Rental Assistance Guide

16649 Hollister St. , TX 77066 Ph: 281-880-7500 or 1-866-835-7500 Fax: 281-880-7570 www.sterling-relo.com www.relocatewithsterling.com email: [email protected]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

General Information 1

Education 2

Leasing Information 3

Helpful Web sites 4

General Information

Inside Houston Inside this issue:

Inside Houston/ 1 Houston is the largest city in with oil discovery in 1901, has the city limits”. The Port of Culture the state of , the fourth induced continual surges in Houston ranks first in the Unit- largest in the . As Houston’s population. In the ed States in international water- of the 2009 U.S. Census esti- 20th century, Houston became borne tonnage handled and Cityscapes/ 2 mate, it had a population of the home of the Texas Medical second in total cargo tonnage Geography/ Climates more than 2.3 million. The city Center, the world’s largest con- handled. Houston has more covers more than 600 square centration of healthcare and than 60 colleges, universities, Weather 3 miles (1,600 km²). Houston is research institutions, and and other degree-granting insti- the county seat of Harris Coun- NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson tutions with a total enrollment Economy/ TV & Ra- 4 ty and part of the Houston- Space Center. of approximately 360,000 stu- dio Stations Sugar Land-Baytown metropol- dents. It is also home to Rice itan area, the sixth largest met- University and the University of Demographics/ Arts 5 ropolitan area in the U.S. with a Houston. population of more than 5.9 & Entertainment/ Houston is a multicultural city million. Healthcare with a large and growing inter- Houston was founded on Au- national community. The Mu- METRORail/ 6 gust 30, 1836 by brothers Au- seum District is home to many Transportation gustus Chapman Allen and cultural institutions and exhib- John Kirby Allen on land near its, attracting more than 7 mil- the banks of Buffalo Bayou. lion visitors a year. Houston Sports/ DPS Loca- 7 The city was incorporated on Houston’s economy has a has an active visual and per- June 5, 1837 and named after broad industrial base in the forming arts scene as one of Driving/ Activities/ 8 General Sam Houston, com- energy, aeronautics, and tech- five U.S. cities that offer year Cost of Living mander at the Battle of San nology industries and only New round resident companies in all Jacinto. The burgeoning port York City is home to more major performing arts. and railroad industry, combined Fortune 500 headquarters “in Pest & Bug/ Librar- 9 ies/ Places of Wor-

Social Groups for 10 Culture Mom/ Crime

Houston is a multicultural city 1967 because it is home to held over 20 days in late Febru- with a large and growing inter- NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson ary to early March. Another Special points of national community. The city is Space Center. Other nicknames large celebration is the annual interest: home to the nation’s third include “H-Town”, “The Big night-time Houston Pride Pa- largest concentration of consu- Heart”, “Bayou City”, and rade, held at the end of June.  Houston is home to more lar offices representing 86 na- “Magnolia City”. Other annual events include the than 2 million people tions. Houston is designated as Many annual events celebrate Greek Festival, Art Car Parade,  Only has a world-class city by the Glob- the diverse cultures of Hou- and the Houston International more Fortune 500 alization and World Cities Festival. Study Group and Network. ston. The largest and longest headquarters Houston received the official running is the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo,  The official nickname of nickname of “Space City” in Houston is “Space City”

P a g e 2 General Information

Cityscapes

According to the United States recurring problem for the city. toward downtown; Brays Bayou, Census Bureau, the city has a Downtown stands about 50 feet which runs along the Texas total area of 601.7 square miles (15 m) above sea level, and the Medical Center; and Sims Bayou, (1,558.4 km²); this comprises highest point in far northwest which runs through the south of 579.4 square miles (1,500.7 km²) Houston is about 125 feet (38 m) Houston and downtown of land and 22.3 square miles in elevation. The city once relied Houston. The ship channel (57.7 km²) of water. on groundwater for its needs, but continues past Galveston and land subsidence forced the city Most of Houston is located on then into the . to turn to gound-level water the gulf coastal plain, and its sources such as Lake Houston vegetation is classified as and Lake Conroe. temperate grassland and forest. Much of the city was built of Houston has four major boyous forested land, marshes, swamp, passing through the city. Buffalo or prairie, which are all still Bayou runs through downtown visible in surrounding areas. and the Houston Ship Channel, Flatness of the local terrain, and has three tributaries: White when combined with urban Oak Bayou, which runs through sprawl, has made flooding a the Heights neighborhood and Geography

Houston was incorporated by outlying areas, suburbs and en- the city in addition to downtown, The highest 1837 under the ward system of claves are located outside the which include Uptown, Texas representation. The ward desig- loop. Beltway 8 encircles the city Medical Center, , temperature ever nation is the progenitor of the another 5 miles farther out. Westchase, and Greenspoint. nine current-day Houston City Houston, being the largest city in Council districts. Locations in recorded in Houston the United States without zoning Houston are generally classified regulations, has expanded with- was 109ºF on as either being inside or outside out land use planning. Rather the Loop. The than a simple central business September 4, 2000. inside encompasses the central district as the center of the city’s business district and many resi- employment, multiple business dential areas have been devel- districts have grown throughout oped within the loop. The city’s Climate

Houston’s climate is classified as average of 99 days per year conditioning in nearly every Month, is 61°F (16°C), Houston humid subtropical. Prevailing above 90°F (32°C). However, vehicle and building in the city; sees an average of 18 days per winds are from the south and the humidity results in a heat in fact, in 1980 Houston was year of 32°F (0°C) or less. southwest during most of the index higher than the actual described as the “most air Snowfall is rare, but the last year, bringing heat across the temperature. Summer mornings conditioned place on earth”. . snowstorm to hit Houston was continent from the deserts of average over 90 percent relative The hottest temperature ever on December 04, 2009. The Mexico and moisture from the humidity and approximately 60 recorded in Houston was 109°F colest temperature ever recorded Gulf of Mexico. percent in the afternoon. Winds (43°C) on September 4, 2000. in Houston was 5°F (-15°C) on are often light in the summer and During the summer months, it is Winters in Houston are cool and January 23, 1940. offer little relief, except near the common for the temperature to temperate. While the average immediate coast. To cope with reach over 90°F (34°C), with an the heat, people use air high in January, the coldest General Information P a g e 3

