clear lake area newcomer guide - 2016 vol. 1

22Tourism

SPRING / SUMMER 2016

Chamber of Commerce Newcomer and Relocation Guide

INDEPENDENCE PLAZAat Space Center Houston

HoustonNewcomerGuides.com

CLEAR LAKE AREASERVING BAY AREA

Building Quality Homes from the $240s to the $860s Over 30 Communities in the Houston Area!

BETTER VALUEHomes starting at $92 per sq. .*

SPACIOUS DESIGNSGet a larger home for your money

DESIGN CHOICESOver 100 designs to choose from

SUPERIOR QUALITYNumerous 3rd Party and internalinspections ensure high quality standards

GREAT LOCATIONSOver 25 Hand Craed Communitiesstrategically located for your convenience

UNSURPASSED WARRANTY2-year workmanship warranty and10-year structural warranty

ENERGY EFFICIENCYPerry Homes continuously looks for waysto maximize energy savings and improvethe indoor air quality of every home for thecomfort of your family

DESIGN CENTERProfessional Designers will help youpersonalize your home

TOP REASONS TO CHOOSE PERRY HOMES:

Over 300Homes

Available in theHouston Area!

Visit any of our Perry Homes communities tocompare the quality and value for yourself.

1.800.247.3779PERRYHOMES.comAll trademarks, product names, brands and logos remain property of their respective holders, and are used only to directly describe the products oered. eir use in no way indicates any relationship, endorsement, or sponsorship between Perry Homes and the holders of said trademarks. *Interest rates, oers, plans, prices and availability are subject to change without notice. (2/16)

Building Quality Homes from the $240s to the $860s Over 30 Communities in the Houston Area!

BETTER VALUEHomes starting at $92 per sq. .*

SPACIOUS DESIGNSGet a larger home for your money

DESIGN CHOICESOver 100 designs to choose from

SUPERIOR QUALITYNumerous 3rd Party and internalinspections ensure high quality standards

GREAT LOCATIONSOver 25 Hand Craed Communitiesstrategically located for your convenience

UNSURPASSED WARRANTY2-year workmanship warranty and10-year structural warranty

ENERGY EFFICIENCYPerry Homes continuously looks for waysto maximize energy savings and improvethe indoor air quality of every home for thecomfort of your family

DESIGN CENTERProfessional Designers will help youpersonalize your home

TOP REASONS TO CHOOSE PERRY HOMES:

Over 300Homes

Available in theHouston Area!

Visit any of our Perry Homes communities tocompare the quality and value for yourself.

1.800.247.3779PERRYHOMES.comAll trademarks, product names, brands and logos remain property of their respective holders, and are used only to directly describe the products oered. eir use in no way indicates any relationship, endorsement, or sponsorship between Perry Homes and the holders of said trademarks. *Interest rates, oers, plans, prices and availability are subject to change without notice. (2/16)

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2 Clear Lake Area Newcomer & Relocation Guide

30

49

12Welcome to Clear Lake Area

24Neighborhoods & CommunitiesClear Lake neighborhood profiles and On Location.

22Independence Plaza

30Home FrontDeciding to buy, build or lease your home, multi-family, housing and temporary lodging. Mortgages, Financial Institutions & Insurance.

39Relocation InformationAnticipating moving day, insurance, relocation essentials, utility choices, International residents and transportation information.

58HealthcareMedical facilities, physician referral and moving medical tips. Institutions and schools in the Texas Medical Center.

70Business and Community Occupations and business organizations.

75Entertainment, Things to Do & EventsAnnual Events, museums, theatre and the arts, golf courses, activities and area attractions.

22Contents

49EducationPublic school districts, charter schools and private schools.

57Places of Worship

3Clear Lake Area Newcomer & Relocation Guide

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 easierat least on your wallet. But thats 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 months 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. 2016 TXU Energy. All rights reserved. REP #10004

THE RICHARDS GROUP

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2016 Clear Lake Area Newcomer & Relocation Guide is published by Post Oak Publishing, Inc. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any elec-tronic or mechanical means, including information storage and re-trieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher. Every effort has been made to provide accurate information of the products and services listed here. Listing information, which includes company name, location and phone is constantly chang-ing. Of necessity, Post Oak Publishing, Inc. makes no guarantees concerning the information in this book, as provided by the adver-tising and listing companies, or the use to which it is put.

Clear Lake Area

Intro Boating Capital of Texas.The Clear lake Area has a charming coastal lifestyle un-matched in the Houston metropolitan area. While best known for the NASA/Johnson Space Center, the Bay Area is often called the Boating Capital of Texas. It is home to the third largest fleet of recreational boats in the United States. Nine distinct cities and municipalities representing a combined population of well over 216,000 residents make up the Clear Lake Area which is bordered to the west by I-45 and to the east by Clear Lake. The areas fiscal base consists of the aerospace, petrochemical, healthcare, education, commercial boating industries, recreation, and a robust tourism sector. The Clear Lake area is near the Port of Houston; the Petro-Chemical Corridor; William P. Hobby Airport and Ellington Field; and Galveston Bay. The lure of the wa-ter, combined with a charming seaside atmosphere, af-fordable housing, and some of the best schools in Texas make the small cities and villages in the Clear Lake area ideal places to live life to the fullest.

ABOUT THE COVER:

The new international land-mark Independence Plaza

is now boarding. It is the worlds only shuttle replica

mounted on a shuttle carrier aircraft and the only place

where visitors can enter both vehicles. To purchase

tickets, visit www.spacecenter.org. Photo courtesy of Space Center Houston.

Featuring Clear Lake, Clear Lake Shores, El Lago, Kemah, La Porte, League City, Nassau Bay, Seabrook, Taylor Lake Village & Webster

www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com675 Bering Drive, Suite 120Houston, TX 77057Phone: 713-952-1916 Fax: 713-952-1956

For additional copies or advertising informationplease contact:

ADVERTISING SALESPaul [email protected]

WRITERJudy Van Cleve

MARKETING Cecile Ruffino [email protected]

ART DEPARTMENTRebecca L. Cammack [email protected] Gonzales [email protected]

Special thanks to the following for contributing photographs in this issue:

City of Nassau Bay, Taylor Morrison/Mar Bella, West Ranch, Westover Park, Clear Creek ISD, UH Clear Lake, Bay Area Region-al Medical Center, Clear Lake Regional Medical Center, CHI St. Lukes Health, Houston Methodist St. John Hospital, South Shore Harbour Resort, Moody Garden, Edgewater, Memorial Hermann Southeast, Space Center Houston, Greater Houston Conven-tion & Visitors Bureau, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, Space Center Houston, Perry Homes, Schlitterbahn of Galvestion, Perry Homes, Tuscan Lakes, Lutheran South Academy, Houston Rockets, Eric Pohl, and Ruth Burke.

PUBLISHER FOR HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDESMichael P. Blalock 713-952-1916 Ext. 112

[email protected]


Newcomer Guide ad print file.indd 1 4/2/15 4:10 PM


Roy Green2015-2016 Chairman of the Board

On behalf of our 1,000 plus members, the board of directors and staff, welcome you to the Bay Area! Youve made an outstanding choice to Buy Into Bay Area. Buy Into Bay Area means that we, as residents, are committed to strengthening and en-riching the community around us. Shopping locally is a great way to make your tax dollars work for you, but Buying Into Bay Area means so much more. Our tourism and recreation opportunities are endless. We have an award winning school district and we arecelebrating the transformation of the University of Houston-Clear Lake into a four year institution. By volunteering and donating resources to local charities and churches we im-mediately see the changes in peoples lives. The Bay Area has so much to offer. When youBuy Into Bay Area you are investing in your home, your community and your familys future. Youve joined a community where anything is possible. The home of the aerospace in-dustry is right in your backyard. Our communities healthcare industry is growing at amaz-ing proportions to meet the needs of our growing population. The marine opportunities abound and we offer seafood fresh from the boat. The Bay Area is not only home, but a place you can shop, volunteer, learn, enjoy endless tourism attractions, and work. We have it all! This relocation guide is a sampling of what you can expect to find in the Bay Area. We invite you to Buy Into Bay Area and encourage you to fully immerse yourself in our commu-nity.

