Central Houston Newcomer Guide - 2016 Vol. 1

2 P A L M B E A C H R E L O C A T I O N G U I D E – F A L L 2 0 1 6 | W I N T E R 2 0 1 7

Inspired by The Belmond Cadogan Hotel in London, Cadogan Place features the classy, luxurious style of similar architecture so beautifully showcased by the famous hotel. A gated community in River Oaks with only 12 units, come home and enjoy this stylish and unique in-town development, Cadogan Place.

CRAIN SQUAREStarting at $1.2 million

CADOGAN PLACEStarting at $1.5 million

BELL HEIGHTSStarting at the $700s

www.rohewright.com

H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 1

HOUSTON METHODIST HOSPITAL IS THE ONLY NATIONALLY RANKED HONOR ROLL HOSPITAL IN TEXAS. Houston Methodist, throughout its long history, has focused on innovation that directly benefi ts our patients. We are national leaders in the delivery of health care, and others agree.

Out of 4,667 hospitals, Houston Methodist Hospital ranks No. 19 in the nation and No. 1 in Texas. And for 10 years in a row, we’ve had more national rankings than any other hospital in Texas.

Like past generations of Houstonians, we know that today’s best will not be good enough for tomorrow. Houston Methodist directs millions of research dollars into patient care and offers the latest innovations in medical, surgical and diagnostic techniques. We are pressing ahead toward a greater and grander vision, one that positions us to help shape the future of medicine.

For a physician referral, visit houstonmethodist.org or call 713.790.3599.


ON THE COVER

Evening photo of Downtown Houston and its ever changing skyline.

PHOTOGRAPHY

We would like to thank the following for their contributions:

Greater Houston Convention

& Visitors Bureau

GHCVB - Hugh Hargrave

Discovery Green-Katya Horner Photog-rapher

Memorial Lutheran School

George Ranch Historical Park

Schlitterbahn Galveston

Röhe and Wright

The Uptown Houston Chamber of

Commerce

Memorial Hermann Hospital

Houston Zoo

Houston Astros

Houston Rockets-Noah Graham NBAE/Getty Images

Houston Dynamo

Jackson Myers

The Art Car Museum

EDITORIAL

We would like to thank the following writers for their

editorial contributions to the publication:

Joy Oden

Judy Van Cleve

Cecile Ruffino

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contents | featuresHouston’s Cost of Living

High-rise & Mid-rise

Manageable. Affordable. Lifestyle.

International Relocation

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675 Bering Drive Suite 120

Houston Texas 77057

Phone: 713-952-1916

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www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com

CEO

Derek Wright

PRESIDENT

Kevin Evans

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Michael P. Blalock

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Robert Nusbaum

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Jill Roe, Susan Syamken,

Judy Van Cleve & Paul Yarbrough

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WELCOME TO CENTRAL HOUSTON • 8

HOUSING & NEIGHBORHOODS• 14 City

Neighborhoods

Harris County Map

Houston Cost of Living

High-rise and Mid-rise Living

HOME FRONT • 24 Temporary Lodging

Rent or Buy

Choosing a Realtor

Mortgage Options

Houston by the Numbers

RELOCATION INFORMATION • 32 Moving Companies

Forwarding Mail

Utilities

Public Transportation

International Relocation

EDUCATION IN CENTRAL HOUSTON • 40 Public Schools

Private Schools

Higher Education

PLACES OF WORSHIP • 47 Contact Listings

HEALTHCARE • 50 Major Medical Facilities

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY • 55 Area Economic Development Partnership

LEISURE & RECREATION • 58 Arts and Culture

Parks & Attractions

Sports & Golf

Calendar of Events

Houston’s Diverse Dining Scene

58

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6 C E N T R A L H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E – F A L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

SYLVESTER TURNERCity of Houston Mayor

Greetings!

Let me be the first to welcome you to Houston! You are going to love living here. We are the

most diverse City in the nation – a City with an entrepreneurial spirit and a City where you

can achieve your dreams.

Houston is still the Energy Capital of the World, but our economy has diversified over the

years to include technology, medicine and manufacturing and shipping.

I invite you to explore all that this great city has to offer. Whether it’s our world-class restau-

rants, theaters, museums, shopping, thrilling sports teams or the new Independence Plaza at

the Johnson Space Center which houses the world’s first and only replica of the space shuttle/

carrier, Houston has it all. It all combines together to create the ideal city in which to live, work

and play.

Houston Newcomer and Relocation Guides can be an invaluable source of information as

you prepare for your relocation. It showcases every aspect of living and working in the city of

Houston.

We look forward to having you as a Houstonian!

Sincerely,

Sylvester Turner

Mayor

P.O. Box 1562

Houston, Texas 77251-1562

Telephone – Dial 311

www.houstontx.gov


CINDY HAMANN2017 Chairman

Houston Association of REALTORS®

Welcome to Houston!

You’ve just landed in one of the most vibrant and culturally diverse cities in America, with

a low cost of living, world-renowned Texas Medical Center, incredible cuisine, and count-

less arts, entertainment, sports and recreation destinations, including Super Bowl LI.

As you drive around and familiarize yourself with the Houston metropolitan area, you’re

likely to notice license plates from many different states, as the addition of thousands of

new jobs over the past few years has drawn people here from all across the U.S.

The Houston real estate market has been one of the healthiest in the country, offering a

wide selection of communities and properties to suit every lifestyle, whether you plan to

rent or buy. The 34,000 members of the Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR) help

make the American Dream come true for individuals and families every day. HAR is the

nation’s second largest local REALTOR® organization and our members understand that a

home is one of the greatest investments you will ever make.

Well over a million consumers begin searching for their dream home every month on

HAR’s award-winning website, HAR.com, which extended its reach beyond Houston in

2014 to provide property listings for the entire state of Texas. The site offers dozens of user-

friendly tools to explore specific properties and their amenities as well as to find detailed

information about neighborhoods, schools, businesses and much more.

Those same features are available through the free HAR.com app, making your property

search convenient while on the go. HAR and the City of Houston also developed the free

Houston Living app, which provides instant access to information about Houston’s elected

officials, city services and amenities, local events, neighborhood associations and much

more.

On behalf of HAR, it’s my great pleasure to welcome you to Houston. We hope you’ll take

advantage of everything our incredible community has to offer.

Sincerely,

Cindy Hamann

HAR CENTRAL3693 Southwest Freeway

Houston, TX 77027

713- 629-1900

Fax 713- 961-4869

BAY AREA 16903 Buccaneer Lane, Suite 110

Houston, TX 77058

713-629-1900 ext. 750

Fax 281-486-7530

MONTGOMERY COUNTY 19075 I-45 South, Suite 210

Conroe, TX 77385

713-629-1900 ext. 760

Fax 936-273-0344

FORT BEND6680 Greatwood Pkwy.

Sugar Land, TX 77479

713-629-1900 ext. 700

Fax 281-343-9557

8 C E N T R A L H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E – F A L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

Photo courtesy of Discovery Greenn - Katya Horner, Photographer


“We Love Houston.” The 28-foot welcoming

sign says it all. Open and friendly Housto-

nians embody a boisterous spirit of growth

and optimism – a can-do attitude – and cele-

brate individuality and quirky creativity.

Houston, the city with no limits, is Amer-

ica’s most diverse city. Whatever their

backgrounds, newcomers from around the

nation and the world come to Houston in

huge numbers.

Houston’s status as the Energy Capital of

the World remains unrivaled. The city is

home to more than 3,700 energy related

firms, including 40 of the nation’s 145

publicly traded oil and gas exploration and

production companies.

Despite the slowdown in the energy industry

over the past couple of years, optimism

has crept back into the markets as the price

of oil has slowly improved; consensus is

building that the Houston economy may

also have seen the worst of this drilling

downturn and that better times are just

ahead, according to the University of

Houston Bauer Institute for Regional Fore-

casting. That’s largely because Houston has

worked hard to diversify its economic base

since the hard oil crash of the 1980s, with

healthcare and other recession-resistant

industries now accounting for a larger share

of the regional economy. In fact, Houston

has more Fortune 500 company headquar-

ters than any U.S. city other than Chicago

and New York.

Houston’s Texas Medical Center is the

largest in the world, employing more

than 106,000 people and welcoming 8

million patient visits each year. The Port of

Houston is the nation’s top seaport by many

measures, and ranks as one of the busiest

ports in the world by cargo tonnage. NASA’s

Johnson Space Center adds to Houston’s

economic diversity, and the city has consular

offices from 92 countries.

Due to Houston’s sheer enormity – the

8,929-square-mile metro area is larger than

the state of New Jersey – most of its growth

takes place outside of the 610 Loop, the

innermost of the three highway rings around

Houston. But inside 610, the living is good

and getting better.

WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT LIVING IN CENTRAL HOUSTON?Today, Central Houston is experiencing a

renaissance the likes of which it hasn’t seen

since John and Augustus Allen founded the

city at the confluence of Buffalo and White

Oak Bayous in 1836. Known as Allen’s

Landing, and sometimes called Houston’s

Plymouth Rock, this spot provided a natural

turning basin for the first Port of Houston.

Like much of Central Houston, the area

surrounding Allen’s Landing declined

dramatically throughout the second half

of the 20th century, as Houston’s booming

With 92 consulates, a dynamic multi-lingual population, two international airports and a top ranked port, Houston

attracts newcomers from around the globe who bring with them a world view of business, opportunity and life style.

WELCOME TOCENTRALHouston

1 0 C E N T R A L H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E – F A L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

postwar growth focused almost exclusively

on the suburbs. Today, however, Allen’s

Landing has made a rousing comeback,

thanks to a $4.6 million revitalization that

added a terraced lawn, a concert wharf and

new public art. The historic Sunset Coffee

Building at Allen’s Landing is being reno-

vated and transformed into a recreational

and cultural center.

The rebound of Allen’s Landing mirrors

the revitalization that’s taking place in

many other parts of Central Houston. As

newcomers and longtime residents alike

seek to experience the convenience and

cultural richness of city living, long-for-

gotten or simply sleepy neighborhoods in

all directions from Downtown are waking

up and offering new living opportunities

that are as diverse as Houston itself. These

include urban lofts in converted warehouses,

gleaming new mid-rise and high-rise build-

ings, renovated historic bungalows and

cottages, and new townhomes and single-

family residences.

Living in central Houston means easy

access to Houston’s rich cultural scene. The

Theatre District in Downtown Houston has

the largest concentration of seats outside of

New York. This 17-block district is home to

nine performing arts organizations that wow

audiences in venues including Jones Hall,

the Hobby Center, the Wortham Theater

Center and the Alley Theater. Overall,

Houston has more than 500 arts organiza-

tions – most of them in Central Houston.

Just southwest of downtown, in the pedes-

trian-friendly Museum District, more than

8.7 million visitors explore the 19 museums

that make up the tree-lined, culture-filled

neighborhood each year. Within a 1.5-mile

radius of the iconic Mecom Fountain, are

such famous institutions as the Museum of

Fine Arts-Houston, the Houston Museum

of Natural Science, and more more special-

ized museums such as the Houston Center

for Contemporary Craft, the Holocaust

Museum, and the Asia Society Texas

Center.

HERE ARE SOME CONSIDERATIONS FOR ANYONE WHO IS NEW TO SEARCHING FOR A HOME IN CENTRAL HOUSTON:

• While much of Houston is unzoned, check out potential restrictions such as

deed restrictions and historic district status – the latter has been spreading

through Central Houston. While restrictions can be very beneficial for neighbor-

hood preservation, they might not be compatible with a buyer’s future vision for

their new property.

• It’s relatively quick and easy to check the reputation of volume builders in

large suburban communities, but inner city builders and renovators may be very

small or even brand-new. Real estate agents and previous buyers can be good

sources to check with.

• If schools are a consideration, keep in mind that the reputations of inner

city schools can vary widely from campus to campus, even within a small

geographic area. Urban districts such as HISD have many outstanding magnet

and neighborhood schools, however, attendance boundaries are not often

flexible.

• When moving into a transitional neighborhood, keep in mind that problems

such as crime, litter and rundown or abandoned properties may still take several

more years to turn around. Redevelopment, while sometimes fast, can also

progress very slowly.

• If it’s important to you, consider that large tracts of open or industrial land,

especially if they border a major street, can be redeveloped as multifamily

residential, commercial or other.

• If a home or neighborhood is located near a major freeway, keep in mind

that urban freeways are always candidates for expansion. Do your research on

projects that have been announced or talked about. The expansion of I-45 North

and the proposed Houston-Dallas high-speed rail line may impact a number of

Central Houston neighborhoods.

• As with high-rise and mid-rise living anywhere, keep in mind that a great view

is never guaranteed to last forever, unless your building looks onto a park or other

green space.

W E L C O M E T O C E N T R A L H O U S T O N

Photo courtesy of GHCVB

H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 1 1

Inspired by Houston’s towering skyscrapers and GreenStreet’s modern themes, Hotel Alessandra’s elegantly appointed rooms and suites with oversized bathrooms, transplants old world sophistication to blend seam-lessly with southern charm, refinement, and a business savvy mindset. An appreciation of height, space and natural light is apparent throughout the hotel, from the soaring ceilings, second-floor lobby to the fifth-floor spa, fitness center, pool deck and bar.

1070 Dallas Street | Houston, TX 77002Reservations 1.844.204.5851

valenciagroup.com

She’s arriving fall 2017

• Over 5,000 square feet of meeting and event space located on the third floor

• Complimentary wireless High-Speed Internet access in all guest rooms and public areas

• Valencia VIP Program

• Moments away from prominent downtown destinations such as the George R. Brown Convention Center, Toyota Center and Discovery Green

For sports fans, all of Houston’s profes-

sional teams are rooted in the central city.

The Astros baseball team play downtown at

Minute Maid Park, built around the historic

Union Station railroad depot. Also down-

town, the Rockets play basketball at Toyota

Center, next to the incredibly popular

Discovery Green, which has quickly

become Houston’s own people-filled version

of Central Park. On the exciting east side

of Downtown, BBVA Compass Stadium is

home to the Houston Dynamo soccer team.

Reliant Stadium, home to the Houston

Texans football team, is just inside the 610

Loop.

After decades of mainly being a 9-to-5

destination for office workers, Downtown

Houston is fast transforming itself into a

24/7 place where people live, work and

play. More than a dozen new residential

towers are sprouting up all over downtown,

and a host of new hotels opened in time to

welcome fans to Houston for Superbowl

LI. The largest of these, the 1,000-room

Marriott Marquis, is one of many new

towers ringing Discovery Green and it

features a Texas-shaped lazy river.

For Downtown entertainment, Green Street

Houston is home to the House of Blues,

the Lucky Strike bowling alley, a growing

array of stores and restaurants, and a new

luxury hotel (Hotel Alessandra) opening in

Fall 2017. Bayou Place, Houston’s original

downtown entertainment complex - offers

movies at Sundance Cinemas, concerts

at Bayou Music Center, and a variety of

restaurants.

The 16-acre site of the Downtown Post

Office was sold in 2015, and a top local

developer is transforming it into a mixed-use

complex called Post HTX with private event

space and residential, office, retail and

restaurant spaces.

Meanwhile, more options include movies

and concerts at historic Market Square

Park, and amusements at The Downtown

Aquarium.


It‘s well known that Houstonians eat out

more than residents of any other city, and

with 11,000 eateries to choose from, who

could blame them? Central Houston is home

to many of the nation’s most acclaimed

new restaurants, including Oxheart in the

Warehouse District, Reef in Midtown, and

Hugo’s, Uchi and Underbelly in Montrose.

In a city where more than 90 languages are

spoken, great ethnic food is everywhere,

from the many Vietnamese restaurants

along Milam Street in Midtown, to the

original Ninfa’s Mexican restaurant on the

recently-beautified Navigation Boulevard.

Central Houston is a shopper’s paradise

that includes funky fashion boutiques in

Montrose, antiques stores in the Heights,

and a large cluster of art galleries and home

decor stores along Kirby and Richmond.

Westheimer is the undisputed champion of

Houston’s shopping streets, crowned by The

Galleria, Texas’ largest shopping center with

400 fine stores and restaurants, and over 30

million shoppers every year. Located right

outside the 610 Loop, The Galleria has

everything from Neiman-Marcus, Gucci

and Saks Fifth Avenue for uber-luxury, to

Macy’s for moderately priced fashion. Just

inside the Loop on Westheimer, Highland

Village has everything from Pottery Barn to

Williams-Sonoma.

At Westheimer and Kirby, West Ave is an

example of several large mixed-use develop-

ments coming onboard in Central Houston.

West Ave has shopping and dining on its

lower floors, including big draws like Toot-

sies for fashion, and restaurants including

Pondicherry and Eddie V’s. On top of it all

are 400 apartments.

Another new mixed-use complex, the River

Oaks District, has opened on the site of a

former car lot on Westheimer, between The

Galleria and Highland Village. The vision is

to offer an urban experience with high-end

retail, street-side cafes, office space, a

cinema and 279 residential units. Just inside

the Beltway at I-10 West, City Centre is

another growing concentration of retail,

office, residential and entertainment with a

walkable urban feel.

As Central Houston continues to improve,

so does its offering of schools. Houston

has more than 40 colleges, universities and

other institutions of higher learning. Rice

University is consistently hailed as one

of the nation’s finest, and the University

of Houston has earned Tier One status,

placing it in the same league as the Univer-

sity of Texas and Texas A&M University for

advanced research.

One of the most exciting announcements of

2015 was that the University of Texas had

purchased a 332-acre site to create a major

new campus about less than 4 miles from the

Texas Medical Center. UT officials describe

the new campus as “a game changer” for

Houston and UT, and “an intellectual hub

for the entire UT system.”

Many Central Houston schools are world-

class, from HISD gems such as HSPVA,

Carnegie Vanguard, and the High School

for Health Professions, to sought-after

neighborhood elementary schools and

private schools.

While still not nearly as bad as in other

cities, traffic congestion in Central Houston

and throughout the metro region has

increased as the population continues to

grow. However, local and state governments

are taking major steps to make sure that

roadways keep pace with growth.

After its recent major expansion, which

included the nation’s first managed toll lanes

for solo drivers, the Katy Freeway (I-10

West) continues to offer one of the area’s

smoother commutes.

That’s great news for the many Central

Houston residents in The Heights, Spring

Branch and other areas who work in the

W E L C O M E T O C E N T R A L H O U S T O N



Energy Corridor along the Katy Freeway,

starting a few miles outside of the Sam

Houston Tollway.

A major widening of U.S. 290 North starting

at Loop 610 is on schedule for completion

by the end of 2017, and a major rebuilding

of I-45 is in the planning stages. The I-45

project will include a much-needed redesign

of the congested portion that winds through

Downtown Houston.

Central Houston residents are enjoying

a growing number of options for getting

around without cars. A decade ago, Hous-

ton’s first light rail line opened along

Main Street, taking riders through Down-

town, Midtown, the Museum District, the

Medical Center and to NRG Stadium.

Known as the Red Line, this popular rail

line also created a catalyst for new develop-

ment along the way, especially in Midtown,

which has boomed with new midrise resi-

dential buildings, townhomes eateries and

arts centers.

The original Red Line was extended north

from Downtown to Northline Mall, passing

through several quickly redeveloping

areas such as North Main Street, the Near

Northside and Lindale Park. The Red Line

also extends south from Downtown, through

the Museum District and Texas Medical

Center to reach its terminus at NRG Park.

Today, Metro Rail is a popular network

with the Green Line, which runs from the

Theatre District, through Downtown and

Houston’s redeveloping East End, stop-

ping at the Magnolia Park Transit Center.

The Purple Line extends from Downtown

through the rapidly gentrifying Third Ward,

also connecting the University of Houston

and beautiful MacGregor Park.

Bike trails are an increasingly popular way

to get around in Houston. The frequently

used Heights trail opened a few years ago,

and a new Downtown connection links it

to East End trails. The trail has also been

expanded to the west, connecting it to

Timbergrove and other hot neighborhoods

along White Oak Bayou.

