Yes a very old thread, but I'm about to be in the same boat. My new employer is just north of the 8 and just west of the 288 in the southern part of Houston.
I will rent a single family home for the first year. Where should I look for this rental home? Of course I'd like to have a short commute that avoids tolls. I believe the 288 going north/south has a toll, but the 8 going east/west doesn't (at least in that stretch where I'd be using it). Places I'm looking at are: Pearland, Manvel, Friendswood, Missouri City, Sugar Land, Sienna Plantation, Iowa Colony.
Just me & the wife. We like quiet, safe, clean and new. Prefer 3-car garage. Don't care if it has a Texas sized backyard. Must be within 30 minutes drive of a Costco. Budget $3K/month.