2015-2016 Chairman of the BoardRoy GreenSouth Shore Harbour Resort& Conference Center

Welcome

1201 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058P: 281-488-7676 | F: 281-488-8981 | www.ClearLakeArea.com


Cindy Harreld-DeWeasePresident and CEO

Welcome to the Clear Lake Bay Area Houston region and thank you for choosing the latest edition of the Clear Lake Area Newcomer and Relocation Guide compliments of the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. I en-courage you to use this publication to help you settle into our great community. Also, allow us here at the Chamber to assist you with questions about the area by visiting our website www.clearlakearea.com or calling the Chamber office at 281-488-7676. This publication provides you with helpful tools as you and your family become familiar with the area. Along with an introduction, you will find useful information regarding the individual cities that make-up the Clear Lake Bay Area Houston region and housing details which includes purchasing a home or rental options available. Other much needed relocation facts are included as well from moving tips to getting a new Texas drivers license. You can also learn about our fine school districts, excellent health care and other products and services available locally. The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c) 6 non-profit business organization promoting eco-nomic growth and quality of life for our area. The Chamber of Commerce is not part of a city, county or state government; a political party or faction; a civic or social club; a social service or welfare agency. The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is an organization through which volunteers, the men and women representing our business community, effectively work together to make our community a better place to work, live, raise a family and visit. On behalf of the Officers, Directors, membership and staff of the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce we are happy that you have chosen to relocate to our community and welcome you as one of our newest residents.

President and CEOCindy Harreld-DeWeaseClear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce

1201 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058P: 281-488-7676 | F: 281-488-8981 | www.ClearLakeArea.com


Bob MitchellPresident

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership

To our valued Bay Area Houston Newcomers,

The Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP) extends a warm welcome to you as you settle into your new home and get acquainted with all that Bay Area Houston has to offer. BAHEP has spent the past 40 years building a heritage of trusted leadership. Texas is pro-business, and Bay Area Houston is home to a diverse range of businesses including those in the aviation / aerospace, maritime, health care, specialty chemical, and education sectors. Together with the active participation of our members, BAHEP has become a recog-nized force on behalf of job growth and retention and overall economic growth in southeast Texas. There is a building boom in the downstream oil and gas industry along the Houston Ship Channel and beyond, which is creating great jobs now and providing lucrative careers for students who want to pursue jobs in that industry. The commercial space industry is poised to grow regionally, as well, with the new Hou-ston Spaceport and other development that is taking place at Ellington Airport. BAHEP has been partnering with Texas A&M University at Galveston, along with over 30 other municipalities and community organizations, to broaden its work on behalf of a storm surge suppression system for the upper Gulf Coast in order to better protect the regions residents and businesses. Its a great time to live and work in Bay Area Houston, and we sincerely appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the regions progress in a meaningful way. We ask that you consider BAHEP a resource for your business needs and consider joining with others in the community as we work on behalf of all those who call Bay Area Houston home.

P.O. Box 58724Houston, TX 77258-8724832-536-3255Fax: 832-536-3258www.bayareahouston.com

Best regards,

Bob MitchellPresident


Mario Arriaga2016 Chairman

Houston Association of REALTORS

This is one of the fastest growing regions in the U.S. As you drive around and familiarize yourself with the area, you will probably notice license plates from many different states, as the addition of thousands of new jobs over the past couple of years has drawn people here from all across the country.

Houston is 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.

The Houston real estate market has been one of the healthiest in the country, offering a wide selection of communities and properties to suit every lifestyle, whether you plan to rent or buy. The 32,000 members of the Houston Association of REALTORS (HAR) help make the American Dream come true for individuals and families every day. HAR is the nations second largest local REALTOR organization and our members understand 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 HARs award-winning website, HAR.com, which extended its reach beyond Houston in 2014 to cover the entire state of Texas. The site offers dozens of user-friendly tools to ex-plore 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 proper-ty 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 elected Houston officials, city services and amenities, local events, neighborhood associations and more.

On behalf of HAR, its my great pleasure to welcome you to Houston. We hope youll take advantage of everything our incredible community has to offer.

HAR Central3693 Southwest Freeway Houston, TX 77027 713- 629-1900 Fax 713- 961-4869

Bay Area Branch16903 Buccaneer Lane Suite 110Houston, TX 77058713-629-1900 ext. 750Fax 281-486-7530

Montgomery County Branch19075 I-45 SouthSuite 210Conroe, TX 77385713-629-1900 ext. 760Fax 936-273-0344

Fort Bend Branch6680 Greatwood Pkwy.Sugar Land, TX 77479713-629-1900 ext. 700Fax 281-343-9557

Sincerely,

Mario Arriaga2016 ChairmanHouston Association of REALTORS


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Seventy-five years ago the Clear Lake area was a sleepy coastal plain midway between Houston and Galveston. Its laid-back days

ended with the development of NASA/JSC which brought new neighborhoods, retail and commercial businesses, a university and increased tourism to the area.

While best known for the NASA/Johnson Space Center, The Clear lake Area offers a relaxing coastal lifestyle unmatched in the Houston metropolitan area. The lure of the water, combined with a charming seaside atmosphere, a variety of affordable housing, and some of the best schools in Texas make the small cities and villages in the Clear Lake area ideal places to live for active families, retirees and young profes-sionals. Clear Lake is an international gateway due to its close proximity to Houston the fourth largest city in the U.S.; the Port of Houston, one of the largest ports in the U.S.; the Petro-Chemical Corridor; and the William P. Hobby Airport and Ellington Field. Houston has the most Fortune 500 companies in Texas, according to the maga-zines 2015 ranking. There are 25 Houston-based companies on the annual list and most of the companies have operations in the greater Clear Lake area. Many of the health care professionals working in the world famous Texas Medical Center live in the Clear Lake Area. While Clear Lake area hospitals, all leaders in their own right, give health care professionals the opportunity to work closer to home. The Bay Area is often called the Boating Capital of Texas, a title based on it having the greatest concentration of boats of any region in Texas. Even more im-pressive, it has the third largest fleet of recreational boats in the United States.

Living Life to the Fullest

WELCOME TO THE CLEAR LAKE AREA

Credit: Ruth Burke - Seaside Gallery Art & Framing

The Bay Area has the third largest fleet of recreational boats in the United States and the greatest concentration of boats in Texas.