Resoundingly supported by voters in a 2012

bond election, the Bayou Greenways 2020

project provides $215 million for 150 miles

of continuous parks and trails along Hous-

ton’s bayous. The first results are visible

in the beautifully landscaped and popular

Buffalo Bayou Park, stretching along Allen

Parkway and Memorial Drive, from Down-

town to Shepherd Drive.

Houston has plenty of parks off the bayous.

Hermann Park, between Downtown and

the Medical Center is home to the Houston

Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theater and Japa-

nese Gardens, which recently celebrated

its 100th birthday with new public art and

the McGovern Centennial Gardens. A new

master plan is also underway to renovate

and improve Memorial Park.

If Central Houston sounds like a great place

to live, it is because it is – there have never

been so many options in so many areas.

Our next chapter introduces you to many of

them.

LOOKING FOR HOMES JUST GOT EASIER…

HOMES And RENTALS

Ask Your REALTOR®

Search more than8 million properties


in this sectioncitiesneighborhoodsmaster planned communitiescost of living


Photo courtesy of Röhe and Wright


As the nation’s largest city without zoning

laws, Houston sometimes presents chal-

lenges for those who like to live in a

controlled and predictable environment.

Any hesitations, however, are usually far

outweighed by the city’s relative afford-

ability and cultural dynamism.

With Central Houston offering so many

opportunities to cover, the following neigh-

borhood profiles are brief by necessity, and

meant to offer ideas for deeper exploration.

In contrast to suburban master-planned

communities, most of which have robust

websites, information centers, and builders

with hundreds of plans and lots to choose

from, much of Central Houston’s new devel-

opment takes place one or two houses at a

time. However, a growing number of larger

communities with up to 100 new homes are

being developed on former commercial sites

as demand for Central Houston living ramps

into high gear.

The reward for your search can be discov-

ering a Central Houston home and

neighborhood that perfectly fits you, your

personality and your lifestyle. A fringe

benefit is stopping to eat and shop at some

fun and funky urban spots as your house

hunt unfolds.

DOWNTOWN HOUSTONWhile not the only neighborhood with

high-rise living, Downtown Houston offers

a living experience like nowhere else in the

city, thanks to the growing number of restau-

rants, bars, parks, sports venues and cultural

attractions in the center of the city. Down-

town even has its own grocery store, the

Phoenicia Market, located on the ground

floor of the Park Place apartment high-rise.

Views are also a huge consideration, since

Houston’s skyline is regarded as one of the

nation’s most beautiful, and even views

looking away from Downtown can take in

verdant parks and historic neighborhoods.

Downtown has 25 mid- and high-rise resi-

dential buildings, each with its own distinct

character, style, and charm.

New Market Square Tower Apartments, a

40-storey tower on historic Market Square,

is the tallest residential building in Down-

town and offers a new level of luxury. This

building, like many new and existing resi-

dential buildings in Downtown, has units

for lease rather than purchase, but a few new

buildings are also testing the for-sale market.

A few smaller historic Downtown Houston

buildings offer condos for sale, including

Hermann Lofts and Bayou Lofts.

East Downtown, sometimes called EaDo, is

located across U.S. 59 North, right behind

the big George R. Brown Convention Center.

The site of Houston’s original Chinatown,

this area declined as Chinatown moved to

Bellaire Boulevard and the freeway created a

daunting barrier. Today, this area is coming

alive with renovated warehouse lofts, town-

homes and mid-rises, and residents can walk

to an increasing number of local restaurants,

bars, live music venues, as well as Dynamo

stadium and Minute Maid Park.

Whether they live on Market Square or in

EaDo, Downtown residents have increasing

As the nation’s largest city without zoning laws, Houston sometimes presents challenges for those who like to

live in a controlled and predictable environment. Any hesitations, however, are usually far outweighed by the city’s relative affordability and cultural dynamism.

HOUSING &NEIGHBORHOODS


options for getting around, with two new

rail lines and new connections for Houston’s

expanding trail system. One lane of Lamar

Street is a dedicated bike lane, connecting

trails along Buffalo Bayou to trails in EaDo

and the East End.

HOUSTON HEIGHTS & GREATER HEIGHTSOne of the hottest areas in Central Houston

for new construction and renovation, the

Houston Heights is a fairly compact area,

at least by its legal definition. Founded in

1891 as a separate city connected to Down-

town Houston by streetcar, the Houston

Heights proper stretches just a few blocks

east and west of Heights Boulevard, with

I-10 West and 20th Street as its southern

and northern boundaries.

As newcomers continue to flood into the

area, and as builders work feverishly to

find houses and lots to accommodate them,

“The Heights” has come to refer to an

ever-expanding envelope of neighborhoods

located north and west of Downtown, and

the redevelopment fervor is also spreading

outside the 610 Loop.

Following its glory days in the late Victorian

era and the first half of the 20th century,

The Heights declined as automobiles and

highways made it popular to escape to new

suburbs like Spring Branch, now going

through a decay-and-rebirth cycle of its

own. From Victorian mansions to modest

cottages, many original homes were demol-

ished in the 1950s and 1960s as commercial

interests invaded the area. Many other

once-glorious homes were subdivided into

apartments.

But as early as the late 1970s, Housto-

nians began to rediscover The Heights

and a nascent renovation trend got a foot-

hold. As early as the 1990s, some builders

began creating new homes that were hard

to distinguish from the old Victorians. The

renovation pioneers battled crime and a

severe lack of restaurants and retail, but they

were rewarded with affordable prices and

seemingly unlimited opportunity.

Today, the pace of new construction and

redevelopment all over The Heights is

fast and furious, and property values have

soared. It is not uncommon to find homes

over the $1 million mark, and modest bunga-

lows can fetch more than half a million.

As affluent residents have poured in, grocery

stores, retailers and restaurateurs have

followed. Today, the Heights is home to some

of the hottest restaurants in Houston, and the

cultural scene is also thriving with many art

galleries and artist studios in the area.

Parts of the Heights area, including much

of the Houston Heights and surrounding

neighborhoods including Norhill and the

Woodland Heights, have been declared

as protected historic districts, curtailing

demolition and restricting renovations of

historic homes. Builders remain very active

in these neighborhoods, where single-family

detached homes are the predominant style.

Construction activity in the Greater Heights

area has spread all the way west to Ella

Boulevard, encompassing N. Shepherd Dr.

and Durham (Shepherd’s southbound coun-

terpart), and neighborhoods such as Shady

Acres, Sunset Heights and Independence

Heights. In these areas, newly constructed

townhomes and row houses offer a much

more affordable entry price than in the

historic districts.

A number of vintage 1950, ‘60s and ‘70s

neighborhoods located just north of the 610

Loop are increasingly being transformed

with new construction, including Oak

Forest, Shepherd Forest and Candlelight

Forest. Neighborhoods such as Timbergrove

and Garden Oaks that have long been tight

and well-preserved pockets in the area are

also seeing new construction.

Though still in its earliest stages at this

point, construction and renovation activity

has also spread out to hug the 610 Loop and

I-45 North, which have traditionally formed

the northern and eastern boundaries of the

“Greater Heights.”

W E L C O M E T O P A L M B E A C HH O U S I N G & N E I G H B O R H O O D S

Photo courtesy of Houston Dynamo Photo courtesy of GHCVB


North Main Street is a main artery in

Northside Village, where turn-of-the-cen-

tury homes in working-class neighborhoods

are being renovated or replaced with new

construction.

An increasing number of newcomers are

rediscovering Lindale Park, located just

inside the 610 Loop.

EAST ENDBracketed by Downtown and I-45 South,

with the University of Houston campus

right across the freeway, the East End was

once one of Houston’s most fashionable

places to live. Eastwood, filled with quaint

brick cottages and foursquares, was started

in 1911 by William A. Wilson, who also

developed the much pricier Woodland

Heights. The East End was also home to the

original Houston Country Club, opened in

1908 on the site of what is today the city’s

public Gus Wortham Golf Course.

The East End has had a large Hispanic popu-

lation since the early 20th century, when

many Mexicans began to settle there after

fleeing the upheaval of the Mexican Revo-

lution. Also home to the Port of Houston at

its eastern boundary, the East End has long

been a diverse working-class melting pot of

Hispanics, Germans and Italians.

Like many inner-city neighborhoods, the

East End began a slow decline after World

War II, but many began rediscovering its

treasure trove of historic homes as early as

the late 1970s, and a strong gentrification

movement has taken hold.

Today, East End neighborhoods like East-

wood and Broadmoor are starting to offer

new construction, with new homes built

by Craftsman and other compatible styles.

Idylwood and Country Club Place are two

well-preserved gems next to the Wortham

Golf Course and the verdant Villa de Matel

convent. University Oaks is a tidy enclave

next to the University of Houston.

The industrial area between Downtown

and Cullen Street, Eastwood’s northern

boundary, is rapidly filling with townhomes

and, in a few cases, historic warehouse loft

conversions. One of the area’s largest new

projects, will have about 40 townhomes

on the site of a former bakery at Polk and

Cullen.

The East End revitalization has mostly

stayed inside the 610 Loop, although Glen-

brook Valley, located just outside the Loop

near Hobby Airport, is drawing hipsters and

other newcomers who love its large stock of

intact Mid-Century Modern homes.

WASHINGTON CORRIDOR & RICE MILITARYHouston’s historic Washington Avenue

corridor has seen many changes over

the past 100 years or so. Though signs

depicting the nation’s first president would

have us think otherwise, the street is actu-

ally named after Washington County, as it

was originally part of the highway route to

Brenham.

The streetcar from Downtown to the

Heights also ran down Washington, and

in the 1960s the street became lined with

used-car lots. Things began to change in

the 2000s, when Washington emerged as

Houston’s hottest new nightclub scene.

Townhomes also began to sprout up and

down Washington, with the parallel corri-

dors of I-10 and Buffalo Bayou forming the

boundaries.

Residences and rip-roaring nightclubs are

not always an ideal combination, and fortu-

nately for residents, the party crowd has

moved elsewhere, and Washington is devel-

oping a more mature and sedate restaurant

following.

Washington is bookended by the Sixth Ward

and First Ward neighborhoods as it meets

Downtown to the east. To the west, it leads

to the conglomeration of neighborhoods

commonly referred to as the West End and

Rice Military, which hug Memorial Park.

Arguably Houston’s oldest existing neigh-

borhood, the Sixth Ward is a compact area

filled with Victorian era cottages and a

limited amount of new construction. The

larger First Ward area, recently dubbed the

First Ward Arts District for its heavy concen-

tration of warehouses converted into artists’

studios, is very active with new construction

and a limited amount of preservation.

Rice Military and the entire West End area

began transforming with townhomes and

other new construction in the 1990s and

that continues today. The name belies its

proximity to Memorial Park, which was

originally Camp Logan, a World War I

training camp for the U.S. Army. Proximity

to the Galleria and I-10 have added to the

area’s popularity.

MIDTOWN / MUSEUM AREASandwiched between two of Houston’s

largest employment centers – Downtown

and the Texas Medical Center – Midtown is

booming with new residential development.

Over 100 years ago, Midtown was home to

many of Houston’s poshest neighborhoods,

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Atlanta 97.7 104.7 91.1 89.2 101.4 107.8 100.4

Austin 97.7 86.8 99.8 99.9 96.6 99.2 99.8

Boston 148.6 107.1 204.4 146.6 111.5 134.1 133.1

Chicago 123 109.3 152.5 89.1 129.3 102.6 115.5

Cleveland 101.4 110.8 89.7 98.7 103.3 102 107.1

Dallas / Fort Worth 101.2 90.6 102.4 102.3 101.2 103.4 103.7

Denver 111.8 99.7 133 95.1 108.4 104.7 106.3

Houston 97 84.8 104.8 99.3 92.9 90.6 96.7

New York City (Manhattan) 230.8 129 479.9 119.2 130.6 114.6 147.1

Philadelphia 116.2 115.3 129 121.9 112.2 105.4 107.3

Phoenix 94.7 97.5 97.8 98.1 90.7 98.9 90.9

Charlotte 94.8 94.2 86.5 90.7 97 102.9 101.1

San Francisco 188.5 121.9 351.8 114.4 130.3 123.7 130.7

Seattle 145.1 128.5 181.7 120.7 128.4 125.7 136.5

Tucson 94.5 102.4 83.3 88.5 96.8 101.7 100.5

City Composite Grocery Housing Utilities Transportation Healthcare Misc. 100% 13.61% 27.59% 10.03% 9.59% 4.00% 35.15%

When it comes to overall cost of living, Houston is still an affordable place to live and work. Here’s how the Houston area ranked in a comparison to other major U.S. cities (based on the QTR 1 2017 annual average)

COST OF LIVING




but these gave way to decline and commer-

cial encroachment after World War II.

For a peek at the past glory of Midtown,

visit Adkins Architectural Antiques on

Fannin, or stop at one of the many restau-

rants along Milam to taste its recent history

as an enclave for Houston’s Vietnamese

community.

About 20 years ago, Midtown began its

rebound with townhomes flourishing south

of the Pierce Elevated, which is consid-

ered the boundary between Downtown and

Midtown.

The transformation of Baldwin Park tells

the rebirth of Midtown in one glance.

Located near Elgin (which becomes

Westheimer a few blocks west) and Highway

288, Baldwin Park was founded in 1910 and

is home to stately Live Oak trees. For many

decades, the park was mainly a hangout

for vagrants. After a recent renovation that

added a jogging track and brightly colored

playground equipment, the park is filled

with people of all ages who live in block

after block of newly built townhomes in all

directions. Mid-rise and high-rise develop-

ment has also taken root in Midtown, both

for-sale and rental.

As the gateway to the Museum District,

Midtown is developing a cultural vibe of its

own. It’s long been home to the Ensemble

Theater, Houston’s resident African-Amer-

ican theater company, and new additions

include the Buffalo Soldiers National

Museum in the stunning 1925 Houston

Light Guard Armory building.

The area’s cultural bona fides got even more

legit with the opening of the Midtown Arts

and Theatre Center in late 2015. On the

Main Street rail line, the center includes six

theaters and performance spaces, a gallery,

coffee shop and wine bar. Nearby, the

long-awaited transformation of Midtown’s

6-acre “super block” into a residential, retail

and restaurant playground over top of an

underground parking facility for 360 cars is

complete.

South of the U.S. Highway 59 bridges,

Midtown gives way to the Museum District,

which has flourished both east and west of

Highway 288 with historical renovations

and new condos, townhomes and mid-rises.

Proximity to museums, Hermann Park, Rice

University and the Medical Center, plus

easy access to highways, all add to the area’s

appeal.

HERMANN PARK / TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER / RIVERSIDEWith over 106,000 employees, the vast Texas

Medical Center – the largest medical center

in the world, with 54 institutions covering

more than one thousand acres – has long

been a catalyst for residential development.

The Medical Center has played a major


role in the booming growth of the suburban

Highway 288 Corridor, which includes

Pearland, and in recent years it has spurred

a residential resurgence in its own backyard.

Hermann Park was one of the first areas in

Houston to offer high-rise living, with build-

ings including the Spires, Parklane, Warwick

Towers and the nearby 5000 Montrose.

Most recently, the 29-story twin towers

of Mosaic on Hermann Park added to the

area’s options. With sweeping views of

the park and Downtown Houston, Mosaic

offers luxury urban living with 24/7 valet

and concierge services and the largest private

wellness center in Houston. It is near the

Texas Medical Center and Rice University,

with many of Houston’s hottest restaurants,

shopping and entertainment venues also

close to home for Mosaic residents.

Across Highway 288, the Riverside neigh-

borhood along North and South MacGregor

has a fascinating history. Developed in the

1930s as an alternative to River Oaks, which

at the time did not allow Jewish residents,

the neighborhood became home to many of

Houston’s wealthiest families, with imposing

homes in the style of French chateaux,

English castles and Southern mansions. In

the 1950s, Riverside became home to many

of Houston’s elite African-American resi-

dents; after falling into disrepair decades

later, Riverside is now enjoying a resurgence

of newcomers who are restoring its stately

mansions and more modest homes alike.

RICE VILLAGE / WEST UNIVERSITY / BELLAIREThe different colored street signs – red in

Bellaire, blue in West University Place – are

sure giveaways that these popular residential

enclaves hugging the 610 Loop are separate

cities. Long valued as safe and stable urban

enclaves at a time when surrounding Central

Houston neighborhoods were perceived

otherwise, Bellaire, West U and the adjacent

city of Southside Place never experienced

the boom-and-decline cycles common to

other parts of the Houston area. None-

theless, these cities have been remarkably

transformed in past decades, with modest

frame and brick homes giving way to large

newly constructed homes. This rebuilding

trend continues today.

Functioning as bedroom communities for

Houston, these small cities are home to tree-

filled parks and esplanades, well-regarded

schools, and independent police depart-

ments. Bellaire gained a significant green

space about a decade ago when the city

acquired the landmark Teas Nursery for a

new park.

These neighborhoods are also sought-after

because of their proximity to the Texas

Medical Center, Rice University and the

popular Rice Village shopping district. As

it passes through the area, Kirby Drive is

also lined with many upscale stores and

restaurants.

MONTROSEHouston’s original hip urban neighborhood,

Montrose has added to its persona as home

to many of the city’s GLBT residents and

businesses, and now increasingly includes

residents of all ages and identities. While

many of the grand old homes in Montrose

are being lovingly preserved, the area is

increasingly seeing denser development

including townhomes and mid-rises. Much

of the new development is rental, such as

the 30-story tower rising at 3400 Montrose,

and the 390-unit, 7-story Susanne apart-

ments across from the acclaimed H-E-B

grocery store at Alabama and Dunlavy.

Now under development near Waugh Dr.

and Allen Parkway, the 24-acre Regent

Square promises to be a transformative

project for the Montrose area. The plan

calls for 550 condominiums and 550 apart-

ments, plus 400,000 square feet of retail,

office and restaurant space. It’s envisioned

as a walkable, pedestrian-friendly neighbor-

hood with parks, plazas and a 24/7 urban

vibe. Some of the first buildings, including

the 21-story Sovereign apartment tower,

have just been completed.

Home to St. Thomas University and the

Menil Collection museum, Montrose has

also gained new grocery stores, including

H-E-B and Whole Foods. The neighbor-

hood is in no danger of losing its funky

vibe though, as nationally acclaimed new

restaurants such as Underbelly and Uchi

thrive alongside hipster boutiques, gay bars,

coffee shops and vintage clothing stores.

The Fourth Ward area, also known as

Freedman’s Town, has benefitted from the

appeal of its location between Montrose and

Downtown. It sports new restaurants and

newly constructed townhomes, condos and

apartments.

RIVER OAKS AND UPPER KIRBYStill Houston’s ultimate address after nearly

a century, River Oaks spans 1,100 beauti-

fully wooded acres along Buffalo Bayou,


Photo courtesy of George Hosek



just a few minutes’ drive from downtown

along scenic Allen Parkway. Ranked as

Houston’s most expensive neighborhood,

and among the nation’s top 10 wealthiest

communities, it’s home to the exclusive

River Oaks Country Club. Property values

are estimated to range from $1 million to

over $20 million – a far cry from the $2,200

price for lots when River Oaks opened in

the late 1920s.

River Oaks opens its doors – or at least its

garden gates – to the rest of the city for the

annual Azalea Trail tour, and it is home

to the Museum of Fine Arts Rienzi and

Bayou Bend House museums. The neigh-

borhood also lends its name to the popular

upscale River Oaks Shopping Center along

West Gray.

One of the ways River Oaks resembles the

rest of Houston is that, despite the stately

architecture of its grand old homes, it has

not escaped the teardown-and-rebuild move-

ment that is widespread across the city.

River Oaks is surrounded by several shady,

stately neighborhoods such as Avalon Place

and Royden Oaks, stretching to Upper Kirby

and the Highland Village shopping area on

Westheimer.

