jkreed23

My opinion of the Medical Center is a little jaded from when I was younger. I spent a lot of time at Texas Children's Hospital from 10 to 16, so I really hate being down there, despite the fact that the people in this area saved my life. But, the area is pretty much exclusively medical buildings. Granted, these are some of the greatest medical facilities in the US, if not the world, but there are very, very few places to plant roots. What few places there are, these few places are made for doctors and their hectic lifestyle. But, it is a very nice place to visit. Hermann Park is at the northeast portion of the neighborhood, which houses the Houston Zoo and The Houston Museum of Natural Science. The park offers myriad options for entertainment and recreation, including the Miller Outdoor Theatre and bar-b-que pits for a nice afternoon with friends and family. Rice University is just on the other side of the western border. Rice is among tops in the nation in academics, and the school offers plenty of opportunities for continuing education or workshops. The area is busy with traffic most of the time, and because the area is a medical hub, there is little chance of finding any type of nightlife. The area is also fairly noisy because of the traffic. Aside from having few options for living and other types of entertainment, this area could be the most important section of Houston you will ever visit.

This area is famous in Houston for all the wrong reasons. Schools in the area have an extremely high dropout rate, gang activity is rampant in parts of the Greater Fifth Ward and the standard of living is also pretty low. This neighborhood is just one of many connected neighborhoods that are in rough shape in Houston. To the north is Kashmere Gardens and the south holds the Second Ward, and next door to the east is Denver Harbor. Just west of the Greater Fifth Ward is Northside Village. These neighborhoods feed each other. There are stories of police brutality to go with gang violence, but systems feed systems and cycles feed cycles. The subdivisions in this neighborhood are rundown, dirty and neglected by both the city and the people. Storefronts have been run into the ground due to robberies and placement in the community. Schools in the area are also neglected and underfunded, and with the way things are, who would want to get an education? There are a few saving graces; though, the bad far outweighs the good. There is a park just south of I-10 that if used at the right times and in certain places, could be a great place for recreation and childhood entertainment. Also, I-10 and 59 provide great access to Downtown Houston locations and 610 to the north can bring you around to the Galleria area. And if you're a vagrant, there is a train depot right at the heart of the Greater Fifth Ward.

Just south of Bellaire, east of the Beltway and nearly cut in two by US 59, Westwood has a lot of apartment complexes, perfect for young couples or single adults. Also perfect for young adults and couples is Westwood's location. Near Bissonet and Beechnut, there is access to some of Houston's best roads and attractions. The Beltway will take you north to Town and Country Mall and City Centre, as well as one of Houston's biggest movie theaters. 59 to the north meets up with 610, which can take you to either the Galleria or just south of Downtown Houston. In any direction you take these super highways, there is something to do and see. The apartments are affordable and clean, but the houses in the area are big, but affordable as well. And being just south of Bellaire, the trees have their remnants in Westwood, which provides ample beauty and cover in any weather. While 59 and the Beltway run right through the neighborhood, there is considerable noise pollution at at all times. There are also a lot of businesses that operate along the roadways that can be somewhat of an eyesore if you pass by them every day. If you like traffic, I guess.... Bissonnet is a busy street, with rare lapses in its heavy traffic patterns. Beltway 8 and 59 are also major traffic hubs, especially during rush hour, and Beechnut to the north is no more calm than I-10 after Katrina. The area is affordable and calm for its location, though, and many people will find its downtown charm comforting.

Located just northeast of US 59 and Loop 610, the East Little York/ Homestead neighborhoods have a lot to offer. Apartments in the area range from modestly priced to lavish and nice, but if you are single or a young couple, this area has plenty of housing options. Retail and shopping are also in high supply, as well as being so close to 59, 610 and 45. Homes in the area range from smaller, ranch-style homes to larger, more expensive homes, but either way there is something for every budget and household. HISD operates in the neighborhood, which as I've said before, is not the greatest school district, but the schools in this area are a little better than average. This has been a predominately African-American neighborhood in the past, but it has become more diverse in recent years; though, this matters little. People are people. The truly wonderful thing about this neighborhood is it's spectacular array of parks and recreational activities. Tidwell Park is to the south, JD Trotter Park sits at the eastern edge of the neighborhood, and the majestic Smokey Jasper Park is at the very northern edge of the neighborhood. Also, Little York and Homestead cross in the middle of the neighborhood, providing terrific access to any part. While Homestead is quite busy most of the time, it is still one of the easiest ways to get around East Little York.

The Clinton Park/ Tri-Community backs up to the Houston Ship Channel to the south. Like Harrisburg/ Manchester, this area could potentially be hazardous to health. The subdivision to the south of the neighborhood backs up to a system of train tracks and industrial shipping area run by the Port Authority. Not only does this make the area loud and dirty, but it is not exactly the most safe area for kids or people with families. Houses are very small, but affordable on any budget, though maintenance has become an issue. Basic comforts in some areas are somewhat luxurious here. The area is also relatively void of retail or shopping opportunities, so in order to do any of that, you will need to take 610 north or south, or I-10 to the north provides plenty of options for entertainment as well. While this area is unsafe in that it is so close to the ship channel and a predominately industrial area, I am an advocate for anything that gives kids an outlet, that gives them the opportunity to occupy their time with something they enjoy. Clinton Skate Park is centered right in the middle of the neighborhood and provides kids with an excellent opportunity for exercise, excitement and the ability to develop a passion. Not to mention it also gives them the opportunity to stay out of typical activities in the area. Like I said before, this is a great area for social activists or activists in general.

Overall, the IAH area is pretty nice. Unlike the Hobby area, this airport is newer, has been maintained and takes pride in being Houston's airport choice. The houses are accommodating and affordable, and in most cases there is plenty of room for your kids to roam around or for you to finally start up that beer league with your friends. But, there are only two small subdivisions at the heart of an area dominated by Houston's biggest airport. Houston is the 4th largest city in the US, so you can expect that this airport will be pretty busy. And an airport comes with your typical noise pollution, typical hustle-bustle of busy city life, but it runs a little smoother than let's say... O'Hare or JFK in Chicago and New York. Neighbors in the area are friendly (probably because they have a common burden in the airport), and this keeps the area nice. Shopping and entertainment is somewhat limited due to the nature of the neighborhood, but fear not! 59 is just east and can take you to Humble, a nice, growing area with plenty of options for shopping and entertainment. Greenspoint Mall is also just west of the neighborhood. I-45 can take you south to Downtown Houston or if you feel like taking a loop, the Beltway cuts along the southern border of the neighborhood. Don't be too discouraged by the planes... sometimes it snows in Houston.

