Need suggestions on where to live

[DIHOW]

Hi. We are moving from the US with 2 children who are very involved in sports and school. They love hanging around the neighborhood. We need 4 bedrooms. Where should we look and they will be happy. My son is 11 yrs old and not really excited. Thanks

[it depends]

It really depends on what your budget is for housing. Depending on that, there may not be a 'neighborhood' so much as you may be living in a condo rather than a stand-alone house. It also depends on if you would prefer to live more in-town or out of the way a bit. If you are coming for a US-suburban environment, life will be very different for you here. I'm not saying it's bad or anything, but it is not like the US suburban neighborhoods you may be used to, so there will be some adjustment.

Hopefully you will be able to make a trip over here ahead of the move in order to get a better idea of what it's really like and where to focus your search for housing.

[been here 10 years]

Sounds like you should give Woodlands some serious thought. Its fairly insular in that its near the school but nothing else. However, is the closest thing to an American neighborhood. Lots of kids hanging out, sometimes not well supervised (a negative aspect that keeps some people away). There are literally hundreds of kids there for halloween. A condominium complex like Astrid Meadows will also have a built-in support system and be a little more low-key.

You'll need a car in the Woodlands for sure and it will take 45 mins or more to get downtown in the morning. There are activity buses after school that will take the kids downtown after sports and activities if you decide to live closer to the city. The Woodlands can be great but has a bit of a reputation -- too close knit, gossipy, a little 'peyton place.' 90% of your shopping will take place in town.

Hope this helps.