The Upper Kirby area is also experiencing

a surge in residential development. Much

of it, like apartments in the West Ave

mixed-use project, is rental. Mirroring a

trend that’s spread throughout Houston,

older low-rise garden apartments are being

demolished for mid-rise and high-rise apart-

ments in Upper Kirby.

SPRING BRANCH / MEMORIAL Paralleling the westward spine of the Katy

Freeway (I-10) are two very different areas –

modest mid-century Spring Branch and the

upscale Memorial area.

Spring Branch, which spreads along the

north side of I-10 from about the 610 Loop

to Beltway 8 (Sam Houston Tollway),

maintains a suburban character with post-

World War II homes, 1950s era shopping

plazas and tall trees. Starting in the 1970s,

apartment complexes began rising in the

area, leading to its eventual decline.

Spring Branch is coming back, however,

with young homeowners moving in to

restore and expand existing homes, and

homebuilders redeveloping large tracts

formerly occupied by apartments and shop-

ping centers.

With names such as Bunker Hill Village

and Hedwig Village, the Memorial Villages

are nestled in a woody area along Memorial

Drive, mostly south of I-10. Home to some

of the wealthiest ZIP codes in Houston

and the nation, these villages maintain a

rural character with winding tree-filled

lanes, huge lots and gated enclaves. Styles

range from rambling brick ranch houses to

Georgian-style mansions. Many well-kept

townhome and condo complexes are also

in the area.

Stretching to the Beltway and beyond,

the greater Memorial area is also heavily

wooded and highly desired, with mature

trees, well-preserved original homes and

new construction.

The entire area is well-served by Memorial

City Mall and the CityCentre urban-style

mixed-use center. Brand new is Republic

Square, 35 acres of lush grounds, an 11-

acre lake, a field ripe for festivals, and a

stunning meeting and events center.

UPTOWN / TANGLEWOOD / SHARPSTOWNUptown is the term that Galleria area

boosters have worked to establish for the

entire neighborhood surrounding Hous-

ton’s most iconic shopping mall. Whether

you call it Uptown or simply the Galleria

area, it’s arguably the city’s most prolific

spot for high-rise and mid-rise condo-

miniums that are for sale rather than for

lease.

A good example is the Astoria, a 75-unit

high-rise on Post Oak Boulevard. Nearly

sold out before it was completed, this

29-story Art Deco style building will surely

inspire more new high-rise development in

the area.

Just up San Felipe, the dense urban vibe of

the Galleria gives way to the sedate, well-

planned neighborhood of Tanglewood,

where development started in the 1930s.

Perhaps best known as the current neigh-

borhood of former President George H.W.

Bush, Tanglewood has parks, leafy espla-

nades and large lots filled with oak trees.

Original rambling ranch houses exist along-

side newer Mediterranean and English

style homes.

A few years ago, including Sharpstown on

a list of revitalizing Central Houston neigh-

borhoods would have been questionable,

but today this former suburb inside Beltway

8 is outgrowing its label as one of Hous-

ton’s “best hidden neighborhoods” and is

attracting newcomers who appreciate its

mid-century homes, its relative value and

convenient location.

“We will provide timely, knowledgeable and dedicated service to locate and secure the property that best meets your needs and requirements. Whether you choose to lease, buy or sell, we will skillfully guide you every step of the way.”

Professional Service

You Can Trust!

Your Houston Real Estate & Apartment Locating Specialists

281.326.HOMEwww.DavidTheLocator.com

2 2 C E N T R A L H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E – F A L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 82 2 C E N T R A L H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E – F A L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8



Since a mini-boom of high-rise buildings

was built in Central Houston in the early

1980s, the area hadn’t seen many new resi-

dential towers, with the exception of a few

in the Galleria and River Oaks areas. Today,

the local landscape for high-rise and mid-rise

living is changing fast, with a growing

population and rising land values again

making Central Houston a hotspot for new

construction. It’s not just the Galleria and

River Oaks: Today, Downtown, Montrose,

Midtown, the Hermann Park/Medical

Center area and other neighborhoods offer

many new options for living “above it all.”

Throughout Central Houston, many older

“garden style” apartment complexes – those

with two- and three-story buildings grouped

around courtyards – are being demolished to

make way for mid-rise and high-rise build-

ings. This is a result of the growing interest

in Central Houston living, along with

rapidly rising land prices that make it more

feasible for developers to “go vertical.”

It’s also happening because the huge Baby

Boomer demographic has reached the stage

of life where many would like to trade main-

taining a house and yard in the ‘burbs for an

urban lifestyle. At the other end of the spec-

trum, many young professionals are also

keen on high-rise living, especially if they’ve

enjoyed it in other cities.

This chapter explores the exciting appeal

of high-rise and mid-rise living – both as an

owner or renter – and offers some consider-

ations to help you decide if this is the best

lifestyle for you right now.

But what’s the difference between a high-

rise and mid-rise? A mid-rise is defined as a

building with a moderately large number of

stories, usually 5 to 10, and equipped with

elevators. A high-rise is generally above 10

stories and is also equipped with elevators.

Beyond height, high-rise buildings generally

have a richer blend of amenities, because

they contain more residences and are

typically marketed as the ultimate in luxury

living. These amenities include concierge

services, reserved garage parking, expan-

sive fitness centers, common areas including

rooftop decks with swimming pools, and

perhaps retail and cafes on the lower level.

A mid-rise may well offer some of these

amenities, especially a fitness center and

pool.

As far as renting vs. owning, the same

pros and cons apply to mid-rise and high-

rise living as to traditional single-family

homes and townhomes. One big difference

is that high-rise and mid-rise buildings also

include maintenance fees that vary, but can

approach $1 per square foot per month in

many high-rises. Such fees typically include

salaries for building staff, landscaping, insur-

ance and building maintenance. Beyond

monthly fees, unit owners can be charged

special assessments – sometimes totaling

tens of thousands of dollars – for major

maintenance items such as elevator repair

and exterior renovation.

High-rise buildings generally have a richer blend of amenities, because they contain more residences and are

typically marketed as the ultimate in luxury living.

HIGH-RISE &MID-RISE LIVING



HOME FRONTin this sectiontemporary lodgingrent or buychoosing a realtormortgage options




HOME FRONT


TEMPORARY LODGINGSometimes, newcomers need temporary

housing while they continue their home

search, or while they wait for their new

home to be built or renovated. Houston

has many options for temporary housing,

because the city has been welcoming people

since its founding, especially those coming

to work in the energy, medical and aero-

space sectors.

Many multifamily complexes have corpo-

rate programs with fully furnished units

and short-term leases available. Hotels

are another option, including the growing

number of extended-stay hotels in the area.

When staying in a hotel for 30 days or

longer, Texas law allows for an exemption of

the 6% state hotel tax; see the hotel manage-

ment for information on how to apply for

this exemption.

Consider the location and style of housing

that would best suit you during your tempo-

rary stay. Is proximity to work the top

consideration during this hectic period? Or

it might be most important to stay near an

airport if you’ll be doing a lot of traveling

during the transition. Would you be most

comfortable in a hotel or apartment, or

would you prefer a single-family home or

townhome?

Good sources for locating temporary

housing include your company’s human

resources department, your Realtor and/or

builder, and the Internet.

RENT OR BUY?There can be advantages to both renting

and buying a new home, depending on

one’s immediate priorities and long-term

goals.

According to Freddie Mac, renting can

make more sense if you have a career or life-

style that requires you to move frequently;

if you prefer a set monthly budget and

cannot afford unforeseen home-mainte-

nance expenses and if you don’t have the

time or desire for home maintenance.

More reasons to rent: if you enjoy having

amenities such as a pool, gym, concierge

and tennis courts; if you plan on down-

sizing your living space or retiring soon;

and if you are experiencing a financial

setback and/or rebuilding your credit.

Freddie Mac says buying may be best if you

have reliable income, good credit and docu-

mentation for your assets; if you can afford

at least a 5% down payment and closing

costs; and if you are financially able to take

on home maintenance and improvements.

It may also be better to buy if you want to

build equity and qualify for homeowner tax

breaks and credits; if you have an adequate

cash reserve to withstand loss of employ-

ment or another financial setback; and if

you plan on staying in your home at least

four years.

NEW HOME VS. EXISTING HOMEIn Central Houston, the pros and cons of

buying an existing home vs. a new home are

much the same as in the suburbs.

Advantages of buying a new home include

“new” everything – from carpets to appli-

ances. Energy efficiency is another big

consideration. New homes can include the

latest high-efficiency heating and cooling

systems, along with advanced insulation and

window products that weren’t available 10

or 20 years ago.

A new home will require less maintenance

in the short term, and new homes are wired

and capable of accommodating the latest

technologies.

There are just as many advantages for

buying an existing home, especially in

Central Houston where historic homes

offer charm that a newer home can’t match.

According to Realtor.com, other advantages

Buying or selling a home is one of the most important transactions most people make in their lifetime.


H O M E F R O N T

ALIEF Millie Bush Dog Park, Alief Amity Park, Hong Kong Market, Vietnamese Culture & Science Association

KATY Katy Mills Mall, KCAM Contemporary Art Museum, LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, Typhoon Texas

MEMORIAL WEST Terry Hershey Park, Citycentre, Memorial City Mall, Town and Country Village

MEMORIAL AREA IKEA, iFly Indoor Skydiving, Texas Rock Gym, Sky High Sports, Topgolf

UPTOWN Galleria Houston & ICE at the Galleria, Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park, iPic Theaters

Photo courtesy of Katy Mills Mall Photo courtesy of Topgolf Photo courtesy of GHCVB

Harris County

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Harris County © Texas Almanac

Largest county in

eastern half of state;

level; typically coastal surface

and soils; many bayous, canals

for artificial drainage; Lake Houston,

Sheldon Reservoir; partly forested. Cou

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Population 4,538,028

Change fm 2010 10.9

Area (sq.mi.) 1,777.5

Land area(sq.mi.) 1,703.5

Altitude (ft.) sea level–310

Rainfall (in.) 56.81

Jan. mean. min. 43.4

July mean max. 90.7

Civilian labor 2,279,367

Unemployed 5.3

Wages $37,346,009,148

Per Capita Inc. $55,088

Prop. Value $472,155,923,085

Retail Sales $88,892,139,887


may include price, established landscaping,

“extra” features such as window coverings

that may not be included in new homes, and

traditional floor plans.

Used homes may also have a track record

of appreciation over the years, although

Realtor.com cautions that past performance

does not guarantee future market appeal.

With home availability more limited and

scattered in Central Houston than in the

suburbs, the choice might come down to

basics like location and price. Due to buyer

demand, builders are increasingly offering

new homes with historically styled interiors

and exteriors, combining the best of old

and new. Conversely, builders and DIYers

are updating historic homes to include

modern conveniences while preserving their

quaintness.

CUSTOM HOME BUILDINGBuilding a custom home in Central

Houston can be more challenging than in

the suburbs, but the payoff can be getting

the perfect new home in the location you

want. Whereas most suburban communities

offer custom home enclaves with preferred

builders and upscale amenities such as gated

entrances, lakes and golf course views,

building a custom home in Central Houston

will most likely be very different.

In neighborhoods where inventory is tight

and demand is frenzied, finding a vacant

lot or teardown opportunity can be a

time-consuming process, and you’ll likely

be competing with builders and others who

want the same lots. It can take the expert

help of a Realtor or builder to reach your

goals in a hotly competitive market, and to

ensure building codes and any applicable

restrictions will permit you to build the new

home you envision.

Also keep in mind that unlike suburban

custom home enclaves that are very

uniform, neighborhoods in Central

Houston may include a varied mix of home

styles and sizes, especially if the neighbor-

hood is transitioning.

The benefits of building a custom home

are getting exactly what you want – from

the location of the lot, to the design of the

exterior style and interior floor plan. Many

Central Houston buyers have extended

multigenerational families or adult children

living at home, and garage apartments and

ground floor “casitas” (small houses) are

popular options for accommodating these

family members. If circumstances change,

they can be easily turned into high-demand

rental units which is permitted in most

Central Houston neighborhoods.

In addition, a custom home allows you

to customize every aspect of every room

– from countertops and flooring, to paint

colors and lighting and plumbing fixtures.

And if you want to create a special place to

incorporate an architectural element that’s

a family treasure or recent discovery, that’s

very easy to do when custom building.

CHOOSING A REALTORChoosing the right Realtor in Central

Houston can make a big difference, because

a good Realtor can help you navigate inner

city markets that are competitive and scat-

tered, and where old homes and huge

variances in property values can make the

financing process much more complex than

in the suburbs. A knowledgeable Realtor

can also help find properties that are just

coming onto the market, and can be familiar

with newly emerging opportunities in a fast-

changing urban landscape.

To find the right Realtor, Bankrate.com

recommends talking with recent clients;

checking with the state real estate board

to confirm the Realtor’s licensing and note

any disciplinary action and complaints; and

researching how long the Realtor has been

in business. Look at their current listings to

see if they have enough to indicate a healthy

business, but not so many that you’d just be

a number. Bankrate.com also recommends

looking at a Realtor’s credentials – those

initials after their name that indicate addi-

tional training. ABR, for example, stands for

Accredited Buyer’s Representative.

With two local offices to serve you, we will put our expertise and market knowledge to work

on your next real estate transaction.

713.667.1000Bellaire.GaryGreene.com

5909 West Loop South, #630 Bellaire - 77401

©2017 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. A Realogy Company. All Rights Reserved. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated. Better Homes and Gardens, the Better Homes and Garden

Real Estate logo are registered service marks owned by Meredith Corporation and licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC.

BUYING OR SELLINGWe will get you where you want to be, HOME.

713.961.1722 InnerLoop.GaryGreene.com

1705 West GrayHouston - 77019

2 8 C E N T R A L H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E – F A L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 82 8 C E N T R A L H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E – F A L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8


Although home prices have risen in

Houston, it still ranks as one of the most

affordable big cities in the U.S. for home-

ownership. Despite a flattening economy,

Houston home sales stayed stable in 2016

and even gained momentum toward the end

of the year, ultimately setting a record of

91,520 sales closed over the year, according

to the Greater Houston Association

Partnership.

More good news comes in the form of

relaxed lending standards that could benefit

first-time buyers. In late 2014, Fannie

Mae and Freddie Mac, the two federally

chartered mortgage corporations, relaxed

lending guidelines that were tightened after

the national housing crisis that began in

2008. Now, some buyers can get a mortgage

with only 3 percent down payment and a

minimum FICO credit score of 620. Home-

buyer assistance programs are also offered

by various government agencies. Some

groups, including teachers, police officers

and firefighters, may also qualify for special

assistance programs.

The following pages cover the basics of

financing a home, along with some special

considerations for unique circumstances in

the Central Houston market.

HOW MUCH CAN YOU AFFORD?Determining an affordable purchase price

for a home is the essential first step to home

ownership. Experts recommend spending

about 28 percent of the household budget

on housing, and a recent Rice University

study found that Houstonians typically

spend about 30 percent of their incomes on

housing, so the city overall is right in line

with that advice, albeit slightly on the high

side.

Experts also suggest that household

expenses not exceed 43 percent of personal

income before taxes. The mortgage

payment, insurance, credit card balances,

utilities, food and health care as well as any

payments on outstanding loans and leases

are expenses, while household income

includes salary and other declared revenue

such as dividends and royalties. In the case

of high-rises, mid-rises and other types of

housing where a monthly maintenance fee is

charged, that too must be considered in the

overall expenses.

Developed by the Real Estate Center at

Texas A&M University, the Texas Housing

Affordability Index (THAI) measures the

ratio of median household income required

to buy a median-priced home, using a

30-year mortgage with a 20 percent down

payment as its model. A THAI of 1.00 indi-

cates that the median household income is

just enough to qualify for a loan to purchase

the median-priced home. Houston’s most

recent THAI was an impressive 1.79, higher

than state and national THAI averages.

MORTGAGE OPTIONSSeveral different types of mortgages are

common today. A standard 30-year fixed

rate mortgage is the most common way to

finance a home; 15-year fixed rate mort-

gages are another option. The 40-year

mortgage has become more popular in some

parts of the country where home prices

are rising fast, but many experts agree that

the tradeoff of a slightly lower monthly

payment for much more interest paid over

the life of the loan does not make economic

sense.

For all fixed-rate loans, the amount of the

mortgage payment, the interest rate and

the term of the loan are fixed and fully

self-amortizing, which means at the end of

the term, the principal has been repaid.

The purchase price less the down payment

is the principal of the mortgage. Dividing

the principal by the number of payments in

a 30- year or 15- year mortgage and adding

the interest determines the monthly house

payment. Escrow money for taxes and insur-

ance is added to the payments according to

the terms of the lender, and the amounts are

recalculated annually.

The Alternative Mortgage Instrument

(AMI) is a loan in which at least one of the

four components vary. The most common

AMI is the Adjustable Rate Mortgage with

a variable interest rate. Customarily, the

ARM interest rate begins low and periodi-

cally adjusts either up or down within limits

based on a pre-specified index. The initial

low rate, and therefore, the lower monthly

payment, enables the buyer to meet the

income and debt-ratio requirement.

DOWN PAYMENTThe down payment is the cash committed

toward the purchase of a home. For most

loans, a down payment of 20 percent of the

purchase price is required to avoid paying

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), although

it is possible to take out a secondary loan to

avoid PMI.

MANAGEABLE. AFFORDABLE. LIFESTYLE.


many lenders use. It is calculated using

five factors: payment history, amount of

outstanding debt, length of credit history,

new credit and the sources of credit in use.

In addition to informing lenders of cred-

it-worthiness, your credit score can also

determine the interest rate you pay. The

better the credit score, the lower the interest

rate. More information on credit scoring is

at www.myfico.com.

PRE-APPROVAL VS. PRE-QUALIFICATIONGetting pre-approved for a mortgage is

beneficial because it gives sellers a level of

assurance that the prospective buyer can

obtain a mortgage – a big plus in a compet-

itive market. Pre-approval requires the

completion of a loan application and some-

times a fee. Pre-qualification, on the other

hand, is just an estimate of a mortgage that

a prospective buyer might qualify for.

TAX DEDUCTIONSSome home purchase costs are deductible

if you itemize deductions. These costs may

include mortgage interest, real estate taxes

and PMI payments. For more information,

visit irs.gov or ask your tax preparer or

attorney.

BANKSBanks offer a full range of services that

usually include mortgages at competi-

tive rates. In addition to checking and

savings accounts, their mortgage lending

is another option for homebuyers. Be sure

to ask about fees associated with the bank’s

services, different accounts, minimum

balance requirements, ATM charges, avail-

ability of funds policy, direct deposit and

other options. Contact the Texas Depart-

ment of Banking toll free 877-276-5554 or

visit www.dob.texas.gov.

CREDIT UNIONSCredit unions are a good source to check

for mortgage loans because they may offer

lower or competitive rates. Historically,

credit unions have been employer-based

financial institutions but today it is common

for credit unions to be community-based,

meaning that anyone can use a credit

union as their primary financial institution.

Members are insured for up to $250,000

per account by the National Credit Union

Administration.

More information about credit unions

is available from the Cornerstone Credit

Union League (www.cornerstoneleague.

coop) and the Credit Union National Asso-

ciation (www.cuna.org).

HOMEOWNERS INSURANCEHomeowner insurance is required by mort-

gage lenders, and is essential even if a home

is paid for. Buyers are typically asked to

pay one year of insurance at closing, with

INTEREST RATESInterest rates fluctuate frequently and vary

from lender to lender. Interest on a 30-year

fixed rate mortgage is likely to be different

from that of a 15-year, and adjustable rate

mortgages reset according to the terms of

the lender.

CLOSING COSTSTypically between 2 to 5 percent of the

purchase price of a home, closing costs include

related fees such as costs for running credit

reports, loan origination, appraisal, survey,

title insurance, and discount points paid to

lower the interest rate. Closing costs are typi-

cally paid by the buyer at the time of closing.

CREDIT REPORTLenders will require a credit report from the

credit bureau that has collected your credit

history for the past seven to 10 years. Credit

reports document your financial history

and reflect the amount of credit you have,

the timeliness with which you pay your

bills, if you have declared bankruptcy and

other factors that give the lender a financial

snapshot.

