1. Many folks live in the Woodlands and surrounding areas so you will be in good shape just about anywhere up there. If you're only staying for a year, I'd think a nice apartment would work just as well - but you could probably find some houses to rent if you wanted.
2. Sorry- no help on daycare - but again, the Woodlands is a well-to-do part of town, so I'm sure there's plenty of options.
3. If you rent you don't have to worry about property taxes. For your car, TX is like OH, in that it's a flat rate for everyone from a Yugo to a Ferrari. They have their own version of the e-check here with the exception that it can be done almost anywhere. You don't have to wait in line at a state facility.
4. Wish I had a plane so I could help you out here.
5. Definitely get an EZ tag. You can order one online at
The EZ Tag Store or pick one up when you get here. They pre-charge your credit card 35 bucks at a time, and then it just sits there and you slowly use it up. Once you get down to around a 5 dollar balance, it will re-charge your card. There is no monthly fee or anything else - and when you move away you just turn in your tag and they refund whatever you have left. It also saves you a quarter every time you go through most of the plazas. It's of course good on all IAH toll-roads, not just the Hardy.