Alief

Alief....As Mobrian stated, Alief encompasses the following areas: "the Sam Houston Toll road, Westpark Toll way, and 59-The Southwest Freeway. Major streets passing through the Alief area are Beechnut, Bellaire, and Bissonett". And Athilda already told you which highways we have access to around here. Here's the deal, in a city where you must have a car--and you don't have one--Alief is your best bet. As a native NY'er I still have not bought a car but, if you live in the West Chase area, chances are you live near a bus line: the 53, 81, 82, and 46 bus lines to be exact. On that note, if you live near a bus line you can get to the major finacial and entertainment hubs in Houston--Downtown and Midtown for work with Montrose, the Galleria, Memorial, and all of Westhimer for shopping, dining, and partying (in Houston you have to know someone, if you have a family member/friend/friend-of-a-friend you will find something to do). Please be aware that while Alief is not as dangerous as NYC or LA that this area has its rough patches: Sharpstown, Bissonet, the lower-income areas of Gessner and Fondren, and around Cook Rd. can be questionable. All in all, if you are a Texas transplant new to Houston and you're a "city-slicker," Alief is your best bet. The people here are great, and so is the food--lol!

The Alief area is located in the Southwest portion of Houston, Texas. Nearby major freeways include the Sam Houston Toll road, Westpark Toll way, and 59-The Southwest Freeway. Major streets passing through the Alief area are Beechnut, Bellaire, and Bissonett.

The Alief area has become quite rundown over the past decade, and highly populated by middle aged singles and Asian strip centers. Alief is one of the most highly concentrated Asian communities in Houston, Texas. After Hurricane Katrina hit, the Alief area was one of the most dominated locations that Louisiana residents relocated to, due to the large amount of apartment complexes in the area. This unfortunately led to increased reports of gang involvement and criminal activity. Housing and apartments are very affordable in this area due to the location, and subdivisions found in this area include Park Glen and Meadow Village.

To the South and East of the Alief area, you will find more quality nightlife, shopping spots, and restaurants, due to the closer proximity to 59, Beltway 8-or the Sam Houston Toll road. Alief ISD is the school district that Alief grade school residents attend. This district has a negative reputation and has been rumored to pay teachers a higher salary for accepting a position to work with the children attending the schools in this district. There are several community college options in the area for those looking to further their education.

Alief is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city of Houston. It has a rich history for visitors to enjoy. This area is dated and offers somewhat less than more urban portions of the city. Over the last twenty years Alief has grown. It now displays a very diverse ethnic community. Evidence of this is seen through its shops and restaurant offerings. The Alief neighborhood is a community of education. There are a number of schools in this area, as well as, university offerings. The neighborhood provides access to some of the major roadways in the city. You will be able to travel here through a choice of these. State Highway 59, Southwest Freeway, the Westpark Tollway, and the Sam Houston Tollway are a few of these.

There are busy streets in this portion of Houston. Some of the most popular of these include Westpark Drive, and Richmond Avenue. Both of these streets stretch to other portions of the town. You will be able to access nearby locations like the Galleria area. There are great nearby communities to Alief. Some of these are Briarforest, Westchase, and Sharpstown. Although these areas are somewhat dated they still provide terrific housing options for residents. Their proximity to other destinations makes them great. You will discover a number of apartment complexes in this general area to choose from as well. There are attractions in the Alief area, which brings residents from around the city. One of these is the George Bush Park.