials – those initials after their name that
building custom.
indicate certifications and areas of expertise.
COST OF LIVING
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) City
Composite 100%
Grocery 13.61%
Housing 27.59%
Atlanta
99.3
103.6
94.3
Austin
96.2
90.3
100.0
Boston
145.7
105.8
Chicago
123.5
Cleveland
Utilities 1 0.06%
Transportation 9.59%
Healthcare Misc. 4.00% 35.15%
84.6 103.0
107.9 103.9
82.0
90.9
100.3 100.6
204.9
139.9 111.4
133.3 127.0
105.6
156.1
91.3 130.4
101.3 114.7
100.2
112.9
84.9
111.1 100.3
99.9 104.2
Dallas
102.0
98.0
103.1
Denver
112.1
96.7
133.7
88.6
101.5 121.5 100.3
Houston New York (Brooklyn)
98.1 181.0
121.4
324.6
107.0
94.1
101.6 103.5
90.9 104.6
105.1 109.9
118.7
126.7
93.0 92.4 111.1
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
Seattle
152.8
123.8
206.6
127.9 137.6
Tucson
94.9
104.5
76.0
34
MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
– WINTER/SPRING 2018
95.8
138.7
96.5
126.2
125.1
123.5 136.5 100.3 104.6
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.
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
35
THE HOME FRONT
Developed by the Real Estate Center at Texas
and therefore, the lower monthly payment,
A&M University, the Texas Housing Afford-
enables the buyer to meet the income and
ability Index (THAI) measures the ratio of
debt-ratio requirement.
median household income required to buy a
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 corporations, 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 agencies. Some groups, including teachers, police officers and firefighters, may also qualify for special assistance programs.
median-priced home, using a 30-year mort-
DOWN PAYMENT
gage with a 20 percent down payment as its
The down payment is the cash committed
model. A THAI of 1.00 indicates that the
toward the purchase of a home. For most
median household income is just enough
loans, a down payment of 20 percent of the
to qualify for a loan to purchase the medi-
purchase price is required to avoid paying
an-priced home. Montgomery County’s most
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), although
recent THAI was an impressive 1.96, which
it is possible to take out a secondary loan to
makes the area more affordable than the
avoid PMI.
overall Houston region, state and nation based on THAI averages.
MORTGAGE OPTIONS Several 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.
INTEREST RATES Interest 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 COSTS Between 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
HOW MUCH CAN YOU AFFORD?
For all fixed-rate loans, the amount of the
Determining an affordable purchase price for a
term of the loan are fixed and fully self-amor-
home is the essential first step to home owner-
tizing, which means at the end of the term,
CREDIT REPORT
ship. Experts recommend spending about 28
the principal has been repaid.
Lenders will require a credit report from the
mortgage, payment, the interest rate and the
percent of the household budget on housing,
rate. Closing costs are typically paid by the buyer at the time of closing.
credit bureau that has collected your credit
and a recent Rice University study found that
The purchase price less the down payment
history for the past seven to 10 years. Credit
Houston area residents spend typically about
is the principal of the mortgage. Dividing
reports document your financial history and
30 percent of their incomes on housing, so
the principal by the number of payments in
reflect the amount of credit you have, the time-
the city overall is right in line with that advice,
a 30- year or 15- year mortgage and adding
liness with which you pay your bills, if you
albeit slightly on the high side.
the interest determines the monthly house
have declared bankruptcy and other factors
payment. Escrow money for taxes and insur-
that give the lender a financial snapshot.
Experts also suggest that household expenses
ance is added to the payments according to
not exceed 43 percent of personal income
the terms of the lender, and the amounts are
Traditional mortgage lenders require an
before taxes. The mortgage payment, insur-
recalculated annually.
established credit history, but some lenders
ance, credit card balances, utilities, food
may offer more flexible mortgage programs
and health care as well as any payments on
The Alternative Mortgage Instrument (AMI)
for people with limited or no established
outstanding loans and leases are expenses,
is a loan in which at least one of the four
credit record.
while household income includes salary and
components varies. The most common AMI
other declared revenue such as dividends and
is the Adjustable Rate Mortgage with a vari-
Credit reports also carry your credit score,
royalties. In the case of townhomes, condos
able interest rate. Customarily, the ARM
a numeric ranking between 300 and 850
and other types of housing where a monthly
interest rate begins low and periodically
that many lenders use. It is calculated using
maintenance fee is charged, that too must be
adjusts either up or down within limits based
five factors: payment history, amount of
considered in the overall expenses.
on a pre-specified index. The initial low rate,
outstanding debt, length of credit history,
36
MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
– WINTER/SPRING 2018
new credit and the sources of credit in use. In
about credit unions is available from the
addition to informing lenders of credit-wor-
Texas Credit Union League and the Credit
thiness, your credit score can also determine
Union National Association.
the interest rate you pay. The better the credit score, the lower the interest rate. More information on credit scoring is at myfico.com.
PRE-APPROVAL VS. PRE-QUALIFICATION
HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE Homeowner insurance is required by mortgage lenders, and is essential even if a home is paid for. Buyers are typically asked to pay one year of insurance at closing, with
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is
premiums included in monthly mortgage
beneficial because it gives sellers a level of
payments.
assurance that the prospective buyer can
buyer, and should begin as soon as the contract
times a fee. Pre-qualification, on the other
to purchase a house is accepted by the seller.
hand, is just an estimate of a mortgage that a The Texas Board of Insurance is a valuable source of information. Many companies offer
TAX DEDUCTIONS Some home purchase costs are deductible if you itemize deductions. These costs may include mortgage interest, real estate taxes and
discounts when home insurance is combined with auto coverage, life insurance, health insurance and other types of insurance that may be needed. In the Houston and Montgomery
PMI payments. For more information, visit
County areas, flood insurance is required
irs.gov or ask your tax preparer or attorney.
or recommended by mortgage companies in some neighborhoods. Check with your
BANKS Banks offer a full range of services that usually include mortgages at competitive
builder, Realtor or lender to determine the status of your property. www.tdi.texas.gov.
rates. In addition to checking and savings
FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS
accounts, their mortgage lending is another
A variety of programs are designed to help
option for homebuyers. Be sure to ask about
first-time buyers, including FHA loans with
fees associated with the bank’s services,
a 3 percent down payment discussed at the
different accounts, minimum balance require-
beginning of this article.
ments, ATM charges, availability of funds policy, direct deposit and other options.
Montgomery County, Harris County and
Contact the Texas Department of Banking
buyer assistance programs that can provide
at www.dob.texas.gov.
down
CONROE Wedgewood Falls
$310s-$360s | 281.362.0050
Harper’s Preserve | Close Out $290s-$350s | 713.806.2536
Hills of Westlake
$220s-$320s | 281.253.0063
MONTGOMERY Woodforest
Chesmar Townhomes $190s-$210s | 832.712.1486 Arbor $260s-$300s | 832.492.2267 Fortunata $220s-$260s | 832.712.1486
The Woodlands May Valley
$260s - $300s | 281.770.2236
other governmental entities also offer homepayment
assistance
and
Fish Creek Thoroughfare
prospective buyer might qualify for.
Chesmar Homes offers a unique choice new home M • P • G [Modern Design Performance Guaranteed Green Certified]. It means a highly-efficient home that will save you money on energy costs every month in neighborhoods all around Houston:
special
financing for buyers who meet certain house-
CREDIT UNIONS
hold income and purchase price criteria.