Traditional mortgage lenders require an

established credit history, but some lenders

may offer more flexible mortgage programs

for people with limited or no established

credit record.

Credit reports also carry your credit score, a

numeric ranking between 300 and 850 that

H O M E F R O N T


premiums included in monthly mortgage

payments.

Selecting an insurance company and deter-

mining coverage is the responsibility of

the buyer, and should begin as soon as the

contract to purchase a house is accepted by

the seller. The Texas Board of Insurance

(www.tdi.texas.gov) is a valuable source of

information.

In some fast-transitioning Central Houston

neighborhoods, the value of the lot may

represent a much larger-than-average share

of overall property value, and it may be a

good idea to talk with several insurance

companies – especially those who specialize

in the area – to make sure you are getting

ample coverage and the best rate.

Many companies offer discounts when

home insurance is combined with auto

coverage, life insurance, health insurance

and other types of insurance that they

may need. In Houston, flood insurance

is required or recommended by mortgage

companies in some neighborhoods. Flood-

plain maps are determined by the Harris

County Flood Control District, which has a

mapping tool at harriscountyfemt.org.

FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERSA variety of programs are designed to help

first-time buyers, including FHA loans with

a 3 percent down payment discussed at the

beginning of this article.

The City of Houston and Harris County

also offer homebuyer assistance programs

that can provide down payment assistance

and special financing for buyers who meet

certain household income and purchase

price criteria. The Houston Homebuyer

Assistance program website has details at

houstontx.gov/housing. Other programs

include Southeast Texas Housing Finance

(sethfc.com) and the Harris County Down

Payment Assistance Program (harriscoun-

tytx.gov/csd).

Realtors, mortgage lenders and builders

are also good sources of information about

available homebuyer assistance programs.

HOUSTON by the NUMBERS

Want to know how living in the Houston area compares to other cities? Assuming a $60,000 salary in the city you’re moving from and that you’d own a house here, we used a salary/cost of living calculator to help figure out the rest. If you made $60,000 in Seattle, for example, your salary could decrease to $41,995 in Houston - and you’d still maintain the same standard of living. See the table below for the results from a sampling of other cities.

Atlanta 58,978

Boston 40,831

Chicago 50,705

Cleveland 58,221

Dallas 61,311

Denver 53,759

Detroit 63,462

Los Angeles 41,995

MOVINGFROM HERE

YOU’D NEEDTO MAKE

MOVINGFROM HERE

YOU’D NEEDTO MAKE

Nashville 61,890

New York City 25,910

Philadelphia 49,305

Phoenix 61,439

Pittsburgh 59,756

Raleigh 65,104

Salt Lake City 61,120

San Diego 40,690

San Francisco 33,401

Seattle 41,995

St. Louis 63,697


in this sectionmoving companiesforwarding mailutilitiespublic transportationinternational relocation



MOVING COMPANIESIf you are moving from out of state, it may

be necessary to hire a moving company. The

best time to move is the middle of the month

rather than the end or during summer vaca-

tion, when moving companies are usually

busiest.

At the other extreme, Houston’s global

economy draws newcomers from around

the world, and there are a few important

considerations to keep in mind when

moving from overseas. If your overseas

move is work-related, find out how much

of the expense will be covered. As a general

rule, many experts recommend scaling

your belongings down to essential items

and those with emotional value. Find out

about import fees and duty costs, especially

for items you may have purchased overseas.

Also consider the size of your new space:

will it be larger or smaller than the home

you’re leaving? If you’re a U.S. citizen who

is moving back from overseas, then you

might have many items in U.S. storage,

so you’ll also need to plan the logistics of

getting these to your new home.

TYPES OF MOVING ESTIMATESMost companies give free estimates based

on distance and the weight of household

contents. Some moving companies include

the costs of packing materials in their bid

while others break out supplies separately.

Packing services, fuel charges, wait time and

temporary storage costs may vary consider-

ably so be sure to ask about all charges.

Moving companies offer three types of esti-

mates: the binding estimate, non-binding

estimate and not-to-exceed binding estimate.

The binding estimate lists all items to be

shipped and the required services on the

estimate form, and the price quoted is the

binding price. Every charge is itemized,

so that if an item is added or deleted, it is

easy to re-calculate the cost. The moving

company must also specify the length of

time the price quote is in effect, which is

usually 60 days. This type of estimate does

not require additional payment over the

amount of the estimate.

The non-binding estimate, which is the only

type of estimate offered in some intrastate

situations, is not guaranteed. The real cost

of services is determined after the truck is

loaded and weighed, and charges above

the estimate can run more than 20 percent.

Be sure to attend the truck weigh-ins both

before and after furniture and household

items are loaded to accurately calculate the

total weight. The estimated amount of your

move should be entered on each form that

is prepared by the mover, including orders

for special services and bills of lading. If the

amounts are not included, do not sign or

accept the document.

The third type of estimate, called the

not-to-exceed estimate, is usually the best.

The mover gives a binding estimate, then

weighs the vehicle and reduces the price if

RELOCATIONINFORMATION

Obtaining as much information as possible in advance about Houston and Harris County will make your move much smoother, especially if you are relocating from out of state. To help get you started, the following pages offer some general tips on Houston’s basic services. More helpful information on

moving is at www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com


the weight is less than anticipated. Ask all

movers if they offer this type of service.

MORE CONSIDERATIONSBe aware that many moving companies fall

behind schedule, so consider hiring a moving

company that will guarantee a pickup and

delivery date. Make sure those dates are

in the contract. Pick-up and delivery dates

should not be open-ended.

Although moving companies provide

liability insurance on household belongings

by the pound, it is wise to purchase extra

insurance that provides additional coverage,

especially for those items that are more

valuable.

Before the movers arrive, begin making

preparations. Take an inventory of your

belongings and note their condition. If the

moving company performs their own inven-

tory, check it carefully against your own

before signing anything. Should any of

your belongings arrive with scratches, dents

or other damages, photographs will help

verify a claim so consider taking pictures of

valuable items or making a video inventory

before the movers arrive.

It is important to be sure you will be at your

new home on the date the moving company

is scheduled to deliver. If no one is home to

receive the delivery, your belongings will go

into storage, and the moving company may

require payment in cash before unloading.

Tax deductions may apply to your move so keep appropriate records. Contact the I.R.S. at 800-829-1040 or www.irs.gov, or ask your tax preparer or attorney.

TIPS FOR HIRING A MOVING COMPANY• Select a moving company carefully by

confirming their license at www.protec-tyourmove.gov or www.dmv.state.tx.us.

• The Southwest Association is another resource for information about moving companies and they can be reached at www.mytexasmover.com or 512-476-0107, Toll Free: 800-759-2305

• Contact the Better Business Bureau for any complaints that might be on file at www.houston.bbb.org or 713-868-9500.

• The Interstate Commerce Commission offers a free brochure, “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.” ICC Office of Compliance and Consumer Assistance, Washington, D.C., 20423. You can also find the brochure on many websites by searching for its title.

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATIONPOLICE DEPARTMENTSThe Houston Police Department, the Harris

County Sheriff ’s Department and the Harris

County Constable’s Office serve the Central

Houston region. Many neighborhoods and

multi-family communities contract with

R E L O C A T I O N I N F O R M A T I O N

private security firms and governmental

entities, such as the Constable’s Office, to

provide additional patrols. Some separate

cities, such as Bellaire and West University

Place, have their own police departments.

• For emergencies only, call 911

• For Houston Non-Emergency Response, call 713-884-3131

Crime Watch programs operate in numerous

neighborhoods across Central Houston.

Contact your homeowners association or

civic club for more information.

Crime Stoppers is an effective program that

accepts anonymous tips and offers rewards

for information leading to an arrest in the

case of a crime. They can be reached at

713-222-TIPS (8477).

FIRE DEPARTMENTS• For Emergencies only, call 911

• Houston Non-Emergency call 311

The Houston Fire Department provides fire

protection and emergency medical services

for the city of Houston. It operates many

stations throughout Houston and also has

specialty teams, including a hazardous

materials team, a high-rise rescue team and

a team trained to assist at airports. They are

all on call 24/7.

The fire departments are involved in

community fire prevention and educational

programs. Free home fire inspections are

available on request. Established in 1838,

HFD has a proud history that is showcased

in the Houston Fire Museum just south of

Downtown.

TEXAS GOVERNMENTVOTER REGISTRATIONYou must be at least 18 years of age, a resi-

dent of the county, and a U.S. citizen to

vote. A Voter Registration Application can

be obtained at www.votetexas.gov or by

calling 1- 800-252-VOTE.

VOTINGTexas voters must be 18 years old and

register at least 30 days prior to an election.


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Those already registered to vote but who

change precincts must file a change of

address. Call Harris County Clerk 713-755-

6965 or visit www.harrisvotes.org.

LEGAL RECORDSLegal records maintained by Harris County

include birth certificates, death certificates,

marriage licenses, automobile licenses, fees

and inspections, divorce proceedings, DBAs,

taxes and more.

Harris County Court House - 20l Caroline,

Houston, TX 77002

For more information call 713-755-6411 or

visit www.harriscountytx.gov.

LIQUOR LAWSThe minimum age to buy or order liquor is

21 years of age. Liquor store hours are 10

a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday,

with no sales on Christmas, New Year’s Day

or Thanksgiving.

Drivers are prohibited from consuming alco-

holic beverages while operating a vehicle.

DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) and also

known as DUI (Driving Under the Influ-

ence) laws are strictly enforced and carry a

mandatory sentence of jail time and a fine,

even for first offenders.

In Texas, the legal limit for intoxication is

.08 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). If an

officer thinks your driving is impaired, you

can still be stopped and arrested for DWI

regardless of your BAC.

PET LICENSING/LEASH LAWSDogs and cats in Texas must be vacci-

nated against rabies by four months of

age. Boosters are given one year after the

initial vaccination, and pets will need to

be vaccinated at one to three-year intervals

depending on local requirements. Any vet

can administer vaccinations and provide

license tags. In most jurisdictions, pets not

wearing licenses and/or on a leash can be

impounded.

UTILITIESTXU ENERGY Choose TXU Energy as you make your next

move. They offer straightforward plans with

low fixed rates, plus be sure to ask about the

special movers sign-up bonus. Just mention

the promo code “Movers” when you call.

Don’t forget to take advantage of average

monthly billing where you’ll pay about the

same every month even during those hot

Texas summer months. For more informa-

tion call 1-877-TXU-MOVE or visit txu.

com/movers.

ELECTRICITYHoustonians have the “power to choose” an

electric provider. Retail Electric Providers

(REPs) compete to sell electricity to homes

and businesses, and competing REPs

may offer lower prices, options for renew-

able energy, added customer services, and

incentives or promotions. Visit www.power-

tochoose.org to compare pricing.

The Public Utility Commission recom-

mends the three “C’s” before selecting a

provider: contact, compare and choose. The

Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC)

certifies all REPs. To learn more, visit www.

puc.texas.gov.


Be sure to allow several days for the order

processing so electricity can be turned on

before the move-in date. If establishing

service for a new home or building, a permit

or inspection may be required.

TELEPHONE, CABLE, AND INTERNET SERVICEGreater Houston has four area codes - 713,

281, 832 and 346. When placing calls,

10-digit dialing is required.

Several providers offer satellite and cable

television services. Ask about bundled

services, special promotional rates and

discounts for newcomers.

COMCAST / XFINITY Get connected to XFINITY – TV, Internet,

and Voice service made possible by

Comcast’s network upgrade to an all-digital

platform. They will set up your new home

in no time. You can even choose your own

convenient two-hour appointment window.

Also ask about Xfinity Home – Security –

Control –Energy – Peace of Mind At Your

Fingertips. For more information visit

www.comcast.com/moversedge or call

1-877-500-6828.

WATER, SEWER, RECYCLING AND SOLID WASTEThe City of Houston provides water, sewer

and solid waste services. In most areas of

Central Houston, trash is picked up weekly

in 96-gallon rollout trash cans provided by

the City. The City also provides 96-gallon

green recycling cans that are emptied

every two weeks. Yard trimmings such as

leaves and small branches must be placed

in city-approved compostable bags. Heavy

trash is picked up once a month.

For all waste related questions, visit the

city’s website at www.houstontx.gov/solid-

waste. This website also has information

on a number of recycling drop-off centers

located around the city, including a center

for “environmental waste” such as paint and

batteries. Most multifamily communities –

such as high-rise, mid-rise, townhome and

apartment developments – have private trash

services.

The City of Houston also provides water

service for all residents. The monthly bill

for water service also includes a fee for solid

waste services and a drainage fee based on

the size of your property.

TRANSPORTATIONFunded by a 1-cent sales tax, Houston’s

Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO)

is much more than just buses. The agency

is operating a growing number of light rail

lines throughout Houston.

METRO also operates a number of High

Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes on

Houston freeways, including the Gulf

Freeway (I45), Northwest Freeway (290)

and Katy Freeway (I10). The Katy Freeway

lanes are the nation’s first “congestion

pricing” lanes that allow solo drivers to use

the HOV lanes for a toll fee.

METRO also has traditional bus services

throughout Houston, plus a number of Park

& Ride lots and Transit Facilities, although

these are geared mainly for suburb-to-down-

town commuting during work hours. For an

overview of METRO services, please visit

www.ridemetro.org.

The Harris County Motorist Assistance

Program (MAP), sponsored in part by

METRO, helps motorists stranded on Hous-

ton-area freeways. The specially marked

MAP vehicles are equipped to handle minor

automotive emergencies and regularly patrol

Houston roadways.

HARRIS COUNTY TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY (HCTRA)HCTRA operates approximately 120 miles

of toll roads in the greater Houston area,

including the Hardy Toll Road from Down-

town to Bush Intercontinental Airport and

The Woodlands. The Sam Houston Tollway

(Beltway 8) is the second loop surrounding

Houston, and connects many of the area’s

R E L O C A T I O N I N F O R M A T I O N


arterial freeways. The Westpark Tollway is

an east-west toll road that runs from the 610

Loop to the Grand Parkway. Some portions

of the Grand Parkway, such as the segment

between the Katy Freeway and Northwest

Freeway, are also toll roads.

An increasing number of toll segments in

the greater Houston area can be used only

by drivers who purchase an EZ Tag from

HCTRA. This convenient tag can also be

used on the growing number of toll roads

throughout Texas. For information, visit

www.hctra.org.

AUTOMOBILESDRIVER LICENSENew residents must obtain a Texas driver

license within 90 days of establishing resi-

dency. Texas residents moving to a new

address within the state must update their

license as well. To obtain a Texas driver

license, take proof of registration, proof of

insurance, a Social Security card or a current

W-2 form, and a valid out-of-state license

to the nearest Department of Public Safety

office.

For license requirements including fees

and additional information, please visit

www.txdps.state.tx.us.

VEHICLE REGISTRATIONLicense plates for vehicles can be purchased

at district field offices in the county of resi-

dence. The cost is based on the model and

year for cars and gross weight for trucks.

Motor vehicle registration renewals may be

purchased at various locations.

Harris County Tax Assessor

1001 Preston, Houston, TX 77002

713-224-1919 or www.tax.co.harris.tx.us

Personalized and specialty license plates are

available from TxDOT (Texas Department

of Transportation) at 888-368-4689. The

fee for specialty plates is in addition to the

cost of regular registration. Applications are

available at tax offices or at www.txdot.gov.

TEXAS MOTOR VEHICLE LAWSTexas law requires that the driver and front-

seat passenger wear seat belts. Children

eight years of age or younger or less than 4

feet nine inches tall must be secured in an

approved car seat.

Texas enforces a mandatory automobile

liability insurance law, and if a driver is

stopped for any reason, proof of liability

insurance coverage will be necessary. The

required insurance must provide $30,000

bodily injury, $60,000 per person per acci-

dent coverage, and $25,000 of property

damage insurance.

A copy of the Texas Motor Vehicle Laws

is available from the Texas Department of

Public Safety General Services Department,

P.O. Box 15999, Austin, Texas, 78761-5999,

512-424-2000, and requests for information

must be submitted in writing.

AIRPORTS For complete information on airports go to

www.fly2houston.com.

Overall, Houston’s three airports serve

more than 55 million passengers a year,

including almost 9 million international

passengers.

Houston’s “close-in” original airport,

Hobby Airport is located off the Gulf

Freeway, just outside the 610 Loop.

Recently improved with extensive reno-

vations, Hobby now offers international

flights to Latin America and the Carib-

bean, along with extensive domestic U.S.

service. Hobby’s original Art Deco building

has been transformed into the 1940 Air

Terminal Museum. For more information

visit www.1940airterminal.org.

Houston’s “big” airport, George Bush

Intercontinental, is located 23 miles north

of Downtown. With five terminals and 20

scheduled passenger airlines to hundreds of

destinations worldwide, IAH is the second

busiest airport in Texas, and the 12th busiest

in North America. In May 2016, IAH

achieved a quality 4-star rating from Skytrax

(one of only 3 U.S. airports).

Ellington Airport, a former military airport

located 15 miles southeast of Downtown, is

geared toward commercial aviation.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

METRO - buses/rail ridemetro.org

The Fannin South Park & Ride at 1604 West Bellfort

is the home station for METRORail.

Route information (buses & rail) 713-635-4000

Curb-to-curb service

Mobility impaired/disabled713-225-0119

Carpool matching

713-224-7433

Vanpools or carpools

1-888-606-7433


MOVING TIPS What to do

Social Security Number

1-800-772-1213

Information/ Applicationwww.ssa.gov/forms

Physical locations:8989 Lakes at 610 Drive, 77054

16200 Dillard Drive, 77040

5414 Aldine Mail Road, 77039

THINGS TO KNOWWait 10 days after your arrival

to apply for a social security

number.

Takes approximately 2 weeks

for the card to arrive.

No fee for the application.

Take original or certified copies

of immigration documents,

passport & biographical

information & photo.

TRANSPORTATIONTexas Drivers License Application &

Locations:

www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense/mov-

ingtotexas.htm

• Texas has a 90-day grace period.

• A written & driving skills test required.

• Credit cards, cash, checks, and money

orders.

• Take your passport, social security

number, proof of residency, lawful

presence, status.

• Proof of vehicle registry.

• Completed application.

BANKING Credit Unions www.findabetterbank.com

• Credit unions are owned by members. If

your company has a credit union, you

can easily set up an account and get a

credit card.

• Social Security number, a photo ID

(passport), minimum deposit required.

Banks www.findabetterbank.com

• A checking account can be opened

individually or jointly.

• A debit card will give you immediate

access online and at ATMs.

• Social Security number, driver’s license,

proof of residence, photo ID (passport),

pay stub or utility bill and a minimum

opening deposit.

• International banks in the USA include

HSBC, Citigroup, Barclays, Deustche

Bank and Credit Suisse. An account at one

of these banks can usually be opened in

the US.

Credit Card www.creditcards.com

• Request a credit card & debit card (ATM)

when opening a bank account.

• You will need a residential address, phone

& place of employment, credit history.

HOUSINGApartmentHouston Apartment Association Q&A:

www.haaonline.org • Prices for apartments are based on apartment size and number of bedrooms Rates typically include basic utilities (ask

for details).• Rental requirements include: a credit & security check. Texas Drivers license, passport, bank statement, proof of employment, and a deposit.

• Rental applications may require your credit history, employment history, rental history and criminal history, and disclosure of legal status or proof of legal residency.

• You are responsible for your lease for the

entire term of your contract.

• If you terminate your lease contract early,

rent may be accelerated and additional

charges can be levied against you.

• Get any changes to your lease contract or

term in writing. • Be sure to ask about pet deposits.• Apartment locators will help you find an apartment and their services are free.

Leasing a Home • Leasing a home is much like renting an apartment.

• You might be expected to take care of the yard on a weekly basis, maintain the property and abide by homeowner

regulations.

