12-Months in Houston!
 

Hi everyone. I would very much appreciate some input on this one...
My company would like me to set up a sales office in Houston which would require me to live there for a minimum of 12 months. As a frequent visitor, I know the area pretty well and have decided that The Woodlands is the place for me, my wife and 3 year old son. Other than that I'm at a bit of a loss as to gauge the cost of the venture; my requirements would be:

Rented 4 bedroomed single family house (Furnished would be ideal but I could rent the furniture), shipping personal goods from the UK, 3 or 4 return trips to Europe, a car for me and for my wife, Health Care & Dental, Kindergarten/Pre School, other applicable insurances, driving licenses & Visas. Also advice on Tax costs/benefits would be most welcome.

I will be contracting a relocation specialist (if anyone can recommend a good one then all the better!) but would rather find out some information ahead of contacting them.

Many thanks in advance for any assistance or information.

Re: 12-Months in Houston!
 

Welcome to BE!

There are a few of us that live in Houston here and I am sure you will get some answers soon. I am not really familiar with The Woodlands so can't give you any info I'm afraid. I suggest you also check out City-Data.

http://www.city-data.com/forum/houston/

It is a Houston specific forum and you should be able to find out all you need to know.

Do a search here at BE for shipping as it has come up many times.

Good Luck!

Re: 12-Months in Houston!
 

Have a look at HAR.com for homes for rent. Buildings Insurance and property tax are normally included in the rental cost so you should only need Contents Insurance.

Car's will depend on whether you buy or lease but expect car insurance to be a chunk of cash. We were $1,200 for six months for a new ford edge and a new vw bug when we first arrived.

Health care will depend of what your employer offers. If they are not offering anything I wouldn't even take the position as the costs can be immense. I was $500 to remove a small mole from my back at the beginning of the year even with good health insurance through hubby's work.

You have 30 days from becoming a resident to obtain drivers licenses (not a big deal or cost).

You might want to have your work pay for a tax specialist to prepare your tax returns for your stay as the first year can be complicated with relocation costs etc.

Can't help you with relocation as hubby's work got the bill or pre-school costs as our dude was already in Elementary School.

Lots of good thread on here - just search for Houston.