Texas 288 South Newcomer & Relocation Guide - 2017 Vol. 2 by WEB Media Group LLC

THIS ISSUE: A LOCALâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GUIDE TO NEW NEIGHBORHOODS, EDUCATION & EVENTS

Housing and

s d o o h r o b h g i Ne WHERE TO LIVE

THINK OF IT as a WIN-WINWIN 2017-18

COMMUNITY of the

YEAR

2017-18

DEVELOPER OF THE YEA R

Awarded by Texas Association of Builders and Greater Houston Builders Association

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Experience More of Life’s Best Moments

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PearlandMC.com |

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SPRING | SU MME R 2018

HoustonNewcomerGuides.com

288 South Map 18 Texas & Cost Of Living Planned 26 Master Communities 288 32 Texas School Districts 67 TX288 Toll Road Houston’s Active Lifestyle 68

Texas 288 Houston Newcomer Guide

contents | features

THIS ISSUE: A LOCAL’S GUIDE TO NEW NEIGHBORHOODS, EDUCATION & EVENTS

Housing and

Neighborhoods WHERE TO LIVE

ON THE COVER Meridiana Amenity Center Meridiana won the coveted Texas Star Award 2017 for Community of the Year, based on its commitment to creating a one-of-a-kind, education-based community. Meridiana is Houston’s first master-planned community with outdoor learning labs, created in collaboration with local educators. Students study the earth’s movement, the solar system, principles of gravity and velocity, wildlife habitats and more. In Galileo’s Lab students study weather, water quality, the solar system, gravity and velocity. PHOTOGRAPHY We would like to thank the following for their contributions: Visit Houston Texas Alvin Community College Alvin ISD Angleton ISD Art Car Museum Brazosport ISD Children’s Museum City of Alvin Tourism Froberg’s Farm

26 68

GHCVB Houston/Visit Houston Health South Pearland Houston Astros Houston Zoo Meridiana Photo courtesy of Meridiana

Mike Fox Photography Pearland ISD Pearland Town Center Pomona Sienna Plantation EDITORIAL We would like to thank the following writers for their editorial contributions to the publication: Judy Van Cleve Joy Oden Cecile Nemitz-Ruffino © WEB Media Group LLC 2018 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without the written permission of the Publisher.

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

– SPRING/SUMMER 2018

Choose Wisely Smart Questions Lead To Smart Decisions

You make decisions every day. The question is, are you making the right ones? At HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Pearland, we know how important it is to ask smart questions to help you or your loved one make the right decision for rehabilitation.

Questions like, • How often will I see a physician? • Are the latest technologies available? • Do the nurses specialize in rehabilitation?

Get the answers to choose wisely by calling HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Pearland at 346 907-3028.

Beginning April 1, 2018, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Pearland will become Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Pearland.

contents | sections 16

WELCOME TO TEXAS 288 SOUTH HOUSTON • 10

Phone: 713-952-1916 Fax: 713-952-1956

HOUSING + NEIGHBORHOODS • 16 17 Neighborhoods 19 Master-Planned Communities

HOME FRONT • 22

info@HoustonNewcomerGuides.com www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com CEO Derek Wright PRESIDENT Kevin Evans

24 Texas 288 Map & Cost of Living

EDUCATION IN TEXAS 288 SOUTH HOUSTON • 30 32 STEM STAAR 33 Public Schools 37 Private Schools

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Erin Hayden Seal OPERATIONS MANAGER Cecile Nemitz-Ruffino

ACTIVE ADULTS + SENIOR LIVING • 44

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

45 Senior Housing Options

PROJECT MANAGER

RELOCATION INFORMATION • 48 49 Vehicles 50 Recycling & Utilities

Robert Nusbaum

44 Higher Education

46 Assisted Living Communities

VICE PRESIDENT

54 International Relocation 56 Places of Worship

HEALTHCARE RESOURCES • 58

Cathy Turner

Judy Van Cleve ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Jill Roe Paul Yarbrough GRAPHIC DESIGN Debora Licón Texas 288 South Houston Newcomer Guide is published and distributed bi-annually by WEB Media Group LLC. For advertising information, please call 713-952-1916.

60 Major Medical Facilities

Although every attempt is made to

62 Finding a Doctor

be as comprehensive and accurate as possible, WEB Media Group LLC is

BUSINESS + COMMUNITY • 64

66 Major Employers List 66 Area Chambers of Commerce 67 T exas 288 Toll Road

LEISURE + RECREATION • 68

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.

70 Texas 288 South Area Attractions 75 Arts and Culture 80 Sports & Golf 82 Calendar of Events

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

– SPRING/SUMMER 2018

300 E. Highland Mall Blvd Suite 395 Austin Texas 78752 Phone: 512-266-2900 www.TexasRelocationGuides.com

Our housewarming gift to you: a $200 move-in bonus.

At TXU Energy, we hope this $200 VISA® prepaid card will help make your move a little easier–at least on your wallet. But that’s just the beginning of what we hope is a long relationship with you. By the way, did you know that along with connecting your electricity, we can help set up your Internet, TV, phone and even home security? One call does it all with TXU Energy Complete Connect: 1-877-TXU-MOVE.

Call or visit txu.com/mover today for your $200 move-in bonus. Use promo code “MOVE.” Valid for new TXU Energy move-in accounts enrolled at a single-family residential premises through this offer on a qualifying electricity plan. Redemption instructions will be mailed following enrollment. Allow six weeks after TXU Energy has received payment of your first month’s bill to receive the bonus. Card is valid for six months after issuance. Limit one per premises. Offer subject to change or cancellation at any time. Additional eligibility requirements, terms and conditions may apply. ©2018 TXU Energy. All rights reserved. REP #10004

WELCOME from

BRAZORIA COUNTY Where Texas Began, come and enjoy the coast all while being moments away from the Houston Metropolitan area and the Texas Medical Center.

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Brazoria County…..WHERE TEXAS BEGAN! Our county is located just south of the Houston metropolitan area. Its 1597 square miles offer a variety of historical, dining, entertainment, and shopping venues with a multitude of activities, events, and points of interest. We are blessed to have 28 miles of coastline on the Gulf of Mexico. Boating, fishing, and beachcombing are some of the most popular activities in our area. Our County is one of the fastest growing in the region. Today more than 330,000 people call Brazoria County home. With the Houston Metropolitan area just a short drive away, we have the opportunity to avail ourselves to all the things they have to offer. We are close to the Texas Medical Center. However, we don’t have to leave our county to enjoy excellent medical care, museums, theater, parks, fine dining, and youth activities. In addition, we feature eight great and highly regarded school districts. We are the home of Alvin Community College, Brazosport College, and the University of Houston - Clear Lake Pearland Campus. Whether you are working towards a degree or taking continuing education classes, you will find many choices at all of these locations. Brazoria County is the home of Sea Center Texas, the Nolan Ryan Center, Brazoria County Historical Museum, Varner Hogg Plantation, Abner Jackson Plantation, and many other wonderful sites. We showcase many county and city parks. Quintana Beach Park, Stahlman Park, and San Luis Park are some of the most popular. If outdoor sports are your game, we feature several golf courses, a water ski park, and many youth and adult sports complexes. We are proud of our rich history, and the community achievements that quality growth has brought to Brazoria County over the years. We encourage all to visit the many things we have to offer. We hope that you will see why we are so proud to call Brazoria County home!

Sincerely,

L. M. “MATT” SEBESTA, JR. Brazoria County Judge

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

– SPRING/SUMMER 2018

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WELCOME from

TEXAS 288 SOUTH REGION Welcome to Houston! Find your dream home in the Texas 288 South region and take advantage of what the community has to offer. Welcome to Houston! You’ve just arrived at 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, and home of the World Champion Houston Astros. As you drive around and familiarize yourself with the Houston area, you’ll probably 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

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 buy or rent. The 37,000 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 appreciate that a home is one of the greatest investments you will ever make. More than a million consumers begin searching for their dream home every month on HAR’s award-winning website, HAR.com, which actually showcases property listings for the entire state of Texas. Our 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.

Fax: 936-273-0344

On behalf of HAR, it’s my great pleasure to welcome you to Houston. We hope you take advantage of everything our incredible community offers.

FORT BEND

Sincerely,

6680 Greatwood Pkwy. Sugar Land, TX 77479 713-629-1900 ext. 700 Fax: 281-343-9557

Kenya Burrell-VanWormer 2018 Chair Houston Association of REALTORS®

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

– SPRING/SUMMER 2018

“Cancer, I am stronger than you” Emmie Gooch | Cancer Survivor Emmie would have gone anywhere to beat cancer. But she chose to stay close to home since MD Anderson, the nation’s number-one ranked cancer hospital, was nearby. At every stage of her cancer journey, she received the most advanced treatment available from her dedicated team of experts, whose only focus is ending cancer. With multiple locations across Houston, Emmie beat cancer on her own terms and with a strength that is truly inspiring. Appointments are available at an MD Anderson location near you. Call 713-745-9940 or visit FindYourMDAnderson.com.

Appointments available at multiple locations around Houston.

in this section welcome recreation culture shopping & entertainment

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SPRING/SUMMER 2018

to e m o c l e W HOUSTON&

TEXAS 288

In 2017, the Astros gave Houston its first World Series Championship. After Hurricane Harvey soaked the area leaving many to rebuild, the Championship inspired Houstonians to be “Houston Strong” and hopeful.

The Houston Astros wore a patch with the

What do Houston, New York, Los Angeles,

entertainment. Newcomers have always

word “Strong” over the team logo as they

Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego and

played a big part in the Houston area’s

battled to win the World Series Champi-

Boston have in common? According to

growth and diversity.

onship. A few months before, Hurricane

Resonance Consultancy’s 2016 U.S. Place

Harvey dropped more than 50 inches of

Equity Index, each of the cities received

Houston is a leading domestic and inter-

high marks for product, programming,

national center for virtually every segment

people, prosperity and promotion. Houston,

of the oil and gas industry: exploration,

the only Texas city in the top 10, took the

production,

No. 7 spot in the survey. According to the

service, supply, offshore drilling, and tech-

index, physical location is less important

nology. Construction projects estimated

today in determining the economic success

at $50 billion have been announced in the

of cities, states and countries. Increasingly,

petrochemical corridor along the Gulf

the quality of a place determines where

Coast. These projects will bring thousands

talent, capital and tourism flows.

of jobs to the area.

newcomers from around the world who

Houston’s entrepreneurial spirit is detect-

For several years medical and healthcare

bring with them a world view of business,

able across a broad range of industries

industries have been adding and expanding

opportunity and life quality.

from manufacturing and healthcare to

facilities to serve a growing population

rain crippling parts of the city for weeks. How

Houstonians

responded

during

Harvey and afterwards was truly heroic, but not unexpected for a city as resilient and generous as Houston. With 94 consulates, a dynamic bilingual population,

two

international

airports

and a top ranked port, Houston attracts

transmission,

marketing,

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

WELCOME TO TEXAS 288 SOUTH

Brazos Bend State Park

residing in the suburbs. In Central Houston the Texas Medical Center continues to add new facilities for education, research and technology to its ever expanding, worldclass campus. Houston, one of only three municipalities with two international airports, has direct access to Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica and Jamaica from Hobby Airport. While Houstonians are world travelers, there is always something exciting to do from theatre and dining to professional sporting events in Houston’s Sports District. Houstonians often use the phrase “inside the loop” or “outside the loop” as a location reference. Loop 610 or “the Loop” is a 38-mile ring around central Houston. Exits off Texas 288 provide quick access to attractions inside the Loop: downtown, the Museum District, NRG Stadium, Hermann Park, Montrose, the Houston Zoo, Rice University, The Galleria, and the Texas Medical Center. The Museum District is adjacent to Montrose - one of Houston’s most diverse neighborhoods. Rice University, The Glassell School of Art, Contemporary Arts Museum, C.G. Jung Educational Center, The Museum of Fine Arts, and Rothko Chapel are located in this vibrant district. Nearby museums include the Children’s Museum, Holocaust Museum and the Museum of Health & Medical Science. The

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

Houston Museum of Natural Science is situ-

Due to its size and proximity to Houston,

ated near Miller Outdoor Theatre.

Brazoria County is experiencing steady economic growth. In lower Brazoria county,

TEXAS 288 CORRIDOR

billions of dollars are being invested in

The Texas 288 Corridor takes on its distinct

industrial complexes and new business enter-

personality outside the Beltway where

prises, and Port of Freeport is expanding to

cosmopolitan

into

accommodate projected growth in imports

suburban areas and an immense ecosystem

and exports due to the widening of the

in Brazoria County — “Where Texas

Panama Canal.

Houston

transitions

Began” almost 200 years ago. While the Texas 288 Corridor spans parts of Fort Bend, Harris and Galveston Counties most of the region lies within Brazoria County. Part of Stephen F. Austin’s “Old Three Hundred” colony of families arrived in the early 1820s. Brazoria County takes its name from the Brazos River, the 11th-longest river in the United States. Early Spanish explorers called the Brazos the Rio de los Brazos de Dios, The River of the Arms of God. Texas 288 can tout proximity to Houston’s largest employment centers including downtown Houston, the Texas Medical Center, The Galleria, Hobby Airport, NASA, and the Houston Energy Corridor. In addition to being a tourist destination, the Brazosport area is home to Dow Texas

Pearland, one of the fastest growing suburbs in the Houston area, and Friendswood, currently recognized as one the one of the safest cities in the Houston area, anchor the Texas 288 Corridor on the north. South of Pearland, Manvel and Alvin are shaping up to be the next residential and retail hubs. Key to their growth is direct access to both Texas 288 and Texas 6 (SH 6), a major gateway into Fort Bend County and Sugar Land.

The

nationally-acclaimed

Alvin

Community College campus was founded in Alvin almost 70 years ago. Angleton, the county seat for Brazoria County, and Lake Jackson are centers of commerce in lower Brazoria County. Sun-loving Houstonians head to Clute, Surfside and Quintana Beach in the Brazosport Area.

Operations, BASF and Port Freeport. Texas

In the Cities South chapter, you will learn

288 is ideally situated between the Port of

more about each city and what makes the

Houston, the largest container port on the

Texas 288 Corridor a quality place to live,

Texas Gulf Coast and Port Freeport.

visit, work and play.

– SPRING/SUMMER 2018

“

If given the chance to move anywhere in the world, 67 percent of the Houstonians surveyed said they would stay in the area. – 2017 Kinder Houston Area Survey –

”

RECREATION

team placed third in the Little League

The Texas 288 Corridor is fortunate to have the Texas Gulf Coast as its most southern border. Expansive salt and freshwater marshes, sloughs, ponds, coastal prairies, and bottomland forest make ideal habitats for all sorts of wildlife. Visitors to the Brazoria Natural Wildlife Refuge and San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge enjoy exceptional wildlife watching, camping, fishing and some hunting. The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail and the Upper Texas Coast Guide show dozens of birding spots in the area.

World Series in Williamsport PA. While

For sporting enthusiasts, the Brazosport area has it all from deep sea fishing and kayaking to surfing and sun bathing at Bryant Beach and Quintana Beach Park. The Museum of Natural Science and Nature Center and Planetarium are in The Center for the Arts and Sciences in Clute. The museum contains the largest seashell collection in the South along with dinosaur and mammoth fossils. Lake Jackson is home to Sea Center Texas, Lake Jackson Historical Museum, and Brazoria Natural Wildlife Refuge. Brazos Bend State Park & George Observatory are just 45 minutes from downtown Houston. Visitors can explore the park on foot, bike, or horseback via more than 37 miles of trails. Activities include fishing, picnicking, camping, and star gazing. In 2016, the City of Alvin was named a Playful City USA based largely on its vibrant Old Town Center, and well organized events, music festivals and Fun Runs that draw thousands of visitors.

baseball is popular, other outdoor activities are encouraged and supported by the City of Pearland.

Independence Park is

being re-designed with connecting trails to expand alternative transportation opportunities, sports fields, pavilions and new playground equipment.

CULTURE Residents of the Texas 288 Corridor are minutes from sporting events, theater, fine dining, clubs, historical parks, museums, a nationally acclaimed zoo, and seasonal events and festivals in central Houston. Closer to home cultural events take many forms to promote the arts, music, theater and the cultures of one of the most diverse populations in the state. Some of these cultural opportunities follow, but you will find more opportunities in the Arts & Culture chapter. Brazosport Center Stages, the oldest continuously operating community theater in the Gulf Coast of Texas, is part of The Center for the Arts & Science in Clute. The Center also houses the Brazosport Fine Arts Council, Art League, Brazosport Symphony Orchestra, and the highly-acclaimed Museum of Natural Science and Planetarium. In 2017, the Pearland Convention & Visitors Bureau teamed up with the Pearland Arts League and Pearland Alliance for Arts & Culture to create the Pear-Scape Art Sculpture Trail. In the Fall of the year, the Pearland Arts League sponsors Fusion of the Arts, a juried art show that supports

Pearland caught the eye of the nation in 2015 when the Pearland Little League West

local performing and visual artists. For theater enthusiasts, The Pearl Theatre Guild

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

WELCOME TO TEXAS 288 SOUTH

Photo courtesy Children’s Museum of Houston

presents seasonal performances of classical and contemporary plays at its permanent home, The Pearl Theater. Alvin Community College follows an annual calendar of entertainment that includes a

out or for seasonal celebrations, Fun Runs, movie nights, art shows and more. Courtyard by Marriott is the exclusive hotel for business and leisure travelers. The Center at Pearland Parkway is the dominant retail location on Pearland’s east side.

mix of opportunities, from musical performances and theatrical productions, to art shows and seasonal sporting events. Alvin’s culture is most noticeable at special events and concerts that typically involve, in one way or another, everyone in town. Angleton has hosted the Brazoria County Fair in various forms since 1910. The 9-day event is known for its old-fashioned fair atmosphere and entertainment. The Fair attracts a quarter million people.

SHOPPING, EATING OUT ENTERTAINMENT When it comes to good eating, shopping and entertainment the Texas 288 area has something for everyone.

To meet the tastes of its growing and diverse population restaurants specialize in Indian, Asian, Mexican, Italian and German specialties. Kings Biergarten & Restaurant is considered to be among the best German restaurants in the country. Locally-owned Killen’s Steakhouse in Pearland is recognized as one of the best in the U.S. by prestigious Travel & Leisure magazine.

surpassed in size only by the Galleria.

TRANSPORTATION

Baybrook Mall has added dozens of new

to shop, dine and meet friends for a night

According to the Texas Medical Center, approximately 7,000 residents of the Pearland area work in the medical center and use Texas 288 and Loop 610 to get there. Texas 288 carries over 180,000 vehicles per day and is one of the busiest corridors in Texas. The Sam Houston Tollway/Beltway 8 is a major connector to destinations in all directions via the Fort Bend Toll Road, U.S. 59 (I69) and I-45.

– SPRING/SUMMER 2018

center that combines traditional retail with dining and entertainment options. The Lawn, a spacious grassy area measuring the length of a football field, is a gathering spot for the community. Pearland Town Center is the go-to-place

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

the Brazoria County Toll Road (BCTRA), Harris County and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) started construction of the Texas 288 Toll Road in late 2016. Blueridge Transportation Group is devel-

Residents of Alvin, Angleton and Lake Jackson have a variety of large retailers, small shops, antique stores, automobile dealerships and other services to choose from. The Brazos Mall, at the corner of Texas 288 at Oyster Creek Drive in Lake Jackson, grand opened recently after undergoing extensive remodeling inside and out.

The Baybrook Mall in Friendswood is

stores, restaurants, and a vibrant lifestyle

To alleviate the congestion on Texas 288,

oping the Harris County segment for TxDOT.

The

Harris

County

portion

includes all 8 direct connectors to the Sam Houston Parkway as well as the reconstruction of a majority of the Texas 288 and IH 610 interchange. The

Brazoria

County

segment,

two

managed lanes in each direction, will begin at the Brazoria County line/Clear Creek and extend south through the northern section of the corridor to approximately CR 58. Brazoria County will work to complete their portion of the project at the same time the Harris County segment is ready to open in mid-2019. Future expansion of the Brazoria County section will take the managed lanes further south where Texas 288 will intersect with the future Grand Parkway, Texas 99 at County Road 60. The route for Segment B has been approved, but construction is not expected to start for several years pending financial reviews. Segment B starts near Texas 288 near County Road 60 travels south then east where it connects with Interstate 45 south of League City. Segment C, U.S. 59 to Texas 288, has environmental clearance. 

Recognized as the 2017-2018 Community of the Year by the Greater Houston Builders Association and the Texas Association of Builders, Meridiana is a carefully planned community of new luxury homes amidst rolling green spaces, tranquil waterfront settings and resort-style amenities – all with immediate Texas 288 access minutes south of Pearland.

MERIDIANA EMERGES AS HOUSTON’S TOP COMMUNITY Opened in 2017, the award-winning communit y of fe r s new homes by Houston’s leading builders from the $200s to the $600s, including those on prized cul-de-sac properties and in exclusive gated sections. Although officially open for just over a year, Meridiana already has embarked on its second phase with new homes by Chesmar Homes, David Weekley Homes, Highland Homes, Perry Homes, Plantation Homes, Shea Homes, Taylor Morrison and Trendmaker Homes. Six new model homes, each fully furnished and expertly decorated, will open daily this spring with a dedicated builder sales representative on-site. Single and two-story homes in Meridiana feature gourmet island kitchens, Butler’s pantries, generous entertainment spaces, inviting master suites, spacious secondary bedrooms, wine grottos, media rooms and game rooms. Residents in Meridiana’s first phase also enjoy homesites sized five feet deeper than those in other masterplanned communities, a big plus for active families looking to add an oversized patio, outdoor kitchen or pool. Speaking of Meridiana’s active families, they often can be found at the community’s lakefront Oasis Village, a sprawling, resort-style setting with family pool and cabanas, lap pool, splash pad, fitness center, café, fishing pier and outdoor

play area, all-weather ping pong and foosball tables, shaded sitting areas and lush central lawn. A glass-walled conservatory is set over the water adjacent to an exclusive Ambassador Yacht for Meridianas canine ambassador Soleil, the community’s lovable golden retriever. Next to the Oasis Village, the new Iowa Colony City Park will offer a lush central lawn for soccer, Frisbee and kite flying along with a quadplex basketball court, two grass volleyball courts and ample shade to relax and unwind. The public park is part of a future, 100-acre tree-lined park setting with plans to open in the spring. Meridiana families also enjoy an A+ education at the on -site Mer idiana Elementary School while fun is guaranteed with a full-time Lifestyle Coordinator who plans movie nights, festivals and other community gatherings. Houston’s first master-planned community with outdoor learning labs, Meridiana provides a unique opportunity for residents of all ages to learn about the world around us. In Galileo’s Lab, a tree-lined, lakefront playground, children explore in a planetarium dome where an on-demand audio presentation explains how stars create the constellations. Two working telescopes provide an up-close look at the moon and stars while a working sextant measures angles between objects and

ADVERTISER CONTRIBUTION

the horizon. Toddlers also can use their imagination in a make-believe space capsule and at a ship’s wheel. Other educational elements throughout the community include stone seating down Meridiana Parkway, across from the Oasis Village, which line up with the Meridian Tower to represent the winter and summer solstice lines. Thinking of your drive time to work? Meridiana is directly accessible to Texas 288 heading north and south via Meridiana Parkway. Simply exit the community and head north on Texas 288 to Pearland and the Texas Medical Center or turn south to Dow Chemical, BASF and other Brazoria County employers. Upon return, residents are greeted with an impressive LED screen of soothing seasonal images. Meridiana’s Welcome Center, situated in the community’s Oasis Village at 4003 Meridiana Parkway, is open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. For the latest information on Meridiana and its move-in ready homes, go to MeridianaTexas.com and sign up to receive e-mail updates from the community. Also, follow Meridiana at Facebook. com/MeridianaTexas and on Twitter and Instagram @meridianatexas. 

in this section

Photo courtesy of Sienna Plantation

homes & lifestyle neighborhoods master-planned communities

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SPRING/SUMMER 2018

HOUSING &

NEIGHBORHOODS Pearland, Friendswood, Alvin, Manvel, Angleton, Lake Jackson, Clute, Freeport, Surfside & Quintana Beach

Expect to find large master planned communities covering hundreds to thousands of acres, smaller enclaves with just a few hundred residents, and established neighborhoods surrounding golf courses, bodies of water and native forests. Beach homes, river front, and lakeside homes are available, too.