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The Clear Lake Area is comprised of nine distinct cities and municipalities representing a combined population of well over 216,000 residents scattered across 125 square miles. The area is bordered to the west by I-45 and to the east by Clear Lake; effectively the mouth of Clear Creek which empties into Galveston Bay. North of Clear Lake in Baytown, ExxonMobil and Chevron Phillips are taking advantage of market conditions to under-take extensive plant expansions and improvements bringing more jobs to the area while boosting the economy. ExxonMo-bils plant in Baytown employs about 6,000 workers, expan-sions will add 350 more. Chevron Phillips project will support 400 long-term jobs and 10,000 construction and engineering jobs. Living in a resort area means there is always something fun to do in the great outdoors from boating, bird watching and nature hiking, to fine dining and shopping along the waters edge. Arts, cultural and sporting events are weekend occur-rences throughout the Clear Lake area and more opportunities are on the way. Space Center Houston celebrated the opening of Independence Plaza in January 2016, its newest space relat-ed attraction. Independence Plaza showcases a replica of the Space Shuttle Independence which sits on top of the NASA 905 shuttle carrier. Just 30 miles south of Clear Lake, Galveston Island epit-omizes the resort lifestyle enjoyed by area residents. With its sandy beaches, historic hotels and landmarks, fine and casual dining, plus the unique shopping district known as The Strand, day trips to Galveston are popular getaways. Families can spend the day at Schlitterbahn, one of the largest water parks in Texas, and stop by one of the many restaurants along the Seawall for dinner before heading home. The Bay Areas fiscal base consists of the aerospace, pet-rochemical, healthcare, education and commercial boating industries; recreation; and a robust tourism sector. Attractions like Space Center Houston, Kemah Boardwalk, Clear Lake and the Armand Bayou Nature Center, plus the regions access to international airports make Clear Lake a favorite destination for tourists, businesses and newcomers alike.

Clear Lake City Clear Lake City Community Association

281-488-0360 / www.clcca.orgFriendswood Development Co. developed and opened the master planned community called Clear Lake City in 1963. For several decades Clear Lake City led the Houston area in the sale of new, single-family homes. In fact, Clear Lake City weathered several economic downturns during the 1980s be-cause of its quality lifestyle, diversified economy; largely the NASA/Johnson Space Center, retail businesses, recreation and tourism. Located on 487 acres adjacent to the Johnson Space Center, The University of Houston-Clear Lake began scheduled classes in 1974. Today, with an estimated population of 63,500, Clear Lake City continues to develop and attract newcomers with a steady supply of new single-family homes, townhomes, condomini-ums and apartment homes. Clear Lake City is served by the Clear Creek Independent School District.

Clear Lake Shores281-334-2799 / www.clearlakeshores-tx.gov

Located on the shores of Clear Creek and Clear Lake west of Highway 146, Clear Lake Shores is a charming village often called the Yachting Capital of Texas. With a little over 1,000 residents, Clear Lake Shores is known for its small town atmo-sphere and love of the water. The shoreline drive allows golf carts, bicycles, roller bladers, and pedestrians to circumnavi-gate the island and enjoy the great views of Clear Lake.

ON LOCATION: Nasa/Johnson Space Center, Space Center Houston, UH/CLC, Boating, Fishing


Clear Lake Shores was established in 1927 and incorporated in 1962. The community is a blend of original turn-of-the-century cottages, often used for weekend escapes, and modern homes with full-time residents. The oldest municipal building still in use in Galveston County is The Club-house and is a source of community pride. Community events throughout the year include music festivals, a childrens fishing derby, parades, holiday events and communitywide dinners.

ON LOCATION: Aerospace capital of the southwest, Clear Lake Regional Medical Center www.FredeChevrolet.com

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2500 SOUTH SHORE BOULEVARD | LEAGUE CITY, TX 77573 | WWW.SSHR.COM | 281.334.1000

A NEW LOOK. A NEW EXPERIENCE.

For summer, 2016: Discover dramatic changes on the waterfront. All-new contemporary guestrooms, new

Lighthouse Bar & Bistro, The Oasis expanded resort pool, and exciting new event spaces.

COME SEE FOR YOURSELF.Visit www.sshr.com and explore our

multi-million-dollar renovation.


El Lago 281- 326-1951 / www.ellago-tx.com

The name of the city means The Lake. Located on Taylor Lake, Clear Lake and NASA Road 1, this residential community is home to about 2,700 citizens. The one-square mile city began to develop during the 1950s and was incorporated in 1964. Three subdivisions and several multi-family complexes along with a few small busi-nesses make up El Lago.

Kemah281-334-1611 / www.kemah-tx.gov

Situated on Clear Creek and Galveston Bay, Kemahs idyllic location and the ever-present cooling winds from upper Gal-veston Bay, contribute to Kemah being called, The Gateway to the Bay. By size, Kemah is the third largest boating recreation

district in the U. S. The Kemah Boardwalk is one of the leading recreation-al destinations in the entire Houston area. It is considered the go-to place for out-of-towners staying in Houston. The Boardwalk features a hotel, gift shops, numerous restaurants

ON LOCATION: Kemah Boardwalk, Bullet Roller Coaster, Lighthouse District, The Blessing of the Fleet, Boating, Deep Sea Fishing

6555 South Shore Blvd suite B League City(In Kroger Parking Lot)

Delivery Pick up Set up & serve Any event Any size Any menu

281-334-0300 | For Catering: 281-421-2826 ***Come join our team! ***281-334-0300 | For Catering: 281-421-2826 ***Come join our team! ***

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and an amusement park filled with ex-citing rides like The Bullet, one of the top ranked roller coasters in the U.S. Additionally, Kemah is just minutes from NASA/Johnson Space Center, 30 minutes from Galveston and 45 minutes from Houston. The Lighthouse District with retail stores, boutiques, restaurants and specialty seafood shops is a favorite spot with tourists. Year round festivals, ranging from Crawfish Boils to Boat Parades, car and boat shows, to the Kemah Triathlon add to the many activities available to resi-dents. The annual Fourth of July parade, The Blessing of the Fleet and Jingle on the Boardwalk, draw thousands of participants from Houston and sur-rounding areas. Quaint bed and breakfast lodging, hotels and spas accommodate visitors. Kemah is off I-45 at the FM 518 exit, and the intersection of FM 2094 and Highway 146. The current population is 1,773.

Hidden Lakes 70 and 80 In League City from the $380s

Southern Trails 60 and 70 In Pearland from the $300s

Southern Trails 85 In Pearland from the $460s

Discover floor plans with exceptional design and personalization options that allow you

to make your home uniquely yours.

2015 Ashton Woods Homes. All rights reserved. All trademarks herein, including Ashton Woods, the AW logo, and the AW Ashton Woods logo, are the property of Ashton Woods Homes and may not be used without express written permission. In an effort to continuously improve its product, Ashton Woods Homes reserves the right to change plans, specifications and pricing without notice in its sole discretion. Square footage is approximate and window, floor and ceiling elevations are approximate, subject to change without prior notice or obligation and may vary by plan elevation and/or community. Special wall and window

treatments, upgraded flooring, fireplace surrounds, landscape and other features in and around the model homes are designer suggestions and not included in the sales price. All renderings, color schemes, floor plans, maps and displays are artists conceptions and are not intended to be an actual depiction of the home or its surroundings. Basements are available subject to site conditions. Home site premiums may apply. Please see Sales Representative for additional information. 7.15

ashtonwoods.com

Find your inspired new home in the southern suburban areas of Houston.

DesignPersonalizationPossibilities

Boutique Shopping Live Music & Entertainment Waterfront Dining Bed & Breakfasts Charter Yachts

The Kemah Lighthouse District

has the spectacular Kemah

Boardwalk, unique shops,

restaurants of every kind and

world class yachting marinas.

Theres more than you can do in a day...So stay the weekend or a lifetime

and enjoy all that Kemah has

to offer!

Stay and Play on the Bay!

For more information

www.kemah-tx.gov 1.877.77KEMAH (1.877.775-3624) Roselyn Pierce-Shirley

Welcome to Kema

h... Welcome

to Kemah...