Normal Temperature Ranges

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year

Average 61 66 73 79 85 91 94 93 89 82 72 65 79 high °F

Average 41 44 51 58 65 71 73 73 68 59 50 44 58 low °F

Average 4.2 3.1 3.8 3.5 5.6 6.3 3.5 4.3 5.8 4.0 4.8 3.9 52.8 precipi- tation: inches

Weather Facts Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

Hurricane season is from June through November. The information below is a reference guide to  Houston is a city that is prone better understand Hurricane weather reports. The scale rates a hurricane’s intensity based on wind to extreme weather conditions speed, and helps estimate damage and flooding from a hurricane landfall. such as intense heat, flood- Catego- Winds Damage Effects ing, and drought. It is im- ry (MPH) portant to be aware of these 1 74-95 Minimal No real damage to building structures. Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Also, some coastal road flooding and minor pier damage.

conditions without becoming 2 96-110 Moderate Some roofing material, door, and window damage to buildings. Considerable alarmed damage to vegetation, mobile homes, and piers. Coastal and low-lying escape routes floor 2-4 hours before arrival of center. Small craft in unprotected anchor-  Drive with caution during age break moorings. heavy rain, do not attempt to 3 111-130 Extensive Some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings with a minor amount of curtain wall failures. Mobile homes are destroyed. Flooding near the drive through high water coast destroys smaller structures with larger structures damaged by floating debris. Terrain continuously lower than 5 feet ASL may be flooded inland 8 miles or more.  Overpasses tend to freeze 4 131-155 Extensive More extensive curtain wall failures with some complete roof structure failure on small residences. Major erosion of beach. Major damage to lower floors of struc- faster than the roadway tures near the shore. Terrain continuously lower than 10 feet ASL may be flooded requiring massive evacuation of residential areas inland as far as 6 miles.  Stay away from low lying Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete areas and other inland water- 5 >155 Cata- strophic building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. Major damage to ways during extreme weather lower floors of all structures located less than 15 feet ASL and within 500 yards of the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5 to 10 miles of the shoreline may be required. P a g e 4 General Information

Economy

Houston’s energy industry is recog- la, or Sweden. When comparing banks representing 10 nations oper- nized worldwide– particularly for oil– Houston’s economy to a national econ- ate in Houston, providing financial and biomedical research, aeronautics, omy, only 21 countries other than the assistance to the international com- and the ship channel are also large parts U.S. have a gross domestic product munity. of its economic base. The area is the exceeding Houston’s regional gross area Houston is a diverse and internation- world’s leading center for building product. Houston’s MSA gross area al city, in party because of its many oilfield equipment. Much of Houston’s product for 2007 is estimated to be academic institutions and strong success as a petrochemical complex is 416.6 billion, up 13.8% from 2006. industries. Over 90 languages are due to its busy man-made ship channel, Mining, which in Houston is consists spoken in the city. Houston has the Port of Houston. The port ranks almost entirely of exploration and pro- among the youngest populations in first in the United States in internation- duction of oil and gas, accounts for the nation, partly due to an influx of al commerce, and is the sixth largest 26.3% of Houston’s GAP; up sharply immigrants into Texas. The city has port in the world. Unlike most places, in response to high energy prices, and a the third largest Hispanic and third where high oil and gasoline prices are decreased worldwide surplus of oil largest Mexican population in the seen as harmful to the economy, they production capacity. United States. An estimated 400,000 are generally seen as beneficial for The unemployment rate in Houston illegal immigrants reside in the Hou- Houston as many are employed in the was 3.8% in April 2008, the lowest level ston area. energy industry. in eight years while the job growth rate The Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown was 2.8%. In 2006, the Houston metro- MSA’s Gross Area Product (GAP) in politan area ranked first in Texas and 2008 was $440.4 billion, slightly larger third in the U.S. within the category of than the gross domestic product “Best Places for Business and Careers” (GDP) of Belgium, Malaysia, Venezue- by Forbes magazine. Forty foreign

Television & Radio Station

Channel 2– KPRC-NBC KSBJ, Christian, 89.3 FM KILT Sports, 610 AM Channel 8– KUHT-PBS KPFT, Pacifica, 90.1 FM KIKK Business News, 650 AM Channel 11– KHOU-TV-CBS KKBQ, Country, 92.9 FM KSEV News/Sports/Talk, 700 AM Channel 13– KTRK– ABC KKRW, Rock , 93.7 FM KTRH News/Sports/Talk– 740 AM Channel 14– KETH– TBN KTBZ, The Buzz, Alt Rock, 94.5 FM KBME, , 790 AM Channel 20– KTXH– UPN KHJZ, The Wave, , 95.7 FM KEYH, Spanish, 850 AM Channel 22– KLTJ– Daystar Houston KHMX, Adult Pop Rock, 96.5 FM KJOJ, Vietnamese, 880 AM Channel 26– KRIV– FOX KBXX, Urban Contemporary, 97.9 FM KRTX, Spanish News, 980 AM Channel 39– KHWB– WB KODA, Adult Contemporary, 99.1 FM KKHT, Christian Talk, 1070 AM Channel 45– KXLN—Univision KILT, Country, 100.3 FM KYOK, Gospel, 1140 AM Channel 47- KTMD– KLOL, Spanish Contemporary, 101.1 FM KGOL, Asian, 1180 AM Channel 49– KPXB –Pax KMJQ, Urban Contemporary, 102.1 FM KCOH, Gospel, R&B, 1430 AM Channel 51– KNWS– Independent KLTN, Spanish, 102.9 FM KYND, Christian Country, 1500 AM Channel 55– KTBU– The Tube KRBE, Top 40, 104.1 FM KYND, Spanish Religious, 1520 AM KPTY, /R&B, 104.9 FM KMIC, , 1590 AM KHCB, Christian, 105.7 FM KHPT, 80’s, 90’s music, 106.9 FM KLDE, 60’s & 70’s Oldies, 107.5 FM General Information P a g e 5