Credit unions are a good source to check for
Other programs include Southeast Texas
mortgage loans because they may offer lower
Housing Finance - www.sethfc.com and
rates. Historically, credit unions have been
the Harris County Downpayment Assis-
employer-based financial institutions but
tance Program - www.harriscountytx.gov/
today it is common for credit unions to be
csd. Information is also available from the
community-based, meaning that anyone can
Texas Department of Housing & Commu-
use a credit union as their primary financial
nity Affairs - www.tdhca.state.tx.us. Realtors,
institution. Members are insured for up to
mortgage lenders and builders are also good
$250,000 per account by the National Credit
sources of information about available home-
Union Administration. More information
buyer assistance programs.
Hills of West Lake Wedgewood Falls Woodforest
1488
2978
Map not to scale
105
336 45 242
Woodlands Parkway
The Woodlands 99
Harper’s Preserve 99
y rkwa Grand Pa
2920
Hardy Toll Road
mining coverage is the responsibility of the
completion of a loan application and some-
Kuykendahl
Selecting an insurance company and deter-
itive market. Pre-approval requires the
Huffsmith-Kohrville
obtain a mortgage – a big plus in a compet-
Bush Int. Airport
249
Expand your ideas about the cost of owning a home with new home
CHESMAR.com HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
37
in this section moving companies forwarding mail utilities public transportation international relocation information
38
MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
– WINTER/SPRING 2018
RELOCATION INFORMATION 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.
MOVING COMPANIES
Also consider the size of your new space:
If you are moving from out of state, it may
will it be larger or smaller than the home
be necessary to hire a moving company.
you’re leaving? If you’re a U.S. citizen who
The best time to move is the middle of
is moving back from overseas, then you
the month rather than the end or during
might have many items in U.S. storage, so
summer vacation, when moving companies
you’ll need to plan the logistics of getting
are busiest. If the move is less than 250 miles
these to your new home as well.
away, consider making the move yourself. self versus using the services of a moving
TYPES OF MOVING ESTIMATES
company, and be sure to take into consider-
Most companies give free estimates based
ation your time and effort, as well as your
on distance and the weight of household
physical ability.
contents. Some moving companies include
Compare the relative costs of moving your-
the costs of packing materials in their bid At the other extreme, the global economy of
while others break out supplies separately.
Houston and Montgomery County draws
Packing services, fuel charges, wait time and
newcomers from all over the world, and
temporary storage costs may vary consid-
there are a few important considerations to
erably so be sure to ask about all charges.
keep in mind when moving from overseas. If
Moving companies offer three types of esti-
your overseas move is work-related, find out
mates: the binding estimate, non-binding
how much of the expense will be covered.
estimate and not-to-exceed binding estimate.
As a general rule, many experts recommend scaling the move down to essential items
The binding estimate lists all items to be
and those with emotional value. Find out
shipped and the required services on the
about import fees and duty costs, especially
estimate form, and the price quoted is the
for items you may have purchased overseas.
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
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
39
WEELLO R CC OAMT E I OTNO I N PA FO LM R MB A EA T IC OHN
shopping for new items that will fit your new space perfectly. Some companies specialize in renting furniture 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 MAIL To submit your change of address, go to www.usps.com. weighs the vehicle and reduces the price if the weight is less than anticipated. Ask all movers if they offer this type of service.
receive the delivery, your belongings will go into storage, and the moving company may require payment in cash before unloading.
MORE CONSIDERATIONS
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.
Be 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 belongings 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
40
LEGAL RECORDS Legal 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 residence for specific services offered.
TIPS FOR HIRING A MOVING COMPANY
The Harris County Civil Court House
• Select a moving company carefully and visit www.protectyourmove.gov to confirm their license.
713-755-6411; www.co.harris.tx.us
• 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
20l Caroline, Houston, TX, 77002
The Montgomery County Court House 210 W. Davis, Conroe, TX, 77301 281-689-3133; www.mctx.org
UTILITIES Electricity
• Contact the Better Business Bureau for any complaints that might be on file at www. houston.bbb.org or 713-868-9500.
Retail Electric Providers compete to sell
• 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.
Utility Commission recommends the three
electricity, allowing consumers to compare plans, pricing and features. The Public “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.
FURNITURE AND APPLIANCE RENTAL
Select electricity, natural gas, local phone
In some cases, it may be necessary to rent
and long distance, cable or satellite televi-
furniture or appliances while waiting for
sion, and high-speed Internet services at
your old ones to be delivered, or while
www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
– WINTER/SPRING 2018
Uninterrupted quality time
Stream movies and shows, faster The The results results Internet Internet in in
® are are in. in. XFINITY XFINITY® delivers delivers America, America, based based on on over over
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1/14/16 1:47 PM 1/14/16 1:47 PM
Gas
Telephone, Cable, and Internet Service
CenterPoint Energy is the major provider
Greater Houston and Montgomery County
for natural gas in the greater Houston
have four area codes: 713, 281, 832, and
and Montgomery County areas. As the
936. When placing calls, 10-digit dialing
regulated utility in the Houston area,
is required. The many telephone service
CenterPoint Energy owns and maintains
providers to choose from also offer satel-
the electric delivery system as well as sells
lite and cable television services, along
natural gas. Visit CenterPointEnergy.com
with bundled services, special promotional
to learn more.
rates and discounts for newcomers.
The ENERGY STAR program supports
Comcast / XFINITY
energy efficiency in new homes. Learn
It’s easy to get xfinity in your new home.
more about buying an ENERGY STAR
Call 1-877-500-6828 today!
home at www.energystar.gov. Get connected to XFINITY – TV, Internet, Water and Sewer
and Voice service made possible by
Water, sewage and drainage services are
Comcast’s network upgrade to an all-dig-
typically provided by the public works
ital platform. They will set up your new
department in each city, or by a munic-
home in no time. You can even choose your
ipal utility district (MUD). There are
own convenient two-hour appointment
a number of these districts throughout
window. Also ask about Xfinity Home,
Montgomery County and services vary
combining Security, Control, Energy and
by district. Contact your local city or
Peace of Mind at Your Fingertips.
home owner’s association for detailed
more information visit www.comcast.com/
information.
moversedge.
For
Consolidated Communications As more of us buy items requiring Internet service and create home networks, the demand for faster Internet increases. Consolidated 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
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
41
WEELLO R CC OAMT E I OTNO I N PA FO LM R MB A EA T IC OHN
services are typically included in the homeowner’s association dues. Contact your homeowner’s association for information. Curbside recycling is offered in most neighborhoods, and drop-off recycling centers are located throughout the area.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION The 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 available 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 vehicles to motorists who are experiencing car trouble on Houston area freeways. They are equipped to handle minor repairs and automotive emergencies. Houston’s major highways have High Occupancy 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 VEHICLE New residents must obtain a Texas driver’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
42
MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
– WINTER/SPRING 2018
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 County 936-756-0571 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 mandatory automobile liability insurance law, and
if a driver is stopped for any reason, proof of liability insurance coverage will be necessary. 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.
region. The Houston Police Department or the Harris County Sheriff may have jurisdiction 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
VOTING
for information leading to an arrest.
Texas voters must be 18 years old and register at least 30 days prior to an election. 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.
Houston Crime Stoppers 713-222-TIPS (8477) Montgomery County Crime Stoppers 1-800- 392-STOP (7867)
PETS In most jurisdictions, pets not wearing licenses and/or on a leash can be impounded.
FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS
Dogs and cats in Texas must be vacci-
For emergencies only: 911 For non-emergencies: 311
nated against rabies by four months of
The Conroe Police Department and municipal police departments, the Montgomery County Sheriff, and Constables serve the
initial vaccination, and pets will need to be vaccinated at one- to three-year intervals
age. Boosters are given one year after the
depending on local requirements.