Existing and newly built homes, broadly

based on the floor plan, size, materials,

neighborhood. Updating homes can be as

priced from the $200,000s to over $3

location and weather. Home builders can

simple as a coat of paint and new flooring,

million, are readily available throughout the

give you a good estimate from the start date

or it might call for more extensive remod-

Texas 288 Corridor. Some newcomers rent

until completion.

eling taking months to complete.

a home to test the waters and save money.

Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading home builders have adopted

Local Realtors can help you locate new and

Seniors looking for a new place to call home

energy-saving features in the insulation,

existing homes through the Multiple Listing

will find 55-plus apartments, independent

roofing, appliances, water heating system,

and assisted living senior communities, and

air conditioning system, windows, doors and

nationally-acclaimed rehabilitation hospitals

orientation. Resale homes can be updated

and specialized clinics in the Texas 288 area.

with energy-saving appliances and other

townhomes or apartments before purchasing

features to improve energy consumption. With Home builders typically have inventory

an average temperature of 86 degrees and nine

homes available for quick move-in with

months of warm weather, energy-efficient air

designer selections already installed. When

conditioning is a must-have in Houston.

building a home from scratch, design

Service (MLS) and other sources. For more information you can do research at www. HoustonNewcomerGuides.com.

TOWN CENTER The Town Center area in Pearland is largely served by the Alvin Independent School District. A small area on the far west side is

consultants can help you with standard

Resale homes have unique advantages that

served by the Fort Bend Independent School

features, select upgrades and estimate prices

cannot be easily replicated, from mature

District. Shadow Creek High School, the

so that your finished home is comfortable,

landscaping to a premium home site on

districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third comprehensive high school, is

affordable and what you expect. The time

a golf course, lake, greenbelt or wooded

on the corner of Broadway and Kirby near

it takes to build your new home will vary

setting, to its location in a highly desirable

Pearland Town Center.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

HOUSING & NEIGHBORHOODS

Photo courtesy of Pomona

Photo courtesy Pomona

Town Center’s retail centers, shopping, and

include parks and green spaces, lakes and

newly opened Park at Southlake features

entertainment venues make it a popular

ponds, resort-style pools, trail systems, village

playgrounds and a pool complex. Children

choice for active families. Town Center has

centers, exercise rooms, and neighborhood

attend schools within the award-winning

direct access to Broadway/FM 518, Texas

schools. Activity centers where newcomers

Alvin ISD and Fort Bend ISD.

288 and the Sam Houston Parkway which

can meet their neighbors.

can shorten drive times to employment

Pearland’s first master-planned community,

centers such as the Texas Medical Center,

“We believe amenities foster a stronger

Shadow Creek Ranch is in its final phase

Central Houston and southwest Houston.

sense of community because they bring

of development. Convenient shopping and

neighbors together,” Bynum said. “Making

dining options such as the Pearland Town

Town Center is home to Shadow Creek Ranch, the area’s largest master-planned community, Shadow Creek Ranch Business Center, Shadow Creek Ranch Square, the Medical Center District and the Lower Kirby District. Several hotels, a variety of restaurants, sports parks, churches, the Westside Library, and The Pearl Theater. Discovery at Shadow Creek Ranch Apartments are a short walk to major destinations in the Town Center area.

a connection is important when it comes to

Center and Shadow Creek Ranch Town

feeling at home.”

Center and a variety of corporate campuses,

A fishing camp and pier, natural scape

immediate area

In 1857 the first group of settlers to arrive in north Brazoria County settled along Chocolate Bayou. They named the settlement Pomona from the Latin name Pomum, meaning “Fruit”. Today, Pomona is the first LiveSmart

churches and child care facilities are in the

playground, amenity center, resort pools, walking trails and sports fields are part

TEXAS 6/MANVEL

of Pomona’s master plan. Pomona resi-

Texas 288 enters Manvel south of Pearland

dents have short drives to retail, health

Town Center. Alvin ISD serves communities

care, sporting events and employment

in Manvel and Alvin and a few communities

centers along FM 518 in Pearland. Pomona

in Pearland. This area is home to large-

Elementary opened this fall. Older students

scale communities including Southfork,

are zoned to Shadow Creek Ranch High

Sedona Lakes, Rodeo Palms and Pomona.

School. In addition, the Texas Medical

Manvel High School, Manvel City Hall and

Center is less than 20 miles from Pomona

a Brazoria County Annex are east of Texas

via Texas 288. Highland Homes, David

288 on Texas 6.

Weekley Homes, Coventry Homes, Plantation Homes, Perry Homes, and Trendmaker

Grand opening in 2018, NewPort Lake

Homes model homes are open daily.

Estates is being developed on 73 acres at

community to be developed by Hillwood

the southeast corner of CR 58 (Croix Rd)

Communities in the Houston-area. Russell

One of the newest communities in Pearland

and CR R48 (Old Airline Rd). NewPort has

Bynum, general manager of the Houston

is a 315-acre lakeside community on

three naturally designed lakes; 88 of the 199

Region, says top amenities in Houston

Broadway/FM 518 called Southlake. The

home sites are waterfront lots

– SPRING/SUMMER 2018

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

Bluewater Lakes in Manvel features lake and

homes by 12 leading builders priced from

Meridiana is Houston’s first master-planned

cul-de-sac home sites, a community pool

the high $200,000s to over $1 million.

community with outdoor learning labs,

and walking trails. An elementary school,

created in collaboration with local educa-

junior high school and Manvel High School

Club Sienna, a 12-acre recreation complex,

tors. Students of all ages can study the

(Alvin ISD) are all close by.

is home to the largest water adventure park

earth’s movement, the solar system, princi-

in the South. Sienna Plantation also offers is

ples of gravity and velocity, wildlife habitats

34 parks, miles of trails, and the 18-hole

famous for lifestyle amenities, Lakes of

and more. In Galileo’s Lab, students study

Sienna Plantation Golf Club. Camp Sienna

weather, water quality, the solar system,

is a 160-acre sports park along the Brazos

gravity and velocity.

Friendswood

Development

Company

Savannah on Texas 6 continues the tradition. With over 50 acres of lakes, at completion, beautiful views from peaceful vine covered retreats are enjoyed throughout the community.

River Corridor. Schools are part of the highly rated Fort Bend ISD.

Two other learning labs in Meridiana’s Amenity Village, a sky map and the

SOUTH OF TEXAS 6

community’s signature 60-foot Meridian

Meridiana recently won the coveted Texas

Tower, demonstrate the sun’s movement

Star Award 2017 for Community of the

in relation to the earth.

Year largely based on its commitment to

Solstice and Equinox lines track the sun’s

creating a one-of-a-kind, education-based

movement. The Meridian Tower casts a

new homes by 12 leading builders. Traditional

community. Meridiana Elementary School

spot of sunlight on the ground that moves

single-family homes, low-maintenance patio

(Alvin ISD) opened in 2016. Residents have

as the Earth rotates.

homes and luxury custom homes are priced

a 30-minute drive to Dow Chemical, BASF,

from the high $200,000s to over $1 million.

Freeport LNG and the Port of Freeport in

Amenity Village has a Welcome Center,

Sienna Plantation in Fort Bend County is a comprehensive

10,000-acre

master-planned

community located between Missouri City and Sugar Land. One of the top-selling communities in Fort Bend County, Sienna Plantation offers

The sky map’s

lower Brazoria County. While the Texas

fitness center with children’s play area,

One of the top-selling communities in Fort

Medical Center and Central Houston are

family pool with cabanas, splash pad,

Bend County, Sienna Plantation offers new

approximately 20 miles north.

poolside

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HOUSING & NEIGHBORHOODS

Photo courtesy of Meridiana

amphitheater for movie nights.

Photo courtesy Pomona

Activ-

shops, sports fields, historical sites and

ities include catch-and-release fishing,

many City services are in the Mid-Town

kayaking and a trail system to Meridian

area. Residents move around the area via

Elementary School.

Cullen, McHard Drive, FM 518, Mykawa, Texas 35/Main, Magnolia Road, Bailey

Meridiana’s second phase features a new addition, Chesmar Homes on 60-foot homesites.

The community’s second

phase also showcases homes by David Weekley Homes, Highland Homes, Perry Homes, Plantation Homes, Shea Homes, Taylor Morrison and Trendmaker Homes. Sterling Lakes, the first community to be developed south of Texas 6, has a new entrance from Texas 288. New sections, including a one-acre lot section featuring Terrata Homes, opened in 2017. Stone Meadow Homes offers homes priced from the $300,000s at Savannah Plantation on FM 1462 in the Alvin ISD. Over-sized

Road, and Veterans Dr. Opening in the spring of 2018, Townhomes at Lake Park is the first townhome community of its kind in west Pearland. The one, two and three-bedroom townhomes, from 766 to 1,557sq. ft. in size, offer a long list of luxurious amenities

The area’s newest community is Massey Lakes Estates. Close neighbors include the highly-regarded Massey Ranch Elementary, the only elementary school in the Pearland ISD to offer the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP).

including attached garages. Community amenities are impressive: a cyber lounge

Other neighborhoods in the West-Mid-

with coffee bar, pool with splash pad and

Town-TX35 area include Country Place

water features, two Lakes with Foun-

(Golf), Crystal Lake, Pearland Lakes, Silver-

tains, 24/7 fitness center, 24 HR clubroom

lake, Silver Creek, Sunrise Estates, and

with billiards, 1200 sf. Community Event

Avalon Terrace.

pavilion, fitness pavilion, bike storage, grilling stations, and easy access to hike and bike trails.

acreage home sites from 1 to 7 acres are

Townhomes at Lake Park is located on

unique in new-home communities in the

Cullen Boulevard north of FM 518. The

Houston area. A limited number of lake

Public Safety &Municipal Court building

front lots are available. Savannah Planta-

and Dawson High School are less than a

tion can also boast lower combined taxes.

mile from Lake Park.

PEARLAND WEST/MID-TOWN/TX35

Mid-Town

The area between Texas 288 and Texas

Chamber of Commerce, John Hargrove

35 was quick to respond to Pearland’s

Environment

first growth spurt more than 25 years ago.

Recreation Center and Natatorium, and

Shopping centers, restaurants, specialty

Centennial Park. The highly-acclaimed

– SPRING/SUMMER 2018

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

Robert Turner College and Career High School are located in this area. The palatial Sri Meenakshi Hindu temple, one of only three temples in the USA, sits in the heart of Mid-Town.

city

facilities

include

the

Stella Roberts Recycling Center, Pearland Complex,

the

Pearland

OLD TOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT To revitalize the central and historical core of Pearland, the City developed a Historic District Revitalization Plan that improved new roads, storm water upgrades, sidewalks, street signs and decorative lighting. Old Town Site is bordered by Orange Street to the north, Walnut Street to the south, Galveston Street on the east and Austin Street on the west. Some of Pearland’s finest churches are in the Old Town Site area, including St. Helen Catholic Church and school, and First

United Methodist Church. While small, Old Town is home turf for the Pearland Independent School District and hosts a Farmer’s Market on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month in Zychlinski Park on Grand Blvd.

retailers, restaurants, healthcare services, and

West Ranch, the largest master-planned

new-home communities.

community in Friendswood, features 100 acres of nature trails, parks and recreation

Texas 35 from Pearland enters the City of

areas, a resort-style swimming pool, compe-

Alvin at about County Road 133. The City

tition swimming pool and fishing pier.

of Alvin benefits from Texas 6, which runs

PARKWAY AREA

east to west, and newly improved Texas 35

New-home communities include Magnolia

Pearland Parkway is a direct link to the Sam Houston Parkway and I-45 making it ideally situated for families needing quick access to Hobby Airport, downtown Houston, the Petrochemical Corridor and the Bay Area. The University of Clear Lake Pearland Campus is on the parkway south of the Beltway. North of the Beltway, Pearland Parkway becomes Monroe, the east boundary of Hobby Airport.

which connects north Brazoria County to

Creek, Westover Park, West Lake, Reserve

the south part of the county. Alvin can boast

at Clear Creek, and Sterling Creek.

Old guard city services in the area include City Hall, Tom Reid Library, the Melvin Knapp Activity Center, Post Office, YMCA, Independence Park, Pearland High School and Pearland’s only country club, Golfcrest Country Club. The newly renovated Pearland Regional Airport is south of Dixie Farm Road. Established and newly-built communities, retail centers, office buildings, shallow ponds, manicured fields and natural green belts line both sides of the parkway as it meanders south toward Alvin. Most of the communities in this area are served by Pearland ISD, but Pasadena and Houston ISDs also serve the area. Neighborhoods in the Parkway area include Bridges at Blackhawk, Enclave at Highland Glen, Green Tee, Highland Crossing, Barker’s Landing, Highland Park, Riverstone Ranch, and Province Village.

affordable new homes and a good selection of resale homes, farms, ranches and acreage

BRAZOSPORT AREA

for custom building.

Brazoria, Clute, Freeport, Jones Creek, Lake

Space to spread out is the tagline at Bayou Trails Estates. This 20-acre community

Jackson, Oyster Creek, Quintana, Richwood, Surfside Beach.

features 16, 1-acre home sites that are 200-ft.

South Brazoria County consists of nine

wide. More than ample space for a work

municipalities which offer a broad range of

shop, boats, swimming pools and Texas-

cultural, business and recreational activities.

sized outdoor kitchens. Bayou Trails is being

Students attend classes at Brazosport ISD

developed on FM 2917 off TX 35, near

schools and can continue their studies at

Alvin and Liverpool. Stone Meadow Homes

Brazosport College.

are priced from the $280s to $400’s. Located on Oyster Creek Drive in Clute, Active

new-home

communities

include

Woodshore is the newest neighborhood

Kendall Lakes, Mustang Crossing, North

to open in the Lake Jackson area. Prior to

Point Trails and Forest Heights.

being developed, the property had been held

FRIENDSWOOD

by a single family for over 130 years. Woodshore, about two miles east of Texas 288,

Friendswood, honored as one of America’s

can boast natural amenities including lakes,

top 100 places to live, has an easy access to

a mature forest and a gently rolling terrain.

Hobby Airport, NASA, Ellington Field and the Bay Area. Acclaimed Friendswood ISD

Approximately 300 residential lots will be

and Clear Creek ISD service the area and

completed in six phases, phase 2 is currently

collectively employee thousands of teachers

under

and administrators.

move-in are available on a limited basis. 

development.

Homes

for

quick

Photo courtesy of Pomona

ALVIN Alvin has much to offer retirees and families seeking a small-town pace, wide open spaces and parks, pedestrian friendly streets, and easy access to the arts and cultural events hosted by Alvin Community College. Alvin’s historical district, Town Center, speaks to the city’s heritage and future with thriving businesses, restaurants and boutique shops. In recent years, Alvin has attracted corporations seeking hundreds of skilled workers, big box

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

in this section

Photo courtesy of Discovery Green - Katya Horner, Photographer

cities south houston by the numbers cost of living & map

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SPRING/SUMMER 2018

The

HOME FRONT Many of Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best attributes are visible throughout the Texas 288 Corridor. WalletHub, a personal-finance website, recently ranked Pearland among the fastest growing cities in the U.S., 19th overall. The city came in No. 5 for population growth; growing almost 5 percent between 2009 and 2015.

Texas 288 offers a variety of homes and

of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best hospitals, physicians,

Texas Health Science Center at Houston,

lifestyles, acclaimed schools, low crime

researchers, educational institutions and

Baylor College of Medicine, Texas A&M

rates, and quick access to major business

health care providers. The Texas Medical

College of Medicine, and the University of

centers, sports districts, beaches, higher

Center consists of dozens of hospitals and

Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.

educational opportunities, and performing

clinics equipped to provide quality family

and visual art centers.

health care, cardiac care, cancer therapy,

Founded in 1945, the Texas Medical

trauma

MRI,

Center has functioned much like a munic-

THE TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER

Life Flight and innovative treatments in

ipal government, enforcing covenants and

The Texas Medical Center is the largest

hundreds of specialties.

restrictions, coordinating activities among

employer

Houston

with

care,

sports

medicine,

member institutions and maintaining the

106,000

employees; about 11 percent live in northern

With more than 7.2 million patients visits

infrastructure. Today, TMC institutions are

Brazoria County and southwestern Harris

a year the TMC offers the largest concen-

developing a shared vision that will focus

County. Pearland is home to the highest

tration of medical services in the world.

on five key areas of importance in the 21st

number of these employees.

TMC can boast 21 renowned hospitals, eight

century. Design teams, each comprised of

specialty institutions, eight academic and

leaders from member institutions focused

With 1,345 acres, the Texas Medical

research institutions, six nursing programs,

on Clinical Research, Genomics, Health

Center (TMC) is the eighth-largest business

four medical schools, schools of dentistry,

Policy, Innovation, and Regenerative Medi-

district in the country. This internationally

public health, and pharmacy. Affiliated

cine, are planning the future growth of the

recognized community is home to many

medical schools include the University of

Texas Medical Center.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

TEXAS 288 HOUSTON HOME FRONT

Brookside

CreekVillage

Clear

865

Texas 288 South

288

BNSF

521

ree k

Prop. Value............$472,155,923,085 Retail Sales..............$88,892,139,887

Four Corners

LEVI JORDAN PLANTATION STATE 2611 HISTORIC SITE

Courtesy of the Texas Almanac, published by the Texas State Historical Association, Austin, Texas.

Brazoria Reservoir 332

Lake Jackson a Br

ake ar L

Per Capita Inc......................$55,088

way ater BRAZORIA lW a t s NATIONAL oa rac WILDLIFE In t REFUGE Gulf West

523

2004

Demi-John

STATE PRISON

Mims

zo s

2004

2611

Clute

Jones Creek Churchill

523

288

Rivers End

Oyster Creek

332

1495

2918

SAN BERNARD NAT WILDLIFE REFUGE

Treasure Island

Richwood B288

R iv er

FREEPORT

Surfside Beach

Quintana

JUSTIN HURST WILDLIFE MGMT AREA

Cost of Living

3005

Bay

524

Ced

Wages......................$37,346,009,148

ANGLETON LR

521

2004

Amsterdam

Danbury

523

East Columbia

Wild Peach Brazoria

Sweeny

LR B288

Mustang Lake East/West

1459

Liverpool

522

2917 35

521

Bay

Unemployed.................................5.3

Old Ocean

Harris Reservoir

Holiday Lakes Bailey’s Prairie

2852

West Columbia

San Bernard Reservoirs

Civilian labor......................2,279,367

1301

2917

288

ville

July mean max...........................90.7

1459

Eagle Nest Lake

Lin

Jan. mean. min..........................43.4

524

Danciger

1301

Rainfall (in.)...............................56.81

VARNERHOGG PLANTATION STATE HISTORIC SITE

Altitude (ft.).................sea level–310

Hillcrest Village

1462

655

Otey

r nard Rive er

Land area(sq.mi.)..................1,703.5

zos

Sa n

Rosharon

Bonney

STATE PRISON

Bra

T AR

517

ALVIN

2403

Cree

Damon

288

Sandy Point

146'

Iowa Colony

STATE PRISON

528

Cow

Manvel 521

ola

Population..........................4,538,028 ON

518

1462

Area (sq.mi.)..........................1,777.5

PEARLAND

518 1128

HISTORIC BRAZORIA COUNTY BORDERS HARRIS, GALVESTON, FORT BEND, MATAGORDA & WHARTON COUNTIES. Change fm 2010........................10.9

HARRIS

l f

6 MILES

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

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

– SPRING/SUMMER 2018

95.8

138.7

96.5

126.2

125.1

123.5 136.5 100.3 104.6

PEARLAND

landscaping plans to help enhance key inter-

Seybold, Re-Chem, Dover Energy, Aggreko,

As the third largest city in the Houston MSA

sections along Texas 288 between Beltway 8

PLC, Tool-Flo and FloWorks Interna-

and the 33rd largest city in Texas, Pearland

and County Road 59, and includes lighting,

tional. In the Lower Kirby District, Lonza

is a thriving community with a diverse and

special paving, water features, sculptural

Houston, Inc. is completing an 80,000-sq.ft.

educated workforce.

elements and landscaping.

biotech facility. Healthcare providers in the

In 2012, Pearland adopted the 20/20

Current

Plan, a strategic outline for future success. The plan incorporates a wide range of economic development partners in government, education, healthcare and business. New initiatives are focusing on significant improvements along major corridors into the City of Pearland (Main Street/Texas 35,

projects

target

thoroughfares,

drainage, public safety, library expansions, parks, recreation facilities and sports venues. Pearland Parks & Recreation has various proj-

Methodist Hospital, HealthSouth Hospital and Kelsey Seybold. Pearland, first settled in 1894, was incor-

active community.

porated in 1959. The city currently has an

University of Houston-Clear Lake Pearland Campus offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Alvin Community

288) to attract commercial, retail and resi-

College offers core classes at the UHCL

dential developments.

Pearland campus and Shadow Creek Ranch

Corporation, the City of Pearland and

Hospital, HCA Pearland Medical Center,

ects underway that are designed to engage an

Cullen Boulevard, Broadway/518 and Texas

The Pearland Economic and Development

Pearland area include Memorial Hermann

High School, giving students the opportunity to attend elementary school through

estimated population of 120,000.