Arts & Entertainment

Houston has an attractive visual local folk artists, art groups, and the Menil Collection and Rothko and performing arts scene. The various smaller progressive arts Chapel. Theater District is located down- organizations. Houston attracts Many venues scattered across town and is home to nine major many touring Broadway acts, Houston regularly host local and performing arts organizations concerts, shows, and exhibitions touring rock, blues, country, hip and six performance halls. It is for a variety of interests. hop, and Tejano musical acts. the second largest concentration The Museum District is home to of theater seats in a downtown many popular cultural institu- area in the United States. Hou- tions and exhibits, attracting ston is one of only five U.S. more than 7 million visitors a cities with permanent, profes- year. Notable facilities located in sional, resident companies in all the district include The Museum major performing arts disciples: of Fine Arts, Houston Museum opera (Houston Grand Opera), of Natural Science, the Contem- ballet (Houston Ballet), music porary Arts Museum Houston, (Houston Symphony Orchestra), Holocaust Museum Houston, and theater (The Alley Theatre). and the . Located Houston is also home to many in the nearby Montrose area are

Demographics

According to the 2006-2008 Houston’s population while area of the city. The city has a American Community Survey Pacific Islanders made up 0.1%. Little Saigon in Midtown and Houston is the seat of conducted by the U.S. Census Individuals from some other race Vietnamese businesses located Bureau, Whites made up 53.8% made up 15.2% of the city’s in the southwest Houston China- the internationally- of Houston’s population, of population, of which 0.2% town. which 27.9% were non-Hispanic non-Hispanic. As of the census renowned Texas whites. Blacks or African Ameri- of 2000, there were 1,953,631 Medical Center. cans made up 24.1% of people and the population densi- Houston’s population, of which ty was 3,371.7 people per square 23.8% were non-Hispanic blacks. mile (1,301.8/km²). Houston has American Indians made up 0.4% two Chinatowns: the original of Houston’s population, of located in Downtown, and the which 0.2% were non-Hispanic. more recent one north of Bel- Asians made up 5.3% of laire Boulevard in the southwest Healthcare

Houston is the seat of the inter- institutions include 13 renowned More heart surgeries are per- M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, nationally-renowned Texas Med- hospitals and two specialty insti- formed at the Texas Medical which has consistently ranked as ical Center, which contains the tutions, two medical schools, Center than anywhere else in the one of the top two U.S. hospitals world’s largest concentration of four nursing schools, and world. Some of the academic and specializing in cancer care by research and healthcare institu- schools of dentistry, public research health institutions in the U.S. New & World Report since tions. All 45 member institutions health, pharmacy, and virtually all center include the newly opened 1990. of the are health-care related careers. It is Methodist Hospital Research non-profit organizations. They where one of the first– and still Institute, Baylor College of Med- provide patient and preventative the largest– air emergency ser- icine, The University of Texas care, research, education, and vice was created, and a very suc- Health Science Center at Hou- local, national, and international cessful inter-institutional trans- ston, The Methodist Hospital, community well-being. These plant program was developed. and The University of Texas P a g e 6 General Information

METRORail Tips

1. Familiarize yourself with the exit the train before you board. 10. When on the train, listen METRORail system and stations closely for your station an- so you will know where to board 6. Each train has four doors. If a nouncement. Move toward the and exit. large crowd is waiting to board doors and be prepared to exit through the front doorway, avoid once the train has stopped. 2. You must have a valid overcrowding by boarding at the METRORail ticket or a regis- center or the rear. If a two-car Remember, safety starts with tered tap on your METRO Q® train arrives at the platform, YOU. When traveling along the Fare Card before boarding the board the rear car. rail line, always STOP, LOOK train. and LISTEN • trains travel in 7. Do not hold the train doors both directions. Obey all traffic 3. Have your fare ready for in- open for others. This will slow and pedestrian signs and signals spection in advance. down everyone's ride. and cross the tracks only at des- ignated crossings. 4. While on the platform, listen 8. While on board the train, keep Special points of in- carefully to all announcements, personal items out of the aisle. terest: and be prepared to board once the train arrives. 9. If you are riding for a short  For complete schedules distance (one or two stops), and routes for both 5. Stand clear of the doors to please consider standing. METRORail and Bus allow other passengers to safely please visit www.ridemetro.org

Transportation

Houston’s freeway system is U.S. Highway 59 in Sugar currently in the design phase made up of 575.5 miles of Land, southwest of Houston, of a 10 year expansion plan freeways and expressways in and was completed in 1994. that will add five more lines a 10 county metro area. Its to the existing system. Hou- The Metropolitan Transit highway system uses a hub- Authority of Harris County, ston is served by two com- and-spoke freeway structure Texas, or METRO, provides mercial airports. The largest serviced by multiple loops. public transportation in the is George Bush Interconti- The innermost loop is Inter- form of buses, light rail, and nental Airport (IAH), the state 610, which encircles lift vans. METRO’s various ninth busiest in the United downtown, the medical cen- forms of public transporta- States for total passengers, ter, and many core neighbor- tion still do not connect and seventeenth busiest hoods with around a 10 mile many of the suburbs to the worldwide. The second larg- diameter. Beltway 8 and its greater city, causing Housto- est commercial airport in freeway core, the Sam Hou- nians to rely on automobiles Houston is William P. Hob- ston Tollway, form the mid- as a primary source of trans- by Airport. The airport oper- dle loop at a diameter of portation. ate primarily small to medi- roughly 25 miles. A proposed um haul flights and is the highway project, State High- METRO began light rail only airport in Houston way 99 (The Grand Park- service (METRORail) on served by Southwest Airlines way), would form a third January 1, 2004. The inaugu- and JetBlue Airways. Hobby loop outside of Houston. ral track runs about 8 miles does not service international Currently, the completed (13 km) from northern flights. portion of State Highway 99 downtown at UH-Dowtown runs from just north of Inter- to the Texas Medical Center state 10, west of Houston, to and Reliant Park. METRO is General Information P a g e 7