Boutique Shopping Live Music & Entertainment Waterfront Dining Bed & Breakfasts Charter Yachts


League City281-554-1000 / www.leaguecity.com

League City is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the gracious southern atmosphere that has become its trade-mark. Touring the Historic District, museums, and quaint shops along Main Street - lined with canopies of stately 100 year-old Butler Oak trees is a popular pastime. New master-planned communities, established subdi-visions and multi-family housing account for most of the housing in League City. The Dr. Ned & Fay Dudney Nature Center offers hiking and biking trails, bird viewing areas and a covered picnic pavilion. Heritage Park has a kayaking launch, fishing pond and playgrounds, perfect for the whole family to enjoy. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are beautiful golf courses, marinas and sailing on Clear Creek. League City encompasses 53 square-miles and is mid-way between Houston and Galveston. Founded by Colonel George W. Butler in 1873 and first named Clear Creek, the citys name was changed to League City in honor of John C. League. Today, League City is home to some 88,000 people.

La Porte281-470-5017 / www.laportetx.gov

La Portes many different attractions cater to locals and tourists whose interests are just as diverse. History buffs love visiting the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Park and the Battleship Texas. Eco-tourists and nature photographers use La Porte as a center for their tours of the nearby High Island sanctu-ary system and Armand Bayou wetlands. Sail-ors participate in weekly regattas or simply sail south from several marinas in La Porte towards the Gulf. La Porte is also the home of the only sandy beach in Harris County, Sylvan Beach Park, which offers 2,000 linear feet of beaches. This venue is great for family parties or business meetings and enjoying the great outdoors. Sylvan Beach Park has a maintained play-ground for children, clean benches and picnic tables, a fishing pier, boat ramp, and an air-conditioned pavilion. Whether you prefer fishing, sailing, kayak-ing or watching the sun rise, the warm waters of Galveston Bay are yours to enjoy year-round in La Porte.

ON LOCATION: San Jacinto Battleground, Battleship Texas, High Island Sanctuary, Armand Bayou, Sailing marinas, Galveston Bay, Sylvan Beach

ON LOCATION: Old Main Street, Dudney Clear Creek Nature Center, Heritage Park, Seafood Restaurants


Taylor Lake Village281- 326-2843 /

www.taylorlakevillage.usWith about 3,600 residents, Taylor Lake and Mud Lake are quiet bedroom com-munities with quick access to the water. The villages are residential only and offer beautiful forested home sites. Some of the residences are situated on over-size waterfront lots. Building codes and zoning are strictly enforced to ensure the quality of new homes and improve-ments to existing houses. The tight knit community regularly takes part in swim teams activities, garden club events, and monthly parties. Residents also enjoy the outdoor activities the surrounding lakes offer.

Discover Lago Mar, a vibrant 2,000-acre master-planned community where residents enjoy an active, fun-filled lifestyle kissed by Bay Area breezes.

New homes from the mid-$200s to mid-$300sConveniently located off Interstate 45 in Texas CityTrails, parks and resort-style amenities plannedAdventure Pointe and Tanger Outlet Mallin our commercial area

LagoMarinTexasCity.com

A Land Tejas Community


important because of Seabrooks proximity to Galveston Bay. Wildlife and 159 species of birdlife live in the immediate area. Virgin marshlands and hidden lagoons are attractive breeding grounds and migratory nesting places for White and Brown Pelicans, Ospreys, Cormorants, Herons and Egrets, to name a few. Country clubs, fitness centers, miles of hike and bike trails and acres of parks with pools, tennis courts, soccer and base-ball fields offer almost endless recreation choices. From music festivals to wine tastings, regattas, car and boat shows and outdoor markets, Seabrook offers a new dimension to getaway living. Fine dining, fresh seafood on the waterfront or a quick meal to go are all a part of Seabrooks restaurant scene. Mar-kets along the bay sell just-off-the-boat jumbo shrimp, blue crab and fresh fish. Seabrook is coastal living at its best.

Seabrook 281-291-5600 / www.seabrooktx.gov

Seabrook exudes the intimacy of a real hometown, with its rich green lawns, friendly neighbors and quiet streets, all nestled along the shores of prime waterfront surroundings. A selection of modern apartments, patio homes and condominiums are alternatives to single-family residences. Seabrooks Parks & Recreation Department takes tremen-dous pride in its efforts to maintain a perfect balance between man and nature. Maintaining the natural environment is

ON LOCATION: Bird and Wildlife marshlands, Fresh Seafood, Waterside parks & restaurants, Outdoor activities

Nassau Bay281-333- 4211 / www.nassaubay.com

Nassau Bay is far from the crowds of Houston but close enough to enjoy big city life a small town atmosphere thriving alongside high-tech business. Bordering NASA/Johnson Space Center, the City of Nassau Bay is a community based on technology and innovation. The city is the heart of the U.S. space exploration program. Nassau Bay is accessible by air from anywhere in the world through two major airports and a number of private airfields. Nassau Bay was established in 1962 on the grounds of the famous Spirit of 1776 Ranch. The natural beauty of Nassau Bay is reflected in its well-maintained parks and public areas where century old native trees still stand. Nassau Bay is also a family-oriented, waterfront community that is fiscally well managed and actively supports the arts in the Bay Area.

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Webster1-888-805-9000

www.cityofwebster.comAs the gateway to NASA and Bay Area Houston, Webster is located midway between downtown Houston and Gal-vestons beaches. Interstate 45, Bay Area Boulevard, NASA Parkway, and Highway 3 all lead to Webster. The city is probably best known as the aerospace capital of the southwest, and a commercial hub for related services and suppliers like Lockheed Martin, (devel-oper of the Orion Project,) and Ad Astra Rocket Company. Because of its close location to NASA/Johnson Space Center, Webster is also a destination for tourists where they find a great selection of hotels, restaurants, entertainment and shopping. Webster partners with Space Center Houston, NA-SAs official visitors center, to provide an Out-of-this-World experience. Space Walk, a 10,000 to 17,000-seat amphi-theater, hotel and conference center is scheduled to open in 2016. The well-regarded Clear Lake Re-gional Medical Center is also in Webster, serves more than 1.8 million patients an-nually and is Websters largest employer with over 2,200 leading physicians on staff and a workforce of 1,800 employees. Only 6.7 square-miles, over 10,000 people reside in Webster and 2,200 busi-nesses are located within the City Limits. At the nucleus of Clear Lake, Webster delivers unsurpassed opportunities for staying, playing, shopping and dining.

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INDEPENDENCE PLAZA at Space Center Houston

In approaching Space Center Houston it is virtually impossible to miss Independence Plaza, an impressive eight-story multi-exhibit complex next to the center. In addition to its size, 240-tons, Independence Pla-

za is unique for other reasons. It is the worlds only exhibit to have a SCA (shuttle carrier aircraft) with a shuttle replica mounted on top, and the only exhibit allowing the public to experience both. Visitors access both vehicles via an elevator in an adjoining six-story tower. Numerous exhibits focus on problem-solving concepts; possible career paths in science, technology, engineering and mathematics; and examples of innovation from the shuttle era. The top floor of the shuttle is the flight deck where as-tronauts piloted the orbiter during missions. The mid-deck, located one floor down, features the living quarters and the payload bay with an actual flown artifact. Stepping into the NASA 905 SCA, the largest artifact from the Space Shuttle Program to be on display, guests get a

glimpse into the dramatic history and notable achievements of the shuttle program. NASA 905 carried 223 space shuttles and logged in 11,017 flight hours over 42 years. Guests witness the dilemma faced by engineers as they solved one of the projects biggest challenges: how would the orbiter travel on earth? Thanks to some innovative thinking by men like John Kiker, the shuttle carrier aircraft program was born. To convince his bosses that mounting a shuttle on an aircraft could work, Kiker built and flew a model at Ellington Field. The model is included in the exhibit. Another area of the plane explains how the Boeing 747 was retrofitted to mate with the shuttle. Space Center Houston has focused on preserving the his-tory of space exploration since it was founded in 1992. The center was designated Houstons first Smithsonian affiliate in 2014. At the time, the center had a $45 million impact on the greater Houston economy. Space Center Houstons impact on the greater Houston economy today is approaching $73 mil-lion. Independence Plaza presented by Boeing was made possi-ble through the leadership, innovation and hard work of many contributors and the generosity of hundreds of donors. It is the largest project undertaken by Space Center Houston. Tours of Independence Plaza are part of the general admission ticket to Space Center. To purchase tickets, visit www.spacecenter.org.

