Portland St, Binz

If you enjoy the arts, museums or perusing top universities, Portland St. is the place for you. The street is quiet and far enough away from 59 to not have constant noise pollution, but it is right in the backyard of some of Houston's best attractions. First off, the street is populated by nice homes, though expensive, and has copious tree coverage, presenting many opportunities to escape the oppressive Houston heat. And, while neighbors are friendly, the lots are big enough to give you and your family (or just you) space. Here's the most exciting part of living here, though: About two minutes to the south is Hermann Park and the Houston Zoo. A little further south than that is Rice University-- a campus that houses many opportunities for intellectual stimulation and beautiful architecture. On the other side of Rice and the zoo is the medical center. Just north is University of St. Thomas, another top school in Texas. But this is the arts district. Right off Portland you've got a performing arts center. In Hermann Park, there is another outdoor performing arts center, which presents free plays all year. If comparative religion is up your alley, head to the Rothko Chapel just north on Branard, and if you enjoy surrealism, the Menil Collection houses one of the best collection of surrealist art in the world. This is all in addition to the Children's Museum of Houston, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Houston Museum of Fine Arts is just a few miles northwest. If I could afford to live here, I would. Granted, I wouldn't spend much time in my house, but having this central location would be nice. But, the house wouldn't be bad either.