Sugarland, TX...a good place to live?? (possibly relocating)

[descovy]

I have a question. I'm re-locating to the Sugar Land Area this summer and where I live electricity is the highest in the nation.
So when you say that electricity is expensive - how expensive are we talking?
For a 2 or 3 bedroom home with A/c - can anyone give me an idea of they monthly electricity bill?

I know gas will be cheaper

And water is like how much per gallon? Don't homes have cisterns or no?

No cisterns. Water will depend on your utility district.

My water bill is $40-$100/mo (water lawn every 3 days in the summer)

Electric is deregulated. You choose a power plan/ power company like people choose cell phone plans.

(www.powertochoose.org). Overall 10cents/kWh is considered a decent rate. Sometimes more or less depending on time of year you sign a contract or how long. And you have to choose a new plan at the end of each contract, else you will be charged much higher. (18-20cents/ kWh)

My last house was 30 years old (not very energy efficient but shaded by big trees. 1500 sq ft. Summer bills could reach near $200! Winter maybe $70-$80.

Current house is double the size, no large trees for shade, but 10 years old and much more energy efficient. Highest summer bills $150.

Size is not the only variable. What kind of deal you can score with an electric provider is one factor. Energy efficiency of your home is another. Typically the newer the home, the more energy efficient features it has. (Double panes windows, tech sheild in attic, etc) Trees for shade help a lot in summer too.

 

[scrhsa]

I grew up in Friendswood but it is alot different from what I am used to. If you are used to traffic you'll do fine in Friendswood ( I've been out a while and living in a very rural area so it still takes be by surprise when I go back ). I still have friends that live there....some love it some don't. The schools are good academically. There are even some of my old high school teachers still teaching there and I graduated in 1984 Parts of Friendswood area used to be high flood risk but I don't know what they have done over the years to combat that. Friendswood is a very upscale community....some say snobbish. Very "clique-y" in the schools. Or at least it was when I was there and I have been told it still is so take that for what it is There are some wonderful families that live in Friendswood. Good luck and Go Mustangs !!!!!

 

[Roonik426]

No cisterns. Water will depend on your utility district.

My water bill is $40-$100/mo (water lawn every 3 days in the summer)

Electric is deregulated. You choose a power plan/ power company like people choose cell phone plans.

(www.powertochoose.org). Overall 10cents/kWh is considered a decent rate. Sometimes more or less depending on time of year you sign a contract or how long. And you have to choose a new plan at the end of each contract, else you will be charged much higher. (18-20cents/ kWh)

My last house was 30 years old (not very energy efficient but shaded by big trees. 1500 sq ft. Summer bills could reach near $200! Winter maybe $70-$80.

Current house is double the size, no large trees for shade, but 10 years old and much more energy efficient. Highest summer bills $150.

Size is not the only variable. What kind of deal you can score with an electric provider is one factor. Energy efficiency of your home is another. Typically the newer the home, the more energy efficient features it has. (Double panes windows, tech sheild in attic, etc) Trees for shade help a lot in summer too.

Thank you so much!
You have been a huge help!