Texas 288 South Newcomer & Relocation Guide - 2016 Vol. 1

2 P A L M B E A C H R E L O C A T I O N G U I D E – F A L L 2 0 1 6 | W I N T E R 2 0 1 7

Your 100% Satisfaction Is Always Our Goal

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Timely and efficient in all aspects of our listing. Very knowledgeable. Works with her whole heart and truly wants clients to have an enjoyable home buying and selling experience.

Our agent was exceptional. Highly recommend!

Fantastic realtor! Critical to the success of our first time home buying experience.

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H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 1


ON THE COVER

Master-planned communities today feature fishing lakes, hiking & biking trails, learn-

ing labs, playgrounds, schools, sports fields, parks and resort-style recreation centers to encourage a stronger sense of community, nature and belonging. Monthly events and

seasonal celebrations help residents feel more at home, and come together.

Photo by Hillwood Communities, Pomona Camp Pomona’s event lawn, Recreation

Center and Exploration Zone.

PHOTOGRAPHY

We would like to thank the following for their contributions:

GHCVB Houston /Visit Houston

Eric Pohl

Health South Pearland

Alvin ISD

Brazosport ISD

Houston Astros

Sienna Plantation

Jackson Myers

George Hosek

Hillwood Communities

Meridiana

Brazosport Center Stage

Houston Zoo

St. Helen Catholic School

Pomona

Katya Horner for Discovery Green

UH Clear Lake

Pearland Town Center

The Art Car Museum

Froberg’s Farm

Alvin Train Depot

EDITORIAL

We would like to thank the following writers for their editorial contributions to the

publication:

Judy Van Cleve

Joy Oden

Cecile Ruffino

© WEB Media Group LLC 2017 All rights reserved. No part of this

publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means, electronic, mechanical,

photocopying, or otherwise, without the written permission of the Publisher.56

contents | features

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Pear-scape Sculpture Trail

Relocating Seniors

International Relocation Information

TX288 Toll Road

2 T E X A S 2 8 8 S O U T H N E W C O M E R G U I D E – F A L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8


HOUSTON METHODIST HOSPITAL IS THE ONLY NATIONALLY RANKED HONOR ROLL HOSPITAL IN TEXAS. Houston Methodist, throughout its long history, has focused on innovation that directly benefi ts our patients. We are national leaders in the delivery of health care, and others agree.

Out of 4,667 hospitals, Houston Methodist Hospital ranks No. 19 in the nation and No. 1 in Texas. And for 10 years in a row, we’ve had more national rankings than any other hospital in Texas.

Like past generations of Houstonians, we know that today’s best will not be good enough for tomorrow. Houston Methodist directs millions of research dollars into patient care and offers the latest innovations in medical, surgical and diagnostic techniques. We are pressing ahead toward a greater and grander vision, one that positions us to help shape the future of medicine.

For a physician referral, visit houstonmethodist.org or call 713.790.3599.


contents | sections10 675 Bering Drive Suite 120

Houston Texas 77057

Phone: 713-952-1916

Fax: 713-952-1956

[email protected]

www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com

CEO

Derek Wright

PRESIDENT

Kevin Evans

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Michael P. Blalock

VP OF SALES

Robert Nusbaum

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Jill Roe, Susan Syamken,

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ART DIRECTOR

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Texas 288 South Newcomer Guide

is published and distributed

bi-annually by WEB Media Group LLC

For advertising information,

please call 713-952-1916.

Although every attempt is made to

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WELCOME TO HOUSTON + TEXAS 288 SOUTH • 10 RecreationCultureShopping, Dining, EntertainmentTransportation

CITIES SOUTH • 16 Texas Medical Center, Pearland, Friendswood, Alvin, Manvel, AngletonLake Jackson, Clute + FreeportPear-scape Sculpture Trail

EDUCATION IN TEXAS 288 SOUTH • 26 STEMPublic SchoolsPrivate SchoolsHigher Education

HOME FRONT • 38 Homes & Lifestyle NeighborhoodsMaster-Planned Communities

RELOCATING SENIORS • 46 Retirement CommunitiesAging in Place Continuing Care Independent Care, Assisted LivingMemory and Extended Care

RESOURCE INFORMATION • 50 VehiclesRecycling & UtilitiesHome & CommunityConnection DirectoryPlaces of WorshipInternational Relocation Information

HEALTHCARE RESOURCES • 60 Texas Medical CenterRegional HospitalsHealth Care News

BUSINESS + MOBILITY • 66 Local Chambers of CommerceEconomic DevelopmentTourism & Convention BureausMajor EmployersTexas 288 Toll Road Construction Update

LEISURE & RECREATION • 70 Arts and CultureSports & GolfCalendar of Events

70



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L. M. “MATT” SEBESTA, JR.Brazoria County Judge

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Brazoria County…..WHERE TEXAS BEGAN! Our

county is located just south of the Houston metropolitan area. Its 1597 square miles offer a

variety of historical, dining, entertainment, and shopping venues with a multitude of activi-

ties, events, and points of interest. We are blessed to have 28 miles of coastline on the Gulf

of Mexico. Boating, fishing, and beachcombing are some of the most popular activities in

our area.

Our County is one of the fastest growing in the region. Today more than 330,000 people

call Brazoria County home. With the Houston Metropolitan area just a short drive away, we

have the opportunity to avail ourselves to all the things they have to offer. We are close to the

Texas Medical Center. However, we don’t have to leave our county to enjoy excellent medical

care, museums, theater, parks, fine dining, and youth activities. In addition, we feature eight

great and highly regarded school districts. We are the home of Alvin Community College,

Brazosport College, and the University of Houston - Clear Lake Pearland Campus. Whether

you are working towards a degree or taking continuing education classes, you will find many

choices at all of these locations.

Brazoria County is the home of Sea Center Texas, the Nolan Ryan Center, Brazoria County

Historical Museum, Varner Hogg Plantation, Abner Jackson Plantation, and many other

wonderful sites. We showcase many county and city parks. Quintana Beach Park, Stahlman

Park, and San Luis Park are some of the most popular. If outdoor sports are your game, we

feature several golf courses, a water ski park, and many youth and adult sports complexes.

We are proud of our rich history, and the community achievements that quality growth has

brought to Brazoria County over the years. We encourage all to visit the many things we have

to offer. We hope that you will see why we are so proud to call Brazoria County home!

Cathy Hughes

Chief Administrator

Brazoria County

Courthouse

111 E Locust Suite 102A

Angleton, TX 77515

979-864-1200

281-798-1200

Fax 979-840-4856

Sincerely,

L. M. “Matt” Sebesta, Jr.Brazoria County Judge


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CINDY HAMANN2017 Chairman

Houston Association of REALTORS®

Welcome to Houston!

You’ve just landed in one of the most vibrant and culturally diverse cities in America, with a

low cost of living, world-renowned Texas Medical Center, incredible cuisine, and countless

arts, entertainment, sports and recreation destinations, including Super Bowl LI.

As you drive around and familiarize yourself with the Houston metropolitan area, you’re

likely to notice license plates from many different states, as the addition of thousands of new

jobs over the past few years has drawn people here from all across the U.S.

The Houston real estate market has been one of the healthiest in the country, offering a wide

selection of communities and properties to suit every lifestyle, whether you plan to rent or

buy. The 34,000 members of the Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR) help make

the American Dream come true for individuals and families every day. HAR is the nation’s

second largest local REALTOR® organization and our members understand that a home is

one of the greatest investments you will ever make.

Well over a million consumers begin searching for their dream home every month on HAR’s

award-winning website, HAR.com, which extended its reach beyond Houston in 2014 to

provide property listings for the entire state of Texas. The site offers dozens of user-friendly

tools to explore specific properties and their amenities as well as to find detailed information

about neighborhoods, schools, businesses and much more.

Those same features are available through the free HAR.com app, making your property

search convenient while on the go. HAR and the City of Houston also developed the free

Houston Living app, which provides instant access to information about Houston’s elected

officials, city services and amenities, local events, neighborhood associations and much

more.

On behalf of HAR, it’s my great pleasure to welcome you to Houston. We hope you’ll take

advantage of everything our incredible community has to offer.

Sincerely,

Cindy Hamann

HAR CENTRAL3693 Southwest Freeway

Houston, TX 77027

713- 629-1900

Fax 713- 961-4869

BAY AREA 16903 Buccaneer Lane, Suite 110

Houston, TX 77058

713-629-1900 ext. 750

Fax 281-486-7530

MONTGOMERY COUNTY 19075 I-45 South, Suite 210

Conroe, TX 77385

713-629-1900 ext. 760

Fax 936-273-0344

FORT BEND6680 Greatwood Pkwy.

Sugar Land, TX 77479

713-629-1900 ext. 700

Fax 281-343-9557


288

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1 0 T E X A S 2 8 8 S O U T H N E W C O M E R G U I D E – F A L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

in this sectionwelcomerecreationcultureshopping, dining & entertainment


H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 1 1

With 94 consulates, a dynamic bilingual

population, two international airports

and a top ranked port, Houston attracts

newcomers from around the world who

bring with them a world view of business,

opportunity and life quality.

What do Houston, New York, Los Angeles,

Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego and

Boston have in common? According to

Resonance Consultancy’s 2016 U.S. Place

Equity Index, each of the cities received

high marks for product, programming,

people, prosperity and promotion. Houston,

the only Texas city in the top 10, took the

No. 7 spot in the survey. According to the

index, physical location is less important

today in determining the economic success

of cities, states and countries. Increasingly,

the quality of a place determines where

talent, capital and tourism flows.

In the 2016 Kinder Houston Area survey

area residents were asked to rate the region

If given the chance to move anywhere in the world, 67 percent of the Houstonians surveyed said they would

stay in the area. – 2017 Kinder Houston Area Survey –

as a place to live. Overall, more than 80

percent of residents gave the Houston area

a “good” or “excellent” place to live rating.

There is an entrepreneurial spirit in Houston

that is detectable across a broad range of

industries from manufacturing and health-

care to entertainment. Newcomers have

always played a big part in the Houston

area’s growth and diversity.

Houston is a leading domestic and inter-

national center for virtually every segment

of the oil and gas industry: exploration,

production, transmission, marketing,

service, supply, offshore drilling, and tech-

nology. Construction projects estimated

at $50 billion have been announced in the

petrochemical corridor along the Gulf

Coast. These projects will bring thousands

of jobs to the area.

For several years medical and healthcare

industries have been adding and expanding

facilities to serve a growing population

residing in the suburbs. In Central Houston

the Texas Medical Center continues to add

new facilities for education, research and

technology to its ever expanding, world-

class campus.

Houston, one of only three municipalities

with two international airports, has direct

access to Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica and

Jamaica from Hobby Airport. While Hous-

tonians are world travelers, there is always

something exciting to do from theatre and

dining to professional sporting events in

Houston’s Sports District.

Houstonians often use the phrase “inside

the loop” or “outside the loop” as a loca-

tion reference. Loop 610 or “the Loop”

is a 38-mile ring around central Houston.

Exits off Texas 288 provide quick access to

attractions inside the Loop: downtown, the

Museum District, NRG Stadium, Hermann

Park, Montrose, the Houston Zoo, Rice

welcome toHOUSTON & TEXAS 288

South


LAKE JACKSON

CLUTE

FREEPORT

The Brazosport area’s newest community has grown from a carefully crafted master plan featuring abundant open spaces, lakes, recreation amenities, trails and tree preservation areas.

At Woodshore, you’re already home.Homes from $250,000 to $600,000

Visit Woodshore.com or follow us:

facebook.com/woodshore

@woodshorehomes

Closer to WATER, to WOODS, to WORK

A Project of DHK Development,Inc.

University, The Galleria, and the Texas

Medical Center.

The Museum District is adjacent to

Montrose - one of Houston’s most diverse

neighborhoods. Rice University, The Glas-

sell School of Art, Contemporary Arts

Museum, C.G. Jung Educational Center,

The Museum of Fine Arts, and Rothko

Chapel are located in this vibrant district.

Nearby museums include the Children’s

Museum, Holocaust Museum and the

Museum of Health & Medical Science. The

Houston Museum of Natural Science is situ-

ated near Miller Outdoor Theatre.

TEXAS 288 CORRIDORThe Texas 288 Corridor takes on its distinct

personality outside the Beltway where

cosmopolitan Houston transitions into

suburban areas and an immense ecosystem

in Brazoria County — “Where Texas

Began” almost 200 years ago.

While the Texas 288 Corridor spans parts

of Fort Bend, Harris and Galveston Coun-

ties most of the region lies within Brazoria

County. Part of Stephen F. Austin’s “Old

Three Hundred” colony of families arrived

in the early 1820s. Brazoria County

takes its name from the Brazos River, the

11th-longest river in the United States.

Early Spanish explorers called the Brazos

the Rio de los Brazos de Dios, The River of

the Arms of God.

Texas 288 can tout proximity to Hous-

ton’s largest employment centers including

downtown Houston, the Texas Medical

Center, The Galleria, Hobby Airport,

NASA, and the Houston Energy Corridor.

In addition to being a tourist destination,

the Brazosport area is home to Dow Texas

Operations, BASF and Port Freeport. Texas

288 is ideally situated between the Port of

Houston, the largest container port on the

Texas Gulf Coast and Port Freeport.

Due to its size and proximity to Houston,

Brazoria County is experiencing steady

economic growth. In lower Brazoria county,

billions of dollars are being invested in

industrial complexes and new business enter-

prises, and Port of Freeport is expanding to

accommodate projected growth in imports

and exports due to the widening of the

Panama Canal.

Pearland, the fastest growing suburb of

Houston, and Friendswood, currently recog-

nized as one the one of the safest cities in

the Houston area, anchor the Texas 288

Corridor on the north. South of Pearland,

Manvel and Alvin are shaping up to be the

next residential and retail hubs. Key to their

growth is direct access to both Texas 288 and

Texas 6 (SH 6), a major gateway into Fort

Bend County and Sugar Land. The nation-

ally-acclaimed Alvin Community College

campus was founded in Alvin almost 70

years ago.

Angleton, the county seat for Brazoria

County, and Lake Jackson are centers

of commerce in lower Brazoria County.

Sun-loving Houstonians head to Clute, Surf-

side and Quintana Beach in the Brazosport

Area.

In the Cities South chapter, you will learn

more about each city and what makes the

Texas 288 Corridor a quality place to live,

visit, work and play.

RECREATIONThe Texas 288 Corridor is fortunate to have

the Texas Gulf Coast as its most southern

border. Expansive salt and freshwater

marshes, sloughs, ponds, coastal prairies,

and bottomland forest make ideal habi-

tats for all sorts of wildlife. Visitors to the

Brazoria Natural Wildlife Refuge and San

Bernard National Wildlife Refuge enjoy

exceptional wildlife watching, camping,

fishing and some hunting. The Great Texas

Coastal Birding Trail and the Upper Texas

Coast Guide show dozens of birding spots

in the area.

W E L C O M E T O T E X A S 2 8 8 S O U T H

Photo courtesy of Jackson Myers


LAKE JACKSON

CLUTE

FREEPORT

The Brazosport area’s newest community has grown from a carefully crafted master plan featuring abundant open spaces, lakes, recreation amenities, trails and tree preservation areas.

At Woodshore, you’re already home.Homes from $250,000 to $600,000

Visit Woodshore.com or follow us:

facebook.com/woodshore

@woodshorehomes

Closer to WATER, to WOODS, to WORK

A Project of DHK Development,Inc.


For sporting enthusiasts, the Brazosport area

has it all from deep sea fishing and kayaking

to surfing and sun bathing at Bryant Beach

and Quintana Beach Park. The Museum

of Natural Science and Nature Center and

Planetarium are located in The Center for

the Arts and Sciences in Clute. The museum

contains the largest seashell collection in the

South along with dinosaur and mammoth

fossils. Lake Jackson is home to Sea Center

Texas, Lake Jackson Historical Museum,

and Brazoria Natural Wildlife Refuge.

Brazos Bend State Park & George Obser-

vatory are just 45 minutes from downtown

Houston. Visitors can explore the park on

foot, bike, or horseback via more than 37

miles of trails. Activities include fishing,

picnicking, camping, and star gazing.

In 2016, the City of Alvin was named

a Playful City USA based largely on its

vibrant Old Town Center, and well orga-

nized events, music festivals and Fun Runs

that draw thousands of visitors.Pearland caught the eye of the nation in

2015 when the Pearland Little League

West team placed third in the Little League

World Series in Williamsport PA. While

baseball is popular, other outdoor activ-

ities are encouraged and supported by

the City of Pearland. Centennial Park

and Independence Park in Pearland are

being re-designed with connecting trails to

expand alternative transportation oppor-

tunities, sports fields, pavilions and new

playground equipment.

CULTUREResidents of the Texas 288 Corridor are

minutes from sporting events, theater, fine

dining, clubs, historical parks, museums,

a nationally acclaimed zoo, and seasonal

events and festivals in central Houston.

Closer to home cultural events take many

forms to promote the arts, music, theater

and the cultures of one of the most diverse

populations in the state. Some of these

cultural opportunities follow, but you

will find more opportunities in the Arts &

Culture chapter.

The Pearland Convention & Visitors Bureau

has teamed up with the Pearland Arts

League and Pearland Alliance for Arts &

Culture to create the Pear-Scape Art Sculp-

ture Trail. Fusion of the Arts, a juried

art show sponsored by the Pearland Arts

League, is held in the Fall to support local

performing and visual artists. The Pearl

Theatre Guild presents seasonal perfor-

mances of classical and contemporary plays

at its permanent home, The Pearl Theater.

Alvin Community College actively serves

the community by staging plays for adults

and children, student art shows, big band

concerts, sporting events, and brings in

big-name performers for Alvin Live. Alvin’s

culture is most noticeable at special events

and concerts that typically involve, in one

way or another, everyone in town.

The Center for the Arts & Science in Clute

houses the Brazosport Fine Arts Council,

Art League and Brazosport Center Stage,

the oldest continuously operating commu-

nity theater in the Gulf Coast of Texas.

W E L C O M E T O T E X A S 2 8 8 S O U T H

713-777-8790www.WendyLowery.com

[email protected]

Selling homes for 18 years in the Greater Houston Area & Texas

288 Region.

Buying, Selling or Investing

START AS YOUR REALTOR, END AS YOUR FRIEND.

CallWendy LoweryRealtor, Broker/OwnerProperty Management Services

Photo courtesy of George Hosek


Angleton has hosted the Brazoria County

Fair in various forms since 1910. The 9-day

event is known for its old-fashioned fair

atmosphere and entertainment, it attracts

about quarter of a million people each year

and requires more than 500 volunteers.

SHOPPING, EATING OUTENTERTAINMENTWhen it comes to good eating, shopping and

entertainment the Texas 288 area has some-

thing for everyone.

The Baybrook Mall in Friendswood is

surpassed in size only by the Galleria.

Baybrook Mall has added dozens of new

stores, restaurants, and a vibrant lifestyle

center that combines traditional retail with

dining and entertainment options. The

Lawn, a spacious grassy area measuring the

length of a football field, is a gathering spot

for the community.

Pearland Town Center is the go-to-place

to shop, dine and meet friends for a night

out or for seasonal celebrations, Fun Runs,

movie nights, art shows and more. Court-

yard by Marriott is the exclusive hotel for

business and leisure travelers. The Center

at Pearland Parkway is the dominant retail

location on Pearland’s east side.

Residents of Alvin, Angleton and Lake

Jackson have a variety of large retailers,

small shops, antique stores, automobile

dealerships and other services to choose

from. The Brazos Mall, at the corner of

Texas 288 at Oyster Creek Drive in Lake

Jackson, grand opened recently after under-

going extensive remodeling inside and out.

To meet the tastes of its growing and

diverse population restaurants specialize

in Indian, Asian, Mexican, Italian and

German specialties. Kings Biergarten &

Restaurant is considered to be among the

best German restaurants in the country.

Locally-owned Killen’s Steakhouse in

Pearland is recognized as one of the best

in the U.S. by prestigious Travel & Leisure

magazine.

TRANSPORTATION

According to the Texas Medical Center,

approximately 7,000 residents of the

Pearland area work in the medical center

and use Texas 288 and Loop 610 to get there.

Texas 288 carries over 180,000 vehicles per

day and is one of the busiest corridors in

Texas. The Sam Houston Tollway/Beltway

8 is a major connector to destinations in all

directions via the Fort Bend Toll Road, U.S.

59 (I69) and I-45.

To alleviate the congestion on Texas 288,

the Brazoria County Toll Road (BCTRA),

Harris County and Texas Department of

Transportation (TxDOT) started construc-

tion of the Texas 288 Toll Road in late 2016.

Blueridge Transportation Group is devel-

oping the Harris County segment for

TxDOT. The Harris County portion

includes all 8 direct connectors to the Sam

Houston Parkway as well as the reconstruc-

tion of a majority of the Texas 288 and IH

610 interchange.

The Brazoria County segment, two

managed lanes in each direction, will begin

at the Brazoria County line/Clear Creek

and extend south through the northern

section of the corridor to approximately CR

58. Brazoria County will work to complete

their portion of the project at the same time

the Harris County segment is ready to open

in mid-2019.

Future expansion of the Brazoria County

section will take the managed lanes further

south where Texas 288 will intersect with the

future Grand Parkway, Texas 99 at County

Road 60. The route for Segment B has been

approved, but construction is not expected

to start for several years pending financial

reviews. Segment B starts near Texas 288

near County Road 60 travels south then east

where it connects with Interstate 45 south of

League City. Segment C, U.S. 59 to Texas

288, has environmental clearance.


Many of Houston’s best attributes are

visible throughout the Texas 288 Corridor.

WalletHub, a personal-finance website,

recently ranked Pearland among the fastest

growing cities in the U.S., 19th overall. The

city came in No. 5 for population growth;

growing almost 5 percent between 2009 and

2015.

Texas 288 offers a variety of homes and life-

styles, acclaimed schools, low crime rates,

and quick access to major business centers,

sports districts, beaches, higher educational

opportunities, and performing and visual art

centers.

THE TEXAS MEDICAL CENTERThe Texas Medical Center is the largest

employer in Houston with 106,000

employees; about 11 percent live in northern

Brazoria County and southwestern Harris

County. Pearland is home to the highest

number of these employees.

Pearland, Friendswood, Alvin, Manvel, Angleton, Lake Jackson, Clute, Freeport, Surfside & Quintana Beach.

Texas 288 Corridor boasts quick access to the Texas Gulf Coast and

Central Houston.

With 1,345 acres, the Texas Medical

Center (TMC) is the eighth-largest business

district in the country. This internationally

recognized community is home to many

of the nation’s best hospitals, physicians,

researchers, educational institutions and

health care providers. The Texas Medical

Center consists of dozens of hospitals and

clinics equipped to provide quality family

health care, cardiac care, cancer therapy,

trauma care, sports medicine, MRI,

Life Flight and innovative treatments in

hundreds of specialties.

With more than 7.2 million patients visits a

year the TMC offers the largest concentra-

tion of medical services in the world. TMC

can boast 21 renowned hospitals, eight

specialty institutions, eight academic and

research institutions, six nursing programs,

four medical schools, schools of dentistry,

public health, and pharmacy. Affiliated

medical schools include the University of

Texas Health Science Center at Houston,

Baylor College of Medicine, Texas A&M

College of Medicine, and the University of

Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.