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
THE POWER TO
WORK, PLAY AND BE AWESOME
Power up your business and home with Consolidated Communications Welcome to the power to be and do your best. The power to stay connected, share ideas or indulge in your favorite entertainment with no glitches, delays, or downtime. Whether you’re at work or at play, Consolidated Communications makes life better with access to CCI Fiber+, one of the fastest, most reliable networks in the nation. Get Consolidated Communications and get the power. POWER UP YOUR BUSINESS + Data & Internet + Voice + Cloud Services + Managed & Hosted + IT Services
POWER UP YOUR HOME + High-Speed Internet + Digital TV + Phone + Home Automation & Security
*Not all services available in all areas
Call 844.YOUR.CCI or visit consolidated.com
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
43
IW NET LE C RN OA MTEI OT N OAPL ARL EML O BC EA AC T I HO N
TRANSPORTATION Texas Drivers License Application and Locations www.txdps.state.tx.us • Texas has a 90-day grace period. • A written & driving skills test required.
MOVING TIPS What to do Social Security Number 1-800-772-1213
• Credit cards, cash, checks, and money orders. • Take your passport, social security number, proof of residency, lawful presence, status. • Proof of vehicle registry.
Information/ Application www.ssa.gov/forms
• Completed application.
Physical locations: 8989 Lakes at 610 Drive, 77054 16200 Dillard Drive, 77040 5414 Aldine Mail Road, 77039
Banks www.findabetterbank.com
THINGS TO KNOW Wait 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. 44
BANKING
• 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.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
– WINTER/SPRING 2018
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.
HOUSING Apartments Houston Apartment Association Q&A: www.haaonline.org • Prices for apartments are based on apartment size and number of bedrooms 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.
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 property 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 references 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 Multiple 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.
HEALTHCARE Affordable 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.
Colleges
• You will need your social security number, passport, health history, employer information, and a credit card.
Community colleges are located in all parts
TAXES
www.petersons.com of Houston. Houston has numerous 4-year colleges and technical schools. Private Schools
State of Texas Texas does not have state taxes. Texas collects 8.25% sales tax & property tax only.
HoustonNewcomerGuides.com
Internal Revenue Service www.irs.gov
There are a variety of independent and
• 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, social 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
Houstonprivateschools.com Privateschoolreview.com 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 International Baccalaureate program and might be better suited for children planning to later attend university outside the US.
IMMIGRATION VISA Most questions are answered on the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration websites below. Contact your Consulate about your country’s requirements. General How Do I Guides www.uscis.gov; www.uscitizenship.info Employment Visa www.travel.state.gov; www.uscis.gov
• Required for children 6-18 years of age in USA.
Green Card
• Child’s birth certificate, passport, social security number, transcript, doctor’s statement.
Permanent Resident
• The Houston area has excellent public schools which serve students from Pre-K through 12th grade.
www.infopass.uscis.gov
• You can research individual school districts, 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).
www.uscis.gov/greencard www.uscis.gov Schedule appointment with USCIS officer:
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.
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
45
in this section STAAR public schools private schools higher education
46
MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
– WINTER/SPRING 2018
EDUCATION Home 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 educational opportunities. Higher education is another strength.
Along with beautiful lakes, forests and a
STEM EDUCATION
Charter schools provide a personalized
thriving economy, Montgomery County
STEM, an acronym for science, technology,
learning environment that promotes greater
offers excellent educational opportunities.
engineering and math education, is an
student achievement.
There is a variety of highly regarded public
interdisciplinary and applied approach that
school districts, ranging from small-town
is coupled with hands-on, problem-based
gems to some of the largest in the Houston
learning.
under and receive academic accountability
private and parochial schools, along with
According to a recent poll of U.S. CEOs,
All charter students in Texas take the same
a growing list of opportunities for higher
employers will need 1.6 million new STEM
STAAR test as traditional public school
education.
employees by 2019. In 2013, the average
students. Charter schools receive state funds
STEM occupation paid about $80,000 annu-
based on the average daily attendance of
ally; roughly 1.7 times the average yearly
students (same as traditional public schools);
U.S. wage.
however, they do not receive funds from
ratings from the Texas Education Agency.
area. The region also has a wide range of
STUDENT ASSESSMENT TESTING: STAAR The
State
of
Texas
Assessments
In the State of Texas, charter schools operate
local tax revenue.
of
Academic Readiness (STAAR) measures
The
a child’s performance, as well as academic
neering
growth, college and career readiness. Results
initiative provides a foundational approach
from STAAR calculate annual school and
to empower teachers, inspire students and
district performance ratings. Annual Assess-
advance STEM education. There are 70
ments cover: reading and mathematics,
T-STEM Academies and seven blended
Conroe ISD is a 348-square mile school
grades 3-8; writing at grades 4 and 7; science
Early College High School/T-STEM Acad-
district that is geographically diverse and
at grades 5 and 8; social studies at grade 8;
emies serving more than 40,000 students
includes The Woodlands, Shenandoah, Oak
and end-of-course assessments for English
across the state.
Ridge North, Conroe, and Caney Creek, as
1, English 11, Algebra 1, biology, and U.S.
Texas
science,
and
technology,
mathematics
engi-
(T-STEM)
PUBLIC SCHOOLS Conroe ISD www.conroeisd.net • 936-709-7752
well as several other smaller towns, commu-
history. All of the districts in Montgomery
TEXAS CHARTER SCHOOLS
nities, and unincorporated areas. As the
County met approved standards in 2016.
Charter schools were authorized by the
13th largest district in Texas and the 71st
Texas Legislature in 1995 to provide an
largest in the U.S., Conroe ISD serves over
For more information and complete district
alternative to traditional public schools.
59,000 students across 60 campuses and is
and individual school information, visit the
Open-enrollment charter schools are public
one of the fastest growing districts in the
Texas Education Association at www.tea.
schools that have the flexibility to adapt to
State with an average enrollment growth of
texas.gov
the educational needs of individual students.
approximately 1,500 students per year.
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
47
E D U C AT I O N I N H O U S T O N
Conroe ISD is a community of individ-
campuses. The appealing size of the district
and elementary campus. CFISD is contin-
uals working together to achieve the best
and the small-town surroundings of the
ually taking steps to transform schools into
for students. The District is proud of the
Conroe area foster strong involvement by
21st Century learning environments. It
accomplishments
teachers
parents and the surrounding community.
has recently upgraded more than 100,000
and administrators who have helped make
From specialized programs and the latest in
network connections and completed 100
Conroe ISD a great school district. Achieve-
technology to outstanding extracurricular
percent of the network electronics infra-
ment scores continue to increase and are
and athletic programs, Conroe ISD strives
structure hubs throughout the campus,
well above the State and national averages.
to meet the diverse needs of students at all
helping manage nearly 90,000 district-
The mean SAT score for the District is 1556
grade levels.
owned devices in addition to student-owned
of
students,
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 respectively. Conroe ISD also has a graduation rate of 95.7%, one of the highest in Texas.
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD www.cfisd.net • 281-897-4000 Located approximately 20 miles northwest of downtown Houston, Cypress-Fairbanks
For the sixth year in a row, TxSmartSchools,
ISD is a destination district for college/
awarded the highest rating of 5-Stars to
career preparation, extracurricular prowess,
Conroe ISD for having high academic
and award-winning programs. The 23nd
standards while spending efficiently. And
largest school district in the nation, and 3rd
speaking of efficient spending, Conroe ISD’s
largest in the Houston area, CFISD is also
tax rate is one of the lowest in the Greater
one of the fastest-growing districts nation-
Houston metropolitan area at $1.28.
wide with a student enrollment of about 115,000. These students are taking advan-
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 “maximize 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
Conroe ISD offers a comprehensive core
tage of a district that was, for the fourth
academic program, a vast array of athletics,
straight year, awarded the highest possible
Located 45 miles north of Houston and to
a cutting-edge Career and Technical Educa-
rating of Met Standard in the Texas Educa-
the west of The Woodlands, the Magnolia
tion curriculum, and a slate of fine arts
tion Agency’s accountability ratings.
