Downsizing and moving into Houston?

You don't say where your mother is moving from and that could be important to establish her tolerance for the various lifestyles that exist in the metro Houston area. Also, I'm going to assume by the points you have outlined that she is in her sixties but maybe not yet 65. I am also a senior citizen (single male) and have been retired for seven years. I am also a native Houstonian. Although I grew up in the Heights it would not be a suitable locale for me in today's climate.

Based strictly on what you say, if it were me I would look for a patio home in a large self contained subdivision, of which there are several, and maybe concentrate on one that has a minimum age requirement of 59 years. Most will be within her budget. To find new homes she should look for builders in the area. A good alternative would be to hook up with a major realtor who should be qualified to locate housing to suit her needs. At her choosing they should be able to recommend any number of used houses throughout the area. If your mother is not from this region the hardest part might be in determining which part of metro Houston she might want to live in and there are many she should find suitable to her lifestyle.

I currently live in a large subdivision called Fairfield which is located in the unincorporated community of Cypress which is located in NW metro Houston. Currently we have about 5,000 homes and are still building. I have resided here for nearly 15 years. The unincorporated area of Cypress (but not a part of) Houston is growing leaps and bounds and boasts a population of somewhere between a half and a million residents. To give you an example of growth prospects there is a new subdivision, The Bridgelands, located close to mine that when built out somewhere around 15 years from now will itself have about 20,000 homes. As you might guess this area has just about every convenience you can possibly imagine with new businesses opening on a seemingly endless basis. There are several new hospitals and associated clinics within easy driving distance. But Cypress is only one area of many, which include places like the Woodlands, Kingwood, Cinco Ranch, etc. (check the map or Google for many other nice places scattered throughout the area). Avoidance of the areas you mentioned shows excellent insight.

To assist her find the best location for her lifestyle I would suggest you visit the metro Houston chamber of commerce website, Greater Houston Partnership, at http://www.houston.org/

Additional details:

She lives close enough to Houston to get her hands on two things that will help her and/or you:

1. The Houston Chronicle newspaper, specifically the Saturday (new homes section including active builders who advertise) and Sunday (existing homes section which should include realtor contacts).

2. The ATT Yellow Pages for the greater Houston area (area codes 713, 281 and 832). In it she can easily find the larger realtors and the contacts for the new home builders in the various still developing subdivisions. She might have to order the directory she needs direct from ATT and I'm not sure if there will be costs and shipping charges involved. For her the telephone number to call would be (866) 329-7118. If you live outside of the gulf coast area that number might not work for you. Regardless of who calls you should inquire as to the availability of the directory online, or maybe even on CD/DVD.

Last, and a longshot, if your mom attends a local church with a Houston affiliation she might be able to get a contact or two in the Houston church that she can trust for good solid information or her needs and desires.

Good luck. Don't forget to get help from Google Earth to find the locations she finds desirable. Also, don't be afraid to contact the larger builders for information to include brochures, etc.

Last last: Her age should not be a factor in finding desirable housing.