FRIENDSWOOD Friendswood’s reputation for traditional values, quality education, and low crime makes it a top choice for young families. Friendswood was named one of the

college without leaving home.

country’s “Best Places to Live” by Money

Municipal Management District to oversee

Pearland’s growing business community

of 100 cities across the U.S. SafeWise

a 288 Corridor Master Improvement Plan.

includes Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Merit

publishes a list of Texas’ 50 safest commu-

This Plan provides design, concepts and

Medical, Cardiovascular Systems, Kelsey

nities: Friendswood, the only Houston-area

local commercial property owners created a

magazine in 2009, ranking No. 32 out

Freedom to Spread Out Stone Meadow Homes crafts stunning homes that provide a comfortable lifestyle for you and your family today – and for years to come.

Homes on 1 to 2.5 acre lots $280s to $500’s Savannah Plantation

FM 1462 6 miles east of Texas 288 1.25 to 2.5 acre home sites $300s to $500s Alvin I.S.D.

Bayou Trails Estates

Alvin area east of Highway 35 on FM 2917 1-acre home sites, 200-ft. wide $280s to $400s Alvin I.S.D.

On an acreage home site you will have plenty of space for an extra garage, workshop, outdoor kitchen, pool, sport vehicle storage and much more.

7714 Stratford Hall Drive Rosharon, Texas 77583 832-945-1462

stonemeadowhomes.com

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

TEXAS 288 HOUSTON HOME FRONT

community, was ranked No. 10. In addition,

Independent

H-E-B.

restaurants, breweries, music venues, shops

Niche recognized Friendswood as the 11th

Grocery, Kroger Texas, City of Friendswood

School

District,

and new businesses of all kinds, hugs the

Best Suburb in the Houston area based on

and the Clear Creek ISD. More than half of

110-year-old, fully renovated Alvin Depot

crime, public schools, cost of living, job

the city’s residents are employed in execu-

Centre and Clock Tower grounds.

opportunities and amenities.

tive, professional and managerial positions.

Well maintained residential communities

In the late 1890s, three Quaker families

118th among 821 community colleges in

in Friendswood are typically set among

named Friendswood in honor of their friend-

2016 by Wallethub, provides a wide variety

tall oaks planted centuries ago by early

ship and the heavily wooded river-banks in

of activities, events and seasonal celebra-

settlers. West Ranch, a 766-acre master

the area. Friendswood was incorporated in

tions for residents and students.

planned

1960. The population today is 39,400.

Alvin Community College (ACC), rated

community

Friendswood

Development Company, will feature 1,500

Frontier

homes when built out.

nered

ALVIN

Friendswood voters approved four separate bond projects in 2016. The $24 million, multi-phased plan will improve fire stations, library facilities, parks, roads and streets over a seven-year period. In 2016, for the 28th year, the City of Friendswood received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.

Alvin was honored with a 2016 Playful City USA designation for the 6th consecutive year. The national recognition program honors cities and towns across the country for making their cities more playable. For starters, Alvin is home to Froberg Farms, offering home grown fruit and

Communications

with

Empereon

has

part-

Marketing

provide strategic Customer Care and Tech

Support.

The

60,000-square-

foot call center features five high-tech training rooms, ergonomic workstations, game room, and internet café, among other amenities. Empereon-Constar will initially employ more than 250 representatives with a total of 650 jobs.

vegetables, Bayou Wildlife Park, Shimek

Major Employers include Alvin Indepen-

Residents have quick access to the Johnson

Garden, the Alvin Museum, and a Confed-

dent School District, Alvin Community

Space Center (NASA) just 10 miles away,

erate Cemetery. Stanton’s General Store,

College, Walmart, Ascend Performance

downtown

Airport,

which originally opened in 1922, is trip

Materials, INEOS Olefins & Polymers;

Ellington Field, petrochemical complexes,

back in time with a grocery store, feed store,

Empereon; Ron Carter Auto Group;

the Port of Houston, and Clear Lake.

farm supplies, livestock, restaurant and

Rice-Tec; Team, Inc, Diversified Ceramics,

Top

gift shop. Old Town Center touting trendy

and the City of Alvin.

Houston,

employers

Hobby

include

Friendswood

Photo courtesy of Pearland Town Center

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

– SPRING/SUMMER 2018

In 1893, Alvin became the first incorporated

288. Manvel was incorporated in 1961, the

city in Brazoria County. Alvin’s estimated

current population is estimated to be 8,000.

“We live and work in Texas 288”

population today is 25,000.

IOWA COLONY MANVEL By size, 40 square miles, Manvel is one of the largest cities in Brazoria County. Developers are looking at Manvel for large multi-use projects encompassing commercial,

retail

and

large

master-planned

residential communities. Just 20 miles from downtown Houston Manvel Town Center, a 270-acre retail site at the intersection of Texas 288 and Texas 6, will be the first multi-use development in the City of Manvel. The Weitzman Group is developing the mixed center for large anchor stores, smaller retail stores, pad sites for restaurants and commercial buildings. Additionally, The Presido at Manvel is a 400-acre mixed use retail and residential development planned at the intersection of

Largely rural farm and ranch land describes Iowa Colony today, but change is coming. Projected growth along Texas 288 from Houston to the Brazosport area places Iowa Colony directly in the path of major residential, retail and commercial developments.

Representing Buyers in New Construction & Resale Shelley Naiser

Meridiana, a large master-planned community by Rise Development, is forever changing the frontage along Texas 288. The Meridiana Parkway Interchange over Texas 288 offers quick access into the community. The parkway will eventually extend to Highway 6 in Manvel giving residents immediate access to another major thoroughfare.

Mary Jennings

Sterling Lakes, located 3 miles south of Texas 6 at CR 56, was the first community of any size to be developed in Iowa Colony. Sierra Vista, a sister community is under development.

nities fronting on Texas 288: Sedona Lakes, Rodeo Palms, South Fork and Pomona. A fifth master-planned community, Meridiana, has approximately 3,500 lots planned in

The discovery of oil in 1948 brought regional employment to Iowa Colony. The City of Iowa Colony was incorporated in 1973, the current population is 1,120. Alvin I.S.D. serves Iowa Colony.

NEW CONSTRUCTION Pomona Meridiana Southlake Lakes of Savannah Sedona Lakes RESALE Shadow Creek Ranch Southern Trails Silverlake

Texas 288 and Texas 6. Manvel is home to four large-scale commu-

Your Texas 288 Neighborhood Experts.

Ashley Warren

OFFICE: 281-809-3719 MOBILE: 832-654-1262

www.ShelleyNaiserProperties.com The Texas Gulf Coast Regional Airport (LBX) located in Angleton features an 11,000 square-foot terminal office building,

Manvel with additional lots in Iowa Colony.

ANGLETON

In a future phase, residents will have quick

Angleton has been the county seat of

access to Manvel via Meridiana Parkway.

Brazoria

Smaller-scale communities (Bluewater Lakes,

Angleton can boast excellent schools, afford-

Martha’s Vineyard, Lakeland) are being

able housing, a low crime rate, and a high

developed along Texas 6 east Texas 288.

quality of life just minutes from the Texas

County

since

1896.

Today,

Gulf Coast. The Brazoria County Fair, The Alvin Independent School District

one of the largest fairs in Texas, is held in

serves the Manvel area. Manvel Junior

Angleton in October.

a restaurant and private hangers. The $2.5 million facility is a key part of the airport’s $34 million, 20-year master plan. The expansion is being funded by several sources including Brazoria County, the Federal Aviation Administration and the State of Texas. Angleton became an incorporated city in 1912, the current population is approaching 20,000.

High, Rodeo Palms Junior High School, Don Jeter and E. C. Mason Elemen-

The Parks and Recreation Department

tary Schools are in Manvel. The pride of

operates and maintains more than 200

BRAZOSPORT AREA

Manvel, Manvel High School, is east of

acres of developed parkland spread over

The Brazosport area is situated where the

Texas 288 on Texas 6.

eight parks.

These community parks

Brazos and San Bernard Rivers meet the

feature playgrounds, disc golf, outdoor

Texas Gulf Coast; a natural environment

Manvel’s history was greatly influenced

volleyball courts, horse shoes, rental pavil-

for outdoor activities. The lifestyle offers

by the railroad, settlers from the north and

ions, fitness trails, butterfly gardens, youth

a wide range of recreational opportunities

oil. It was named after Allen Manvel, the

sports complexes and dog parks. The

including fishing, boating, camping, bird-

president of the Santa Fe Railroad. Manvel

Angleton Recreation Center offers a variety

watching and 44 miles of beaches.

went from a recorded population of 106

of activities including a weight room,

in 1970 to a population of 3,549 in 1980,

fitness classes, a full court gymnasium,

The

due to the construction of highway Texas

meeting rooms and indoor pool.

Dow Chemical Company and the other

Brazosport

area

owes

much

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TEXAS 288 HOUSTON HOME FRONT

“

Texas 288 Corridor boasts quick access to the Texas Gulf Coast and Central Houston.

”

To mark its continuing commitment to the Brazosport area, Brazoria County and the U.S. Gulf Coast, Dow Chemical opened the Texas Innovation Center (TXINN) in Lake Jackson. The TXINN houses advanced laboratory

facilities,

technical

expertise

chemical and petrochemical manufacturers

and Sciences. The college is a key provider

centers and administrative offices for the

that developed the area starting in the

of a highly-trained work force for industrial

Texas operation in the A. P. Beutel Building.

1930s. Nine separate municipalities--Bra-

employers throughout Brazoria County.

zoria, Clute, Freeport, Jones Creek, Lake

Clute is home to the “Great Texas Mosquito

Jackson, Oyster Creek, Quintana, Richwood and Surfside Beach—comprise the Brazosport Area.

nationally-recognized

tion of Clute is 11,211 and growing.

LAKE JACKSON

CLUTE The

Festival” held each year in July. The popula-

Brazosport

Lake Jackson, the largest city in the Brazo-

The Lake Jackson area is experiencing growth in other ways with the opening of a new H-E-B grocery store and Kroger Marketplace on Oyster Creek Drive. Other retailers, hotels and commercial businesses are building or completing new locations within the city. Residential communities

College in Clute occupies 156 acres of

sport area, is said to have been planned

naturally landscaped grounds enclosed on

almost foot-by-foot by architect, Alden B.

two sides by Oyster Creek. The Brazosport

Dow, and Dr. A. P. Buetel, the first general

Fine Arts Council, Art League, Brazosport

manager of Dow’s Texas Division in

The Brazos Mall, Texas 288 at Oyster Creek

Center Stage and the Museum of Natural

1941. Today, Dow Chemical’s A. P. Beutel

Drive, recently completed a $25 million

Science and Nature Center, and Planetarium

Building rises prominently above Texas 288

remodeling. The mall is anchored by

are all located in The Center for the Arts

to welcome visitors to Lake Jackson.

Dillard’s, JC Penney and AMC Cinemas.

– SPRING/SUMMER 2018

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

are also being developed to satisfy a strong demand for new-homes and apartments.

world. Dow recently completed a new

Jetty Park in Surfside has panoramic views of

ethylene and plastics plant in Freeport,

the Gulf. Activities include a full playground,

part of a $6 billion expansion along the

fishing, crabbing and relaxing. A boat ramp

Gulf Coast. At full operating capacity, two

on Thunder Road claims to have the fastest

million metric tons a year, the Freeport

ramp access to the Texas Gulf Coast.

plant will be the world’s largest ethylene production facility. Plant construction is surging in the Freeport area. Freeport LNG started construction of

QUINTANA BEACH Quintana Beach County Park is a 51-acre beachfront park located on the upper Texas gulf coast with day-use amenities

the liquefaction project and expects to achieve

and overnight facilities. Natural attrac-

commercial operation in 2018, and BASF has

tions

started construction of an ammonia plant, a

nature viewing, swimming, surfing, beach-

joint venture with Norway-based Yara Inter-

combing, and shelling.

include

bird

watching,

fishing,

national ASA. Founded in 1958, BASF’s Freeport campus is the company’s oldest

Open year-round, the park features paved

manufacturing site outside Europe.

full-service RV campsites, self-contained cabins,

tent

camping,

restrooms

and

In addition to the economic impact of

showers, a meeting/party house complete

Dow Chemical, BASF, and numerous

with kitchen, an event center, covered

other chemical companies, Freeport is

pavilions, picnic tables, grills, playgrounds,

a thriving port city just three miles from

volleyball court, hiking trails, pedestrian

A former Sears store was redeveloped to

open Gulf of Mexico waters. Port Freeport

beach, lighted fishing pier, access to the

house T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods. Adja-

currently ranks 26th among U.S. ports in

west jetty, and paved parking. 

cent to the mall, a full-service Courtyard by

international cargo tonnage. Freeport has a

Marriott serves the business community.

population of 12,100.

Lake Jackson is a jump-off point for endless

SURFSIDE BEACH

indoor and outdoor activities. Sea Center

Surfside Beach is a popular destination for

Texas, a fish hatchery producing 20 million

locals and Houstonians throughout the year.

fingerlings a year; Lake Jackson Historical

While just 2.2 square miles in size, Surfside

Museum, and The Gulf Coast Bird Obser-

offers visitors a host of activities. Beach

vatory are located in Lake Jackson. The

houses are available for short stays or longer

Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail and the

family vacations. You will find homes for

Upper Texas Coast Guide show more than a

sale or lease along the beach and inland.

Photos courtesy of Froberg’s Farm

dozen birding spots in the area. The population of Lake Jackson is approaching 28,000.

The Bluewater Highway runs the length of

“We will provide timely, knowledgeable and dedicated service to locate and secure the property that best meets your needs and requirements. Whether you choose to lease, buy or sell, we will skillfully guide you every step of the way.”

Surfside Beach and continues northeast to

FREEPORT

San Luis Pass and the bridge onto Galveston

Freeport, the second largest city in the

Island’s west beach. The Bluewater Highway

Brazosport area, is less than 5 miles from the

Trail is a nature trail designed for walks, golf

mouth of the Brazos River. Popular activi-

carts, bicycles, or joggers.

ties include fishing from land and offshore, crabbing, and sun bathing at Bryant Beach

Stahlman Park, a favorite event venue and

and Quintana Beach Park. The Gulf Coast

Gulf-side park, is ideal for large occasions

Bird Observatory and Brazoria National

or casual gatherings. Views of the Gulf of

Wildlife Refuge are in Freeport.

Mexico via decks, a gazebo, and walkover are spectacular. Across from Stahlman

Freeport is home to Dow Chemical, one

Park, the crabbing pier is a favorite spot

of the largest chemical companies in the

with locals of all ages.

Professional Service You Can Trust! Your Houston Real Estate & Apartment Locating Specialists

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www.DavidTheLocator.com HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

in this section STEM public schools private schools higher education

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SPRING/SUMMER 2018

EDUCATION IN TEXAS 288 SOUTH The only thing more expensive than investing in education is not investing in education. Districts in the Texas 288 Corridor offer an impressive array of high quality educational opportunities to prepare a growing population for future careers.

The Texas 288 Corridor is served by

(STAAR) tests. STAAR tests measure a

students. Open-enrollment Charter schools

five independent school districts: Alvin,

child’s performance, as well as academic

receive state funds based on the average

Angleton, Brazosport, Friendswood and

growth and college and career readiness.

daily attendance of students; however, they

Pearland. In addition, limited areas are

The number of subjects tested and the

do not receive funds from local tax revenue.

served by the Fort Bend, Houston, Pasa-

number of tests taken each year varies by

dena and Clear Creek Independent School

grade. Results from STAAR are used to

As health care and biotechnology indus-

Districts. Each district is governed by its own

calculate annual school and district perfor-

tries grow and mature within the Texas 288

board of elected trustees and offers a variety

mance ratings. For current information,

Corridor, career opportunities for educated

of study areas, extracurricular activities, and

ask your school district for updates or visit

skilled workers are increasing. Students

special education departments to meet the

the Texas Education Association (TEA)

interested in health science careers can

needs of students. All of the school districts

website at tea.texas.gov.

enroll in programs offered at local community colleges and advance their degrees at

in the Texas 288 Corridor “Met Standards” in the 2017 Accountability Ratings Report

In the State of Texas, charter schools operate

released by the Texas Education Agency.

under and receive academic accountability

numerous colleges and universities.

ratings from the Texas Education Agency.

Several

Texas students take the State of Texas

All charter students in Texas take the same

between local colleges and industry to train

Assessment

STAAR test as traditional public school

students for job specialties in high demand.

Academic

Readiness

programs

utilize

partnerships

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T E X A S 2 8 8 H O U S T O N E D U C AT I O N

Photo courtesy of Pearland ISD

STEM EDUCATION

In 2013, the average STEM occupation paid

The Texas Science, Technology, Engi-

STEM is an acronym for Science, Tech-

about $80,000 annually. That’s roughly 1.7

neering, and Math (T-STEM) Challenge

nology, Engineering and Math education.

times the average yearly U.S. wage.

Scholarship Program was established by

Simply defined, STEM is an interdisciplinary and applied approach that is coupled with hands-on, problem-based learning. Advocates of integrated approaches to STEM education believe teaching STEM in a more connected manner, especially in the context of real-world issues, can make STEM subjects more relevant to students and teachers. The goal being to increase the number of students who consider a career in a STEM-related field, and to improve

There are several STEM Initiatives in Texas to inspire existing and new programs. The Texas Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (T-STEM) Initiative provides a foundational approach to empower teachers, inspire students, and advance the STEM education. The` public-private initiative of academies, professional development centers and networks is designed to improve instruction and academic performance in science and mathematics-related subjects at

college readiness.

secondary schools.

Some educators want to include Art in

The school districts in the Texas 288 Corridor

House Bill 2910. Grants awarded under the T-STEM program allow community and technical colleges to provide merit-based scholarships to qualifying, high-achieving full-time students pursuing careers in STEM and related fields. Participating colleges partner with local business and industry to identify local employment needs in T-STEM occupations and to develop part-time employment opportunities for scholarship recipients. For the latest research on integrated STEM education,

see

the

National

Research

STEM programs making STEAM. Propo-

are integrating STEM teaching principals

Council report STEM Integration in K-12

nents of STEAM see art as a way of

in K-12 grade. Local businesses and indus-

Education at http://bit.ly/1fxFp2D.

offering more diverse learning opportuni-

tries are also taking an active part in STEM

ties, and better access to STEM programs

educational programs to strengthen the

for

Engaging

STEM skills of students while introducing a

students’ strengths using art activities

variety of career choices. Stephen F. Austin

increases motivation and the probability

Elementary School in the Brazosport ISD is

of STEM success.

a dedicated STEM campus for grades K-6.

Alvin ISD www.alvinisd.net

The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects

Dow Chemical Company, a world leader in

Alvin ISD serves the Alvin-Manvel-Rosha-

a 13 percent growth in careers in the STEM

STEM education, works closely with local

ron-Pearland areas. Spanning more than 252

sector between 2012 and 2020, compared

schools, colleges, government and other

square miles across Brazoria County, Alvin

with 11 percent growth in non-STEM sectors.

industries in support of STEM education.

ISD caters to some of the fastest growing

– SPRING/SUMMER 2018

all

types

learners.

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

TEXAS 288 SCHOOL DISTRICTS

communities in the Houston metropolitan

through a unique partnership with Alvin

area. The district is home to 29 campuses

Community College. Along with Dual

and a Career and Technical Center with more

Credit courses, students can earn both a

expected for Alvin ISD’s future.

high school diploma and an Associate

Shadow Creek High School, Alvin ISD’s

Degree from Alvin Community College.

third high school, opened in 2016 and will

Alvin ISD Board of Trustees has made

house up to 2,500 students. Shirley Dill

Career & Technical Education (CTE) a

Brothers and Pomona Elementary Schools

priority through the expansion of the CTE

opened in 2017.

program, which allows students to earn

Alvin ISD is the employer of choice for more than 3,000 educators and staff who are committed to helping every student achieve

certifications in pathways such as welding, veterinary sciences, cosmetology, and as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

their maximum potential. The district

Phase 1 of the new CTE center is complete,

currently serves more than 22,000 students,

housing autotech education. Phase 2 of

with a projected growth rate of 1,000 or

the center began construction in March of

more students every school year.

this year. For additional information about Alvin ISD visit www.alvinisd.net.

Teaching Outreach - There are various programs in Alvin ISD that aim to further

Angleton ISD

the education of students, even outside class.

www.angletonisd.net

For the first time in the district’s history, the Alvin ISD Book Bus; now, the “library on

Angleton Independent School District

wheels” will be able to serve hundreds of

strives to provide a high-quality educa-

Alvin ISD students.

tion and today serves approximately 6,800 students in a 396-square mile district.

The

number

Advanced

Placement

Scholars increases annually, while the district

Because the district recognizes the value

boasts a growing number of students who

of producing highly skilled graduates,

distinguish themselves in various academic,

AISD has designed multiple pathways for

fine arts and athletic competitions. This year,

college and career readiness. AISD is in its

there were two National Scholars as well as

ninth year of the Dual Language Program,

six National Hispanic Scholars.

an educational model in which native English speakers and native speakers

Academic Challenges - Alvin ISD high

of another language receive instruction

school seniors average $5 million in

in both languages to promote bilingual

academic, fine arts, and athletic scholar-

literacy in an ever-growing global market.

ships every year. SeaPerch, Project Lead the Way, STEM Academy and MAP

Career & Technology Programs - Addi-

(Magnet Academic Program) are just a few

tionally, Angleton High School offers

of the programs that provide opportunities

several career and technology programs,

to broaden knowledge, skills, and experi-

such as welding, criminal justice and

ences to Gifted and Talented and highly

culinary arts. Students can participate

motivated students. In addition, special

in award-winning fine arts programs,

education programs are also provided for

championship athletic programs, and a

students with disabilities through special

wide array of academic courses including

instruction, modifications, and services.

Advanced Placement and Dual/Concurrent College classes. The most accelerated

Alvin ISD high school students can earn

level of

college credit by taking advantage of

program (Pre-AP/AP) is its X-elerate

more than 75 Dual Credit courses offered

program for 5th or 6th grade students.

AISD’s advanced academics

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T E X A S 2 8 8 H O U S T O N E D U C AT I O N

Photo courtesy of Brazosport ISD

Photo courtesy Angleton ISD

STEAM & STEM Education - Wanting

In 2017 Northside Elementary became the

ensures financial strength and provides the

to give students more opportunities to

Northside STEAM Academy, a special-

resources to equip and maintain quality

become involved in STEAM fields, the

ized elementary school that focuses on

facilities and educational programming. To

district has made a huge push to incorpo-

science and technology as they are inter-

support its mission, BISD students from

rate multiple STEAM related programs

preted through engineering and the arts while based in mathematical elements. The

pre-kindergarten to twelfth grade receive a

in the classroom and as extracurricular activities,

Northside STEAM Academy will maintain

promoting

innovation

and

academic success.

the benefits of being a neighborhood school.

