Hi all-

I am looking for help from all you Texan moms, specifically those in the Houston/Katy area.

My husband and I are looking to move our family to Katy in the next 6-9 months. We are both so excited about the move because we think it will be such a good thing for our family as we think it will be much more in line with our beliefs and lifestyles. Unfortunately, as lifetime Pacific NW residents we have a couple of concerns that I was hoping you could all help put to rest. :o)

First, I have read that the Houston area is well known for having a lot of air pollution. Is this true for Katy?? Being the mom of very little ones and also an allergy sufferer, I didn't know if this was really that big of a deal or just some people blowing a lot of smoke at the public (no pun intended).

Second, is it really as hot and muggy as people say?? Is it hard to let the little ones play outdoors, or is it just kind of miseralbe in the summer?

Third, I just found out that brown recluse spiders live in houses?? Ugh!! I am a major spider-hater and am totally freaking out about that. Do you really see them in your houses, and if so how do you keep them from biting you little ones?? Also, please tell me that you don't routinely see snakes because I am not sure I could handle that! :o)

I am so looking forward to moving and was just hoping to put these little concerns to rest before my husband goes down in a couple of weeks to start looking for houses.

Thanks to you all ahead of time and I look forward to meeting you all online and hearindg all the wonderful things you have to say about Houston!

Thanks,
Shannon

Hi! Sorry, I don't check this board very often - but thought I'd look due to the hurricane headed in Houston's direction.

I just moved to Dallas from Katy. I lived in Houston and the surrounding area for 10 years and we lived in Katy for the last 3 years. Hopefully I can answer your questions!

Honestly, Katy isn't that bad. I worked in downtown Houston and the skies would be all icky looking and get back to Katy and have bright, pretty blue skies. Now that doesn't mean you should ignore a "red alert" day - when they say STAY INSIDE, you need to STAY INSIDE. I'm sure the pollution travels. However, I never noticed any ick in Katy.

Um, sorry, it's miserable. I don't like to be out in the humid, buggy summer
heat. However, mornings aren't THAT bad. I would let Zach go out and play in the mornings and early evenings (by about 7:30 you'll have mosquitoes eating you alive). I kept a kiddy pool & sprinkler in the backyard to help keep him cool.

I've never to my knowledge seen a brown recluse. In fact, my neighbor in Katy got bit by one up here in Dallas - but I don't know anyone that has ever seen one in Houston. Wolf spiders get into your house and all over your yard - but they could care less about people. Only ick factor is knowing they are in your house and having them run across your foot while you are standing in the grass. They are harmless - just freaky looking.

HTH. Feel free to PM me if you have any more specfic questions about areas, things to do, etc.

__________________
Cyndi
Mommy to

Zach 5/20/03


Gabe 4/26/05


Mikki 1/22/07