I N T E R N A T I O N A L R E L O C A T I O N


• You will pay all the utility bills (water,

power, trash pickup & cable).

• You will need a TX driver’s license, proof

of employment, credit & personal

references & a deposit consisting of the

first & last month’s rent.

Buying a home • You can view homes for sale and find a

Realtor who speaks your language on

www.HAR.com.

Realtor/Homes for Sale & Lease www.HAR.com

• You can check your credit score through

your bank.

• To purchase a home you will need a good

credit score based on your credit history.

• Report all of your income on your tax

return as mortgage loans require proof of

income - typically your IRS return.

• You do not need a Realtor to purchase a

home, but Realtors are trained to help

you with pricing and other legal

responsibilities.

• Realtors use various sources including

Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to find

homes.

• Realtors are usually paid by the seller,

their services are free to buyers.

New Homes/Builders/Communities www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com

Realtors are independent and can help you

locate a newly constructed home available

from a variety of builders. Builder sales reps.

work for the builder. If you are working with

a Realtor, you should register your Realtor

with the homebuilder when you arrive.

HEALTHCAREAffordable Care Act www.healthcare.gov

• If you are relocating to the U.S. for a job,

the HR department will assist you with

health insurance for your family.

• To shop and compare health insurance

visit the Affordable Care Act web page.

• You will need your social security

number, passport, health history,

employer information, and a credit card.

TAXES State of Texas Texas does not have state taxes. Texas col-

lects 8.25% sales tax & property tax only.

Internal Revenue ServiceFederal income tax for most workers is filed

on April 15 of each year.

There are numerous rules and regulations

for expatriates, the following are resources

to get you started. Your employer can also

assist you.

Internal Revenue Service: www.irs.gov/

EDUCATION Day Care:childcarecenter.us

• Some centers only care for children until

they are ready for Kindergarten at age 5.

Other schools offer Kindergarten.

• Will need your child’s birth certificate,

social security number, passport,

application.

• Schools vary widely, make several trips

with and without your child at different

times of the day. Ask for referrals.

Public SchoolsPK-12 Texas Education Association:

tea.texas.gov

• Required for children 6-18 years of age

in USA.

• Child’s birth certificate, passport, social

security number, transcript, doctor’s

statement.

• The Houston area has excellent public

schools which serve students from Pre-K

through 12th grade.

• You can research individual school

districts, schools, ratings and test scores

at the Texas Education Association web

site.

Elementary school (grade 1 through 5 or 6),

Middle school or junior high (up to grade

8 or 9), High school or senior high (up to

grade 12).

College Search www.petersons.com

Community colleges are located in all parts

of Houston. Houston has numerous 4-year

colleges and technical schools

Private Schools • HoustonNewcomerGuides.com

• Houstonprivateschools.com

• Privateschoolreview.com

There are a variety of independent and faith-

based private schools in the Houston area.

• Enrollment is most cases is based on

openings in certain grades.

• Check with each school for enrollment

requirements as they vary from school to

school.

• International schools offer the

International Baccalaureate program and

might be better suited for children

planning to later attend university

outside the US.

IMMIGRATION VISAMost questions are answered on the U.S.

Citizenship & Immigration web sites below.

Contact your Consulate about your coun-

try’s requirements.

General How Do I Guides:

• www.uscis.gov • www.uscitizenship.info

Employment Visa: • www.travel.state.gov• www.uscis.gov

Green Card:www.uscis.gov/greencard

Permanent Resident: www.uscis.govSchedule appointment with USCIS officer: infopass.uscis.gov

PETS Entry Requirements:

www.dshs.state.tx.uss

• Dogs & cats must be vaccinated by 4

months of age followed by booster shots

every couple of years.

• Pets not wearing license tags and/or

leashed can be impounded.

• Recommended that you microchip your

pet • Must be inspected for certain screwworms

between one and five days prior to entering the United State

• A licensed veterinarian must complete and sign a veterinary certificate. This certificate should be in English or be accompanied by a version translated in English.


in this sectionpublic schoolsprivate schoolshigher education

EDUCATION


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Ask anyone why they love living in Central

Houston, and most mention the arts, restau-

rants, culture, convenience and other perks

of urban life. Public education would prob-

ably not rank high on the list, but that is

changing as the fast-growing population of

Central Houston increasingly includes fami-

lies with school-age children.

It might take more research to find a great

school in Central Houston than in the

suburbs, but a little extra effort can reward

you with many exciting options for public

schools as well as private and parochial

schools with strong traditions of academic

excellence.

With a few exceptions, such as the Spring

Branch area, the Houston Independent

School District covers most of Central

Houston. While it never ranks as high as

top suburban districts on district-wide test

scores and other metrics, HISD has many

academic jewels that are among the best in

the nation.

These include HISD’s well-known specialty

high schools, such as the High School for

the Performing & Visual Arts, Carnegie

Vanguard, and the DeBakey High School

for Health Professions. Many neighborhood

high schools, such as Lamar High School in

the Montrose/River Oaks area, have well-re-

garded academics and special programs,

such as International Baccalaureate.

Many HISD neighborhood elementary

schools are also excellent and much sought-

after, the result of hard work by dedicated

staff and parents. Some of the most notable

HISD primary campuses include River Oaks

Elementary and Harvard Elementary in the

Heights. Poe Elementary near the Museum

District is an arts magnet school, one of

many HISD magnet programs covering

diverse interests. Wilson Montessori in

Montrose is HISD’s first all-Montessori

school, serving grades K-8.

HISD also has more than 20 charter schools

including the Energized for STEM (Science,

Technology, Engineering & Mathematics)

Academy and the Young Scholars Academy

for Excellence.

Most students living within HISD bound-

aries may apply to attend a magnet or

charter school, although competition can

be stiff for some campuses. Many other

HISD schools have open enrollment bound-

aries, although preference is typically given

to students living within the neighborhood

attendance zones.

Central Houston also has many private and

parochial schools that are as diverse as the

city itself. These include the Awty Interna-

tional School in Spring Branch, popular with

Houston’s thriving international community,

and schools affiliated with virtually every

religious tradition.

Great sources for researching local schools

include Children at Risk, (childrenatrisk.

org), which publishes annual rankings

of area schools, with campus-by-campus

data. The Texas Education Agency evalu-

ates public schools and districts under state

and federal accountability requirements.

Its latest reports are at www.tea.texas.gov.

More helpful websites include www.great-

schools.org and www.houstonisd.org.

HOUSTON SCHOOL DISTRICTSHouston Independent School District www.houstonisd.org • 713-556-6000

The Houston Independent School District

is the largest public school system in Texas

and the seventh largest in the United States.

HISD is focused on providing safe, secure

schools where students can excel and

prepare for college and careers.

The district operates with an annual budget

of $1.8 billion and has more than 29,000

EDUCATIONThe only thing more expensive than investing in education is not investing in education. School districts in the Houston

area offer students an impressive array of high quality educational opportunities through STEM programs and

other studies.


full and part-time employees, educating

more than 215,000 students in 283 schools

spread out over 334 square miles. The

HISD Construction and Facility Services

is responsible for the construction, reno-

vations, and maintenance of more than

320 schools and administrative facilities —

the equivalent of 29.3 million square feet

of building space spread throughout the

greater Houston area.

HISD’s property tax rate is the lowest in

Harris County and one of the lowest of the

13 largest districts in the state. Within Harris

County, the district also has the highest

underlying bond rating given by Moody’s.

HISD stands out as a district of choice with

a robust portfolio of schools, including

strong neighborhood campuses, magnet

and vanguard schools, charter schools, fine

arts and language programs, early college

high schools and career academies, and

other specialized programs. The district

also has placed an emphasis on ensuring

all students have access to a global educa-

tion and are prepared to complete and

be successful in a global society upon

graduation.

Spring Branch Independent School

Districtwww.springbranchisd.com • 713-464-1511

The Spring Branch Independent School

District (SBISD) encompasses about 44

square miles of wooded suburbs and vibrant

business and retail districts located west of

downtown Houston along Interstate 10, also

known as the Katy Freeway.

About 188,000 district residents live in this

region of west Houston and in the incor-

porated villages of Bunker Hill, Hedwig,

Hilshire, Hunters Creek, Piney Point and

Spring Valley.

The district’s dedication to the small neigh-

borhood school concept has contributed

to the success and resilience of SBISD’s

schools and neighborhoods.

Today, SBISD is comprised of five Schools

for Early Learning (pre-K), 26 traditional

elementary schools, seven regular middle

schools and four regular high schools.

SBISD provides full-day kindergarten for all

in-district students. In addition, the district

operates an exemplary rated charter middle

school, a highly regarded charter middle and

high school campus, as well as an alterna-

tive/virtual middle and high school facility.

In addition, the district offers an expanding

variety of campus-based programs of

choice. These include a K-5th grade School

for Highly Gifted Students; two public

charter middle school programs (KIPP

Courage College Prep at Landrum Middle

School and YES Prep Northbrook at

Northbrook Middle School); three middle

school dual language programs: and three

PreK-5th grade elementary dual language

programs.

SBISD remains recognized as one of the

top public school districts in the nation

with consistent college-readiness indica-

tors exceeding regional, state and national

averages. More than 80 percent of SBISD

students take the SAT or ACT, exceeding

both state and national averages. The

E D U C A T I O N

Houston Christian is an exemplary college preparatory high school providing outstanding academic and leadership programs aimed at preparing each student for collegiate study and beyond. Houston Christian offers a distinctive curriculum and a spiritual focus, all while giving students the opportunity to compete and perform in award-winning sports and fine arts programs.

Houston Christian is your place to shine. To learn more, join us on campus at 7 PM on Nov. 2 for an Open House. Or, to schedule a private tour, call 713-580-6020.

A highly accredited, private, nondenominational college preparatory school, Houston Christian is located at the intersection of I-10 and Beltway 8.

Exceptional faculty • Vibrant campus culture • Merit scholarships • Transportation programs Exciting travel programs • Beautiful 45-acre campus • Low student-to-faculty ratio • State-of-the-art dance facility

Distinctive leadership and scholars program • Dynamic college counseling program

HOUSTON CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

Limitless Potential. Unlimited Possibilities.

2700 W Sam Houston Parkway N Houston, TX 77043HoustonChristian.org713.580.6020


district has one of the higher student partic-

ipation rates regionally on these important

assessments.

PRIVATE SCHOOLSHouston Christian High Schoolwww.houstonchristian.org • 713-580-6020

Houston Christian High School is

committed to seeing its students become

the leaders of the next generation by

providing empowering, dynamic educa-

tion that aligns academics, arts, athletics,

and spiritual formation. Home of the

prestigious George and Barbara Bush

Center for Scholars and Leaders, Houston

Christian is an independent, nonprofit

day school serving coed students in ninth

through twelfth grades from 72 zip codes

throughout Houston. Founded in 1996 and

accredited by The Independent Schools

Association of the Southwest (ISAS), its

alumni rank among some of the most

successful in the nation, including West

Point officers, business entrepreneurs, and

even a Broadway actress.

With nearly 70 percent of its faculty awarded

advanced degrees, Houston Christian

students are taught and mentored by bril-

liant, passionate professionals who challenge

them with engaging curriculum and a broad

array of extracurricular activities. The small

student-to-teacher ratio of 10 to 1 gives

students immediate access to the high-qual-

ified faculty at Houston Christian, including

an international Inkling Scholar and former

NFL football coach.

Houston Christian students graduate with the

skills needed for collegiate study and beyond

due to its rigorous curriculum integrated

with leadership training that includes cultural

immersion and service leadership programs,

along with international travel.

Tours of Houston Christian’s lovely, colle-

giate-style campus are available by contacting

us at 713-580-6000 or www.houstonchristian.

org. The school is located on 45 acres off of

W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N and Kempwood

Drive. Whether it be in our state-of-the-art

Brown Family Dance Center or in the Harrell

Family Strength & Conditioning Center,

Houston Christian challenges our students to

exceed even their own expectations. Houston

Christian, where learning becomes leading.

Memorial Lutheran Schoolwww.memoriallutheranschool.org

713-782-4022

Memorial Lutheran School is a Classical

Lutheran School offering small classes and

programs for infants through the 8th grade.

Pre-School through 8th grade students

attend daily chapel, and their Early Start

children attend Chapel twice a week. MLS

offers a strong music program that includes

General music class, orchestra, band, choir

and chimes. Core subjects include Phonics,

History, Math, Science, and a compre-

hensive Language Arts program (Writing,

Reading, Grammar, Spelling and Vocabu-

lary) and Latin (1st - 8th grade).

Memorial Lutheran provides technology

by way of one-to-one Chromebooks in

middle school, iPads, a computer lab, and

interactive white boards in each classroom.

Athletic offerings include soccer, volleyball,

basketball, cheerleading, track, softball and

baseball. Extracurricular programs include

academic competitions, National Junior

Honor Society, outdoor education, debate,

and Bible Bowl. A before and after school

extended program and summer camp are

also offered. Early Childhood: Infants,

Toddlers, Twos, Threes, Pre-K 4; Elemen-

tary Level: Grades K to 4; Middle School:

Grades 5 to 8.

Tours of the school can be scheduled by

calling the admissions office at 713-782-

4022. Conveniently located in the Galleria

area. Application or inquiry can be made

on the school’s website – www.memoriallu-

theranschool.org.

Primrose School of Upper Kirby

www.primroseschools.com/schools/upper-

kirby • 713-522-6700

The Primrose Experience: Building the

Right Foundation for Future Learning and

Life. Choosing the right care for your child

is one of the most important decisions you

will make as a parent. At the end of the day,

Memorial Lutheran SchoolA Classical Lutheran School

Building a Strong Foundation

5800 Westheimer Road | Houston, TX 77057 | www.memoriallutheranschool.org

Call to Schedule a Tour - 713-782-4022

Infants through 8th grade

Successful learners – Effective leaders

Educating Children for 36 years

Athletics, Academic Competition, Top High

School acceptances

After School Enrichment

Latin, Logic, DebateOrchestra and Band

Conveniently located in the Galleria Area


it comes down to entrusting the care of your

child to a provider that will give you peace

of mind and give your child the best possible

experience.

Primrose Schools is an accredited early

childhood education preschool that offers a

premier educational child care experience

for families across the country. The Prim-

rose Experience starts with fostering a strong

connection and partnership with parents to

help build the right foundation for future

learning and success in school and in life.

For the last fifteen years Mr. & Mrs. Papa-

dopulos have been the franchise owners for

Primrose Schools of Pearland and Primrose

School of First Colony. They have provided

for the Pearland and Sugarland families a

nurturing environment where children are

happy, safe and having fun while learning.

The Papadopulos’ are looking to bring that

same Primrose School experience to the

Upper Kirby community.

What makes the Primrose Experience

unique? The People and Culture. One

reason parents choose Primrose is because

they know they are leaving their children

with qualified, caring people. The manage-

ment team members and teachers exceed

expectations by creating and maintaining

trusted relationships with every family they

serve, and share their vision: To deliver the

best and most trusted early childhood educa-

tion and child care services for families

across America.

FACT:

85% of core brain structure is developed by age four.

PRIMROSE WAY:

Recommending the right activity at the right time is child’s play.

NOW ENROLLING!Primrose School of Upper Kirby3001 Richmond Ave. | Houston, TX 77098713.522.6700 | PrimroseUpperKirby.com

Each Primrose school is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools® and The Leader in Early Education and CareSM are registered trademarks and service marks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2016 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved. See primroseschools.com for ‘fact’ source and curriculum detail.

Photo courtesy of Memorial Lutheran School

E D U C A T I O N


The Balanced Learning System. The Prim-

rose Balanced Learning System provides

high-quality educational experiences

that support children’s development as

well-rounded individuals. The Balanced

Learning curriculum addresses children’s

social-emotional, cognitive, creative and

physical development as they determine

what experiences children need at different

age levels. The curriculum is reviewed and

updated annually to ensure continued align-

ment with early learning standards.

The Standards of Excellence. Primrose

Schools holds schools to high standards

of excellence with the implementation of

quality assurance and continuous improve-

ment through an internal Service

Excellence Assurance program and an

external AdvancED Corporation Systems

Accreditation which ensures each school’s

adherence to AdvancED Standards for

Quality Early Learning Schools.

St. Francis Episcopal School

www.StFrancisHouston.org • 713.458.6117

Imaginative, critical thinkers and people

for others. At St. Francis, they believe their

mission matters. So from the Reggio-in-

spired approach in Primary School to the

inquiry-based environment of Lower School

to the hotbed of 21st century learning that is

the St. Francis Middle School, they engage

and inspire students to think critically,

explore deeply, and take the academic and

artistic leaps that allow them to mature in

independence and innovation.

At the core of it all is a student-centric,

research-based curriculum; passionate,

award-winning educators; and leading-edge

technology at every turn. Because when it

comes to helping the Wolves advance from

their earliest academic ventures through the

exponential growth in literacy, quantitative

reasoning, creative thinking, and social/

emotional development of their elementary

and secondary years, they not only focus on

the whole child—but also the whole envi-

ronment. This might mean a field trip to

one of the tallest buildings in town for the

Primary II class fascinated by skyscrapers; a

third grader’s grin as her design takes shape

on the popular 3-D printer; or the compas-

sion of eighth graders who donate $45,000

in national Lead2Feed Challenge winnings

to local nonprofits.

At St. Francis, success equals so much

more than a grade on paper. On their two

campuses, more than 900 students live, grow,

and give together through beloved annual

service projects; 40-plus teams in 13 sports;

rousing theatre and choir productions; three

orchestras; unforgettable living-history

events; and a dizzying array of school-day

and after-school enrichment programs—

all while worshipping side by side during

regular chapel and Eucharist services.

Now, the community is set to turn another

page as they realize the long-held dream

of a St. Francis high school. Slated to

open to its founding freshman class in the

2018–19 school year, the St. Francis Upper

School will reimagine the traditional high

school experience, emphasizing thematic

learning over staid survey courses and 21st

century skills over the rote memorization

of decades past.

St. Michael Catholic School

www.stmichaelcs.org • 713-621-6847

Established in 1954, St. Michael Catholic

School (SMCS), conveniently located near

the Galleria, is one of Houston’s leading

schools for children three years of age

through eighth grade. Its mission is to form

disciples of Christ through an education

focused on faith, conscience, scholarship,

and service.

To ensure classroom success and prepare

students for challenges beyond campus life,

St. Michael Catholic School integrates faith

and knowledge to educate the whole person,

offering religious education and sacra-

mental training; enhanced creative writing

programs; Spanish courses; interactive

science curriculum enhanced by hands-on

learning, competitive and award winning

athletics; service and leadership oppor-

tunities; fine arts, music, and performing

arts instruction; academic rallies such as


To ensure that our students have the best resources, we offer: 70,000 sq. ft. LEED - certified building | Multiple computer, laptop, and mobile labs | SMART Boards in each classroom

Science labs to support classroom curriculum | Thriving Fine Arts program | Expansive library with a media center and

resource room | Regulation athletic field and gymnasium | Peaceful chapel for reflection

For more information regarding theadmission process and our Open House,

please visit our website:stmichaelcs.org

1833 Sage Rd. | Houston, Texas 77056713.621.6847

The mission of St. Michael Catholic School is to form disciples of Christ through an education focused on faith, conscience, scholarship, and service.

Established in 1954, we educate the whole person by promoting growth and development of the body, mind, and spirit.

St. Michael Catholic SchoolPrekindergarten 3 – 8th Grade

Enriching Minds and Inspiring Hearts

Prep Bowl, National Junior Honor Society,

honors math and science courses; and a

Sacred Art History program that is unique

to SMCS.

The campus occupies more than ten acres

of land and serves approximately 500 co-ed

students in a state-of-the-art 70,000 square-

foot LEED-certified building with two

computer labs; laptop and tablet mobile

labs; SMART Board in each classroom;

one-to-one device program using Chrome

books for middle school students; science

labs capable of plant and animal studies

and in-depth lab experiments; two fully-

equipped art rooms and a kiln room; library,

including media center and resource room;

regulation athletic field for football, soccer,

practice track and gymnasium with boys’

and girls’ locker rooms and two concession

stands; a school chapel that offers an area

for reflection and spiritual development; and

dedicated performing arts classrooms. These

facilities provide students with the most

current educational tools and resources.