Founded in 1945, the Texas Medical

Center has functioned much like a munic-

ipal government, enforcing covenants and

restrictions, coordinating activities among

member institutions and maintaining the

infrastructure. Today, TMC institutions are

developing a shared vision that will focus

on five key areas of importance in the 21st

century. Design teams, each comprised of

leaders from member institutions focused on

Clinical Research, Genomics, Health Policy,

Innovation, and Regenerative Medicine,

are planning the future growth of the Texas

Medical Center.

PEARLAND According to U. S. Census Bureau popu-

lation figures, Pearland is the 15th fastest

CITIES SOUTH


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Texas 288 South

Courtesy of the Texas Almanac, published by the Texas State Historical Association, Austin, Texas.

“WHERE TEXAS BEGAN”HISTORIC BRAZORIA COUNTY BORDERS

HARRIS, GALVESTON, FORT BEND,

MATAGORDA & WHARTON COUNTIES.

Population 354,195

Change fm 2010 13.1

Area (sq.mi.) 1,608.6

Land area(sq.mi.) 1,357.7

Altitude (ft.) sea level–146

Rainfall (in.) 56.47

Jan. mean. min. 45.6

July mean max. 90.3

Civilian labor 170,077

Unemployed 5.4

Wages $1,372,583,669

Per Capita Inc. $44,867

Prop. Value $31,715,555,415

Retail Sales $3,810,415,338

C I T I E S S O U T H


growing city in the U.S. compared to other

cities with a population of 10,000 or greater.

As the second fastest growing city in Texas

and the third largest city in the Houston

MSA, Pearland is a thriving community

with a diverse workforce.

In 2012, Pearland adopted the 20/20

Plan, a strategic outline for future success.

The plan incorporates a wide range of

economic development partners in govern-

ment, education, healthcare and business.

New initiatives are focusing on significant

improvements along major corridors into

the City of Pearland (Main Street/Texas 35,

Cullen Boulevard, Broadway/518 and Texas

288) to attract commercial, retail and resi-

dential developments.

The Pearland Economic and Development

Corporation, the City of Pearland and

local commercial property owners created a

Municipal Management District to oversee

a 288 Corridor Master Improvement Plan.

This Plan provides design, concepts and

landscaping plans to help enhance key inter-

sections along Texas 288 between Beltway 8

and County Road 59, and includes lighting,

special paving, water features, sculptural

elements and landscaping.

Current projects target thoroughfares,

drainage, public safety, library expansions,

parks, recreation facilities and sports venues.

Pearland Parks & Recreation has various

projects underway that are designed to

engage an active community.

University of Houston-Clear Lake Pearland

Campus offers undergraduate and graduate

degree programs. In the Fall of 2017, Alvin

Community College will offer Core classes

at the UHCL Pearland campus and Shadow

Creek Ranch High School, giving Pearland

students the opportunity to attend elemen-

tary school through college without leaving

the area.

Pearland’s growing business community

includes Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Merit

Medical, Cardiovascular Systems, Kelsey

Seybold, Re-Chem, Dover Energy, Aggreko,

PLC, Tool-Flo and FloWorks Interna-

tional. In the Lower Kirby District, Lonza

Houston, Inc. is completing an 80,000-sq.ft.

biotech facility. Healthcare providers in the

Pearland area include Memorial Hermann

Hospital, HCA Pearland Medical Center,

Methodist Hospital, HealthSouth Hospital

and Kelsey Seybold.

Pearland, first settled in 1894, was incor-

porated in 1959. The city currently has an

estimated population of 120,000.

FRIENDSWOOD Friendswood’s reputation for traditional

values, quality education, and low crime

makes it a top choice for young fami-

lies. Friendswood was named one of the

country’s “Best Places to Live” by Money

magazine in 2009, ranking No. 32 out of 100

cities across the U.S. SafeWise publishes a

list of Texas’ 50 safest communities: Friend-

swood, the only Houston-area community,


was ranked No. 10. In addition, Niche

recognized Friendswood as the 11th Best

Suburb in the Houston area based on crime,

public schools, cost of living, job opportuni-

ties and amenities.

Well maintained residential communities

in Friendswood are typically set among tall

oaks planted centuries ago by early settlers.

West Ranch, a 766-acre master planned

community by Friendswood Development

Company, will feature 1,500 homes when

built out.

Friendswood voters approved four separate

bond projects in 2016. The $24 million,

multi-phased plan will improve fire stations,

library facilities, parks, roads and streets

over a seven-year period. In 2016, for the

28th year, the City of Friendswood received

a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence

in Financial Reporting.

Residents have quick access to the Johnson

Space Center (NASA) just 10 miles away,

downtown Houston, Hobby Airport,

Ellington Field, petrochemical complexes,

the Port of Houston, and Clear Lake. Top

employers include Friendswood Inde-

pendent School District, H-E-B. Grocery,

Kroger Texas, City of Friendswood and

the Clear Creek ISD. More than half of the

city’s residents are employed in executive,

professional and managerial positions.

In the late 1890s, three Quaker families

named Friendswood in honor of their friend-

ship and the heavily wooded river-banks in

the area. Friendswood was incorporated in

1960. The population today is 39,400.

ALVINAlvin was honored with a 2016 Playful

City USA designation for the 6th consecu-

tive year. The national recognition program

honors cities and towns across the country

for making their cities more playable.

For starters, Alvin is home to Froberg

Farms, offering home grown fruit and

vegetables, Bayou Wildlife Park, Shimek

Garden, the Alvin Museum, and a Confed-

erate Cemetery. Stanton’s General Store,

which originally opened in 1922, is trip

back in time with a grocery store, feed store,

farm supplies, livestock, restaurant and

gift shop. Old Town Center touting trendy

restaurants, breweries, music venues, shops

and new businesses of all kinds, hugs the

110-year-old, fully renovated Alvin Depot

Centre and Clock Tower grounds.

Alvin Community College (ACC), rated

118th among 821 community colleges in

2016 by Wallethub, provides a wide variety

of activities, events and seasonal celebra-

tions for residents and students.

Frontier Communications has partnered

with Empereon Marketing to provide stra-

tegic Customer Care and Tech Support.

The 60,000-square-foot call center features

five high-tech training rooms, ergonomic

workstations, game room, and internet café,

among other amenities. Empereon-Constar

will initially employ more than 250 repre-

sentatives with a total of 650 jobs.

Major Employers include Alvin Independent

School District, Alvin Community College,

Walmart, Ascend Performance Materials,

INEOS Olefins & Polymers; Empereon;

Ron Carter Auto Group; Rice-Tec; Team,

Inc, Diversified Ceramics, and the City of

Alvin.

In 1893, Alvin became the first incorporated

city in Brazoria County. Alvin’s estimated

population today is 25,000.


Photo courtesy of Pomona


MANVEL By size, 40 square miles, Manvel is one

of the largest cities in Brazoria County.

Developers are looking at Manvel for large

multi-use projects encompassing commer-

cial, retail and large master-planned

residential communities.

Just 20 miles from downtown Houston

Manvel Town Center, a 270-acre retail site

at the intersection of Texas 288 and Texas

6, will be the first multi-use development in

the City of Manvel. The Weitzman Group

is developing the mixed center for large

anchor stores, smaller retail stores, pad

sites for restaurants and commercial build-

ings. Additionally, The Presido at Manvel

is a 400-acre mixed use retail and residential

development planned at the intersection of

Texas 288 and Texas 6.

Manvel is home to four large-scale commu-

nities fronting on Texas 288: Sedona Lakes,

Rodeo Palms, South Fork and Pomona. A

fifth master-planned community, Merid-

iana, has approximately 3,500 lots planned

in Manvel with additional lots in Iowa

Colony. In a future phase, residents will

have quick access to Manvel via Merid-

iana Parkway. Smaller-scale communities

(Bluewater Lakes and Lakeland) are being

developed along Texas 6 from Texas 288

into Alvin.

The Alvin Independent School District

serves the Manvel area. Manvel Junior

High, Rodeo Palms Junior High School,

Don Jeter and E. C. Mason Elementary

Schools are in Manvel. Pomona Elemen-

tary is opening in Fall 2017. The pride of

Manvel, Manvel High School, is east of

Texas 288 on Texas 6.

Manvel’s history was greatly influenced by

the railroad, settlers from the north and oil.

It was named after Allen Manvel, the presi-

dent of the Santa Fe Railroad. Manvel went

from a recorded population of 106 in 1970

to a population of 3,549 in 1980, due to the

construction of highway Texas 288. Manvel

was incorporated in 1961, the current popu-

lation is estimated to be 8,000.

IOWA COLONYLargely rural farm and ranch land describes

Iowa Colony today, but change is coming.

Projected growth along Texas 288 from

Houston to the Brazosport area places Iowa

Colony directly in the path of major residen-

tial, retail and commercial developments.

Meridiana, a large master-planned commu-

nity by Rise Development, is forever

changing the frontage along Texas 288. The

Meridiana Parkway Interchange over Texas

288 offers quick access into the commu-

nity. The parkway will eventually extend to

Highway 6 in Manvel giving residents imme-

diate access to another major thoroughfare.

Sterling Lakes, located 3 miles south of

Texas 6 at CR 56, was the first community

of any size to be developed in Iowa Colony.

The Alvin Independent School District

opened Meridiana Elementary in the 2016

school year. A new sports stadium near

Meridiana is under construction.

The discovery of oil in 1948 brought

regional employment to Iowa Colony. The

City of Iowa Colony was incorporated in

1973, the current population is 1,120.

ANGLETON Angleton has been the county seat of

Brazoria County since 1896. Today,

Angleton can boast excellent schools, afford-

able housing, a low crime rate, and a high

quality of life just minutes from the Texas

Gulf Coast. The Brazoria County Fair,

one of the largest fairs in Texas, is held in

Angleton in October.

The Parks and Recreation Department

operates and maintains more than 200

acres of developed parkland spread over

eight parks. These community parks

feature playgrounds, disc golf, outdoor

volleyball courts, horse shoes, rental pavil-

ions, fitness trails, butterfly gardens, youth

sports complexes and dog parks. The

Angleton Recreation Center offers a variety

of activities including a weight room,

fitness classes, a full court gymnasium,

meeting rooms and indoor pool.

The Texas Gulf Coast Regional Airport

(LBX) located in Angleton has a new

11,000 square-foot terminal office building,

a restaurant and private hangers. The

$2.5 million facility is a key part of the

airport’s $34 million, 20-year master plan.

The expansion is being funded by several

sources including Brazoria County, the

Federal Aviation Administration and the

State of Texas. Angleton became an incor-

porated city in 1912, the current population

is approaching 20,000.

BRAZOSPORT AREAThe Brazosport area is situated where the

Brazos and San Bernard Rivers meet the

Texas Gulf Coast; a natural environment

for outdoor activities. The lifestyle offers

a wide range of recreational opportunities

including fishing, boating, camping, bird-

watching and 44 miles of beaches.

The Brazosport area owes much to Dow

Chemical Company and the other chemical

office: 281-809-3719 mobile: 832-654-1262

* Mary Parker Jennings (left)

* Shelley J. Naiser (right)

* Texas 288 Corridor * Texas Medical Center * Central Houston * Pearland

When you have a job to do, we do ours.

Representing Buyers in New Construction & Resale

www.ShelleyNaiserProperties.com

Accredited Buyer’s Agents


and petrochemical manufacturers that devel-

oped the area starting in the 1930s. Nine

separate municipalities--Brazoria, Clute,

Freeport, Jones Creek, Lake Jackson, Oyster

Creek, Quintana, Richwood and Surfside

Beach—comprise the Brazosport Area.

CLUTEThe nationally-recognized Brazosport

College in Clute occupies 156 acres of

naturally landscaped grounds enclosed on

two sides by Oyster Creek. The Brazosport

Fine Arts Council, Art League, Brazosport

Center Stage and the Museum of Natural

Science and Nature Center, and Planetarium

are all located in The Center for the Arts

and Sciences. The college is a key provider

of a highly-trained work force for industrial

employers throughout Brazoria County.

Clute is home to the “Great Texas Mosquito

Festival” held each year in July. The popula-

tion of Clute is 11,211 and growing.

LAKE JACKSON Lake Jackson, the largest city in the Brazo-

sport area, is said to have been planned

almost foot-by-foot by architect, Alden B.

Dow, and Dr. A. P. Buetel, the first general

manager of Dow’s Texas Division in

1941. Today, Dow Chemical’s A. P. Beutel

Building rises prominently above Texas 288

to welcome visitors to Lake Jackson.

To mark its continuing commitment to the

Brazosport area, Brazoria County and the

U.S. Gulf Coast, Dow Chemical opened

the Texas Innovation Center (TXINN)

in Lake Jackson in the summer of 2015.

The TXINN houses advanced laboratory

facilities, technical expertise centers and

administrative offices for the Texas opera-

tion in the A. P. Beutel Building. The Texas

Innovation Center will house more than

2,000 Dow employees.

The Lake Jackson area is experiencing

growth in other ways with the opening

of a new H-E-B grocery store and Kroger

Marketplace on Oyster Creek Drive. Other

retailers, hotels and commercial businesses

are building or planning new locations

within the city. Residential communities

are also being developed to satisfy a strong

demand for new-homes and apartments.

The Brazos Mall, Texas 288 at Oyster

Creek Drive, is undergoing a $25 million

remodeling. The mall is anchored by

Dillard’s, JC Penney and AMC Cinemas.

A former Sears store is being redeveloped

to house T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods. Adja-

cent to the mall, a full-service Courtyard by

Marriott is scheduled to open in late 2017.

Lake Jackson is a jump-off point for endless

indoor and outdoor activities. Sea Center

Texas, a fish hatchery producing 20 million

fingerlings a year; Lake Jackson Histor-

ical Museum, and The Gulf Coast Bird

Observatory are located in Lake Jackson.

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The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail and

the Upper Texas Coast Guide show more

than a dozen birding spots in the area. The

population of Lake Jackson is approaching

28,000.

FREEPORTFreeport, the second largest city in the

Brazosport area, is less than 5 miles from

the mouth of the Brazos River. Popular

activities include fishing from land and

offshore, crabbing, and sun bathing at

Bryant Beach and Quintana Beach Park.

The Gulf Coast Bird Observatory and

Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge are in

Freeport.

Freeport is home to Dow Chemical, one

of the largest chemical companies in the

world. Dow recently completed a new

ethylene and plastics plant in Freeport,

part of a $6 billion expansion along the

Gulf Coast. At full operating capacity, two

million metric tons a year, the Freeport

plant will be the world’s largest ethylene

production facility.

Plant construction is surging in the

Freeport area. Freeport LNG started

construction of the liquefaction project and

expects to achieve commercial operation in

2018, and BASF has started construction

of an ammonia plant, a joint venture with

Norway-based Yara International ASA.

Founded in 1958, BASF’s Freeport campus

is the company’s oldest manufacturing site

outside Europe.

In addition to the economic impact of

Dow Chemical, BASF, and numerous

other chemical companies, Freeport is

a thriving port city just three miles from

open Gulf of Mexico waters. Port Freeport

currently ranks 27th among U.S. ports in

international cargo tonnage. Freeport has a

population of 12,100.

SURFSIDE BEACHSurfside Beach is a popular destination for

locals and Houstonians throughout the year.

While just 2.2 square miles in size, Surfside

offers visitors a host of activities. Beach

houses are available for short stays or longer

family vacations. You will find homes for

sale or lease along the beach and inland.

The Bluewater Highway runs the length of

Surfside Beach and continues northeast to

San Luis Pass and the bridge onto Galveston

Island’s west beach. The Bluewater Highway

Trail is a nature trail designed for walks, golf

carts, bicycles, or joggers.

The heart of Surfside Beach is Stahlman

Park on Bluewater Highway. This favorite

event venue and park is ideal for large occa-

sions or casual gatherings. Views of the Gulf

of Mexico via decks, a gazebo, and walk-

over are spectacular. Across from Stahlman

Park, the crabbing pier is a favorite spot with

locals of all ages.

Jetty Park in Surfside has panoramic

views of the Gulf. Activities include a full

playground, fishing, crabbing and relaxing.

A boat ramp on Thunder Road claims to

have the fastest ramp access to the Texas

Gulf Coast.

QUINTANA BEACH Quintana Beach County Park is a 51-acre

beachfront park located on the upper Texas

gulf coast with day-use amenities and over-

night facilities. Natural attractions include

bird watching, fishing, nature viewing,

swimming, surfing, beachcombing, and

shelling.

Open year-round, the park features paved

full-service RV campsites, self-contained

cabins, tent camping, restrooms and

showers, a meeting/party house complete

with kitchen, an event center, covered

pavilions, picnic tables, grills, playgrounds,

volleyball court, hiking trails, pedestrian

beach, lighted fishing pier, access to the west

jetty, and paved parking.


Historians say the groves of pear trees that

gave Pearland its name were destroyed in

the legendary 1900 hurricane that leveled

Galveston. The pear groves were never

replanted. The Pear-Scape Sculpture Trail

was initiated by the Pearland Convention

and Visitors Bureau to promote tourism and

community involvement by bringing pears

back to Pearland.

In November 2016, the first 10 pears

destined for the Pear-Scape Sculpture

Trail were unveiled to artists, sponsors and

community partners. Shortly after, approved

designs for the final 10 pears were paired

with new sponsors, and the artists went to

work.

Painting a 4-foot fiberglass pear with a

unique design proved to be a challenge.

Artists faced several obstacles, for some

it was converting their flat design to a 3D

sculpture, for others it was transportation

and adequate studio space, good venti-

lation and drying time were common

problems during the hot summer months.

Because many of the artists have full-time

jobs, painting time was limited as deadlines

loomed.

While artists painted, organizers planned

the trail, plotted locations, designed the base

with planting beds, and scheduled installa-

tions around Pearland.

But, by summer’s end, 20 beautifully painted

pears did come back to Pearland for visi-

tors and residents to enjoy at ten locations

PEAR-SCAPE SCULPTURE TRAIL

PEARSfor Pearland


PEAR-SCAPE SCULPTURE TRAILKathy Ericksen Pear Blossoms Zychlinski Park

Kathy Ericksen Patched to Perfection Pearland Town Center

Kelly Kronfeld|Chris Garcia Pearsonified City Hall Gazebo

Kelly Kronfeld|Chris Garcia Pairing Together Independence Park

Kermit Eisenhut Rose Pear

City Hall Gazebo

Lee Ann Hilbrich Whimsical Harmony Country Place Golf Club

Lisa Tenney Peary, Peary, Night Independence park

Paulisa Winsong & Sandy Shiver Celebration Zychlinski Park

Peihong Endris Dream Birds (cover) King’s Biergarten & Restaurant

Roberto Barron Infinite Diversity City Hall Gazebo

Robin Tatem Wildscape Southdown Park

along the Pear-Scape Trail. A month after

the pears were installed, Hurricane Harvey

dropped 50 inches of rain on the Houston

area; this time, not one pear was lost.

“A commitment by area artists and visionary

community sponsors are the cornerstones

to Pear-Scape,” said Kim Sinistore, execu-

tive director of the Pearland Convention &

Visitors Bureau. “We are proud of the Pear-

Scape Trail and the opportunity to share

artistic sculptures with visitors and Pearland

residents.”

Maps of the Pear-Scape Sculpture Trail are

available at the Pearland Convention & Visi-

tors Bureau, for more information check out

VisitPearland.com..

ARTIST • PEAR NAME LOCATION:Claudia Zopoaragon Swirls of Gold City Hall Gazebo

Emily Grygier One World Reflection Bay Event Center

Hannah Levy The Pollack Pear Southdown Park

Josephine Eager Loving Life Independence Park

Joan Moody Close Pear Pearland Town Center

Sherri Harris Remembrance Pear Hilton Garden Inn

Suzette Schutze A Perfect Pair Southdown Park

Umanga Liyanage Life in Color Bakfish Brewery


in this sectionSTEMpublic schoolsprivate schoolshigher education



The Texas 288 Corridor is served by

five independent school districts: Alvin,

Angleton, Brazosport, Friendswood and

Pearland. In addition, limited areas are

served by the Fort Bend, Houston, Pasa-

dena and Clear Creek Independent School

Districts. Each district is governed by its own

board of elected trustees and offers a variety

of study areas, extracurricular activities, and

special education departments to meet the

needs of students. All of the school districts

in the Texas 288 Corridor “Met Standards”

in the 2016 Accountability Ratings Report

released by the Texas Education Agency.

Texas students take the State of Texas

Assessment of Academic Readiness

(STAAR) tests. STAAR tests measure a

child’s performance, as well as academic

growth and college and career readiness.

The number of subjects tested and the

number of tests taken each year varies by

grade. Results from STAAR are used to

calculate annual school and district perfor-

mance ratings. For current information, ask

your school district for updates or visit the

Texas Education Association (TEA) website

at tea.texas.gov.

EDUCATIONThe only thing more expensive than investing in

education is not investing in education. The Texas 288 Corridor offers an impressive array of high quality

educational opportunities to educate a growing work force.

In the State of Texas, charter schools operate

under and receive academic accountability

ratings from the Texas Education Agency.

All charter students in Texas take the same

STAAR test as traditional public school

students. Open-enrollment Charter schools

receive state funds based on the average

daily attendance of students; however, they

do not receive funds from local tax revenue.

As health care and biotechnology indus-

tries grow and mature within the Texas 288

Corridor, career opportunities for educated

skilled workers are increasing. Students

interested in health science careers can

enroll in programs offered at local commu-

nity colleges and advance their degrees at

numerous colleges and universities.

Several programs utilize partnerships

between local colleges and industry to train

students for job specialties in high demand.

STEM EDUCATIONSTEM is an acronym for Science, Tech-

nology, Engineering and Math education.

Simply defined, STEM is an interdisci-

plinary and applied approach that is coupled

with hands-on, problem-based learning.

Advocates of integrated approaches to

STEM education believe teaching STEM

in a more connected manner, especially in

the context of real-world issues, can make

STEM subjects more relevant to students

and teachers. The goal being to increase the

number of students who consider a career

in a STEM-related field, and to improve

college readiness.

Some educators want to include Art in

STEM programs making STEAM. Propo-

nents of STEAM see art as a way of offering

more diverse learning opportunities, and

better access to STEM programs for all types

of learners. Engaging students’ strengths

using art activities increases motivation and

the probability of STEM success.

The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects

a 13 percent growth in careers in the STEM

sector between 2012 and 2020, compared

with 11 percent growth in non-STEM

sectors. In 2013, the average STEM occu-

pation paid about $80,000 annually. That’s

roughly 1.7 times the average yearly U.S.

wage.



There are several STEM Initiatives in Texas

to inspire existing and new programs. The

Texas Science, Technology, Engineering and

Mathematics (T-STEM) Initiative provides a

foundational approach to empower teachers,

inspire students, and advance the STEM

education. The public-private initiative

of academies, professional development

centers and networks is designed to improve

instruction and academic performance in

science and mathematics-related subjects at

secondary schools.

The school districts in the Texas 288 Corridor

are integrating STEM teaching principals

in K-12 grade. Local businesses and indus-

tries are also taking an active part in STEM

educational programs to strengthen the

STEM skills of students while introducing a

variety of career choices. Stephen F. Austin

Elementary School in the Brazosport ISD is

a dedicated STEM campus for grades K-6.

Dow Chemical Company, a world leader in

STEM education, works closely with local

schools, colleges, government and other

industries in support of STEM education.

The Texas Science, Technology, Engi-

neering, and Math (T-STEM) Challenge

Scholarship Program was established by

House Bill 2910. Grants awarded under the

T-STEM program allow community and

technical colleges to provide merit-based

scholarships to qualifying, high-achieving

full-time students pursuing careers in STEM

and related fields. Participating colleges

partner with local business and industry to

identify local employment needs in T-STEM

occupations and to develop part-time

employment opportunities for scholarship

recipients.