Fondren Gardens is a decently sized area with little housing. Most of the area is taken up by large business and industrial buildings. The apartments to the southeast provide affordable living for singles, couples or young families and the condos to the northwest are a little more expensive, but serve the same purpose. Small homes take up central Fondren Gardens, and while they are affordable, they are also minimally maintained, doing just enough to make them look semi-clean. Many of the driveways are not paved, so dust is pretty common throughout the subdivisions. Retainment ditches encircle Fondren Gardens, which is nice for when rains or hurricanes hit, but otherwise, they are an eyesore and an attractive home for snakes and rodents. The neighborhood is filled with useful streets to get you around Houston, though. Both Fondren and Hillcroft extend into the west Houston suburbs, where there is plenty of shopping and entertainment to take part in. Orem takes you to S. Post Oak, which is a direct line to Downtown Houston and the Galleria. The shopping and chances for entertainment are fairly limited in this section of town, but 90 and Beltway 8 offer you the opportunity to get out and discover the rest of this great city. Town and Country Mall is just a short trip heading west on the Beltway and 90 meets up with I-10 around downtown.

This area is pretty diverse. My friend works for Re/Max off Wirt and Westview. This part of the neighborhood is very green, clean and expensive. The houses are pretty large along this stretch of road and this stretches back a few streets. As you push farther back into the neighborhood though, the houses get smaller, more affordable and the area also gets a little dirtier. The storefronts start to take a dive, but this does not necessarily mean there is a complete swan dive into neighborhood despair. Respect and cordial affairs between neighbors is nearly guaranteed. There is great shopping to the east, and right off Antoine there is IKEA and MarqE, an entertainment center including a theater, the Improv, excellent restaurants and plenty of opportunities for kids to find something to want to do all the time. Also, I-10 is the southern border of Spring Branch East, which will take you downtown, to Katy or anywhere else in Houston for that matter. 610 is just a little farther east and can bring you to the Galleria or to just south of Downtown Houston. Also, 290 forms the eastern border of the neighborhood, which can take you west to Austin, north to other shopping venues or many other Houston attractions. This neighborhood is situated in a great location, right at the heart of the city, perfect for any opportunity.

The mall, Greenspoint Mall, is lovingly know as Gunspoint Mall. If I remember correctly, there was an incident at the mall quite a few years ago involving a man with a gun and the deaths of several docile mall-goers. It was all over Houston Chronicle for a while. Before that, the mall was a common place for robberies, and now the mall just off the intersection of Beltway 8 and I-45 has earned what some feel is an appropriate nickname. I've been to this mall several times. Granted, it has never been an actual visit inside the mall, but my time outside the mall has given me a pretty good idea of the area. I have worked for JDRF in helping them set up their annual Walk for the Cure, which has taken place here several times. The surrounding area has many office buildings, restaurants, hotels and of course, shopping. It also has terrific tree cover and plant-life with streets that wind around nicer buildings and hotels. The hotels and apartments that are situated right next to the mall are fairly expensive, but the houses on the other side of the Beltway are fairly reasonably priced. The subdivision is nice, clean and well-put together. Schools are a little rough around the edges, but Houston is fairly liberal in choosing a place to go to school. Private schools are always an option as well. Even if you are just visiting, the area has a lot of shopping, hotels, entertainment and all the amenities Houston has to offer.

Like Katy, Central Southwest was once a more agricultural area and has been growing in recent years. Many of the subdivisions you will find in this neighborhood are somewhat new or still in development. In this economy, these houses are still on the cheaper side of nicer homes and have a tremendous opportunity for great resale value. Plus, with the location of Central Southwest, there is bound to be more growth. Areas around south-central 610 are under renovation and south Beltway 8 has plenty of room to grow. With a new subdivision, there is also a certain amount of security and the ability to build a home as well as a family. As the neighborhood stands now, the schools are a bit rough-- with growth comes more schools and more potential for young, energetic teachers to do a wonderful job. As in the example earlier, Katy has seen new schools pop up all over the place. 5 high schools and an uncountable number of elementary and junior high schools have gone up since I graduated in 2005. But, with all this construction and building, there is a noise and hectic factor that should be accounted for when deciding to make the move here. Cleanliness will also be an issue for a while, and if you are looking for a lush, green neighborhood, you will have to wait for this one to become so. But, the future could prove to be nice for the area. Look out for it.

The actual word I would use is 'dismissed' and I would be remiss to say that I like anything about this area. Particular sections of this neighborhood are adorned with homes that look more like rentable barns or shacks. To call them small would be understating something very obvious. Finding trash and used or unusable belongings on the front porches or lawns of houses is pretty common. While there are trees, they do not provide a lot of shade or are dying. It's an older neighborhood and looks it. Renovations to any property, shops or otherwise, look to have been under the wear of time for quite a long time, the wears of neglect and dishevelment heavy. The parks in the area, and there are a few, suffer the same neglect and offer little other than grass, which is most often dead in Houston weather. There are a lot of major streets running through the neighborhood, though. West Little York runs east to west and off of W Little York runs Wheatley, a north-south street. Tidwell can be found a little further south and will take you to 261, which runs mostly parallel to I-45. I-45 provides an excellent opportunity to get out of the area and experience nightlife, entertainment of any kind, food, shopping or just a little escape from your next door neighbors trash heap.

This area sees I-10 meet back up with the 610 Loop on its east side. Whereas the western portion of these two freeways meeting is a nice area of Houston, this area is a little lacking. There are two subdivisions of small homes in the neighborhood at the north and south end. The area in between the two subdivisions is overtaken by industrial buildings of some sort, though I've never been able to tell exactly. And just like in some movie about the struggles of blue-collar life, there are plenty of bars in and near the area. I don't blame them. The houses and apartments in the area are affordable, but the schools in the area are reason enough not to move there. Shopping and entertainment are in small supply, and with only a few roads to aid your escape from this downtown nightmare, getting out of the area will become a headache quickly. Though, the proximity to both I-10 and 610 does provide the opportunity to get out and do something, should you choose to accept it, but you may need to be more skilled than Ethan Hunt from Mission:Impossible to do so. And negotiating the weaker sides of these two freeways could prove challenging as well. There's not much out this way. I firmly believe that when they put this city together, they intended for you to keep driving passed this area. I think you should.

If you're an activist, I encourage you to visit this area. Swallowed by major roads, cut in half by East 610 and bordered to the south by yet another freeway, Harrisburg/ Manchester is kind of a disaster. A huge system of train tracks also runs through the middle of the neighborhood, which is unsightly and dirty. But what is to be done about the situation in this part of town? Much of the population is uneducated, without transportation and holds jobs that are considered 'dead-end'. The homes in the area are not maintained according to any association or standard. They are small and could possibly receive 'shack' status, and the majority of the homes in the area were built well before 1950. The Houston Port Authority and Ship Channel also operate in this area, and this is by far the biggest problem area for poor Harrisburg/ Manchester. The Port Authority operates The Port of Houston Turning Basin, Houston Public Grain Elevator #2 and their Woodhouse Terminal all right on the northern border of the neighborhood. Recent studies are showing that the Port of Houston is a potential health and pollution hazard. With them operating right in your backyard, how can anyone be expected to live a decent life, or at least one where they don't have to fear for their lives? Something has to change here.