St. Michael Catholic School graduates are

accepted to Houston’s most premier private

and public high schools that include: St.

Agnes Academy, St. Thomas High School,

Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, Duchesne

Academy of the Sacred Heart, Incarnate

Word Academy, St. Pius X High School,

Episcopal High School, The Kinkaid School,

and the High School for the Performing and

Visual Arts.

HIGHER EDUCATION Higher education is a strength for Central

Houston, with choices that are many and

diverse. With more than 40,000 students,

the University of Houston is the third-largest

university in Texas and has made great

academic strides in recent decades. UH has

achieved Tier One research university status

from the Carnegie Foundation, putting

it in the same league as the University of

Texas and Texas A&M University. UH has

more than 300 degree programs and many,

including creative writing, architecture and

law, are considered among the nation’s best.

Rice University, situated on a beautiful

oak-lined campus near the Texas Medical

Center and Hermann Park, is consistently

ranked among the top 20 universities in the

U.S. and among the top 100 in the world.

Known for its small student-to-faculty ratio

and its high level of research, Rice also offers

excellent public arts and continuing educa-

tion programs.

The Texas Medical Center is home to

a number of colleges and universities,

including Baylor College of Medicine,

Texas A&M Health Science Center and

Texas Woman’s University. Other Houston

institutions of higher learning include

Texas Southern University, Houston Baptist

University and Houston Community College

System.

In 2015, the University of Texas announced

that it had purchased more than 300 acres

for a new Houston campus located 3.5 miles

from the Texas Medical Center. In a state-

ment, the UT System Board of Regents

said, “We will broaden our footprint in the

city of Houston to take advantage of its size,

strength of institutions, and talent of the

professionals in science, business, healthcare

and the arts.”

“Higher education is a strength for Central Houston, with choices that are many and diverse. ”

E D U C A T I O N



Places of WORSHIP

Houston’s First Baptist Church7401 Katy Freeway, Houston TX 77024 www.HoustonsFirst.org • 713-681-8000

More than a Home - Relocating is on the

list of life’s most stressful events. Ever

considered including God in your move?

One Houston area family did, and without

missing a beat, they found friends, “family,”

and a place of purpose where their lives

could make a difference.

Russ and Deborah Whaley were about to

make their seventh move for Russ’ job, this

time from Atlanta to the Houston area.

Providentially, Claudia, the buyer of their

Atlanta home, was relocating from Bellaire,

Texas, a city inside the Houston metro area.

The Whaleys’ trip to Texas before making

the final five-state trek with their three chil-

dren included a personal visit from Claudia.

“We spent two hours with Claudia that day,

and I asked if she knew of a good church

in our area,” said Deborah. “Her church,

Houston’s First Baptist Church, was opening

a campus near our home and she said she

had a friend she could call on our behalf.”

Houston is home to diverse religious traditions – a reflection of the international cultural mosaic that makes up the city. The following pages list some of the houses of worship located in Central Houston.




The Whaley family was rolling through

Louisiana toward their new home in Texas

when Deborah received a call. “Claudia’s

friend, Paige Swiggart, was on the phone.

Paige is also the pastor’s wife of the Cypress

Campus of Houston’s First. She invited us

to the very first meeting of their church. We

went — and we’ve been there since.”

The Whaleys teach Sunday school for fourth

and fifth graders. Russ and their three chil-

dren, spanning in age from upper elementary

to high school, formed a band to play during

Kids’ Worship. The Whaley children are

also involved in the church youth band and

other activities. Since the family lives close

to the church, Deborah opens their home for

Bible study and other gatherings.

“God knows my heart for hospitality,” she

said. “He had every detail planned for our

move. We paid attention to the ways God

was moving, trusted Him and followed His

lead. We know He chose our church for us

and we couldn’t be more content.”

You are invited to any of the five campuses

of Houston’s First: The Loop Campus at

7401 Katy Freeway at the 610 Loop; the

Cypress Campus, currently meeting at

Smith Middle School and slated for a June

move into its permanent home in Bridgeland

near Highway 99; the Downtown Campus

at 1730 Jefferson; the Español Campus,

also at 7401 Katy Freeway; and the Sienna

Campus at 4309 Sienna Parkway.

The Church of St. John the Divine2450 River Oaks Boulevard @ Westheimer, Houston TX 77019 www.sjd.org • 713-622-3600

Whoever you are, whatever your life story,

wherever you are in your spiritual journey,

St. John the Divine warmly invites you to

come and see how lives are being changed

for God in Christ.

St. John the Divine is constantly engaged:

• in worship, prayer, and study

• in equipping and mobilizing people to serve in the community and beyond.

• in serving the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of families

• in raising up servant leaders to impact the world and

• in creating vibrant, diverse communities of all ages and stages of life

Nestled inside Houston’s inner loop commu-

nity, St. John the Divine is easy to get to

from all over the city. Each Sunday they

offer traditional services with organ and

choir, contemporary services with band,

and Awesome Worship, a service created for

young children and their families. Regard-

less of which service you choose, you will

experience authentic worship and learn how

God can change your life today.

If you’re new to town, St. John the Divine

offers many ways to connect to a caring

community. They are a multi-generational

congregation with offerings designed for

babies, kids, students, adults, singles, and

seniors. You are sure to find a spiritual home

there. Learn more and take your next step by

visiting www.sjd.org today.

P A S T O R G R E G G M A T T E

The Loop • Downtown • Cypress • Español • Sienna HoustonsFirst @HoustonsFirst @HoustonsFirst

HoustonsFirst.org

I FOUND PURPOSE HERE.

WE FOUND A WAY TO SERVE HERE.

WE FOUND COMMUNITY HERE.

WE FOUND FREEDOM FROM WORRY HERE.

I FOUND BROTHERHOOD HERE.

I FOUND ACCEPTANCE HERE.

“I’M LOOKING FOR .”

Whatever it is, many in our city have found it in a relationship with Jesus. He’s a friend of ours—let us introduce you.

PURPOSE A WAY TO SERVE ACCEPTANCE

COMMUNITY FREEDOM FROM WORRY

BROTHERHOOD

P L A C E S O F W O R S H I P


ASSEMBLIES OF GODBraeswood Assembly of God ................ 713-777-1651

Heights Assembly of God ..................... 713-864-8231

BAPTISTAntioch Missionary Baptist Church ...... 713- 652-0738

Bellaire Central Baptist Church ............. 713-668-2389

Houston’s First Baptist Church ........ 713-681-80007401 Katy Freeway, Houston TX 77024www.houstonsfirst.org

First Baptist Church Heights ................. 713-861-3102

Memorial Drive Baptist Church ............. 713-781-3553

River Oaks Baptist Church. ................... 713-622-0570

Second Baptist ..................................... 713-465-3408

South Main Baptist Church ................... 713-529-4167

Tallowood Baptist ................................. 713-468-8241

West U Baptist ...................................... 713-668-2319

BUDDHISTDawn Mountain ................................... 713-630-0354

Texas Buddhist Association ................... 281-498-1616

CATHOLICAll Saints Catholic Church .................... 713-864-2653

Annunciation Catholic Church .............. 713-222-2289

Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart .......... 713-659-1561

Holy Rosary Church ............................. 713-529-4854

Our Lady of Guadalupe ....................... 713-222-0203

St. Anne Catholic Church ..................... 713-526-3276St. Cecilia Catholic Church ................... 713-465-3414

St. Michael Catholic Church ............ 713-621-43701833 Sage Road, Houston TX 77056

CHRISTIAN (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)First Christian Church........................... 713-526-2561

Heights Christian Church ...................... 713-861-0016

University Christian Church .................. 713-522-7625

CHURCH OF CHRISTHeights Church of Christ ...................... 713-861-0922

Memorial Church of Christ ................... 713-464-0271

South Union Church of Christ .............. 713-747-5440

Westbury Church of Christ ................... 713-729-7880

EPISCOPALAscension Episcopal Church ................. 713-781-1330

Christ Church Cathedral ....................... 713-222-2593

Holy Spirit Episcopal Church ................ 713-468-7796

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church ............. 713-861-5596

The Church of St. John The Divine ... 713-622-36002450 River Oaks Blvd. Houston TX 77019www.sjd.org

St. Francis Episcopal Church ................. 713-782-1270

St. Martin’s Episcopal Church ............... 713-621-3040

HINDUHindu Worship Society ......................... 713-957-4608

Sri Meenakshi Temple ........................... 281-489-0358

INTERDENOMINATIONALChurch in the Center ............................ 281-213-0110

ISLAMIslamic Da`wah Center ......................... 713-223-3311

Al-Noor Mosque ................................... 713-779-1304

Madrasah Islamiah ............................... 713-772-7000

Masjid ElFarouq ................................... 713-465-2020

JEWISHChabad of Uptown ............................... 713-419-3960

Congregation Beth Israel ....................... 713-771-6221

Congregation Brith Shalom ................... 713-667-9201

Congregation Emanu El ........................ 713-529-5771

Congregation for Reform Judaism ......... 713-782-4162

Temple Sinai ......................................... 281-496-5950

The Shul of Bellaire .............................. 713-839-8887

LUTHERANFirst Evangelical Lutheran Church ........ 713-529-3589

Grace Lutheran Church ........................ 713-528-3269

Holy Cross Lutheran Church ................. 713-686-8253

Memorial Drive Lutheran ..................... 713-468-9443

Memorial Lutheran Church ............. 713-782-60795800 Westheimer Road Houston, TX 77057

St. Andrew Lutheran Church ................ 713-468-9565

St. Mark Lutheran Church .................... 713-468-2623

St. Matthew Lutheran Church ............... 713-526-5731

METHODISTBellaire United Methodist Church ......... 713-666-2167

First Methodist Houston ....................... 832-668-1800

Grace United Methodist Church ........... 713-862-8883

Memorial Drive United Methodist Church ................................. 713-468-8356

St. Luke’s United Methodist Church ...... 713-622-5710

St. Mark’s United Methodist Church ..... 713-861-3104

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church ....... 713-528-0527

NON DENOMINATIONALBridge Point Bible Church ..................... 832-448-1330

Lakewood Church ............................... 713-635-4154

Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church .............................. 713-861-9149

ORTHODOXAnnunciation Greek Orthodox ............. 713-526-5377

St. George Orthodox Church ................. 713-665-5252

St. Mark Coptic Orthodox .................... 713-669-0311

St. Paul Antiochian Orthodox ............... 281-556-5366

PRESBYTERIANChrist Church Presbyterian ................... 713-667-6574

First Presbyterian Houston .................... 713-620-6500

Grace Presbyterian Church ................... 713-781-7615

Heights Presbyterian Church ................. 713-861-1907

Southwest Presbyterian Church ............ 713-432-0040


HEALTHCARE

In the heart of central Houston, the vast Texas Medical Center is the largest medical complex in the world and is at the forefront of advancing life sciences. TMC is a global powerhouse of leading-edge patient care, biomedical research and employment for the Houston area. But it is only a part of the excellent health care that is available in the city; central Houston offers many general and specialty hospitals, clinics and acute care centers.


H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 5 1UTPhysicians.com 888-4UT-DOCS

Bayshore11452 Space Center BlvdHouston, TX 77059

Sienna Village8810 Highway 6, #100Missouri City, TX 77459

Greens245 West Greens RdHouston, TX 77067

Jensen2620 E. Crosstimbers Street, #100Houston, TX 77093

Dashwood5420 Dashwood StHouston, TX 77081

Bellaire6700 West Loop SouthBellaire, TX 77401

Cinco Ranch23923 Cinco Ranch BlvdKaty, TX 77494

Cinco Pediatrics10450 Spring Green Blvd., Suite BKaty, TX 77494

Texas Medical Center6410 Fannin StHouston, TX 77030

Heights925 N Shepherd DrHouston, TX 77008

Southwest10623 Bellaire Blvd, #280Houston, TX 77072

Victory7364 Antoine DrHouston, TX 77088

Rosenberg 5115 Avenue H, #701Rosenberg, TX 77471

Beaumont3610 Stagg DriveBeaumont, TX 77701

Our Primary & Specialty Care Clinics

AREA HOSPITALSMemorial Hermann www.memorialhermann.org 713-222-CARE (2273)

Advancing Health in Houston - Memorial

Hermann has created Houston’s largest,

full-service, integrated health system

focused on advancing the health of the

community. For Memorial Hermann’s

5,500 affiliated physicians and 25,000

employees, it means exercising uncom-

promising commitment to deliver the best

health care possible by harnessing lead-

ing-edge technology and using the safest

methods. For their patients, it means

having the best tools to prevent health prob-

lems as well as the best chance to regain

their health following an illness or injury.

It’s no wonder Memorial Hermann is the

only Houston health system to receive both

the National Quality Forum’s National

Quality Healthcare Award in 2009 and

the 2012 John M. Eisenberg Award for

Patient Safety and Quality from The Joint

Commission and the National Quality

Forum, the nation’s guardians of health

and safety.

One of the largest not-for-profit health

systems in the nation, Memorial Hermann

serves Southeast Texas and the Greater

Houston community with 16 hospitals,

including four in the Texas Medical Center,

a level I trauma center, a hospital for chil-

dren, an orthopedic and spine hospital, and

one of the top two rehabilitation hospitals in

the United States, along with nine suburban

hospitals and two surgery centers. Building

on a strong relationship with McGovern

Medical School at UTHealth, the system

also operates three Heart & Vascular Insti-

tute locations; the Mischer Neuroscience

Institute at Memorial Hermann-Texas

Medical Center; the IRONMAN Sports

Medicine Institute at four locations;

Women’s Memorial Hermann; Memorial

Hermann Life Flight® – the largest and

busiest air ambulance service in the United

States; the Prevention and Recovery Center

for chemical dependency treatment; and

a comprehensive array of home health

services, rehabilitation centers, outpa-

tient imaging and laboratory services

including MD Anderson Breast Care

with Memorial Hermann. The system’s

comprehensive ambulatory care network

also includes Memorial Hermann Urgent

Care and Memorial Hermann Convenient

Care Centers. They use their resources to

make a real difference in the health of the

community, contributing in excess of $451

million annually in uncompensated care

and community benefit programs.

THE TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER Over 70 years have passed since the ground

breaking in 1945 for Baylor College of

Medicine on a site southeast of Memorial

Hermann Hospital–established in 1925

and the first hospital in the Texas Medical

Center. Today, the Texas Medical Center is

a major business district where planning,

infrastructure, transportation and other

issues are growing in importance. Today,

the Texas Medical Center has 54 not for

profit institutions.

The Texas Medical Center is a 1,300-acre

“city of medicine” with 290 buildings,

50 million gross square feet of space,

28,000 parking spaces and some 106,000

employees. Expenditures by member insti-

tutions exceed $5.7 billion, and second

expenditures are more than $8.1 billion. Its

economic impact is huge throughout the

region and beyond Texas.

The Texas Medical Center holds a promi-

nent position in medical information—a

critical edge that attracts top researchers,

Photo courtesy of Memorial Hermann

H E A L T H C A R E



Comprehensive orthopedic care is within reach. At Memorial Hermann, we are leading the way in orthopedics. From evaluation to orthopedic surgery to post-injury rehab, our comprehensive treatment approach puts patients first. The fact is, if you want expertise in orthopedics – you want the experts at Memorial Hermann Hospital.

Learn more at memorialhermann.org

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academics and physicians--more than

20,000 MDs, PhDs and researchers work

at member institutions. In 2010, National

Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded insti-

tutions in the Texas Medical Center a total

of $477.3 million for existing projects and

to launch new ones. Collaborative projects

extend locally to Rice University.

Sources: Texas Medical Center, www.mdanderson.

org, Houston Report at www.dallasfed. com.

UT Physicians

1-888-4UT-DOCS • UTPhysicians.com

The right place, the right time. - As the

medical group practice of The John P. and

Katherine G. McGovern School (a part

of UTHealth), UT Physicians has expe-

rienced unparalleled growth over the last

five years. With offices generally located

solely across the street from McGovern

Medical School, UT Physicians now

boasts more than 200 clinical sites in and

around the Greater Houston Area.

The idea of community-based UT Physi-

cians clinics is one that started with the goal

of bringing UT Physicians doctors to the

patients. “Back in 2007, 2008, we created a

strategic plan for UT Physicians to follow

the growth and population changes in

Houston. We knew that if we didn’t grow

outside of the Texas Medical Center, we

would not survive as a group practice,” says

Andrew Casas, Chief Operating Officer of

UT Physicians.

UT Physicians is a national leader in the

delivery of integrated, personalized care,

with many of our doctors listed among the

“Best Doctors in America.” Through UT

Physicians Heights Clinic and Dashwood

Clinic, you will have access to our full prac-

tice of more than 1,000 physicians certified

in 80 medical specialties and subspecialties.

Kenya Maria Parks, MD, MS, FAAP,

Medical Director at UT Physicians Heights

Clinic, UT Community and General Pedi-

atrics, McGovern Medical School, chose

UT Physicians for the same reason as the

majority of her patients do – its patient

centered medical care model. Dr. Park’s

philosophy of patient care is “It takes a

village to raise a child. I am deeply honored

to be part of the village.”

Dr. Parks enjoys all aspects of pediatric

medicine, but has an interest in and passion

for pediatric and women’s health advocacy.

Dr. Parks was educated and trained in New

York and New Jersey. She was born in Costa

Rica and is a native Spanish speaker.

Thomas Murphy, MD, Assistant Dean for

Community Affairs and Health Policy, says

that doctors outside of the Texas Medical

Center provide stability and long-term

patient relationships. “Right care, right

place, right cost – it’s a simple concept,” he

says.

For more information on any UT Physi-

cians clinic, please visit the website at

UTPhysicians.com or contact them at 1-888-

4UT-DOCS

H E A L T H C A R E

The Texas Medical Center - Credit: Jackson Myers

BUSINESS


The Greater Houston Partnership forecasts that metro Houston will create 29,700 jobs in 2017. That’s a 1.0 percent annual growth rate. Over the past 25 years, Houston’s growth has averaged 2.1 percent per year, and as the economy continues to improve, so too will job opportunities.


BUSINESSand Community


If you’re reading this, chances are you’re

a newcomer relocating to Houston for the

city’s tremendous employment opportuni-

ties – still some of the best in the nation. Or,

you might be a long-time or even native-born

Houstonian (yes, a few actually exist!) who

has long benefitted from the city’s thriving

economy and relentless growth.

The Greater Houston area covers almost 600

square miles, but the 96 square miles inside

the 610 Loop contain many of the head-

quarters, institutions and landmarks that

define Houston’s proud economic history.

Downtown began its renewal in the

mid-1990s, and since then, more than

$6.1 billion has been spent on buildings,

parks and infrastructure. Today, construc-

tion worth more than $1 billion has been

completed in the last two years, with proj-

ects worth $1.7 billion underway. Nine

residential properties are under construction

and another fie are planned; once complete,

these will almost double the number of

downtown residences. Additionally, Hous-

ton’s central business district continues to

welcome waves of new relocating busi-

nesses, as well as urban professionals who

will see an additional 1.5 million square

feet of office space and seven modern and

luxurious hotel high-rises under construc-

tion or newly completed. With a workforce

of more than 150,000, Downtown claims

10 of Houston’s 26 Fortune 500 companies

and boasts a gleaming skyline, which is an

international symbol of the city’s ‘can-do’

entrepreneurial spirit.

Discovery Green and Market Square Park

are two of Houston’s most beloved urban

parks and both have been heavily credited

for being the economic catalyst for growth

in the eastern and northern end of Down-

town. With all this robust activity, combined

with its strong economy, a growing urban

population, and solidified status as one of

the nation’s top culinary and entertainment

destinations, it’s easy to see how Houston

has transformed itself into the global city

that it is today.

