Inside the Loop Living

Thinking about moving Inside the Loop

Everything is bigger in Texas! And that goes for the amount of people moving here. In the November 2018 published by U.S. News & World Report article, “Americans Are Moving to These 10 States,” Texas is the second most popular state Americans moved to between 2016 and 2017 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Not only are people flocking to Texas, but people are flocking to Houston, Texas’ largest city. In a USA Today article based on a 24/7 Wall Street review of population figures from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Population Estimates Program, Houston ranked second out of 50 metropolitan areas in the States with the biggest net increase in population because of migration between 2010 and 2017. Are you considering a move to Houston? You should! Here are the top three reasons why you should consider a move to the Inner-Loop in Houston.

Affordability – Compared to other metro areas, Houston is more affordable to live in Houston than Atlanta, Chicago, and New York. In addition, it also cost less than in Houston than it does in Austin or Dallas. Houston’s Inner-Loop offers homebuyers plenty of options affordable housing.

Jobs, jobs, and more jobs – There are an abundance of jobs in Houston. And not just in the oil and gas industries. There are startups and shared workspaces, to jobs in the aerospace, aviation, energy, manufacturing to medical business verticals that all call Houston home. Plus, the zoning laws are more relaxed than in other cities, making it easier for small business owners to open up businesses and thrive.

Lots of things to do – The Inner-Loop is a bustling, fun, and vibrant area offering something for everybody to enjoy. If you want to be part of the scene, relax, enjoy outside, ear, or learn, Houston’s Inner Loop has it all. There are plenty of dining, entertainment, and shops within the Inner Loop. Plus, there is plenty of parks and green space, places to work out, an aquarium, zoo, children’s museum, and a theater district. Montrose has art museums, galleries, historic buildings, and thrift and vintage shops. Attractions nearby Rice Military include the Alley Theatre, Galleria, and Toyota Center. Additionally, there are an abundance of sports teams in Houston. From professional teams like the Astros, Dynamo, Rockets, and Texans to rodeos, high school sports, and collegiate teams at the University of Houston, Rice University and Texas Southern University.

Bellaire

Encompassed by the cities of Houston and West University Place, Bellaire is known for its quiet, tree-lined streets and highly ranked schools. Evelyn’s Park and its all-day café, Betsy’s, is a neighborhood hot spot, while Bellaire-Zindler Park features a pool and tennis courts as well as Bellaire Recreation Center and the Bellaire Civic Center. Nearby Meyerland is the center of Houston’s Jewish community.

Braeburn/Willowbend

The Braeburn area features tree-lined streets dotted with mid-century modern homes. The community sits along Brays Bayou, offering easy access to more than 15 miles of hike-and-bike trails, The Galleria, the Texas Medical Center, NRG Stadium, U.S. 59, the 610 Loop, and Beltway 8. Westbury, Willow Meadows-Willowbend, and Southwest Houston lie in close proximity to Braeburn and the Brays Oaks district.

EaDo/East End

East Downtown — known as EaDo — is budding with a diverse and evolving mix of nightlife and art galleries. The area’s walkability is part of the appeal; a day may include a jaunt to the Houston Dynamo stadium and 8th Wonder Brewery, or Agricole Hospitality’s buzzy restaurants. A new METRORail line has improved connectivity.

Fifth Ward

Northeast of Downtown, explore the Fifth Ward’s rich musical, artistic and cultural history — including six churches that are more than 100 years old, such as the Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, founded by former slave Rev. Toby Gregg in 1865.

Uptown/Galleria

This area exudes urban sophistication and cosmopolitan energy. Centrally located in the city’s Uptown district, The Galleria is comprised of hundreds of upscale restaurants and retailers, as well as soaring office towers that see more than 200,000 working professionals and visitors daily. Uptown is also home to many of the city’s largest hotels and boasts an array of housing options.

Garden Oaks/Oak Forest

Together known as “GOOF,” these neighborhoods are increasingly popular among young families, a trend reflected in the rapid addition of new shopping centers and restaurants in the area. With grand magnolias and large lots, the Garden Oaks community is an architecturally unique area with traditional-style plantation homes and quaint cottages. Oak Forest is also charming, and slightly more affordable.