For the latest research on integrated STEM

education, see the National Research

Council report STEM Integration in K-12

Education at http://bit.ly/1fxFp2D.

TEXAS 288 SCHOOL DISTRICTSAlvin ISDwww.alvinisd.net

Alvin ISD serves the Alvin-Manvel-Rosha-

ron-Pearland areas. Spanning more than 252

square miles across Brazoria County, Alvin

ISD caters to some of the fastest growing

communities in the Houston metropolitan

area. The district is home to 29 campuses

and a Career and Technical Center with

more expected for Alvin ISD’s future.

Shadow Creek High School, Alvin ISD’s

third high school, opened in 2016 and will

house up to 2,500 students. 2017 school

openings include Shirley Dill Brothers and

Pomona Elementary Schools.

Alvin ISD is the employer of choice for

more than 3,000 educators and staff who

are committed to helping every student

achieve their maximum potential. The

district currently serves more than 22,000

students, with a projected growth rate of

1,000 or more students every school year.

Teaching Outreach - There are various

programs in Alvin ISD that aim to further

the education of students, even outside

class. For the first time in the district’s

history, the Alvin ISD Book Bus; now, the

“library on wheels” will be able to serve

hundreds of Alvin ISD students.

The number of Advanced Placement

Scholars increases annually, while the

district boasts a growing number of students

who distinguish themselves in various

academic, fine arts and athletic competi-

tions. This year, there were two National

Scholars as well as six National Hispanic

Scholars.

Academic Challenges - Alvin ISD high

school seniors average $5 million in

academic, fine arts, and athletic scholar-

ships every year. SeaPerch, Project Lead the

Way, STEM Academy and MAP (Magnet

Academic Program) are just a few of the

programs that provide opportunities to

broaden knowledge, skills, and experi-

ences to Gifted and Talented and highly

motivated students. In addition, special

education programs are also provided for

students with disabilities through special

instruction, modifications, and services.

E D U C A T I O N

Photo courtesy of Alvin ISDPhoto courtesy of Brazosport ISD


Alvin ISD high school students can earn

college credit by taking advantage of

more than 75 Dual Credit courses offered

through a unique partnership with Alvin

Community College. Along with Dual

Credit courses, students can earn both a

high school diploma and an Associate

Degree from Alvin Community College.

Alvin ISD Board of Trustees has made

Career & Technical Education (CTE) a

priority through the expansion of the CTE

program, which allows students to earn

certifications in pathways such as welding,

veterinary sciences, cosmetology, and as

an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

Phase 1 of the new CTE center is complete,

housing autotech education. Phase 2 of

the center began construction in March of

this year. For additional information about

Alvin ISD visit www.alvinisd.net.

Angleton ISD

www.angletonisd.net

Since its establishment in 1897, Angleton

Independent School District strives to

provide a high-quality education and today

serves approximately 6,800 students in a

396-square mile district.

Because the district recognizes the value of

producing highly skilled graduates, AISD

has designed multiple pathways for college

and career readiness. AISD is in its eighth

year of the Dual Language Program, an

educational model in which native English

speakers and native speakers of another

language receive instruction in both

languages to promote bilingual literacy in

an ever-growing global market.

Career & Technology Programs - Addi-

tionally, Angleton High School offers

several career and technology programs,

such as welding, criminal justice and

culinary arts. Students have the oppor-

tunity to participate in award-winning

fine arts programs, championship athletic

programs, and a wide array of academic

courses including Advanced Placement

and Dual/Concurrent College classes. The

most accelerated level of AISD’s advanced

academics program (Pre-AP/AP) is its

X-elerate program for 5th or 6th grade

students.

STEAM & STEM Education - Wanting to

give students more opportunities to become

involved in STEAM fields, the district has

made a huge push to incorporate multiple

STEAM related programs in the classroom

and as extracurricular activities, promoting

innovation and academic success.

AISD Wildcat STEM Academy is an initia-

tive based on the high school’s T-STEM

designation from the state. Students in the

academy can apply to be part of a cohort

of students who are grouped together to

focus on STEM related careers. As one

of only 70 T-STEM Academies in Texas,

AISD started its academy last year at the

high school with a STEM pathway focused

on Robotics and Engineering Design.

This year the academy is adding a STEM

pathway in the area of Health Science and

Computer Programming. The Wildcat

STEM Academy has been expanded to

include the Angleton Junior High School.

Additionally, the district participates in

FIRST—For Inspiration and Recognition

of Science and Technology—that helps

inspire young people’s interest and partici-

pation in science, as well as the You Be the

Chemist Challenge. Last year an Angleton

Junior High eighth grader took first in the

state competition.

New Schools - In Fall 2017 Northside

Elementary will become the Northside

STEAM Academy, a specialized elemen-

tary school that focuses on science and

technology as they are interpreted through

engineering and the arts while based in

mathematical elements. The Northside

STEAM Academy will maintain the bene-

fits of being a neighborhood school.

For more information visit angletonisd.net

or search for Angleton ISD on Facebook.

Photo courtesy of Alvin ISD


Brazosport ISD

www.brazosportisd.net

Brazosport Independent School District

encompasses over 200 square miles of agri-

culture, ranching, industry, technology,

service and small business, all thriving on

a horizon that spans from beachfront to

urban convenience to rich farmland.

The district serves eight communities

- Clute, Freeport, Jones Creek, Lake

Jackson, Oyster Creek, Richwood, Quin-

tana and Surfside Beach - meeting the needs

of nearly 12,500 students on 19 campuses,

setting the standard for educational excel-

lence with the mission to graduate each

student to be future ready.

Brazosport ISD provides a rigorous and

relevant learning experience for each

child in an environment that is safe and

conducive to learning. Through fiscal

responsibility, BISD ensures financial

strength and provides the resources to

equip and maintain quality facilities and

educational programming. To support its

mission, BISD students from pre-kinder-

garten to twelfth grade receive a quality

education through superior services and

diverse programs.

Two Schools of Choice

B*Success Academy – a 9-12 grade campus

that offers students who are on track for

graduation, an alternative to a traditional

high school model through both face to

face and online instruction.

Stephen F. Austin Elementary, in its third

year as a School of Choice, is a dedicated

elementary STEM (Science, Technology,

Engineering and Math) campus for grades

K-6.

Challenging and Rigorous Coursework

- BISD offers challenging and rigorous

coursework in all 19 schools with the three

high schools offering Advanced Place-

ment (AP) classes and extensive Dual

Credit college courses in a partnership

with Brazosport College. Along with

these possibilities, BISD also offers exten-

sive services for gifted students under the

‘SEARCH’ (Seeking Excellence through

Ability, Responsibility, Creativity & Honor

Program) program, for students in grades

K-8.

Diverse Programs - Local industry part-

ners actively support elementary through

high school robotic programs along with

NASA supported rocket engineering

opportunities.

BISD offers robust Career & Technical

Education (CTE) programs in the areas

of construction, health, finance, industry,

welding, culinary, floral design, with more

being added this year. The district also

provides Special Education services for all

grade levels, including preschool.

Unique Opportunities - All BISD students

have classroom access to chromebooks

with those in grades 6-12 receiving a

district purchased Chromebook to provide

students 24/7 access to their assignments,

homework, online textbooks, tutorials, and

other educational resources. These digital

devices enable the teachers to differentiate

their lessons both in terms of how they

teach and how the students are expected to

demonstrate their learning.

All BISD campuses offer a wide range

of extracurricular activities to meet the

varying needs of all students. From

elementary campus clubs to secondary

UIL opportunities that include nationally

recognized and award winning fine arts

programs along with exceptional athletic

programs in grades 7 – 12, there is a place

for every student to belong.

Brazosport ISD is made up of kind, caring

and compassionate employees and commu-

nity members who work together to ensure

that students have a wide range of high-

quality programs to engage every learning

style and assist in tapping into their unique

gifts. To find out more about BISD go to

www.brazosportisd.net.

Friendswood ISD

www.myfisd.com

The Friendswood Independent School

District was established in 1948 and covers

15 square miles. Fully accredited by the

Texas Education Agency, the district’s

curriculum emphasizes academic skills,

higher academic thinking and cooperative

learning strategies.

The FISD School Board was named 2016

Outstanding School Board of the Year in the

region and is currently being considered for

the top honors at state level.

FISD has six campuses: one k-5 campus,

one k-3, two 3-5 intermediate campus, one

6-8 grade junior high and one 9-12 high

school.

UIL participation is high with state winners

advancing to the playoffs where many teams

reach the top. The District was awarded the

2014, 2010 and 2009 Lone Star Cup, which

honors a district for top academic and

athletic records, and has continued to be in

the top three other years.

Friendswood High School was named

in the Nation’s Top 1500 high schools

by Newsweek Magazine. US News and

World Report placed the school in the top

30 comprehensive high schools in Texas.

Consequently, the many awards its clubs,

organizations, sports, and programs receive

make FHS a top contender in the State

and Nation. In the Academic Decathlon

program FHS has won more state champi-

onships than any other high school in the

nation.

The FHS Band and Choir as well as the

Friendswood Junior High Band and Choir

have won prestigious competitions at all

levels. The Drama Department has won

more UIL competitions than any other

high school group in the State over the past

10 years. In 1987, members of the FISD

School Board implemented a Character

Ed program. Since then the Westwood

E D U C A T I O N


Securing their future

Today... Tomorrow... Forever...

12555 Ryewater Dr., Houston, TX 77089281.464.8299 • www.lutheransouth.org

Call Today for a Private Campus Tour281-464-8299

Elementary was named the first State

School of Character and a National School

of Character.

Pearland ISD

www.pearlandisd.org

Located in one of the nation’s fast-

est-growing suburbs, Pearland Independent

School District provides a world-class

education to 22,000 students.

Pearland ISD has 23 campuses: 11 elemen-

tary schools (including an International

Baccalaureate World School), four middle

schools, four junior high schools, two tradi-

tional high schools, a college and career

high school and an alternative campus.

The district also offers a Gifted and Talented

Academy (grades 5-8) and Dual Language

Pilot Program at four elementary campuses.

District Excellence- While achieving top

state accountability ratings, Pearland ISD

consistently rises to the top of state and

regional lists for academic excellence,

student support and more.

In 2017, Niche.com ranked Pearland ISD

the No. 3 district in the Houston metro area

and No. 18 in Texas based on testing data

and student and parent surveys.

For high academic achievement combined

with cost-effective operations, the district

also earned TXSmartSchools’ highest

rating, five stars given to only 46 districts/

charter schools statewide this year.

In addition, Pearland ISD continues to be

one of the largest Houston-area districts

with all schools graded “B” or above in

Children at Risk’s 2017 school rankings.

Eighteen of 20 district campuses included in

Children at Risk’s annual rankings received

an “A” grade.

Student Achievement- Individually,

Pearland ISD students stand out among

their peers. District high school students

consistently score above state and global

averages in SAT/ACT scores and earned

568 Advanced Placement Scholar Awards

in 2016.

In fine arts and athletics, students frequently

bring home the gold, whether awarded gold

medals for rodeo art or advancing to the

UIL state finals.

Pearland ISD students also graduate college

and career ready, thanks to a variety of CTE

and dual credit programs for workforce

learning and associate degree opportunities.

World-Class Care- In fall 2015, the district

established RISE Mentoring to connect

students with caring, committed adults

community-wide. Mentors and mentee meet

on campus 30 minutes a week, developing

a relationship that helps students rise above

challenges to succeed in school and life.

Through diverse education options and

supportive teachers and community,

Pearland ISD students are equipped to

become leaders with grit who impact

their world. For more information, visit

pearlandisd.org.

AREA SCHOOL DISTRICTSFort Bend ISD

www.fortbendisd.com

As one of the largest districts in Texas, Fort

Bend ISD spans 170 square miles and is

located in the northeast part of Fort Bend

County, just southwest of Houston and

Harris County. The district maintains over

1,200 acres of land, 74 schools and 13 other

sites for administration, athletics, agricul-

ture, and the FBISD Police Department.

FBISD has 11 high schools, 14 middle

schools and 45 elementary campuses; and

to address various vocational interests and

special learning needs, the district also has

a Technical Education Center, the M.R.

Wood Center for Learning, the Ferndell

Henry Center for Learning, and the Progres-

sive High School. For information visit

fortbendisd.com


Houston ISDwww.houstonisd.org

The Houston Independent School District

is committed to providing a high-quality

education. HISD has 279 schools and more

than 204,000 students, making it the largest

district in Texas and the seventh-largest in

the United States. HISD serves a dynamic,

highly diversified community and is one of

Houston’s largest business enterprises. For

information visit houstonisd.org.

Pasadena ISDwww1.pasadenaisd.org

Pasadena ISD serves much of south-

east Harris County, including a portion

of Pearland near Pearland Parkway. The

district was awarded “Recognized” status in

July of 2011 in State Accountability Ratings

released by the Texas Education Agency.

All of the district’s 58 schools earned an

Academically Acceptable rating. Of the 58

schools, 41 were rated either “Exemplary”

or “Recognized.”

PRIVATE SCHOOLSLutheran South Academywww.lutheransouth.org • 281-464-8299

Lutheran South Academy offers a Christian,

college preparatory curriculum to a diver-

sified student body of approximately 900

students in grades PreK3-12th. Over 99% of

its graduates continue into post-secondary

educational institutions. LSA is accredited

in accordance with the Texas Education

Agency, AdvancED, and the Southern Asso-

ciation of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

Lutheran South employs only certified

teachers, many having Master Degrees or

beyond. LSA also offers a licensed before and

after school care program for their students.

LSA is a member of the Texas Association

of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS),

and regularly sends athletic teams to district

and state playoff competitions. The athletic

program includes a wide range of individual

and team sports. There are also opportunities

for students to participate in TAPPS compe-

titions in Art, Band, Choir and various

academic disciplines. LSA is located off I-45

South near Dixie Farm Road.

Primrose Schools of Pearlandwww.primroseschools.com/schools/

The Primrose Experience: Building the

Right Foundation for Future Learning and

Life. Choosing the right care for your child

is one of the most important decisions you

will make as a parent. At the end of the day,

it comes down to entrusting the care of your

child to a provider that will give you peace

of mind and give your child the best possible

experience.

Primrose Schools is an accredited early

childhood education preschool that offers a

premier educational child care experience

for families across the country. The Prim-

rose Experience starts with fostering a strong

connection and partnership with parents to

help build the right foundation for future

learning and success in school and in life.

For the last fifteen years Mr.& Mrs. Papa-

dopulos have been the franchise owners

for Primrose Schools of Pearland, Prim-

rose School of First Colony, and Primrose

School of Upper Kirby. They have provided

for the Pearland, Sugar Land, and Houston

families a nurturing environment where chil-

dren are happy, safe and having fun while

learning.

What makes the Primrose Experience

unique? The People and Culture. One

reason parents choose Primrose is because

they know they are leaving their children

with qualified, caring people. The manage-

ment team members and teachers exceed

expectations by creating and maintaining

trusted relationships with every family they

serve, and share their vision: To deliver the

best and most trusted early childhood educa-

tion and child care services for families

across America.

The Balanced Learning System. The Prim-

rose Balanced Learning System provides

high-quality educational experiences

E D U C A T I O N

VEstablished in 1997VSafe, Technology Secured ClassroomsVSchool Mass Every Friday morning

VEminent Sports & Educational FacilitiesVBefore and After School ProgramsVCampus Clubs & Athletic Programs

St. Helen Catholic SchoolArchdiocese of Galveston Houston

Enrolling Students in PK3-8 All Year

2213 Old Alvin Rd., Pearland, TX 77581 | P: 281-485-2845 | F: 281-485-7607 | www.SHCSsaints.org

The mission of St. Helen Catholic School is to “grow children in wisdom, age and grace.”


that support children’s development as

well-rounded individuals. The Balanced

Learning curriculum addresses children’s

social-emotional, cognitive, creative and

physical development as they determine

what experiences children need at different

age levels. The curriculum is reviewed and

updated annually to ensure continued align-

ment with early learning standards.

The Standards of Excellence. Primrose

Schools holds schools to high standards

of excellence with the implementation of

quality assurance and continuous improve-

ment through an internal Service

Excellence Assurance program and an

external AdvancED Corporation Systems

Accreditation which ensures each school’s

adherence to AdvancED Standards for

Quality Early Learning Schools.

St. Helen Catholic Schoolwww.SHCSsaints.org 281-485-2845

The mission of St. Helen Catholic School

(SHCS) is to “grow children in wisdom, age

and grace.” Joyfully following this mission

has enabled SHCS to also grow tremen-

dously in student numbers during the past

six years. Total enrollment in 2011 was

210 students, almost 400 St. Helen Saints

enrolled in 2017.

This growth has called upon the generosity

of the St. Helen Parish community to assist

SHCS with housing the growing student

body and they responded generously. After

celebrating the school’s 20th anniversary last

fall, a beautiful, sparkling new, educational

facility opened in 2017. A public grand

opening is being planned for late 2017.

The new 75,000 sq. ft. facility is well-

equipped with a large gym and cafeteria,

spacious classrooms, a media center, tech-

nology lab, and two large science labs.

State-of-the-art safety equipment has been

installed in the completely enclosed campus.

Aesthetically pleasing, the facility will

enable the St. Helen family to continue to

“grow” the total child, spiritually, emotion-

ally, and socially.

Their History - STCS is a short, but

successful story. Founded in 1996 through

the vision and generosity of the parishio-

ners of St. Helen Catholic Church, SHCS

has grown into one of the Archdiocese

of Galveston-Houston’s premiere Cath-

olic Schools from its humble beginnings

of only 50 students in 1997. At that time,

the members of the St. Helen commu-

nity envisioned teaching Catholic values,

strengthening students in the Catholic faith,

and teaching students and staff to witness to

the presence of Jesus Christ in the world.

Currently, the school continues to promote

and adhere to their ideals with a cultur-

ally-diverse community composed of the

clergy, parishioners, parents, students,

school personnel, and all persons who help

to fulfill the school’s mission.

St. Helen Catholic School (SHCSsaints.org)

promotes high, rigorous, and traditional

academic standards within a Christ-cen-

tered, spiritual environment. The campus is

dually accredited by AdvancED (formerly

Southern Association of Schools) and

TCCBED (Texas Catholic Conference of

Bishops Education Department, in conjunc-

tion with the Texas Education Agency).

SHCS enrolls all year long for grades

PK3-8th grades.

Contact the school at 281-485-2845 with

questions, visit www.SHCSsaints.org or

Facebook. Join them as they grow our

“saints” in wisdom, age, and grace!

UNIVERSITIES & COLLEGESAlvin Community College

www.alvincollege.edu • 281-756-3500

Since classes officially began in September

1949, Alvin Community College has

provided southeast Texas with 69 years

of exceptional educational opportunities,

pathways to rewarding careers and personal

enrichment programs. Although the tradi-

tional view of a college is to prepare high

school graduates for professional careers,

there is so much more to ACC.


ACCelerate your futureat Alvin Community College

Gain Knowledge & SkillsTo advance your career

Flexible ScheduleDay, evening & online classes

Degrees & CertificatesOver 70 programs to choose from

Save Thousands!In education costs

www.AlvinCollege.edu281.756.3500

3110 Mustang Road, Alvin, TX 77511EOI

ACC has been ranked by many organiza-

tions as among the best community colleges

in the nation. Graduates who take license

exams have an average pass rate of 99

percent compared to the state average of 89

percent.

After receiving designation as a Hispanic

Serving Institution from the Department of

Education, the college received a five-year,

$3.8 million grant to increase participation

in Science, Technology, Engineering and

Math (STEM) programs. Grants funds have

been used to improve student success in

Developmental Math and boost enrollment

in the Process Technology program.

In 2017, those seeking an education at

ACC will have two new locations to take

courses. ACC classes will be available at

Alvin ISD Shadow Creek High School

and the University of Houston-Clear Lake

Pearland campus. Available courses in the

day and evenings include: College Algebra,

Composition I and II, Federal Govern-

ment, Principles of Macroeconomic,

General Psychology and United States

History I and II.

“We are very excited to be able to offer

classes convenient to Pearland residents,”

ACC President Dr. Christal M. Albrecht

said. “Both locations will bring higher educa-

tion closer to those in our taxing district and

service area. The partnerships with Alvin

Independent School District and University

of Houston Clear Lake are very rewarding

and offer win-win educational opportunities

for our communities.”

With Dual Credit and Dual Degree students

as young as 13, ACC partners with area

school districts including Alvin, Pearland,

Danbury and Living Stones Church to help

give motivated teenagers a head start in

college and toward their career goals.

ACC provides quality instruction to adults

of all ages who wish to change careers,

improve their job skills or just challenge

themselves. To make getting a degree easier,

ACC also offers more than 100 online

courses. There are four Associate Degree

programs and one certificate program that

can be earned entirely online. Associate

Degrees now available online are those

in the Arts, Sociology, Psychology, and

Management Development. A certificate is

available for management.

The Department of Continuing Education

and Workforce Development (CEWD)

provides programs that incorporate current

and new technical courses; training partner-

ships with business and industry; and other

opportunities for individuals to acquire and

upgrade skills or seek personal enrichment.

CEWD provides a variety of programs

that allow students to further or begin new

careers in a number of fields including

health care, professional services, industrial

arts and more.

For more than 50 years, ACC has been

providing education for inmates with the

Texas Department of Criminal Justice. It

was the first college in Texas to do so. ACC

was one of a handful of colleges and univer-

sities to take part in the Second Chance Pell

Grant program, which offers funding for

students in corrections programs to earn

a higher education degree or certification.

Research has shown that an education

reduces the recidivism rate for those leaving

corrections.

Whether it’s preparing for a career or

starting a college education, ACC offers

students and the community the resources

they need to achieve their goals. Call ACC

at 281-756-3500 or www.alvincollege.edu

Brazosport College in Clutewww.brazosport. edu • 979-230-3000

Located on 156 acres of beautifully land-

scaped grounds in Clute, Texas, Brazosport

College has served as the school of choice

for students in southern Brazoria County

since 1968. The broad range of courses and

classes offered address diverse educational

objectives. In 2015, Brazosport College was

named a Top 10 community colleges finalist

by the Aspen Institute, and was the only

Texas community college to be among the

top 10.

E D U C A T I O N


Houston Community College South Campus

www.hccs.edu • 713-718-6858

Growing Communities Deserve a

Growing Campus - Houston Commu-

nity College’s South Campus is a great

place to start, continue or enhance your

educational journey. Conveniently located

at 1990 Airport Boulevard just off Texas

Highway 288 South at Airport, HCC’s

South Campus is the place to begin essen-

tial coursework leading to an Associate’s

degree, workforce certification, or transfer

credits to a four-year institution.

It’s also a great place to prepare for college

through HCC’s high-quality GED and

adult education courses.

The campus is slated to expand to meet the

growing needs of communities in Hous-

ton’s south and southeast areas. Public

spaces and recreation areas are in the plan-

ning stages for the campus, which also

is accessible via convenient METRO bus

service to all points in Houston.

South Campus Workforce Building - One

of the newest features of the South Campus

is its new Workforce Building. Located

next to South Campus’ existing Willie Lee

Gay Hall, the new Workforce Building will

house some of the most-popular workforce

programs available at HCC, particularly in

the field of construction. This building is

slated to open in 2018.

HCC Construction Center of Excellence -

C.O.E. - A large portion of the new South

Campus Workforce Center will house the

HCC Construction Center of Excellence.