AISD Wildcat STEM Academy is an initia-

For more information visit angletonisd.net

tive based on the high school’s T-STEM

or search for Angleton ISD on Facebook.

designation from the state. Students in the academy can apply to be part of a cohort of students who are grouped together to

Brazosport ISD www.brazosportisd.net

focus on STEM related careers. As one

Brazosport Independent School District

of only 70 T-STEM Academies in Texas,

encompasses over 200 square miles of agri-

AISD started its academy last year at the

culture, ranching, industry, technology,

high school with a STEM pathway focused

service and small business, all thriving on

on Robotics and Engineering Design.

a horizon that spans from beachfront to

This year the academy is adding a STEM

urban convenience to rich farmland.

pathway in Health Science and Computer STEM

The district serves eight communities - Clute,

Academy has been expanded to include the

Freeport, Jones Creek, Lake Jackson, Oyster

Angleton Junior High School.

Creek, Richwood, Quintana and Surfside

Programming.

The

Wildcat

Beach - meeting the needs of nearly 12,500

quality education through superior services and diverse programs. Two Schools of Choice B*Success Academy – a 9-12 grade campus that offers students who are on track for graduation, an alternative to a traditional high school model through both face to face and online instruction. Stephen F. Austin Elementary, in its third year as a School of Choice, is a dedicated elementary STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) campus for grades K-6. Challenging

and

Rigorous

Coursework

- BISD offers challenging and rigorous coursework in all 19 schools with the three high schools offering Advanced Placement

Additionally, the district participates in

students on 19 campuses, setting the standard

(AP) classes and extensive Dual Credit

FIRST—For Inspiration and Recognition

for educational excellence with the mission to

college courses in a partnership with Brazo-

of Science and Technology—that helps

graduate each student to be future ready.

sport College. Along with these possibilities, BISD also offers extensive services for gifted

inspire young people’s interest and participation in science, as well as the You Be the

Brazosport ISD provides a rigorous and rele-

students under the ‘SEARCH’ (Seeking

Chemist Challenge. Last year an Angleton

vant learning experience for each child in an

Excellence through Ability, Responsibility,

Junior High eighth grader took first in the

environment that is safe and conducive to

Creativity & Honor Program) program, for

state competition.

learning. Through fiscal responsibility, BISD

students in grades K-8.

– SPRING/SUMMER 2018

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

Diverse Programs - Local industry partners

Texas Education Agency, the district’s

actively support elementary through high

curriculum emphasizes academic skills,

school robotic programs along with NASA

higher academic thinking and cooperative

supported rocket engineering opportunities.

learning strategies.

BISD offers robust Career & Technical

The FISD School Board was named 2016

Education (CTE) programs in the areas

Outstanding School Board of the Year in the

of construction, health, finance, industry,

region and is currently being considered for

welding, culinary, floral design, with more

the top honors at state level.

being added this year. In partnership with Brazosport College, the district will now offer

FISD has six campuses: one k-5 campus, one

an additional 12 dual credit courses in Career

k-3, two 3-5 intermediate campus, one 6-8

and Technical Education (CTE) pathways.

grade junior high and one 9-12 high school.

Starting the Fall of 2018, students who meet entrance requirements at both Brazosport High School and Brazoswood High School, will be able to enroll in more CTE based pathways.

UIL participation is high with state winners advancing to the playoffs where many teams reach the top. The District was awarded the 2014, 2010 and 2009 Lone Star Cup, which

Unique Opportunities - All BISD students have classroom access to chromebooks with those

honors a district for top academic and athletic

in grades 6-12 receiving a district purchased

records, and has continued to be in the top

Chromebook to provide students 24/7 access

three other years.

to their assignments, homework, online textbooks, tutorials, and other educational resources. These digital devices enable the teachers to differentiate their lessons both in terms of how they teach and how the students are expected to demonstrate their learning.

Friendswood High School was named in the Nation’s Top 1500 high schools by Newsweek Magazine. US News and World Report placed the school in the top 30 comprehensive high schools in Texas. Consequently, the many awards its

All BISD campuses offer a wide range of

clubs, organizations, sports, and programs

extracurricular activities to meet the varying

receive make FHS a top contender in

needs of all students. From elementary

the State and Nation. In the Academic

campus clubs to secondary UIL opportunities

Decathlon program FHS has won more

that include nationally recognized and award

state championships than any other high

winning fine arts programs along with excep-

school in the nation.

tional athletic programs in grades 7 – 12, there is a place for every student to belong.

The FHS Band and Choir as well as the

Brazosport ISD is made up of kind,

have won prestigious competitions at all

caring and compassionate employees and

levels. The Drama Department has won

community members who work together

more UIL competitions than any other high

to ensure that students have a wide range

school group in the State over the past 10

of high-quality programs to engage every

years. In 1987, members of the FISD School

learning style and assist in tapping into

Board implemented a Character Ed program.

their unique gifts. To find out more about

Since then the Westwood Elementary was

BISD go to www.brazosportisd.net.

named the first State School of Character and

Friendswood Junior High Band and Choir

a National School of Character. Friendswood ISD www.myfisd.com The

Friendswood

Pearland ISD www.pearlandisd.org Independent

School

District was established in 1948 and covers

Located in one of

15 square miles. Fully accredited by the

est-growing suburbs, Pearland Independent

the nation’s fast-

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T E X A S 2 8 8 H O U S T O N E D U C AT I O N

Pearland ISD students are equipped to become leaders with grit who impact their world. For more information, visit pearlandisd.org.

AREA SCHOOL DISTRICTS Fort Bend ISD www.fortbendisd.com As one of the largest districts in Texas, Fort Bend ISD spans 170 square miles in northeast Fort Bend County, just southwest of Houston and Harris County. The district maintains over 1,200 acres of land, 74

Photo courtesy of Alvin ISD

schools and 13 other sites for administration, athletics, agriculture, and the FBISD School District provides a world-class

Children at Risk’s 2017 school rankings.

Police Department. FBISD has 11 high

education to 22,000 students.

Eighteen of 20 district campuses included in

schools, 14 middle schools and 45 elemen-

Children at Risk’s annual rankings received

tary campuses; and to address various

an “A” grade.

vocational interests and special learning

Pearland ISD has 23 campuses: 11 elementary schools (including an International Baccalaureate World School), four middle

Student Achievement- Individually, Pearland

schools, four junior high schools, two tradi-

ISD students stand out among their peers.

tional high schools, a college and career

District high school students consistently

high school and an alternative campus. The district also offers a Gifted and Talented Academy (grades 5-8) and Dual Language Pilot Program at four elementary campuses.

score above state and global averages in SAT/ ACT scores and earned 568 Advanced Place-

Education Center, the M.R. Wood Center for Learning, the Ferndell Henry Center for Learning, and the Progressive High School. For information visit fortbendisd.com Houston ISD www.houstonisd.org

ment Scholar Awards in 2016. In fine arts and athletics, students frequently

District Excellence- While achieving top

bring home the gold, whether awarded gold

state accountability ratings, Pearland ISD

medals for rodeo art or advancing to the

consistently rises to the top of state and

UIL state finals.

The Houston Independent School District is committed to providing a high-quality education. HISD has 279 schools and more than 204,000 students, making it the largest

regional lists for academic excellence, student support and more.

needs, the district also has a Technical

Pearland ISD students also graduate college

district in Texas and the seventh-largest in

and career ready, thanks to a variety of CTE

the United States. HISD serves a dynamic,

In 2017, Niche.com ranked Pearland ISD

and dual credit programs for workforce

highly diversified community and is one of

the No. 3 district in the Houston metro area

learning and associate degree opportunities.

Houston’s largest business enterprises. For

and No. 18 in Texas based on testing data and student and parent surveys.

information visit houstonisd.org. World-Class Care- In fall 2015, the district

For high academic achievement combined with cost-effective operations, the district

established RISE Mentoring to connect students with caring, committed adults

Pasadena ISD www1.pasadenaisd.org

community-wide. Mentors and mentee meet

Pasadena ISD serves much of south-

rating, five stars given to only 46 districts/

on campus 30 minutes a week, developing

east Harris County, including a portion

charter schools statewide this year.

a relationship that helps students rise above

of Pearland near Pearland Parkway. The

challenges to succeed in school and life.

district was awarded “Recognized” status

also

earned

TXSmartSchools’

highest

in July of 2011 in State Accountability

In addition, Pearland ISD continues to be one of the largest Houston-area districts

Through diverse education options and

Ratings released by the Texas Education

with all schools graded “B” or above in

supportive

Agency. All of the district’s 58 schools

– SPRING/SUMMER 2018

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

teachers

and

community,

earned an Academically Acceptable rating. Of the 58 schools, 41 were rated either “Exemplary” or “Recognized.”

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college preparatory curriculum to a diversified student body of approximately 900 students in grades PreK3-12th. Over 99% of

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its graduates continue into post-secondary educational institutions. LSA is accredited in accordance with the Texas Education Agency, AdvancED, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Lutheran South employs only certified teachers, many having Master Degrees or beyond. LSA also offers a licensed before and after school care program for their students. LSA is a member of the Texas Association

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•

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of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS), and regularly sends athletic teams to district and state playoff competitions. The athletic program includes a wide range of individual and team sports. There are also opportunities for students to participate in TAPPS competitions in Art, Band, Choir and various academic disciplines. LSA is located

St. Helen Catholic School Archdiocese of Galveston Houston

Enrolling Students in PK3-8 All Year

off I-45 South near Dixie Farm Road. Primrose Schools of Pearland www.primroseschools.com The Primrose Experience: Building the Right Foundation for Future Learning and Life. Choosing the right care for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent.  At the end of the day, it comes down to entrusting the care of your child to a provider that will give you peace of mind and give your child the best possible experience.  Primrose Schools is an accredited early childhood education preschool that offers a premier educational child care experience for families across the country.  The

VEstablished in 1997 VSafe, Technology Secured Classrooms VSchool Mass Every Friday morning

VEminent Sports & Educational Facilities VBefore and After School Programs VCampus Clubs & Athletic Programs

The mission of St. Helen Catholic School is to

“grow children in wisdom, age and grace.”

2213 Old Alvin Rd., Pearland, TX 77581 | P: 281-485-2845 | F: 281-485-7607 | www.SHCSsaints.org HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

T E X A S 2 8 8 H O U S T O N E D U C AT I O N

Photo courtesy Brazosport ISD

Photo courtesy Dawson High School

Primrose Experience starts with fostering

high-quality educational experiences that

was 210 students, almost 400 St. Helen

a strong connection and partnership with

support children’s development as well-

Saints enrolled in 2017.

parents to help build the right foundation

rounded individuals.  The Balanced Learning

for future learning and success in school

curriculum addresses children’s social-emo-

This growth has called upon the gener-

and in life.

tional,

physical

osity of the St. Helen Parish community

development as they determine what expe-

to assist SHCS with housing the growing

For the last fifteen years Mr.& Mrs. Papa-

riences children need at different age levels.

student body and they responded gener-

dopulos have been the franchise owners

The curriculum is reviewed and updated

ously. After celebrating the school’s 20th

for Primrose Schools of Pearland, Prim-

annually to ensure continued alignment with

anniversary a new, educational facility

rose School of First Colony, and Primrose

early learning standards.

opened in 2017.

The Standards of Excellence.  Primrose

The new 75,000 sq. ft. facility is well-

Schools holds schools to high standards

equipped with a large gym and cafeteria,

of excellence with the implementation of

spacious classrooms, a media center, tech-

quality assurance and continuous improve-

nology lab, and two large science labs.

ment

State-of-the-art

School of Upper Kirby. They have provided for the Pearland, Sugar Land, and Houston families a nurturing environment where children are happy, safe and having fun while learning.  What makes the Primrose Experience unique? The People and Culture.  One reason parents choose Primrose is because they know they are leaving their children with qualified, caring people.  The management team members and teachers exceed expectations by creating and maintaining trusted relationships with every family they serve, and share their vision: To deliver the best and most trusted early childhood education and child care services for families across America.

cognitive,

through

creative

and

internal

Service

safety

equipment

has

Excellence Assurance program and an

been installed in the completely enclosed

external AdvancED Corporation Systems

campus. Aesthetically pleasing, the facility

Accreditation which ensures each school’s

will enable the St. Helen family to continue

adherence to AdvancED Standards for

to “grow” the total child, spiritually,

Quality Early Learning Schools.

emotionally, and socially.

St. Helen Catholic School www.SHCSsaints.org 281-485-2845

Their History - STCS is a short, but

The mission of St. Helen Catholic School (SHCS) is to “grow children in wisdom, age and grace.” Joyfully following this

successful story. Founded in 1996 through the vision and generosity of the parishioners of St. Helen Catholic Church, SHCS has grown into one of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston’s premiere Catholic Schools from its humble beginnings

mission has enabled SHCS to also grow

of only 50 students in 1997. At that time,

The Balanced Learning System.  The Prim-

tremendously in student numbers during

the members of the St. Helen commu-

rose Balanced Learning System provides

the past six years. Total enrollment in 2011

nity envisioned teaching Catholic values,

– SPRING/SUMMER 2018

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

Primrose Schools of Pearland YOUR CHILD’S PATH TO EDUCATIONAL DISCOVERY BEGINS HERE We believe who children become is as important as what they know. For over 30 years, Primrose Schools has helped empower children like yours to reach their full potential. Our exclusive, time-tested Balanced Learning approach was created from the best early education wisdom of balancing pu r poseful play and nu r tu r ing guidance to encou rage curiosity, confidence, creativity and compassion. Proprietary Curriculum: Research-informed and time-tested Training: We train our people to be the best Equipment: From tables and chairs to toys and books, every piece of equipment is chosen for a purpose

health; and compassion, kindness and life skills continuously throughout the day. Your Child’s Path to Educational Discovery Begins Here Every stage of your child’s education is filled with age-appropr iate, enr iching exper iences led by our passionate, committed and caring staff. Infant to Preschool Classrooms: Inspiring curiosity and wonder in the Primrose Wonder Program. Preschool through Kindergarten Classrooms: Encouraging children to venture out and discover the world around them in the Primrose Venture Program.

Assessment: Highly personalized and tailored to each age level We know that a child’s interests can lead to exciting exploration, discovery and understanding of the world. That’s why our proprietary curriculum integrates language and literacy; science, technology, engineering, creative arts and math (STEAM); social studies; music; physical development and

After School Care for ages 5 to 10: Stimulating continued exploration of a child’s individual interests in the Primrose Explorers Program. F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N C A L L O R V I S I T O N E O F O U R LOCATIONS

FACT:

There are valuable lessons involved in learning how to use a microscope. BALANCED LEARNING® WAY:

Including how to share. SEE BALANCED LEARNING IN ACTION. CALL FOR A TOUR TODAY! Primrose School of Pearland 713.436.4120 | PrimrosePearland.com Primrose School of Pearland Parkway 281.997.8855 | PrimrosePearlandPkwy.com Primrose School of West Pearland 713.436.0404 | PrimroseWestPearland.com

Each Primrose school is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools® and Balanced Learning® are registered trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2018 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved. See primroseschools.com for ‘fact’ source and curriculum detail.

ADVERTISER CONTRIBUTION

T E X A S 2 8 8 H O U S T O N E D U C AT I O N

strengthening students in the Catholic

Facebook. Join them as they grow our

in the United States for the fourth time in

faith, and teaching students and staff to

“saints” in wisdom, age, and grace!

2017. The college also posted its highest

witness to the presence of Jesus Christ in

enrollment ever in Fall 2017.

the world. Currently, the school continues to promote and adhere to their ideals with a culturally-diverse community composed of the clergy, parishioners, parents, students, school personnel, and all persons who help to fulfill the school’s mission. St. Helen Catholic School (SHCSsaints.org) promotes high, rigorous, and traditional academic standards within a Christ-centered,

After receiving designation as a Hispanic

UNIVERSITIES & COLLEGES

Serving Institution from the Department of Education, the college received a five-year, $3.8 million grant to increase participation

Alvin Community College www.alvincollege.edu • 281-756-3500

in Science, Technology, Engineering and

Since classes officially began in September

been used to improve student success in

1949,

Developmental Math and boost enrollment

Alvin

Community

College

Math (STEM) programs. Grants funds have has

provided southeast Texas with 69 years of exceptional educational opportuni-ties,

spiritual environment. The campus is dually

pathways to rewarding careers and personal

accredited by AdvancED (formerly Southern

enrichment programs. Although the tradi-

Association of

Schools) and TCCBED

tional view of a college is to prepare high

(Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops

school graduates for pro-fessional careers,

Education Department, in conjunction with

there is so much more to ACC.

ACC classes are also available at Alvin ISD Shadow Creek High School and the University of Houston-Clear Lake Pearland campus. Courses in the day and evenings include: College Algebra, Composition I and II, Federal Government, Principles of

the Texas Education Agency). SHCS enrolls all year long for grades PK3-8th grades.

in the Process Technology program.

ACC has been ranked by many organiza-

Macroeconomic, General Psychology and

tions as among the best community colleges

United States History I and II.

Contact the school at 281-485-2845 with

in the nation. It was named by the Aspen

questions, visit www.SHCSsaints.org or

Institute as a Top 150 Com-munity College

“We are very excited to be able to offer classes convenient to Pearland residents,” ACC President Dr. Christal M. Albrecht said. “Both locations will bring higher education closer to those in our taxing district and service area. The partnerships with Alvin Independent School District and University of Houston Clear Lake are very

Endless

rewarding and offer win-win educational

Possibilities

opportunities for our communities.” In 2018, the college plans to expand its offerings to include courses at the Alvin ISD J.B. Hensler College and Career Academy. With Dual Credit and Dual Degree students

Now offering classes at three convenient locations!

as young as 13, ACC partners with area school districts including Alvin, Pearland, Danbury and Living Stones Church to help give motivated teenagers a head start in

Alvin Community College-Main

Shadow Creek High School

University of Houston Clear Lake-Pearland

3110 Mustang Rd Alvin, Texas 77511

11850 Broadway St Pearland, Texas 77584

1200 Pearland Pkwy Pearland, Texas 77581

college and toward their career goals. ACC provides quality instruction to adults of all ages who wish to change careers, improve their job skills or just challenge themselves. To make getting a degree easier, ACC also offers more

EOI

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

– SPRING/SUMMER 2018

than 100 online courses. There are four Associate Degree programs and one

certificate program that can be earned

one of a handful of colleges and universities

Brazosport College offers a Bachelors Degree

entirely online. Associate Degrees now

to take part in the Second Chance Pell Grant

in Applied Technology (BAT), which includes

available online are those in the Arts,

program, which offers funding for students in

a BAT in Industrial Management and a BAT

Sociology, Psychology, and Management

correc-tions programs to earn a higher educa-

in Health Services Management. Students

Development. A certificate is availa-ble

tion degree or certification. Research has

seeking certification or a degree in an occupa-

for management.

shown that an education reduces the recidi-

tional/technical field will find courses leading

vism rate for those leaving correc-tions.

to an Associate of Applied Science degree in

The Department of Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD)

Whether it’s preparing for a career or

provides programs that incorporate current

starting a college education, ACC offers

and new technical courses; training part-

students and the community the resources

nerships with business and industry; and

they need to achieve their goals. Call ACC

other opportunities for individuals to

at 281-756-3500 or www.alvincollege.edu

acquire and upgrade skills or seek personal Brazosport College in Clute

programs that allow students to further or

www.brazosport.edu • 979-230-3000

including health care, professional services, industrial arts and more.

offers degree or certificate options in the ADN and LVN healthcare fields, as well as a variety of additional programs. The process technology program offered at Brazosport College enables students to build

enrichment. CEWD provides a variety of begin new careers in a number of fields

a wide range of disciplines. The college also

Located in Lake Jackson, Texas, Brazosport College offers a broad range of courses that address diverse educational objectives.

For more than 50 years, ACC has been

Those students planning to pursue a bache-

providing education for inmates with the

lor’s degree can enroll in academic classes,

Texas Department of Criminal Justice. It was

as well as courses in major fields of study,

the first college in Texas to do so. ACC was

which will transfer to four-year schools.

skills to be successful in the chemical industry, but also provides stu-dents with skill sets that will broaden their career opportunities. In 2012 and 2014, The Aspen Institute ranked Brazosport College among the top 10 community colleges in the United States. Most importantly, Brazosport College is committed to students’ success and has implemented initiatives to assist students in

Brazoria County chooses Brazosport College Online Degree Opportunities | Affordable Education

www.brazosport.edu | 979.230.3000

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

T E X A S 2 8 8 H O U S T O N E D U C AT I O N

Photo courtesy of Alvin Community College

achieving their goals. Through endeavors made possible by the Brazosport College Foundation and Achieving the Dream, a variety of programs are available utilizing partnerships between the college and the community it serves to assure student success. Brazosport College is located conveniently close to the communities of Angleton, Clute, Freeport, Richwood, West Columbia, Sweeny, Brazoria and Surfside Beach. The campus is only 45 minutes away from Houston and Galveston. To learn more about Brazosport College, visit the college Web site atbrazosport.edu or call (979) 230-3000 Houston Community College South Campus www.hccs.edu • 713-718-6858

The campus is expanding to meet the growing needs of communities in Houston’s south and southeast areas. Public spaces and recreation areas are in the planning stages for the campus, which also is accessible via convenient METRO bus service to all points in Houston. One of the newest features of the South Campus is the Workforce Building located next to South Campus’ existing Willie Lee Gay Hall. South Campus also is home to the award-winning South Early College H.S. (SECHS). This specialized HISD high school focuses on STEM careers, and draws students from across the district.

– SPRING/SUMMER 2018

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

University

in Management; Bachelor of Science in Criminology; Bachelor of Applied Science in Informational Technology; Bachelor of Science in Psychology; and Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with EC-6 generalist certification. Graduate degrees offered include Master of Arts in Behavioral Science-General; Master of Arts in Criminology; Master of Arts in Psychology; Master of Science in Counseling with School Counselor Certification; and Master of Science in Educational

University of Houston - Clear Lake www.uhcl.edu • 281-283-7600

Hous-

The University of Houston-Clear Lake named Ira K. Blake as the university’s

their dreams come true. The 40-acre

fifth president. Blake joins the university

wooded area on Pearland Parkway is the

after having served as provost and senior

perfect campus setting for a new Science &

vice president for Academic Affairs at

Research Building currently under construc-

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

tion. The facility is slated to open in 2019.

since 2009.

Undergraduate

the

Prior to serving at Bloomsburg, Blake was

associate vice chancellor for academic and

degrees

Bachelor

Science

ton-Clear Lake Pearland Campus to make

following:

chose

or Special Education Certification.

More than 750 students during fall 2016 semesters

Bachelor

General Business; Bachelor of Science

Management with Principal Certification

University of Houston-Clear Lake / Pearland Campus www.uhcl.edu/pearland • 281-212-1690

Houston Community College’s South Campus is a great place to start, continue or enhance an educational journey. Conveniently located at 1990 Airport Boulevard just off Texas Highway 288 South at Airport, students begin essential coursework leading to an Associate’s degree, workforce certification, or trans-fer credits to a four-year institution. HCC also offers highquality GED and adult education courses.

Accounting;

include Science

student affairs for Pennsylvania’s State

Being an authorized partner ensures that

dynamic interactive classroom – enabling

System of Higher Education at Dixon

the students have the highest quality

students to study from work, home or a New

University Center as well as assistant to the

training materials and train on the latest

Horizons center.

president for public engagement at Kutz-

products

town University.