Sports

Houston has teams for nearly ever used Reliant Astrodome hosted World 2001-2006, and the Tennis Masters major professional sport. The Houston Wrestling Entertainment’s Wrestle- Cup in 2003 and 2004, as well as the Astros (MLB), (NFL), Mania X-Seven on April 1, 2001, where annual Shell Houston Open golf (NBA), Houston an attendance record of 67,925 was set. tournament. The city hosts the annu- Comets (WNBA), Houston Aeros al NCAA College baseball Minute (AHL), Houston Undertakers (ABA), One October 9, 2005Houston Astros Maid Classic every February and and Houston Dynamo (MLS) all call advanced to the World Series for the NCAA football’s Texas Bowl in Houston home. first time in the team’s history, subse- December. Houston has hosted the quently losing to the Chicago White Super Bowl championship game Minute Maid Park (home of the Astros) Sox. In 2006, the Houston Dynamo twice. Super Bowl VIII was played at and Toyota Center (home of the Rock- won the MLS Cup in the first year, after Rice Stadium in 1974 and Super ets, Comets, and Aeros) are located in moving from San Jose, California. The Bowl XXXVIII was played at Reliant the revived area of downtown. The city Houston Aeros have won four champi- Stadium in 2004. In early 2006, the has the Reliant Astrodome, the first onships: in the WHA (1973, 1974), the Champ Car auto racing series re- domed stadium in the world; it also IHL (1999), and in the AHL (2003). turned to Houston for a yearly race, holds the NFL’s first retractable roof held on the streets of the Reliant Houston has hosted major recent sport- stadium, Reliant Stadium. Park complex. ing events, including the 2004 Major For tickets to Houston area special Other sport facilities in Houston in- League Baseball All-Star Game, the events, visit Ticketmaster at clude Hofheinz Pavilion and Robertson 2000 IHL All-Star Game, the 2005 www.ticketmaster.com. Stadium (both used for University of World Series, the 2005 Big 12 Confer- Houston collegiate sports), and Rice ence football championship game, the Stadium (home of the 2006 NBA All-Star Game, the U.S. Owls football team). The infrequently Men’s Clay Court Championships from

Department of Public Safety

4545 Dacoma 9206 Winkler Houston, TX 77092 Houston, TX 77017 713-683-0541 713-943-0631 12220 South Gessner 8825 Tidwell Houston, TX 77071 Houston, TX 77078 713-219-4100 713-633-9872 10503 Grant Road Houston, TX 77070 15403 Vantage Pkwy E #300 281-890-5440 Houston, TX 77032 281-449-2685 1601 Townhurst Houston, TX 77043 All locations are open: 713-465-8462 Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:00am– 5:00pm Tuesday, Thursday: 8:00am-6:00pm P a g e 8 General Information

Driving in Houston

To make the best use of Hou- open during peak traffic periods. way ston toll roads you may purchase Look for signs at the entrance - I-45 South is the Gulf Freeway, an E-Z tag for your windshield. ramps for information on the and I-45 North is the North The E-Z tag will enable you to minimum number of occupants Freeway use the E-Z tag lanes without the per car, as this does vary through - SH 290 is known as the North- need to go through tollbooths. the day. Fines are levied if the west Freeway This is highly advised if frequent HOV lanes are misused. - SH 288 is known as the South journeys to the airport or down- Freeway or Nolan Ryan Express- I= Interstate Highway town are anticipated, as the lines way SH= State Highway for the cash booths can get quite - Beltway 8 is called the Sam FM= Farm to Market Rd long. Use of the newly opened Houston Tollway, the Outer Westpark and Fort Bend Toll- Houston freeways are referred to Loop, or the Beltway ways are restricted to E-Z tag by their name or number: - 610 Loop is known as just “the holders only. Online applications loop” for an E-Z tag is available at - US 59 South is the Southwest

www.eztagstore.com. Freeway, and US 59 North is the Eastex Freeway

Several freeways have High Oc- - I-10 West is the Katy Freeway, cupancy Vehicle Lanes (HOV) and I-10 East is the Easy Free- Family Activities Museums www.houstonzoo.org Forbidden Gardens The Children’s Museum George Ranch Historical Park 281-347-2551 713-522-1138 Richmond, TX www.forbidden-gardens.com Houston housing www.cmhouston.org 281-343-0218 Build-A-Bear costs are 22 percent Houston Museum of Natural www.georgeranch.org www.buildabear.com Science Huntsville State Park Other Entertainment below the nationwide 713-639-4629 www.tpwdstate.tx.us Putting Edge www.hmns.org Splash Town (Glow in the dark miniature golf) average. Museum of Fine Arts 281-355-3300 www.putting-edge.com www.mfah.org www.sixflags.com/ splashtownhouston.com www.kemahboardwalk.com 281-244-2100 Schlitterbahn Water Park Moody Gardens www.spacecenter.org Galveston, TX Galveston, TX Parks 409-770-9283 409-744-4673 Houston Zoo www.schlitterbahn.com/gal 713-533-6500 Cost of Living

Houston provides the opportuni-  Houston’s grocery prices are  The average price for a new  In May of 2010, Houston’s ties and conveniences found in 15 percent below the major single family home of 2,400 average apartment rent was large cities, but is more afforda- metro average. square feet (four bedrooms, approximately $0.883 per ble than many small cities. Bar- two baths, dining and family square foot per month. gain housing prices and a low tax  Utility costs in Houston are 2 rooms, and attached two car burden keep living expenses in percent below the major metro garage) was $201,900 during  The median price for an apart- Houston below those in most average. September, 2008. ment is $760 per month. other major metropolitan areas.  Healthcare costs are 5 percent  Housing costs are 22 percent below the average.

below the nationwide average.