The Construction C.O.E. will offer students

state-of-the art materials and classrooms to

master construction technology.

The goal of many of the Center’s programs

is to teach students the skills necessary to

advance to managerial and supervisory

positions in the construction industry. Visit

www.hccs.edu/centers/construction for

more information.

The Center’s HVAC program will offer

the latest techniques in air conditioning,

heating and ventilation. The Center’s

Industrial Electricity program offers skill

development in automation techniques to

operate entire buildings or facilities with

programmable controls. These in-demand

fields offer top pay and endless opportunity.

South Campus also is home to the

award-winning South Early College H.S.

(SECHS). This specialized HISD high

school focuses on STEM careers, and draws

students from across the district.

SECHS is one of five early college

campuses offering students the chance to

earn both a high school diploma and an

associate’s degree while still in high school.

Convenient location. Affordable and acces-

sible. HCC’s South Campus is ready to

meet the needs of its neighboring commu-

nities, including Sunnyside, Third Ward,

OST/South Union, Pearland and beyond.

Coming Soon the HCC South Campus Workforce Building

is slated to open in 2018

Excellence in education. Convenient location. Affordable and accessible.

Houston Community College’s South Campus is ready to meet the growing

needs of its neighboring communities.

Together, we are Houston’s Community College.

Learn more at hccs.edu. or call 713.718.6507

HCC_SouthCampsTexas 288RelocationGuideAd.indd 1 9/12/17 9:58 AM


University of Houston-Clear Lake /

Pearland Campus

www.uhcl.edu/pearland • 281-212-1690

More than 750 students during fall 2016

semesters chose University of Hous-

ton-Clear Lake Pearland Campus to make

their dreams come true. The 40-acre

wooded area on Pearland Parkway is the

perfect campus setting for a new Science

& Research Building currently under

construction. The facility is slated to open

in 2019.

Alvin Community College offers classes

at the University of Houston-Clear Lake

Pearland campus to reach Pearland-area

students following an associate degree

program. Undergraduate degrees include

the following: Bachelor of Science in

Accounting; Bachelor of Science in

General Business; Bachelor of Science

in Management; Bachelor of Science in

Criminology; Bachelor of Applied Science

in Informational Technology; Bachelor of

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Science in Psychology; and Bachelor of

Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with

EC-6 generalist certification.

Graduate degrees offered include Master of

Arts in Behavioral Science-General; Master

of Arts in Criminology; Master of Arts in

Psychology; Master of Science in Coun-

seling with School Counselor Certification;

and Master of Science in Educational

Management with Principal Certification

or Special Education Certification. Contact

UH/CLC Pearland at 281-212-1690 and

visit uhcl.edu/pearland

University of Houston - Clear Lake

www.uhcl.edu • 281-283-7600

The University of Houston-Clear Lake

named Ira K. Blake as the university’s fifth

president. Blake joins the university after

having served as provost and senior vice

president for Academic Affairs at Blooms-

burg University of Pennsylvania since

2009.

Prior to serving at Bloomsburg, Blake was

associate vice chancellor for academic and

student affairs for Pennsylvania’s State

System of Higher Education at Dixon

University Center as well as assistant to the

president for public engagement at Kutz-

town University.

E D U C A T I O N

Photo courtesy of UH Clear Lake


She holds a doctorate and master’s

degree in developmental psychology from

Columbia University and a second master’s

degree in educational psychology from San

Francisco State University. Blake received

her bachelor’s degree in psychology from

George Washington University.

“UHCL is a university on the rise and Dr.

Blake has the necessary vision to build on

our success,” said University of Houston

System Chancellor Renu Khator when

making the announcement.

University of Houston-Clear Lake

represents a dynamic force in modern

education, offering undergraduate, grad-

uate and doctoral students a close-knit,

academic community. UHCL has a student

population of more than 8,600 students.

The university has three buildings under

construction; the STEM and Classroom

Building and Recreation and Wellness

Center at UHCL, and the Health Sciences

and Classroom Building at UHCL

Pearland Campus.

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HOme Of tHe Hawks

and OtHers LOOking tO sOar.

www.uhcl.eduwww.uhcl.edu/pearland

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in this sectionhomes & lifestyle neighborhoodsmaster-planned communities

HOME FRONT

Photo courtesy of Sienna Plantation


H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 3 93 8 W E S T H O U S T O N R E L O C A T I O N G U I D E – W I N T E R | S P R I N G 2 0 1 7

Existing and newly built homes, broadly

priced from the $200,000s to over $3 million,

are readily available throughout the Texas

288 Corridor. Expect to find large master

planned communities covering hundreds to

thousands of acres, smaller enclaves with

just a few hundred residents, and established

neighborhoods surrounding golf courses,

bodies of water and native forests. Beach

homes, river front, and lakeside homes are

available, too.

Some newcomers rent apartments or homes

before purchasing a home to test the waters

and save money. Seniors looking for a

new place to call home will find 55-plus

apartments, independent and assisted

living senior communities, and national-

ly-acclaimed rehabilitation hospitals and

specialized clinics.

Home builders typically have inventory

homes available for quick move-in with

designer selections already installed. When

building a home from scratch, design

consultants can help you with standard

It’s one of those simple truths. Where you live says a lot about how you want to live. If you enjoy spending time at home doing the things you love, the Texas 288 area

is right for you.

features, select upgrades and estimate prices

so that your finished home is comfortable,

affordable and what you expect. The time

it takes to build your new home with vary

based on the floor plan, size, materials, loca-

tion and weather. Home builders can give

you a good estimate from the start date until

completion.

Houston’s leading home builders have

adopted energy-saving features in the insu-

lation, roofing, appliances, water heating

system, air conditioning system, windows,

doors and orientation. Resale homes can be

updated with energy-saving appliances and

other features to improve energy consump-

tion. With an average temperature of 86

degrees and nine months of warm weather,

energy-efficient air conditioning is a must-

have in Houston.

Resale homes have unique advantages that

cannot be easily replicated, from mature

landscaping to a premium home site on

a golf course, lake, greenbelt or wooded

setting, to its location in a highly desirable

neighborhood. Updating homes can be as

simple as a coat of paint and new flooring,

or it might call for more extensive remod-

eling taking months to complete.

Local Realtors can help you locate new

and existing homes through the Multiple

Listing Service (MLS) and other sources.

For more information you can do research

at www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com.

TOWN CENTERThe Town Center area in Pearland is largely

served by the Alvin Independent School

District. A small area on the far west side is

served by the Fort Bend Independent School

District. Alvin Independent School District

opened Shadow Creek High School, the

district’s third comprehensive high school

on the corner of Broadway and Kirby near

Pearland Town Center, in 2016.

Town Center’s retail centers, shopping, and

entertainment venues make it a popular

choice for active families. Town Center has

direct access to Broadway/FM 518, Texas

288 and the Sam Houston Parkway which

can shorten drive times to employment

HOME FRONT

Photo courtesy of Sienna Plantation



centers such as the Texas Medical Center,

Central Houston and southwest Houston.

Town Center is home to Shadow Creek

Ranch, the area’s largest master-planned

community, Shadow Creek Ranch Busi-

ness Center, Shadow Creek Ranch Square,

the Medical Center District and the Lower

Kirby District. Several hotels, a variety

of restaurants, sports parks, churches, the

Westside Library, The Pearl Theater and

Southern Trails are in the Town Center area.

The first group of settlers that arrived in this

area in 1857 settled along Chocolate Bayou.

They named the settlement Pomona from

the Latin name Pomum, “Fruit,” specifically

orchard fruit which they grew handily. As a

tribute to the City of Manvel and its history,

the name Pomona was chosen for the new

master-planned community.

Pomona is the first LiveSmart community to

be developed by Hillwood Communities in

the Houston-area. Russell Bynum, general

manager of the Houston Region, says

top amenities in Houston include parks

and green spaces, lakes and ponds, resort-

style pools, trail systems, village centers,

exercise rooms, and neighborhood schools.

Community directors set up monthly events

and seasonal celebrations around major

amenities.

“We believe amenities foster a stronger sense

of community because they bring neighbors

together,” Bynum said. “Making a connec-

tion is important when it comes to feeling at

home. Events at our new recreation center

help neighbors meet each other.”

A fishing camp and pier, natural scape play-

ground, amenity center, resort pools, walking

trails and sports fields are part of Pomona’s

master plan. Pomona residents have short

drives to retail, health care, sporting events

and employment centers along FM 518 in

Pearland. Pomona Elementary opened this

fall. Older students are zoned to Shadow

Creek Ranch High School. In addition, the

Texas Medical Center is less than 20 miles

from Pomona via Texas 288. Highland

Homes, David Weekley Homes, Coventry

Homes, Plantation Homes, Perry Homes,

and Trendmaker Homes model homes are

open daily.

Perry Home’s newest community in

Pearland is a 315-acre lakeside community

on Broadway/FM 518 called Southlake. The

newly opened Park at Southlake features

playgrounds and pool complex. Children

attend schools within the award-winning

Alvin ISD and Fort Bend ISD. Shadow

Creek Ranch is in its final phase of devel-

opment. Convenient shopping and dining

options such as the Pearland Town Center

and Shadow Creek Ranch Town Center and

a variety of corporate campuses, churches

and child care facilities are nearby. Perry

Homes offers a wide variety of one and

two-story homes in the community.

TEXAS 6Texas 288 enters Manvel south of Pearland

Town Center. Alvin ISD serves communities

in Manvel and Alvin and a few communities

in Pearland. This developing area is home

to several large-scale communities including

Southfork, Sedona Lakes, Rodeo Palms and

Pomona. Manvel High School, Manvel City

Hall and a Brazoria County Annex are east

of Texas 288 on Texas 6.

Friendswood Development Company is

famous for lifestyle amenities and Lakes of

H O M E F R O N T

Photo courtesy of Pearland Town Center


The master-planned community of Sterling Lakes

combines an exceptional location with impeccably

designed homes from the $370s. Featuring gated

access, spacious lots and a spectacular array of

amenities, Sterling Lakes offers the family-friendly

lifestyle you have been searching for.

(866) 837-3540 ext. 3802Call today to learn more

TerrataHomes.com/SterlingLakes

Your Lifestyle, Upgraded


Savannah on Texas 6 continues the tradition

with its charming southern style. With over

50 acres of lakes, at completion, beautiful

views from peaceful vine covered retreats

are enjoyed throughout the community.

Sienna Plantation in Fort Bend County is a

comprehensive 10,000-acre master-planned

community located between two acclaimed

cities – Missouri City and Sugar Land. One

of the top-selling communities in Fort Bend

County, Sienna Plantation offers new homes

by more than 12 leading builders, with styles

including patio homes, single-family homes

and luxury custom homes.

Traditional single-family homes, low-main-

tenance patio homes and luxury custom

homes are priced from the high $200,000s to

over $1 million.

The lifestyle includes Club Sienna, a 12-acre

recreation complex that’s home to the

largest water adventure park in the South,

with 200 feet of twisting slides, three diving

boards, a junior Olympic pool and a zero-

entry lagoon. Sienna Plantation also offers

34 parks, miles of trails, and the 18-hole

Sienna Plantation Golf Club. Camp Sienna

is a 160-acre sports park along the Brazos

River Corridor, with fields for baseball,

soccer, volleyball and basketball, plus 1.5

miles of trails. Schools are part of the highly

rated Fort Bend ISD.

SOUTH OF TEXAS 6Meridiana recently won the coveted Texas

Star Award 2017 for Community of the

Year largely based on its commitment to

creating a one-of-a-kind, education-based

community. Meridiana Elementary School

(Alvin ISD) opened in 2016. Residents have

a 30-minute drive to Dow Chemical, BASF,

Freeport LNG and the Port of Freeport in

lower Brazoria County. The Texas Medical

Center and Central Houston are approxi-

mately 20 miles north.

Meridiana is Houston’s first master-planned

community with outdoor learning labs,

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H O M E F R O N T


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PROFESSIONALY MANAGED BY

created in collaboration with local educa-

tors. Students of all ages can study the

earth’s movement, the solar system, princi-

ples of gravity and velocity, wildlife habitats

and more. In Galileo’s Lab, fixed outdoor

features will allow students to study weather,

water quality, the solar system, gravity and

velocity. The Meridiana conservatory will

Photo courtesy of Pomona

serve as a greenhouse where teachers can

present curriculum on photosynthesis and

plant identification

Two other learning labs in Meridiana’s

Amenity Village, a sky map and the commu-

nity’s signature 60-foot Meridian Tower,

demonstrate the sun’s movement in relation

to the earth. The sky map’s Solstice and

Equinox lines will track the sun’s move-

ment while the Meridian Tower will operate

similar to a sun tower by casting a spot of

sunlight on the ground that moves as the

Earth rotates.

Amenity Village has a Welcome Center,

fitness center with children’s play area,

family pool with cabanas, splash pad, pool-

side café and a shady, hillside amphitheater

for movie nights. Activities include catch-

and-release fishing, kayaking and a trail

system to Meridian Elementary School.

Meridiana features single-family homes by

David Weekley Homes, Highland Homes,

Perry Homes, Plantation Homes, Ryland

Homes, Shea Homes, Taylor Morrison

Homes and Trendmaker Homes.

Sterling Lakes, the first community to be

developed on Texas 288 south of Texas 6,

has a new entrance from Texas 288. New

sections, including a one-acre lot section

featuring Terrata Homes, recently opened.

Stone Meadow Homes on FM 1462

offers homes priced from the $300,000s at

Savannah Plantation. Savannah Plantation

with over-sized acreage home sites from 1 to

7 acres in size, is unique among new-home

communities. It can also boast lower

combined taxes. Lake front lots are available

and new models are open daily. Savannah

Plantation is in the Alvin ISD.

PEARLAND WEST/MID-TOWN/TX35The area between Texas 288 and Texas

35 was quick to respond to Pearland’s

first growth spurt more than 25 years ago.


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BEFORE

AFTER

Shopping centers, restaurants, specialty

shops, sports fields, historical sites and

many City services are in the Mid-Town

area. Residents move around the area via

Cullen, McHard Drive, FM 518, Mykawa,

Texas 35/Main, Magnolia Road, Bailey

Road, and Veterans Dr.

Mid-Town city facilities include the Stella

Roberts Recycling Center, Public Safety &

Municipal Court, Pearland Chamber of

Commerce, John Hargrove Environment

Complex, the Pearland Recreation Center

and Natatorium, and Centennial Park.

Dawson High School and the highly-ac-

claimed Robert Turner College and Career

High School are located here. The palatial

Sri Meenakshi Hindu temple, one of only

three temples in the USA, sits in the heart

of Mid-Town.

The area’s newest community is Massey

Lakes Estates, a 40-acre new-home commu-

nity centrally located on Manvel Road.

Close neighbors include the highly-re-

garded Massey Ranch Elementary, the only

elementary school in the Pearland ISD to

offer the International Baccalaureate® (IB)

Primary Years Programme (PYP). Meri-

tage Homes is the exclusive builder. The

Pearland Recreation Center & Natatorium,

a popular destination for area residents, is

also nearby.

Other neighborhoods in the West-Mid-

Town-TX35 area include Country Place

(Golf), Crystal Lake, Pearland Lakes, Silver-

lake, Silver Creek, Sunrise Estates, and

Avalon Terrace.

OLD TOWN HISTORIC DISTRICTTo revitalize the central and historical core

of Pearland, the City developed a Historic

District Revitalization Plan that improved

new roads, storm water upgrades, side-

walks, street signs and decorative lighting.

Old Town Site is bordered by Orange Street

to the north, Walnut Street to the south,

Galveston Street on the east and Austin

Street on the west.

Some of Pearland’s finest churches are in

the Old Town Site area, including St. Helen

Catholic Church and school, and First

United Methodist Church. While small,

Old Town is home turf for the Pearland

Independent School District and hosts

a Farmer’s Market on the 2nd and 4th

Saturday of each month in Zychlinski Park

on Grand Blvd.

PARKWAY AREAPearland Parkway is a direct link to the

Sam Houston Parkway and I-45 making

it ideally situated for families needing

quick access to Hobby Airport, downtown

Houston, the Petrochemical Corridor and

the Bay Area. The University of Clear

Lake Pearland Campus is on the parkway

south of the Beltway. North of the Beltway,

Pearland Parkway becomes Monroe, the

east boundary of Hobby Airport.

Old guard city services in the area include

City Hall, Tom Reid Library, the Melvin

Knapp Activity Center, Post Office,

YMCA, Independence Park, Pearland

High School and Pearland’s only country

club, Golfcrest Country Club. The newly

renovated Pearland Regional Airport is

south of Dixie Farm Road.

Established and newly-built communities,

retail centers, office buildings, shallow

ponds, manicured fields and natural green

belts line both sides of the parkway as it

meanders south toward Alvin. Most of

the communities in this area are served by

Pearland ISD, but Pasadena and Houston

ISDs also serve the area.

Neighborhoods in the Parkway area include

Bridges at Blackhawk, Enclave at Highland

Glen, Green Tee, Highland Crossing, Bark-

er’s Landing, Highland Park, Riverstone

Ranch, and Province Village.

ALVINAlvin has much to offer retirees and fami-

lies seeking a small-town pace, wide open

spaces and parks, pedestrian friendly

streets, and easy access to the arts and

cultural events hosted by Alvin Commu-

nity College. Alvin’s historical district,

H O M E F R O N T


©2017 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. A Realogy Company. All Rights Reserved. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated. Better Homes and Gardens, the Better Homes and Garden Real Estate logo are registered service marks owned by Meredith Corporation and licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC.

Move?MAKING A Choose a Realtor® who can simplify

the process and take care of the details. Relax and enjoy the journey!

www.GaryGreene.com

1.281.482.00551104 S. Friendwood Dr. Friendswood, TX 77546

1.281.997.07263272 Broadway

Pearland, TX 77581

Town Center, speaks to the city’s heritage

and future with thriving businesses, restau-

rants and boutique shops. In recent years,

Alvin has attracted corporations seeking

hundreds of skilled workers, big box

retailers, restaurants, healthcare services,

and new-home communities.

Texas 35 from Pearland enters the City of

Alvin at about County Road 133. The City

of Alvin benefits from Texas 6, which runs

east to west, and newly improved Texas

35 which connects north Brazoria County

to the south part of the county. Alvin can

boast affordable new homes and a good

selection of resale homes, farms, ranches

and acreage for custom building. Active

new-home communities include Kendall

Lakes, Mustang Crossing, North Point

Trails and Forest Heights.

FRIENDSWOOD Friendswood, honored as one of America’s

top 100 places to live, has an easy access

to Hobby Airport, NASA, Ellington Field

and the Bay Area. Acclaimed Friendswood

ISD and Clear Creek ISD service the area

and collectively employee thousands of

teachers and administrators. Houston’s

leading builders are active in Friendswood

and quality built custom homes on larger

home sites are available.

West Ranch in Friendswood is one of

Friendswood Development Company’s

newest master planned communities

features 100 acres of nature trails, parks

and recreation areas, a resort-style swim-

ming pool, competition swimming pool and

fishing pier.

New-home communities include Magnolia

Creek, Westover Park, West Lake, Reserve

at Clear Creek, Sterling Creek.

BRAZOSPORT AREA Brazoria, Clute, Freeport, Jones Creek,

Lake Jackson, Oyster Creek, Quintana,

Richwood, Surfside Beach.

South Brazoria County consists of nine

municipalities which offer a broad range

of cultural, business and recreational

activities. Students attend classes at Brazo-

sport ISD schools and can continue their

studies at Brazosport College located in

Clute. New-home communities, apartments,

custom residences, mid-century homes,

beach homes, ranches and farms are all

available in the area.

Located on Oyster Creek Drive in Clute,

Woodshore is the newest neighborhood

to open in the Lake Jackson area. Wood-

shore, less than two miles east of Texas

288, can boast natural amenities including

lakes, a mature forest and a gently rolling

terrain. Prior to being developed, the prop-

erty had been held by a single family for

over 130 years. Approximately 300 resi-

dential lots will be completed in six phases,

phase 2 is currently under development.

Castle Rock Homes, Peltier Builders and

Mercury Custom Homes have homes under

construction for quick move-in.

4 6 T E X A S 2 8 8 S O U T H N E W C O M E R G U I D E – F A L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 84 6 T E X A S 2 8 8 S O U T H N E W C O M E R G U I D E – F A L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

in this sectionretirement communities independent caresssisted livingmemory and extended care

H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 4 74 6 T E X A S 2 8 8 S O U T H N E W C O M E R G U I D E – F A L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

There are just over 40 million Americans

age 65 and older today, accounting for 13

percent of the population. By 2030, when all

the baby boomers will have passed age 65,

the over-65 crowd will reach 20 percent of

the population. The average life expectancy

for a 65-year-old American is 17.7 years for

a male, and 20.3 years for a female.

For seniors, rightsizing and relocating is

an overwhelming process, with or without

the help of family members. Leaving

behind their home, friends, church, favorite

restaurants, doctors, decades of memories,

furniture, art and keepsakes is an emotional

passage that requires both patience and lots

of preparation.

Today’s seniors have many options, dreams

and plans, and very often, the energy to

pursue them. Retiring Baby Boomers are

mobile and connected to technology, much

like younger generations are today. In retire-

ment, they want to spend leisure time with

their adult children and grand kids, travel,

socialize and engage in all sorts of activi-

ties. Active and independent is their motto;

rocking chairs can wait.

And the options for living and playing are

also evolving to meet the changing demands

of this growing group of people. From

upscale retirement communities that offer

an array of housing, activity, exercise and

social options, to full-care facilities that care

for people with mental and physical disabil-

ities, and every-thing in between, there is a

senior living solution to fit every desire and

need.

TAKING STOCKTo narrow an overwhelming list of choices

and to help you choose the best one, put

some time into the stock-taking process

by taking a personal inventory of living

expenses, health, interests and expectations.

SHOULD YOU GO, OR SHOULD YOU STAY?It is possible to retire in your own home by

withdrawing some of the equity built up

with a reverse mortgage; a type of home

loan that lets a homeowner convert a

portion of their equity into cash. A Home

Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) for

Purchase (H4P) is a federally insured loan

program offered through FHA.

With an HECM loan, if a homeowner lives

in the home and stays current on taxes and

insurance, they do not pay a monthly mort-

gage payment which significantly improves

their cash flow. Retirees should plan for a

larger monetary investment with an HECM

loan and there are some restrictions. A

Relocating Seniors

While the options for living and playing are evolving to meet the changing demands of today’s active seniors, families should carefully approach senior relocation with

preparation, sensitivity and patience.


mortgage expert can answer questions about

HECM and other loans designed for retirees.

The best way to determine if a reverse mort-

gage is the best fit for your retirement plan is

to honestly assess the following:

• How much would the home sell for in today’s market?

• What would the cost be to buy, or rent, and maintain a new home?

• Would there be any money left over from the purchase of a new home that could be safely invested?

• What are the options for downsizing into a less expensive home, renting an apartment, or moving into an assisted living or alter-native senior housing situation?

PACKING UPBefore choosing a new home be realistic

about your situation, expectations, your

finances and health. Make sure the new

community is one that you will enjoy, that

it has convenient amenities and access to

services, and that a new house will be a good

investment. It is as important to consider

access to medical doctors and facilities as

it is to think about fun and leisure pursuits.

Residents of the Texas 288 corridor have

high quality health care centers close to

home and quick access to the acclaimed

Texas Medical Center.

