Buy, schools don’t matter, commute is an issue and no telecomuting.
In addition, does anyone know anything about the Woodlands Express?
For traffic information, look at Transtar:
http://traffic.houstontranstar.org/routebuilder/ You can try different freeway routes and compare mainlane vs. HOV.
HOV is also the route taken by Park & Ride busses.
http://www.ridemetro.org/Schedules_and_Maps/park_and_ride_locations.asp
Your company or building may also have park & ride vans they operate.
If you have to park downtown, check out the cost of parking.
I’ll second the nomination for the Katy area South of I-10. But I only go as far in as beltway 8 & I have 4 kids in school.
Best wishes.