Courses provided fall into categories like

New Horizons offers real-time, cloud-based

desktop applications, technical training

lab solutions as well, allowing students to

and professional development.

access their labs anytime and anywhere.

She holds a doctorate and master’s degree from

developmental

Columbia

psychology

University

and

technologies

available.

The state-of-the-art, fully-configured live

Flexible Training Approach Based on

lab environment provides students hands-on

second master’s degree in educational

Learner Needs - They understand that

access to the systems and applications

psychology from San Francisco State

not everyone’s learning needs or preferred

taught in the classrooms, empowering them

methods are the same. Therefore, their

to learn on their own schedules.

University. Blake received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from George Washington University. University

Houston-Clear

Lake

flexible training approach gives the ability to customize dedicated classes to satisfy

A Leader in the Industry - New Horizons

specific needs.

is ranked in the top 5% in the industry for training quality and customer satisfaction

represents a dynamic force in modern

Learning

Online

as reported by an independent third-party

education, offering undergraduate, grad-

ANYTIME, on-site training, private classes

learning and quality assurance company,

uate and doctoral students a close-knit,

and Online LIVE. Online Live removes

Knowledge Advisors. Plus, research shows

academic

geographical boundaries from learning by

that New Horizons training yields a 4:1

student population of more than 8,600

bringing students and instructors together

benefit-to-cost ratio, based on manager

students. The university has three build-

synchronously in a virtual real-time class-

surveys regarding the improved performance

ings under construction; the STEM and

room environment. This program provides

and productivity of their employees immedi-

Classroom Building and Recreation and

students all of the benefits of being in a

ately following New Horizons training. 

community.

UHCL

has

methods

include

Wellness Center at UHCL, and the Health Sciences

and

Classroom

Building

UHCL Pearland Campus. New Horizons - Your Partner in Training www.nhhouston.com • 713-552-1414 For more than three decades, New Horizons Computer Learning Centers has been a leader in IT training. With over 100 locations worldwide, they have grown to become the largest independent training company in the industry. Their career and corporate training solutions help turn ambitious personal and business goals into results. They use varying training methods for virtually every schedule and learning style, along with vendor-approved learning tools and expert instruction. They have trained more than 30 million people to 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.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

in this section retirement communities independent care assisted living memory & extended care

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SPRING/SUMMER 2018

ACTIVE ADULTS

+ senior living While the options for living and playing are evolving to meet the changing demands of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s active seniors, families should carefully approach senior relocation with preparation, sensitivity and patience.

There are just over 40 million Americans

an emotional passage that requires both

of this growing group of people. From

age 65 and older today, accounting for 13

patience and lots of preparation.

upscale retirement communities that offer an

percent of the population. By 2030, when all the baby boomers will have passed age 65, the over-65 crowd will reach 20 percent of the population. The average life expectancy for a 65-year-old American is 17.7 years for a male, and 20.3 years for a female.

an overwhelming process, with or without the help of family members. Leaving their

home,

friends,

and plans, and very often, the energy to

array of housing, activity, exercise and social options, to full-care facilities that care for

pursue them. Retiring Baby Boomers are

people with mental and physical disabilities,

mobile and connected to technology, much

and every-thing in between, there is a senior

like younger generations are today. In retire-

living solution to fit every desire and need.

ment, they want to spend leisure time with

For seniors, rightsizing and relocating is

behind

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seniors have many options, dreams

church,

their adult children and grand kids, travel,

TAKING STOCK

socialize and engage in all sorts of activi-

To narrow an overwhelming list of choices

ties. Active and independent is their motto; rocking chairs can wait.

and to help you choose the best one, put some time into the stock-taking process

favorite restaurants, doctors, decades of

And the options for living and playing are

by taking a personal inventory of living

memories, furniture, art and keepsakes is

also evolving to meet the changing demands

expenses, health, interests and expectations.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

A C T I V E A D U LT S & S E N I O R L I V I N G

SHOULD YOU GO, OR SHOULD YOU STAY? It is possible to retire in your own home by withdrawing some of the equity built up with a reverse mortgage; a type of home loan that lets a homeowner convert a portion of their equity into cash. A Home

• Would there be any money left over from the purchase of a new home that could be safely invested? • What are the options for downsizing into a less expensive home, renting an apartment, or moving into an assisted living or alternative senior housing situation?

Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) for Purchase (H4P) is a federally insured loan

PACKING UP

program offered through FHA.

Before choosing a new home be realistic about your situation, expectations, your

With an HECM loan, if a homeowner lives

finances and health. Make sure the new

in the home and stays current on taxes and

community is one that you will enjoy, that

insurance, they do not pay a monthly mort-

it has convenient amenities and access to

gage payment which significantly improves

services, and that a new house will be a good

their cash flow. Retirees should plan for a

investment. It is as important to consider

larger monetary investment with an HECM

access to medical doctors and facilities as

loan and there are some restrictions. A mort-

it is to think about fun and leisure pursuits.

gage expert can answer questions about

Residents of the Texas 288 corridor have

HECM and other loans designed for retirees.

high quality health care centers close to home and quick access to the acclaimed

The best way to determine if a reverse mort-

Texas Medical Center.

gage is the best fit for your retirement plan is to honestly assess the following:

HOUSING OPTIONS

accommodate several generations. Leaving secondary bedrooms for children and an additional family room on the second floor. The goal of multi-generation design is to allocate the space and privacy each family member needs, while encouraging social interaction among family members. The place you choose should facilitate life at a level of independence that is comfortable and affordable. There are a wide variety of alternatives available for every level of activity, health and need.

ACTIVE SENIOR HOUSING Healthy, independent seniors may want to live in a community where they can enjoy the company of others and their own personal interests. Active seniors in good health might opt for an age restricted independent living residential community with full amenities, a variety of home options including apartments, a golf course, dining rooms, and swimming pools.

Seniors relocating to a new city often live

A personal visit will give valuable, firsthand

with family members to be closer to their

information. Ask about health and fitness

grand kids, and to help busy young families

programs, organized activities, sporting

• What would the cost be to buy, or rent, and maintain a new home?

manage hectic schedules. New homes with

options, and social opportunities. Other

two master suites on the first floor can easily

day-to-day living arrangements should also

– SPRING/SUMMER 2018

• How much would the home sell for in today’s market?

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

be considered, such as shopping centers and grocery stores within easy walking distance, and

the

availability

transportation

services. Is the community located in proximity to major health care providers? More than three decades ago, Country Place in Pearland was developed for 55-plus residents with full amenities, including an 18-hole golf club. Today,

• Is food prepared onsite? If so, how is it? • Are there fitness facilities onsite?

both physically and socially active. After millions of dollars in improvements the golf club is now open to the public.

CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES

ities and make an appointment with the administrator or director of nursing.

• Is the staff friendly and knowledgeable? • What healthcare and personal care services are available? • What preparations have been made for handling medical and evacuation emergency situations?

planned activities, clubs and events at the Country Place Clubhouse keep residents

facilities. Plan on visiting several facil-

• Is there easy access to offsite activities such as shopping and is transportation provided?

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. Tuscany Village Rehabilitation and Nursing Home in Pearland has achieved the highest rating of 5 stars from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES An Assisted Living Community (ALC)

A Continuing Care Retirement Community

bridges the gap for those who need assistance

(CCRC) offers care in a residential facility

with daily activities a nursing home might

for seniors, with a full menu of services and

offer, but wish to live independently. Resi-

living situations. Residents may go from

dents in an ALC are unable to live completely

independent living, to assisted living and

by themselves, but don’t need constant super-

nursing home care, depending on their indi-

vision. An ALC offers its residents assistance

vidual, changing needs and abilities.

with eating, bathing, dressing, laundry, housekeeping, and keeping track of medi-

CCRCs can be anything from high-rise

cations. An ALC is not a substitute for a

apartments, to cottages, townhouses or

nursing home, but rather is a stepping stone

single-family homes, and are an excellent

between complete independence and services

option for those who are independent and

provided by a nursing home.

Contact the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) at 800-458-9858 or www.dads.state.tx.us for more information.

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

in good health, but might need some assistance with daily living needs or require

Often, an ALC will create an individ-

skilled nursing care.

ualized service plan for seniors upon

can give the right level of service.

admission, detailing personal services that

Facilities specializing in the care of Alzhei-

A CCRC (also called Life-Care Facilities or

will be provided. This plan is then peri-

mer’s and dementia patients should provide

Communities) generally offers a contract

odically reviewed and updated to ensure

a treatment plan that considers not only the

that covers a continuum of care, including

changing needs are met.

Housing in an

resident’s medical needs, but also the needs

access to housing, services, and health

ALC may be studios or one-bedroom

of the entire family with social services,

care for more than one year, or the balance

apartments with small kitchen facilities.

professional consultations and individual-

of one’s life. There is a range of contract

Typically, ALC housing units have group

ized treatment reviews, all set within a calm,

options offered by CCRCs. Before signing a

dining facilities and common areas where

soothing environment that is sensitive to the

contract, conduct a thorough review of the

residents gather to enjoy social and recre-

needs of the patient. While relocating can

facility’s services, operations and finances,

ational activities.

be difficult for seniors the rewards are great.

and determine if it is appropriate to your

An afternoon fishing with a grandson,

needs, lifestyle and expectations. It’s also

NURSING CARE FACILITIES

attending a dance recital, or watching a

a good idea to ask a family attorney or

A Nursing Care Facility (NCF) is a

grandchild graduate from college, are all

accountant to review the contract. Some

state licensed, private-care facility that

priceless lifetime memories and well worth

points to consider include:

provides 24-hour skilled hospital care for

the hassles of relocating.

• Are pets allowed in your residence? • What social, recreational and cultural activities are offered?

residents who do not require hospitalization but cannot stay at home. Consult

The Texas 288 region offers a full range of

with a trusted doctor or health care prac-

senior living opportunities, for more informa-

titioner for recommendations of nearby

tion visit HoustonNewcomerGuides.com 

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

in this section vehicles recycling & utilities home & community place of worship international relocation

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SPRING/SUMMER 2018

RELOCATION INFORMATION

No one likes to move and it’s never without its headaches and hassles, but the more you understand the process, and your new environment, the easier the move will be and the faster you can start enjoying your new home.

Moving to a new city or even across town

community and social organizations, area

can be over-whelming when it comes to

newspapers & magazines, and places to

setting up utilities, selecting a cable and/or

worship. Chambers of

satellite service, finding the best places to

Economic Development contact informa-

shop, choosing a recycling center, getting a

tion is in the Business Chapter.

Commerce and

driver’s license and registering your automobiles. While real estate professionals, mortgage lenders and insurance agents are ready to assist newcomers during the home buying processes, after closing there will be lots of things to do before you complete

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION METRO

(Houston’s

Metropolitan

Transit Authority) offers options for your

METROlift provides curb-to-curb rides to persons with disabilities. In order to make your drive easier, consider using select freeways’ convenient HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes which are available during peak periods for vehicles with two or more riders. For schedules, trip planners, commute calculators and route information, visit www.ridemetro.org or call 713-635-4000.

the move. There are many moving-related

commute. A carpool matching service and

AUTOMOBILES

resources available at HoustonNewcomer-

METRO Vans offer riders the opportunity

In Texas, you must buckle up. Children

Guides.com to help you settle in.

to share the journey and cost. Express

eight years old or younger, or shorter than

buses provide non-stop journeys to down-

4-feet-9-inches, must be secured in an

This chapter includes contact information

town, the medical center and other centers.

approved car seat. Texas law also requires

for Harris, Brazoria, Galveston and Ft. Bend

Park and Ride services are offered from

people who drive in Texas to pay for any

county offices, city offices, school districts,

locations all across Northwest Houston.

accidents they may cause. So, you must

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

R E L O C AT I O N I N F O R M AT I O N

have automobile liability insurance, and

Steps, One Sticker” vehicle inspection and

to take the written test, the road test, and

must produce proof of it if stopped.

registration program in 2015. A blue-bor-

the vision test. For further information,

dered registration sticker will serves as a

DPS locations and hours of operation, call

automo-

combined proof of registration and inspec-

713-681-6187.

bile liability insurance law. If stopped for

tion with one expiration date. Passing

any reason, proof of liability insurance is

vehicle inspection will be a requirement to

A copy of the Texas Motor Vehicle Laws is

required. The minimum liability limits are

renew a registration.

available from the General Services Depart-

Texas

enforces

mandatory

$30,000 for each injured person, up to a

ment, Texas Department of Public Safety,

total of $60,000 per accident, and $25,000

To register a vehicle, present the automo-

for property damage per accident. This basic

bile title and pay a new resident fee, a title

coverage is called 30/60/25 coverage. TexasSure is a verification system that tells law enforcement and county tax officials if you or the car you’re driving has auto liability insurance. For more information, visit TexasSure.com. All vehicles must be registered in the

fee, and the cost of new license plates. All

P. O. Box 4087, Austin, Texas, 78773 or www.dps.texas.gov

out-of-state vehicles are required to have the following for registry in the state of Texas: (1) proof of safety inspection, (2) your out-of-state title, (3) payment of a new resident fee, a title fee, the license plates cost, and (4) proof of liability insurance.

SERVICES AND UTILITIES PUBLIC SAFETY POLICE For emergencies only, call 911.

If you are a resident of Texas and hold a

The Houston Police Department, other

valid driver license from another state, you

municipal police forces and the Harris

must obtain a Texas driver license within

County Sheriff ’s Department serve the

90 days of establishing residency. Proof

greater Houston area. Crime Watch programs

of registration, proof of insurance, your

operate all across Northwest Houston.

Social Security card or latest W-2, your

Contact your homeowner’s association or

tion renewals may be purchased at various

valid out-of-state license, and $16 in cash

civic club for information. Crime Stoppers,

locations. For a list of locations visit the

or check are required to obtain a Texas

offering rewards for information that leads to

county web page.

driver license. You will be required to pass

an arrest, can be reached at 713-222-TIPS.

county within 30 days of establishing residency. The cost is based on the model and year for cars and gross weight for trucks. Subsequent registration may be handled online or in person. Motor vehicle registra-

both the written test and the vision test. If you do not have a current Texas or out-of-

FORWARDING MAIL

The State of Texas stopped issuing inspec-

state license, or if you are changing the

To schedule a change of address, go to

tion stickers and transitioned to a “Two

class of your license, you will be required

www.USPS.com or pick up a change of

– SPRING/SUMMER 2018

TWO STEPS, ONE STICKER

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

address form from your local United States

these services are typically included in the

Houstonians have the “power to choose” an

Post Office. The Post Office will send a

homeowners’ association dues. Contact the

electric provider. Retail Electric Providers

confirmation verifying your forwarding

homeowners’ association for information.

(REPs) compete to sell electricity to homes

details. You can set both your forwarding

and businesses, and competing REPs may Curbside recycling is offered in most neigh-

offer lower prices, options for renewable

borhoods and drop-off recycling centers are

BEING GREEN CURBSIDE RECYCLING

energy, added customer services, and incen-

located throughout the area. For informa-

tives or promotions.

Most common acceptable waste includes

Recycling

paper, telephone books, cans, plastics

Calendar, visit: www.houstontx.gov.

start date and end date.

tion about Houston’s Curbside Automated Program

and

Recycling

1 and 2, and used motor oil. Rinse and

The Public Utility Commission recommends the three “C’s” before selecting a provider: contact, compare, and choose. PUC certifies all REPs. Be sure to allow several days

bags and package materials, and place the

UTILITIES GAS/ ELECTRICITY

recycle container on the curb by 7:00 a.m.

CenterPoint Energy is the primary provider

Used oil should be in the original container

hooked-up before the move-in date. If estab-

for natural gas in the Houston area. For infor-

lishing service for a new home or building, a

mation visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

permit or inspection may be required.

drain containers, remove lids, caps, plastic

or in a screw top non-detergent container.

for the ordering process so electricity can be

BAG-IT AND RECYCLE-IT Many local communities have Bag-It programs requiring yard trimmings to be placed in separate bags from trash and garbage. Place the bag at the curb on the regular garbage day to be collected. Limit contents to grass, leaves and small twigs; the bag cannot weigh more than 50 pounds and should be less than 4-ft. in length and 18 inches in diameter. Do not put anything into storm drains.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS MATERIALS & ELECTRONICS HHMs are accepted at Pearland recycling

Where do you live? The Texas 288 corridor falls within Harris, Brazoria, Galveston and Fort Bend Counties. Legal records maintained by these counties 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. Harris County Court House 201 Caroline, Houston, TX 77002 713-755-6411 / harriscountytx.gov

center Tuesday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to

South Belt Annex (Scarsdale)

5:00 p.m. and on Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00

281-464-0115

p.m. Items accepted include: flammable oil

Brazoria County Courthouse

based paint, paint products and refinishers,

printers, printer cartridges, and cell phones.

County Clerk’s Office 111 E. Locus, Suite 200, Angleton, TX 77515-4678 979-864-1355 brazoria-county.com

There is a charge for recyclers not living In

Tax Assessor Collector

Brazoria County. 281-489-2795.

Ro’vin Garrett, RTA 281-756-1320

TRASH PICKUP AND RECYCLING

Real Property Records

pool chemicals, corrosives, acids and cleansers, batteries, motor oil, filters and cooking oil, latex paint, antifreeze, computers, monitors,

Most municipalities provide trash pickup. Call the Solid Waste Management Department to find out on which day garbage and light trash is collected in your area. Some

1524 E. Mulberry, Angleton TX 77515-4678

Sub-offices: Alvin 260 George Street 281-331-3692

Manvel/W. Pearland 7313 Corporate Dr. 281-756-2450

Pearland County Clerk’s Office 2436 South Grand 281-412-3399

Brazosport 309 Plantation 979-297-5023

West Columbia 111 N. 10th Street 979-345-5914

Galveston County Court House 722 Moody Avenue, Galveston, TX 77550 409-766-2284 galvstoncountytx.gov

Fort Bend County Tax Office 301 Jackson Street. Richmond, TX 77469 281-342-3411 fortbendcountytx.gov

subdivisions opt to contract with local garbage collection companies, and fees for

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

R E L O C AT I O N I N F O R M AT I O N

CABLE/SATELLITE

Texas 288 area and services vary. Contact

property on January 1 of the current tax

Several providers offer satellite and cable

your city of residence or homeowner’s asso-

year, and have filed a Homestead Exemp-

television, as well as high-speed internet.

ciation to set up water and sewer services.

tion Affidavit annually with the county tax assessor’s office.

Ask about bundled services, special promotional rates and discounts for newcomers.

HOME & COMMUNITY HOAS

Depending on where you live there may be

Homeowner associations typically establish

VOTER REGISTRATION

other services available.

and enforce deed restrictions. All homeowners

You must be 18 years old, a resident of the

and property owners are required to be

county in which you’re registering and a

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many post offices, libraries and high schools.

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Security, Control, Energy and Peace of

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www.votetexas.gov.

Mind At Your Fingertips. For more infor-

property in the neighborhood.

PET LICENSING/LEASH LAWS

mation visit www.xfinity.com/moversedge or call 1-877-500-6828.

HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION

Dogs and cats in Texas must be vaccinated

The Texas Homestead Exemption law

against rabies by four months of age. They

WATER AND SEWER

applies to property tax levies. All home-

will need a booster after a year, and every

Water, sewer and drainage services are typi-

owners in Texas can claim a yearly

one to three years after that. Any veteri-

cally provided by the public works depart

exemption of 20 percent of the total

narian can administer vaccinations and

of each city or municipal utility district

assessed

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their

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110863_NPA173012-0008 Lifestyle ad_7.5x4.875.indd 1

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

1/14/16 1:47 PM

– SPRING/SUMMER 2018

Recreation 979-297-4533 Municipal Court 979-297-1031 Library 979-415-2590 Post Office 210 Oak Dr S. 800-275-8777

MANVEL

HOUSTON City Hall 900 Bagby Mayor Sylvester Turner City Controller Fire Department Municipal Court Police Department

713-837-0311 713-837-0331 832-393-3460 713-247-5000 713-247-5228 713- 884-3131

ALVIN City Hall 216 West Sealy Mayor Paul Horn Fire Department Municipal Court Police Department Post Office 455 E. House

281-388-4200 281-388-4278 281-331-7688 281-388-4250 281-388-4370 281-585-3306

ANGLETON City Hall 121 S. Velasco 979-849-4364 Mayor Jason Perez 979-849-4364 Fire Department 979-849-1265 Fire/EMS 979-415-2710 Municipal Court 979-849-2471 Police Department 979-849-1265 Recreation Center 979-849-0410 Public Works 979-849-4364 X318 Post Office 100 Cannan 800-275-8777

FRIENDSWOOD City Hall 910 S Friendswood Dr Mayor Kevin Holland Fire Department Municipal Court Police Department Post Office 310 Morningside Drive

281-996-3200 281-996-3270 281-482-0085 281-996-3252 281-996-3300 800-275-8777

LAKE JACKSON City Hall 25 Oak Drive 979- 415-2400 Mayor Joe Rinehart 979-415-2500 Public Work 979-415-2430 Police 979-415-2700 Civic Center 979-415-2600

City Hall 6615 FM 1128 Mayor Debra Davison Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Police Department Municipal Court Brazoria County Library Post Office 6825 Masters Road

281-489-0630 281-489-0630 281-489-6144 281-489-1212 281-489-1229 281-489-7596 800-275-8777

PEARLAND City Hall 3519 Liberty Drive 281-652-1600 Mayor Tom Reid 281-652-1654 Neighborhood Center 281-485-1987 Emergency Medical Service 281-652-1951 Fire Department 281-652-1950 Library 281-485-4876 Melvin Knapp Senior Center 281-485-9875 Municipal Court 281-997-5900 Police Department 281-997-4100 Stella Roberts Recycling Center 281-489-2795 Service Center 281-652-1900 Post Office 3519 E Walnut St. 800-275-8777 Post Office Cullen Blvd. 800-275-8777 Keep Pearland Beautiful 281-489-2795

281-485-9800

U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: District 14-Randy Weber District 22-Pete Olson

979-285-0231 281-486-1095

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Adult Reading Center 281-485-1000 Angleton Area Emergency Medical Corps 979-849-3547 Big Brothers Big Sisters 713-271-5683 Boy Scouts of America 409-744-5206 Brazoria County Fair 979-849-6416 Brazoria County Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center: Alvin 281-585-0904 Angleton 979-849-2500 Freeport 979-233-7174 Pearland 281-485-0934 West Columbia 979-345-5014 Emergency 800-243-5788 Christian Helping Hands 281-485-9776 Exchange Club of Pearland 832-221-2679 Forgotten Angels Foundation 834-243-5925 Resale Shop 832-243-6463 Girl Scouts of America 713-292-0300 Knights of Columbus 281-485-8960 United Way of Brazoria County 979-849-9402

NEWSPAPERS/MAGAZINES

979-265-3953

979-864-1548

281-331-3197

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

979-345-1130

281-756-1200

TEXAS STATE REPRESENTATIVES District 25-Dennis Bonnen District 29-Ed Thompson

979-848-1770 512-463-0707

U. S. SENATORS John Cornyn Ted Cruz

Larry Taylor, Senator District 11

Texas 288 South Newcomer Magazine 281-997-0279 Alvin Sun 281-331-4422 The Facts 979-237-0100 Friendswood/Pearland Reporter News 281-485-7501 The Journal Pearland/Friendswood Houston Chronicle 713-362-7211

BRAZORIA COUNTY Matt Sebesta, Jr., County Judge Donald Payne, Commissioner Pct. 1 Ryan Cade, Commissioner Pct. 2 Stacy L. Adams, Commissioner Pct. 3 David Linder, Commissioner Pct. 4

TEXAS STATE SENATOR

713-572-3337 713-718-3057

Alvin I.S.D. Angleton I.S.D. Brazosport I.S.D. Clear Creek I.S.D. Danbury I.S.D. Fort Bend I.S.D. Friendswood I.S.D. Houston I.S.D. Pearland I.S.D. Sante Fe I.S.D.