Independence Plaza presented by Boeing is the newest international landmark, offering an experience like nothing else in the world.

Credit: Space Center Houston


Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC)

Credit: GHCVB

It is frequently said that the first words spoken from the moon on July 20, 1969 were said by Neil Armstrong to mission control at JSC, Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed. While opinions vary on the actual

first words spoken from the moon, no one doubts the impor-tance of the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) to the space program, Houston and the Clear Lake Area. Today, the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center continues to be the heart of the U.S. space program. NASA is currently develop-ing the Orion crew vehicle, Space Launch System and Explora-tion Ground Systems that will one day send astronauts beyond low-Earth orbit. A major goal is to journey to Mars. Space Center Houston, the official Visitor Center of NASA

Johnson Space Center, is the areas No. 1 attraction for in-ternational visitors. The 183,000-square-foot educational entertainment complex, welcomes more than 1 million guests annually with peak attendance on weekends, holidays and throughout the summer. Exhibits include Independence Plaza, computer trainers used by astronauts; Mission Control tours, space flight IMAX theaters, space artifacts, moon rocks, a Skylab space station and tram tour of the JSC complex. Space Center Houston is located at 1601 NASA Pkwy, Hous-ton, Texas, USA 77058. For information call 281-244-2100 and visit www.spacecenter.org.


NEIGHBORHOODS & COMMUNITIES

The small cities and villages scattered throughout the Clear Lake Area have grown over the years, so has the variety of

neighborhoods, each with its own coastal character and lifestyle. If living on the water is a must, Clear Lake area commu-nities offer waterfront properties with easy access to the lake and ultimately the bay. Some homes even have private boat slips. Acreage for a rural lifestyle or a coastal retreat can also be found. With the arrival of NASA in the early 1960s residential development in the Bay Area soared, today, some of the most desired neighborhoods in the Houston region are located in the Clear Lake Area and over 216,000 people now reside there. Master planned communities provid-ing the latest home designs and ameni-ties continue to be popular with families seeking on-site parks and recreation centers, quality schools, business districts and shopping close by. You will learn more about these master planned com-munities in the following pages. Townhouses, apartment homes and a luxury high-rise with panoramic views of the lake are popular choices with young singles and retirees. Determining the right place to live will require a visit to get acquainted with all of the neighborhoods. The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce along with Realtors, builders, property managers, and others who know the local housing market are ready to welcome newcomers. Visit www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com to access contact information.

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CLEAR LAKE CITYThe Reserve at Clear Lake City

This new 372-acre luxury home community is located southeast of Sam Houston Parkway and Interstate 45 near Ellington Field. The Reserve at Clear Lake City is the areas first new home de-velopment in two decades. Trendmaker Homes, Village Builders and Ryland Homes are planning to build 740 homes ranging in

price from $300,000 to $1 million. The first phase will fea-

ture 165 high-end homes on 55, 70 and 80 foot lots; a mix of

traditional single-family and patio homes. A shopping center

anchored by an H-E-B Grocery store, shops and restaurants are nearby. Neighborhood amenities include miles of hiking and biking trails as well as a recreation center with a swimming pool,

Clear Lake & Houston Area Map


splash pad, tennis courts and play-grounds. Residents are zoned to Clear Creek Independent School District. Visit www.reserveclearlake.com.

Bay OaksThe original homes in Bay Oaks were constructed in 1989 and the neighbor-hood was built-out by 2002. It is home to Bay Oaks Country Club and Golf Course. The 690-acre site is comprised of 1,100 homes ranging in price from the upper $300s into the millions.

FRIENDSWOOD West Ranch

The expansive 766-acre West Ranch master planned community is under de-velopment along the banks of Clear Creek and Chigger Creek. Some of Houstons top homebuilders offer single-family homes and estates starting from the $350,000s. Planners have balanced the communi-ty with two man-made lakes that are surrounded by over 100 acres of beauti-fully landscaped parks and nature trails. Two recreation complexes with pools and playground areas are planned. The 20-acre Town Center is designated com-mercial space within the development. West Ranch is zoned to the highly rated Friendswood Independent School District. Visit www.visitwestranch.com.

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LEAGUE CITYMar Bella

Mar Bella is just minutes from the popular Kemah Boardwalk and less than 25 min-utes from Galveston. This resort community features a series of lakes, recreation center with resort pool, pocket parks and walking trails that meander throughout the community. Students attend the exclusive Clear Creek Education Village almost in the communitys backyard. Single-family homes on 50, 60, 70 ft. home sites are available; some of the homes have water views. In addition, garden homes are available in a gated enclave. Prices vary per builder, lot size, features and floor plan. Visit www.taylormorrison.com and www.beazerhomes.com.

The TownshipThis quaint community is located in the heart of old town League City. Newly built homes feature colonial inspired architectural design, large front porches and oversized home sites. The Township is conveniently located near local attractions such as Kemah Boardwalk, NASA Space Center and Galveston Island. Acclaimed Clear Creek I.S.D. For more information on The Township visit www.gvbtx.com/Home.

Tuscan LakesTuscan Lakes is a master-planned community by the acclaimed Johnson Corporation. The community is spread over 870-acres where thoughtfully sited open spaces and

trails enhance the lifestyle. Aqueducts as gracefully aged as their Italian models, rolling hills and beautiful flowers fill the environmentally sensitive landscape. Cypress Point, the resort-style recreation center, is accented by a stone fireplace that is a year-round gathering spot for residents. Upon completion, 1,800 single-family homes and a number of multi-family units will have quick access to commercial and retail areas outside the gates of Tuscan Lakes. Clear Creek ISD schools. Visit www.tuscanlakes.com and www.Westin-Homes.com.

South Shore HarbourSouth Shore Harbour offers residents a variety of recreational opportunities in the heart of the Clear Lake Area. Ame-nities include the South Shore Harbour Country Club with a 27-hole champion-ship course designed by Jay Riviere, Dave Marr, and Carlton Gipson; a 1,000-slip marina; 9conference center and 250 room resort hotel; a 70,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art fitness and health center. Early learning and day care facilities, shopping centers, restaurants, medical facilities and Clear Creek ISD schools are nearby.

Westover ParkWestover Park is a master-planned com-munity conveniently located on the south side of FM 518 in League City, approxi-mately three miles west of Interstate 45. Amenities include a recreation center with swimming pool, a multi-purpose sports field, playground, lake, and park. Children in the community attend schools in the Clear Creek Independent School District.


Victory Lakes The Victory Lakes clubhouse is the heart of this family-active community. With a gen-eral purpose room, cafe, library and administrative offices the club house hosts most community meetings, clubs and organized events. Amenities include a playground; multipurpose court for basketball and other activities; 2 regulation tennis courts; vol-leyball court; and picnic areas with grills and tables.

CLEAR LAKE SHORES, KEMAH, EL LAGO, TAYLOR LAKE VILLAGE, NASSAU BAY

These communities are known for waterfront homes. Pre-owned homes in these small cities can sometimes offer premium locations and oversize lots that cant be duplicat-ed in the new developments.

