Hey Future Houstonians!

How’s it going? Whether you’re already packing boxes or just daydreaming about the move, let’s dive into what’s happening this week.

 In this issue:

• 🌟 The Suburb You Didn’t Expect to Love

• 📊 School Rankings: The Flawed Formula You Should Know

• 💡 Katy’s Next Big Thing: Can It Stay on Top?

Plus, so much more! Let’s see what is buzzin’ this week.

Danielle Kim, Publisher Hello From Houston

The Suburb Scoop 🍦

Cypress: The Suburb You Weren’t Expecting to Love

Let’s be honest—Cypress doesn’t scream “first choice” for most relocators. It’s not the Katy you’ve seen plastered all over YouTube, and it doesn’t have the buzz of “new and shiny” like Fulshear. Instead, Cypress is the wildcard suburb—the one you check out because someone (probably me) mentioned it.

But here’s the twist: more than half of you will end up loving it.

Why? Cypress is like an onion… and an ogre. It has layers. It’s often called “the suburban Heights” for good reason: unique restaurants, boutique shopping, and neighborhoods that don’t all look copy-pasted. Add in luxury homes, gorgeous nature trails, and a slower pace, and suddenly Cypress feels… different. It’s where the cool kids go when they’re done being cool in the city and have to put their kids in school.

The downsides? Property taxes here are higher, and it’s not built out as Katy when it comes to retail and infrastructure. Also, while Cy-Fair ISD is highly rated, the school board has recently taken a more controversial direction, which is worth researching if schools are a deciding factor for you.

But for those who want space, charm, and a diverse community vibe, Cypress delivers in spades. 

Want to learn more about Cypress? I’ve got a detailed YouTube video that breaks it all down. From schools to neighborhoods to lifestyle, it’s all there. Watch it here

Don’t forget to check out previous posts for other suburb breakdowns—like last week’s look at Fulshear or a detailed dive into Katy! Explore them here!

Have you visited Cypress? I’d love to hear your first impressions! Hit reply and let me know what surprised you most.

Sugar Land’s Secret Glow-Up: Staying Relevant in a Changing Market

Ever wonder why Sugar Land always seems so polished compared to some of our other suburbs? It’s no accident. The city is investing big in its future with grants designed to modernize homes and revitalize commercial spaces.

Through programs like the Great Homes Update Program, homeowners can snag up to $10,000 for exterior improvements—think fresh paint, new siding, or a revamped driveway. The catch? The city only reimburses 10% of the renovation costs, so you’ll need to invest significantly upfront.

There’s even a commercial revitalization grant to help update aging retail spaces, making the area more walkable and inviting.

With 70% of Sugar Land’s homes built before 2000, this is all part of a broader push to attract younger families and keep the community thriving.

What would you tackle first if you had $10,000 to spend on home improvements? Reply and share your dream project—I might feature your idea in an upcoming issue!

Katy’s Next Big Thing: The Suburban Darling Shines Again

If Houston’s suburbs were siblings, Katy would definitely be the golden child. Top schools, endless master-planned communities, and enough buzz to keep it on every relocator’s radar. And now, Katy is adding another gem to its crown with an 8-acre “eater-tainment” project near Katy Mills Mall, courtesy of reality TV star Washington Ho.

What’s the big deal? This project blends food, entertainment, and even a hotel into one lifestyle destination, proving Katy knows how to stay at the top. It’s another reason why millennials and families alike keep choosing Katy—it’s not just a place to live; it’s a place to thrive.

But here’s the question: Can Katy keep its title as the suburban darling, or is the competition heating up? Cypress is coming in hot with Bridgeland Central and an Exxon Campus. Also, Sugar Land is funding its own transformation glow-up. Can Katy keep up?

Katy’s newest project shows one thing: the suburbs are redefining what it means to live outside the city—and Katy isn’t ready to pass the crown anytime soon.

Sponsored by….Your Local Houston Guide 🌟

Moving to a new city can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.

Think of me as your go-to guide for uncovering Houston’s hidden gems—whether it’s finding a neighborhood that matches your lifestyle, understanding the school districts, or discovering local spots that make life here special.

Relocating should feel exciting, not uncertain. Together, we’ll make the process seamless, so you can focus on settling into a place that truly feels like home.

Already know where you’re headed? I’d still love to cheer you on—send me a pic of your new digs or share what’s been helpful in your journey!

📩 Hit reply and let’s get started.

Living Like a Local: Lesson #2

Whataburger Isn’t Fast Food—It’s a Love Language

Welcome back to your crash course in Texas culture! If you missed last week’s lesson, check past posts and emails to learn why calling it “Heb” will earn you side-eyes for days.

Now, let’s talk about Whataburger. It’s not just a burger joint—it’s a Texas institution. It’s a midnight craving, and for many locals, a core memory. The orange-and-white A-frame restaurants are as iconic as the food itself. What’s on the menu? Burgers, of course, but also honey butter chicken biscuits, taquitos, and ketchup so good they sell it in stores.

Pro tip: Don’t expect to grab-and-go. Whataburger prides itself on making your meal fresh, and the 2 a.m. drive-thru line can feel like rush hour traffic. But trust me—it’s worth it.

Your assignment? Go to Whataburger, order something you’ve never heard of, and embrace the chaos. Bonus points if you debate ketchup flavors (spicy vs. regular) with a local.

