Yale St, Greater Heights

Tell anyone familiar with Houston that you live in 'The Heights' and the general reply will be "Cool." And they would be right. The part of Houston centering around Yale street from the 610 loop to I 10 and from Studemont to Shepard and on is known as The Heights. I had heard about this area when I first moved to Houston. A day drive and several bike rides through this part of town did little to impress me. It looks like any other older neighborhood with a city built up around it. Then I moved to the Heights.
I lived just off of Yale and 24th street. First off, the people in my neighborhood were just like out of a movie. Very friendly, aware of their neighbors, and constantly participating in neighborhood garage sales and street festivals. There is even a diner just off of Yale where on any given day of the week you can find people from the neighborhood eating and chatting there. Local businesses are peppered throughout the Heights but it is mostly people living their lives. No suits and jackets here. My neighbors were mostly artistic types or food industry/bar types. Everyone kept late hours and could be seen walking their pets or riding their mountain bikes all over the neighborhood at any given time.
And speaking of riding your bike, I found that it was only a 5 minute bike ride to the Montrose/Westheimer bars that I liked so much. Also, one of my favorite music venues, Fitzgeralds, is in the neighborhood. Walking distance to a rock show!
Yes, if you want the white picket fence and the elusive neighbors who you only talk to when you run into them at Starbucks, then the Heights is not for you. But if you want a cool neighborhood where everyone knows everyone and to find a barbeque you only have to walk out of your house and follow your nose, then Yale street and the surrounding area is the place for you. Welcome to the 'cool table'. Welcome to the Heights.