MacGregor is a bit deceiving, and albeit, confusing. To the north, Greater Third Ward backs into the neighborhood, while OST/ South Union borders it on the south. These are two of Houston's most nefarious areas, so you would expect that the neighborhood in between them would be a bit unsavory as well. But, MacGregor is a working, middle-class gem, hidden in a rough area. Yet, nearly a quarter of the population sits below the poverty line. The houses in the area are mostly built within the last 20 years and are moderately priced, the average home costing roughly $155K. Many of them are nice, two-story homes perfect for raising a family or bringing your family to. The streets are well-patrolled and kept clean, and with Hermann, Parkwood, Riverside and MacGregor Park only a short drive away, Houston's spring and summer months (if you can tell them apart) could be filled with lounging in the grass of your favorite area of the neighborhood. As for education, the schools are less than desirable. It's HISD. But, University of Houston and Texas Southern University are to the north of the neighborhood and provide many opportunities and programs for young learners. While this is a mostly residential area, there are plenty of places to shop, eat and play in the surrounding areas. With 288, 610 and I-45 only a short drive away, you are never far from these things.

You don't need a Murcielago to live in Afton or River Oaks. The standards aren't quite so specific. What you do need is a Ph.D. in how to make money and keep it coming in. The area is beautiful. Deceptively small shops and businesses operate along Westheimer and San Felipe. The parking lots are small as well, making parking at getting back onto the roads a major hassle. But, it's worth it. The houses and buildings in this area are second-to-none in Houston, and provide plenty of eye candy while you wait to back out of one of the many small shopping centers. Everything is green, reminiscent of a small French or Italian village, with vines artfully growing up the sides of buildings and wrapping around telephone and light poles. My mother drives 45 minutes to get into River Oaks, where she takes a knitting class. The women in her class are in their mid-to-late '50s or '60s and speak of their husbands quite often. They all live in the area, but spend their weekends jetting around the world in corporate jets or luxury transport of some kind. But, this is just ridiculous banter. I broke my wrist not long ago, and went to seek the aid of my mother, as I was uninsured at the time (...). All the women in her class jumped at the chance to help me, calling their doctors and trying to make me as comfortable as possible. And, when I worked at the Barnes and Noble in the River Oaks Shopping Center, I met some of the nicest people I'd ever encountered. Many of them lived in this area. I encourage you to visit this area because of the scenery, the shopping and the chance to see the car you've always wanted, being driven by someone else.

Greenway/ Upper Kirby is a brilliant little area. Centrally located and close to many major Houston streets and highways, this portion of town gives anyone living or visiting here great opportunities for food, shopping and entertainment/lifestyle pursuits. The majority of W Alabama runs through Greenway/ Upper Kirby and is considered one of Houston's most beautiful streets. Trees line each side of the street and little, independent stores can be found here as well, including many retro, antique and "quirky" stores. The northern border is Westheimer, one of Houston's largest, busiest streets. But, it is worth it to be so close to all that Westheimer has to offer. Edloe is a great option for those looking to cut across the neighborhood without all the traffic that comes with Kirby or Shepherd, the latter at the far east end of the neighborhood. And, as the majority of the people living in this area are middle-aged, white, young professionals, nightlife is close at hand. The houses are also a little more expensive than the average Houston home, but you pay for location and history; though, with so many roads and the highway in the neighborhood, it can be a little loud at times. Rice Village is just south of the neighborhood and Westheimer, Alabama and Richmond provide plenty of excitement as well. And if that isn't enough, 59 cuts the neighborhood in half and can take you to Downtown Houston, Midtown or 610.

A friend and I got lost in this section of town once. I remember Billingsley because we made a joke that it sounded much too posh to be in this area. The fact that we got lost is a little confusing looking back as well. It's a grid. North to south, east to west. It should've been simple. And certainly not worthy of pulling out the Key Map like we did. It was nearing sunset and as we drove down the street, there was a beautiful light that shone through the trees. Then there were sections of the street where we were blinded because there was no tree coverage. The houses are small and very cheap. The whole area has been the subject of some discussion in Houston. There is a high dropout rate, incomes are dropping to well below the poverty line and as these things happen, the standard of living drops to somewhat unacceptable levels. But, this street has maintained a certain amount of cleanliness that is lacking elsewhere in Northside Village. The stores and general experience in Northside Village has taken to achieving the bare minimum to stay open. The parks are regularly maintained, but only essential things are taken care of. The extra step to make them special are looked over in favor of lowering the budgets. Morale in this area seems to be at an all-time low, and the homes and businesses certainly reflect that.

Looking for a small, affordable community to get away from the busy city life? When I traveled through this area on my way to Dallas (sure, it was a detour), I felt like I had pulled a Henry David Thoreau and gone Walden on everyone. Hunterwood is very small and secluded. Homes in the small neighborhood are cheap for Houston standards and the opportunity for development in the area provides you with a great opportunity to increase the resale value of your home in the next 20 years. Quiet and backed up to nice stretch of woods to the east, opportunities for adventure in children are in high supply. This area seems perfect for the outdoorsmen of the city. The area is open, with plenty of room to roam free. All of its housing is situated off of County Rd 526. It's the only road in and out of the neighborhood, which can prove to be detrimental time-wise to a hectic schedule. Also, in order to do any shopping or find entertainment, you have to drive quite a ways (there's a Wal-Mart about 15-20 minutes east). With all the driving you'll have to do if you live in this area, it is nice to know that the neighborhood has a plethora of auto shops, tire shops and car service stations. It actually seems like too many. But, there must be a demand. There are bait shops and fishing accessory stores with every auto shop as well, which is nice for those that like to take trips north to Sheldon Reservoir and State Park. And on weekends, Texaco Country Club offers great golf opportunities.

Langwood reminds me of my grandparents neighborhood in the suburbs of Chicago... but for all the wrong reasons. In my grandparents neighborhood, the older homes are being torn down and replaced by larger, new, nicer homes. Those that do not want $2 million for their house and land can keep their homes. I am all for older homes that have the appeal of history or grand architecture. But, in Langwood, the majority of the streets look like they need these renovations, not as an option, but as something entirely mandatory. Roofs are falling apart, boards are missing, and roads and driveways look like they were shipped from LA after their last major earthquake. Streets give way to rural technology hubs. And while it is quiet, the silence is more of inactivity than a serene pleasantness. But Langwood is not all bad. The houses are affordable.... Major roads such as Bingle, Hempstead, Kempwood and Antoine are easily accessible. 290 is the northern border of Langwood and provides easy access to the shopping center to the north. Wirt, which feeds from Kempwood, will take you to two shopping centers to the south. Antoine will take you to Edward's Plaza, which is a hub for bars, great restaurants, shopping and entertainment in general. There's also an IKEA, just in case you decide to revitalize your little fixer-upper. There's also a park at the north end of the neighborhood for less expensive recreation.

