Can anyone give me a basic review of what Houston, TX is like?

I might be moving there for a job transfer and I want to know what it's like. If we do go there, we'll be moving to the neighborhood River Oaks, which I hear is pretty affluent. I want to know what Texas is like, different districts, schools, (I have four kids, ages 17, 15, 15, and 8), and distance from River Oaks to the nearer areas. Also, from hat I've heard, the crime rate in Houston is generallylow compared to other cities, what areas to avoid at what times? Also, is River Oaks a gated community? I would prefer to live in one, so if it isn't, do you know of any so that I can look into them? Thanks!