Moving to Houston-Seeking Info on Area & Schools

Hi Everyone!

I am currently a pre-nursing student at the University of Washington in Seattle, and have been applying to BSN schools in the area; but found out last weekend my fiance and I will be moving to Houston at summers end (which I am very excited about)...meaning I am now frantically trying to find nursing schools to apply to within commuting distance of the Houston area who's application deadline hasn't passed!

Any help regarding schools that offer good programs would be very much appreciated! I would prefer a BSN since I already have over 3 years of college credits, but woulld love recommendations on ADN programs as well!

Also, I was wondering if anyone knew of a college or university that offered Texas State History online or via coorespondence. Many of the programs I have been looking into require it as a pre-req, but I won't have the opportunity to take it prior to begining a program since my fiance doesn't finish grad school until the end of August.

I realize this is asking a lot, but any information regarding good suburbs in which to purchase a home, and nice areas to rent reasonably on a temporary basis would also be very much appreciated.

Does anyone know if area hospitals contract with new grads as they do in the Seattle area?...(ie, they pay back student loans or pay while you attend school in return for a year or two of paid employment.) If anyone knows of hospitals that do this, I would love to know about them!

I also have a (CNA) certified nursing assistant license, I believe this is Texas' equivalent of a PCA, and EMT license through Washington State; and was hoping for recommendations on good hospitals to work at in the Houston area. I'm looking for critical care experience, as I plan on going into ICU nursing, but am open to just about anything.

I know this was asking for a lot of information, but any and all would be very much appreciated! I can't wait to move down there and trade this rain for some great hot weather! Thanks so much!!!