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We've been trying to get out where we're at for the last 10+ years.  Finally the wife is on board but last year the Covid bug squashed the job market.

I have a job opportunity South of Houston.  I might be heading down very soon for perhaps a final interview.  On the surface it seems like a good move.

My son is 13 and I want to make sure he'll be in a good environment because the transition will be challenging for him.  

My work place will eventually be about 20 minutes South of Friendswood.  I'm thinking someplace like a 30-40 mile radius around the Alvin, Damon or Liverpool areas to find a home.  If I could keep the commute to 45 minutes or less that would be ideal.

I know almost everything is "pending" in the housing market down there.  Crazy!  I'm also a bit concerned about potential flooding if that's an issue.

I'm grateful for any help, thoughts and guidance.  Getting out of the area were in is a priority for us but we don't want to be stuck in a miserable situation in a new place either.

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Thanks all.  It looks like I still have much research to do.  

I'm also concerned about the humidity and keeping "the toys" rust free.

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If you are concerned about "Humidity", oh BROTHER - are YOU moving to the WRONG part of Texas...

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I'm no stranger to physically handling humidity.  It's the rust I'm worried about.

Does everyone carry home flood insurance in those parts?  I was forced to carry it at a previous residence and it was a scam.  There was never flooding in the area but if your home was "in the flood plane" you had no choice.  FEMA raised the rate every year and there was nothing you could do about it.  It went from $600 a year to $1,200 in 5 years.    Those in my neighborhood were basically paying for folks in other parts of the country that REALLY get flooded.

With that being said if you are in an area that has a legitimate flood risk it makes sense.

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I canceled my flood insurance and told them to go fuck themselves.

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Speaking of flood insurance.  Who didn’t see this coming

https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2021/09/30/flood-insurance-rates-going-up-in-october-heres-how-much-you-can-expect-to-pay/

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Liverpool Texas in on the bayou.  Its basically former rice fields.   Brazoria County used to be the no. 1 rice producing county in the US.   Before that, tons of sugar was grown.  

Where are you working?   Tex. City or LaMarque?   I'm not 100% sure yet. I was told they're building a new office 20 minutes South of Pearland.  I'm thinking it might be around or a little North of Lake Jackson.

Many nights in the Fall, Winter, and Spring, all exposed metal will be covered in condensation.  Thick condensation and coastal fog.   Cool air, warm land and coastal waters, and the result is massive humidity and fog.    

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The basic problem is this.  We really don't have regional flood control policies.   So, what did not flood yesterday may well flood tomorrow due to all the development west or north of your home in an adjoining area or county.    

As the former rice fields and relatively low lying areas are paved over, and the bayous/creeks straightened and concreted, the water does not soak in, and instead, rushes down stream flooding previously developed areas.  

Much more to it than that, but thats the basic overview.  

My place in NW Houston was built in the mid-80's.  No flood insurance even required.  Well above the 100 year flood plain.  And, there was little development upstream in my water shed.  Since then, the flood waters get closer and closer and closer with each flood event.   As the water shed is developed.  

Last three events, flood waters were forced "up stream" in our local drainage ditch because the local major creek could not handle the volume of water.  This inundated homes just a couple blocks from me.   Homes that had never seen water since their construction in the late 70's/early 80's. https://www.ar15.com/forums/manageReply.html?a=squote&b=8&f=8&t=657473&tl=May-have-a-job-opportuntity-South-of-Houston-&r=7240387&page=1#

Same basic story in many parts of the Houston area.  There are even parts of Houston in which 40, 50, or 60 year old homes are now being lifted onto 6 foot high foundations to avoid future flood events.   Newly constructed homes built on 6 foot raised pads.  

So, big picture, unless its a newly constructed home on a raised foundation, probably should expect it might have future flood issues on the SW side of the Houston metro area.

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Honestly… there isn’t much you can do about it other than purchase wisely. But even then you’re hemmed in by prices, commute times, desirable areas, etc.

My suggestion is to do what you can, buy flood insurance, and not worry about it overmuch.

… and maybe keep heirloom possessions to a minimum or easy to move.