Can someone explain the I-45 divide stigma to an out of towner?

Looking at moving my family to Houston, and am basically priced out of the woodlands at this point, which was my ideal spot. Anyways, in my research I keep on getting told to stay west of the 45. Is this purely based on school ratings? Or does east of the 45 have a crime / drug problem too?

My budget is 350k for 3 bed 2 bath. Seeing great options in oak ridge north but getting nervous due to the “east of 45” stigma.