HOUSING OPTIONSSeniors relocating to a new city often live

with family members to be closer to their

grand kids, and to help busy young families

manage hectic schedules. New homes with

two master suites on the first floor can easily

accommodate several generations. Leaving

secondary bedrooms for children and an

additional family room on the second floor.

The goal of multi-generation design is to

allocate the space and privacy each family

member needs, while encouraging social

interaction among family members.

The place you choose should facilitate life

at a level of independence that is comfort-

able and affordable. There are a wide variety

of alternatives available for every level of

activity, health and need.

ACTIVE SENIOR HOUSING Healthy, independent seniors may want

to live in a community where they can

enjoy the company of others and their own

personal interests. Active seniors in good

health might opt for an age restricted inde-

pendent living residential community with

full amenities, a variety of home options

including apartments, a golf course, dining

rooms, and swimming pools.

A personal visit will give valuable, firsthand

information. Ask about health and fitness

programs, organized activities, sporting

options, and social opportunities. Other

day-to-day living arrangements should also

be considered, such as shopping centers and

grocery stores within easy walking distance,

and the availability of transportation

services. Is the community located in prox-

imity to major health care providers?

More than three decades ago, Country

Place in Pearland was developed for 55-plus

residents with full amenities, including an

18-hole golf club. Today, planned activities,

clubs and events at the Country Place Club-

house keep residents both physically and

socially active. After millions of dollars in

improvements the golf club is now open to

the public.

CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES A Continuing Care Retirement Community

(CCRC) offers care in a residential facility

for seniors, with a full menu of services and

living situations. Residents may go from

independent living, to assisted living and

nursing home care, depending on their indi-

vidual, changing needs and abilities.

CCRCs can be anything from high-rise

apartments, to cottages, townhouses or

single-family homes, and are an excellent

option for those who are independent and

in good health, but might need some assis-

tance with daily living needs or require

skilled nursing care.

A CCRC (also called Life-Care Facilities or

Communities) generally offers a contract

that covers a continuum of care, including

access to housing, services, and health care

for more than one year, or the balance

of one’s life. There is a range of contract

options offered by CCRCs. Before signing a

contract, conduct a thorough review of the

facility’s services, operations and finances,

and determine if it is appropriate to your

needs, lifestyle and expectations. It’s also

a good idea to ask a family attorney or

accountant to review the contract. Some

points to consider include:

• Are pets allowed in your residence?

• What social, recreational and cultural activities are offered?

• Is food prepared onsite? If so, how is it?

• Are there fitness facilities onsite?

• Is the staff friendly and knowledgeable?

• What healthcare and personal care services are available?

• What preparations have been made for handling medical and evacuation emer-gency situations?

• Is there easy access to offsite activities such as shopping and is transportation provided?

ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIESAn Assisted Living Community (ALC)

bridges the gap for those who need assis-

tance with daily activities a nursing home

might offer, but wish to live independently.

Residents in an ALC are unable to live

completely by themselves, but don’t need

constant supervision. An ALC offers its

residents assistance with eating, bathing,

dressing, laundry, housekeeping, and

keeping track of medications. An ALC

is not a substitute for a nursing home, but

rather is a stepping stone between complete

independence and services provided by a

nursing home.

Often, an ALC will create an individ-

ualized service plan for seniors upon

R E L O C AT I N G S E N I O R


2750 Miller Ranch Road, Pearland, TX 77584 713-770-5300 • www.tuscanyvillagecare.net

• Privately Owned

• Boutique Style Amenities

• Long and Short Term Care

• Physical Therapy

• Occupational Therapy

• Respiratory Therapy

• Transitional Rehab

THE TEAM AT TUSCANY VILLAGE IS PASSIONATE ABOUT RESTORING OUR PATIENTS’ ABILITY TO ENJOY LIFE THROUGH OUR QUALITY CLINICAL AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES. FOR THESE REASONS AND MORE, WE ARE WIDELY RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE FINEST SKILLED NURSING AND REHAB FACILITIES IN TEXAS.

KIND COMPASSIONATE CARE

admission, detailing personal services that

will be provided. This plan is then peri-

odically reviewed and updated to ensure

changing needs are met. Housing in an

ALC may be studios or one-bedroom

apartments with small kitchen facilities.

Typically, ALC housing units have group

dining facilities and common areas where

residents gather to enjoy social and recre-

ational activities.

NURSING CARE FACILITIESA Nursing Care Facility (NCF) is a state

licensed, private-care facility that provides

24-hour skilled hospital care for resi-

dents who do not require hospitalization

but cannot stay at home. Consult with a

trusted doctor or health care practitioner

for recommendations of nearby facilities.

Plan on visiting several facilities and make

an appointment with the administrator or

director of nursing.

Ask to see the compliance survey report

prepared by the State of Texas. It will list

deficiencies found in resident care during

routine inspections, and the facility’s effort

to correct them. Under Texas law, nursing

homes must make this and other survey

compliance reports available upon request.

Tuscany Village Rehabilitation and Nursing

Home in Pearland has achieved the highest

rating of 5 stars from the Centers for Medi-

care and Medicaid Services.

Contact the Texas Department of Aging

and Disability Services (DADS) at 800-458-

9858 or www.dads.state.tx.us for more

information.

ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA CARE FACILITIES Seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease

or another form of dementia need special-

ized care. While some Assisted Living

Communities offer services and separate

facilities for residents with early onset symp-

toms, because of the progressive nature

of the disease, it may become necessary to

transfer the resident to another facility that

can give the right level of service.

Facilities specializing in the care of Alzhei-

mer’s and dementia patients should provide

a treatment plan that considers not only the

resident’s medical needs, but also the needs

of the entire family with social services,

professional consultations and individual-

ized treatment reviews, all set within a calm,

soothing environment that is sensitive to the

needs of the patient. While relocating can

be difficult for seniors the rewards are great.

An afternoon fishing with a grandson,

attending a dance recital, or watching a

grandchild graduate from college, are all

priceless lifetime memories and well worth

the hassles of relocating.

The Texas 288 region offers a full range of

senior living opportunities, for more infor-

mation visit HoustonNewcomerGuides.com

online.


in this sectionvehiclesrecycling & utilitieshome & communityplace of worshipinternational relocation



Moving to a new city or even across town

can be over-whelming when it comes to

setting up utilities, selecting a cable and/or

satellite service, finding the best places to

shop, choosing a recycling center, getting a

driver’s license and registering your auto-

mobiles. While real estate professionals,

mortgage lenders and insurance agents are

ready to assist newcomers during the home

buying processes, after closing there will

be lots of things to do before you complete

the move. There are many moving-related

resources available at HoustonNewcomer-

Guides.com to help you settle in.

This chapter includes contact information

for Harris, Brazoria, Galveston and Ft. Bend

county offices, city offices, school districts,

community and social organizations, area

newspapers & magazines, and places to

worship. Chambers of Commerce and

Economic Development contact informa-

tion is in the Business Chapter.

Having a car in Houston is a must, but there

are alternatives. METRO is recognized as

one of the best and safest bus systems in

the nation. METRO offers express service

to the central business district downtown

and Texas Medical Center. Houston’s high-

ways feature High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes

(HOVs) for two or more passengers traveling

in one vehicle at certain times of the day.

For schedule and route information, call

713-635-4000.

Texas enforces a mandatory automo-

bile liability insurance law. If stopped for

any reason, proof of liability insurance is

required. The minimum liability limits are

$30,000 for each injured person, up to a

total of $60,000 per accident, and $25,000

for property damage per accident. This basic

coverage is called 30/60/25 coverage. Texas-

Sure is a verification system that tells law

enforcement and county tax officials if you

or the car you’re driving has auto liability

insurance. For more information, visit

TexasSure.com.

All vehicles must be registered in the county

within 30 days of establishing residency.

The cost is based on the model and year

for cars and gross weight for trucks. Subse-

quent registration may be handled online

or in person. Motor vehicle registration

renewals may be purchased at various loca-

tions. For a list of locations visit the county

web page.

TWO STEPS, ONE STICKER The State of Texas stopped issuing inspec-

tion stickers and transitioned to a “Two

Steps, One Sticker” vehicle inspection and

registration program in 2015. A blue-bor-

dered registration sticker will serves as a

combined proof of registration and inspec-

tion with one expiration date. Passing

vehicle inspection will be a requirement to

renew a registration.

To register a vehicle, present the automo-

bile title and pay a new resident fee, a title

fee, and the cost of new license plates. All

out-of-state vehicles are required to have the

following for registry in the state of Texas:

(1) proof of safety inspection, (2) your

out-of-state title, (3) payment of a new resi-

dent fee, a title fee, the license plates cost,

and (4) proof of liability insurance.

If you are a resident of Texas and hold a

valid driver license from another state, you

must obtain a Texas driver license within

RESOURCEINFORMATIONYou can take care of many things before you make a

major move. But, knowing who to call and when, where to go, and how to get there is a big part of putting down

roots. Relax, this chapter will help you along the way.



90 days of establishing residency. Proof

of registration, proof of insurance, your

Social Security card or latest W-2, your

valid out-of-state license, and $16 in cash

or check are required to obtain a Texas

driver license. You will be required to pass

both the written test and the vision test. If

you do not have a current Texas or out-of-

state license, or if you are changing the

class of your license, you will be required

to take the written test, the road test, and

the vision test. For further information,

DPS locations and hours of operation, call

713-681-6187.

A copy of the Texas Motor Vehicle Laws is

available from the General Services Depart-

ment, Texas Department of Public Safety,

P. O. Box 4087, Austin, Texas, 78773 or

www.dps.texas.gov

BEING GREEN CURBSIDE RECYCLINGMost common acceptable waste includes

paper, telephone books, cans, plastics 1

and 2, and used motor oil. Rinse and drain

containers, remove lids, caps, plastic bags

and package materials, and place the recycle

container on the curb by 7:00 a.m. Used oil

should be in the original container or in a

screw top non-detergent container.

BAG-IT AND RECYCLE-IT Many local communities have Bag-It

programs requiring yard trimmings to be

placed in separate bags from trash and

garbage. Place the bag at the curb on the

regular garbage day to be collected. Limit

contents to grass, leaves and small twigs;

the bag cannot weigh more than 50 pounds

and should be less than 4-ft. in length and 18

inches in diameter. Do not put anything into

storm drains.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND ELECTRONICS HHMs are accepted at Pearland recycling

center Tuesday through Friday 8:00 a.m.

to 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday 9:00 a.m. to

1:00 p.m. Items accepted include: flam-

mable oil based paint, paint products and

refinishers, pool chemicals, corrosives,

acids and cleansers, batteries, motor oil,

filters and cooking oil, latex paint, anti-

freeze, computers, monitors, printers, printer

cartridges, and cell phones. There is a charge

for recyclers not living In Brazoria County.

281-489-2795.

TRASH PICKUP Most municipalities provide trash pickup.

Call the Solid Waste Management

Department to find out on which day

garbage and light trash is collected in your

area. Some subdivisions opt to contract

with local garbage collection companies,

and fees for these services are typically

included in the homeowners’ association

dues. Contact the homeowners’ association

for information.

UTILITIESGAS/ ELECTRICITYCenterPoint Energy is the primary provider

for natural gas in the Houston area. For

information visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

Houstonians have the “power to choose” an

electric provider. Retail Electric Providers

(REPs) compete to sell electricity to homes

and businesses, and competing REPs may

offer lower prices, options for renewable

energy, added customer services, and incen-

tives or promotions.

The Public Utility Commission recom-

mends the three “C’s” before selecting a

provider: contact, compare, and choose.

PUC certifies all REPs. Be sure to allow

several days for the ordering process so elec-

tricity can be hooked-up before the move-in

date. If establishing service for a new home

or building, a permit or inspection may be

required.

W E L C O M E T O P A L M B E A C HR E S O U R C E I N F O R M A T I O N


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CABLE/SATELLITESeveral providers offer satellite and cable

television, as well as high-speed internet.

Ask about bundled services, special promo-

tional rates and discounts for newcomers.

Depending on where you live there may be

other services available.

COMCAST / XFINITYGet connected to XFINITY – TV, Internet,

and Voice service made possible by

Comcast’s network upgrade to an all-digital

platform. You can even choose your own

convenient two-hour appointment window.

Also offering Xfinity Home, combining

Security, Control, Energy and Peace of

Mind At Your Fingertips. For more infor-

mation visit www.xfinity.com/moversedge

or call 1-877-500-6828.

WATER AND SEWERWater, sewer and drainage services are typi-

cally provided by the public works depart

of each city or municipal utility district

(MUD). There are several districts in the

Texas 288 area and services vary. Contact

your city of residence or homeowner’s asso-

ciation to set up water and sewer services.

HOME & COMMUNITY HOAS Homeowner associations typically establish

and enforce deed restrictions. All home-

owners and property owners are required

to be members and pay annual mainte-

nance fees. Among other things, deed

restrictions are written land-use and build-

ing-type agreements that prevent homes and

lots from being converted to commercial

establishments.

Homeowners become automatic members

of the association when they acquire title to

property in the neighborhood.

HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION The Texas Homestead Exemption law

applies to property tax levies. All home-

owners in Texas can claim a yearly

exemption of 20 percent of the total

assessed value of their homesteads. To

qualify, owners must have title to a property

on January 1 of the current tax year, and

have filed a Homestead Exemption Affi-

davit annually with the county tax assessor’s

office.

VOTER REGISTRATIONYou must be 18 years old, a resident of

the county in which you’re registering

and a U. S. citizen to vote. Fill out a voter

registration application which is available

at a Voter Registrars Office, the Secre-

tary of State’s Office, many post offices,

libraries and high schools. Submit your

application no later than 30 days prior

to an election to vote. Contact the Texas

Secretary of State at 1-800-252-VOTE or

visit www.votetexas.gov.

PET LICENSING/LEASH LAWSDogs and cats in Texas must be vaccinated

against rabies by four months of age. They

will need a booster after a year, and every

one to three years after that. Any veteri-

narian can administer vaccinations and

provide license tags, as well as information

on keeping your pet healthy.


HARRIS COUNTY COURT HOUSE201 Caroline, Houston, TX 77002713-755-6411 / harriscountytx.gov

SOUTH BELT ANNEX (SCARSDALE)281-464-0115

BRAZORIA COUNTY COURTHOUSECounty Clerk’s Office111 E. Locus, Suite 200, Angleton, TX 77515-4678979-864-1355brazoria-county.com

TAX ASSESSOR COLLECTOR Ro’vin Garrett, RTA 281-756-1320

REAL PROPERTY RECORDS 1524 E. Mulberry, AngletonTX 77515-4678

SUB-OFFICES:ALVIN260 George Street281-331-3692

Where do you live?The Texas 288 corridor falls within Harris, Brazoria, Galveston and Fort Bend Counties. Legal records maintained by these counties include birth

certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, automobile licenses, fees and inspections, divorce proceedings, DBAs, taxes and more. Con-

tact the county of residence for specific services offered.

MANVEL/W. PEARLAND7313 Corporate Dr.281-756-2450

PEARLANDCounty Clerk’s Office2436 South Grand281-412-3399

BRAZOSPORT309 Plantation979-297-5023

WEST COLUMBIA111 N. 10th Street979-345-5914

GALVESTON COUNTY COURT HOUSE722 Moody Avenue, Galveston, TX 77550409-766-2284galvstoncountytx.gov

FORT BEND COUNTY TAX OFFICE301 Jackson Street. Richmond, TX 77469281-342-3411fortbendcountytx.gov

W E L C O M E T O P A L M B E A C HR E S O U R C E I N F O R M A T I O N


HOUSTONCity Hall 900 Bagby 713-837-0311Mayor Sylvester Turner 713-837-0331 City Controller 832-393-3460 Fire Department 713-247-5000Municipal Court 713-247-5228Police Department 713- 884-3131

ALVINCity Hall 216 West Sealy 281-388-4200Mayor Paul Horn 281-388-4278Fire Department 281-331-7688Municipal Court 281-388-4250Police Department 281-388-4370Post Office 455 E. House 281-585-3306

ANGLETONCity Hall 121 S. Velasco 979-849-4364Mayor Jason Perez 979-849-4364Fire Department 979-849-1265Fire/EMS 979-415-2710Municipal Court 979-849-2471Police Department 979-849-1265Recreation Center 979-849-0410Public Works 979-849-4364 X318Post Office 100 Cannan 800-275-8777

FRIENDSWOOD City Hall 910 S Friendswood Dr 281-996-3200Mayor Kevin Holland 281-996-3270Fire Department 281-482-0085Municipal Court 281-996-3252Police Department 281-996-3300Post Office 310 Morningside Drive 800-275-8777

LAKE JACKSON City Hall 25 Oak Drive 979- 415-2400Mayor Joe Rinehart 979-415-2500Public Work 979-415-2430Police 979-415-2700Civic Center 979-415-2600

Recreation 979-297-4533Municipal Court 979-297-1031Library 979-415-2590Post Office 210 Oak Dr S. 800-275-8777

MANVELCity Hall 6615 FM 1128 281-489-0630Mayor Debra Davison 281-489-0630Emergency Medical Service (EMS) 281-489-6144 Police Department 281-489-1212Municipal Court 281-489-1229Brazoria County Library 281-489-7596Post Office 6825 Masters Road 800-275-8777

PEARLAND City Hall 3519 Liberty Drive 281-652-1600Mayor Tom Reid 281-652-1654Neighborhood Center 281-485-1987Emergency Medical Service281-652-1951Fire Department 281-652-1950Library 281-485-4876Melvin Knapp Senior Center281-485-9875Municipal Court 281-997-5900Police Department 281-997-4100 Stella Roberts Recycling Center 281-489-2795Service Center 281-652-1900Post Office 3519 E Walnut St. 800-275-8777Post Office Cullen Blvd. 800-275-8777Keep Pearland Beautiful 281-489-2795

BRAZORIA COUNTYMatt Sebesta, Jr., County Judge 281-756-1200Donald Payne, Commissioner Pct. 1 979-265-3953Ryan Cade, Commissioner Pct. 2 979-864-1548Stacy L. Adams, Commissioner Pct. 3 281-331-3197David Linder, Commissioner Pct. 4 979-345-1130

TEXAS STATE REPRESENTATIVES District 25-Dennis Bonnen 979-848-1770 District 29-Ed Thompson 512-463-0707

U. S. SENATORS John Cornyn 713-572-3337 Ted Cruz 512-916-5834

TEXAS STATE SENATORLarry Taylor, Senator District 11 281-485-9800

U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:District 14-Randy Weber 979-285-0231 District 22-Pete Olson 281-486-1095

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONSAdult Reading Center 281-485-1000Angleton Area Emergency Medical Corps 979-849-3547Big Brothers Big Sisters 713-271-5683Boy Scouts of America 409-744-5206Brazoria County Fair 979-849-6416Brazoria County Women’s Center:Alvin 281-585-0904 Angleton 979-849-2500Freeport 979-233-7174Pearland 281-485-0934West Columbia 979-345-5014 Emergency 800-243-5788 Christian Helping Hands 281-485-9776Exchange Club of Pearland 832-221-2679Forgotten Angels Foundation 834-243-5925Resale Shop 832-243-6463Girl Scouts of America 713-292-0300 Knights of Columbus 281-485-8960United Way of Brazoria County 979-849-9402

NEWSPAPERS/MAGAZINESTexas 288 South Newcomer Magazine 281-997-0279Alvin Sun 281-331-4422The Facts 979-237-0100 Friendswood/Pearland Reporter News 281-485-7501 The Journal Pearland/FriendswoodHouston Chronicle 713-362-7211

SCHOOL DISTRICTSAlvin I.S.D. 281-388-1130

Angleton I.S.D. 979-864-8000Brazosport I.S.D. 979-730-7000Clear Creek I.S.D. 281-284-9901Danbury I.S.D. 979-922-1218

Fort Bend I.S.D. 281-634-1000

Friendswood I.S.D. 281-482-1267

Houston I.S.D. 713-556-6000

Pearland I.S.D. 281-485-3203

Sante Fe I.S.D. 409-925-3526


MOVING TIPS What to do

Social Security Number

1-800-772-1213

Information/ Applicationwww.ssa.gov/forms

Physical locations:8989 Lakes at 610 Drive, 77054

16200 Dillard Drive, 77040

5414 Aldine Mail Road, 77039

THINGS TO KNOWWait 10 days after your arrival

to apply for a social security

number.

Takes approximately 2 weeks

for the card to arrive.

No fee for the application.

Take original or certified copies

of immigration documents,

passport & biographical

information & photo.

TRANSPORTATIONTexas Drivers License Application &

Locations:

www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense/mov-

ingtotexas.htm

• Texas has a 90-day grace period.

• A written & driving skills test required.

• Credit cards, cash, checks, and money

orders.

• Take your passport, social security

number, proof of residency, lawful

presence, status.

• Proof of vehicle registry.

• Completed application.

BANKING Credit Unions www.findabetterbank.com

• Credit unions are owned by members. If

your company has a credit union, you

can easily set up an account and get a

credit card.

• Social Security number, a photo ID

(passport), minimum deposit required.

Banks www.findabetterbank.com

• A checking account can be opened

individually or jointly.

• A debit card will give you immediate

access online and at ATMs.

• Social Security number, driver’s license,

proof of residence, photo ID (passport),

pay stub or utility bill and a minimum

opening deposit.

• International banks in the USA include

HSBC, Citigroup, Barclays, Deustche

Bank and Credit Suisse. An account at one

of these banks can usually be opened in

the US.

Credit Card www.creditcards.com

• Request a credit card & debit card (ATM)

when opening a bank account.

• You will need a residential address, phone

& place of employment, credit history.

HOUSINGApartmentHouston Apartment Association Q&A:

www.haaonline.org • Prices for apartments are based on apartment size and number of bedrooms Rates typically include basic utilities (ask

for details).• Rental requirements include: a credit & security check. Texas Drivers license, passport, bank statement, proof of employment, and a deposit.

• Rental applications may require your credit history, employment history, rental history and criminal history, and disclosure of legal status or proof of legal residency.

• You are responsible for your lease for the

entire term of your contract.

• If you terminate your lease contract early,

rent may be accelerated and additional

charges can be levied against you.

• Get any changes to your lease contract or

term in writing. • Be sure to ask about pet deposits.• Apartment locators will help you find an apartment and their services are free.

Leasing a Home • Leasing a home is much like renting an apartment.

• You might be expected to take care of the yard on a weekly basis, maintain the property and abide by homeowner

regulations.

W E L C O M E T O P A L M B E A C HI N T E R N A T I O N A L R E L O C A T I O N


• You will pay all the utility bills (water,

power, trash pickup & cable).

• You will need a TX driver’s license, proof

of employment, credit & personal

references & a deposit consisting of the

first & last month’s rent.

Buying a home • You can view homes for sale and find a

Realtor who speaks your language on

www.HAR.com.

Realtor/Homes for Sale & Lease www.HAR.com

• You can check your credit score through

your bank.

• To purchase a home you will need a good

credit score based on your credit history.

• Report all of your income on your tax

return as mortgage loans require proof of

income - typically your IRS return.

• You do not need a Realtor to purchase a

home, but Realtors are trained to help

you with pricing and other legal

responsibilities.

• Realtors use various sources including

Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to find

homes.

• Realtors are usually paid by the seller,

their services are free to buyers.

New Homes/Builders/Communities www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com

Realtors are independent and can help you

locate a newly constructed home available

from a variety of builders. Builder sales reps.

work for the builder. If you are working with

a Realtor, you should register your Realtor

with the homebuilder when you arrive.

HEALTHCAREAffordable Care Act www.healthcare.gov

• If you are relocating to the U.S. for a job,

the HR department will assist you with

health insurance for your family.