General Information P a g e 9

Pest and Bug Awareness

Be aware that Houston’s climate Common Pests in Houston- Hornets– Most common hornets means there are a number of in Houston are 3/4 inch long bugs that will share your sur- Snakes– Texas is home to 15 and black with white markings. roundings with you. varieties of venomous snakes. To They nest either in trees or on prevent snake bites, make sure the side of houses. If one stings If you have pest problems please you watch where you step, put you, cool the area immediately to contact one of the local pest your hands, or sit down. If bit- reduce swelling. control companies. ten, try to keep the bitten ex- tremity at heart level and get to a Roaches– Houston is ranked as ABC Pest Pool and Lawn hospital as soon as possible. the twelfth most cockroach in- 713-730-9500 or fested city in the nation. To help www.abcpestpoolandlawn.com Fire Ants– They live in mounds prevent infestations, do not leave Orkin or piles of dirt in sunny, open crumbs on your floor, allow pet 1-866-949-6097 or areas such as backyards, golf food to be left out overnight, or www.orkin.com courses, and ball fields. They leave leaks in your water system Terminex attack en masse and have a nasty unfixed. 1-866-319-6528 or bite that stings and burns. If they www.terminex.com do crawl on your skin, brush them off as quickly as possible.

Libraries

The con- utility of phone bill, or personal- sists of one central branch and 42 ized check. branch locations throughout the The Houston Public Library city of Houston. Please visit the online system allows members to library online at search for books and videos, ask Fire ant distribution Nationwide www.hpl.lib.tx.us/hpl/ for assistance from a librarian, or libcard.html for specific locations get help from a tutor for a home- and hours of operation. work problem. For these services, Places of Worship Most libraries have computers and please visit the Library’s homep- printers readily available for public age at www.hpl.lib.tx.us/hpl/ use and most have accessible hplhome.html. More than half of Houston’s resi- wireless internet that you can dent’s consider themselves to be reli- connect to with a lap top. gious with 26% being Protestant. Any resident of Houston can Other religious affiliations include apply for a membership card. Catholic (19%), Other Christian or Children under the age of 18 may Eastern religions (3%), Islam (1.4%), get a library card with a parent or LDS (1%), and Jewish (1%). guardian’s approving signature. As For a complete list of churches, syna- proof of being a Houston resi- gogues, temples, and other places of dent, the Library accepts a Texas worship please visit Driver’s License or Texas ID, www.houston.areaconnect.com/ churches.htm. P a g e 1 0 General Information

Social Groups For Moms

International MOMS Club– MOMS funded in 2008 and is a support group/ Mothers of The Woodlands– is a social is a support group designed just for the playgroup and online message board organization dedicated to developing net- at home mother. They understand the for moms in Katy, Texas. This group works for mothers of all ages who have special needs of at home mothers and was created to foster friendships and children of all ages. We exist to support are the first, largest, and fastest growing support among moms and their chil- mothers who work outside the home or support group specifically for ALL at dren. They plan activities such as play inside the home (stay-at-home). Located in home mothers. For more information dates, mom’s night Out, family events, The Woodlands, Texas. To learn more please visit www.momsclub.org couple’s night out, newcomer’s coffee, about this club, visit their website at Moxie Moms– Founded in 2003, babysitting co-op, book club, hobby/ www.mothersofthewoodlands.com or e-mail Moxie Moms provides moms with a craft get togethers, lunch meet ups, the membership coordinator at better way to meet others for casual walking groups, and more. To learn [email protected] and charitable events, attend fitness more about this club, visit their website classes that welcome little ones, and at www.katymoms.org or send an email find discounts at the best local retailers to [email protected] and service providers. Moxie Moms’ primary mission is to help moms suc- ceed in their pursuit of a community of moms for friends, fun and fitness. There are various Moxie Moms Chap- Houston Area Hospitals ters in and around Houston. For the To find a specialized hospi- chapters nearest you please visit tal or the one nearest you www.moxie-moms.com. please visit Katy Moms– This brand new club was www.houstonareaweb.com/ hospitals Crime Statistics Houston Violent Crime Rate per Capita: Murder Forcible Rape Robbery Aggravated Assault All Violent Crime National Local National Local National Local National Local National Local

1.78 X National 1.04 X National 2.46 X National 1.62 X National 1.97 X National Average Average Average Average Average Houston Property Crime Rate per Capita: Burglary Larceny or Theft Car Theft Arson All Property Crime National Local National Local National Local National Local National Local

1.52 X National 1.19 X National 1.75 X National 2.56 X National 1.33 X National Average Average Average Average Average E d u c a t i o n

Enrollment Inside this issue:

Public School  To enroll in Kindergarten the to begin your application pro- To begin the process, establish child must be 5 years old on cess. At this meeting you will Enrollment 1 which school your child is or before September 1 be able to tour the school, ask zoned to by attending the pub- questions, and review the appli- lic school website To enroll in First Grade the cable entry criteria and docu- School Choice 1 (www.tea.state.tx.us) . To enroll child must be 6 years old on the mentation requirements. your child in the school, take first day of school Documentation requirements Private Schools 2 the following documentation: Private School will be similar to that required The child’s birth certificate Private schools will determine for public school, but addition- or other proof of age and iden- their own criteria for offering al emphasis will be placed on Parent Involvement 2 tity (passport) places to applicants. With lim- transcripts and references from Social Security Number (not ited space availability, com- previous schools attended. required, but preferred) bined with high levels of de- Standardized testing is part of Special Education 2 Proof of residential address mand for certain schools in most private schools’ admis- (utility bill/ lease or deed agree- areas that typically have a large sions requirements. The two ment with parent’s name and expatriate population, it can be most commonly used inde- School District Map 2 address) frustrating for parents attempt- pendent school tests are the The child’s current immun- Secondary School Admissions ing to find the best school for ization records (in English) their child. Test (www.ssat.org) and the Special points of Grade transcript/Report Independent School Entrance Typically, private schools have interest: card from previous school, if an application deadline for new Exam (www.erbtest.org) applicable students. Once the deadline  Make sure to bring all the passes, schools may consider  To enroll in Pre-K the child required documents new applicants but only if there must be 4 years old on or when enrolling your are spaces available. An inter- before September 1 child in school view with the Admissions Di- rector is usually the best place