Independent School District provides an outstanding learning environment offering
courses to meet the needs and interests of all students.
CFISD’s 11th high school opened in August
innovative programs, modern facilities and
to serve students in the southwest portion
exceptional teachers.
The Conroe Independent School District
of the district. This state-of-the-art piece of
encompasses 348 square miles, educates
the district’s first-ever “educational village”
The district serves approximately 13,000
nearly 54,000 students and consists of 56
will be followed by a future middle school
students and provides a well-balanced
48
MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
– WINTER/SPRING 2018
curriculum to meet the needs of all students offering advanced academics, dual credit programs, Career and Technical Education career paths and certifications, Early Childhood, and full-day Kindergarten. Magnolia West High School is the only public school
“
in Montgomery County to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. This
prestigious,
challenging
academic
program prepares junior and senior students
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.
”
for the rigor of college course work and is recognized by elite universities around the world as an excellent preparatory curriculum. One of the fastest growing districts in the state among comparable size districts, Magnolia’s campuses include eight elemen-
hold advanced degrees MISD class sizes are
tary schools, two 6th grade junior high
small and average about 15.5 students for
schools, two 7th and 8th grade junior high
each teacher, which enables them to give
schools, three high schools and one alter-
their students individualized attention and
native high school. This growth has been
in-depth instruction. Montgomery ISD main-
met with excellent facilitates and increased
tains an environment rich in opportunities for
community support.
their students to engage in and develop their
Students in the district are recognized for
School was named one of Newsweek’s Best
national and state accolades in academics,
High Schools in America.
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.
passions.
In addition, Montgomery High
With an unyielding commitment to excellence, MISD seeks to provide a premier academic program that recognizes the unique potential of each student and integrate the intellectual, social, cultural and
The mission of Magnolia ISD is to provide
physical aspects of learning. Staff and
an educational environment that will enable
educators work to empower each student to
all students to develop essential academic
become an eager lifelong learner committed
skills for a lifetime of learning and to be
to academic excellence, integrity, respon-
responsible, contributing citizens in a diverse and changing world.
sible citizenship and service to others. The district tracks its students’ progress
Montgomery ISD www.misd.org • 936-582-1333
through the Texas Academic Performance
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.
on the Texas Education Agency’s School
The district employs an outstanding instructional staff of 519 certified teachers. Of these educators, the staff has an average of 13.05 years of teaching experience and 115 teachers
that maintains a reputation for excellence.
Reports (TAPR). Details about the district’s involvement in these programs can be found Performance page, www.tea.state.tx.us. Tomball ISD www.tomballisd.net • 281-357-3100
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 Education 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 curriculum 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 certification 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 facilities or nursing homes. Courses offered in Tomball ISD’s Career & Technical Education program offer additional educational opportunities as students decide on a career choice.
The Tomball Independent School District is a highly regarded public school system The district serves approximately 15,000 students in grades pre-kindergarten through 12 in 18 modern, well-equipped facilities
As part of its mission to provide innovative, individually rigorous, and personally valuable educational experiences that allow students to become responsible, productive citizens, Tomball ISD is proud that its
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
49
E D U C AT I O N I N H O U S T O N
that meet the needs of all students in a positive 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 acceleration and enrichment available for the gifted and talented, while special education services are provided for those with disabilities. 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 Photo courtesy of Legacy Preparatory Christian Academy
all levels of their chosen sports. Meanwhile, through district art, dance, music, theater, and speech programs, Spring ISD students
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 Standard” 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 graduating with more than 40 hours of college
50
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 construction, agriculture, audio/video technology, business management, health science, hospitality 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.
have been recognized regionally and nationally 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 SCHOOLS Covenant Christian School www.covenantonline.com • 936-890-8080 Covenant
Christian
inter-denominational,
School
is
an
Christ-centered,
college-preparatory school situated on a Spring ISD www.springisd.org • 281 891-6000 Spring ISD is focused on its students and
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
grounded in its community partnerships.
Association
It serves about 37,000 pre-kindergarten
Schools (TAPPS). Covenant’s mission is for
through twelfth-grade students in a diverse
students to develop a sincere desire to impact
district located 20 miles north of central
the world with excellence and to glorify God
Houston. Its vision states: Spring Indepen-
in every area of life.
of
Private
and
Parochial
dent School District will be a district of choice known for high-quality academics
Teachers challenge students to succeed and
with innovative and specialized programs
stand behind them with the support needed
MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
– WINTER/SPRING 2018
to fulfill their potential and reach their dreams using faith-based college-preparatory curriculum and experiential learning opportunities. Not surprisingly, Covenant is known for its consistently high scores on standardized 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
rigorous academic background that is rich in opportunities. The school strives to develop a biblical worldview 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 involvement 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), headquartered 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.
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 expression beginning with the youngest students continuing through senior year. Covenant’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 Covenant 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
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-curricular 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 preparatory 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.
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
For more information about Legacy Preparatory Christian Academy, please visit their website at www.legacypca.org or call 936-337-2000.
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
51
E D U C AT I O N I N H O U S T O N
The John Cooper School www.johncooper.org • 281-367-0900
financial aid and grant funding options
An independent, PK-12, college preparatory school, located on 43 acres that were set aside for an independent school by Woodlands founder George Mitchell. The school opened in 1988 and has grown to become one of the premier independent schools in the Houston area.
Many students interested in a four-year
Cooper provides a challenging education in a caring environment. Traditional educational practices combined with innovative new teaching methods enable students to become critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, responsible citizens and leaders, and lifetime learners.
HIGER EDUCATION Lone 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 entertainment 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
that can provide training at little or no cost.
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 associated 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 associate 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.
skills. Students choose LSC because of the extra
New Horizons - Your Partner in Training 713-552-1414 • www.nhhouston.com
attention they get thanks to their small class sizes, averaging only 23 students per
For more than three decades, New Hori-
class, the convenient campus locations that
zons Computer Learning Centers has
are close to home and the flexible schedules
been a leader in IT training. With over 100
LSC offers. No matter what their goals are,
locations worldwide, they have grown to
Lone Star College is ready to help them
become the largest independent training
realize their dreams.
company in the industry. Their career and corporate training solutions help turn
52
LSC is recognized as a world leader in
ambitious personal and business goals into
workforce training and helps build a strong
results. They use varying training methods
regional workforce in industries like health
for virtually every schedule and learning
care, construction, accounting, energy,
style, along with vendor-approved learning
computer technology and transportation.
tools and expert instruction. They have
LSC also helps qualified students find
trained more than 30 million people to
MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
– WINTER/SPRING 2018
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 technology providers, such as Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA and VMWare. Being an autho-
A LEADER IN HIGHER EDUCATION
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 categories 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
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
methods are the same. Therefore, their flex-
• A prestigious Honors College which offers a wide range of opportunities for high-achieving students
ible training approach gives the ability to
• A fraction of the cost of a four-year university
customize dedicated classes to satisfy specific needs. Learning methods include Online
Lone Star College is a productive community partner that is close to home, affordable, and focused on student success.
ANYTIME, on-site training, private classes
Visit LoneStar.edu to learn more.
and Online LIVE. Online Live removes geographical boundaries from learning by bringing students and instructors together synchronously in a virtual real-time classroom
10.18.17.06
LSC-CyFair • LSC-Kingwood • LSC-Montgomery • LSC-North Harris • LSC-Tomball • LSC-University Park 10.18.17.06 HoustonNewcomer'sGuideAd_v1FIN.indd 1
10/20/17 8:51 AM
environment. This program provides students all of the benefits of being in a dynamic interactive 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 environment 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
New home. New opportunities. 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.
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 immediately following New Horizons training.