It's funny wanting to live somewhere other than where you live already. The grass is always greener, as they say. But here, the grass is greener and I would like to graze. The houses on this street are quite varied, but unlike many older neighborhoods that are tearing down older homes in favor of new palatial estates, this one has nice homes lining the entire street. There are ranch homes, smaller two-story homes and an interesting mix of larger two-story homes. But, it doesn't seem odd. Everything seems in its place, right where it is supposed to be. Many people look for a particular style of home, but this street provides potential home buyers with variety, and with variety comes diversity. Drummond St. stretches from the east to the west side of Braeswood Place, intersecting with Stella Link Rd. towards the west side. Right off of Stella Link is Young Park, a great place for recreation and family activities. Also, just to the south is the Stella Link Shopping Center and 610, so entertainment and shopping are never far away. And a short drive east on 610 will take you to Reliant Arena and the Medical Center. Houston has changed quite a bit since I first moved here in 1995, but with each change I notice, I notice the change to be in favor of diversity. Drummond St. is the perfect reflection of that change in mindset. And with it being so close to the loop and many downtown destinations, you can experience this change first-hand.

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.

There is an enormous cemetery in this area. It takes up almost a quarter of the entire neighborhood, which is defined to the north and east by train tracks, I-45 on the west and Griggs Rd. to the south. If you have a problem with cemeteries, death, ghosts or are superstitious in any way at all, I don't recommend this area. But, if that doesn't phase you, this is a pretty nice area. The train tracks on either border of the neighborhood could be a nuisance, but many of the homes and subdivisions in this area are far enough away that getting used to the sound would be easy. The houses are small, affordable and clean, and there is plenty to do within a few minutes drive. On the eastern border there is Mason Park, which has long served as a favorite hang-out spot for families and people in general. Also, almost smack-dab in the middle of Lawndale/ Wayside is Idylwood Park-- a small, yet wonderful opportunity for exercise and recreation. Country Club Bayou snakes its way through the majority of the neighborhood, and while this may seem like a good thing, the bayou has often been cited for public health concerns and cleanliness issues. Along the bayou is Gus Wortham Golf Club, a public golf course. If you enjoy golf, this is a great opportunity for affordable entertainment. But, if you do not want the insurance nightmare of dealing with living on a golf course, avoid at all costs.

Black Street is a small offshoot of Highway 90. It is crowded, densely populated and there isn't enough space for all the cars. Seeing a car parked in a front yard is not uncommon. There are a lot of trees on the street, but it doesn't serve well for the space needed. Though, it does provide a much needed face lift for the neighborhood. Without the trees, the area would appear as a rundown slum or more like the fabled Third or Ninth Ward of Houston. Neighbors are friendly, but there is a general sense of discontent on the street. Like many other areas around it, this portion of the city backs up to one of the nicer areas of Houston and has been neglected by the city. The schools are in poor shape as well, and an education is not assured without some type of motivation. Traffic in the area is not a huge factor, as there are 4 major roads that cut through the neighborhood, but with Highway 90 and I-45 so close, this can change at any given time. As for recreation, Brookline Park sits at the south side of the neighborhood and is great for activities, family outings or just general leisure. The Gulfgate Shopping Center is a few minutes southeast and provides ample restaurant, shopping and entertainment options for the whole family. There is also a hospital close by, but it is a specialty hospital so their services are somewhat limited in scope. And, like the area, it needs a little work in updating its facilities.

Pecan Park is just inside Loop 610 and is contained by I-45 on the east side and 610 on the southwest side. This area suffers from many of the same problems that the surrounding areas do. It is a relatively low-income area that has been neglected by the city. While there are sections of the neighborhood that still look to be well-maintained, there is a majority of the area that feels the pressure of the recession and houses and roads reflect that. The freeways cause traffic congestion at all hours of the day and stores in the area have suffered with the recession more so than many in Houston. What you will get in this area are affordable homes with small yards. The homes are older and smaller than ranch homes, but are still functional for small families or someone looking for a starter home. While the homes may be affordable, even cheap, their resale value is hindered by the area and style of the homes. The neighborhood is surrounded by freeways, and there is a constant buzz emanating from those directions that plagues the area. The shopping is poor, as well as entertainment. There is a park centrally located though. And getting around within the neighborhood is relatively headache-free because of the road grids. But, with only a few major roads to get through the area, traffic can become congested on these streets, and taking detours through the subdivisions will be stop-n-go. Education has suffered as well, though HISD has struggled for a long time before the recession.

Located just outside the southeast side of Loop 610, this area is struggling. Park Place schools are suffering along with the rest of HISD, despite feeble attempts to renovate and strengthen the district. The feeder roads are busy and poorly planned, and the city has given up on maintaining the palm trees that line the freeway. The palm trees in my backyard are taller and are better maintained. Noise pollution is also a major problem in the area. Between the dueling freeways and loud music, don't look to get to sleep before midnight. Getting around is easy, though, despite the horrific traffic. Broadway cuts the neighborhood in half and serves as an able thoroughfare to get to the places you need to go. Also, the streets are mostly on the grid system, which makes getting from one street to the next fairly easy. But the area is plagued by small lots, rundown storefronts and a complete lack of attention to vegetation. Medians on Broadway lack trees or bushes of any kind and it is this that makes the area seem bland, if not dirty. There is one large park in the area, but with it being right off Park Place Blvd., it has been overrun by traffic and a lack of attention. With 610 and I-45 so close, you are free to roam Houston though. Friendswood, the Kemah Boardwalk and Galveston are a short drive to the South, and Downtown Houston is just north. If you're looking to visit or live in a nice area, don't come here.

The Heights is one of the oldest sections of Houston. Studewood is a part of Greater Heights, but it leaves that traditional Heights feel, in that it looks a little newer. The trees look younger and the houses look a little newer. They are still small, but these are ranch-style homes. The whole feel of this part of the neighborhood is a lot more residential than the driving down Heights Blvd. will ever make you feel. But, even though it lacks the same look as your standard Heights street, there is still the same Heights attitude. Liberal, aware of the history of the area, and not without a sense of duty to maintain that attitude, people in this area are very friendly and like to have fun. The area draws creative types to its borders. With many educated, aware people living in the area, you would think the schools would be held to a high standard, but the truth is that the high school in the area still feeds into HISD and the dropout rate is quite high. But, there are many private schools in the area and River Oaks that provide superior education. There are also plenty of parks and opportunities for recreation in the area. Stude Park is at the southeast end of the neighborhood close to I-10. There are also 3 other parks more centrally located in the Heights. Depending on what part of the Heights you live in, the price of your residence will vary, but Studewood is among the most affordable places in the Heights.

I stopped in the Golfcrest area a few days ago on my way to Galveston. A friend and I had heard through some extended grapevine that Dot's 24-hour Coffee House was a good place to eat. I wasn't too high on the area as we pulled off I-45. The feeder roads are packed with storefronts and signs in this area and if you're not careful, can cause a lot of confusion. Plus, there is a massive amount of traffic near 610 and I-45. But Dot's was delightful. The food was good, the people were friendly and they let me smoke within 25 feet of their doorway. The rest of the restaurants and shopping in the area are pretty good as well. There is a wide selection of places in all price ranges. The houses tucked off the freeway are small and quaint, affordable but tightly packed, and getting out of the neighborhoods can take a while because of traffic from 610 and I-45. But, with no state income tax, you can stretch your dollar farther. The waitress at Dot's said that neighbors in the area were friendly. When she moved in to her house, her neighbor brought her a house-warming gift, and invited them over for her son's birthday party. As I said before, there is some pretty good shopping in this area, not to mention that Downtown Houston is a few minutes away on either 610 or 45, and getting places (minus the traffic) is easy with 610 and I-45. You have limitless options. There is a park just on the other side of I-45 and while educational standards are difficult to maintain in HISD, Houston Community College is on the other side of I-45 as well, which is great for continuing education or seminars.