School Choice

Public school districts generally charter schools. attracting substantial num- for improving student academic assign students to particular bers of students of different achievement. The objective is schools based on place of resi-  Open enrollment programs racial and socioeconomic to replace rule-based govern- dence, and those schools gener- allow parents the opportunity backgrounds. ance with performance-based ally accept all students assigned to choose from among all accountability. to them. Nonetheless, in an schools in their district, or  Charter schools are public effort to provide parents with even from among schools in schools that provide en- more options for their children, other districts in their state. hanced parental choice and many state governments and are exempt from many statu-  Magnet schools are public public school systems expand tory and regulatory require- elementary or secondary school choice through options ments. In exchange for in- schools that offer a special- such as open enrollment pro- creased flexibility, charter ized curriculum capable of grams, magnet schools, and schools are held accountable P a g e 2 E d u c a t i o n

Private Schools Parent Involvement

Private schools were the original private schools may generally Parent’s involvement in the of their child’s specially schools in the U.S. and continue to choose which students to accept. schools and in their chil- designed instruction, which provide parents a variety of options Although nonpublic governance dren’s education is generally is referred to as the child’s and enrollment choices are fea- for educating their children. Private encouraged by principals and Individualized Education tures that all private schools share, schools account for about 24 per- teachers. Program. There are also there is wide variation within the cent of all elementary and secondary organization, such as parent private sectors on many measures. Most parents attend general schools, 10 percent of all students, teacher associations, that and 12 percent of all teachers in the school meetings and parent- Private schools receive funding teacher conferences each work to support schools U.S. 77 percent of all private schools primarily from nonpublic sources: year, and many volunteer at and increase the involve- have a religious affiliation while the tuition payments and other private their children’s schools by ment of families in the remainder are nonsectarian. Private sources, such as foundations, reli- tutoring, presenting special educational progress of schools are owned and governed by gious bodies, alumni, or other programs of interest, super- their children. entities that are independent from private donors. any government– typically religious vising students on field trips, bodies or independent boards of For a complete list of private or assisting with special trustees. Choice is a defining charac- schools in the Houston area visit events. Parents of children teristic of private schools as families www.houstonprivateschools.com with disabilities must be may choose private education, and involved in the development

Special Education

A number of federal laws govern Education Act, as amended in appropriate aids and supports, the provision of educational 2004. such as designated periods of services to students with disabili- time meeting with a qualified About 96 percent of students ties and specifically prohibit special education teacher. The with disabilities attend regular discrimination on the basis of amount of time spent outside the public or private schools, while disability by public entities or regular classroom varies and only 4 percent attend separate institutions that are recipients of depends on the needs of the institutions dedicated to educa- federal financial assistance. The students. About half of all stu- tion for students with disabilities. primary federal governing legisla- dents with disabilities spend 80 Among those students attending tion for special education is the percent or more of their day in local public schools, most are Individuals with Disabilities regular classrooms. educated in regular classes with Houston School Districts Leasing Information

Renting VS. Owning Inside this issue:

Home ownership is considered  Will A Person Be Free To their investment if they have- the American dream for many, Quickly Relocate? n’t owned the property for Rent VS. Owning 1 but it might not be right for Some companies relocate long. everyone. According to the employees frequently, or if a  Are There Any Tax Ad- Texas Apartment Association, person is not interested in Signing a Lease 1 vantages? the following questions are staying somewhere for more Homeowners who itemize worth considering when decid- than year or two, he or she their income taxes can deduct ing between renting and own- might want to think twice Facts about Renting/ 2 the interest paid on a mort- ing: about buying. The costs in- Leasing in Texas gage, and property taxes that curred in selling a home  What Will It Cost? have been paid. A homeown- (Realtor’s fees, closing costs, After Signing a 2 Buying a home usually re- er also can deduct point paid costs to market the property) quired a substantial invest- to lenders in the year that Lease could outpace any gains in ment of cash for a down cost was incurred. the property’s value or selling Common Rental 3-4 payment, closing costs and price. point paid to lenders Questions  What Is The Likely Return  What Does Home Owner- On A Home Investment? Example TAA Lease 5-10 ship Buy? Most people believe property A home usually has a yard, a always appreciates or gains community pool or other value, but that’s not always Map of Houston/ 11 amenities and more space. the case. A change in the Prices by Location The owner is responsible for neighborhood or the econo- maintaining the yard, heating my can affect the value of a cooling a larger space, and property. Some homeowners Special points of perhaps paying homeowner make money as a result, but interest: association dues. others might lose money on  Understand what you are agreeing to before signing a lease. Signing a Lease

According to the Texas Apart-  Look for your apartment against subletting or keeping ment Association, renters owner’s obligation to make pets. (Written permission should read leases for the fol- needed repairs. (A require- usually is required.) lowing information: ment for “reasonable  Ask the manager to write in promptness” is common.)  Check to see how much ad- and initial any oral agree- vance notice you must give  Be sure to read the cleanup ments or changes in the lease before moving. (Thirty days requirements. (Cleaning costs to which you and the manag- written notice is standard usually can be deducted from er agree. when rent is paid monthly.) your security deposit if you fail to follow instructions.)  Look for security deposit refund restrictions.  Check on prohibitions P a g e 2 Leasing Information