281-388-1130 979-864-8000 979-730-7000 281-284-9901 979-922-1218 281-634-1000 281-482-1267 713-556-6000 281-485-3203 409-925-3526

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

R E L O C AT I O N I N F O R M AT I O N

MOVING TIPS What to do Social Security Number 1-800-772-1213 Information/ Application www.ssa.gov/forms Physical locations: 8989 Lakes at 610 Drive, 77054 16200 Dillard Drive, 77040 5414 Aldine Mail Road, 77039

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. 54

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

TRANSPORTATION

Credit Card

Texas Drivers License Application & Locations: www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense/movingtotexas.htm • Texas has a 90-day grace period. • A written & driving skills test required. • Credit cards, cash, checks, and money orders. • Take your passport, social security number, proof of residency, lawful presence, status. • Proof of vehicle registry. • Completed application.

www.creditcards.com

BANKING

for details).

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.

Banks www.findabetterbank.com • A checking account can be opened individually or jointly. • A debit card will give you immediate access online and at ATMs. • Social Security number, driver’s license, proof of residence, photo ID (passport), pay stub or utility bill and a minimum opening deposit. • International banks in the USA include HSBC, Citigroup, Barclays, Deustche Bank and Credit Suisse. An account at one of these banks can usually be opened in the US.

– SPRING/SUMMER 2018

• Request a credit card & debit card (ATM) when opening a bank account. • You will need a residential address, phone & place of employment, credit history.

HOUSING Apartment

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 • Rental requirements include: a credit & 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 & a deposit consisting of the first & last month’s rent.

TAXES

State of Texas

Private Schools • HoustonNewcomerGuides.com

Texas does not have state taxes. Texas collects 8.25% sales tax and property tax only.

• Houstonprivateschools.com

Internal Revenue Service

There are a variety of independent and faith-

• Privateschoolreview.com

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. Internal Revenue Service: www.irs.gov

based private schools in the Houston area.

Realtor/Homes for Sale & Lease

EDUCATION

International Baccalaureate program and

Day Care:

might be better suited for children

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 to find homes. • Realtors are usually paid by the seller, their services are free to buyers.

www.childcarecenter.us

planning to later attend university

• Some centers only care for children until

outside the US.

New Homes/Builders/ Communities

• Child’s birth certificate, passport, social

Buying a home • You can view homes for sale and find a Realtor who speaks your language on www.HAR.com.

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. • You will need your social security number, passport, health history, employer information, and a credit card.

• 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

they are ready for Kindergarten at age 5. Other schools offer Kindergarten.

IMMIGRATION VISA

• Will need your child’s birth certificate,

Most questions are answered on the U.S.

social security number, passport,

Citizenship & Immigration web sites below.

application.

Contact your Consulate about your coun-

• Schools vary widely, make several trips with and without your child at different

try’s requirements.

times of the day. Ask for referrals.

General How Do I Guides:

Public Schools

• www.uscis.gov

PK-12 Texas Education Association: tea.texas.gov • Required for children 6-18 years of age in USA. security number, transcript, doctor’s statement. • The Houston area has excellent public schools which serve students from Pre-K through 12th grade. • You can research individual school 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).

College www.petersons.com Community colleges are located in all parts of Houston. Houston has numerous 4-year colleges and technical schools

• www.uscitizenship.info Employment Visas: • www.travel.state.gov • www.uscis.gov Green Card: www.uscis.gov/greencard Permanent Residents: www.uscis.gov Schedule appointment with USCIS officer: infopass.uscis.gov

PETS Entry Requirements: www.dshs.state.tx.us • 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

PLACES OF

WORSHIP

Half of Americans have looked for a new church or place of worship, most because they moved. Finding a church or place of worship for newcomers usually begins with a personal visit and introduction. When making a final choice, regular church goers most value quality of the sermons and feeling welcome, followed by the style of the service and location.* *Pew Research 2015

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SPRING/SUMMER 2018

If faith is a vital part of your daily life,

Episcopal Church

281-482-7630

you should easily be able to find a spiritual

First Baptist Friendswood

281-482-7573

Friendswood Baptist Church

281-996-6880

St. Mary’s Syro Malabar Catholic

832-495-2848

tunities, educational options, and access to

Friendswood Friends Church

281-482-7821

groups with common interests. If you are

Good Shepherd Episcopal 281-482-7630

Vineyard Christian Fellowship

281-997-0722

looking to make new friends, a congregation

Hope Lutheran Church

281-482-7943

might be the perfect place to find them.

Lord of Light Lutheran

281-992-2168

Mary Queen Catholic Church

Central Assembly of God

979-849-1208

The Texas 288 Corridor has hundreds of

281- 482-1391

Christian Tabernacle

979-849-8649

churches and places of worship, some of

New Hope Church

281-604-4000

Reach Church Assembly

281-993-4500

Church of Christ Wilkins Street

979-849-6391

home in the Texas 288 area. In addition to sacred enlightenment, places of worship also provide social support, volunteer oppor-

the churches have huge congregations while others have a hundred or fewer. All of them welcome newcomers through their doors.

ALVIN/MANVEL Alvin Church of Christ Alvin Church of The Nazarene

Southeast Church of Christ 281-992-2168 The Harbor

281-388-3500

Trinity Fellowship Church

281-482-0577

United Methodist

281-482-7535

281-331-3673

PEARLAND 281-331-0065

Alvin Lutheran Church

281-331-5457

Alvin Missionary Baptist

281-331-6726

Bayou Drive Baptist

281-585-8061

Christ Covenant Church

281-331-4619

City View Church

832-696-9805

Emanuel Worship Center

281-585-2773

Faith Community Church

281-331-1430

Faith Family Fellowship

281-331-3960

First Baptist Church

281-489-8514

First Christian Church

281-331-5825

First Presbyterian Church

281-585-3406

St. Andrews Episcopal Church

281-485-3843

St. Helen Catholic Church 281-485-2421

ANGLETON

Church of God Prophecy 979-267-0073 First Assembly of God

979-849-6112

First Assembly of God

979-849-6112

First Baptist Church

979-849-4311

First Presbyterian Church

979-849-5722

First United Methodist Church

979-849-6305

Calvary Baptist Church

281-489-7236

Chabad House Texas Medical

713-522-2004

Holy Comforter Episcopal 979-849-1672

City View Church 713-204-0692 Congregation Beth Israel 713-777-4315

Holy Trinity Catholic Church 979-849-2421 Second Baptist Church

979-849-7220

Crosspoint Church

St. John Lutheran

979-849-7253

Triumph Angleton

979-849-7361

Crossroads Community Church

281-485-1848 713-436-2211

Epiphany Lutheran Church 281-485-7833 First Baptist Church

281-997-9000

First Church of Pearland

281-992-4538

First Presbyterian Church

281-485-2977

First United Methodist Church

281-485-1466 281-489-0358

Good Shepherd Lutheran 979-849-2223

Westside Church of Christ 979-849-8376

BRAZOSPORT AREA Assembly of God

979-297-9541

Baptist Temple

979-849-3602

Brazosport Christian

979-265-3590

Chapelwood United Methodist

979-297-7991

Christ Lutheran Church

979-297-2013

Church of Brazosport

979-583-3791

First United Methodist Church

281-331-3482

Grace Episcopal Church

281-331-5657

Hindu-Sri Meenakshi Temple

Heights Baptist Church

281-331-8201

Hope Church Presbyterian 281-701-7536

Majestic Christian Center 281- 997-1242

Living Stones Church

281-331-9517

New Life Lutheran Church 281-485-1818

New Hope Church

281-604-4000

Peace Presbyterian Church 713-436-5673

First Baptist of Freeport

979-233-5347

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Pearland Church of Christ 281-485-2436

First Baptist

979-297-2496

281-489-8720

Pearland Islamic Center

281-412-0478

First Presbyterian

979-297-3049

Revolution Center

832-561-5665

Grace Community

979-239-8635

Second Baptist Shadow Creek

713-465-3408

Second Baptist Church

979-297-6469

Shadow Creek Muslim Center

St. Mark Lutheran

979-297-2667

832-802-8131

St. Michael’s Catholic

979-297-3041

St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church

979-297-6003

The R.O.C.K. Brazosport

979-529-9396

Vineyard Church

979-297-4648

South Park Baptist Church 281-331-3902 St. John the Baptist Catholic 281-331-3751

FRIENDSWOOD Baybrook Baptist Church

281-996-1316

Calvary Houston

281-648-5800

Church of Christ

281-482-7966

Clear Creek Community Church

281-338-5433

Community Church

281-756-8655

Shadycrest Baptist Church 281-485-1481 Shepherd of the Heart Methodist

713-436-5080

Silverlake Community Church

281-997-6006

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

in this section finding a doctor medical moving tips medical center institutions

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SPRING/SUMMER 2018

HEALTHCARE RESOURCES The greater Texas 288 area has grown in both size and population over the past 20 years. The everyday demands for high-quality healthcare are drawing skilled practitioners, service providers and medical facilities to the area.

Just 14 miles north of central Houston, the world-class Texas Medical Center is a 1,300acre “city of medicine” and employment center. About 11 percent of Texas Medical Center employees live in northern Brazoria County and southwestern Harris County. Pearland is home to the most workers.

hospital to open in Pearland; HealthSouth

Medicine on a site southeast of Memorial

Rehabilitation Hospital, and a Kelsey-Sey-

Hermann Hospital–established in 1925 and

bold Clinic are in the district. Houston

the first hospital in the Texas Medical Center.

Methodist Emergency Care Center is situated on FM 518 at Kirby Drive. Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital is located off Beamer on the east side of the

In recent years, the Texas 288 area has celebrated a variety of openings throughout the region, including hospitals, numerous emergency centers, a variety of specialized medical clinics and multi-story professional buildings. You will find major providers in the Shadow Creek Ranch Business District, west of Texas 288 between Shadow Creek Ranch Boulevard and FM 518. Memorial Hermann Health System’s Convenient Care Center and Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital; HCA’s Pearland Medical Center, the first

region. Healthcare related businesses in the

Today, the Texas Medical Center is a major business district where planning, infrastructure, transportation and other issues are growing in importance. The 290 buildings in

Lower Kirby District, Kirby Drive north

the Texas Medical Center offer 45.8 million

of Shadow Creek Parkway, include Merit

gross square feet of space and 28,000

Medical Systems, Kelsey-Seybold head-

parking spaces.

quarters, Pearland Surgery Center, and Cardiovascular Systems. Lonza Houston,

TMC

employs

approximately

106,000

Inc., a Swiss pharmaceutical and biotech

employees and holds a prominent position

firm, is finishing up a clinical manufac-

in medical information—a critical edge

turing, research and development facility in

that attracts top researchers, academics and

the lower Kirby District.

physicians more than 20,000 MDs, PhDs

The Texas Medical Center

and researchers work at member institu-

Over 65 years have passed since the ground

tions. Collaborative projects extend locally

breaking in 1945 for Baylor College of

to Rice University.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

HEALTHCARE RESOURCES

REGIONAL HOSPITALS

The system’s ambulatory care network also

Memorial Hermann www.memorialhermann.org 713-272-1673

and Memorial Hermann Convenient Care

One of the largest not-for-profit health systems in the nation, Memorial Hermann is an integrated system that serves Southeast Texas and the Greater Houston community with 16 hospitals, including four in the Texas Medical Center, a level I trauma center, a hospital for children, one of the top two rehabilitation hospitals in the United States, an orthopedic and spine hospital along with ten suburban hospitals and two surgery centers. Memorial Hermann Life Flight® – is the largest and busiest air ambulance service in the United States.

includes Memorial Hermann Urgent Care Centers. Using its resources to advance the health of the community, Memorial Hermann contributes more than $451 million annually in uncompensated care and community benefit programs, including an award-winning network of public school-based health centers. Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital brings the expertise of the Memorial Hermann Health System close to home, making the region’s top medical experts available to area. The hospital features advanced medical services and state-of-the-art technology used to

If you have a special healthcare need or requirement, refer to and call the healthcare advertisers in this publication to get information. 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.

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.

If you have not yet selected physicians/dentists, ask your current physician/dentist to make copies of pertinent records of all your family members for you to take with you. Pack these records in your suitcase, not in the moving van, so they will be readily available in case of an emergency.

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.

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.

Pack an emergency first aid kit to take en route to your new home. Items such as bandages, thermometer, pain killers or aspirin, antihistamine, first-aid ointment, tweezers and decongestant can come in handy.

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

Services include Heart and Vascular and Women’s Care, including six well-appointed Labor, Delivery, Recovery & Postpartum suites, as well as Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. Memorial Hermann Pearland lends support to Memorial Hermann’s role as the official healthcare provider of Pearland ISD Athletics. HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, Getting Back to Life www.healthsouthpearland.com

families in the Pearland/Brazoria County

MOVING MEDICAL TIPS 1 2 3

address diverse healthcare needs, from quick outpatient visits to procedures requiring highly specialized inpatient care.

– SPRING/SUMMER 2018

What is a stroke? A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or burst. When this happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood – and oxygen – it needs, so it starts to die. A stroke can result in difficulties in moving around, performing daily activities, and talking or understanding. The type and extent of the difficulties depends on the size and location of the stroke. Know the signs. While a stroke can happen quickly, it is still important to understand the warning signs to get medical help immediately by calling 911. Every second counts, as time lost is brain lost. Stroke warning signs include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, or trouble with vision. What happens after a stroke? A stroke patient’s greatest gains are usually made in the first 30 days following the stroke. Studies indicate that 60 percent of stroke survivors can benefit from aggressive rehabilitation intervention. Eighty percent of those treated with aggressive rehabilitation can return to their homes, work, schools or active retirement. Where you go makes a difference. According to the recent adult stroke rehabilitation guidelines released by the American Heart Association*, whenever possible, stroke patients should be treated at an in-patient rehabilitation facility rather than a skilled nursing facility. While at an in-patient rehabilitation facility, a patient participates in at least three hours of rehabilitation a

HOUSTON METHODIST HOSPITAL IS THE ONLY NATIONALLY RANKED HONOR ROLL HOSPITAL IN TEXAS. Houston Methodist, throughout its long history, has focused on innovation that directly benefits our patients. We are national leaders in the delivery of health care, and others agree. Out of 4,667 hospitals, Houston Methodist Hospital ranks No. 19 in the nation and No. 1 in Texas. And for 10 years in a row, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had more national rankings than any other hospital in Texas. Like past generations of Houstonians, we know that todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best will not be good enough for tomorrow. Houston Methodist directs millions of research dollars into patient care and offers the latest innovations in medical, surgical and diagnostic techniques. We are pressing ahead toward a greater and grander vision, one that positions us to help shape the future of medicine. For a physician referral, visit houstonmethodist.org or call 713.790.3599.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

HEALTHCARE RESOURCES

day from physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists. Nurses are continuously available and doctors typically

visit

daily.

in-patient

rehabilitation facility may be a free-standing facility or a separate unit of a hospital. When stroke happens, we’re here to help. Located at 2121 Business Center Drive in Pearland, HSRH of

Pearland, will

become Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Pearland in April 2018, can make a difference in the lives of stroke patients. Call 346 907-3028 to schedule a tour. *Source: American Heart Association, Inc. Pearland Medical Center PearlandMC.com 713-770-7000

Photo courtesy of Health South

Pearland Medical Center holds the distinction as the first hospital to open in the

Center, the HCA Healthcare Gulf Coast

and nearly 600 highly-qualified employees.

Pearland area. The hospital provides quality

Division also acquired Houston Northwest

The 158-bed hospital offers state of the art

healthcare services including surgical suites,

Medical Center, Cypress Fairbanks Medical

diagnostic and comprehensive treatment

imaging, a 24-hour emergency department

Center Hospital, Park Plaza Hospital,

services, an advanced cardiac care center and

and comprehensive cardiovascular services

and Plaza Specialty Hospital in 2017.

full service multidisciplinary cancer center.

with Pearland’s ONLY 24-hour cardiac

The division’s network now includes 14

catheterization lab and STEMI program

hospitals in the Houston area, making HCA

with an on-call team.

Houston’s largest health care provider.

HEALTHCARE NEWS

CHI St. Luke’s Health Brazosport

Science & Research Building, UH/CLC Pearland

Gulf Coast Division family offers Pearland

CHI St. Luke’s Health Brazosport in Lake

UHCL has started construction of a $24.6

Medical Center patients access to the best in

Jackson is the only Level III Trauma Center

million Heath Sciences and Classroom

high-quality health care. In addition to the

in Brazoria County. Brazosport Regional

Building on the Pearland Campus. Slated

acquisition of Tomball Regional Medical

includes over 100 board-certified physicians

to open in 2019, the facility will offer

Pearland

Medical

Center’s

strong

relationship with the HCA Healthcare’s

RN-to-BSN

FINDING A DOCTOR The following is list of local and national physician resource, - where you can search for general practice physicians by location, specialty, and more. American Medical Association: Resource for general health information, as well as a search function for local physician resource under the “Patients” tab of the site. www.ama-assn.org American Academy of Pediatrics: National website for children’s health resources; separate “Parenting Corner” website is 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

and

Licensed

Professional

Counselors programs. Plans include a satellite operation of UHCL’s Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities. The 3-story, 69,539 square-feet building will feature a 100-seat tiered lecture hall, 3 60-plus seat classrooms, learning classrooms, computer teacher labs, biology and chemistry labs, simulated hospital rooms, nurses’ and pharmacy stations, and general offices. Nationwide, healthcare jobs are expected to grow 26 to 35 percent by 2020, the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, making healthcare the fastest growing segment. 

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

– SPRING/SUMMER 2018

LIST OF MEDICAL SCHOOLS & CENTERS Baylor College Of Medicine....713-798-4951 One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030

Rice University............................713-348-0000 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005

Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital .................... 713-704-5437 6411 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030

Ronald Mcdonald House.........713-795-3500 1907 Holcombe Boulevard Ouston, TX 77054

Menninger Clinic....................... 713-275-5000 12301 Main Street, Houston, TX 77035

St. Dominic Village ..................713-741-8700 2401 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77021

Michael E. Debakey High School For Health Professions..................... 713-741-2410 3100 Shenandoah Street, Houston, TX 77021

CHI St. Luke’s Hospital .............832-355-1000 6720 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX 77030

Michael E. Debakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center ........................ 713-791-1414 2002 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030

Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center .............................713-790-1200 1400 Laconcha Street, Houston, TX 77054-1802

Harris County Hospital District... 713-566-6400 Ben Taub General Hospital .... 713- 873-2000 1504 Taub Loop, Houston, TX 77030 Quentin Mease Community Hospital......................................713-873-3700 3601 North Macgregor Way, Houston, TX 77004

Harris County Institute Of Forensic Sciences.....................713-796-9292 1885 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, TX 77054 Houston Academy Of Medicine..............................713-524-4267 John P. Mcgovern Building, 1 515 Hermann Drive Houston, TX 77004-7126 Houston Academy Of Medicine Texas Medical Center Library ........... 713-795-4200 Jesse H. Jones Library Building, 1133 John Freeman Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030

Shriners Hospitals For Children..713-797-1616 6977 Main Street, Houston, TX 77030

Texas A & M University System Health Science Center Institute Of Biosciences & Technology........................... 713- 677-7700 2121 West Holcombe Boulevard Houston, TX 77030-3303 Texas Children’s Hospital ........832-824-1000 6621 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030 Texas Heart Institute ................832-355-4011 6770 Bertner Avenue, C550 Houston, TX 77030 Texas Medical Center .............713-791-6454 John P. Mcgovern Campus, 2450 Holcombe

Boulevard, Suite 1, Houston, TX 77021-2040 Texas Southern University College Of Pharmacy And Health Sciences ...................................713-313-7035 3100 Cleburne Avenue, Houston, TX 77004 Texas Woman’s University .......713-794-2000 Institute Of Health Sciences-Houston 6700 Fannin, Houston, TX 77030

TIRR Memorial Hermann (The Institute For Rehabilitation and Research).....713-799-5000 1333 Moursund Street, Houston, TX 77030 University Of Houston College Of Pharmacy ................................. 713-795-8380 1441 Moursund Street, Houston, TX 77030 University of Houston-Victoria Nursing ......................................361-570-4848 Various locations in Houston area University of St. Thomas............713-522-7911 3800 Montrose Houston, TX 77006 The University Of Texas ........... 713-792-2121 M.D. Anderson Cancer Center 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030 The University Of Texas Medical ....................................800-917-8906 Branch At Galveston............... 409-772-2222 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555

The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston..... 713-500-4472 7000 Fannin, Houston, TX 77030 Harris County Psychiatric Center........................................713-741-5000 2800 South Macgregor Way, Houston, TX 77021 Nora’s Home for Transplant Patients .....................................832-831-3720 8300 El Rio Houston, TX 77054 Texas Medical Center Library.713-795-4200 1133 John Freeman Boulevard 77030

Houston Community College System ........................713-718-2000 3100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002 Houston Hospice .....................713-467-7423 1905 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030 John P. Mcgovern Museum Of Health And Medical Science.............. 713-521-1515 John P. Mcgovern Building 1515 Hermann Drive Houston, TX 77004-7126 Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center ........................713-704-4000 6411 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030-1501 The Methodist Hospital ............713-790-3311 6565 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030 Prairie View A & M University College Of Nursing ..................713-797-7000 6436 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030

The Texas Medical Center - Credit: Jackson Myers

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

in this section major employers local chambers of commerce Texas 288 Toll Road

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SPRING/SUMMER 2018

BUSINESS &

COMMUNITY Major national and international firms with offices in the Texas 288 region employ thousands of workers and add billions of dollars to the economic diversity of Brazoria County and the State of Texas.