The Texas Medical Center, another linchpin

of Houston’s economy, continues to grow

and thrive. As the world’s largest life

sciences destination, the TMC has over

106,000 employees, 50,000 students, and

over 160,000 daily visitors. Institutions in

the TMC begin 1 surgery every 3 minutes,

and the TMC performs more heart surgeries

than anywhere else in the world. Looking

for smart healthy neighbors? It’s estimated

that 1 in 5 people living in the 77030 ZIP

code works in the health science field,

making it one of the highest concentrations

of life science professionals in the country.

With 28 million square feet of commer-

cial office space, Uptown Houston is one

of the nation’s largest business districts.

Its silhouette bears the stamp of some the

world’s leading architects, and the post-

modern triumph of the 64-storey Williams

Tower is among the city’s famous architec-

tural landmarks. A vibrant mixed-use urban

environment, Uptown offers top-of-the line

business addresses with the support services

essential to business life. Full-service

institutions, world-class hotels, fine retail

establishments and excellent dining are all

close at hand.

Between Downtown and Uptown sits

Greenway Plaza, Houston’s first totally

planned business-commercial-residential

complex. It has 10 commercial buildings

and more than 4.2 million square feet, and

Galleria Houston - Photo courtesy of GHCVB

B U S I N E S S & C O M M U N I T Y


most buildings are connected by environ-

mentally controlled bridges, tunnels or

covered walkways.

Central Houston is also home to the Port of

Houston, the international port of Texas.

More hard-working than glamorous, the

Port of Houston is a 25-mile-long complex

of public and private facilities. Currently

undergoing a $1.4 billion moderniza-

tion project, new super post-Panamax

ship-to-shore cranes have just been added

to accommodate the next generation of

container vessels. The Port of Houston is

the busiest in the U.S. for foreign tonnage,

and ranks No. 2 for overall tonnage; 30.5

million tons of cargo are handled each year.

The Port of Houston is out of sight for

most Houstonians, but a free and fasci-

nating boat tour can be arranged by

contacting the Port of Houston Authority

at www.portofhouston.com.

The Greater Houston Partnership forecasts

that metro Houston will create 29,700 jobs

in 2017. That’s a 1.0 percent annual growth

rate. Over the past 25 years, Houston’s

growth has averaged 2.1 percent per year,

and as the economy continues to improve,

so too will job opportunities. Specifically,

the forecast calls for job losses to continue in

energy exploration and production, oil field

services, construction and information, but

jobs will grow in manufacturing, wholesale

trade, retail trade, finance and insurance,

real estate, business, professional and tech-

nical services, educational services, health

care, administrative services, arts and enter-

tainment, hotels and food services, other

services and government.

Following is information on some of the

major economic development organizations

serving Central Houston. Their websites are

a wealth of information about the areas they

represent.

Houston First/Visit Houston

www.VisitHouston.com

Houston First Corporation is leading the

effort to promote Houston as one of the

great cities of the world. They operate the

city’s finest convention, arts and entertain-

ment venues. Go to HoustonFirst.com. For

information on what to do around town,

where to stay, events and much more, log on

to VisitHouston.com.

Central Houston www.centralhouston.org

Since 1983, the city’s most passionate

leaders have gathered at Central Houston

to plan cultural and economic growth. They

ensure that pivotal projects are launched and

completed. Central Houston has worked

to achieve a high-quality and sustainable

revitalization of Downtown Houston and

the center of the city. Its accomplishments

include reintroducing professional sports

into Downtown and spearheading redevel-

opment of Buffalo Bayou.

Midtown Houston

www.houstonmidtown.com

Midtown Houston is a model of urban

living in the center of Houston. Residents,

businesses, and visitors enjoy a sustainable,

walkable community with a thriving arts

and entertainment scene and green oases.

Since 2012, the area has experienced a 50%

growth in population. Helping to make it all

happen are the Midtown Redevelopment

Authority and the Midtown Management

District.

Houston Museum District Associationwww.houstonmuseumdistrict.org

With 19 museums, 4 walkable zones, and

numerous amenities, visitors to the Museum

District can get inspiration every day.

Upper Kirby Districtwww.upperkirbydistrict.org

Named for Kirby Drive, the Upper Kirby

District is recognizable for its distinct red

street signs and iconic antique British phone

booths. Located to the east of Greenway

Plaza, north of West University and south

of River Oaks, the district is home to many

of Houston’s trendiest restaurants and most

fashionable shops.

Uptown Houston www.uptown-houston.com

Anchored by Post Oak Boulevard, Uptown

Houston is an urban community of excep-

tional beauty, sophistication, style and

international prominence in the heart of

Houston.

Defined by its unique blend of prestigious

business and residential addresses, with the

best in shopping, hotels, dining and enter-

tainment, Uptown Houston is the one place

where you can have it all.

Greater East End Management District www.greatereastend.com

The Greater East End Management District

provides services and conducts capital

improvements throughout the 16 square

miles of the District. Its many successes

include beautification, public art and the

Livable Centers Initiative. Connecting

neighborhoods and business to transit, the

District’s grant-funded capital program will

see $29 million in improvements through

2017.

Texas Medical Center www.texasmedicalcenter.org

Surrounded by Hermann Park, Rice Univer-

sity and the Museum District, the Texas

Medical Center covers 1,345 acres, making

it the 8th largest business district in the

country, right after Philadelphia and Seattle.

The Texas Medical Center member institu-

tions work together to promote the highest

standards of patient care, research and

education.

Rice Village Districtwww.ricevilliagedistrict.com

Rice Village, a historic destination, is a

highly productive shopping district that

offers an eclectic mix of retailers, restaurants

and nightlife. It is the only authentic urban

district in Houston and the District’s goal is

to offer visitors and the local community a

unique, best-in-class and shopping, dining

experience.


in this sectionarts and cultureparks & attractions calendar of eventsdining scene




Life is too short to just work; you gotta play

too. And in vibrant Houston, fun activities

abound, with annual events such as the

world’s largest rodeo, the nation’s largest

renaissance festival and the country’s quirk-

iest event, the art car parade.

The city’s diverse personality shines through

with buoyant events like the Chinese New

Year, Cinco de Mayo, Juneteenth and

LGBT Pride Celebration. It’s often said

that Houston doesn’t cherish its history,

but that’s not the case with traditions like

the 80-year-old Azalea Trail and numerous

historic home tours. Plus, Houston’s rich

arts, theatre and restaurant scenes offer

exciting experiences every day.

One of the best websites for finding out

about special events in Houston is www.

visithouston.com, the official site of the

Greater Houston Convention and Visitors

Bureau.

The website includes a visitor’s guide, inter-

active maps, coupons and discounts, and

itinerary ideas. One of its most popular

features is the Houston CityPass, which

provides admission to 5 of Houston’s top

attractions at a substantial discount!

AND IN HOUSTON, THE FUN CONTINUES. Part of the rich demographic diversity that is

Houston, cultural centers and festivals cele-

brating societies from around the world are

everywhere. In Houston, you can take a hula

class at Houston’s Hula Halou & Polynesian

Dance studio or enjoy a performance of

traditional Indian dance at the Anjali Center

for Performing Arts. Houston is home to the

second largest Asian population in America

(after Los Angeles) and in Houston, it’s very

easy to enjoy a traditional Thai or Chinese

meal, or treat yourself to a foot massage.

Take the stage and hone your acting skills

or watch others command the stage at a

dramatic production at the Queensbury

Theatre. Laugh until you cry and be part

of the fun at Houston Improv, the city’s

premier comedy club. Or take in one of the

many galleries or show spaces.

Enjoying such a rich tapestry of activi-

ties and presentations takes fuel to keep

your energy up, and in Houston, you’re in

luck. Hundreds of restaurants, from small

mom-and-pop cafes to successful national

franchises to one-of-a-kind culinary desti-

nations mean the dining scene is varied and

wonderful. You’ll be sure to find something

to eat that hits the spot.

When it comes to fun, Central Houston never rests. There’s always something fun to do here – from enjoying

festivals rooted in decades of tradition, to simply savoring a picnic in some of the largest city parks in the nation. And all the cultural riches are just minutes away.

LEISURE &RECREATION


The theater district is an impressive cultural and entertainment center; features nine world renowned performing arts organizations, and many smaller ones, in four venues – Jones Hall, Wortham Theater Center, Alley Theatre and Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.

ARTS &culture

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cultureAlley Theatre615 Texas Ave., Houston, 77002 www.alleytheatre.org

One of America’s leading not-for-profit

theatres calls the Houston Theater District

Home – The Alley Theatre. The Alley

Theatre is nationally recognized for their

performing arts company lead by Artistic

Director Gregory Boyd and Managing

Director Dean R. Gladden. Specializing

in productions of the classics, modern

plays and premieres, The Alley Theatre

produces more performances than all

other performing arts organizations in the

Houston Theater District.

Bayou Place500 Texas Ave., Houston, 77002 www.bayouplace.com

Bayou Place is Houston’s premier destina-

tion for great food and good times. Popular

venues such as the Revention Music Center

and Sundance Cinemas are located here as

well as many dining options – most popular

is Houston’s own Hard Rock Café. This

mosaic of entertainment options makes

Bayou Place a prime spot for the Houston

Theater District.

Hobby Center for the Performing Arts800 Bagby St., Ste. 300 Houston, 77002 www.thehobbycenter.org

The Hobby Center for the Performing

Arts brings first-class entertainment and

cultural enjoyment to Houstonians by way

of the generosity of their donors. This arts

complex is home to the Theatre Under The

Stars (TUTS), and the Houston Broadway

Series.

Houston Ballet501 Texas Ave., Houston, 77002 www.houstonballet.org

The Houston Ballet is a classically trained company with diverse repertory whose range includes the classics are well as contem-porary works. This company attracts the world’s best dancers and choreographers. The Houston Ballet also has a world class Academy where instruction levels vary from professional dancer to non-professional dancers.

Houston Grand Opera510 Preston St., Houston, 77002 www.houstongrandopera.org

Adding to Houston’s rich cultural environ-

ment, the Houston Grand Opera entertains

with their innovative programs, community

events and educational projects. Houston

Grand Opera has a solid reputation for

commissioning and producing new works,

including 56 world premieres and seven

American premieres since 1973. Stop in and

visit and see why Houston Grand Opera has

toured extensively, including trips to Europe

and Asia, and is the only opera company to

have won a Tony, two Grammy awards, and

two Emmy awards.

Houston Symphony615 Louisiana St. Ste. 102, Houston, 77002 www.houstonsymphony.org

The Houston Symphony’s mission is to

“inspire and engage a large diverse audience

in Greater Houston and beyond through

exceptional orchestral and non-orches-

tral performances, educational programs

and community activities.” By 2025, the

Houston Symphony aims to be one of

America’s most relevant and accessible

top-ten orchestras.

Jones Hall615 Louisiana St., Houston, 77002 www.houstonfirsttheaters.com

Jones Hall is a monument to the memory

of Jesse Holman Jones, an eminent figure

in Houston during the first half of the 20th

Century. Today, Jones Hall is home to the

Houston Symphony and the Society for the

Performing Arts. More than 400,000 visi-

tors attend some 250 events annually.

Main Street Theater2450 Times Square Blvd., Houston 77005 333 S. Jensen, Houston, 77003 www.mainstreettheater.com

Main Street Theater was founded in 1975

and has been opening doors for locals of all

ages to engage in the performing arts. They

offer classes for children and adults and hold

performances by both local authors and

established writers.

Stages Repertory Theatre3021 Allen Pkwy. Ste. 101, Houston, 77019 www.stagestheatre.com

Stages Theatre is one of only two theatres

in the region that offers year-round employ-

ment for actors, directors and additional

staff. Stages contributes much to the

Houston community, including the avail-

ability of thrilling live performances. The

Theatre produces daring and innovative

plays focusing on new off-Broadway hits

and world premieres.

Society for the Performing Arts615 Louisiana St. Ste. 100, Houston, 77002 www.spahouston.org

The Society for the Performing Arts is the

largest nonprofit presenting organization of

its kind in the entire Southwest region. SPA

is renowned for delivering to Houston inter-

nationally acclaimed artists from the entire

performing arts spectrum, and has been

doing so for over 50 years.

Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS)800 Bagby, Ste. 200, Houston, TX 77002 www.tuts.com

A non-profit based in Houston, Texas,

Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) offers a

world –class musical theatre experience that

ranges from full-scale Broadway productions

to educational initiatives that extend beyond

the stage and into the community. TUTS is

equipped for actors and aficionados of all

ages and abilities.

Wortham Theater Center 501 Texas Ave., Houston, 77002 www.houstonfirsttheaters.com

Houston’s largest performing arts complex,

is home to the Houston Ballet and Houston

Grand Opera and is partnered with Da

Camera of Houston and Mercury the

Orchestra Redefined. The Wortham Center

features two theaters, the Alice and George

Brown Theater at 2,405 seats used primarily

for major performances and the Lillie and

Roy Cullen Theater at 1,100 seat hosts

smaller opera and ballet. Since its opening in

1987, Wortham has entertained more than 8

million people.

THEATER


L E I S U R E & R E C R E A T I O N

The Art Car Museum140 Heights Blvd., Houston, 77007 www.artcarmuseum.com

Otherwise known as the “Garage Mahal”,

The Art Car Museum is dedicated to

contemporary art. It is an exhibition forum

for local, national and international arts

with an emphasis on art cars, other fine arts

and artists that rarely, if ever, are acknowl-

edged by other cultural institutions. Most

popular to Houstonians is the annual Art

Car Parade.

Buffalo Soldiers National Museum3816 Caroline St., Houston, TX 77004 www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com

The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum

(BSNM) is proud to educate the public and

preserve and promote the history, tradition

and outstanding contributions of America’s

Buffalo Soldiers from the Revolutionary

War to the present. Here, you can find work-

shops, youth outreach programs and exhibits

about the history of the Buffalo Soldiers and

their service.

Children’s Museum of Houston1500 Binz St., Houston, TX 77004 www.cmhouston.org

A duck pond, playhouse, grocery store,

Mexican village, puppet show and an

infant play area are all under one roof. The

fun-filled hands on experience at the Chil-

dren’s Museum of Houston will not leave

anyone bored. For nearly 30 years, the place

for families to play, laugh, learn and grow.

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston5216 Montrose Blvd., Houston, 77006 www.camh.org

The Contemporary Arts Museum of

Houston is an institution dedicated to

presenting the best and most exciting inter-

national, national and regional art. Patrons

of every age will appreciate the collec-

tions of work and dynamic exhibitions on

display. CAMH is a nonprofit organization

that relies on a variety of funding sources,

including individual, government, and

corporate, for its activities.

The Health Museum1515 Hermann Dr., Houston, 77004 www.thehealthmuseum.org

The Health Museum is Houston’s most

interactive science learning center and a

member institution of the world-renowned

Texas Medical Center. The Health Museum

is the most visited health museum of its kind

in the country. Popular exhibits include:

DeBakey Cell Lab, Amazing Body Pavilion

and the McGovern 4D Theater.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science5555 Hermann Park Dr., Houston, 77030 www.hmns.org

As one of the most heavily attended

museums in the United States, the Houston

Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) seeks

to enhance knowledge and delight in natural

science and related subjects. It houses

the Burke Baker Planetarium, Wortham

GIANT Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly

Center and a fascinating variety of perma-

nent exhibit areas that examine astronomy,

space science, Native American culture,

paleontology, energy, chemistry, gems and

minerals, Texas wildlife and more. www.

hmns.org

Holocaust Museum Houston5401 Caroline St., Houston, 77004 www.hmh.org

The Holocaust Museum Houston is

dedicated to educating people about the

Holocaust, remembering the 6 million Jews

and other innocent victims and honoring the

survivors’ legacy. The Holocaust Museum

Houston has a permanent exhibition called

“Bearing Witness: A Community Remem-

bers,” as well as other pieces of history.

The Menil Collection

1533 Sul Ross St., Houston, TX 77006

www.menil.org

The Menil Collection is an art museum

that houses both permanent collection and

welcomes special exhibitions. Making art

accessible to all is vital to their mission, so

no admission fee is charged and all public

programs are free. They hope to educate

and inspire by being readily accessible to

future generations. Menil philosophy is

to foster each individual’s direct, personal

encounter with works of art.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

(MFAH)1001 Bissonnet, Houston, 77005 www.mfah.org

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents

its exceptional exhibitions and installations

to Houston residents and visitors alike. The

Museum has numerous collections that fill

the galleries year-round embracing every

era of history from across the globe. Make

time to visit the Bayou Bend Collection not

too far away. From 2015 to 2019 the campus

of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston will

transform into a magnificent two new build-

ings. Children 12 and younger are always

admitted free.

Blaffer Art Museum University of Houston 120 Fine Arts Bldg. Houston, 77204 www.blafferartmuseum.org

Blaffer Art Museum helps the community

to engage in contemporary art through exhi-

bitions, publications and public programs.

This art museum is free, and open to the

public in an effort to promote participation

in the arts. Blaffer Art Museum is also the

gateway between the University of Houston

and the City of Houston.

Photo courtesy of The Art Car Museum

MUSEUMS


PARKS &ATTRACTIONS

CENTRAL HOUSTON PARKS Hermann Park - Right in the city’s center and tucked between the Texas Medical Center and the Museum District, 445-acre

Hermann Park is one of Houston’s most visited public parks. And why not? There’s plenty to do. Take a ride on the

railroad, play golf, stroll through the Japanese Gardens, go to the Houston Zoo, pedal-boat among the ducks, take in a free

performance at the Miller Outdoor Theatre, visit the brand-new McGovern Centennial Gardens, or just relax in one of the

prettiest parks in Houston. www.hermannpark.org

Discovery Green - Discovery Green is a 12-acre park located in the heart of downtown Houston and is an engaging and active

place with programming to serve all ages and backgrounds. Tree-shaded walks lead to a tranquil pond while grassy slopes offer

postcard views of downtown. There’s a Model Boat Pond, a towering mist tree, the Gateway Fountain, an interactive water-

scape and special dog fountains. Visitors relax amid innovative art installations and enjoy touring musicians and performing

arts groups at noon and on weekends.

Memorial Park - Memorial Park is a magical combination of amenities and nature, recreation and respite. Centrally located,

the park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. Enthusiasts can play golf, tennis or croquet; hike, bike or skate,

swim, run or walk; or simply enjoy a picnic or a playground. Watch for exciting expansions and upgrades. www.memorial-

parkconservancy.org

Buffalo Bayou Park - You can get the best of both worlds at Buffalo Bayou Park—a sensational city skyline and fresh outdoor

scenery. Green trees and a killer skate park, a hilly biking and jogging trail, and the fountain that looks like a misty dandelion

make Buffalo Bayou Park a great destination. www.buffalobayoupark.org

Photo courtesy of Discovery Green - Katya Horner, Photographer



HOUSTON & SURROUNDING AREA ATTRACTIONSAsia Societywww.asiasociety.org

Asia Society is the leading educational orga-

nization dedicated to promoting mutual

understanding and strengthening partner-

ships among people, leaders and institutions

of Asia and the United States in a global

context. Across the fields of arts, business,

culture, education, and policy, the Society

provides insight, generates ideas, and

promotes collaboration to address present

challenges and create a shared future.

Battleship Texas and San Jacinto Monument Museum281-479-2431

Battleship Texas is anchored at the 1,200-

acre San Jacinto Battleground State Historic

Site where visitors can experience history

first-hand. The only surviving combat ship

to have served in both World Wars, the

Battleship Texas became the first memorial

museum of its kind in the United States and

is permanently anchored on the Houston

Ship Channel. The Battleship Texas program

provides many recreational and educational

experiences for visitors as well as numerous

programs and self-guided tours. Site of the

battle that won Texas independence from

Mexico - The San Jacinto Monument, the

world’s largest masonry structure, invites

visitors to learn about events that shaped

Texas history.

Central Green www.willowforkdrainagedistrict.com/central-green

Free outdoor movies, concerts and special

events such as an annual children’s festival

are offered year-round at this half-acre

multipurpose park, surrounded by lakes and

restaurants in LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch.