Facts About Renting/Leasing in Texas

 Texas law does not require  Texas law requires that rental general, view the Web site renter’s insurance, but almost properties must have the fol- www.oag.state.tx.us/ everyone agrees it’s a good lowing security devices provid- AG_Publications/txts/ idea. The property owner’s ed at the owner’s expense: a tenant.shtml or call the attor- insurance does not cover a keyless deadbolt or keyless ney general’s consumer protec- renter’s personal belongings. bolting device on all exterior tion hotline at 713-223-5886 or doors; a peephole or clear glass 800-621-0508.  All residential rental dwellings pane on all exterior doors; a must have smoke detectors keyed deadbolt or door handle installed by the owner. Renters lock on a main entry door; a are responsible for replacing pin lock and either a door batteries and checking to make handle latch or a security bar sure the smoke detector works on each sliding glass door; and correctly. It is a violation of a window latch on each win- Texas law to disable or discon- dow. nect a smoke detector.  For an overview of tenant rights from the Texas attorney After Signing a Lease  Keep a copy signed by the ing rent could make the tenant less the amount deducted for apartment manager. The lease is subject to eviction and liability damages– within 30 days. The the most important set of rules for payment of the remaining landlord must provide an item- Keep a signed copy of to follow if a disagreement rent. ized list of deductions from the should arise. deposit with a description of the the lease for your  When moving out, check the damages.  Make a checklist of conditions rental agreement to see if it records. of the apartment and furniture required advance notice of when moving in. Sign it, have intent to vacate the property. the manager sign it and keep a Many leases require 30 days dated copy. This will be the best notice as a condition of return- defense in any dispute over ing the deposit. deductions for repairs when  Under Texas law, a vacating moving. resident must provide a for-  Keep rent payment current as warding address and the land- required by the lease. Withhold- lord must return the deposit– Leasing Information P a g e 3

Common Rental Questions

While many people love to call Houston their permanent home, this city still has a large number of people who are here for the short-term, want to thoroughly research the market before taking the plunge, or save up for a down payment before they purchase a home– everyone’s situation is different. Yet, when looking for that dream apartment, renters, as with any business transaction, need to protect themselves and their property. According to the Houston Apartment Association (HAA), listed below are answers to some of the most common questions asked by apartment residents. For more information, renters may call HAA at 281 -933-2224 or log on to the Texas Apartment Association’s Web site at www.taa.org

 Can/Do landlords charge for water? All apartment residents pay for water, some through their rent, some separately. As water becomes more expensive, many owners are using submeters, or water allocation system to bill residents for water directly.

 What if a renter has questions about the apartment lease, or has a complaint about the apartment or apartment management? Apartment and other rental housing residents can contact the Houston Apartment Association at 281 -223-2224, Option 3, to speak with trained staff to ask questions about renters’ rights and leases or to register a complaint against the property owner. This is a free service. All initial calls are left with the Resident Regulations Department voice mail. All calls are returned within 24 to 48 hours between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays. All calls are returned in the order they are received. HAA does not respond to e -mail about resident information. Residents must call and leave a voice mail message or utilize the Resident Relations online complaint form. This is not an emergency service. If a resident already has retained an attorney, then it is not appropriate for HAA to intervene. A complaint form is provided to residents and then the completed form and related documents submitted to HAA are forwarded to the property owner or management company for response to HAA. If the complaint is about a security deposit disposition at an HAA member property, and the case is not resolved after opportunities for both sides to respond, the case is forwarded to a Resident Relations Committee. At the committee meeting, all documentation is reviewed, and a decision is reached based upon state law and the documentation provided.

 Can a resident be locked out of his/her apartment for non - payment of rent? The Texas Civil Statute, Section 92.0081 states that the landlord clearly has the right to change the door locks on an apartment unit if the rent is delinquent. However, they have to first notify the resident at least three days before the locks are to be changed. After the lock -out the owner must leave notice where the key can be obtained 24 hours a day. They cannot deny the resident access to the apartment.

 Are military employees held liable for a lease if they are transferred or deployed? If the renter is in active service and has received orders of a permanent change or station or has been deployed and is not continuing to receive housing allowance, the TAA Lease Contract requires the owner to allow the military service member and spouse to move out early. This is in Paragraph 31 of the TAA Lease Contract. That paragraph does not apply if the renter knew about the change of duty station prior to signing the lease; it also does not cover any residents (other than the spouse) who may be living in the same rental property.)

 Can the manager take items from an apartment for non - payment of rent? Section 54.041of the Texas Civil Statute states that non -exempt items can be held providing that the clause is in the lease. It must also be either underlined or in bold print. If a renter has this clause in the lease, the management may seize property that is non -exempt by statute and hold it until the rent is paid. P a g e 4 Leasing Information

Common Rental Questions

 Can the management enter an apartment when the renter is not at home? Under the TAA Lease Contract, the apartment management and/or maintenance personnel do not have to wait until the renter is home to enter the apartment for: - requested repairs - estimated repair costs - pest control; preventive maintenance - filter changes - delivering, installing, reconnecting, or replacing appliances, furniture, equipment, or security devices - removing unauthorized window coverings - stopping excessive noise - removing health or safety hazards - removing unauthorized pets - cutting off electricity according to statute - retrieving property owned or leased by former residents - inspections when immediate danger to person or property is suspected - entry by law-enforcement officer with search or arrest warrant - showing apartment to prospective residents (after move-out or vacate notice has been given) - showing apartment to government inspectors, fire marshals, lenders, appraisers, prospective buyers or insurance agents

 Can a renter deduct the amount of the security deposit from the last month’s rent payment? The security deposit is not a part of the rent payments. If the renter deducts the amount of the security deposit from the final rent check, he could be liable for the cost of reletting fees in addition to the unpaid rent.

 Exactly when, how much and how often may a rental increase by given? Also, is there a ceiling on the amount of any given increase? If so, what is the highest amount? Under the terms of the TAA lease, no rental increase can be given untilt he initial lease term has expired. After the lease is expired, an increase of any amount (the State of Texas has no rent control) can be given provided the resident has been served with a 35 day notice prior to the effective date of the new rental amount.