New Horizons of Houston | www.nhhouston.com | 713.552.1414
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
53
HEALTHCARE
The cutting-edge healthcare 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.
54
MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
– WINTER/SPRING 2018
better
access It’s official! Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands has arrived. Inpatient, outpatient and emergency services are fully open and operational. With a brand new, state-of-the-art campus, designed and built just for kids, and many of the nation’s top-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 than having a world-renowned pediatric hospital nearby – having one right in your own backyard. For more information, call 936-267-5000 or visit texaschildrens.org/woodlands.
AD
Now open! Built just for kids. © 2017 Texas Children’s Hospital. All rights reserved. WLD232_093017
HEALTHCARE RESOURCES
treatment, is about an hour’s drive from Montgomery County. For more information, go to www.texasmedicalcenter.org.
AREA HOSPITALS CHI St. Luke’s Health
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 accommodating 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
CHI St. Luke’s Health is dedicated to a mission of enhancing health through highquality, cost-effective care. In conjunction with physicians and community partners, CHI St. Luke’s Health is committed to excellence 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 wellness to every member of our community by providing expert resources at convenient locations. 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 communities grow, Texas Children’s Hospital continues to expand as well. Texas Children’s
Moving Medical Tips 1. If you have a special healthcare need or requirement, refer to and call the healthcare advertisers in this publication 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.
5. 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, 4. If you have not yet selected physicians/dentists, ask your first-aid ointment, tweezers and decongestant can come in handy. current physician/dentist to make copies of pertinent records of all your family members for you to take with you. 8. D on’t forget your pets. Contact your veterinarian for copies of Pack these records in your suitcase, not in the moving van, 5 6so they M O Nwill TGO M Ereadily R Y C Oavailable UNTY NEW OMER U I emergency. D E – W I N T E R / S P R their I N G records. 2018 Ask for referrals they might be willing to make. be inCcase ofGan
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 inpatient 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 families 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 information, visit texaschildrens.org/woodlands.
Our North Houston Network of Care 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!
Our Locations HUNTSVILLE
CONROE
MONTGOMERY THE WOODLANDS
45 RESE
AR CH F
O REST DR
SPRINGWOODS VILLAGE
Hospitals with 24/7 Emergency Departments
Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Group Locations
Hospital-based Community Emergency Centers Find addresses, directions, and more at CHIStLukesHealth.org/Locations
The Woodlands Hospital | Lakeside Hospital | Springwoods Village Hospital CHI St. Luke’s Health-Lakeside Hospital meets the federal definition of a physician-owned hospital. Ownership information is available upon request.
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HEALTHCARE RESOURCES UTP Pediatric Clinic The Woodlands Houston Newcomers Ad.pdf 1 5/4/2017 1:13:20 PM
UT Physicians Pediatric Center at The Woodlands
in Houston. We knew that if we didn’t grow
Now welcoming new patients
The addition of the UT Physicians Pediatric
Pediatric Cardiology
C
Y
MY
Andrew Casas, chief operating officer of UT Physicians.
of specialty services for children 0 – 18 years in age. Available pediatric specialty services
Amanda Schuck-Phan, DO Inflammatory Bowel Disease Gastroesophageal Reflux Eosinophilic Esophagitis Failure to Thrive Proper Nutrition Celiac Disease
CM
would not survive as a group practice,” says
Center at The Woodlands provides a variety
Pediatric Gastroenterology
Faustino G. Ramos, MD General Outpatient Pediatric Cardiology Fetal Echos Other Languages: Spanish
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outside of the Texas Medical Center, we
include cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, 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
CY
Pediatric Endocrinology
CMY
Pediatric Neurology
Katherine Velez, MD Pediatric Diabetes Pediatric Endocrinology Other Languages: Spanish
K
satisfaction rating. A dedicated clinic with physicians passionate and honored to treat
Ian Butler, MD General Pediatric Neurology Tourette Syndrome Movement Disorder
their patients as part of the UT Physicians growing family.
“We’re providing timely
pediatric subspecialty care close to home Clinic Hours: Mon-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
920 Medical Plaza Dr., Suite 140 The Woodlands, Texas 77380 713-486-6760 UTPhysicians.com
and in your neighborhood,” says Dr. Katherine 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-
UT Physicians UT Physicians, the clinical faculty practice 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.
tionships. “Right care, right place, right cost
The idea of community-based UT Physicians 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
UT Physicians Pediatric Center at The Wood-
– it’s a simple concept,” he says.
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 healthcare 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
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
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“Patients” tab of the site. www.ama-assn.org American Academy of Pediatrics: National we b s i te fo r ch i l d re n’s h e a l t h re s o u rce s; s e p a rate “ Pa re nt i n g Co r n e r ” we b s 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 information on general health resources; go to the “Find A Physician” tab to search by specialty or location. www.texmed.org
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. HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
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PLACES OF WORSHIP
ISLAM
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD Conroe First Assembly of God
conroefirst.org
Living Waters Assembly of God
livingwatersonline.org
Living Word World Outreach
The Islamic Society of Greater Houston Woodlands Islamic Center
wic-woodlands.org
livingwordwoc.org
Spring First Church
springfirst.org
The River Assembly of God
theriverag.org
BAPTIST
JEWISH Chabad of The Woodlands Congregation Beth Shalom
jewishwoodlands.com cbsw.org
Jewish Community North
Community 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 Founders Baptist Church
RiverPointe Baptist Church
riverpointebaptist.org springbaptist.org
Spring Creek Baptist Church
springcreekbc.net
The Woodlands First Baptist Church
thewoodlandsfirst.org
West Conroe Baptist Church
wcbc.us
BUDDHIST Texas Buddhist Association
jadebuddha.org
graceconroe.org
Living Savior Lutheran Church Lord of Life Lutheran Church
mimsbaptist.org
gslcthewoodlands.org
Grace Lutheran Church
foundersbaptist.org northsideconroe.com
Spring Baptist Church
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Living Word Lutheran Church
Northside Baptist Church
cjcn.org
LUTHERAN
firstbaptistwillis.org
Mims Baptist Church
livingsaviortexas.org lwlc.org 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
METHODIST Christ 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
CATHOLIC Sacred 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
Community Christian Church
woodlandsccc.org
The Woodlands Christian Church
twcc.org
CHURCH OF CHRIST conroechurch.org northwoodlandsareacoc.com
Woodland Oaks Church of Christ Woodlands Church of Christ
Holy Comforter Episcopal Church
holycomforterspring.org stjta.org trinitywoodlands.org
thearkchurch.com conroecommunitychurch.org
Generations Church Living Branch Church The Crossing Church Woodlands Church WoodsEdge Community Church
conroefirst.org gchurch.net lbclife.org thecrossing.cc conroevineyard.org woodlandschurch.tv www.woodsedge.org
ORTHODOX St. Cyril Orthodox Church St Jonah Orthodox
woodlandshindutemple.org
INTERDENOMINATIONAL
Crown & Covenant RP Church First Presbyterian Church Conroe Grace Presbyterian Church
ccthewoodlands.org
MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
stanthonythegreat.org stcyril.us/orthodox-houston saintjonah.org
PRESBYTERIAN Alden Bridge Presbyterian Church
HINDU
60
Conroe Community Church
St. Anthony the Great Orthodox Christian Church
St. James the Apostle Episcopal Church
Calvary Chapel
Ark Church
woodlandoaks.org woodlandschurchofchrist.org
EPISCOPAL
Hindu Temple of The Woodlands
NON-DENOMINATIONAL
Vineyard Church of Conroe
Conroe Church of Christ
Trinity Episcopal Church
thewoodlandsumc.org/loft
The Woodlands United Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380 281-297-5900 • thewoodlandsumc.org
First Assembly of God
CHRISTIAN (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)
N Woodlands Church of Christ
isgh.org
trpctw.org crowncovenantchurch.org fpcconroe.org gracewoodlands.org
The Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church wcpc-tx.org
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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 77380 281.297.5900 | thewoodlandsumc.org
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in this section senior housing options continuing care retirement communities assisted living communities
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ACTIVE ADULTS + SENIOR LIVING
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.