KEMAH, SEABROOK AND WEBSTEREdgewater

Edgewater is the perfect combination of convenience and seclusion. This Bay Area waterfront community fea-tures palm tree-lined streets, a 35-acre nature preserve, and panoramic views of Clear Creek. Edgewater is located on the new Nasa Parkway Bypass at I-45 in the Clear Creek I.S.D. Visit www.edge-waterwebster.com. Charming cottages and homes with age and charac-ter are traditionally found in established neighborhoods in Kemah, Seabrook and Webster. The houses appeal to buyers who desire unique homes that reflect the early beginnings of the area. Pic-

ture perfect bungalows with the latest technology as well as houses ready for updating are on the market in these small cities.

Whether you chose a new house or a pre-owned home, an apartment or a town-

house, you will quickly become accustomed to the friendly atmosphere, top-notch school districts and the scenic beauty of the beaches and waterways of these coastal villages.

TEXAS CITYLago Mar

Grand OpeningLago Mar, is a brand-new 2,033-acre master planned community on Hol-land Road west of Interstate 45. Lago Mar is just minutes from Galveston and its many attractions including Moody Gardens, Schlitterbahn, Gal-veston Pleasure Pier, and the histor-ical Strand. The Tanger Outlet Mall, near the communitys gated entrance, is a draw for the fun-loving and savvy shoppers. Adventure Pointe, (a 35-acre amusement park in the commu-nity,) will feature a speedway, mini golf, a water park, midway-styled boardwalk, an outdoor ice skating rink and an outdoor entertainment venue with seating for up to 1,200. Students attend classes in the Dickinson Inde-pendent School District.

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The Quality of the Neighborhood influences home buyers more than any other factor.


LEASE, BUY OR BUILD?Consider all your options I

n making a decision to buy, build or lease there are several questions every home shopper should ask. Do you prefer a new housing devel-opment or an established neighborhood? What

schools best suit your childrens educational needs? Is leasing the wise choice for the short term?

Choosing a RealtorBuying or selling a home is one of the most import-ant transactions most people make in their life-time. Using the services of a full-time real estate professional for any property transaction should be strongly considered. The real estate industry is constantly changing, and unless you have the time to become familiar with local real estate law, title insurance policies, home warranties, home lending practices, appraisals, hazard insurance, surveys and other issues, the services of a Realtor are

highly recommended. An experienced Realtor can save time and money, especially for people moving to a new area. A Realtor can quickly find many houses fitting a buyers crite-ria while taking into consideration lifestyle, employ-ment, educational needs, pricing and other factors associated with the purchase of a home. Choosing the right Realtor is also very important. There is a difference between a REALTOR and a real estate agent. Only professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS (and other local associations) can use the designation. Members must abide by a strict code of ethics based on compe-tency, fairness and a high level of integrity, and they cannot discriminate against a person based on race, religion, gender, handicap, familial status or national origin. Some Realtors have extensive training to repre-

HOME FRONT


sent buyers in a transaction and have acquired the designation CBR (Certified Buyer Representative), which readily identifies a buyers agent whose services include ethical representation in a non-adversarial fashion. Agents who have acquired this desig-nation are exclusively committed to providing excellent buyer representation and are very knowledgeable of the most current real estate practices. Some Realtors are Texas Affordable Housing Specialists. Their training includes education on green technologies that can make some houses more affordable than others. Realtors may also have a certification from Earth Advantage. They are trained to spot and understand the advantages of green construction. An EcoBrokers designation assures a Realtor has extensive training in environmental conservation and green energy. The Clear Lake Area Newcomer and Relocation Guide is an excellent resource for locating local real estate professionals. More information is online at www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com in the Real Estate section.

Buying or selling a home is one of the most important transactions most people make in their lifetime.

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HOME OWNERSHIPNew Homes

If a new home is your choice, there are many outstanding home sites and builders in the Clear Lake area. Home sites in subdivisions, waterfront lots and rural acreage are only a few of the choices in the Clear Lake area. Model homes in new communities showcase the features and options home build-ers offer. Visiting different model homes is time well spent when making a new-home purchase. The architectural styles, floor plans, interior finishes, appliances and other cus-

tom touches vary from builder to builder. Some builders work with home-buyers to customize rooms, adjust the square foot-age of the house, add detail to interiors, special appliance packages and energy saving features. Whether buying a new home or a resale property, home buyers should be-come familiar with deed restrictions and homeowners association regulations that might be in effect. Taxes are another con-sideration, and will vary by the county, school district and MUD where property is located.

Resale HomesResale homes are usually located in estab-lished neighborhoods whose residents are involved in community activities, local schools, churches, and businesses. These homes may have many of the ameni-ties families already desire or offer the potential for a major transformation by adding custom features to personalize the house. Previous owners may have planted additional trees, installed landscaping and made changes to the original structure of the house. Hire a licensed inspector to go through the house and evaluate its condition. The inspection process determines if the dwelling is structurally sound, with a good foundation and roof. If repairs are required get several estimates for the cost of the entire project. A good source of referrals is the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. Remodeling may involve simple modifications or require complex changes to the structure of the house. You may need to hire a professional contractor to achieve your objectives. These companies can paint, move walls, update cabinets, countertops, bathroom fixtures, floor-ing, add on to the existing structure and more. It is a good idea to get several bids in writing and check the companys references. The Clear Lake area has an excellent selection of quality pre-owned homes.

DinahPALMER

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Credit: Perry Homes

The Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University reported that the Bay Areas median single-family home price was a very affordable $193,700 in December 2015.

Combined with quality schools, excellent medical and recreational facilities, the booming business climate and short commute times to other parts of Houston, the Clear Lake Area is a very desirable place to live.

How Much Can You Afford?Financing is a vital component in determining the price range of the house you will be able to afford. In addition to your income and expenses, the home you can purchase is influenced by: the type of loan you are seeking, the interest rate available, standard or an alternative mortgage. The maximum Debt-to-Income ratio is house-hold expenses should not exceed 43 percent of your gross income. Mortgage lenders base their decision

to make a loan on documented income, debts, assets and other financial factors. Standard financing is a 30-year loan covering 80% of the cost of the home. A THAI of 1.00 indicates that the median household income is just enough to qualify for a sufficient loan to purchase the median priced home. The Bay Areas fourth quarter 2014 THAI was an impressive 2.9 according to the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University.

Mortgages: Shop & CompareReceiving pre-approval is a real plus for homebuyers because it gives sellers a level of assurance that the prospective buyer can obtain a mortgage. Pre-ap-proval requires the completion of a loan application and sometimes a fee. A pre-qualification is only an estimate of a mortgage that a prospective buyer might qualify for. To obtain the right mortgage, work with a repu-

PURCHASING Your Home


table lender who knows the market and is dedicated to helping you find the mortgage that best suits your specific circumstances. Mortgage companies use the appraised value or sales price, whichever is lowest, to determine the maximum amount of a mortgage. While closing costs can be significant some of these costs are negotiable and should be discussed with the Realtor and lender. There are four basic components of any mortgage: loan amount; interest rate; term (the length of the loan;) amortization, (the reduction of debt by regular payments of interest and principal sufficient to pay off a loan by maturity). Although many different types of standard and alternative mortgages exist, only a few are in widespread use. Lenders may allow buyers to lock-in or guarantee their rate for 30 or 60 day periods. There may be a fee associated with the service. The higher the interest rate on a mortgage, the higher the monthly payments will be. A standard or fixed rate mortgage sets the payment, the interest rate, and the term (30 or 15 year) and do not vary. Alternative Mortgage Instruments, (AMIs) are loans in which at least one of the four basics is variable. The most common AMI is the Adjust-able Rate Mortgage, (ARM). Customarily, the ARM interest rate periodically adjusts either up or down within pre-specified limits and based on a pre-specified index.