Major employers in the Texas 288 region include international chemical industry giants that bring billions of dollars to the state and thousands of jobs to the region. In lower Brazoria County, Dow Chemical Corporation is the largest single employer and recent expansion projects will add hundreds of jobs. Olin Corporation, Phillips 66, BASF Corporation, Schlumberger Technology, Ascend Performance Materials, INEOS Olefins, and Chevron Phillips Chemical, among others, have operations in the area.

construction,

tourism,

agriculture

and

The Port of Freeport offers chemical manufacturing and petroleum processing businesses quick access to world markets. Other important commodities handled by the port are clothing, fresh fruits and vegetables, rice, paper goods, project cargo, plastic resins, aggregate, autos, and windmill components. The estimated statewide economic impact of Port Freeport in 2015 was $46.2 billion.

Business relocating to the area will find an

been customized to the meet the needs of local

energized and friendly climate to start and

businesses and their international business part-

build a business. Area residents have higher

ners. The full-service hotel offers room service

than average annual incomes and a high

and other amenities.

The Texas 288 Corridorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic diversity includes manufacturing, healthcare, life sciences, energy, education, government, transportation, engineering and

retail. Unemployment is below the national

Maxx and HomeGoods joined the roster of stores prior to the opening.

average and close to the state average. Dallas-based Centennial, which operates The areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s north gateway, the intersection

seven regional malls outside of Texas,

of Texas 288 and Beltway 8, offers excellent

Atlantic Creek Real Estate Partners and

access to Central Houston, southwest and

North Shore Properties Group purchased

west Houston, the Petrochemical District,

the mall in 2016.

NASA and Hobby Airport. The Pearland area is home to the largest number of Texas

Courtyard by Marriott

Medical Center employers and has one of

Omkar Enterprises opened a $12 million Court-

the most diversified populations in the state.

yard by Marriott on an 8-acre tract adjacent to the mall. The four-story, 116-room hotel has

percentage are college educated. Rushi Patel, vice president of operations for

BUSINESS NEWS

Omkar, worked closely with the City of Lake

Brazos Mall in Lake Jackson

Jackson, Dow Chemical and other local busi-

The 41-year-old Brazos Mall in Lake

nesses to custom fit the hotel design. Unusual

Jackson re-opened in October following a

for Courtyard by Marriott, the hotel has a total

$25 million revitalization and rebranding.

of 6,500 square feet in meeting and event space,

Improvements include new retailers, a new

including a ball room with a pre-event bar. Visi-

logo and color scheme, new floors, seating,

tors and locals can get together at a comfortable

lighting and an updated food court.

lounge in a separate part of the hotel.

T.J.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY

TEXAS 288 SOUTH TOP EMPLOYERS The economy in the Texas 288 South area is thriving and growing rapidly. Due to its growth across various business sectors, it has been recognized as one of the most recession-resistant economies in the United States. Dow Chemical Corp. Alvin ISD Pearland ISD Texas Dept. of Criminal Justice The Infinity Group Brazosport ISD Brazoria County Olin Corp. Phillips 66 Angleton ISD BASF Corp. Schlumberger Technology Corp. Brock Group Excel TDECU

Source: Brazoria Economic & Development Alliance

City of Pearland Brazosport Regional Health System Ascend Performance Materials INEOS Olefins & Polymers USA Frontier Communication Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. Columbia-Brazoria ISD Mammoet Mundy Support Services

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

Dow Chemical is completing a five-building research and development complex near the mall called the Texas Innovation Center. Dow has about 7,000 employees in the region.

Pearland Area Chamber of Commerce Commerce Center 6117 Broadway, Pearland, TX 77581 281-485-3634 • pearlandtexaschamber.us

IVY DISTRICT IN PEARLAND

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Development plans are back on track for the Ivy District, a 48-acre, $300-million residential and mixed-use development in the Lower Kirby District near Texas 288 and Beltway 8.

Alvin Economic Development City of Alvin 216 W. Sealy St., Alvin, TX 77511 281-388-4281 Alvin-TX.gov

Pearland Economic Development Corp is currently working with AMG to ensure infrastructure is in place before construction resumes. The Pearland City Council approved a development agreement with American Modern Green to extend South Spectrum Boulevard from Texas 288 to Kirby Drive. Two other roadways including a bridge over Clear Creek will be built by the developer. Road improvements include landscaping, lighting, and drainage. The City has already approved a waterline connection and public park. The Ivy District is part of the Lower Kirby Urban Center, a plan that the city of Pearland conceived in 2009 to bring pedestrian-friendly mixed-use developments, light manufacturing, office space, retailers and technology or research centers to the 1,200acre area near Texas 288 south of Beltway 8. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2018.

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE Alvin-Manvel Area Chamber of Commerce 105 W. Willis, Alvin, TX 77511 281-331-3944 • alvinmanvelchamber.com Angleton Chamber of Commerce 222 North Velasco, Angleton, TX 77515 979-849-6443 • angletonchamber.org Brazoria County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 200 West 2nd Street, Suite #210 Freeport, TX 77541 979-233-2223 • bchispanicchamber.com Brazosport Chamber of Commerce 300 Abner Jackson Parkway, Lake Jackson, TX 77566 979-285-2501 • brazosport.org Friendswood Chamber of Commerce 1100 S. Friendswood Drive Friendswood, TX 77546 281-482-3329 • friendswoodchamber.com

– SPRING/SUMMER 2018

Bazoria County Economic Development Alliance 4005 Technology Drive, Suite 1010 Angleton, TX 77515 979-848-0560 • eda-bc.com Friendwood Economic Development City of Friendswood 910 S. Friendswood Dr, Friendswood, TX 77546 281-996-3200 • friendswood.com Pearland Economic Development Corporation 11233 Shadow Creek Parkway, Suite 235 Pearland, Texas 77584 281.997.3000 • pearlandedc.com Manvel Economic Development Corp. 20025 Highway 6, Manvel, TX 77578 281-489-0630 • Cityofmanvel.com Lake Jackson Development Corp. 25 Oak Drive, Lake Jackson, TX 77566 979-415-2500 • chooselakejackson.com

TOURISM & CONVENTION BUREAUS Alvin Convention & Visitors Bureau Alvin200 Depot Centre Blvd, Alvin, TX 77511 281-585-3359 • alvintexas.org Pearland Convention & Visitors Bureau 11200 Broadway St., Suite 1390 Pearland, TX 77584 713-436-5595 • visitpearland.com Clute Visitors Bureau 100 Parkview Drive, Clute, TX 77531 979-265-2508 • goclute.com Brazosport Visitors & Convention Council 300 Abner Jackson Parkway Lake Jackson, TX 77566 979-285-2501 • visitbrazosport.com

UNDER CONSTRUCTION TX288 TOLL ROAD The Brazoria County Toll Road (BCTRA), Harris County and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) are moving forward on the Texas 288 Toll Road. Construction of the Harris County portion started in late 2016.

518 under the overpass. This project will greatly improve the capacity and efficiency of the FM 518/Texas 288 intersection. The City of Pearland has established a management district to improve the condition and maintenance of the Texas 288

BRAZORIA COUNTY

right-of-way and surrounding areas. This

Matt Hanks, Brazoria County Engineer

management district is working with both

Construction is underway! The long-awaited Brazoria County Expressway has officially entered the construction phase. Notice to Proceed was given to the contractor in July and construction activity can be seen the entire limits of the Brazoria County project. The construction should be completed in the summer of 2019. For updates and notifications regarding the Brazoria County Expressway; please visit the new website at BCExpressway.org.

part of the toll road project. The overall look

Brazoria County and the City of Pearland as of the corridor will improve tremendously once the project is completed. The Brazoria County section of the tolled managed lanes will be owned and controlled by Brazoria County.

HARRIS COUNTY SECTION Blueridge Transportation Group (BTG) is developing the longest and most difficult portion of the Texas 288 Toll Road within

The Brazoria County segment of the Texas 288 Toll Road will have two managed lanes in each direction beginning at the Brazoria County line/Clear Creek and extending south to approximately CR 58. The Brazoria County section has an estimated construction cost of approximately $100 million; construction will begin in Spring 2017 and should be completed by mid-2019. Brazoria County and TxDOT will also reconstruct the FM 518 interchange at Texas 288 as part of the Brazoria County project. Brazoria County submitted the project, with TxDOT support, to reconstruct the main lane bridges over FM 518 and widen FM

Drivers using Texas 288 should be alert and drive carefully at all times.

Harris County. The Harris County portion includes three major interchanges: Beltway 8, (8) direct connector/ramp bridges; Loop

Frequent drivers can check www.Drive288.com for construction alerts.

SEGMENT 1 (RED) From the North, begins about halfway between Almeda-Genoa Rd and Sam Houston Tollway (near Anderson Rd), ending just south of Sam Houston Tollway at Clear Creek (the Harris and Brazoria county line). Includes the Sam Houston Tollway/Beltway 8 interchange.

SEGMENT 2 (ORANGE) From the North, begins at Sims Bayou, ending about halfway between Almeda-Genoa Rd and Sam Houston Tollway (near Anderson Rd).

SEGMENT 3 (YELLOW) From the North, begins about halfway between Belfort and Reed Rd, ending at Sims Bayou.

610, (8) direct connector/ramp bridges; Texas

SEGMENT 4 (GREEN)

Medical Center, (2) direct connector/ramp segments will be completed by mid-2019.

From the North, begins at Holly Hall/Mainer St, ending about halfway between Belfort and Reed Rd. Includes the I-610 interchange.

The Harris County portion, a 10.3-mile

SEGMENT 5 (BLUE)

stretch from US 59 to the Harris County

From the North, begins at MacGregor Way/ Brays Bayou, ending at Holly Hall/Mainer St.

bridges. BTG estimates that the Harris County

line at Clear Creek, has six segments that are differentiated by the following colors and boundaries (map above).

SEGMENT 6 (BROWN)

Construction is heavy in some segments

From the North, begins at the US 59/I-69 and SH 288 split, ending at MacGregor Way/Brays Bayou.

and entrances/exits can change overnight.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

in this section attractions and family fun arts and culture sports and golf calendar of events

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SPRING/SUMMER 2018

LEISURE & RECREATION

With Houston to the north, the Texas Gulf Coast to the south and an international airport just a few miles away, finding something exciting to do at a moment’s notice isn’t a problem. Among so many choices, choosing what to do is the problem!

There is always a new place to discover or

Picking strawberries on a family farm is an

with annual celebrations such as the Chinese

an experience waiting to happen in Hous-

annual event shared by generations, and

New Year, Cinco de Mayo, Juneteenth and

ton’s lively districts, parks, sports centers

crawfish festivals are plentiful in the spring

LGBT Pride Parade.

and shopping malls. Houston’s appreciation

months. The only Mosquito Festival in the

for the performing and visual arts is most

USA is held in Clute just a few miles from

One of the best websites for finding out

visible in its acclaimed theaters, world-class

the Texas Gulf Coast.

about special events in Houston is www.

museums and refined art galleries. Houston is second only to New York City for the

Community theatres and local companies

number of theaters, and can boast profes-

perform classic and contemporary plays on a

sional resident companies in all the major

seasonal basis for loyal patrons. If art is your

performing arts disciplines.

inspiration, frequent art exhibits and juried shows feature local and regional artists.

The Texas 288 region has its own activities

visithouston.com, the official site of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau. The website includes a visitor’s guide, interactive maps, coupons and discounts, and

from international festivals and musical

As detailed on the following pages, Houston

itinerary ideas. One of its most popular

concerts to rodeos and fishing tournaments.

hosts annual events including the world’s

features is the Houston CityPass, which

There is even a wild life park with zoo

largest rodeo and the Art Car Parade. The

provides admission to 5 of Houston’s top

animals, a scuba lake and a water ski park.

city’s diverse personality shines through

attractions at a substantial discount! 

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

L E I S U R E & R E C R E AT I O N

Photos courtesy of Alvin Train Depot

TEX AS 2 8 8 S O U TH A T TR A CTIONS Alvin Train Depot www.alvintexas.org/historic-depot-center The fully restored Alvin Depot & Clock Tower is located on the Santa Fe mainline in downtown Alvin. Trains stopped at the depot from the early 1900s until 1960. The depot has a second life today as a special events venue and offices for the Visitors Bureau. Bayou Wildlife Park www.bayouwildlifezoo.com

River. 37 miles of trails are open to walking and cycling. The park has equestrian trails, but horses are not available. The park is the busiest in the spring and fall months and on mild winter days. Brazos Bend is famous for its wild alligator population. The George Observatory is part of the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge www.fws.gov/refuge/Brazoria/visit/plan_ your_visit.html

Brazos Bend is one of the last remaining wild places open to the public in the greater Houston area. The park is approximately 5,000 acres of prairie, wetland and bottomland forest along the west bank of the Brazos

The Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge is part of the Texas Mid-coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex, which includes Brazoria, San Bernard and Big Boggy National Wildlife Refuges. Located east of Angleton and Lake Jackson, the refuge complex is a haven for both wildlife and people. For wildlife, the expanse of salt and freshwater marshes, sloughs, ponds, coastal prairies, and bottomland forest represent feasting and lodging for all or part of the year. For people, there is exceptional wildlife watching. The greater the number of habitats, the richer the ecology, the Refuge’s location on the Texas Gulf helps Freeport draw one of the highest Audubon Christmas bird counts in the nation - more than 200 species.

7 07 0 T E X A S 2 8 8 S O U T H N E W C O M E R G U I D E

– SPRING/SUMMER 2018

The Bayou Wildlife Park in Alvin is one of only four zoos in the state of Texas. Visitors take a safari-like adventure through the park to see the animals in their natural habitats. Animals come from 19 different countries, including Africa, Asia, Australia, and North and South America. Brazos Bend State Park & George Observatory www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/ brazos-bend

Center for the Arts & Sciences www.bcfas.org Located in Clute, the Center promotes the appreciation of art, natural science, theater, nature and music. The Center’s planetarium features a 30-foot dome equipped with a Spitz Star Ball projector to produce the night sky as it appears to the naked eye. High tech equipment gets up close views to comets, exploding stars, and black holes. Froberg’s Vegetable & Fruit Farm www.frobergsfarm.com Froberg’s Country Store is open year round seven days a week excluding major Holidays. Froberg’s offers homegrown fruits and vegetables along with produce from other areas. Froberg is famous for its homemade pies, fried pies, pickles, jellies, preserves, pralines, pecan brittle, peanut brittle, kettle and caramel corn. Strawberry picking typically starts in January and ends late May. Starting the last weekend in September until the first weekend in November, the farm adds a Corn Maze, Indoor Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival with fun activities for the kids.

Haak Vineyards and Winery www.haakwine.co. Haak Winery in Santa Fe is the only commercial vineyard in Galveston County. Visitors can take tours and stay for tastings during business hours. Pear-Scape Trail www.visitpearland.com Visitors to Pearland can see the city and some beautiful 4-ft. pears painted by local

Sea Center Texas www.tpwd.texas.gov/fishing/ sea-center-texas The 75-acre center is a marine fish hatchery and aquarium. This education and entertainment facility includes the aquarium, red drum hatchery, and a wetlands walkway and exhibit. Stephen F. Austin Statue www.brazoriacountytx. govdepartments/parks-department/ munson-park-stephen-f-austin-statue

artists on the Pear-Scape Trail. 20 pears were uniquely designed for the trail. Pearwood Skate Center www.pearwoodskate.com Reminisce about the “good old days” of big hair and shoulder pads and enjoy a fun afternoon or evening of roller skating at Pearwood Skate Center in Pearland. Quad skates or in-line skates are included with your entry fee.

Stephen F. Austin-Munson Historical County Park represents a unique privatepublic partnership following years of community support for Brazoria County’s most famous resident, Stephen F. Austin, “the Father of Texas. Following a groundswell of support to honor Austin, local residents raised funds to construct the 72-ft. high statue and grounds. The park is the first county-run historic site and is open five days per week.

Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site Museum www.thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/ varner-hogg-plantation-state-historic-site This Texas Historical Commission property is situated on 66 acres along the Brazos River in West Columbia. The site tells the story of the plantation’s 134-year history, including a majestic plantation house, pecan orchards, numerous outbuildings and other outdoor features. Sri Meenakshi Temple www.emeenakshi.org Sri Meenakshi Temple Society was established in 1977. Houston families took turns and performed daily poojas. University of Houston professor of architecture, Sri Ranjit Banerjee, developed the initial master plan for the first five acre tract, which included the main temple hall and Ganesh temple.

Stephen F. Austin Paddling Trail Paddle Brazoria County down the Brazos River There are four connecting trails along the Brazos River: in total 35.4 miles to paddle. For maps and trip details visit https://tpwd. texas.gov/fishboat/boat/paddlingtrails/ inland/

COLUMBIA BOTTOMLAND WATERWAY 8.3 mile stretch on the Brazos River through the impressive Columbia Bottomland forests.

SUGAR MILL STRETCH

OLD SETTLEMENT PASSAGE

GULF PRAIRIE RUN

10.4 mile route that offers views of historic bridges amongst the Columbia Bottomlands.

9.8 mile trail through Columbia Bottomland hardwoods toward Freeport

6.9 mile section gives paddlers an easy route.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

L E I S U R E & R E C R E AT I O N

HOU S T ON A R E A A T TR A C T IONS Avenida Houston at Discovery Green www.avenidahouston.com

and covers approximately 1,466 acres inside the 610 Loop. The 18-hole Memorial Park Golf Course, Texas’ top-rated municipal

“Avenida” comes from Avenida de las Americas, the boulevard that fronts the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRBCC). The 97,000-square-foot Avenida Houston includes Discovery Green’s 12-acre park, public art installations, and two convention headquarter hotels; the Hilton Americas-Houston and the Marriott Marquis Houston. Avenida Houston skirts Houston’s active Sports District; Toyota Center and Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Rockets, Houston Astros and dozens of annual concerts. A few short blocks away, soccer fans can see the Houston Dynamo or Dash, the professional men’s and women’s soccer teams. Visitors will get a taste of why Houston is named the Culinary and Cultural Capital of the South with nearly 20 restaurants in the immediate vicinity. With events, festivals and other programs taking place along Avenida de las Americas it’s becoming the in-place to meet and play. Houston Arboretum and Nature Center and Memorial Park www.houstontx.gov

golf course, lies at the heart of the park along with tennis courts, softball fields, swimming center, track, croquet, volleyball, skating, and cycling. The most famous feature of the park is the 2.93 mile running course of crushed granite and is probably the most popular in Houston with almost 3 million visits annually. The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, an arboretum and botanical garden, is located within the park on 155 acres. The Nature Center holds classes and hosts events. Battleship Texas and San Jacinto Monument Museum www.sanjacinto-museum.org Battleship Texas is anchored at the 1,200acre San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site where visitors can experience history first-hand. The only surviving combat ship to have served in both World Wars, the Battleship Texas became the first memorial museum of its kind in the United States and is permanently anchored on the Houston Ship Channel. The Battleship

Sam Houston Statue in Hermann Park/Houston

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

Discovery Green www.discoverygreen.com 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. George Ranch Historical Park www.georgeranch.org Located on a 20,000-acre working ranch, this 460-acre living history park includes historic homes, costumed interpreters and livestock. Tracing history that began in 1824, it is open daily. Special events such as the Texian Market Days Festival and Spring Break activities are offered year round. Hermann Park www.hermannpark.org

Texas program provides many recreational and educational experiences for visitors as

Memorial Park, opened in 1924, is one of the largest urban parks in the United States

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

well as numerous programs and self-guided tours. 281-479-2431

Photos courtesy of Visit Houston Texas

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Arguably Houston’s “Central Park,” this 445-acre park wedged between the Museum District and Medical Center celebrated its

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

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. Houston Zoo www.houstonzoo.org

Asia Society www.asiasociety.org Asia Society is the leading educational organization dedicated to promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships among people, leaders and institutions of Asia and the United States in a global context. Across the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, the Society provides insight, generates ideas, and promotes collaboration to address present challenges and create a shared future.

Space Center Houston www.spacecenter.org Space Center Houston is the visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the area’s only Smithsonian affiliate. Houston’s No. 1 attraction for international visitors, Space Center Houston emphasizes engaging educational exhibits in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It offers permanent and special exhibits, attractions, theaters and seasonal camps for kids. Moody Gardens www.moodygardens.org • 800-582-4673

The Galleria Houston www.simon.com/mall/the-galleria

Photo courtesy of The Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo had a record year for attendance in 2016, welcoming 2,550,453 million visitors and maintaining its elite position as the second-most-attended US zoo with a paid admission. The zoo’s multiple seasonal and permanent attractions like holiday Zoo Lights and the Gorillas of the African Forest exhibit have helped drive attendance. Gorillas of The African Forest gives visitors the opportunity to observe gorillas in a lush forest setting adjacent to the existing chimpanzee habitat. The Houston Zoo is open seven days a week, from 9:00 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is located at 6200 Hermann Park Drive.

Photos courtesy of Moody Gardens

A tropical destination for families and Photos courtesy of Visit Houston Texas

The Galleria attracts more than 26 million visitors each year and is a major destination for shoppers from Latin America. The Galleria is the largest mall in Texas and the fourth largest in the nation. Modeled after the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, built in 1867, Houston’s Galleria also includes its famous ice rink.

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. 

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. 74

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

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Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theater District will impress the most demanding theatre aficionados. This cultural destination in downtown Houston is home to the Alley Theatre, Jones Hall, Wortham Theater Center, and the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Numerous restaurants and trend setting bars serve patrons before curtain calls and after performances.

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

Photo courtesy of Hobby Center For The Performing Arts

ARTS, CULTURE s n o i t c a r t t &A

TH E AT E R D IS TR IC T 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. Houston Symphony 615 Louisiana, St., Ste. 102, Houston, 77002 www.houstonsymphony.org Photo courtesy of Alley Theatre

Alley Theatre

Houston Grand Opera

615 Texas Ave., Houston, 77002

510 Preston St., Houston, 77002

www.alleytheatre.org

www.houstongrandopera.org

One of

America’s leading not-for-profit

theatres calls the Houston Theater District Photo courtesy of Houston Symphony

Home – The Alley Theatre. The Alley Theatre is nationally recognized for their performing

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.

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. Hobby Center for the Performing Arts 800 Bagby St., Ste. 300 Houston, 77002 www.thehobbycenter.org

Photo courtesy of The Houston Grand Opera

Adding to Houston’s rich cultural environment, Houston Grand Opera entertains with

The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

their innovative programs, community events

brings first-class entertainment and cultural

and educational projects. Houston Grand

enjoyment to Houstonians by way of the

Opera has a solid reputation for commis-

generosity of their donors. This arts complex

sioning and producing new works, including

is home to the Theatre Under The Stars

56 world premieres and seven American

(TUTS), and the Houston Broadway Series.

premieres since 1973. Stop in and visit and see

Jones Hall 615 Louisiana St., Houston, 77002 www.houstonfirsttheaters.com Jones Hall is a monument to the memory of Jesse Holman Jones, an eminent figure in Houston during the first half of the 20th Century. Today, Jones Hall is home to the Houston Symphony and the Society for the Performing Arts. More than 400,000 visitors attend some 250 events annually.

Photo courtesy of Houston Symphony

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-pro76

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

fessional dancers.