Right off I-45 and on the south side of Loop 610, this area is very tightly packed. Amid a vast number of houses, there are also many industrial plants, a train yard, and a landfill. The houses are on the small side, but many of the streets appear busy with heavy vehicle traffic and parked cars. Finding an affordable, comfortable home should be no problem here. There are small trees in most yards, so while there are few 'forests' in Houston, this will feel pleasant enough. Meadowbrook/ Allendale feeds into Chavez High School for the most part, which is part of HISD. Overcrowded, under-taught. The area hosts a majority immigrant population. And because of the hard-working, spirited population here, you can expect to have friendly neighbors and plenty of outings to take your kids. Granted, dogs and other animals may become a nuisance when you are trying to sleep. The area also hosts many parks. I have very mixed feelings for this area. While I enjoy the closeness with the neighbors, there seems to be a lot that can cause disruption to daily life. For peace and quiet, the train yard, industrial plants and landfill would cause too much noise. The schools in the area are weak. The parks also look difficult to access, as they are mostly surrounded by houses. Of course, shopping is somewhat difficult to get to, but there are plenty of shopping centers and places alike on the freeway, and with I-45 so close, you are never far from other places in Houston.

The whole area just looks dirty. From the freeway, you just don't want your car to stall in this area. The storefronts look dilapidated and rundown. The plants, grass and trees are overgrown on the freeways and off. But, there are a few bright spots. There are a few nicer neighborhoods, but the homes throughout the area remain very similar. The homes are small and on small plots, so affordability is certainly a key factor here. Though, the homes are old and many are not well-maintained by their current owners. This gives the neighborhood a dirty, overrun feel. They are also very close together, so if you do not get along with your neighbors, you're in for a long stay. The school districts are mediocre at best, and have long been underfunded and looked over. There are two parks in the area that serve as impromptu places for rendezvous of various kinds. But, Freeway Manor Park has a baseball field that is available for use and Wilson Memorial Park has a miniature lake and plenty of trees to make the whole day seem like an escape. Downtown Houston is a short drive north, while Friendswood and Galveston are a short drive south. Either way, it's a getaway.

From I-45, this part of town doesn't look like much. I went to Galveston for a few days to feel the ocean breeze on my face and passed by Southbelt/ Ellington. The freeway is overgrown on the shoulders and the trees need a quick trim. Well... there are plenty of dead branches. But if you make your way into the Southbelt/ Ellington area, you will be surprised. What used to be a mostly small, industrial area, is now springing up new homes in an attempt to clean up the area. There are new apartment and condo complexes going up, and it appears that they are trying to clean up their retail businesses too. The houses are moderately priced, but large enough to provide a comfortable home for your family. Of course, there is still a lot of room for development, so look for the area to take advantage of that. While there isn't much in the way of parks or recreation in the area, Beverly Hills Park is a short drive north and Friendswood is a short drive south, which has plenty of shopping, entertainment and recreation. The school district in the area is lagging somewhat, but this will change with the influx of new people coming to the neighborhood. And, San Jacinto College is in the area. The nice thing about this area, though, is certainly the flexibility it allows you. Beltway 8 is a short drive south and enables you access to many different parts of Houston. I-45 is also close, providing a similar access to Houston.

Some friends of my family recently moved to this street from Illinois. We had lived next to them a long time ago and they invited us over to see their new house, have dinner, etc.... Getting there was a little bit of a hassle, as I-45 never seems to not have traffic. But, I guess that what happens when you're area is one of the fastest growing parts of Texas. Just off of a fairly major road, the neighborhood is quaint, with small-to-large homes varying in prices. The neighbors were friendly, waving at us as we passed despite not knowing us. The interesting thing about this street is that unlike many major neighborhoods that have houses on both sides of the street, this one departs from that and on the south side there are no houses-- just a walking path and trees. In the short time we were there, we saw kids playing on that side of the street the entire time, and it looked to be without parental supervision. Clear Lake is close to many great Houston hotspots. NASA is a short drive south. If you have visiting family, this is always something they want to do. It's almost a guarantee. You are close to I-45, so getting to downtown Houston is a breeze, and a short trip south will take you to Galveston, once the largest city in the state of Texas. There are also great shopping and dining experiences to be had, as well as entertainment. This neighborhood has truly got it all. But, once my family and I left from our friends, we got stuck in traffic again on I-45.

Every time I pull off of the Beltway to go to Hobby, I get a little worried. The area is dirty, if I might be honest. I don't feel safe, but I convince myself that people are people and I don't need protecting. Luckily, my first and last encounter with being robbed at gunpoint at Telephone and Almeda-Genoa was a failed one. The man holding me up approached my vehicle with a squirt gun painted black, demanding money.
The buildings are falling apart, the businesses are struggling and generally people look pretty angry. There's not much difference coming at the airport from I-45. Sure there are more trees and actual places to live, but their state is similar. There are a few fast food restaurants that seem to be doing well. The apartment complexes on Broadway are old and worn-- people's belongings are strewn across their balconies or what little yard they have. If you're looking for a cheap place to live, this would be the place, though. Police are on constant patrol in the area as the crime rate increases. Did I mention that you're living by an airport? The constant sound of planes taking off and arriving would drive me insane. Traffic in the area can be heavy depending on the time of day or if it is a particular popular day to fly. On the north side of the airport, lights on Broadway stop you quite a bit, slowing traffic to a standstill. Traffic doesn't start piling up on the south side of the airport until you get to Airport Blvd. The only nice thing here is Hobby's Southwest Airlines Reward Member room. And with it being so close, you could easily hop on a flight to anywhere but here.

The first time I came down to Washington was early in my college life. I was back home and went to meet some friends for a concert at Walter's on Washington. The venue is great, in that it is small and intimate, something you miss at a lot of other Houston venues. After that night, I didn't go back that direction until I got a job down the street on W Gray. Getting off at midnight is never really fun, but then sitting in traffic at Washington really put icing on the cake. People were crossing the streets as they pleased, and trust me, there were a lot of people. They were all young and spry, hanging on each other for support. What I gathered from this, as well as from various conversations with my friends that live in the area, is that the people here love it. There are any number of bars and night clubs in a small vicinity, and the apartments located on the street or around it are occupied by people just like you; young, looking to have fun and looking to do it on Washington. I can only imagine that the apartments are expensive here. They look new and well-maintained, plus it is in the heart of River Oaks, one of the most expensive places in Houston. The restaurants on Washington are great as well, providing you with an ample selection of any style of food. If you are looking to move here with your family, know that there will be noise emanating from the street at all hours. Also, your kids will be going to an HISD school, which if you would like them to get a good education, is somewhat avoidable with a plethora of private schools to the south. This little stretch is perfect for the young adult or professional looking to have a good time. Shopping isn't far away with options in either the Galleria or River Oaks. A quick drive will get you to either place.