The OfferYour Realtor will provide the necessary documents to prepare and present an offer to the seller. The offer will include earnest money to signal your commitment to purchase a home. Earnest money, which normally ranges from $1,000 to a percentage of the home price, will apply to closing costs after loan approval. Most buyers will specify an interest rate and the number of points they are willing to pay. Other contingencies and requirements might include repairs and an acceptable inspection.

InspectionsMortgage lenders require a professional inspection and property condition report. Buy-ers should insist on a walk-through before closing to point out any problems that have not been corrected after the inspection.

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InsuranceSelecting an insurance company and determining coverage is the responsibil-ity of the homeowner, and the process should begin as soon as the contract to purchase a house is accepted by the seller. Mortgage lenders require home-owner insurance on properties they fi-nance. Generally, homeowners are asked to pay one year of insurance at closing. An engineering survey may be required by the insurance agent if flood insurance is required and to determine the homes susceptibility to flooding. Some insurance agents offer auto, health, and life insurance as well as homeowners insurance, and rates may be lowered if one insurance agent handles all of the policies. The Texas Board of Insurance offers information to consumers, and can be contacted at 800-578-4677 or visit www.tdi.state.tx.us/consumer.

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Were the HomeTown Team

Lets Get AcquaintedWelcome to League City, a community were proud to call home. I encourage you to become an active member of the HomeTown Teamget involved just as we have, in local schools, churches, civic and social groups, and get to know your new neighbors.Ive been in the financial services industry around here for over 30 years, and I can tell you this is a great place to live, work, play and do business. Id love to meet you and introduce you to what we call our HomeTown Advantage. Establishing a relationship with your HomeTown Banker is an

important first step in your new community, and Ill be happy to introduce you to the many friends, businesses and organizations who make League City such a remarkable place. Stop by any time.

Bill Provenzano Senior Vice President and

Branch Manager

1406 W. Main St. (FM 518) (281) 554-3265 www.htbna.com


Texas Homestead Laws

Texas designed homestead laws to pro-tect a familys house from forced sale for the payment of debts. Four excep-tions to the homestead law for equity recovery are: default on a mortgage, tax liens, home-improvement liens and purchase money liens.

Banking/Credit Union Banks

Banks offer a full range of services that usually include mortgages at extreme-ly competitive rates. When selecting a bank, be sure to ask about fees associ-ated with services. All banks issue debit cards for use in 24-hour automatic teller machines (ATM). The cards may have additional fees associated with transactions made through another bank. On-line banking is offered by the major banks and has become an expect-ed service by customers. Contact the Texas Department of Banking toll free 877-276-5554 or visit www.banking.state.tx.us.

Credit UnionsCredit unions are not-for-profit fi-nancial cooperatives that are owned by their members. Their primary focus is to serve their members who share some-thing in common, such as where they live, work or worship. Credit unions pay dividends to their members and are closely regulated. The National Credit Union Administration, an agency of the U.S. government, insures deposits of up to $250,000 per member. Visit www.asmarterchoice.org or www.Houston-NewcomerGuides.com for credit unions throughout the greater Houston area.

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Moving is a lot of work.We make finding your new home easy, and with one call you can get it all.

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Get started!Click. acutx.org/NewMoverCall. (281) 476-3600Email. [email protected]

CUFG Keystone Realty Group, LLC is a full service real estate agency wholly owned by CU Financial Group, LLC. CU Financial Group, LLC d/b/a ACU Insurance Services is a credit union service organization wholly owned by Associated Credit Union of Texas. Keystone Community Development Corp., is a nonprofit corporation associated with Associated Credit Union of Texas and CU Financial Group, LLC. ACU of Texas is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). CUFG Keystone Realty Group, ACU Insurance Services and Keystone Community Development Corporation are not federally insured by the NCUA.

Helpful home buying education Insurance and more


Renting & Leasing

Most apartment locators maintain a database of information about area complexes. For newcomers planning to rent, apartment locators can help you select the ideal rental property. Once you have determined the area and price range, local experts will give you specific information about

available units and arrange viewing appointments. These services are provided at no charge to the prospective renter. Often, newcomers desire executive apartments until their permanent residence becomes available. Visit www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com/clear-lake to contact an apartment locating service or an area Realtor for suggestions. Many multi-family residences have fireplaces, ceiling fans, built-in microwave ovens, washer/dryer connections, on-site recreational facilities and covered parking. Most require a security deposit, and leases range from six months to one year. Month-to-month leases are available but usually command premium prices. Many apartment communities have strict policies regarding pets. All complexes that allow pets require additional deposits that are refunded when the lease is terminated. Similar to an apartment, but usually offering more space and amenities, condos and townhomes can also be leased. These properties are usually listed with area Realtors or property management companies. Occasionally individual owners list their units in area newspapers. Quality, single-family rental properties can be difficult to find. A one-year lease is standard, and owners may handle their property. Large, upscale homes usually command the full market rate, and expect security deposits on single-family homes to equal one months rent. Renters of single-family homes usually pay utility bills. Renters should always sign a lease for any property they intend to occupy whether it is an apartment or a single-family home. Many apartment complexes use standard leases endorsed by the Texas Apartment Association (TAA) and Houston Apartment

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 or buy, we will guide you every step of the way.

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Association Most apartment complexes and management companies will require that pro-spective residents submit an application for approval. While you cannot be denied on the basis of race, religion or gender, you can be denied for other reasons. Typically, applications involve a credit check and references. You will need to provide names and addresses of previous landlords, your employer and other credit information. Some apartment complexes include utilities in the rent. Be sure to check your lease to ascertain who pays for electricity, gas, water, sewage, garbage, cable television, and Internet services. Basic cable service may be included in the monthly rental fee. Man-agement companies may also offer discounts on bundled services to their tenants. Renters insurance is not required in Texas, but its an excellent idea. Policies can be purchased along with auto coverage through most major companies. Insurance agents, apartment locators and property management can provide information about the types of coverage available. Most rental insurance policies cover either replacement or actual value of a renters possessions in the event of a fire, flood or theft. Deductibles usually apply. Most policy pricing is based on a percentage of the value of insured possessions. Occasionally, a renter must move before their lease expires. If this is the case, the tenant should notify the manager / owner and offer to help find a new resident. Tenants are usually liable for rent, even if theyve changed jobs, lost a roommate or found an-other house. Tenants may forfeit their security deposit if the lease is broken.

Tenants RightsRenters rights have been a top priority of the Texas Legislature and laws designed to protect renters are in effect. Laws are notably fair, protecting both resident and owner. Apartment owners are required to provide residents with smoke detectors and furnish a lock on every door and a latch on each window. If a resident fulfills their lease terms, an owner must refund the security deposit in full. The resident must receive a refund or written explanation of the amount of the deposit withheld within 30 days after move-out. If the owner does not comply, the res-ident can sue for three times the amount illegally held, plus attorneys fees and a fine.

Temporary LodgingInterim housing choices feature all the comforts of home without a long-term lease. Texas hotel guests are considered permanent residents if they occupy a room for 30 consecutive days. Such a classification will qualify you for an exemption from the state hotel tax. You must inform the management upon arrival of your intentions to stay 30 days or more; failure to do so will result in taxes being added to the room charges.

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If moving from another state it is likely that you will require the services of a moving company. Se-lect a moving company by getting recommenda-tions from former customers and checking prices.

Get at least three written in-home estimates. Prices and services vary considerably between moving com-panies. Most give free estimates based on the length of move and weight of goods. Movers offer two kinds of estimates: binding and non-binding. The binding estimate describes in detail the shipment and all services to be provided. With this type of estimate, you cannot be required to pay more. Non-binding estimates approximate cost. Movers may not charge for providing a non-binding estimate.