Heights/Timbergrove

The Heights is Houston’s oldest planned community, located northwest of downtown. The area is known for its diverse population and small-town quality of life while still being in the heart of the city. Tastefully updated turn-of-the-century homes stand next to newly constructed Victorian– and Charleston–style cottages with large, wrap-around porches. Numerous high-rise condos are currently being developed in response to the population growth that’s predicted for the area. House hunters are drawn to the 19th Street Historic Business District, which offers a unique variety of specialty boutiques, antique shops, and funky eateries. The First Saturday Arts Market features live music, crafts, art, and more.

Medical Center/NRG Park

Houston has long been known for its burgeoning energy and aerospace industries, but it’s also home to the world’s largest concentration of researchers, physicians, and medical professionals. In addition to world-class medical facilities, the Texas Medical Center—which treats more than 10 million patients annually and employs more than 106,000 professionals—is comprised of educational icons like the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, Memorial Hermann Hospital, and the Baylor College of Medicine. Nearby NRG Stadium hosts a myriad of events throughout the year, including Houston Texans football games and the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.

Memorial Park/Washington Corridor

Memorial is a wealthy area located along Buffalo Bayou on the 610 Loop west of downtown. The area is home to Memorial Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States. It’s popular for golf, running, and cycling, and reports nearly three million annual visitors. Popular attractions include the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, Memorial City Mall, and Town & Country Village. A strip of popular restaurants, lounges, wine bars, and townhouses recently replaced a stretch of dilapidated properties.

Midtown

Sandwiched between downtown and the Museum District, the trendy Midtown neighborhood is a popular choice for young and middle-aged professionals. Midtown is one of the city’s most pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods—it’s packed with high-rise apartments, boutique shopping, art galleries, restaurants, and nightlife. Situated directly between downtown and the Texas Medical Center with three dedicated METRORail stations, location is a big attraction for prospective Midtown residents.

Montrose

Established in 1911, Montrose is one of the most eclectic areas in all of Houston. It’s home to music venues, vintage shopping, and historic residential architecture. South Montrose is nestled near the Museum District, which encompasses more than 50 cultural institutions, museums, and art galleries. TripAdvisor named Montrose one of the hippest neighborhoods in America in 2018.

Museum District

Culture runs deep in Houston’s Museum District, which welcomes nearly nine million visitors a year. The area is home to 18 museums within a 1.5-mile radius of the Mecom Fountain, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Rice University Art Gallery, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Houston Children’s Museum, The Houston Zoo and more.

River Oaks

River Oaks is well known as one of Houston’s oldest and most affluent neighborhoods. Located just three miles west of downtown in the Inner Loop, the area sports white-columned mansions dating from the 1920s, as well as Houston’s oldest country club. The community is protected by high architectural standards and comprehensive building restrictions. The median home value in River Oaks is over $1 million.

South Main/Central Southwest

Central Southwest Houston is a predominantly African-American neighborhood that offers easy access to The Galleria and Texas Medical Center. Homes and apartments tend to be affordable. High-end shopping and fine dining has yet to move into the area, but it’s home to a large number of authentic ethnic restaurants. More is sure to come in one of the staple areas in Houston.

Third Ward/Hobby Airport

The Third Ward, home to Texas Southern University and the University of Houston, is rich in culture and history, as evidenced in the beautifully revamped Emancipation Park. Residents enjoy easy access to Hobby Airport and Downtown.

Upper Kirby/Greenway Plaza

Upper Kirby is a network of historic neighborhoods that are intermingling with redevelopment. The area is just minutes away from Greenway Plaza, downtown, The Galleria, and the Texas Medical Center, offering residents easy access to the places they live, work, and play. West Ave is home to an assortment of top-notch restaurants, art galleries, and trendy boutiques.

West University/Rice Village

The third-most expensive neighborhood in Houston, the tree-lined West University area— West U, as locals call it—is a community of upper-middle class families. On every block you’ll find an abundance of upscale housing options, including unique bungalows and newly remodeled homes. Home to Rice University and Rice Village Shopping Center, the neighborhood appeals to families and young professionals alike. Morningside Boulevard offers a good mix of lunch, dinner, and happy hour spots.