• To shop and compare health insurance

visit the Affordable Care Act web page.

• You will need your social security

number, passport, health history,

employer information, and a credit card.

TAXES State of Texas Texas does not have state taxes. Texas col-

lects 8.25% sales tax & property tax only.

Internal Revenue ServiceFederal income tax for most workers is filed

on April 15 of each year.

There are numerous rules and regulations

for expatriates, the following are resources

to get you started. Your employer can also

assist you.

Internal Revenue Service: www.irs.gov/

EDUCATION Day Care:childcarecenter.us

• Some centers only care for children until

they are ready for Kindergarten at age 5.

Other schools offer Kindergarten.

• Will need your child’s birth certificate,

social security number, passport,

application.

• Schools vary widely, make several trips

with and without your child at different

times of the day. Ask for referrals.

Public SchoolsPK-12 Texas Education Association:

tea.texas.gov

• Required for children 6-18 years of age

in USA.

• Child’s birth certificate, passport, social

security number, transcript, doctor’s

statement.

• The Houston area has excellent public

schools which serve students from Pre-K

through 12th grade.

• You can research individual school

districts, schools, ratings and test scores

at the Texas Education Association web

site.

Elementary school (grade 1 through 5 or 6),

Middle school or junior high (up to grade

8 or 9), High school or senior high (up to

grade 12).

College Search www.petersons.com

Community colleges are located in all parts

of Houston. Houston has numerous 4-year

colleges and technical schools

Private Schools • HoustonNewcomerGuides.com

• Houstonprivateschools.com

• Privateschoolreview.com

There are a variety of independent and faith-

based private schools in the Houston area.

• Enrollment is most cases is based on

openings in certain grades.

• Check with each school for enrollment

requirements as they vary from school to

school.

• International schools offer the

International Baccalaureate program and

might be better suited for children

planning to later attend university

outside the US.

IMMIGRATION VISAMost questions are answered on the U.S.

Citizenship & Immigration web sites below.

Contact your Consulate about your coun-

try’s requirements.

General How Do I Guides:

• www.uscis.gov • www.uscitizenship.info

Employment Visa: • www.travel.state.gov• www.uscis.gov

Green Card:www.uscis.gov/greencard

Permanent Resident: www.uscis.govSchedule appointment with USCIS officer: infopass.uscis.gov

PETS Entry Requirements:

www.dshs.state.tx.uss

• Dogs & cats must be vaccinated by 4

months of age followed by booster shots

every couple of years.

• Pets not wearing license tags and/or

leashed can be impounded.

• Recommended that you microchip your

pet • Must be inspected for certain screwworms

between one and five days prior to entering the United State

• A licensed veterinarian must complete and sign a veterinary certificate. This certificate should be in English or be accompanied by a version translated in English.


Places of WORSHIP

There are a lot of decisions to make when establishing your new life in a new city, and one of the most important might be where to worship. Your new neighbors might be a great source of information: “Have y’all found a church yet?” they’ll say and they will be happy to help with directions and introductions.

And while it’s possible to find God (or

Allah or Buddha) in other places, church

offers a community of like-minded and

similar-spirited people to build rela-

tionships with. In addition to sacred

enlightenment, places of worship can also

provide social support, volunteer oppor-

tunities, educational options, even groups

with common interests to join. If you’re

looking to settle in and get to know new

friends, a congregation might be the perfect

group in which to find them.

But there are many options of all sizes and

styles, and Texas 288 South offers a variety

of churches ranging from Non-Denomina-

tional to Methodist to Baptist. Not to be

overlooked, there are also several mosques

and synagogues. All places of worship

should allow a haven for people to come

together and connect over their common

beliefs. If faith is a vital part of your daily

life, you should be able to easily find your

spiritual home here.



ALVIN/MANVELAlvin Church of Christ 281-331-3673

Alvin Church of The Nazarene 281-331-0065

Alvin Lutheran Church 281-331-5457

Alvin Missionary Baptist 281-331-6726

Bayou Drive Baptist 281-585-8061

Christ Covenant Church 281-331-4619

City View Church 832-696-9805

Emanuel Worship Center 281-585-2773

Faith Community Church 281-331-1430

Faith Family Fellowship 281-331-3960

First Baptist Church 281-489-8514

First Christian Church 281-331-5825

First Presbyterian Church 281-585-3406

First United Methodist Church 281-331-3482

Grace Episcopal Church 281-331-5657

Heights Baptist Church 281-331-8201

Hope Church Presbyterian 281-701-7536

Living Stones Church 281-331-9517

New Hope Church 281-604-4000

Sacred Heart Catholic Church 281-489-8720

South Park Baptist Church 281-331-3902

St. John the Baptist Catholic 281-331-3751

FRIENDSWOOD Baybrook Baptist Church 281-996-1316

Calvary Houston 281-648-5800

Church of Christ 281-482-7966

Clear Creek Community Church 281-338-5433

Community Church 281-756-8655

Episcopal Church 281-482-7630

First Baptist Friendswood 281-482-7573

Friendswood Baptist Church 281-996-6880

Friendswood Friends Church 281-482-7821

Good Shepherd Episcopal 281-482-7630

Hope Lutheran Church 281-482-7943

Lord of Light Lutheran 281-992-2168

Mary Queen Catholic Church 281- 482-1391

New Hope Church 281-604-4000

Reach Church Assembly 281-993-4500

Southeast Church of Christ 281-992-2168

The Harbor 281-388-3500

Trinity Fellowship Church 281-482-0577

United Methodist 281-482-7535

PEARLAND Calvary Baptist Church 281-489-7236

City View Church 713-204-0692

Crosspoint Church 281-485-1848

Crossroads Community Church 713-436-2211

Epiphany Lutheran Church 281-485-7833


First Church of Pearland 281-992-4538



Hindu-Sri Meenakshi Temple 281-489-0358

Hope Church Presbyterian 281-701-7536

Majestic Christian Center 281- 997-1242

New Life Lutheran Church 281-485-1818

Peace Presbyterian Church 713-436-5673

Pearland Church of Christ 281-485-2436

Revolution Center 832-561-5665

Second Baptist Shadow Creek 713-465-3408

Shadycrest Baptist Church 281-485-1481

Shepherd of the Heart

Methodist 713-436-5080

Silverlake Community Church 281-997-6006

St. Andrews Episcopal Church 281-485-3843

St. Helen Catholic Church 281-485-2421

St. Mary’s Syro Malabar Catholic 832-495-2848

Vineyard Christian Fellowship 281-997-0722

ANGLETONCentral Assembly of God 979-849-1208

Christian Tabernacle 979-849-8649

Church of Christ Wilkins Street 979-849-6391

Church of God Prophecy 979-267-0073

First Assembly of God 979-849-6112

First Assembly of God 979-849-6112




Good Shepherd Lutheran 979-849-2223

Holy Comforter Episcopal 979-849-1672

Holy Trinity Catholic Church 979-849-2421

Second Baptist Church 979-849-7220

St. John Lutheran 979-849-7253

Triumph Angleton 979-849-7361

Westside Church of Christ 979-849-8376

BRAZOSPORT AREA Assembly of God 979-297-9541

Baptist Temple 979-849-3602

Brazosport Christian 979-265-3590

Chapelwood United Methodist 979-297-7991

Christ Lutheran Church 979-297-2013

Church of Brazosport 979-583-3791

First Baptist of Freeport 979-233-5347

First Baptist 979-297-2496

First Presbyterian 979-297-3049

Grace Community 979-239-8635

Second Baptist Church 979-297-6469

St. Mark Lutheran 979-297-2667

St. Michael’s Catholic 979-297-3041

St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church 979-297-6003

The R.O.C.K. Brazosport 979-529-9396

Vineyard Church 979-297-4648


6 0 T E X A S 2 8 8 S O U T H N E W C O M E R G U I D E – S P R I N G 2 0 1 7

in this sectiontexas medical centerregional hospitalsrehabilitationhealth care news



HEALTHCAREThe greater Texas 288 area has grown in both size and

population over the past 20 years. Along with a growing population the everyday demands for high-quality

healthcare have attracted scores of skilled practitioners, service providers and medical facilities to the area.

Just 14 miles north in Houston, the world-

class Texas Medical Center is a 1,300-acre

“city of medicine” and employment center.

About 11 percent of Texas Medical Center

employees live in northern Brazoria County

and southwestern Harris County. Pearland

is home to the most workers.

In recent years, the Texas 288 area has cele-

brated a variety of openings throughout

the region, including hospitals, numerous

emergency centers, a variety of specialized

medical clinics and multi-story professional

buildings.

You will find major providers in the Shadow

Creek Ranch Business District, west of

Texas 288 between Shadow Creek Ranch

Boulevard and FM 518. Memorial Hermann

Health System’s Convenient Care Center

and Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital;

HCA’s Pearland Medical Center, the first

hospital to open in Pearland; HealthSouth

Rehabilitation Hospital, and a Kelsey-Sey-

bold Clinic are in the district. Houston

Methodist Emergency Care Center is situ-

ated on FM 518 at Kirby Drive.

Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital is

located off Beamer on the east side of the

region. Healthcare related businesses in the

Lower Kirby District, Kirby Drive north

of Shadow Creek Parkway, include Merit

Medical Systems, Kelsey-Seybold head-

quarters, Pearland Surgery Center, and

Cardiovascular Systems. Lonza Houston,

Inc., a Swiss pharmaceutical and biotech

firm, is finishing up a clinical manufac-

turing, research and development facility in

the lower Kirby District.

THE TEXAS MEDICAL CENTEROver 65 years have passed since the ground

breaking in 1945 for Baylor College of

Medicine on a site southeast of Memorial

Hermann Hospital–established in 1925

and the first hospital in the Texas Medical

Center.

Today, the Texas Medical Center is a major

business district where planning, infrastruc-

ture, transportation and other issues are

growing in importance. The 290 buildings in

the Texas Medical Center offer 45.8 million

gross square feet of space and 28,000

parking spaces.

TMC employs approximately 106,000

employees and holds a prominent position

in medical information—a critical edge

that attracts top researchers, academics and

physicians more than 20,000 MDs, PhDs

and researchers work at member institu-

tions. Collaborative projects extend locally

to Rice University.

Sources: Texas Medical Center, mdanderson.org,

Houston Report at dallasfed.com.

REGIONAL HOSPITALSMemorial Hermannwww.memorialhermann.org 713-272-1673

One of the largest not-for-profit health

systems in the nation, Memorial Hermann

is an integrated system that serves Southeast

Texas and the Greater Houston commu-

nity with 16 hospitals, including four in

the Texas Medical Center, a level I trauma

center, a hospital for children, one of the top

two rehabilitation hospitals in the United

States, an orthopedic and spine hospital

along with ten suburban hospitals and two

surgery centers. Memorial Hermann Life

Flight® – is the largest and busiest air ambu-

lance service in the United States

The system’s ambulatory care network also

includes Memorial Hermann Urgent Care

and Memorial Hermann Convenient Care

Centers. Using its resources to advance

the health of the community, Memorial

Hermann contributes more than $451

million annually in uncompensated care and



community benefit programs, including an

award-winning network of public school-

based health centers.

Memorial Hermann is the only Houston

health system to receive both the National

Quality Forum’s National Quality Health-

care Award in 2009 and the 2012 John M.

Eisenberg Award for Patient Safety and

Quality from The Joint Commission and the

National Quality Forum, the nation’s guard-

ians of health and safety.

Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital

brings the expertise of the Memorial

Hermann Health System close to home,

making the region’s top medical experts

available to families in the Pearland/

Brazoria County area. The hospital features

advanced medical services and state-of-

the-art technology used to address diverse

healthcare needs, from quick outpatient

visits to procedures requiring highly special-

ized inpatient care.

Services include Heart and Vascular and

Women’s Care, including six well-appointed

Labor, Delivery, Recovery & Postpartum

suites, as well as Orthopedics and Sports

Medicine. Memorial Hermann Pearland

lends support to Memorial Hermann’s

role as the official healthcare provider of

Pearland ISD Athletics.

Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital has

been caring for families in the Bay Area of

Houston since 1986 at the current 293-bed

facility. The official healthcare provider

for Bay Area school districts, Pasadena

and Pearland, Memorial Hermann South-

east also provides a successful Memorial

Hermann Joint Center.

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, Getting Back to Life

www.healthsouthpearland.com

In October 2017, HealthSouth Rehabili-

tation Hospital of Pearland will open to

provide a place where experienced and indi-

vidualized care plays a major role in helping

people get back to their lives.

From helping a brain injury patient regain

the ability to swallow and speak, to assisting

H E A L T H C A R E

1 If you have a special healthcare need or requirement, refer to and call the healthcare advertisers in this publication to get information.

2 Call the offices of all your current physicians/dentists and tell them that you are moving. Ask for referrals they might be willing to make.

3 If you have already selected physicians/dentists, ask your current physician to forward copies of the records of each of your family

members to your new doctor.

4 If you have not yet selected physicians/dentists, ask your current physician/dentist to make copies of pertinent records of all your

family members for you to take with you. Pack these records in your suit-case, not in the moving van, so they will be readily available in case of an emergency.

5 It is extremely important that you get the immunization records for your children before you move. You cannot enroll your children in

local schools without these records. You will also need certified copies of your children’s birth certificates as well as the addresses of your children’s former schools.

6 If you are a member of a healthcare HMO/PPO plan, or have a pre-scription drug card, be sure to notify the company of your moving

plans. The insurance company should be able to provide you with a list of physicians/ healthcare facilities in the area.

7 Pack an emergency first aid kit to take en route to your new home. Items such as bandages, thermometer, pain killers or aspirin, anti-

histamine, first-aid ointment, tweezers and decongestant can come in handy.

Moving Medical Tips


Comprehensive orthopedic care is within reach. At Memorial Hermann, we are leading the way in orthopedics. From evaluation to orthopedic surgery to post-injury rehab, our comprehensive treatment approach puts patients first. The fact is, if you want expertise in orthopedics – you want the experts at Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital.

Learn more at memorialhermann.org

PUBLICATION:Northeast Houston Newcomer GuideINSERTION:September 2017MATERIALS DUE:09.19.17LATITUDE JOB NUMBER: N/A CLIENT: NortheastJOB NAME: NE SM Football AdLIVE: 7.875” x 10.375” SIZE: 8.375” x 10.875”BLEED: 8.625” x 11.125”COLORS: 4cp/0 150 ls; SWOP 280 FORMAT: Press Ready PDF X TRG Link to Pub. QUESTIONS CALL: Pat Hartman @ 214-696-7913

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H E A L T H C A R E

someone who has undergone amputation

relearn how to walk, to providing the care

needed for a stroke survivor to dress and

feed himself, HealthSouth Pearland will

deliver the care that helps patients reach

goals to get back to their lives and the activ-

ities they enjoy.

HealthSouth Pearland is a 40-bed, free-

standing inpatient rehabilitation hospital

located at 2121 Business Center Drive in

The Reserve at Shadow Creek Ranch. The

hospital provides 15 hours of weekly inten-

sive and comprehensive therapy services,

24/7 care by a registered nurse, access to

cutting-edge technology and frequent visits

by an attending physician*.

For more information about the hospital’s

services, visit healthsouthpearland.com.

*This hospital provides access to indepen-

dent physicians

Pearland Medical Center

Pearland Medical Center holds the distinc-

tion as the first hospital to open in the

Pearland area. The hospital provides quality

healthcare services including, surgical

suites, a Level II neonatal intensive care

unit, 3D digital mammography, a 24-hour

emergency department and comprehensive

cardiovascular services including interven-

tional cardiology.

PMC’s affiliation with the HCA family

gives patients access to the high-quality

health care. In addition to the acquisition

of Tomball Regional Medical Center earlier

this year, HCA Gulf Coast Division has

acquired Houston Northwest Medical

Center, Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center

Hospital, Park Plaza Hospital and Plaza

Specialty Hospital.

CHI St. Luke’s Health Brazosport

CHI St. Luke’s Health Brazosport in Lake

Jackson is the only Level III Trauma Center

in Brazoria County. Brazosport Regional

includes over 100 board-certified physicians

and nearly 600 highly-qualified employees.

The 158-bed hospital offers state of the art

diagnostic and comprehensive treatment

services, an advanced cardiac care center

and full service multidisciplinary cancer

center.

Tuscany Village Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitationtuscanyvillagecare.net 713-770-5300

With over 60 years’ experience in the health-

care industry, privately owned Tuscany

Village continues to be a preferred provider

for skilled nursing and rehabilitation.

Tuscany Village in Pearland has three reha-

bilitation units that provide high-quality

care, giving patients the opportunity to

remain at Tuscany for short stays and longer

periods of recovery.

Tuscany Village has achieved a Five Star

rating from the Centers of Medicare and

Medicaid Services largely based on quality

indicators such as health inspections and

staffing. These quality measures assess the

percentage of patients who improve their

independence during their stay.

Since opening in November 2016, the Tran-

sitional Rehab unit has maintained high

occupancy rates. This unit was designed for

patients most likely to transition to a home

environment. This unique facility has 19

private suites, a private dining room, state-

of-the-art gym and an outdoor patio.

Families considering Tuscany Village can

expect the highest quality of care in a clean

and compassionate environment. Physi-

cians, therapists, 24-hour specialized nursing

care, and other staff make up a dedicated

team that supports a patient’s health and

well-being.

Tuscany Village is within 2 miles of Memo-

rial Hermann Pearland and Pearland

Medical Center. For more information visit

www.tuscanyvillagecare.net and Facebook.

To schedule a tour, call the Admission office

at 713-770-5300.

HEALTHCARE NEWSScience & Research Building, UH/CLC

Pearland

UHCL has started construction of a $24.6

million Heath Sciences and Classroom

Building on the Pearland Campus. Slated

to open in 2019, the facility will offer

RN-to-BSN and Licensed Professional

Counselors programs. Plans include a satel-

lite operation of UHCL’s Center for Autism

and Developmental Disabilities.

The 3-story, 69,539 square-feet building

will feature a 100-seat tiered lecture hall,

3 60-plus seat classrooms, learning class-

rooms, computer teacher labs, biology and

chemistry labs, simulated hospital rooms,

nurses’ and pharmacy stations, and general

offices.

Nationwide, healthcare jobs are expected

to grow 26 to 35 percent by 2020, the U. S.

Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, making

healthcare the fastest growing segment.

Photo courtesy of Health South


John P. Mcgovern Museum Of Health And Medical Science ............. 713-521-1515

John P. Mcgovern Building1515 Hermann Drive Houston, TX 77004-7126

Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center .......................713-704-40006411 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030-1501

The Methodist Hospital ...........713-790-33116565 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030

Prairie View A & M University College Of Nursing .................713-797-70006436 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030

Rice University ..........................713-348-00006100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005

Ronald Mcdonald House ........713-795-35001907 Holcombe BoulevardOuston, TX 77054

St. Dominic Village .................713-741-87002401 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77021

CHI St. Luke’s Hospital ............832-355-10006720 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX 77030

Shriners Hospitals For Children 713-797-16166977 Main Street, Houston, TX 77030

Texas A & M University System Health Science Center Institute Of Biosciences & Technology .......................... 713- 677-77002121 West Holcombe BoulevardHouston, TX 77030-3303

Texas Children’s Hospital .......832-824-10006621 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030

Texas Heart Institute ...............832-355-40116770 Bertner Avenue, C550 Houston, TX 77030

Texas Medical Center ............713-791-6454 Executive Offices John P. Mcgovern Campus, 2450 HolcombeBoulevard, Suite 1, Houston, TX 77021-2040

Baylor College Of Medicine ...713-798-4951One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030

Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital ................... 713-704-54376411 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030

Menninger Clinic ...................... 713-275-500012301 Main Street, Houston, TX 77035

Michael E. Debakey High School ForHealth Professions .................... 713-741-24103100 Shenandoah Street, Houston, TX 77021

Michael E. Debakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center ....................... 713-791-14142002 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030

Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center ............................713-790-12001400 Laconcha Street, Houston, TX 77054-1802

Harris County Hospital District .713-566-6400

Ben Taub General Hospital ... 713- 873-20001504 Taub Loop, Houston, TX 77030

Quentin Mease Community Hospital .....................................713-873-37003601 North Macgregor Way, Houston, TX 77004

Harris County Institute Of Forensic Sciences ....................713-796-9292 1885 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, TX 77054

Houston Academy Of Medicine .............................713-524-4267John P. Mcgovern Building, 1 515 Hermann Drive Houston, TX 77004-7126

Houston Academy Of Medicine TexasMedical Center Library .......... 713-795-4200Jesse H. Jones Library Building, 1133 John Freeman Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030

Houston Community College System .......................713-718-20003100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002

Houston Hospice .....................713-467-74231905 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030

Texas Southern University College Of Pharmacy And Health Sciences ..................................713-313-70353100 Cleburne Avenue, Houston, TX 77004

Texas Woman’s University ......713-794-2000Institute Of Health Sciences-Houston6700 Fannin, Houston, TX 77030

TIRR Memorial Hermann (The Institute ForRehabilitation and Research) .713-799-50001333 Moursund Street, Houston, TX 77030

University Of Houston College Of Pharmacy ................................ 713-795-83801441 Moursund Street, Houston, TX 77030

University of Houston-Victoria Nursing .....................................361-570-4848Various locations in Houston area

University of St. Thomas ...........713-522-79113800 Montrose Houston, TX 77006

The University Of Texas .......... 713-792-2121M.D. Anderson Cancer Center1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030

The University Of Texas Medical ...................................800-917-8906Branch At Galveston .............. 409-772-2222301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555

The University Of Texas HealthScience Center At Houston .... 713-500-44727000 Fannin, Houston, TX 77030

Harris County Psychiatric Center .......................................713-741-50002800 South Macgregor Way, Houston, TX 77021

Nora’s Home for Transplant Patients ....................................832-831-37208300 El Rio Houston, TX 77054

Texas Medical Center Library 713-795-42001133 John Freeman Boulevard 77030

TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER

The Texas Medical Center - Credit: Jackson Myers


in this sectionmoving companiesforwarding mailutilitiespublic transportationinternational relocation

in this sectionLocal Chambers of CommerceEconomic DevelopmentMajor EmployersTexas 288 Toll Road



Major employers in the Texas 288 region

include international chemical industry

giants that bring billions of dollars to the state

and thousands of jobs to the region. In lower

Brazoria County, Dow Chemical Corpora-

tion is the largest single employer and recent

expansion projects will add hundreds of jobs.

Olin Corporation, Phillips 66, BASF Corpo-

ration, Schlumberger Technology, Ascend

Performance Materials, INEOS Olefins, and

Chevron Phillips Chemical, among others,

have operations in the area.

The Port of Freeport offers chemical

manufacturing and petroleum processing

businesses quick access to world markets.

Other important commodities handled by the

port are clothing, fresh fruits and vegetables,

rice, paper goods, project cargo, plastic resins,

aggregate, autos, and windmill components.

The estimated statewide economic impact of

Port Freeport in 2015 was $46.2 billion.

The Texas 288 Corridor’s economic diver-

sity includes manufacturing, healthcare, life

sciences, energy, education, government,

transportation, engineering and construction,

tourism, agriculture and retail. Unemploy-

ment is below the national average and close

to the state average.

The area’s north gateway, the intersection

of Texas 288 and Beltway 8, offers excellent

access to Central Houston, southwest and

west Houston, the Petrochemical District,

NASA and Hobby Airport. The Pearland

area is home to the largest number of Texas

Medical Center employers and has one of the

most diversified populations in the state.