There is no guarantee, that the final billing will not be more than the estimate, but it cannot be an increase of more than 10 percent. You will have up to 30 days after delivery to pay additional charges. With a non-binding estimate, every service must be clearly outlined in writing. Do not sign or accept the order for service or bill of lading unless the amount estimated is entered on each form that is prepared by the mover. Consider selecting a company that will guarantee a pick-up and delivery day, and make sure those times are in your contract. Do not agree to have your ship-ment picked-up or delivered as soon as possible. It is best to move at times other than the end of the month

MAKING THE MOVE

RELOCATION INFORMATION

The earlier you make the most important decisions, the easier your move will be.


or during summer vacation periods. Although the moving company provides liability insurance on goods by the pound, it is often wise to purchase additional insurance or take out full value protection. Make a personal inventory of household items and furniture even if the company includes it in their service; be sure to note scratches and other blemishes that will help you verify a claim of damage. If the company does its own inventory, check it careful-ly against your own before you sign anything. Tax deductions might apply to your move, so keep appropri-ate records and receipts. Always consult a C.P.A. or attorney for specific tax and legal advice.

PUBLIC SAFETYPolice Department

The Houston Police Department and municipal police depart-ments protect the area. Both Harris and Galveston Counties have Sheriffs Departments and Constables who actively patrol out-side of the cities. The Crime Stoppers program also assures the safety of citizens. Some neighborhoods employ private patrols or organize volunteer watch groups. Law enforcement agencies offer crime prevention tips and services like document disposal days to help prevent identity theft.

Fire DepartmentThe Houston Fire Department (HFD) and volunteer fire depart-ments in Harris and Galveston Counties protect the area. The Houston Fire Departments specialty teams include hazardous materials experts, a high-rise rescue squad and a team trained to deal with emergencies at the airports. Most departments also offer community safety programs and inspections on request. For more information about services, contact the Houston Fire Department Public Affairs at 832-394-6633.

A number of fire departments serve Galveston County and an online directory can be found at www.firedepartment.net/directory/texas/galveston-county Ambulance services and EMT are coordinated through the Houston Fire Department.

TEXAS GOVERNMENTThe Texas state government is similar to that of most states, with executive, legislative and judicial branches governing Texas 254 counties. Most elected officials serve four-year terms. The Senate is comprised of 31 members, and 150 members are in the House of Representatives. The Texas Legislature meets each odd-numbered year for 140 days and for special sessions called by the governor. The judiciary is headed by the Texas Supreme Court and by its coordinate court, the State Court of Criminal Appeals. There are 456 district courts, each with an elected judge. All Texas County governments follow the structure estab-lished by the Texas Constitution. Each county is divided into four precincts from which a commissioner is elected to serve a four-year term. A county judge is elected from the county at large.

Voter RegistrationTo vote in Texas, you must be at least 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen. You must submit a voter registration form; to register or obtain information in Harris County, call 713-368-2000 or Gal-veston County call 409-766-2280. You will need photo identifi-cation in Texas when voting in person.

Liquor LawsThe minimum age to buy or order liquor is 21 years of age. Li-quor store hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and closed on Christmas, New Years Day or Thanksgiving. In Texas, the legal limit for driving intoxication is .08 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). If an officer thinks your driving is im-paired, you can still be stopped and arrested for DWI regardless of your BAC. DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) and also known as DUI (Driving Under the Influence) laws are strictly enforced and carry a mandatory sentence of jail time and a fine, even for first time offenders.

Pet Licensing / Leash LawsIn most jurisdictions, pets not wearing license tags and/or on a leash can be impounded. Dogs and cats in Texas must be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age. Boosters are given one year after the initial vaccination, and pets will need to be vaccinated at one to three year intervals depending on local requirements. Laws regulating the number of pets and exotic animals allowed per household vary from city to city.


TRANSPORTATIONDriving in Texas

The laws that regulate driving differ from state to state. Newcomers should become familiar with all of the laws to assure their safety and be in compliance while driving on the streets and highways. These are a few of the laws that newcomers should know: The driver and front seat passenger must wear seat belts. Children who are younger than eight years of age or less than 4 feet nine inches tall must be secured in an approved car seat. Highway traffic has the right-of-way and need not yield to entering traffic. It is legal to turn right on red after com-ing to a complete stop. Texas also enforces a mandatory au-tomobile liability insurance law, and if stopped for any reason, proof of liability insurance is required. The insurance must provide: $30,000 for each injured person $60,000 per accident $25,000 property damage per accident To obtain a copy of Texas Motor Ve-hicle Laws, write to the General Services Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Box 4087, Austin, TX 78773. To obtain a Texas drivers license go online to www. txdps.state.tx.us.

TWO STEPS, ONE STICKER

Vehicle Registration and Inspection

The State of Texas transitioned to a Two Steps, One Sticker vehicle inspection and registration program in 2015. Vehicles in Texas are issued a blue-bordered regis-tration sticker that serves as a combined proof of registration and inspection with one expiration date. Passing vehicle in-spection will be a requirement to renew a registration. Vehicles must be registered within 30 days of relocating to Texas. In Harris

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County, register a vehicle at the Clear Lake Courthouse Annex Building, 16603 Bucca-neer, 281-486-7250. In Galveston County, register a vehicle at the Galveston County Courthouse Annex, 174 Calder Road in League City, 281-316-8710. Registration requirements include the vehicles title, proof of liability insurance, drivers license and cash, check, or money order to cover various registration and license fees.

Public TransportationMETRO offers reliable express service to and from the Clear Lake Area. For bus sched-ules and Park & Ride locations go online to www.ridemetro.org or call METRO at 713-635-4000.

AIRPORTSBush Intercontinental

Airport 2800 North Terminal Rd., Houston, TX 77032 / 281-230-3100Located in north Houston, Bush Intercon-tinental offers nonstop or direct service to hundreds of cities throughout the U.S. and around the world. It serves more than 40 million passengers annually, including about 10 million international passengers.

William P. Hobby Airport7800 Airport Boulevard, Houston, TX 77061 713-640-3000Fifteen minutes north of the Clear Lake Area, Hobby Airport serves more than 10 million domestic passengers each year. International flights to Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean also fly out of Hobby. The 32nd busiest airport in the U.S. for total passengers, Hobby will continue to be a major public airport and corporate aviation center for years to come.

Ellington Airport510 Ellington Field, Houston, TX 77034713-847-4200Commissioned in 1917, Ellington Air-port is situated near the NASA/Johnson Space Center. The airport supports U. S. military operations and general aviation tenants. The annual Wings Over Houston Airshow is held at the field. The Houston Airport System received a federal license (July 2015) that will transform Ellington Airport into a Space Age hub for astronaut training, spacecraft launches and land-ings.

UTILITIESElectric Power

Retail Electric Providers (REPs) com-pete to sell electricity, which may result in lower prices, and added customer services. The Public Utility Commission (PUC) recommends the three Cs before selecting a provider: contact, compare, and choose. Allow several days for the


order to process. If establishing service for a new home or building, a permit or inspection may be required. Select electricity, natural gas, local phone and long distance, cable or satellite television, and high-speed Internet services at www.HoustonNewcomerConnect.com.

Cable/Satellite and Internet

Television programming is provided by: Comcast, 800-934-6489 www.comcast.com AT&T 855-685-0576 www.att.com DISH Network 888-656-2461 www.dish.com Direct TV 855-802-3473 www.directtv.com Depending on where you live there may be other services available.

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Water and SewerWater and sewer services are provided by the city in which you live.

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Municipal Utility Districts (MUDS)

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clear lake area newcomer guide - 2016 vol. 1

Documents