Living like a Texan means knowing the difference between “fast food” and a proper Whataburger experience. 🍔

Tag me when you try it—I can’t wait to hear what you think!

What’s Happening in Houston Schools

The Truth About School Rankings

If you’re basing your move on school rankings from sites like GreatSchools or Niche, here’s the tea: those rankings can be misleading. Why?

1️⃣ Automated Data Input: These sites rely on being fed data and if schools don’t provide certain info, they’re penalized. Hypothetically, if a school doesn’t collect any information on ethnicity, it would score the lowest in metrics where ethnicity is used to categorize students. A top-performing school can even drop in ranking for not collecting all of the fields GreatSchools analyzes.

2️⃣ One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Rankings are broad and might not reflect what matters most to you. Test scores are only part of the picture—look deeper into programs, extracurriculars, or campus culture.

3️⃣ District Rankings Can Be Misleading: Houston-area districts are huge, with schools varying widely in age, resources, and funding. This variation can skew the overall district ranking, while the school you’re considering might actually perform better individually than the highest-ranked districts on your list.

4️⃣ Diversity of Focus: Not all districts prioritize the same things. Some excel in arts or STEM programs, while others focus on athletics or vocational training. A highly ranked district might not align with your child’s specific interests or needs.

Pro tip: Don’t rely on rankings alone. Talk to locals, visit campuses, and check out the Texas Accountability Ratings for a more complete picture. Rankings are just one piece of the puzzle when choosing what’s best for your family.

I also made a YouTube video about this last year if you want more details.

Builder Buzz 🐝

Stronger Roofs, Lower Insurance Costs: Why Isn’t Texas Helping Build Them?

Texas leads the country in catastrophic weather losses, yet we’re one of the only Gulf Coast states without programs to encourage stronger, more resilient homes. Why? Priorities and politics. Lawmakers focus on cutting property taxes and limiting regulations, leaving homeowners to face skyrocketing insurance premiums or policy cancellations without statewide support.

States like Alabama and North Carolina offer grants and mandatory insurance discounts for Fortified homes, reducing losses by 20% and saving homeowners money. In Texas, builders argue they already meet adequate standards, and insurers resist offering discounts. The result? Only 200 of the country’s 70,000 Fortified homes are in Texas, despite us leading the nation in new construction.

For homeowners in places like Cypress or Katy, where hurricanes feel less immediate, it’s tempting to overlook Fortified standards. But with rising premiums and unpredictable weather, strengthening your home is worth considering.

What Can You Do?

• Inspect Regularly: Check for loose shingles or cracked caulking.

• Seal Exposed Nail Heads: Prevent leaks cheaply and easily.

• Trim Trees: Reduce the risk of storm damage.

• Install Gutter Guards: Keep water flowing and pressure off your roof.

These small, affordable fixes can make a big difference while Texas waits for stronger policies.

Hottest Hoods in H-Town: No Surprise Here

It’s no surprise Katy’s 77493 and Cypress’ 77433 are the top two hottest ZIP codes in the U.S. for 2024, according to Opendoor. These areas hit all the lifestyle sweet spots: newer homes, trendy restaurants, indoor-outdoor spaces for weekends, farmers markets, and top-notch schools. Myself and other realtors preach this constantly—and it’s showing up in the data.

But for those relocating to Houston, there’s a catch: hot ZIP codes come with higher prices, more competition, and lower inventory. Homes here sell quickly, and bidding wars aren’t uncommon. It’s not always easy to snag a spot in these sought-after areas, especially for first-time buyers unfamiliar with the pace of the market.

If Katy and Cypress feel overwhelming, you’re not out of luck. Surrounding areas like Tomball or Fulshear offer similar perks with less competition, making them worth exploring.

The bottom line? If you’ve got your heart set on Katy or Cypress, go in prepared. Understanding the market now can help you make smarter decisions when it’s time to buy.

Builder Bulletin 🗞️

Ready for the rundown on this month’s hottest builder deals? Here’s what caught my eye—and could save you big:

🛠 Perry Homes: $25K to use your way on select inventory homes. (Pick your perk: rate buydown, upgrades, or closing costs!)

🏠 Highland Homes: 3.99% year one & 4.99% fixed rate (5.1% APR)

✨ Drees Homes: Fixed rates as low as 4.49% (6.572% APR) on select homes when you finance with their in-house lender. Plus, a 2-1 buydown option! 25K FLEX spending for building a home.

🔌 Ravanna Homes: A free whole-home generator and $10K in design credits or closing costs. (Your future self during a power outage will thank you.)

🍽️ Lennar Homes: FHA fixed rate at 3.99% (4.943% APR), $25K off the price, and 10K in closing costs.

💸 David Weekley: 4.99% fixed rate for year one, 5.99% after that—plus move-in-ready options now available.

🌳 Brookfield Residential: Get 30K off select inventory homes and 20K for building

💡 Brightland Homes: 2.99% (5.83% APR) + up to $100,000 in discounts or 30K to build a new home.

📦 Tri-Point Homes: $30K in flex credit to make your home truly yours.

_{Disclaimer: Incentives are offered by the builders directly and may vary by each community within Houston. They typically apply to inventory homes and require using the builder’s lender and title company. Details are subject to change -confirm directly with the builder*}

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