This part of town is truly remarkable. If you leave out the horrendous traffic on all streets in this area, this is one of the most conveniently-located, cleanest, most-exciting places to live. We'll start with the proximity to major hospitals. Ben Taub Hospital runs parallel to Cambridge St. at its north end. Only a few blocks southeast of that Cambridge runs parallel to the VA Hospital. It's also very close to the Women's Hospital of Texas, the IntraCare Medical Center and the Harris County Hospital District. So, if you're sick, you should have no problem getting on one of the many bus stops and catching a ride there. But, if you're living in this area, you probably don't need to ride the bus. Despite this area being long considered a fairly dangerous part of Houston, this area is nothing short of the epitome of safety. The neighborhoods are walled-in with brick fences and gates further close off the community. Also, Rice University sits at the north end of Cambridge, essentially forcing you onto campus if you continue driving. At the north end of Cambridge is Hermann Park and the Houston Zoo-- fun for families on a free weekend (like I said, if you're living here...). The Children's Museum, which has gotten better every year in my 15 years here, is also a short drive north. To the south, you've got Reliant Center and Reliant Arena. During football season and the Rodeo this area gets really busy, so if you plan on going to catch a game, plan on leaving early. Shouldn't be a problem... you live pretty close. And, with 610 being a stone's throw away, you are never far from great shopping.

I have a friend that lived on Carew. I visited a few times and was always surprised by how quiet the area was in relation to how close it was to major streets. It's located near the intersection of Beechnut and Chimney Rock, two of Houston's busiest streets... that aren't Westheimer. And because, it is just off the main roads, there is little to no traffic every day of the week. It's green with plenty of trees and the lawns are well-kept. Neighbors were always very friendly when I parked in front of their house, always giving me a wave and saying hello. Kids here are zoned for the Bellaire School District, which is high on academics and sports. There is a park not far south from this street and Hermann park is not 15 minutes from your house. Rice University, one of the nation's top private schools (often referred to as the 'Ivy League of the South'), is close by as well, providing many opportunities for entertainment and education. This is in addition to the Galleria, one of the largest malls in America, which is a short car ride up 610. And speaking of 610... it is a gateway to many of Houston's best attractions. 610 South will take you towards Downtown and you will pass many great restaurants on the way. All in all, I love this part of town because of it's access to so many other parts of town, coupled with it's quiet streets and docile nature. It's a nice escape from the hustle-bustle of big city life.

Alfred Ln. is one of many streets that connects Gessner to Teague, a small, makeshift access road to Hempstead, which runs parallel to 290. I got lost in this area once and was a little surprised by this road in particular. There are industrial buildings set next to small ranch homes, which are set next to smaller houses, which are set next to 2 very large houses. Everything is gated. One half of Alfred has large yards while on the other half, closer to Teague, the houses got smaller and closer together. It did not look like comfortable living. But, you live within your means and these houses certainly looked to be affordable. A few of the houses looked abandoned or given up on, while others looked pristine, or even cute. For families looking to move here, or anyone for that matter, there are a few very bright spots. There are two parks to the south within the same neighborhood that are big enough to accommodate picnics or playing with your dog. Also, in the event of a problem, there is a police station on Teague one street north. And, if you are need of public transportation, there is a bus stop one street south. Because you are so close to the Beltway/290 intersection, there is no place in Houston you can't go. The intersection at the Beltway and 290 alone has plenty of shopping and restaurants for every need. And when those inevitable hospital visits come about, there is a hospital about 15 minutes northwest. But, when leaving your little Alfred Ln., beware of Houston traffic. It's pretty terrible in this part of town.

To the north, Wateka Dr. dead ends at Toulon, which is right in the backyard of both Memorial Hemann Southwest Hospital and Houston Baptist University. With this kind of medical and education access, Wateka is a great place for a family. The road is long and has many trees that bloom to fill the whole street. The houses are a pleasant mix of large homes and small ranch-style homes, perfect for most budgets. The homes sit on large plots of land and could be a bear to maintain, but the people living here have done an honorable job doing so. But, having a large yard also means there is plenty of room for kids to roam, explore and have fun. The area is quiet, save for the rare helicopter that flies overhead enroute to the hospital. There is very little traffic, as Wateka is on the right side of Beechnut, and does not meet up with it directly. On the south, though, Wateka meets with Bissonnet, which can be busy from time to time. One thing that I did not find so desirable about little Wateka were the powerlines that line the street, right in front of the trees. They are unsightly, and could turn out to be a safety hazard to curious children. Also, the yards are large enough to make it difficult to get to know your neighbors; though, this could be negated by the personality of the street and its seclusion from busy streets. Overall, I was charmed by this little street and recommend it for someone looking for a little peace and quiet.

I took a guy that I worked with home a few times. First off, he didn't tell me he lived in the complete opposite direction that I was going. And he didn't tell me about the train. When I pulled off I-45 at Cullen and made a left, the first thing I noticed was how dirty it seemed. There were very few houses, small, run-down restaurants, streets lined with industrial office buildings and people carrying hole-ridden shopping bags, talking to themselves, walking down the street. My car at the time was less-than-desirable, so that eased my stress levels. His house, off Leeland on Pease, looked like it could be cited for demolition any day. Granted, he had lived there for 30+ years, but still the upkeep in general on the street was pretty similar. There are a lot of trees, but the light pollution from the Houston Water Customer Services building was awful. Then the train. It bellowed through the thick Houston air. I asked my friend if he heard that all the time. He said he did, but he'd gotten used to it. I nodded, let him out of the car, and drove away. I got back to Cullen and saw a line at the train tracks. I am a fairly patient person, but we sat behind those blinking RR lights for twenty minutes. And the train sounded its horn at least 15 times, as if to remind the entirety of Houston that it was coming through. I took him home a few more times after that and got stuck at the same set of train tracks each time, and each time was an exorbitant amount of time. My best regards are not in order for this area.

This little stretch is occupied entirely by town homes. In the recent development of the area, these town homes, apartments and condos have gone up in an effort to bring people back to the area. The town homes themselves are very clean, very new, very posh-looking. There are not a lot of trees, nor is there a lot of space, but a young couple or adult looking for a trendy place to live will not be disappointed here. While the area has been going through renovations in recent years, there are areas very close to this that have not yet been renovated. It is fairly close to a warehouse district, some abandoned some not, and the W Gray/Webster split accentuates this division. But, don't let this discourage you from visiting or living here. The area is wonderful, close enough to Montrose and downtown Houston to be considered fairly liberal and alternative, and it has a style all it's own. In a trip to Washington D.C. (the Georgetown area), the buildings they had there were similar to the ones here in the 4th Ward. It's a long street with buildings crammed next to each other, red brick and all. W Webster just lacks the same tree coverage. But cleanliness is not an issue here, and sound pollution is easily avoided. The streets surrounding W Webster are never filled with traffic. The nightlife in the area is nothing short of spectacular by Houston standards; bars and clubs are a few minutes away, as well as Midtown. Ben Taub Hospital is also close by and the Medical district is just a little further than that, including world-renowned Texas Children's Hospital.