– SPRING/SUMMER 2018

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. Photo courtesy of Main Street Theater

Main Street Theater 2450 Times Square Blvd., Houston 77005 333 S. Jensen, Houston, 77003 www.mainstreettheater.com Founded in 1975 and has been opening doors for locals of all ages to engage in the performing arts. They offer classes for children and adults and hold performances by both local authors and established writers. Stages Repertory Theatre 3021 Allen Pkwy. Ste. 101, Houston, 77019 www.stagestheatre.com Stages Theatre is one of only two theatres in the region that offers year-round employment

the community. TUTS is equipped for actors and aficionados of all ages and abilities. Wortham Theater Center 501 Texas Ave., Houston, 77002 www.houstonfirsttheaters.com

Society for FINE the Performing Arts 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

Miller Outdoor Theatre, Photo courtesy of Houston First

Houston’s largest performing arts complex, is home to the Houston Ballet and Houston Grand Opera and is partnered with Da Camera of Houston and Mercury the Orchestra Redefined.Featuring 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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L E I S U R E & R E C R E AT I O N

M U S E U M D I S TR IC T The Art Car Museum 140 Heights Blvd., Houston, 77007 www.artcarmuseum.com

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston

and other innocent victims and honoring the

5216 Montrose Blvd., Houston, 77006 www.camh.org

survivors’ legacy. The Holocaust Museum

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.

The

Contemporary

Arts

Museum

Houston has a permanent exhibition called 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

“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

of work and dynamic exhibitions on display. CAMH also offers special programs and

The Menil Collection is an art museum

educational opportunities. Admission is Free.

that houses both permanent collection and welcomes special exhibitions. Making art

The Health Museum 1515 Hermann Dr., Houston, 77004 www.thehealthmuseum.org

accessible to all is vital to their mission, so no admission fee is charged and all public programs are free. They hope to educate

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 Photo courtesy of The Art Car Museum

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

and the McGovern 4D Theater.

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 The Houston Museum of Natural Science 5555 Hermann Park Dr., Houston, 77030 www.hmns.org

installations to Houston residents and visi-

As one of the most heavily attended

embracing every era of history from across

museums

the

the globe. Make time to visit the Bayou

Houston Museum of Natural Science

Bend Collection not too far away. From

(HMNS) seeks to enhance knowledge

2015 to 2019 the campus of the Museum

and delight in natural science and related

of Fine Arts, Houston will transform into a

subjects. It houses the Burke Baker Plane-

magnificent two new buildings.

the

United

States,

tors alike.

The Museum has numerous

collections that fill the galleries year-round

tarium, Wortham GIANT Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center and a fascinating examine astronomy, space science, Native

Blaffer Art Museum University of Houston - 120 Fine Arts Bldg. Houston, 77204

American culture, paleontology, energy,

www.blafferartmuseum.org

variety of permanent exhibit areas that

chemistry, gems and minerals, Texas wildlife and more.

Blaffer Art Museum helps the community to engage in contemporary art through exhi-

Holocaust Museum Houston

bitions, publications and public programs.

5401 Caroline St., Houston, 77004 www.hmh.org

This art museum is free, and open to the public in an effort to promote participation

fun-filled hands on experience at the Children’s Museum of Houston will not leave

The

in the arts. Blaffer Art Museum is also the

anyone bored. For nearly 30 years, the place

dedicated to educating people about the

gateway between the University of Houston

for families to play, laugh, learn and grow.

Holocaust, remembering the 6 million Jews

and the City of Houston.

– SPRING/SUMMER 2018

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

Holocaust

Museum

Houston

T E X AS 2 8 8 S O U TH M US E UMS Alvin Historical Museum, Alvin

on display—a dinosaur replica; and exhibits

Schuster Home, Freeport, TX

300 W. Sealy, Alvin, Texas

on wildlife, rocks and minerals, archaeology,

979-297-0868

281-331-4469 • www.alvinmuseum.org

fossils and aquariums.

Housed in a former post office, the Alvin

Cultural Heritage Museum

port was incorporated, the Schuster house

Historical

2341 N. Galveston Avenue, Suite 200.

was a special place for family gatherings and

Built in 1917, the same year the city of FreeMuseum

showcases

artifacts

and memorabilia from Alvin’s history. The museum is located at 300 West Sealy.

This intimate 390 square-foot museum installation is serving as an exhibit space

Brazoria County Historical

until a permanent museum facility is built

Museum, Angleton

in Pearland. Visitors can view the 100+

979-388-1208 • www.bchm.org

Visions of India collection featuring Indian art and artifacts, reflecting both India’s

Housed in the 1897 Brazoria County Court-

culture and art. Sam Kannappan curates

house the museum includes an exhibit on

the exhibit sponsored by the Pearland Alli-

the Austin Colony and other exhibits on the

ance for Arts & Culture.

frontier experience. Lake Jackson Historical Museum, Brazosport Museum of Natural

Lake Jackson

Science Clute

979-297-1570 • lakejacksonmuseum.org

979-265-7831 • www.bcfas.org

holidays. Large crafted columns supported the wrap around porch and two enclosed chimneys provided for wood-burning stoves. Ten foot ceilings and many windows helped keep the area cool. It serves as an example of family life during the founding of Freeport. Tours are given on the fourth Saturday of every month. Surfside Historical Museum 979-233-1531 • www.surfsidetx.org A display of artifacts and exhibits on the history of Surfside Beach, Fort Velasco,

Museum highlights the history of

Brazoria County and Texas. Outside monu-

Named one of the ten best museums in

Lake Jackson, “The City of Enchant-

ments commemorate the Battle of Velasco

Texas by Frommer’s Travel Guide. Features

ment”, exhibits in history, humanities,

and sinking of the Acadia during the Civil

the largest collection of shells—over 14,000

and the sciences.

War. FREE admission

T E X AS 2 8 8 S O U TH TH E A TER & A RT Alvin Live, Alvin Community College

Kid’s Backporch Productions

281-756-3767

281-412-5350

This small, intimate venue gives students

This non-profit youth theatre group presents

experience in television and radio broad-

children’s theatrical productions starring

casting while raising funds for the college

adult and child actors.

communications department. Brazosport Center Stages Theater 979-265-7661 • www.bcfas.org The oldest continuously operating community theatre on the Gulf Coast of Texas, providing generations of audiences quality theatrical events. Brazosport College Art Gallery

Pearland Arts League (PAL) 713-340-1965 www.pearlandartsleague.com PAL members have a shared interest in promoting fine arts by incorporating the artistic talents of local residents at annual art exhibits and shows. Pearl Theater/Pearland Theatre Guild 713-340-2540

979-230-3000 • www.brazosport.edu The Pearl Theater near Shadow Creek Some of the finest works from around the

Ranch is the Guild’s permanent home.

United States are on display, showcasing

Productions include classic and contempo-

various mediums and styles from contempo-

rary plays, classes, camps and workshops for

rary and modern to traditional works.

adults and children. 

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

SPORTS

HOUSTON PROUD

Major events in Houston require tens of thousands of volunteers who take on a variety of jobs and responsibilities to make the event Houston Proud. More than 33,000 individuals serving on over 100 committees form the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo volunteer corps, giving more than 2.1 million total hours. 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.

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SPRING/SUMMER 2018

Game Seven of 2017 World Series / Houston Astros v Los Angeles Dodgers Photo by Christian Petersen / Getty Images

Houston offers a variety of sports and recreational activities to please everyone. Couch potatoes, weekend warriors, full-on athletes and die-hard fans love the sports scene.

Another event in 2017, Hurricane Harvey, showed Houston’s tenacity and volunteer spirit. As flood waters rose, strangers helped strangers to safety, businesses responded, and volunteers lined up to do their part and give. Houston Strong became the mantra the city lived and ultimately played by. While many Houstonians recovered and rebuilt their homes and lives after Harvey, another event just a few months later changed the city again. The Houston Astros won the World Series Championship for the first time in its franchise history, defeating the Dodgers 5-1 in Game 7 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Houston exploded with pride, celebration and inspiration. Houston Strong! What a series it was. Houston and Los Angeles set the record for most home runs in a single World Series. Game 5 kept Houstonians up late, ending with a 13-12 Astros win in the 10th inning and way past mid-night. It was the first World Series since 1970 between two teams with more than 100 wins during the regular season.

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SPORTS DISTRICT Within walking distance of Avenida de las Americas, the Houston Astros baseball team plays in Minute Maid Park, built around the grand 1911 Union Station depot. The Houston Rockets play basketball at Toyota Center a short walk from Minute Maid Park. Toyota Center is also a popular venue for concerts.

restaurants and newly constructed homes. A

varying terrain and challenges to suit every

new bike trail and METRO’s East End rail

golfer’s taste. Here, you’ll see striking views

line add to the vitality of this area.

of downtown Houston from one of the

The Houston Dynamo soccer team takes the field at BBVA Compass Stadium, located on the exciting east side of downtown, home to a growing concentration of clubs,

highest tee boxes in the city. You can play a

GOLF

round of golf in a certified Audubon Coop-

The average high in Houston in January (the

erative Sanctuary, tee off in a country club

coldest month) is 62.9°F and the average

known to be one of the most challenging

low is 43.2°F; there are over 200 days of

and well-maintained in the city, or play a

sunshine. Houston is a golfer’s paradise.

round of golf in your own neighborhood. In addition, golf lessons, clinics, PGA profes-

The Texas 288 Corridor has its share of

sionals and First Tee Programs are offered

both public and private courses that offer

throughout the area. 

TEXAS 288 GOLF COURSES Clear Creek Golf Club

713-738-8000

www.clearcreekgolfclub.com

Pearland Golf Club at Country Place

713-773-9603

www.pearlandgolfclub.com

Magnolia Creek Golf Links

281-557-0555

www.clubcorp.com/Clubs/Magnolia-Creek-South-Shore

Sienna Plantation Golf Club

281-778-4653

www.siennagolf.com

South Shore Harbour Country Club

281-334-0525

www.clubcorp.com/Clubs/Magnolia-Creek-South-Shore

Southwyck Golf Club, Pearland

713-436-9999

www.southwyckgc.com

Wildcat Golf Club

713-413-3400

www.wildcatgolfclub.com

Wilderness Golf Course

979-297-4653

www.thewildernessgc.com

Timber Creek Golf Club

281-993-1140

www.timbercreekgolfclub.com

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

CALENDAR of EVENTS

Photos courtesy of Visit Houston Texas

TEXAS 288 & SURROUNDING AREA EVENTS YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SPRING/SUMMER 2018

J AN U A R Y Chevron Houston Marathon Established in 1972, the Houston Marathon has become the nation’s premier winter marathon, half-marathon and 5K. About 25,000 runners participate in threerace weekend event. Organized by 7,500 volunteers, marathon is Houston’s largest single-day sporting event. HoustonMarathon.com

FE BR U A R Y Mardi Gras Galveston Island The island’s 107th Mardi Gras celebration is expected to draw more the 300,000 attendees. The island-style Mardi Gras has plenty of personality from the classic revelry found in the heart of Galveston’s historic down-town district to electronic dance parties and family friendly events and parades. www.galveston.com/mardigras

M AR C H Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo The world’s largest rodeo features dazzling competitions, award-winning barbecue, and block-buster concerts by country and western and other music super stars. Young farmers vying for scholarships

exhibit their prize livestock, plus an outdoor carnival at NRG Park. 832-667-1000 In Bloom Music Festival This annual 2-day music festival is held at Buffalo Bayou’s Eleanor Tinsley Park. It features dozens of perfor-mances on five different stages, fireworks, interactive art, music workshops, local and national musicians. www.fpsf.com The Azalea Trail The Azalea Trail is a promenade through some of Houston’s most glamorous homes and gardens. Organized by the River Oaks Garden Club, it is held each March when the showy purple, pink, white and yellow Azaleas are at their most spectacular. 713-523-2483

AP RIL McDonald’s Houston Children’s Festival This event is the largest children’s festival in the United States and has been selected as “one of the world’s 300 unmissable events” by Frommer’s Travel Guides. There are 5 stages, 9 big family adventure zones and over 300 activities. All proceeds benefit Child Advocates and the abused and neglected children they serve. www.houstonchildrensfestival.com

The Art Car Parade The Art Car Parade is the highlight of a three-day celebration of the drive to create: Art Car Weekend. Held each spring, the parade attracts over 250 ingenious entries and more than 250,000 spectators. It is sponsored by the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art. www.thehoustonartcarparade.com

MA Y Houston Dragon Boat Festival The Texas Dragon Boat Association, in collaboration with Buffalo Bayou Partnership, presents its 17th Annual Houston Dragon Boat Festival. The festival will showcase 30 teams competing along the banks of Buffalo Bayou at Allen’s Landing, and will feature Asian cuisine, music, arts and crafts, and cultural performances for the whole family. 713-205-7373 Comicpalooza Comicpalooza is Texas’ largest pop culture convention. Comicpalooza is one of the best multi-format pop culture con in the southwest. Events include J-Fashion, cosplay, a film festival, literary conference, a code fest, maker space, Mars Rover rides, video and tabletop gaming, professional wrestling, & roller derby bouts. www.visithoustontexas.com

Photos courtesy of Visit Houston Texas

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

L E I S U R E & R E C R E AT I O N

Photos courtesy of Houston Zoo

J UN E Juneteenth Celebration Juneteenth is a celebration of June 19, the day Texas learned of President Abraham Lincoln’s signing of the Eman-cipation Proclamation freeing all slaves. The event at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park includes blues, gospel and jazz

Freedom Over Texas – July 4 Freedom Over Texas is the Mayor’s Official Fourth of July Holiday Event. Held on the banks of Buffalo Bayou, it features multiple stages of nationally recognized and local recording artists, family-friendly activities, and of course, unrivaled pyro-

OCTOB ER The Original Greek Festival Join in the celebration at the Original Greek Festival held at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Part of the proceeds are donated to vari-ous Houston area charities. www.greekfestival.org

technic artistry set to music.

Carnival Houston

The Houston International Jazz Festival

Bayou City Art Festival Downtown This acclaimed juried art show in downtown Houston spans several blocks filled with paintings, sculptures, jewelry and music, plus great food, wine cafes, beer taverns and a kids zone.

Celebrating carnival from the Caribbean,

traditionally showcases Jazz, Rhythm and

www.artcolonyassociation.org

Brazil and New Orleans Mardi Gras. It

Blues, Soul and Latin Fusion.

is an exciting explosion of music, cuisine,

www.jazzeducation.org

performers and a variety of smaller events aimed at raising awareness of African-American herit-age.

AU GUST Houston International Jazz Fest, August 4-6

revelry, costume parade and performances. The Premier Annual Carnival Houston show will showcase carnival costumes and performances such as Samba, Merengue, and costume masqueraders, Dance Performances, Calypso, Soca, Salsa, and Samba. (832) 614-9337

J UL Y

Texas Renaissance Festival Plantersville - Based on travel-worthiness, chance to broaden horizons and the ability to introduce people to try new things and connect with others, the Texas Renaissance Festival has been voted the best cultural festival in the country by USA Today and 10Best. Enjoy magicians, jugglers, minstrels, troubadours, comedians, food,

July 4th Celebrations are held throughout

arts and crafts that all celebrate life in the

the greater Houston area. Check with your

16th Century.

visitors’ bureau or city for details.

www.texrenfest.com

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TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

Quilt Festival More than 1,600 quilt and fiber art works will be on exhibit at this renowned show and sale. Shop more than 1,100 booths, free demos and edu-cation exhibits in the George R. Brown Convention Center. 713-781-6864 Nutcracker Market The Houston Ballet’s major fundraiser, the Nutcracker Market is a shopping wonderland. This year’s market will feature more than 325 nation-al and international merchants carefully selected for their unique offerings. Look for gourmet food,

home dĂŠcor, garden accessories, clothing,

Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo

novelties and the perfect gift.

Presented by TXU Energy. Millions of

www.Houstonballet.org

LED lights illuminate animal-themed light

HGMS Gem, Jewelry, Mineral & Fossil Show The Houston Gem and Mineral Society will hold its annual celebration of rocks, showcasing unique jewelry and other earthly delights. See demonstrations, educational exhibits and

displays, 15 miles of tree lighting, and seasonal songs and stories. www.zoolights.houstonzoo.org

TEXA S 288 EV ENTS Following are just a few of the events held annually in the Texas 288 area. For a complete list of events check the City, Chamber of Commerce or Visitors Bureau web pages.

Houston Galleria Uptown Holiday Lighting The annual holiday tradition flips the

JA NUA RY Pearland Winterfest

one-of-a-kind treasures.

switch on a half-million twinkling lights

www.hgms.org

along with music, holiday charac-ters, and

Recreation Center Natatorium. Call for

a special appearance by Santa. Fireworks

ticket information and event schedule.

grand finale. Numerous Christmas events

281-412-8900

H-E-B Holiday Parade The 68th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade will welcome the holiday season by celebrating all things Hou-ston. The Fun begins at 9am when the downtown streets come alive with zesty marching bands,

from tree lighting ceremonies and parades to fun runs are held in various cities in the Texas 288 region throughout the holiday sea-son. Check your cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s web page for

imaginative floats and colorful balloons.

information or contact the Convention &

Bring the family.

Visitors Bureau

www.houstontx.gov/thanksgivingparade

www.uptownhouston.comTEXA S

This popular family event is held at the

MA RCH Angleton Market Days More than 200 diverse vendors from across the State gather at the Brazoria County Fairgrounds each spring for this large indoor and outdoor market. 979-849-4364

HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM

Lake Jackson: Bird Banding The mission of the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory is to protect the birds and their habitats around the Gulf of Mexico and beyond. Volunteers collect baseline data on bird populations at the sanctuary. The banding station is an excellent oppor-tunity to see birds up close and to learn all the birds of our community. www.gcbo.org • 979-480-0999

OCTOB ER Pearland Art & Crafts on the Pavilion Unique collection of artists and craft artisans support this annual show at the Pearland Town Center. Saturday & Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. 713-436-5595

A PR I L Brazosport CenterFest 2018 Artist from across the state show and sell

Lake Jackson, July 4th Celebration Annual fireworks display at Dunbar Park, 9-9:30 pm. Parking is available at

work ranging from fine wood sculptures to

the Brazos Mall.

beautiful paintings to pho-tography, glass,

www.lakejackson-tx.gov

clay, metal, jewelry, and much more! www.brazosportcenterfest.org

Pearland - July 4th Celebration A military salute followed by the Texas

Alvin Music Festival & Cook-Off

Unlimited Band. Spectacular fireworks

The annual event draws visitors from

display at sundown. Full size car-nival,

all around to enjoy live music, IBCA

food, face painting and more! , 6:30-10:00

sanctioned Cook-Off, kids activities,

p.m. Admission is FREE.

food, dancing, and a beer garden. Just

281-412-8900

around the corner from Pearland, Alvin is minutes away on Highway 35.

Great Texas Mosquito Festival

www.alvinmusicfestival.com

Three-day family event featuring food,

Lake Jackson: Taste of the Town Sample food and drinks from a variety of the Brazosport Area’s finest restaurants. Live auction at the Food Court. 979-285-2501

J UL Y Fireworks, Food and Fun!

arts & crafts, booths, a carnival, contests, and headline entertainers. Have your photo taken with the world’s largest mosquito, “Mr. Willie Man-chew”. Clute Municipal Park. 800-371-2971

SE P TEMB ER

Alvin - July 4th Celebration.

Pearland Fusion of the Arts

Alvin Community College - 3110

Juried art show held annually to showcase

Mustang Road.

local performing and visual artists.

www.alvincollege.edu/campusevents

713-304-0672

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TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

Brazoria County Fair & Rodeo OCTOBER 12 - 20, 2018 - 80th Anniversary of the largest county fair in Texas with Rodeo, Science Fair, concerts, BBQ Cook-off, and Livestock Show & Carnival. Fair grounds in Angleton. www.brazoriacountyfair.com 979-849-6416

NOV EMB ER/ DECEMB ER Lake Jackson: Festival of Lights Kick-off the holiday season with this carnival, games, parade, snow and more! Carnival runs Thursday - Sunday. 979-415-2600 Pearland Hometown Christmas Annual tree lighting ceremony & Christmas village in Pearland Town Center. Christmas Parade is held on Satur-day. Alvin Home for the Holidays Kid’s craft and movie are planned for Friday night. Saturday’s events at National Oak Park feature food, a Christ-mas market, kid’s activities, a snow hill, entertainment and a lighted parade. 281-388-4299 Angleton Heart of Christmas on the Square This annual event features a lighted parade, food, children’s activities and fun for all around the court house.

ad index APARTMENTS/HOTELS Discovery at Shadow Creek Ranch .......................................................................................................................................... 27 Courtyard by Marriott Pearland ................................................................................................................................................. 13

BUILDERS & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTS Meridiana........................................................................................................................................................... Inside Front Cover Pomona by Hillwood Communities..............................................................................................................Outside Back Cover Terrata Homes in Sterling Lakes .................................................................................................................................................... 7 Sienna Plantation .............................................................................................................................................. Inside Back Cover Stone Meadow Homes ............................................................................................................................................................... 19

EDUCATION Alvin Community College ........................................................................................................................................................... 40 Brazosport College ...................................................................................................................................................................... 41 Brazosport ISD ............................................................................................................................................................................... 35 Lutheran South Academy........................................................................................................................................................... 37 Primrose School of Pearland........................................................................................................................................................ 39 St. Helen Catholic School ........................................................................................................................................................... 37 New Horizons Computer Learning Center................................................................................................................................. 43

HEALTH CARE HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Pearland ...................................................................................................................... 3 Houston Methodist Hospital ........................................................................................................................................................ 61 Pearland Medical Center HCA..................................................................................................................................................... 1 MD Anderson Cancer Center....................................................................................................................................................... 9

REAL ESTATE & RELOCATION SERVICES Innovative Realty Group: David Moore .................................................................................................................................... 23 HAR.COM....................................................................................................................................................................................... 77 Shelly Naiser Properties................................................................................................................................................................. 21

RECREATION Brazosport Center for the Arts & Sciences................................................................................................................................. 28 Children’s Museum of Houston................................................................................................................................................... 33 Houston Rockets........................................................................................................................................................................... 85 Pearland Golf Club at Country Place........................................................................................................................................ 81 Schlitterbahn Galveston Island................................................................................................................................................... 73 Texas Renaissance Festival.......................................................................................................................................................... 87

UTILITIES XFINITY ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 52 TXU Energy ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Advertise in the next issue

Reserve your premium position today! 88

– SPRING/SUMMER 2018 To learn more, visit www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com

TEXAS 288 SOUTH NEWCOMER GUIDE

GET MORE SIENNA PLANTATION Where Living Becomes Living It Up

• New builders, 20+ new model homes • New and pre-owned homes • 7th on-site Fort Bend ISD School coming Aug. 2018

• New entrance opening 2018 • Sawmill Lake Club - NOW OPEN! • On-site restaurants + retail

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New Homes From The Mid $200s-$600s

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4545 Pomona Parkway Manvel, TX 77578