Business relocating to the area will find an

energized and friendly climate to start and

build a business. Area residents have higher

than average annual incomes and a high

percentage are college educated.

BUSINESS NEWSBrazos Mall in Lake Jackson

Following a $25 million revitalizing and

rebranding the 41-year-old Brazos Mall,

Texas 288 at Oyster Creek Drive in Lake

Jackson, is grand opening in October. The

improvements will include new retailers,

a new logo and color scheme. Upgrades

include new floors, seating, lighting and an

updated food court. T.J. Maxx and Home-

Goods have already opened in a refurbished

store on the mall site.

Dallas-based Centennial, which operates

seven regional malls outside of Texas,

Atlantic Creek Real Estate Partners and

North Shore Properties Group purchased the

mall in 2016.

Hotel

Adjacent to the Brazos Mall, Pearland-

based Omkar Enterprises is developing a $12

million Courtyard by Marriott on an 8-acre

tract. The four-story, 116 room hotel is sched-

uled to open in late 2017.

Rushi Patel, vice president of operations for

Omkar, has worked closely with the City of

Lake Jackson, Dow Chemical and other local

businesses to custom fit the hotel design to

the needs of local businesses. The full-ser-

vice hotel will offer room service and other

amenities.

According to Patel, some of the executive

suites will have upscale features preferred by

international travelers. Unusual for Court-

yard by Marriott, the hotel will have a total

of 6,500 square feet in meeting and event

space, including a ball room with a pre-event

bar. Visitors and locals will be able to meet

at a comfortable lounge in a separate area of

the hotel.

Dow Chemical is completing a five-building

research and development complex near the

Major national and international firms in the Texas 288 region employ thousands of workers in a wide

range of industries. These companies add billions of dollars to the economic diversity of Brazoria County

and the State of Texas.

BUSINESS& Mobility


Dow Chemical Corp.

Alvin ISD

Pearland ISD

Texas Dept. of Criminal Justice

The Infinity Group

Brazosport ISD

Brazoria County

Olin Corp.

Phillips 66

Angleton ISD

BASF Corp.

Schlumberger Technology Corp.

Brock Group

Excel

TDECU

City of Pearland

Brazosport Regional Health System

Ascend Performance Materials

INEOS Olefins & Polymers USA

Frontier Communication

Chevron Phillips Chemical Co.

Columbia-Brazoria ISD

Mammoet

Mundy Support Services

Brazoria Economic & Development Alliance

TOP MAJOR EMPLOYERS

The economy in the Texas 288 South area is thriving and growing rapidly. Due to its growth across various busi-ness sectors, it has been recognized as one of the most recession-resistant economies in the United States.

mall called the Texas Innovation Center. Dow

has about 7,000 employees in the region.

IVY DISTRICT IN PEARLANDAfter slowing down in 2016, development plans are back on track for the Ivy District, a 48-acre, $300-million residential and mixed-use development in the Lower Kirby District near Texas 288 and Beltway 8.

Pearland Economic Development Corp is currently working with AMG to ensure infrastructure is in place before construction resumes. The Pearland City Council approved a development agreement with American Modern Green to extend South Spectrum Boulevard from Texas 288 to Kirby Drive. Two other roadways including a bridge over Clear Creek will be built by the developer. Road improvements include landscaping, lighting, and drainage. The City has already approved a waterline connection and public park.

The Ivy District is part of the Lower Kirby

Urban Center, a plan that the city of Pearland

conceived in 2009 to bring pedestrian-friendly

mixed-use developments, light manufac-

turing, office space, retailers and technology

or research centers to the 1,200-acre area near

Texas 288 south of Beltway 8. Construction is

scheduled to begin in 2018.

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCEAlvin-Manvel Area Chamber of Commerce

105 W. Willis, Alvin, TX 77511

281-331-3944 • alvinmanvelchamber.com

Angleton Chamber of Commerce

222 North Velasco, Angleton, TX 77515

979-849-6443 • angletonchamber.org

Brazoria County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

200 West 2nd Street, Suite #210

Freeport, TX 77541

979-233-2223 • bchispanicchamber.com

Brazosport Chamber of Commerce

300 Abner Jackson Parkway,

Lake Jackson, TX 77566

979-285-2501 • brazosport.org

Friendswood Chamber of Commerce

1100 S. Friendswood Drive

Friendswood, TX 77546

281-482-3329 • friendswoodchamber.com

Pearland Area Chamber of Commerce Commerce Center

6117 Broadway, Pearland, TX 77581

281-485-3634 • pearlandtexaschamber.us

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTAlvin Economic Development City of Alvin

216 W. Sealy St., Alvin, TX 77511

281-388-4281

Alvin-TX.gov

Bazoria County Economic Development Alliance

4005 Technology Drive, Suite 1010

Angleton, TX 77515

979-848-0560 • eda-bc.com

Friendwood Economic DevelopmentCity of Friendswood

910 S. Friendswood Dr, Friendswood,

TX 77546

281-996-3200 • friendswood.com

Pearland Economic Development Corporation

11233 Shadow Creek Parkway, Suite 235

Pearland, Texas 77584

281.997.3000 • pearlandedc.com

Manvel Economic Development Corp.

20025 Highway 6, Manvel, TX 77578

281-489-0630 • Cityofmanvel.com

Lake Jackson Development Corp.

25 Oak Drive, Lake Jackson, TX 77566

979-415-2500 • chooselakejackson.com

TOURISM & CONVENTION BUREAUSAlvin Convention & Visitors Bureau

Alvin200 Depot Centre Blvd, Alvin, TX 77511

281-585-3359 • alvintexas.org

Pearland Convention & Visitors Bureau

11200 Broadway St., Suite 1390

Pearland, TX 77584

713-436-5595 • visitpearland.com

Clute Visitors Bureau

100 Parkview Drive, Clute, TX 77531

979-265-2508 • goclute.com

Brazosport Visitors & Convention Council

300 Abner Jackson Parkway

Lake Jackson, TX 77566

979-285-2501 • visitbrazosport.com

B U S I N E S S & M O B I L I T Y


The Brazoria County Toll Road (BCTRA),

Harris County and Texas Department

of Transportation (TxDOT) are moving

forward on the Texas 288 Toll Road.

Construction of the Harris County portion

started in late 2016.

BRAZORIA COUNTYMatt Hanks, Brazoria County Engineer

Construction has started! The long awaited

Brazoria County Expressway has officially

entered the construction phase. Notice to

Proceed was given to the contractor in July

and traffic control is beginning to show up

along the corridor in Brazoria County. The

construction should be completed in the

summer of 2019. For updates and noti-

fications regarding the Brazoria County

Expressway; please visit the new website at

BCExpressway.org.

The Brazoria County segment of the Texas

288 Toll Road will have two managed lanes

in each direction beginning at the Brazoria

County line/Clear Creek and extending

south to approximately CR 58. The Brazoria

County section has an estimated construc-

tion cost of approximately $100 million;

construction will begin in Spring 2017 and

should be completed by mid-2019.

Brazoria County and TxDOT will also

reconstruct the FM 518 interchange at Texas

288 as part of the Brazoria County project.

Brazoria County submitted the project, with

TxDOT support, to reconstruct the main

lane bridges over FM 518 and widen FM

518 under the overpass. This project will

greatly improve the capacity and efficiency

of the FM 518/Texas 288 intersection.

The City of Pearland has established a

management district to improve the condi-

tion and maintenance of the Texas 288

right-of-way and surrounding areas. This

management district is working with both

Brazoria County and the City of Pearland as

part of the toll road project. The overall look

of the corridor will improve tremendously

once the project is completed.

The Brazoria County section of the tolled

managed lanes will be owned and controlled

by Brazoria County.

HARRIS COUNTY SECTIONBlueridge Transportation Group (BTG) is

developing the longest and most difficult

portion of the Texas 288 Toll Road within

Harris County. The Harris County portion

includes three major interchanges: Beltway

8, (8) direct connector/ramp bridges; Loop

610, (8) direct connector/ramp bridges;

Texas Medical Center, (2) direct connector/

ramp bridges. BTG estimates that the Harris

County segments will be completed by

mid-2019.

The Harris County portion, a 10.3-mile

stretch from US 59/I69 to the Harris County

line at Clear Creek, has six segments that are

differentiated by the following colors and

boundaries (map above). Frequent drivers

can check www.Drive288.com for construc-

tion alerts.

SEGMENT 1 (RED)From the North, begins about halfway

between Almeda-Genoa Rd and Sam

Houston Tollway (near Anderson Rd),

ending just south of Sam Houston Tollway

at Clear Creek (the Harris and Brazoria

county line). Includes the Sam Houston

Tollway/Beltway 8 interchange.

SEGMENT 2 (ORANGE)From the North, begins at Sims Bayou,

ending about halfway between Alme-

da-Genoa Rd and Sam Houston Tollway

(near Anderson Rd).

SEGMENT 3 (YELLOW)From the North, begins about halfway

between Belfort and Reed Rd, ending at

Sims Bayou.

SEGMENT 4 (GREEN)From the North, begins at Holly Hall/

Mainer St, ending about halfway between

Belfort and Reed Rd. Includes the I-610

interchange.

SEGMENT 5 (BLUE)From the North, begins at MacGregor

Way/Brays Bayou, ending at Holly Hall/

Mainer St.

SEGMENT 6 (BROWN)From the North, begins at the US 59/I-69

and SH 288 split, ending at MacGregor

Way/Brays Bayou.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION TX288 TOLL ROAD


in this sectionattractions and family funarts and culturesports and golfcalendar of events


Photo courtesy of Eric Pohl


Houston’s appreciation for the performing

and visual arts is most visible in its acclaimed

theaters, world-class museums and refined

art galleries. Houston is second only to New

York City for the number of theaters, and

can boast professional resident companies

in all the major performing arts disciplines.

There is always a new place to discover or

an experience waiting to happen in Hous-

ton’s lively districts, parks, sports centers and

shopping malls.

The Texas 288 region has its own activities to

draw residents, from international festivals

and musical concerts to rodeos and fishing

tournaments. There is even a wild life park

with zoo animals, a scuba lake and a water

ski park. Picking strawberries on a family

farm is an annual event shared by gener-

ations, and crawfish festivals are plentiful

in the spring months. The only Mosquito

Festival in the USA is held in Clute just a

few miles from the Texas Gulf Coast.

Community theatres and local companies

perform classic and contemporary plays on a

seasonal basis for loyal patrons. If art is your

inspiration, frequent art exhibits and juried

shows feature local and regional artists.

Case in point, the Pear-Scape public art trail

features 4-ft. pears, designed and painted by

local artists.

As detailed on the following pages, Houston

hosts annual events including the world’s

largest rodeo and art car parade. The city’s

diverse personality shines through with

annual celebrations such as the Chinese

New Year, Cinco de Mayo, Juneteenth and

LGBT Pride Parade.

One of the best websites for finding out

about special events in Houston is www.

visithouston.com, the official site of the

Greater Houston Convention and Visitors

Bureau.

The website includes a visitor’s guide, inter-

active maps, coupons and discounts, and

itinerary ideas. One of its most popular

features is the Houston CityPass, which

provides admission to 5 of Houston’s top

attractions at a substantial discount!


With Houston to the north, the Texas Gulf Coast to the south and an international airport just a few miles away, finding something exciting to do at a moment’s notice

isn’t a problem. Among so many choices, choosing what to do is the problem!

LEISURE &RECREATION


Photo courtesy of Hobby Center For The Performing Arts


The theater district is an impressive cultural and entertainment center; features nine world renowned performing arts organizations, and many smaller ones, in four venues – Jones Hall, Wortham Theater Center, Alley Theatre and Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.

ARTS &culture


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Alley Theatre615 Texas Ave., Houston, 77002 www.alleytheatre.org

One of America’s leading not-for-profit

theatres calls the Houston Theater District

Home – The Alley Theatre. The Alley

Theatre is nationally recognized for their

performing arts company lead by Artistic

Director Gregory Boyd and Managing

Director Dean R. Gladden. Specializing

in productions of the classics, modern

plays and premieres, The Alley Theatre

produces more performances than all

other performing arts organizations in the

Houston Theater District.

Bayou Place500 Texas Ave., Houston, 77002 www.bayouplace.com

Bayou Place is Houston’s premier destina-

tion for great food and good times. Popular

venues such as the Revention Music Center

and Sundance Cinemas are located here as

well as many dining options – most popular

is Houston’s own Hard Rock Café. This

mosaic of entertainment options makes

Bayou Place a prime spot for the Houston

Theater District.

Hobby Center for the Performing Arts800 Bagby St., Ste. 300 Houston, 77002 www.thehobbycenter.org

The Hobby Center for the Performing

Arts brings first-class entertainment and

cultural enjoyment to Houstonians by way

of the generosity of their donors. This arts

complex is home to the Theatre Under The

Stars (TUTS), and the Houston Broadway

Series.

Houston Ballet501 Texas Ave., Houston, 77002 www.houstonballet.org

The Houston Ballet is a classically trained company with diverse repertory whose range includes the classics are well as contem-porary works. This company attracts the world’s best dancers and choreographers. The Houston Ballet also has a world class Academy where instruction levels vary from professional dancer to non-professional dancers.

Houston Grand Opera510 Preston St., Houston, 77002 www.houstongrandopera.org

Adding to Houston’s rich cultural environ-

ment, the Houston Grand Opera entertains

with their innovative programs, community

events and educational projects. Houston

Grand Opera has a solid reputation for

commissioning and producing new works,

including 56 world premieres and seven

American premieres since 1973. Stop in and

visit and see why Houston Grand Opera has

toured extensively, including trips to Europe

and Asia, and is the only opera company to

have won a Tony, two Grammy awards, and

two Emmy awards.

Houston Symphony615 Louisiana St. Ste. 102, Houston, 77002 www.houstonsymphony.org

The Houston Symphony’s mission is to

“inspire and engage a large diverse audience

in Greater Houston and beyond through

exceptional orchestral and non-orches-

tral performances, educational programs

and community activities.” By 2025, the

Houston Symphony aims to be one of

America’s most relevant and accessible

top-ten orchestras.

Jones Hall615 Louisiana St., Houston, 77002 www.houstonfirsttheaters.com

Jones Hall is a monument to the memory

of Jesse Holman Jones, an eminent figure

in Houston during the first half of the 20th

Century. Today, Jones Hall is home to the

Houston Symphony and the Society for the

Performing Arts. More than 400,000 visi-

tors attend some 250 events annually.

Main Street Theater2450 Times Square Blvd., Houston 77005 333 S. Jensen, Houston, 77003 www.mainstreettheater.com

Main Street Theater was founded in 1975

and has been opening doors for locals of all

ages to engage in the performing arts. They

offer classes for children and adults and hold

performances by both local authors and

established writers.

Stages Repertory Theatre3021 Allen Pkwy. Ste. 101, Houston, 77019 www.stagestheatre.com

Stages Theatre is one of only two theatres

in the region that offers year-round employ-

ment for actors, directors and additional

staff. Stages contributes much to the

Houston community, including the avail-

ability of thrilling live performances. The

Theatre produces daring and innovative

plays focusing on new off-Broadway hits

and world premieres.

Society for the Performing Arts615 Louisiana St. Ste. 100, Houston, 77002 www.spahouston.org

The Society for the Performing Arts is the

largest nonprofit presenting organization of

its kind in the entire Southwest region. SPA

is renowned for delivering to Houston inter-

nationally acclaimed artists from the entire

performing arts spectrum, and has been

doing so for over 50 years.

Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS)800 Bagby, Ste. 200, Houston, TX 77002 www.tuts.com

A non-profit based in Houston, Texas,

Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) offers a

world –class musical theatre experience that

ranges from full-scale Broadway productions

to educational initiatives that extend beyond

the stage and into the community. TUTS is

equipped for actors and aficionados of all

ages and abilities.

Wortham Theater Center 501 Texas Ave., Houston, 77002 www.houstonfirsttheaters.com

Houston’s largest performing arts complex,

is home to the Houston Ballet and Houston

Grand Opera and is partnered with Da

Camera of Houston and Mercury the

Orchestra Redefined. The Wortham Center

features two theaters, the Alice and George

Brown Theater at 2,405 seats used primarily

for major performances and the Lillie and

Roy Cullen Theater at 1,100 seat hosts

smaller opera and ballet. Since its opening in

1987, Wortham has entertained more than 8

million people.

THEATER


The Art Car Museum140 Heights Blvd., Houston, 77007 www.artcarmuseum.com

Otherwise known as the “Garage Mahal”,

The Art Car Museum is dedicated to

contemporary art. It is an exhibition forum

for local, national and international arts

with an emphasis on art cars, other fine arts

and artists that rarely, if ever, are acknowl-

edged by other cultural institutions. Most

popular to Houstonians is the annual Art

Car Parade.

Buffalo Soldiers National Museum3816 Caroline St., Houston, TX 77004 www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com

The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum

(BSNM) is proud to educate the public and

preserve and promote the history, tradition

and outstanding contributions of America’s

Buffalo Soldiers from the Revolutionary

War to the present. Here, you can find work-

shops, youth outreach programs and exhibits

about the history of the Buffalo Soldiers and

their service.

Children’s Museum of Houston1500 Binz St., Houston, TX 77004 www.cmhouston.org

A duck pond, playhouse, grocery store,

Mexican village, puppet show and an

infant play area are all under one roof. The

fun-filled hands on experience at the Chil-

dren’s Museum of Houston will not leave

anyone bored. For nearly 30 years, the place

for families to play, laugh, learn and grow.

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston5216 Montrose Blvd., Houston, 77006 www.camh.org

The Contemporary Arts Museum of

Houston is an institution dedicated to

presenting the best and most exciting inter-

national, national and regional art. Patrons

of every age will appreciate the collec-

tions of work and dynamic exhibitions on

display. CAMH is a nonprofit organization

that relies on a variety of funding sources,

including individual, government, and

corporate, for its activities.

The Health Museum1515 Hermann Dr., Houston, 77004 www.thehealthmuseum.org

The Health Museum is Houston’s most

interactive science learning center and a

member institution of the world-renowned

Texas Medical Center. The Health Museum

is the most visited health museum of its kind

in the country. Popular exhibits include:

DeBakey Cell Lab, Amazing Body Pavilion

and the McGovern 4D Theater.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science5555 Hermann Park Dr., Houston, 77030 www.hmns.org

As one of the most heavily attended

museums in the United States, the Houston

Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) seeks

to enhance knowledge and delight in natural

science and related subjects. It houses

the Burke Baker Planetarium, Wortham

GIANT Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly

Center and a fascinating variety of perma-

nent exhibit areas that examine astronomy,

space science, Native American culture,

paleontology, energy, chemistry, gems and

minerals, Texas wildlife and more. www.

hmns.org

Holocaust Museum Houston5401 Caroline St., Houston, 77004 www.hmh.org

The Holocaust Museum Houston is

dedicated to educating people about the

Holocaust, remembering the 6 million Jews

and other innocent victims and honoring the

survivors’ legacy. The Holocaust Museum

Houston has a permanent exhibition called

“Bearing Witness: A Community Remem-

bers,” as well as other pieces of history.

The Menil Collection1533 Sul Ross St., Houston, TX 77006 www.menil.org

The Menil Collection is an art museum

that houses both permanent collection and

welcomes special exhibitions. Making art

accessible to all is vital to their mission, so

no admission fee is charged and all public

programs are free. They hope to educate

and inspire by being readily accessible to

future generations. Menil philosophy is

to foster each individual’s direct, personal

encounter with works of art.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

(MFAH)1001 Bissonnet, Houston, 77005 www.mfah.org

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents

its exceptional exhibitions and installations

to Houston residents and visitors alike. The

Museum has numerous collections that fill

the galleries year-round embracing every

era of history from across the globe. Make

time to visit the Bayou Bend Collection not

too far away. From 2015 to 2019 the campus

of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston will

transform into a magnificent two new build-

ings. Children 12 and younger are always

admitted free.

Blaffer Art Museum University of Houston 120 Fine Arts Bldg. Houston, 77204 www.blafferartmuseum.org

Blaffer Art Museum helps the community

to engage in contemporary art through exhi-

bitions, publications and public programs.

This art museum is free, and open to the

public in an effort to promote participation

in the arts. Blaffer Art Museum is also the

gateway between the University of Houston

and the City of Houston.

Photo courtesy of The Art Car Museum

MUSEUMS

L E I S U R E & R E C R E A T I O N


Alvin Historical Museum, Alvin

300 W. Sealy, Alvin, Texas

281-331-4469 • www.alvinmuseum.org

Housed in a former post office, the Alvin

Historical Museum showcases artifacts

and memorabilia from Alvin’s history. The

museum is located at 300 West Sealy.

Brazoria County Historical Museum,

Angleton

979-388-1208 • www.bchm.org

Housed in the 1897 Brazoria County Court-

house the museum includes an exhibit on

the Austin Colony and other exhibits on the

frontier experience.

Brazosport Museum of Natural Science

Clute

979-265-7831 • www.bcfas.org

Named one of the ten best museums in

Texas by Frommer’s Travel Guide. Features

the largest collection of shells—over 14,000

on display—a dinosaur replica; and exhibits

on wildlife, rocks and minerals, archaeology,

fossils and aquariums.

Cultural Heritage Museum

2341 N. Galveston Avenue, Suite 200.

This intimate 390 square-foot museum

installation is serving as an exhibit space

until a permanent museum facility is built in

Pearland. Visitors can view the 100+ Visions

of India collection featuring Indian art and

artifacts, reflecting both India’s culture and

art. Sam Kannappan curates the exhibit

sponsored by the Pearland Alliance for Arts

& Culture.

Lake Jackson Historical Museum, Lake

Jackson

979-297-1570 • lakejacksonmuseum.org

Museum highlights the history of Lake

Jackson, “The City of Enchantment”,

exhibits in history, humanities, and the

sciences.

Schuster Home, Freeport, TX

979-297-0868

Built in 1917, the same year the city of Free-

port was incorporated, the Schuster house

was a special place for family gatherings and

holidays. Large crafted columns supported

the wrap around porch and two enclosed

chimneys provided for wood-burning stoves.

Ten foot ceilings and many windows helped

keep the area cool. It serves as an example

of family life during the founding of Free-

port. Tours are given on the fourth Saturday

of every month.

Surfside Historical Museum

979-233-1531 • www.surfsidetx.org

A display of artifacts and exhibits on the

history of Surfside Beach, Fort Velasco,

Brazoria County and Texas. Outside monu-

ments commemorate the Battle of Velasco

and sinking of the Acadia during the Civil

War. FREE admission

TEXAS 288 SOUTH MUSEUMS

Alvin Live, Alvin Community College

281-756-3767

This small, intimate venue gives students

experience in television and radio broad-

casting while raising funds for the college

communications department.

Brazosport Center Stages Theater

979-265-7661 • www.bcfas.org

The oldest continuously operating commu-

nity theatre on the Gulf Coast of Texas,

providing generations of audiences quality

theatrical events.

Brazosport College Art Gallery

979-230-3000 • www.brazosport.edu

Some of the finest works from around the

United States are on display, showcasing

various mediums and styles from contempo-

rary and modern to traditional works.

Kid’s Backporch Productions

281-412-5350

This non-profit youth theatre group presents

children’s theatrical productions starring

adult and child actors.

PEARLAND ARTS LEAGUE (PAL)

713-340-1965

PAL invites area arts to participate in

exhibits at business locations throughout

Pearland. For information www.pearland-

artsleague.com

Pearl Theater/Pearland Theatre Guild

713-340-2540

The Pearl Theater near Shadow Creek

Ranch is the Guild’s permanent home.