Just off Westheimer at the southern edge of Afton Oaks/River Oaks, Bryn Mawr lane offers close proximity to some of Houston's best sights, nightlife, events, entertainment and living options, while still preserving peace and quiet at all costs. This street is made up mostly of ranch-style homes with thick tree cover. The cost of living here is considerably less than most places in this area, yet you can still enjoy the amenities of the other subdivisions. Timely care of all power, water and gas issues that may occur is certain, and there is a certain amount of attention paid to all public land (mowing, caretaking, general upkeep), The houses are close to each other and create a friendly neighbor spirit. There are many private schools in the area that provide superior education to all ages, including many colleges and universities. But, the public school system still feeds to HISD, which has been known for its low standards. The nicest part of this stretch is its location. It is very close to 610, which allows access to the Galleria and all the restaurants and shopping in that area. It is also close to downtown and can provide nightly entertainment if you so choose. This area also houses so of the most revered coffee shops and restaurants that are not chains. Agora and Empire Cafe are a short drive from the street, as well as the River Oaks Shopping Center. There are many great driving locations, as well as walking locations and parks near by, that offer a pleasant escape from the home every once in a while.

Here you will find many mini-vans, many shopping centers- both new and nearing the health code violation line, many small subdivisions with houses that are very similar, if not the same. Highway 6 is the main thoroughfare out here, and is usually pretty packed, especially during peak rush hour times. As I said, there are plenty of little shopping centers, but many of them are run-down and look dirty. The grass in many medians and shoulders is overgrown, only cut every month- maybe even every few months. Nightlife is somewhat non-existent in this area. There are a few bars, but the nearest club is Hush, which is closer to Katy. So, if you are looking for a relatively quiet place, this is the place for you. There are also nicer shopping centers as you get farther north, but it seems like quite a hike. There are ample places to eat in the area, but there are relatively few options for finer dining than your typical fast food options. There is a Cracker Barrel, Brothers Pizza (highly recommended-especially pineapple with jalapeños), and Cattleguard at the intersection of I-10 and Highway 6.
The nice thing about the area is Bear Creek Park. Bear Creek Little League, Soccer league and various other children's sports programs are centered here. As a kid, I played many baseball tournaments here, and while I was still young, I noticed that this area was unlike any place in Houston I had seen before. I have since seen other places like it, but it was nice as a child to know that there were still places with big trees and lots of grass. There is also a miniature exotic zoo on the grounds that can prove very exciting for young children and adults alike. The park also has plenty of open space and picnic tables for family outings. The houses in the area are affordable and comfortable. The major plus for living here is zoning for the Katy Independent School District. Many of the schools in this district, including those that have zoning for kids in this area, are among tops in the state in educational standards.

If you're coming from I-10, it may take a while to get into the neighborhood, but once you do, you will not regret it. Blankenship is just off Kempwood, whose beautiful trees and smooth roads can be cause to go out for a drive late at night. The intersections are a little crowded because of construction and the area isn't great, but this neighborhood is truly a hidden gem. Small ranch homes line Blankenship with quaint yards, unobtrusive lighting, and because it is tucked away from main intersections, there is not a lot of traffic, your kids will be safe playing in the yard, and there is a definite absence of noise at night. Neighbors are friendly and children can be seen playing together during the day. In order to get much shopping done you will need to travel back to I-10 where there is ample shopping, including an HEB, Chase and Bank of America, Best Buy and other nice retail stores. Across the freeway, there is Memorial City Mall, a favorite attraction to many Houstonians, Memorial Hermann Hospital, among the best in the nation, and the access to I-10 gives you free reign of the city. Access to Bingle (which turns in Voss at I-10) and Blalock, I-10 is never far away. Cost of living here is relatively low compared to other neighborhoods in either direction, and as these houses are getting older, they make great fixer-homes, which drives up resale value for those that need a quick place to stay. Schools in the district are fair, though there are other districts that hold better academic scores.

Starting at I-10 Kirkwood leads through a pretty nice part of the Beltway system. The homes to begin with are modestly-priced, well-built, and perfect for families. There are also a plethora of apartment complexes that are also priced well, but over the last few years, these have started to take a turn for the worse. The road is kept well and the trees hang over the road nicely, giving you the feel of running down the lane of an old southern plantation. But, with this well kept road comes stringent police enforcement and traffic stops are pretty common. Near I-10 there is a beautiful park to take your kids or pets for a quick afternoon jaunt and shopping is not far away, with Town & Country Mall not 10 minutes from any place on Kirkwood, and Westheimer just up the street. And it is at Westheimer that we see this parabola of costs come in. This portion is highly populated by fast food chains, shopping centers, home improvement stores and all types of stores in general, but it also holds homes for some of Houston's wealthiest. Royal Oaks is a luxury-home, gated community with no home less than $2 million dollars. This has caused the strip malls and shopping around Westheimer and Kirkwood to become more upscale, nicer-looking establishments. Continuing down Kirkwood though, you run into south-side homes-- smaller homes, cheaper mortgage and a little bit dirtier.
Kirkwood is certainly one of the more diverse streets in the city and has excellent access to I-10, Beltway 8, Westpark Tollway and Westheimer. While there is plenty to do around the area, you are never far from downtown excitement or a quick trip to a park. The area is safe and relatively quiet, even around Westheimer. This area is perfect for families and the apartments make great stays for singles and couples.

Bagby is a confusing little street. If you exit off of I-45, it forks right, but there are signs that might tell you otherwise. The area is very obviously situated in midtown, as there are a lot of office buildings, banks and stand-alone stores. The apartment complexes and condos in the area are new, or newly renovated, and can cost a pretty penny, but if you are looking for nightlife, you don't need to look any further. Once you pull onto Bagby there are a number of bars and nightclubs on both sides, including Pub Fiction, a popular hangout for young adults and professionals. Howl at the Moon is next door and there are a number of other bars and clubs that populate this region. But, if you are looking for a quiet area and you don't like to stay up late with your neighbors, you may want to reconsider moving to this area. Because of the bar scene and active night-life, there is always plenty of noise from all directions. I-45 is close by, which also supplies quite a bit of noise, and traffic coming from downtown is always a bear, especially on weekends. Again though, typical of Houston streets, there are many one-way streets and detours that occupy this area. And while the apartment's are nice and comfortable, there are some run-down homes to the south and you could be confronted by the homeless on your walk home from the bar. Not to mention, the area is pretty expensive to live in, and it lacks a practical place for shopping, groceries and amenities. If you're looking for a good time though, this is the place for you.