More and more seniors don’t see themselves 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 expectancy 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 STOCK In 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.
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A C T I V E A D U LT S & S E N I O R L I V I N G
The best way to determine if a reverse mortgage is the best fit for your retirement plan is to honestly assess the following: • How much would the home sell for ontoday’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 apartment, or moving into an assisted living or alternative senior housing situation? Visit AARP’s website and use their Reverse Mortgage 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 retirement 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 residents are vigorous and involved. Or, they are finding senior-care housing communities that em-ploy medically trained staff, provide housekeeping and meal preparation services,
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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 assistance – 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 COMMUNITIES If 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 retirement community might be the best fit for your budget and lifestyle, where options include renting an apartment or purchasing a property.
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 independent 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 specified period, after which, the senior or guardian is responsible for additional costs. A fee-for-service 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.
Many active senior communities have information 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 community 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
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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 facility’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
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 emergency situations? • Is there easy access to offsite activities such as shopping and is transportation provided? CCRCs can be anything from high-rise apartments, 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 LIVING An 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 themselves, 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 individualized service plan for seniors upon admission, detailing personal services that will be provided. This plan is then periodically 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 FACILITIES A 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-pointment with the administrator or director of nursing. Check to make sure that information 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 deficiencies 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 facilities 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 DEMENTIA CARE FACILITIES Seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia need specialized care. While some Assisted Living Communities 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 resident to another facility that can give the right level of service. Facilities specializing in the care of Alzheimer’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 individualized treatment reviews, all set within a calm, soothing environment that is sensitive to the needs of the patient. Please visit www.agingcare.com for additional information on care for the elderly.
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in this section local chambers of commerce economic development houston by the numbers major employers
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BUSINESS &
COMMUNITY 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,
this region emerging as Houston’s second
no area shines brighter than Montgomery
“Energy Corridor.”
GREATER CONROE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL The Greater Conroe Economic Development
County, home to one of the largest recent In the pioneer days, abundant natural
Council works to link new or relocating busi-
resources such as timber, water and oil
nesses to all the resources they need, allowing
Many people are already hard at work at
sparked an economic boom throughout
them to make informed decisions and enjoy a
ExxonMobil’s beautiful new state-of-the-art
Montgomery County. Today, the quality of
seamless transition experience. Their mission
campus in Montgomery County, and more
life made possible by many of these same
is to enhance the strength and stability of the
are coming – perhaps you are one of them, or
resources is drawing business, as compa-
greater Conroe economy by supporting existing
know somebody who’ll soon work there. This
nies relocate near where the majority of
businesses and industries and attracting new
385-acre campus is in Spring, just South of
their employees want to live. Following is a
ones, bringing in new capital and employment
The Woodlands and to the West where I-45
partial list of some of the major chambers of
opportunities. www.gcedc.org
North meets the Hardy Toll Road. It’s been
commerce and economic development orga-
projected that the overall economic impact of
nizations working to advance Montgomery
this new campus will total billions of dollars,
County. Their websites are a wealth of infor-
GREATER MAGNOLIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
spurring the construction of thousands of
mation about the areas they represent.
The Greater Magnolia Chamber of Commerce
corporate relocations anywhere in the nation.
has served Southwest Montgomery County
new homes and millions of square feet of commercial space in the surrounding area.
CONROE/LAKE CONROE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
since 1982, supporting area businesses and
ExxonMobil has grabbed the headlines lately
First organized as the Montgomery County
arships and special events. The Chamber’s
– and rightly so – but Montgomery County
Chamber of Commerce in 1934, the Greater
leadership has succeeded in providing answers
is also home to a growing number of major
Conroe/Lake Conroe Area Chamber of
to members and the community, increasing
companies, including Anadarko Petroleum,
Commerce is celebrating 83 years of service to
mobility and improving environmental quality.
with its 2,400 employees in The Woodlands.
the Montgomery County area, having grown
www.magnoliatexas.org
With other big employers including Hewitt
from three members to more than 1,100 today.
Associates, Baker Hughes and Huntsman,
This dynamic organization works to generate
The Woodlands has become one of Hous-
awareness, create partnerships and provide
MAGNOLIA PARKWAY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
ton’s biggest employment centers and is
leadership for progressive development and
The
sprouting an impressive skyline visible
growth while enhancing the quality of life in
Commerce promotes member businesses and
along I-45 North. There’s already talk of
Montgomery County www.conroe.org.
encourages economic development in their
giving back to the community through schol-
Magnolia
Parkway
Chamber
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of
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HOUSTON by the NUMBERS Want to know how living in the Houston a rea com pa res to othe r cities? 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.
MOVING FROM HERE
YOU’D NEED TO MAKE
MONTGOMERY COUNTY HISPANIC CHAPTER Anyone 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 COMMERCE The 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 professionals can succeed, while contributing to the success of others and the overall business climate of the Spring and Klein areas. www. springkleinchamber.org.
resources to business owners in the City of Willis. The Willis EDC offers resources, incentives, and information that help business 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 COMMERCE As 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 products and services to fellow members and the community. It is working to be an effective catalyst for the economic growth and prosperity in the Woodlands area. www. woodlandschamber.org.
THE WOODLANDS AREA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP The Woodlands Area Economic Development
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
CITY OF WILLIS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
grow. It is a direct link to all the area has
The Willis Economic Development Corporation (EDC) provides assistance and
informed decisions and smooth transitions.
to offer, allowing business people to make Learn more at www.edpartnership.net.
CITY OF CONROE TOP EMPLOYERS Conroe Independent School District Elementary And Secondary Schools Conroe Independent School District Montgomery County Conroe Regional Medical Center Nov Downhole City Of Conroe Consolidated Communications Services Wal-Mart Stores Inc Nov Fluid Control 3 Locations Professional Directional Tri-County Services Inc Gullo Cars Of Conroe, Inc Jyoti International Inc Milk Products Lp Dba Borden Nov Texas Oil Tools Turbo Drill Russell Construction Company
Medivators Inc Mckesson Pharmaceutical Ball Corporation Huntsman Petrochemical Llc Ms Energy Services Protect Controls Inc Crown Beverage Packaging Team Oil Tools San Jacinto River Authority Nexeo Solutions Llc Bauer Manufacturing Streater-Smith Honda Nissan Hempel Coatings USA Inc Lone Star Family Health Clinic Conroe Machine LLC Tony Gullo Motors I, LP John Wiesner Inc
Greater Conroe Economic Development Council
Phoenix 61,439 Detroit 61,826 Austin 61,375 San Francisco 33,401 Boston 40,832 Denver 53,759 Miami 52,467 Pittsburgh 59,757 Dallas 61,311 Seattle 41,995 Philadelphia 49,305 Atlanta 58,979 Baton Rouge 63,766 New York City 25,910 Los Angeles 41,996 Chicago 50,705 Las Vegas 54,455 Portland 45,498 St. Louis 63,697 Raleigh 65,105 Cincinnati 64,818 Charleston 58,336 Knoxville 68,194 Madison 56,382 Salt Lake City 61,120 Virginia Beach 59,817
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 prospective members. www.magnoliaparkwaycc.org.