 If an apartment has been severely flooded and most of the personal belongings are damaged, through no fault of the resident, who is responsible for replacing all of the lost items? The TAA/HAA lease contains a clause which states that the owner will not be liable for any damages to the resident’s personal belongings or to that person. Only if the disaster oc- curred due to the owner’s own negligence will the resident have a cause of action. The lease strongly suggests that the resident secure insurance to protect themselves against any personal losses.

 How much grace period must the renter be given before the rent is considered late? The grace period allowed in the TAA lease does not refer to when rent is actually due. It simply refers to when the late charges will begin. The lease states that rent is due and payable on the first of each month. This means that rent is late and delinquent on the second if not paid. How much grace period (if any) is given before late charges begin depends on the owner and what is stated in the lease contract.

 How long does the property owner have to return the security deposit once the resident vacates the property? If the renter gives a forwarding address and does not owe any rent, the owner legally must contact the resident in writing within 30 days regarding the deposit.

Leasing Information P a g e 1 1

Map of Houston and Surrounding Areas

Houston is made up of a large city with several surrounding areas. Inside the Interstate 610 Loop are Downtown Hou- ston, The Medical Center, and Area. These areas are going to have the highest priced housing and the further out from the Interstate 610 Loop you travel, the cheaper housing will be. The major surrounding areas include The Woodlands, Katy, Sugar Land, and Kingwood. Helpful Web sites

Sterling Relocation Houston Museum of Natural Science: www.hmns.org www.sterling-relo.com Houston Zoo: www.houstonzoo.org www.relocatewithsterling.com Kemah Boardwalk: www.kemah.net Apartment Search Lake Conroe: www.lakeconroetx.org www.apartmentguide.com League City: www.visitleaguecity.com City Information Moody Gardens: www.moodygardens.com http://houston.citysearch.com NASA Space Center: www.spacecenter.org www.visithoustontexas.com Ocean Star: www.oceanstaroec.com www.houston.com Old Town Springs: oldtownspringtx.com www.houston-texas-online.com Sam Houston Park: www.heritagesociety.org http://cityguide.aol.com/houston/ Sam Houston Race Park: www.shrp.com www.houston.about.com San Jacinto Monument: www.sanjacinto-museum.org www.cityofhouston.gov General www.hellohouston.com Post Office: ww.usps.com www.houstontx.gov Red Cross: www.redcross.org Annual Events Salvation Army: www.salvationarmyusa.org Art Car Parade: www.orangeshow.com State of Texas: www.state.tx.us Festa Italiana: www.houstonitalianfestival.com TX Lottery: www.txlottery.org Festivals of Houston: www.festivalsofhouston.com TX Medical Center: www.tmc.edu Greek Festival: www.greekfestival.org Houston Area Crime Statistics Houston Int. Jazz Festival: www.jazzeducation.org http://www.houstontx.gov/police/cs/beatpages/beat_stats.htm Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo: www.hlsr.com Houston Public Library HP Houston Marathon: www.hphoustonmarathon.com http://www.hpl.lib.tx.us/branches/index.html International Festival: www.ifest.org Local Information Websites Nutcracker Market: www.nutcrackermarket.com Houston Area Airports: www.houstonairportsystem.com Race for the Cure: www.komen-houston.org (Newspaper): www.houstonchronicle.com Shell Houston Open: www.shellhoustonopen.com Houston Area Restaurants: www.houstonrestaurants.com Texas Renaissance Festival: www.texrenfest.com Local News Westheimer Street Festival: www.westheimerfestival.com Channel 2 (NBC): www.click2houston.com Wings Over Houston: www.wingsoverhouston.com Channel 11 (CBS): www.khou.com World Series of Dog Shows: www.reliantdogs.com Channel 13 (ABC): www.abclocal.go.com/ktrk Art Channel 26 (FOX): www.fox26.com Alley Theater: www.alleytheatre.org Channel 39 (WB): www.khwbtv.com Contemporary Arts Museum: www.camh.org Publications Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion: pavilion.woodlandscenter.org 002Magazine: www.002mag.com Hobby Center: www.thehobbycenter.org Inside Houston Magazine: www.insidehoustonmag.com Houston Ballet: www.houstonballet.org Houston Business Journal: www.bizjournal.com/houston Houston Center for Photography: www.hcponline.org Houston Press: www.houstonpress.com Houston Grand Opera: www.houstongrandopera.org School Districts : www.houstonmuseumdistrict.org Alief ISD: www.aliefisd.com Houston Theatre District: www.houstontheatredistrict.org Conroe ISD: www.conroeisd.net Houston Symphony: www.houstonsymphony.org Cypress Fairbanks ISD: www.cfisd.new Jones Hall: www.ci.houston.tx.us/cef/jones Fort Bend ISD: www.fortbend.k12.tx.us Menil Collection: www.menil.org Houston ISD: www.houstonisd.org Miller Outdoor Theatre: www.ci.houston.tx.us/ Katy ISD: www.katyisd.org specialevents/miller Spring Branch ISD: www.springbranchisd.org Museum of Fine Arts Houston: www.mfah.org Tomball ISD: www.tomballisd.net Museum of Fine Arts Houston: www.nhms.org Sports TUTS: www.tuts.com Aeros: www.aeros.com Verizon Wireless Theatre: www.verizonwirelesstheatre.com Astros: www.astros.com Wortham Center: worthamcenter.org Comets: www.wnba.com/comets Entertainment/Attractions Dynamo: www.houstondynamo.com Battleship Texas: www.battletexas.org Rockets: www.nba.com/rockets Bay Area Houston: www.visitbayareahouston.com Texans: www.houstontexans.com Downtown Aquarium: www.downtownaquariumhouston.com Transportation Forbidden Gardens: www.fibidden-gardens.com Downtown Streets: www.downtownstreets.com Galveston: www.galveston.com Houston TranStar: www.houstontranstar.org Gulf Greyhound Park: www.gulfgreyhound.com Metro: www.ridemetro.org Houston Fire Museum: www.houstonfiremuseum.org Texas Dept. of Public Safety: www.txdps.state.tx.us