Baker Rd. is fairly small, only two lanes, and extends from a modest portion of subdivisions to Windsor Park Lakes, where basketball player Yao Ming has lived. The road dead-ends to the north at the I-10 feeder road, and snakes around into another upper-middle class neighborhood just past Windsor Park Lakes. But, the majority of Baker runs along side the gated community with a newly-built biking and running trail and park. The park is a great place to take a jog or walk with your kids and has many gazebos to cool off in. Trees have been planted, but they are still young. Baker is split in half by Kingsland road, which leads into Katy and 99. On the other side of Kingsland, Baker holds a US Post Office that accumulates as much traffic as any post office might. The subdivisions that branch off of Baker are nice, middle-class homes perfect for new families. The area is serene and quiet, with a duck pond that has been a favorite of children for years. Just watch the road if you're traveling down Baker... turtles and ducks have been known to run out in front of cars. There is plenty of shopping close by, health clubs down the road, 3 movie theaters within 5 minutes and a hospital down the road, with another going up on the other side of the freeway. This area is one of the most affordable areas in Houston, giving you maximum square footage per lot, peace and quiet, and development that is unprecedented and unheard of in any other part of the city.

Commonwealth is pretty short compared to most streets in Houston. It breaks off of Waugh at W Gray and ends at Westheimer, a little more than a mile away. Packed into that short amount of space are new townhomes, comfortable apartments, and older and newer homes. The area is very green with lots of trees and many yards have beautiful garden arrangements, displaying exotic flowers and interesting lawn art. This area is an extension of Montrose, so many different types of people live here and relationships between neighbors are cordial, if not friendly. It is also relatively quiet considering it's location. With major streets surrounding it, the area stays pretty quiet most nights and fear for safety is never a big topic around the family dinner table. While the roads branching off Commonwealth can be a little confusing at times, with many one-way streets and plenty of deadends, you'd be lucky to get lost in these little neighborhoods from time to time. And because it ends at Westheimer, you are never far from accessing any part of the city. Food, bars, entertainment and shopping is always around the corner, and a quick drive down W Gray will take you downtown or to River Oaks. I-10 is also very close (about 5 minutes), and 59 and I-45 are about 5 minutes away as well.

My first encounter over here was delightful. My friends had renovated (sort of) an old mansion and threw a party. At first, I noticed their house was directly in front of a depot for USPS trucks and mail-delivery cars and the lights are kept on 24-hours a day. The condominiums next to their house were nice and looked new, but it didn't appear that anyone lived there. Next to their house was another mansion-esque house, but it was boarded up, overgrown, and seemed to be housing crackheads for the time being. I locked my car. Twice. My friend told me his car had been used as a toilet a number of times and broken into several other times before. Behind their house was an abandoned auto repair shop, which had police officers in front of it the entire time I was there.
Other than the constant lights shining in your front windows, the lurking crackheads and fairly busy traffic, this midtown location could be an exciting place to live. Just down La Branch is a small, homely neighborhood that is well kept. You are about 3 minutes from jumping on I-45, which can take you to the east side of downtown, or if you wish you can take La Branch to Minute Maid Park or any number of downtown locations. It is also near River Oaks, which allows plenty of shopping opportunities and the famous River Oaks theater. But, if you are thinking of visiting this area or purchasing a home here, watch your things and be sure to lock your doors.

Near the lavish area of Voss around Second Baptist Church, this area of Voss near Westheimer has everything a young adult or young professional could want. While the area south of Westheimer gets a little seedier, Burgoyne and the surrounding areas carry a number of apartment complexes, condominiums, and town homes. For the young professional, there is a Barnes and Noble on Westheimer that is perfect for studying or getting work done while not at the office. If you are looking for a good happy hour or place to eat, there are plenty of options including sushi, fast food, a number of ethnic restaurants and delicatessens. Here you are a mere 10 minutes from the Beltway and CityCentre, which has a number of nightlife activities for young adults. You are also 10 minutes from the Galleria and 15 minutes from any downtown destination. Plus, with a simple turn from your apartment complex, you have access to the myriad options on Westheimer for whatever might interest you, right at your fingertips. It being so close to a major intersection does present noise problems and there is construction near Burgoyne every day, which slows down traffic at peak hours. But, if you are willing to handle high-priced apartments or condos, a little traffic, a little noise and are unattached, you will love living in this area. It is perfect for young professionals and adults.

The most distinguishing feature of this area are the small ranch homes, the tall-canopied trees and proximity to certain desirable elements. But, it is right off of a small road, Witte, from the feeder of I-10, which makes nights very loud on its own. The road is two lanes and two ways, which can be dangerous for new drivers and drivers that have kids as a distraction. Then add that there is a bus depot right down the street, a Chase training facility right in your backyard, and a once blue collar, dilapidated area to the north; mornings become nearly unbearable. That, and the homeowners association does not keep up with yard maintenance, nor do they hold standards at sanitary levels in some cases. There are redeeming qualities though. On the other side of I-10 there is a Bally's, and west down I-10 about 1 1/4 miles is Memorial Hermann Hospital, as well as Memorial City Mall. The school district is average, unlike the other side of the freeway. Other plus sides to the neighborhood include a 10 minute drive to downtown, great fast food and sit down restaurants 2-3 minutes away, an accessible grocery store in the same center and terrific parks and pools for the kids.

Tucked behind Memorial City Mall, within driving distance to numerous shopping centers and among one of the nicest parts of the west suburbs of Houston, this section of Memorial is rife with comfort, accessibility and wonderful houses. Just off of Bunker Hill Dr., this neighborhood greets you with a copious amount of beautiful trees, light traffic, and peace and quiet deserved after a long day at work. For families with children or teenagers, there is entertainment galore with the mall and plenty of other shopping centers nearby. Plus, only 10 minutes from downtown, you are never far from an escape to the big city and Houston’s famous nightlife. Nationally ranked Memorial Hermann Hospital is a 5-minute drive away, allowing the peace of mind in the knowledge that you are never far from world-class healthcare in case of an emergency. While typical suburban neighborhood activities between neighbors are missing in large supply, the area has a growing number of families with small children and friendships are easily formed with the proximity of homes in the area. As one of the oldest neighborhoods in Houston, you might expect old buildings, but new houses occupy the area and bring a ‘new-money’ charm. And if driving is your thing, the beautiful Memorial Drive is just a few minutes south, granting access to one of the most beautiful stretches of road in Houston.

Everything here is very flat, but such is Houston for you. I remember moving from South Carolina, where the hills and trees swallowed your house if you weren't careful, and thinking: "They've replaced the trees and hills with highways and shopping malls." I've lived in the area for about 15 years now, and oh how it has grown! The trees that were once just saplings are large and provide plenty of shade on Houston summer days. The community pools are good for a little R & R as well. The subdivisions in and around Katy have grown and the school districts are growing to accommodate. There is a hospital going up just down the street at Barker Cypress and I-10. The flat terrain is perfect for riding bikes, taking trips to the numerous parks in the area, and walking your dogs. The people in the area are also very friendly. When I was younger, there were a lot of us kids running around playing games, and the parents of the area would gather outside in the cul-de-sac or in someone's backyard by the pool. While we played, they cooked food, had a few laughs, and enjoyed each other's company. The schools are great, and if you have business to attend to downtown, it is just 20 minutes away. I've loved living here. It's provided versatility and freedom, and a sanctuary of peace and quiet.