WHERE BUSINESS AND INNOVATION MEET Deison Technology Park in Conroe, Texas
North of Houston and The Woodlands
All utilities and regional detention in place
Adjacent to regional airport with U.S. Customs facility
Four-lane direct access to I-45
Sites ranging from 2 to 248 acres
Incentives for qualified projects 936-538-7118 • gcedc.org
LOOKING FOR HOMES JUST GOT EASIER…
Search more than 8 million properties
Ask Your REALTOR®
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in this section attractions and family fun art and culture golf and sports calendar of events
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
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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. 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 BUREAU Discover all the entertainment treasures Conroe has to offer, including concerts, restaurants, golf courses, a calendar of events and more. You’ll also find travel planning 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 information including an online events calendar, maps, video gallery, city blog. Visitor information packets and a Meeting Planners guide can be found at www.VisitHoustonTexas.com.
CITYPASS ADVENTURES See 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 BUREAU The 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 BUREAU Enjoy a stroll back in time among more than 150 shops, galleries, museums and restaurants 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.
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ARTS, CULTURE s n o i t c a & Attr 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.
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T H E AT ER D IS TR IC T Alley Theatre 615 Texas Ave., Houston, 77002 www.alleytheatre.org
Houston Grand Opera 510 Preston St., Houston, 77002 www.houstongrandopera.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.
Adding to Houston’s rich cultural environment, Houston Grand Opera entertains with their innovative programs, community events and educational projects. Houston Grand Opera has a solid reputation for commissioning 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 extensively, including trips to Europe and Asia, and is the only opera company to have won a Tony, two Grammy awards, and two Emmy awards.
Bayou Place 500 Texas Ave., Houston, 77002 www.bayouplace.com
Houston Symphony 615 Louisiana, St., Ste. 102, Houston, 77002 www.houstonsymphony.org
Bayou Place is Houston’s premier destination 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.
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.
Hobby Center for the Performing Arts 800 Bagby St., Ste. 300 Houston, 77002 www.thehobbycenter.org
Jones Hall 615 Louisiana St., Houston, 77002 www.houstonfirsttheaters.com
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.
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 visitors attend some 250 events annually.
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.
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 employment for actors, directors and additional staff.
Stages contributes much to the
Houston community, including the availability 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 internationally 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
Main Street Theater 2450 Times Square Blvd., Houston 77005 333 S. Jensen, Houston, 77003 www.mainstreettheater.com
www.houstonfirsttheaters.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.
Camera of Houston and Mercury the
Houston’s largest performing arts complex, is home to the Houston Ballet and Houston Grand Opera and is partnered with Da 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.
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M U S E U M D IS TR IC T 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
Photo courtesy of The Art Car Museum
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 acknowledged 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 workshops, 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
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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 exhibitions on display. CAMH also offers special programs and educational opportunities. 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
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 Remembers,” 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 visitors 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
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
2015 to 2019 the campus of the Museum
Holocaust Museum Houston 5401 Caroline St., Houston, 77004 www.hmh.org
public in an effort to promote participation
MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
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 exhibitions, publications and public programs. This art museum is free, and open to the in the arts. Blaffer Art Museum is also the gateway between the University of Houston and the City of Houston.
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ARE A A TTR A C T IO N S The Woodlands Town Center / The Woodlands Waterway®
For more information visit www.thewoodlandscvb.com/www.visitthewoodlands.com.
Commission on Arts & Culture and the
The Woodlands Town Center, the downtown of The Woodlands, is a 1,000-acre destination for shopping, dining and entertainment 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, MainStreet-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 entertainment spots surround The Fountains.
The Woodlands Children’s Museum
The restoration of the Crighton Theatre
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.
The Crighton Theatre is located in downtown 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.
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-diamond property. Town Center offers exceptional retail, dining and entertainment for residents and visitors.
Crighton Theatre Foundation.
began the preservation and renovation 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 educational 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 imaginative play experiences.
efforts that visitors see in downtown Conroe
Crighton Theatre
Texas where they receive protection and
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, 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
The Crown Jewel of Montgomery County is now the home base for Stage-Right Productions, 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
an outdoor amphitheater surrounded by a lush forest. The Pavilion hosts contemporary concerts, is the Summer Home of the Houston Symphony, and past performances 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
SCHLITTERBAHN GALVESTON ISLAND WATERPARK www.schlitterbahn.com 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. HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
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L E I S U R E & R E C R E AT I O N
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 firstclass 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 information visit www.woodlandscenter.org. Discovery Green Since it opened in 2008, this 12-acre downtown park has been a hit with Houstonians 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-foottall fountain - built to look like a “horseshoe of running water” - sits among 186 oak trees at the base of the 64-story Williams Tower.
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Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
international cargo vessels, and operations at the port’s Turning Basin Terminal.
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
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
Aiming to be a leader in the global movement 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 permanent 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.
a variety of exciting sports and entertain-
Moody Gardens
educational complex designed by Disney
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 independence 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
Imagineering, offers hands-on, space-related 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 Paddlewheel Boat, tee off at the new Moody Gardens Golf Course and relax at the Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention 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
MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
– WINTER/SPRING 2018
experiences to visitors. In addition to a fullsize reproduction of the space shuttle, guests can use computer trainers to perform operations similar to the ones the astronauts used to launch a satellite or land a shuttle. NASA scientists and astronauts give briefings 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 thousands 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 education for JSC guests. 281-244-2105
SPORTS & GOLF 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 DISTRICT
GOLF
Within walking distance of Avenida de las Americas, the Houston Astros
Winters 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 professionals grip it and rip it at the nearby Shell Houston Open.
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 concentration 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 Dynamo’s have won two MLS Cups being in their first two seasons.
Photo courtesy of Woodforest
In addition, golf lessons, clinics, PGA professionals and First Tee Programs are offered throughout the greater Houston area.
PA L M B E A C H R E L O C AT I O N G U I D E . C O M 7 7
HOUSTON SHINES FOR SUPER BOWL LI The 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
M ONTGOMERY COUNTY PA RKS 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 regulation lighted football field and covered horse arena with concession stands and restrooms.
walkable plaza and chic culinary district across the street for Houston’s central park,
Gene Campbell Sports Complex
Discovery Green.
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
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.
GOLF COURSES
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 facilities and restrooms as well as swimming areas and fishing piers. Additional amenities include two covered pavilions available for rent, a softball field and volleyball areas. Admission is $2.00 per person, kids 5 and under are free. Mussel Pond Preserve
PUBLIC 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
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
PRIVATE
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- Palmer Course
281-863-1400
thewoodlandscc.com
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and the ball association and is subject to availability.
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Mussel Pond Preserve is a 22 acre conservation 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 Memorial 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
County behind the Recycling Facility, provides
donated by families in memory of their loved ones.
a wonderful area for birdwatching, native plant
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 equipment, barbeque grills, and bike racks.
observation and hiking. The 71-acre green way, free to visit and open to the public daily,
ORWALL Sports Complex
brings many ecotourists to southern Mont-
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 maintains the park and facilitates the recreational programs. Private use of the fields requires prior permission from the association.
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 naturalized Texas trees and plants, and there are walking trails, benches for relaxing, pavilions, a fountain, bridges, rainwater projects, a duck nesting area, specialized gardens, a naturalized area and waterfalls surrounding a large pond. The park contains a Shakespeare 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
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 football fields, restrooms, two concession stands and picnic areas. West Park is maintained by Montgomery Youth Sports Association and Montgomery Girls Softball 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 concessions and restrooms.
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.