Developed by the Willow Fork Drainage

District, Central Green has an outdoor

stage, large shady oaks, and outdoor seating

around a grassy lawn.

Downtown Aquariumwww. aquariumrestaurants.com

The aquarium also has plenty of land-side

attractions, including Ferris wheel rides

and a rain forest with colorful birds. Take a

walk through the Sunken Temple and come

face-to-face with lionfish, tarantulas, and

pufferfish. You can even see a Tiger Reticu-

lated Python that is over 20 feet long! Don’t

miss the Louisiana Swamp, with gators,

alligator snapping turtles and spotted gar!

Downtown Aquarium is also home to white

tigers that live in their Maharaja’s Temple

exhibit. Not only can you see the tigers up

close, you can also learn about the Aquari-

um’s conservation efforts to help other tigers

in the wild.

The Galleria Houston www.simon.com/mall/the-galleria

More than 30 million visitors each year seek the dynamic and fine shopping envi-ronment uniquely offered by The Galleria, Texas’ largest shopping center. Housing 400 fine stores and restaurants, two high-rise hotels and three office towers, The Galleria is Houston’s most popular retail and tourist destination, meeting every style and taste. It includes a full-size ice rink for recreational and figure skating, a state of the art chil-dren’s play area, two swimming pools, and many eateries and dining options. For a list of stores, map and more.

George Ranch Historical Parkwww.georgeranch.org

Located on a 20,000-acre working ranch, this 460-acre living history park includes

historic homes, costumed interpreters and

livestock. Tracing history that began in

1824, it is open daily. Special events such as

the Texian Market Days Festival and Spring

Break activities are offered year round.

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center www.houstonarboretum.org

Nestled along the western edge of Memorial

Park, the Houston Arboretum and Nature

Center offers an escape from the hustle

and bustle of city life and the opportunity

to experience the natural world – all in the

center of town. Visitors can explore nature

by walking on five miles of trails, take

classes and visit the Discovery Room and

the Nature Shop at the Nature Shop.

Houston Center for Photographywww.hcponline.org

The Houston Center for Photography is an

organization dedicated to the art of photog-

raphy. Their exhibition gallery is free to

the public, and features some of the finest

works of contemporary photography. HCP

also offers over 300 photography classes and

workshops year-round.

Houston Zoo713-533-6500 • www.houstonzoo.org.

Aiming to be a leader in the global move-

ment to save wildlife, The Houston Zoo

cares for over 6,000 animals, even educating

some. Each year, over 2 million guests are

enchanted, educated, and inspired as they

experience the incredible variety of animals

and ecosystems, as well as attend special

private and public events and entertainment.

With exemplary animal care in mind, the

Zoo provides engaging animal experiences

for visitors in multiple seasonal and perma-

nent attractions, like holiday Zoo Lights

W E L C O M E T O P A L M B E A C HL E I S U R E & R E C R E A T I O N

SCHLITTERBAHN GALVESTON ISLAND WATERPARK www.schlitterbahn.com

The nation’s most popular summertime waterpark, Schlitterbahn Galveston Island has grown to become a beloved family tradition. Guests can pack a picnic and enjoy exciting aquatic adventures. During the summer season, the

park offers over 35 amazing rides and attractions.


and the new Gorillas of the African Forest

exhibit. The Houston Zoo is open seven

days a week, from 9:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is

located at 6200 Hermann Park Drive.

Lee and Joe Jamail Skateparkwww. houstonparksboard.org

The Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark is the

creme de la creme of the grinding and

boarding world. The $2.2 million, state-

of-the-art facility - thought to contain the

largest cradle in the world - is located close

to downtown, near Eleanor Tinsley Park off

the Sabine Street Bridge. Parking available at

Fonde Recreation Center.

McGovern Centennial Gardens

www.hermannpark.org

The McGovern Centennial Gardens is home

to a diverse collection of gardens including

an arid garden, a rose garden, a woodland

garden, an interactive family garden and

more. Guest can get a bird’s-eye view of it

all by waking the spiral path to the top of a

30-foot mount.

Moody Gardenswww.moodygardens.org • 800-582-4673.

A tropical destination for families and

groups. Explore the all new Rainforests

of the World along within the Aquarium

Pyramid®, the Discovery Museum & the

action of the IMAX® 3D, 4D or Ridefilm

theaters. Cruise aboard the Colonel Paddle-

wheel Boat, tee off at the new Moody

Gardens Golf Course and relax at the

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention

Center for an ideal getaway.

No Label Brewerywww.nolabelbrew.com

Tour Katy’s own craft brewery, No Label

Brewing Co., located in a repurposed rice

silo in Old Town Katy. Tours and tastings

are offered every Saturday, and special

events take place throughout the year.

Port of Houston Boat Tour713-670-2416

The Port of Houston offers free a 90-minute

round-trip, educational cruise along the

Houston Ship Channel. Embarking from

the port’s Sam Houston Landing, visiting

sightseers can enjoy passing views of inter-

national cargo vessels, and operations at the

port’s Turning Basin Terminal. Measuring

95 feet in length and 24 feet in width, the

boat carries a maximum capacity of 100

passengers, with air-conditioned lounge

seating and additional standing room on the

boat’s rear deck.

Space Center Houstonwww.spacecenter.org

Space Center Houston is the visitor center

for NASA’s Johnson Space Center and is

Houston’s No. 1 attraction for international

visitors. The center features more than 400

space artifacts, permanent and traveling

exhibits, attractions and theaters related

to the exciting future and remarkable past

of America’s space-flight program. Space

Center Houston’s newest feature Indepen-

dence Plaza is open to the public, where

guests can enter a shuttle replica mounted

on top the NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft

and explore the giant plane.

Sam Houston Race Parkwww.shrp.com

Sam Houston Race Park is one of Houston’s

premier racing, dining and entertainment

destinations, located just 15 minutes from

Downtown. Sam Houston Race Park has a

variety of exciting sports and entertainment

in addition to live horse racing. The Park

features two major racing seasons – Thor-

oughbred Season (January through March)

and Quarter Horse Season (March through

May).

The water Wall Galleria

www.uptown-houston.com/news/page/

water-wall-park

Designed by architect Philip Johnson more

than 20 years ago, the Galleria-area Water

Wall offers a refreshing respite for visitors

seeking a mid-afternoon break.

The 64-foot-tall fountain - built to look like

a “horseshoe of running water” - sits among

186 oak trees at the base of the 64-story

Williams Tower.

Urban Harvest Farmers Marketwww.urbanharvest.org • 713-880-5540

Urban Harvest Farmers Market, the largest

of Houston’s weekly markets at 3000 Rich-

mond Texas, takes place every Saturday on

Eastside Drive and offers a variety of local

products--fruits, vegetables, coffee, meats,

honey, eggs and more. There are weekly

events ranging from live music and culinary

demonstrations in which local products at

the market are used.

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Photo courtesy of Houston Rockets - Noah Graham NBAE/Getty Images

6 6 C E N T R A L H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E – S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 7

SPORTS & GOLF

Houston offers a wide variety of sports and recreational activities to please everyone: couch potatoes, weekend warriors, full-on athletes and die-hard fans love the Houston sports scenes. With year-round mild temperatures, getting up and getting out has become a way of life.


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Sunday football is celebrated in NRG

stadium cheering on the team, tailgating

with friends in the parking lot before and

after the game and at many sports bars

around town.

The Houston Astros www.houston.astros.mlb.com

Part of the West Division of Major League

Baseball’s American League, the Houston

Astros are on a roll. Currently the winnin-

gest team in baseball, the team and its fans

are having a lot of fun. Playing in Minute

Maid Park, one of the country’s few

stadiums with a retractable roof, the team

serves up entertaining baseball action at

home about 80 times over the course of the

season. Fans enjoy gourmet hot dogs, pork

sliders, tex-mex fare and many other delec-

table choices while enjoying the game.

The Houston Rocketswww.houstonrockets.com

The Houston Rockets are the city’s profes-

sional National Basketball Association

team playing in the Southwest Division of

the Western Conference. Two-time world

basketball champions, the Rockets are

regular challengers in playoff action and

always provide exciting end-to-end action

in the Toyota Center. Many star players

have passed through the team’s roster

over its almost-fifty-year history and now

James Hardin, Chris Paul and the rest have

launched the Rockets back into competitive

contention.

The Houston Dynamowww.houstondynamo.com

Founded in 2005, the Dynamo is Hous-

ton’s Major League Soccer Team. The team

name is reflective, in part, of Houston:

an energetic, hard-working, risk-taking

kind of town. 2006 and 2007 MLS Cham-

pions, fans have lots to cheer about as this

team continues to rank well both at home

and internationally. The Dynamo play in

BBVA Compass Stadium, an architecturally

acclaimed venue, located east of downtown.

HOUSTON PROUDMajor events in Houston require tens of

thousands of volunteers who take on a

variety of jobs and responsibilities to make

the event Houston Proud. More than 33,000

individuals serving on over 100 commit-

tees form the Houston Livestock Show and

Rodeo volunteer corps, giving more than 2.1

million total hours. The biggest volunteer

program in Super Bowl history took place in

Houston in 2017, where 10,000 volunteers

assisted over a million visitors to the city for

Super Bowl LI.

PROFESSIONAL SPORT TEAMSThe Houston Texanswww.houstontexans.com

Football is huge in Texas and the Texans are

huge in Houston. In their 16th season, this

NFL professional team are the 2011, 2012

and 2015 AFC South Division Champions.

Head coach Bill O’Brien and owner Bob

McNair have put together an exciting roster

that includes fan favorites, like J.J. Watt, and

new up-and-comers, like Deshaun Watson.

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CALENDARof EVENTS

HOUSTON EVENTS YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS


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H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 6 96 8 C E N T R A L H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E – F A L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8 H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 6 9

MARCH: Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo www.rodeohouston.com

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a Section 501(c)(3) charity that benefits youth,

supports education, and facilitates better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presen-

tation. Since its beginning in 1932, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has committed

nearly $375 million to scholarships, research, endowments, calf scramble participants, junior

show exhibitors, School Art participants, and other educational youth programs.


OCTOBERThe Original Greek Festival

Greekfestival.org

Visit the Annual Houston Greek Festival on the grounds of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Enjoy Greek food, wine, dancing and culture – this is fun for the entire family.

Bayou City Art Festival Downtown

Artcolonyassociation.org

The Bayou City Art Festival Downtown welcomes more than 400 artists to one of the nation’s top ten annual outdoor fine art events. Find online searching #HouArtFest.

Energy Day Festival

Energydayfestival.org

An official City of Houston event, Energy Day is a FREE, family-friendly festival that celebrates the importance of energy and science, technology, engineering and math-ematics (STEM) in our daily lives.

NOVEMBER21st Annual Children’s Festival

Woodlandscenter.org

Taking place at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, the 21st Annual Children’s Festival is fun and enjoyment for all. Entertainment spans from local community performances to awarding-winning children’s performers.

HGMS Gem, Jewelry, Mineral & Fossil

Show

www.hgms.org

The Houston Gem and Mineral Society will hold its annual celebration of rocks, show-casing unique jewelry and other earthly

delights. See demonstrations, educational

exhibits and one-of-a-kind treasures.

Nutcracker MarketHoustonballet.org

Be a part of Houston Ballet’s largest fund-

raiser and holiday extravaganza. Over

300 national and international merchants,

offering unique items for the entire family,

including home décor, gourmet food,

apparel, accessories, toys, garden items,

and much more, just in time for holiday

shopping!

DECEMBER98th Annual Mayor’s Holiday Celebrationhoustontx.gov

Celebrate the holiday season with the 98th

Annual Mayor’s Holiday Celebration and

Tree Lighting Presented by Reliant, an NRG

Company. This event is free and open to the

public.

The Heritage Society’s Annual Candlelight Tour December 10-11, 2016

heritagesociety.org

Join the Heritage Society’s annual holiday

tradition, the Candlelight Tour. This will

include historic characters, Santa Claus and

much more holiday entertainment.

JANUARYChevron Houston MarathonChevronhoustonmarathon.com

Formed in 1972, the Houston Mara-

thon Committee, Inc. (HMC) is a 501(c)

(4) nonprofit organization that plans a

multi-race running event (marathon, half

marathon and 5K). A Running USA

founding member the HMC is overseen by a

board of directors, eleven staff members and approximately 7,500 race day volunteers.

24rd Annual MLK Grande ParadeMlkgrandeparade.org

The 23rd Annual MLK Grande Parade is the third largest Parade in the U.S. with over 300,000 spectators expected to attend. The Parade consist of 15 floats and 30 marching

bands.

FRBRUARYNAPE Summit Napeexpo.com

Held every February in Houston, the annual NAPE Summit is a networking event that brings together all the players necessary to forge, facilitate and close deals. In the upstream oil and gas business, it is the largest and most successful event of its kind in the world.

Mardi Gras Galveston Islandwww.mardigrasgalveston.com

More than 3 million beads will be thrown at Mardi Gras Galveston and that’s just the beginning of the elaborate parades, head-liner performances, family events, feasting and other festivities that come with hosting Mardi Gras island style!

MARCHWorld Champion Bar-B-Que Cook Off rodeohouston.com

You won’t want to miss the biggest pre-party to the world’s largest livestock show and rodeo. More than 250 teams led by barbecue aficionados will compete in a traditional Texas cook-off. Come enjoy three days of cooking, competition, eating and dancing! www.rodeohouston.com


HOUSTON’S

DINING SCENEDiverse

Houston is “America’s Best Food City,” taking the No. 1 spot on a list published by Travel and Leisure magazine in 2016. While there are some notable exceptions, the vast majority of H-Town’s acclaimed eateries are located in Central Houston, including Travel & Leisure standouts Revival Market, Dak and Bop, Lankford Grocery and Little Bigs.


H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E S . C O M 7 17 0 C E N T R A L H O U S T O N N E W C O M E R G U I D E – F A L L 2 0 1 7 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

DINING GUIDEAmericas River Oaks2040 West Gray Street • 832-200-1492 Cuisine: South American

Americas River Oaks presents exuberant

dishes from multiple countries of Latin

America in their own unique way. Instead

of preparing the exact dish, they instead pay

tribute to the ingredients by preparing them

in both classic and modern ways.

Brasserie 191962 West Gray Street • 713-524-1919 Cuisine: French / New American

Brasserie 19 has a claim to fame, touting one

of the Houston area’s best wine lists avail-

able. With a beautiful crisp white interior

and fresh patio scene, many patrons in the

River Oaks area can be found at Brasserie 19

partaking in fresh French foods.

Brenner’s on the Bayou1 Birdsall Street • 713-868-4444 Cuisine: American / Steak House

A dining experience at Brenner’s on the

Bayou will truly be a memorable one.

Brenner’s on the Bayou is a wooded retreat

located on Houston’s Buffalo Bayou near

Memorial Park. Enjoy steak or seafood and

dabble through their extensive wine or cock-

tail menu.

Da Marco1520 Westheimer Road • 713-807-8857 Cuisine: Italian

Da Marco Cucina E Vino is a fine Italian

restaurant located on the skirts of the down-

town area, nestled close by the Montrose

district. Be sure to go enjoy their fine dining

and superb wine list while noshing on some

of Italy’s best dishes.

El Tiempo Cantina5602 Washington Avenue • 713-681-3645 Cuisine: Mexican

For the past 55 years, El Tiempo Cantina

has been serving up some the best authentic

Tex Mex cooking to local Houstonians. All

the food is made from scratch using recipes

that go back generations in their family.

Hugo’s1602 Westheimer • 713-524-7744 Cuisine: Mexican

Located in the heart of Houston’s Montrose

area, Hugo’s brings the exciting earthy

flavors of Mexico across the boarder. Exec-

utive Chef Hugo Ortega created a restaurant

using his namesake to share traditional

Mexican dishes and foods of his homeland

with all his guests.

Indika 516 Westheimer Road • 713-524-2170 Cuisine: Indian

Indika has been serving Houstonians for 15

years with India inspired foods using local

ingredients. Also, honored by Travel +

Leisure as one of the “Best Indian Restau-

rants in the U.S.” Indika is definitely a

must-try restaurant for those new to the area.

Ibiza2450 Louisiana St • 713-524-0004 Cuisine: Wine Bars, American

Chef Charles Clark and his team serve up

some of the best culinary delights to crowds

that visit the bustling restaurant with an

open kitchen and party-like atmosphere.

With many accolades from Zagat, be sure to

stop in and taste the fresh and unique dishes.

KIM SON Restaurant2001 Jefferson St • 713-222-2461 Cuisine: Vietnamese & Chinese

KIM SON has been honored repetitively for their fine dishes prepared in both Viet-namese and Chinese fashion. Using the freshet of ingredients, KIM SON restaurants is proud to serve dishes that are distinctive to their homeland. The restaurant group has banquet and wedding facilities as well as catering options available.

Le Colonial

4444 Westheimer Rd • 713-629-4444 Cuisine: Vietnamese, French, Contemporary

Asian

Le Colonial is a celebration of the seduc-

tive spirit and vivid flavors of 1920’s French

Colonial Southeast Asia, located in the

heart of one of America’s largest and most

diverse cities.

Oxheart1302 Nance St • 832-830-8592 Cuisine: New American

Owned by native Houstonians, the Oxheart

celebrates Texas by serving foods with

the best ingredients prepared in the most

creative ways. Oxheart is a restaurant with

a homey atmosphere where guests can just

come eat, drink and relax.

Reef2600 Travis • 713-526-8282 Cuisine: Seafood

The Reef is a place to dine where you can

enjoy some of the best in seafood that

Houston has to offer. Their outstanding

array of seafood will please all along with

their wine list that was honors by Wine

Enthusiast as one of the “Top 100 Wine

Lists Not to be Missed for 2016”.

Uchi904 Westheimer • 713-522-4808 Cuisine: Japanese

Uchi serves contemporary Japanese dishes

and sushi to diners from a signature menu

that offers both hot and cool tastings, yaki-

mono, tempura and sushi. Come and enjoy

Japanese dishes that all guests will enjoy as

well as the experience at Uchi restaurant.

Underbelly1100 Westheimer • 713-528-9800 Cuisine: American

Underbelly has taken traditional creole

flavors and merged them with the diverse

cultures of local ingredients, celebrating the

fact that Houston is considered a port city.

Stop in and experience some of the most

acclaimed food Houston has been talking

about and see what all the buzz is.

Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse1510 Texas Avenue • 713-228-1111 Cuisine: American

Located in the heart of downtown Houston,

Vic & Anthony’s award-winning menu

prepares impeccable cuisine and has the best

of service for fine steakhouse dining. Their

menu features USDA Prime Midwest grain

fed beef, fresh seafood and fine desserts, not

to mention their extensive wine collection.


APARTMENT LOCATORS

Apartment Living Locators ............................................... 21

CHURCHES

Houston’s First Baptist Church .......................................... 48

The Church of St. John the Divine ................................... 49

EDUCATION - PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Houston Christian High School ........................................ 42

Memorial Lutheran School ............................................... 43

Primrose School of Upper Kirby ....................................... 44

St. Francis Episcopal School ............................................ 45

St. Michael Catholic School ............................................ 46

HEALTHCARE

Houston Methodist Hospital System .................................. 1

Memorial Hermann .......................................................... 53

UT Physicians .....................................................................51

HOME BUILDERS

Kingston Homes ..................................................................3

Röhe and Wright Builders ...................... Inside Front Cover

HOTELS

Hotel Alessandra .............................................................. 11

REAL ESTATE & RELOCATION SERVICES

Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene ....................................................................27

Busy Bee Realty – Melissa Seureau ................................. 17

HAR ....................................................................................13

Innovative Realty Group ................................................. 21

RECREATION

Houston Rockets ............................................................... 67

Schlitterbahn ......................................................................5

Texas Renaissance Festival ..................Inside Back Cover

TRANSPORTATION

My Plates ...........................................................................19

UTILITIES

Comcast / XFINITY ........................35/Outside Back Cover

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