I second the suggestions of Shadow Creek Ranch (or some of the other master planned communities near it like Silver Lake. To me it makes no sense to commute from a different part of Houston (even someplace "close" like Sugar Land) when the houses and communities will be basically the same. Manvil and Alvin might make some sense. If your employer is just north of 8 and west of 288 you likely will not need to even get on those roads to get to work. Back roads will get you there.
I live in the east side of Pearland (closer to 45), but looked at houses in SIlver Lake and Shadow Creek Ranch. Pearland is mostly chain restaurants (not even an Indian restaurant), but you are very close to Houston itself. You can get to the museum district or Rice Village in 20 - 25 minutes, Same for downtown.
You are a hike from IAH, but close to HOU if you don't mind Southwest.