Finding the right neighborhood to call home is a fine art for self-employed professionals.
Of course, you’re looking for the old standards like safety, good schools, solid property values and home prices within your budget. But beyond that, you’re also looking strongly at other community amenities, too — things like proximity to co-working spaces and WiFi-friendly coffee shops, access to major client headquarters and meeting places, and finally, plenty of resources like libraries, colleges and other places you might need to study up, expand your skills or get more training.
Fortunately, if you’re a self-employed pro looking to buy a home in Houston, we’ve already done all the research for you. Here are H-town’s top 4 spots to buy a house in:
The Woodlands
This North Houston suburb is one of the nation’s most popular master-planned communities. Not only does it offer the basics (top-notch Conroe ISD schools, a host of entertainment and dining options and a booming real estate market), but it also has a number of co-working spaces to its name, including WeWork, WorkLodge and CubicCowork (not to mention dozens of Starbucks coffee shops throughout the community). The neighborhood also has a number of libraries, as well as educational opportunities via Lone Star College. Several big-name companies are headquartered in the area (Exxon, Woodforest Bank, Kroger), as is the Woodlands Conference Center, so networking is a breeze.
The Heights
It doesn’t get more in-demand than The Heights. One of the city’s earliest major neighborhoods, the community is the perfect mix of historic charm and hip, new-age. You’ll find quaint 1940s cottages, as well as sprawling new construction throughout the area. The neighborhood is also home to various co-working spots, including Cowork Lab, Workplace 1919 and Washington Office Co, and it boasts more cafes, diners and coffee shops than you can count. If you’re a fan of working outdoors, the city’s numerous parks, trails and playgrounds make it the perfect fit. It’s also a top spot for young families in Houston thanks to its easy access to downtown amenities like the Houston Zoo and the Houston Children’s Museum.
River Oaks
If you’re pretty successful in your entrepreneurial efforts, you might want to look toward the higher-end neighborhood of River Oaks. Thanks to its sprawling real estate, amazing shopping opportunities and the River Oaks District, which boasts entertainment, dining and community events, it one of the city’s most exclusive places to live. Co-working spaces abound, too. Try out The Cannon, Regus, WeWork or ServCorp — all are just a few minute’s drive from the area. A nice bonus? The hip and trendy Montrose neighborhood, the Museum District and the University of St. Thomas are all just around the corner.
Katy
If you’re a self-employed pro with a family (or you have one on your radar), then you might consider Katy when buying a home. It was recently named the No. 3 suburb in Houston, and according to the Houston Chronicle, it’s also one of the top spots for young professionals. Like the others on this list, it’s home to a number of co-working spaces, including The Hive, Escalate and Regus. It also boasts a wide array of real estate options. Single-family homes start in the low $200,000s and come in all sizes, ages and styles.
The Next Step for Your Home Purchase
Finding the perfect-fit neighborhood is only the first step in the home-buying process. As a self-employed person, you may also have challenges securing a mortgage loan. In fact, you might want to learn about mortgage options for you by reading our Guide to Self Employed Mortgages.
Want to work with a lender who’s well-versed in these unique challenges? Then contact Sunray Mortgage. Our loan officers specialize in self-employed mortgages and can help you finance your home purchase today.