Productions include classic and contempo-

rary plays, classes, camps and workshops for

adults and children.

TEXAS 288 SOUTH THEATER & ART

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ATTRACTIONSTEXAS 288 & HOUSTON

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Alvin Train Depotwww.alvintexas.org/historic-depot-center

The fully restored Alvin Depot & Clock

Tower is located on the Santa Fe mainline

in downtown Alvin. Trains stopped at the

depot from the early 1900s until 1960. The

depot has a second life today as a special

events venue and offices for the Visitors

Bureau.

Bayou Wildlife Park

www.bayouwildlifezoo.com

The Bayou Wildlife Park in Alvin is one of

only four zoos in the state of Texas. Visitors

take a safari-like adventure through the park

to see the animals in their natural habitats.

Animals come from 19 different countries,

including Africa, Asia, Australia, and North

and South America.

Brazos Bend State Park & George Observatorywww.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/brazos-bend

Brazos Bend is one of the last remaining

wild places open to the public in the greater

Houston area. The park is approximately

5,000 acres of prairie, wetland and bottom-

land forest along the west bank of the Brazos

River. 37 miles of trails are open to walking

and cycling. The park has equestrian trails,

but horses are not available. The park is the

busiest in the spring and fall months and on

mild winter days. Brazos Bend is famous for

its wild alligator population. The George

Observatory is part of the Houston Museum

of Natural Science.

Brazoria National Wildlife Refugewww.fws.gov/refuge/Brazoria/visit/plan_your_visit.html

The Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge

is part of the Texas Mid-coast National

Wildlife Refuge Complex, which includes

Brazoria, San Bernard and Big Boggy

National Wildlife Refuges. Located east

of Angleton and Lake Jackson, the refuge

complex is a haven for both wildlife and

people. For wildlife, the expanse of salt and

freshwater marshes, sloughs, ponds, coastal

prairies, and bottomland forest represent

feasting and lodging for all or part of the

year. For people, there is exceptional wild-

life watching. The greater the number

of habitats, the richer the ecology, the

Refuge’s location on the Texas Gulf helps

Freeport draw one of the highest Audubon

Christmas bird counts in the nation - more

than 200 species.

Center for the Arts & Scienceswww.bcfas.org

Located in Clute, the Center promotes the

appreciation of art, natural science, theater,

nature and music. The Center’s planetarium

features a 30-foot dome equipped with a

Spitz Star Ball projector to produce the night

sky as it appears to the naked eye. High tech

equipment gets up close views to comets,

exploding stars, and black holes.

Froberg’s Vegetable & Fruit Farmwww.frobergsfarm.com

Froberg’s Country Store is open year

round seven days a week excluding major

Holidays. Froberg’s offers homegrown

fruits and vegetables along with produce

from other areas. Froberg is famous for its

homemade pies, fried pies, pickles, jellies,

preserves, pralines, pecan brittle, peanut

brittle, kettle and caramel corn. Strawberry

picking typically starts in January and

ends late May. Starting the last weekend

in September until the first weekend in

November, the farm adds a Corn Maze,

Indoor Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival

with fun activities for the kids.

TEXAS 288 SOUTH


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Haak Vineyards and Winery

www.haakwine.co.

Haak Winery in Santa Fe is the only

commercial vineyard in Galveston County.

Visitors can take tours and stay for tastings

during business hours.

Pear-Scape Trailwww.visitpearland.com

Visitors to Pearland can see the city and

some beautiful 4-ft. pears painted by local

artists on the Pear-Scape Trail. 20 pears were

uniquely designed for the trail.

Pearwood Skate Center

www.pearwoodskate.com

Reminisce about the “good old days” of

big hair and shoulder pads and enjoy a fun

afternoon or evening of roller skating at

Pearwood Skate Center in Pearland. Quad

skates or in-line skates are included with

your entry fee.

Sea Center Texaswww.tpwd.texas.gov/fishing/sea-center-texas

The 75-acre center is a marine fish hatchery

and aquarium. This education and enter-

tainment facility includes the aquarium, red

drum hatchery, and a wetlands walkway and

exhibit.

Stephen F. Austin Statuewww.brazoriacountytx.govdepartments/parks-department/munson-park-stephen-f-austin-statue

Stephen F. Austin-Munson Historical

County Park represents a unique private-

public partnership following years of

community support for Brazoria County’s

most famous resident, Stephen F. Austin,

“the Father of Texas. Following a ground-

swell of support to honor Austin, local

residents raised funds to construct the 72-ft.

high statue and grounds. The park is the first

county-run historic site and is open five days

per week.

Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic

Site Museumwww.thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/varner-hogg-plantation-state-historic-site

This Texas Historical Commission prop-

erty is situated on 66 acres along the Brazos

River in West Columbia. The site tells the

story of the plantation’s 134-year history,

including a majestic plantation house, pecan

orchards, numerous outbuildings and other

outdoor features.

Sri Meenakshi Templewww.emeenakshi.org

Sri Meenakshi Temple Society was estab-

lished in 1977. Houston families took turns

and performed daily poojas. University of

Houston professor of architecture, Sri Ranjit

Banerjee, developed the initial master plan

for the first five acre tract, which included

the main temple hall and Ganesh temple.

COLUMBIA BOTTOMLAND WATERWAY8.3 mile stretch on the Brazos River through

the impressive Columbia Bottomland

forests.

OLD SETTLEMENT PASSAGE 10.4 mile route that offers views of historic

bridges amongst the Columbia Bottomlands.

Paddle Brazoria County down the Brazos RiverThere are four connecting trails along the

Brazos River: in total 35.4 miles to paddle.

For maps and trip details visit https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/boat/paddlingtrails/inland/

SUGAR MILL STRETCH 6.9 mile section gives paddlers an easy route.

GULF PRAIRIE RUN 9.8 mile trail through Columbia Bottomland

hardwoods toward Freeport

Stephen F. Austin Paddling Trail



With its huge array of awesome aquatic adventures, Schlitterbahn Galveston Island

can be your personal happy place! During the summer season the park offers over 35

amazing rides and attractions. The Heated Indoor Season, October through mid-April,

features more than a dozen heated attractions in a tropical, heated indoor oasis.

SCHLITTERBAHN GALVESTON ISLAND WATERPARK www.schlitterbahn.com

HOUSTON AREA

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Houston Arboretum and Nature Center and Memorial Park

www.houstontx.gov

Memorial Park, opened in 1924, is one of

the largest urban parks in the United States

and covers approximately 1,466 acres inside

the 610 Loop. The 18-hole Memorial Park

Golf Course, Texas’ top-rated municipal

golf course, lies at the heart of the park

along with tennis courts, softball fields,

swimming center, track, croquet, volley-

ball, skating, and cycling. The most famous

feature of the park is the 2.93 mile running

course of crushed granite and is probably

the most popular in Houston with almost 3

million visits annually.

The Houston Arboretum and Nature

Center, an arboretum and botanical garden,

is located within the park on 155 acres.

The Nature Center holds classes and hosts

events.

Battleship Texas and San Jacinto Monument Museumwww.sanjacinto-museum.org

Battleship Texas is anchored at the 1,200-

acre San Jacinto Battleground State Historic

Site where visitors can experience history

first-hand. The only surviving combat ship

to have served in both World Wars, the

Battleship Texas became the first memo-

rial museum of its kind in the United

States and is permanently anchored on the

Houston Ship Channel. The Battleship

Texas program provides many recreational

and educational experiences for visitors as

well as numerous programs and self-guided

tours. 281-479-2431

Site of the battle that won Texas indepen-

dence from Mexico. The world’s largest

masonry structure invites visitors to learn

about events that shaped Texas history.

281-479-2421

Discovery Greenwww.discoverygreen.com

Since it opened in 2008, this 12-acre

downtown park has been a hit with Hous-

tonians who enjoy its restaurants, public

art displays, dog parks, lakes, and seasonal

events including the holiday ice rink. More

than 1.2 million visitors come to more than

600 events at Discovery Green each year,

including movies in the park, concerts and

fitness programs.

George Ranch Historical Parkwww.georgeranch.org

Located on a 20,000-acre working ranch,

this 460-acre living history park includes

historic homes, costumed interpreters and

livestock. Tracing history that began in

1824, it is open daily. Special events such as

the Texian Market Days Festival and Spring

Break activities are offered year round.


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Hermann Parkwww.hermannpark.org

Arguably Houston’s “Central Park,” this

445-acre park wedged between the Museum

District and Medical Center celebrated

its 100th birthday in 2014 with a major

facelift and the new McGovern Centennial

Gardens, featuring 15 acres of rose gardens,

an interactive family garden, a 30-foot

garden mount, and a sculpture promenade.

Hermann Park is also home to the Houston

Zoo, the Houston Museum of Natural

Science, Miller Outdoor Theater, a Japanese

Garden, train and pedal boats, and a golf

course.

Houston Zoowww.houstonzoo.org

The Houston Zoo had a record year for

attendance in 2016, welcoming 2,550,453

million visitors and maintaining its elite

position as the second-most-attended US

zoo with a paid admission.

The zoo’s multiple seasonal and permanent

attractions like holiday Zoo Lights and the

Gorillas of the African Forest exhibit have

helped drive attendance. Gorillas of The

African Forest gives visitors the opportunity

to observe gorillas in a lush forest setting

adjacent to the existing chimpanzee habitat.

The Houston Zoo is open seven days a week,

from 9:00 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is located at

6200 Hermann Park Drive.

No Label Brewery

www.nolabelbrew.com

Tour Katy’s own craft brewery, No Label

Brewing Co., located in a repurposed rice

silo in Old Town Katy. Tours and tastings

are offered every Saturday, and special

events take place throughout the year.

Asia Society

www.asiasociety.org

Asia Society is the leading educational orga-

nization dedicated to promoting mutual

understanding and strengthening partner-

ships among people, leaders and institutions

of Asia and the United States in a global

context. Across the fields of arts, business,

culture, education, and policy, the Society

provides insight, generates ideas, and

promotes collaboration to address present

challenges and create a shared future.

Central Green www.willowforkdrainagedistrict.com/central-green

Free outdoor movies, concerts and special

events such as an annual children’s festival

are offered year-round at this half-acre

multipurpose park, surrounded by lakes and

restaurants in LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch.

Developed by the Willow Fork Drainage

District, Central Green has an outdoor

stage, large shady oaks, and outdoor seating

around a grassy lawn.

The Galleria Houstonwww.simon.com/mall/the-galleria

The Galleria attracts more than 26 million

visitors each year and is a major destina-

tion for shoppers from Latin America. The

Galleria is the largest mall in Texas and the

fourth largest in the nation. Modeled after

the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan,

built in 1867, Houston’s Galleria also

includes its famous ice rink.

Space Center Houstonwww.spacecenter.org

Space Center Houston is the visitor center

for NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the

area’s only Smithsonian affiliate. Houston’s

No. 1 attraction for international visitors,

Space Center Houston emphasizes engaging

educational exhibits in science, technology,

engineering and mathematics. It offers

permanent and special exhibits, attractions,

theaters and seasonal camps for kids.

Moody Gardenswww.moodygardens.org • 800-582-4673

A tropical destination for families and

groups. Explore the all new Rainforests

of the World along within the Aquarium

Pyramid®, the Discovery Museum & the

action of the IMAX® 3D, 4D or Ridefilm

theaters. Cruise aboard the Colonel Paddle-

wheel Boat, tee off at the new Moody

Gardens Golf Course and relax at the

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention

Center for an ideal getaway.

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Texas 288 South offers a wide variety of sports and recreational activities to please everyone: couch potatoes, weekend warriors, full-on athletes and die-hard fans love the sports scene. With year-round mild temperatures, getting up and getting out has become a way of life.

SPORTS & GOLF


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HOUSTON PROUDMajor events in Houston require tens of

thousands of volunteers who take on a

variety of jobs and responsibilities to make

the event Houston Proud. More than 33,000

individuals serving on over 100 commit-

tees form the Houston Livestock Show and

Rodeo volunteer corps, giving more than 2.1

million total hours. The biggest volunteer

program in Super Bowl history took place in

Houston in 2017, where 10,000 volunteers

assisted over a million visitors to the city for

Super Bowl LI.

SPORTS DISTRICTWithin walking distance of Avenida de las

Americas, the Houston Astros baseball team

plays in Minute Maid Park, built around the

grand 1911 Union Station depot.

The Houston Rockets play basketball at

Toyota Center a short walk from Minute

Maid Park. Toyota Center is also a popular

venue for concerts.

The Houston Dynamo soccer team take the

field at BBVA Compass Stadium, located on

the exciting east side of downtown, home

to a growing concentration of clubs, restau-

rants and newly constructed homes. A new

bike trail and METRO’s new East End rail

line add to the vitality of this area.

GOLFThe average high in Houston in January (the

coldest month) is 62.9°F and the average

low is 43.2°F; there are over 200 days of

sunshine. Houston is a golfer’s paradise.

The Texas 288 Corridor has its share of

both public and private courses that offer

varying terrain and challenges to suit every

golfer’s taste. Here, you’ll see striking views

of downtown Houston from one of the

highest tee boxes in the city. You can play a

round of golf in a certified Audubon Coop-

erative Sanctuary, tee off in a country club

known to be one of the most challenging

and well-maintained in the city, or play a

round of golf in your own neighborhood. In

addition, golf lessons, clinics, PGA profes-

sionals and First Tee Programs are offered

throughout the area.

Clear Creek Golf Club

713-738-8000

Pearland Golf Club at Country Place 713-773-9603

Magnolia Creek Golf Links

281-557-0555

Sienna Plantation Golf Club

281-778-4653

South Shore Harbour Country Club

281-334-0521

Southwyck Golf Club, Pearland

713-436-9999

Wildcat Golf Club

713-413-3400

Wilderness Golf Course

979-297-4653

Timber Creek Golf Club

281-993-1140

TEXAS 288 SOUTHGOLF COURSES


CALENDARof EVENTSTEXAS 288 & SURROUNDING AREA

EVENTS YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS


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SEPTEMBERTexas Renaissance Festival

www.texrenfest.com

Plantersville - Based on travel-worthiness,

chance to broaden horizons and the ability

to introduce people to try new things and

connect with others, the Texas Renaissance

Festival has been voted the best cultural

festival in the country by USA Today and

10Best. Enjoy magicians, jugglers, minstrels,

troubadours, comedians, food, arts and crafts

that all celebrate life in the 16th Century.

OCTOBER3rd Annual Pearland Art & Crafts on the

Pavilion

713-436-5595

Unique collection of artists and craft artisans

support this annual show at the Pearland

Town Center. Saturday & Sunday, 10 am to

5 pm.

The Original Greek Festival

www.greekfestival.org

Join in the celebration at the Original

Greek Festival held at Annunciation Greek

Orthodox Cathedral. Part of the proceeds

are donated to various Houston area

charities.

Bayou City Art Festival Downtown

713-521-0133

This acclaimed juried art show in downtown

Houston spans several blocks filled with

paintings, sculptures, jewelry and music,

plus great food, wine cafes, beer taverns and

a kids zone.

Brazoria County Fair & Rodeo

979-849-6416

Largest county fair in Texas with Rodeo,

concerts, BBQ Cook-off, and Live-

stock Show & Carnival. Fair grounds in

Angleton.

NOVEMBER Quilt Festival

713-781-6864

More than 1,600 quilt and fiber art works

will be on exhibit at this renowned show

and sale. Shop more than 1,100 booths, free

demos and education exhibits in the George

R. Brown Convention Center.

Nutcracker Market

www.Houstonballet.org

The Houston Ballet’s major fundraiser, the

Nutcracker Market is a shopping wonder-

land. This year’s market will feature

BRAZOSPORTCENTER STAGES2017-2018 Season

September 15 - 24, 2017

November 24 - December 3

February 2 - 11, 2018

April 27 - May 6, 2018

July 13 - 22, 2018

400 College Blvd • Clute, TX 77531 • 979-265-7661

Info @ www.brazosportcenter.org


more than 325 national and international

merchants carefully selected for their unique

offerings. Look for gourmet food, home

décor, garden accessories, clothing, novelties

and the perfect gift.

HGMS Gem, Jewelry, Mineral & Fossil

Show

www.hgms.org

The Houston Gem and Mineral Society will

hold its annual celebration of rocks, show-

casing unique jewelry and other earthly

delights. See demonstrations, educational

exhibits and one-of-a-kind treasures.

H-E-B Holiday Parade

www.houstontx.gov/thanksgivingparade

The 68th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day

Parade will welcome the holiday season by

celebrating all things Houston. The Fun

begins at 9am when the downtown streets

come alive with zesty marching bands,

imaginative floats and colorful balloons.

Bring the family.

Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo

713-533-6550

Presented by TXU Energy. Millions of

LED lights illuminate animal-themed light

displays, 15 miles of tree lighting, and

seasonal songs and stories.

Houston Galleria - Uptown Holiday

Lighting

www.uptownhouston.com • 713-621-2011

The annual holiday tradition flips the switch

on a half-million twinkling lights along with

music, holiday characters, and a special

appearance by Santa. Fireworks grand

finale. Numerous Christmas events from

tree lighting ceremonies and parades to fun

runs are held in various cities in the Texas

288 region throughout the holiday season.

Check your city’s web page for informa-

tion or contact the Convention & Visitors

Bureau.

JANUARYChevron Houston Marathon

HoustonMarathon.com

Established in 1972, the Houston Marathon

Committee, Inc. (HMC), a Running USA

Founding Member, annually organizes the

nation’s premier winter marathon, half-mar-

athon and 5K. About 25,000 runners

participate in three race weekend events

organized by 7,500 volunteers, creating

Houston’s largest single-day sporting event.

FEBRUARYMardi Gras Galveston Island

www.galveston.com/mardigras

The Island’s 107th Mardi Gras celebration,

is expected to draw more than 300,000

attendees. This island-style Mardi Gras

has plenty of personality from the classic

revelry found in the heart of Galveston’s

historic downtown district to electronic

dance parties and family friendly events and

parades.

Pearland Winterfest

281-412-8900.

This popular family event is held at the

Recreation Center Natatorium. Call for

ticket information

MARCHHouston Livestock Show & Rodeo

832-667-1000

The world’s largest rodeo features dazzling

competitions, award-winning barbecue

and block-buster concerts by country and

western and other music super stars. Young

farmers vying for scholarships exhibit their

prize livestock, plus an outdoor carnival at

NRG Park.

15th Annual Red Hat Literacy Luncheon

281-485-1000

Annual event benefiting the Adult Reading

Center in Pearland. Hosted by Channel 13

anchor Elissa Rivas.

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H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 8 7 H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 8 7

8 8 T E X A S 2 8 8 S O U T H N E W C O M E R G U I D E – F A L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8To learn more, visit www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com

ad index APARTMENT LOCATORS

David the Locator ............................................................. 22

APARTMENTS

Discovery At Shadow Creek Ranch................................ 43

BUILDERS

Beazer Homes .................................................................... 23

Stone Meadow Homes ..................................................... 19

Terrata Homes.................................................................... 41

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTS

Meridiana ............................................................................. 1

Pomona – A Live Smart Community ...............Back Cover

Sienna Plantation ...................................Inside Back Cover

Woodshore Community ................................................... 13

Sterling Lakes by Terrata Homes ...................................... 41

DELIVERY SERVICES

Lone Star Delivery ............................................................. 42

EDUCATION: SCHOOLS

Brazosport ISD .................................................................... 29

Lutheran South Academy ................................................ 31

Primrose School ................................................................. 33

St. Helen Catholic School ................................................ 32

EDUCATION: COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES

Alvin Community College ................................................ 34

Houston Community College –

South Central Campus ..................................................... 35

New Horizons Computer Learning Center ..................... 36

University of Houston Clear Lake, Pearland Campus ... 37

HEALTHCARE

HealthSouth Pearland Rehabilitation Hospital................. 9

Houston Methodist Hospital .............................................. 3

Memorial Hermann Pearland .......................................... 63

Tuscany Village Skilled Nursing Rehabilitation ............... 49

MORTGAGES

Nationwide Finance Group ............................................. 44

REAL ESTATE & RELOCATION SERVICES

Better Homes and Garden / Gary Greene .................... 45

Innovative Realty Group .................................................. 22

KW Preferred Realty ...............................Inside Front Cover

Shelly Naiser Properties ..................................................... 21

Upscale Real Estate of Texas

- Wendy Lowery ................................................................. 14

RECREATION/ENTERTAINMENT

Brazos Center Stages ........................................................ 85

Children’s Museum of Houston ........................................ 54

Pearland Golf Club at Country Place ............................ 83

Schlitterbahn Galveston Island ........................................ 87

Texas Renaissance Festival............................................... 79

TEMPORARY LODGING/HOTELS

Courtyard Marriott ............................................................ 15

UTILITIES

Comcast – XFINITY ......................................................... 7/53

TXU Energy Services ............................................................ 5

Advertise in the next issue. Reserve your premium or preferred position today!

Darling . CalAtlantic . Chesmar . David Weekley . Gracepoint . Highland . MeritageMI Homes . Newmark . Perry . Shea . Taylor Morrison . Toll Brothers . Trendmaker . Westin

Community

New homes from the $280sSienna Pkwy at Hwy. 6 . siennaplantation.com/homes

DowntownGreenway

Galleria

Med Center

F

ort Be

nd Pk

wy

I t’s everywhere you look in Sienna Plantation.

See for yourself.A strong community with neighbors you can count on. Where children grow and learn.Where quality time and real life blend in a beautiful setting. Visit Sienna Plantation’sSawmill Lake, with new schools, new amenities and new homes from the $280s.

Your 100% Satisfaction Is Always Our Goal

kellerwilliamspreferred.com • 281.670.1800

For years we have selected our Keller Williams realtor to represent us in all our real estate needs.

Timely and efficient in all aspects of our listing. Very knowledgeable. Works with her whole heart and truly wants clients to have an enjoyable home buying and selling experience.

Our agent was exceptional. Highly recommend!

Fantastic realtor! Critical to the success of our first time home buying experience.

Our selling was quick and easy, our realtor with us for every step of the way.

Extremely professional, transparent, patient, easy, caring, and attentive. My ‘go to’ agent!

Competent, knowledgeable, experienced.

Worked with our agent on multiple home and sale transactions and plan to work with him again.

Strong knowledge of Houston real estate and very professional.

Excellent, professional service. Top of everything.

Our realtor has become a good friend.

Your Preferred Home

Your Preferred Lifestyle

#ThePreferredLife Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

Your Preferred Business

KW 288 SOUTH INSIDE FRONT COVER FINAL.indd 2 9/21/17 11:47 PM

Pomona is the first Live Smart master-planned community in the Houston area by Hillwood Communities,

a Perot company. Featuring a relaxed, coastal atmosphere, this 1,000-acre community in the heart of the rapidly growing

Highway 288 corridor makes it easy to live a happier, healthier lifestyle with a resort-style amenity center, miles of walking

trails, sports fields, Fish Camp, Exploration Zone Park and an on-site Alvin ISD elementary school. And with 300 acres left

untouched or as dedicated green space, Pomona is setting the standard for what it means to Live Smart.

Coventry Homes • David Weekley Homes • Highland HomesPerry Homes • Plantation Homes • Trendmaker Homes

New Homes From Mid $200s-$600sPomonaByHillwood.com Sam Houston Parkway

DOWNTOWN

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Texas 288 South Newcomer & Relocation Guide - 2016 Vol. 1

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Transcript of Texas 288 South Newcomer & Relocation Guide - 2016 Vol. 1