Tamina Park
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Wine Time
IN M O NT G O M ER Y C O UN TY 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. 80
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 farmland on more than 400 wineries. In a perfect blend of agriculture and tourism, wineries attract over 1.8 million visitors each year.
hills and gentle dells of Montgomery
In southeast Texas, rainy springs lead to long summer days and on the rolling
favor; some of the best Texas wines are
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County, with their warm breezes and micro climates, some of the finest ingredients 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 beginning to take a sip and want another. And Montgomery County’s flavors are gaining 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. 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 TRAILS Several times a year, select Montgomery Wineries are part of the Texas Bluebonnet 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 visitors jump start their holiday gift giving, while enjoying a calming taste of wine. February Wine and Chocolate Trail celebrates 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 backyard 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 HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
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e s r e v i D DINING SCENE
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. 82
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7 leguas 15949 Highway 105 W, Suite 66 Montgomery, TX 77356 www.7leguasmex.com
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille 6700 Woodlands Pkwy., Ste. 300 The Woodlands, 77382 www.perrysrestaurants.com
Black Walnut Cafe 9000 New Trails Drive The Woodlands, TX 77381-5208 www.blackwalnutcafe.com
Pho Dat Vietnamese Cafe 18024 Texas 105, Ste 600 Montgomery, TX 77356
Caffe di Fiore 10110 Woodlands Pkwy. The Woodlands, TX 77382 www.caffe-di-fiore.com Cozy Grape Wine Bar and Bistro 14340 Liberty Street Montgomery, TX 77356 www.cozygrape.com
Ransom’s Steakhouse & Saloon 300 CB Stewart Drive Montgomery, TX 77356 www.ransomssteakhouse.com Robard’s Steakhouse 2301 N Millbend Drive The Woodlands, TX 77380 www.robardssteakhouse.com
Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse 1900 Hughes Landing Blvd, Suite 400 The Woodlands, TX 77380-3794 www.fogodechao.com
Thai Wok In Resturant 15917 Highway 105 W Ste F Montgomery, TX 77356 www.thaiwokin.com
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria 20 Waterway Ave Ste 100 The Woodlands, TX 77380-3442 www.grimaldispizzeria.com
The Big Sombrero 19402 Highway 105 W Montgomery, TX 77356 www.thebigsombrero.net
Guadalajara Hacienda 27885 Interstate 45 N. The Woodlands, 77380 www.guad.com
The Pizza Shack 20873 Eva St Ste G Montgomery, TX 77356 www.pizzashack.com
Hubbell & Hudson Bistro 4526 Research Forest Drive The Woodlands, 77381 www.hubbellandhudson.com
The Republic Grille 4775 W. Panther Creek, Ste. 490 The Woodlands, 77381 www.therepublicgrille.com
Jasper’s 9595 Six Pines Dr, Ste 900 The Woodlands, TX 77380 www.jaspersthewoodlands.com
The Toasted Yolk Cafe 2129 W Davis St, Suite c Conroe, TX 77304 www.thetoastedyolk.com
Landry’s Seafood 1212 Lake Robbins Drive The Woodlands, 77380 www.landrysseafood.com
Tommy Bahama’s Restaurant & Bar 9595 Six Pines Drive The Woodlands, TX 77380-1531 www.tommybahama.com
McKenzie’s Barbeque & Burgers 17099 Walden Road Montgomery, TX 77356 www.mckenziesbarbeque.com Nick’s Fish Dive & Oyster Bar 20 Waterway Ave., Ste 105 The Woodlands, 77380 www.nicksfishdive.com Ocean Boullevard Bistro & Martini Bar 1200 Marina Dr, Just off Highway 105 Montgomery, TX 77356 www.obbistro.com Olive Oil 373 Rayford Sawdust Road The Woodlands, TX 77380 www.oliveoilgreekrestaurant.com Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen 18165 Interstate 45 S. Conroe, 77385 www.pappadeaux.com
SHOPPING The Boardwalk Towne Lake 9945 Barker Cypress Rd. Cypress, 77433 www.boardwalktl.com The Galleria Houston 5058 Westheimer Rd. Houston, 77056 www.galleriahouston.com Houston Premium Outlets 29300 Hempstead Rd. Cypress, 77433 www.premiumoutlets.com Katy Mills Mall 5000 Katy Mills Cir Katy, TX 77494 www.katymills.com Market Street 9595 Six Pines Dr. The Woodlands, 77380 www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com Old Town Spring Spring Preservation League, 123-F Midway, Spring, 77373 www.oldtownspring.com Outlets at Conroe 1111 League Line Rd. Conroe, 77303 www.outletsatconroe.com Willowbrook Mall 2000 Willowbrook Mall Houston, TX 77070 www.shopwillowbrookmall.com The Woodlands Mall 1201 Lake Robbins Dr. The Woodlands, 77380 www.thewoodlandsmall.com
Tony’s Italian Delicatessen 16283 Highway 105 W, Suite 9 Montgomery, TX 77356 www.tonysitaliandelicatessen.com Truluck’s Seafood Steak & Crab House 1900 Hughes Landing Blvd. Ste. 600 The Woodlands, 77381 www.trulucks.com Vernon’s Kuntry Katfish 5901 W. Davis St, Conroe, TX 77301 Walden Yacht Club 13101 Melville Drive Montgomery, TX 77356 www.waldenyachtclub.com World’s Burgers 17099 Walden Road Montgomery, TX 77356 www.worldsburgers.com
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CALENDAR of EVENTS Photo courtesy of The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau/Derrick Bryant Photography
MONTGOMERY COUNTY EVENTS YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS
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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 information, 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, literature, education and nature for more than 1 million residents in the surrounding area. The District hosts several annual events, including CreekFest Houston.
Sounds of Texas Music Series For 20 years, this series has brought quality, intimate concerts to Montgomery 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 beverages from some of the area’s finest restaurants, caterers, bakeries, deli’s and beverage companies. Your ticket includes food, beverages and festivities.
FEBRUARY
Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts www.pearlmfa.org
Texas Home & Garden www.texashomeandgarden.com
The Pearl Fincher Museum brings worldclass 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.
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.
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 information and upcoming performances, go to their website.
MARCH The Woodlands Marathon
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 Association 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 Fairgrounds 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 scholarships 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
www.thewoodlandsmarathon.com The Fidelity Investments The Woodlands Marathon is a BOSTON QUALIFIER and has seen will traverse the streets of Town Center and the community on a single-loop 26.2mile 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 charities and volunteer organizations. Come join the excitement as we welcome close to 9,000 runners.
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.
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JULY
OCTOBER
Freedom Fest – City of Montgomery www.experiencemontgomery.com
Autumn Art and Wine Festival – Old Town Spring
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.
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.
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
Creekfest www.creekfesthouston.com
Montgomery Wine and Music Fest www.experiencemontgomery.com
Live music, street performers, car show, Kid Zone, fireworks and, of course, catfish.
Petfest – Old Town Spring www.petfestoldtownspring.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.
PetFest is a weekend event dedicated to finding homes for animals in shelters and rescue groups. It’s a fun-filled festival of entertainment and education that raises money, volunteers and foster homes. Bring your pet!
Watch the Canine Frisbee Disc Club, Splash Dogs and the popular doggie fashion show. Enjoy the many crowd-andcanine approved activities. You and your pet will have a dog-gone good time.
NOVEMBER
Event to be held in the streets of Historic Montgomery. Discover Texas Wines, Texas Food, Texas Beer, and Great Texas Music!
Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival
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.
Bridgeland Annual Howloween Fest www.bridgeland.com
Antique cars compete in various categories for prizes in Old Town Spring. Stroll the streets and view these beautiful vintage automobiles.
The Texas Renaissance Festival is the nation’s largest, most acclaimed renaissance 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.
Texas Renaissance Festival www.texrenfest.com
Annual Home for the Holidays in Old Town www.oldtownspring.com
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.
NOVEMBER THE LIGHTING OF THE DOVES FESTIVAL www.HolidayInTheWoodlands.com
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY
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 N E W C O M E R The G U IWoodlands D E – W I N T E RWaterway /SPRING 20 1 8 a dazzling fireworks display. and
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE
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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 – FA L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8 To Nlearn more, visit www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com
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