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Plans and elevations/renderings are artist’s concepts and may contain options or features which are not standard on all models. Features, amenities, floor plans, elevations, square footage and designs vary per plan and community and are subject to changes or substitution without notice. Contact a Lennar or Village Builders new home consultant for detail. Garage sizes may vary from home to home and may not accommodate all vehicles. Stated dimensions and/or square footages are approximate and should not be used as representation of the home’s precise or actual size. Any statement, verbal or written, regarding “under air” or “furnished area” or any other description or modifier for the square footage size of any home is a shorthand description of the manner in which the square footage was estimated and should not be construed to indicate certainty. Models/lifestyle photos do not represent racial or ethnic preference. Copyright 2017 Lennar Corporation. All rights reserved. Lennar, the Lennar logo, Village Builders, the Village Builders logo and Next Gen and the Next Gen logo are registered service marks of Lennar corporation and/or its subsidiaries. 05/2017
HOUSTON METHODIST HOSPITAL IS NO. 1 FOR PATIENT CARE IN TEXAS. Houston Methodist, throughout its long history, has focused on innovation that directly benefits our patients. We are national leaders in the delivery of health care, and others agree. U.S. News & World Report has named Houston Methodist Hospital the No. 1 hospital in Texas every year since the award began. In addition, Houston Methodist is nationally ranked in eight specialties — the most in the state. 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.
CARDIOLOGY & HEART SURGERY • DIABETES & ENDOCRINOLOGY • GASTROENTEROLOGY & GI SURGERY GERIATRICS • NEPHROLOGY • NEUROLOGY & NEUROSURGERY • ORTHOPEDICS • PULMONOLOGY
contents | features 08 18 21 32 42 60
Welcome to Central Houston Cost of Living High-Rise & Mid-Rise Living ON THE COVER
Central Houston Area School Districts International Relocation Information Houston’s Delicious Dining Scene
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
08
Discovery Green-Katya Horner Photographer 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
Photo courtesy of Discovery Greenn - Katya Horner, Photographer
60
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 Nemitz-Ruffino
© WEB Media Group LLC 2018 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without the written permission of the Publisher.
2
CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
– SPRING/SUMMER 2018
Visit us online to find out about our incredible amenities & of course our beautiful homes.
LUXURY APARTMENT HOMES
AMLI.com AMLI 2121 | 844-784-2637
AMLI on Eldridge Parkway | 844-500-8258
AMLI River Oaks | 844-415-2204
AMLI City Vista | 855-269-8144
AMLI Memorial Heights | 844-319-8337
AMLI Uptown | 844-439-9608 2013
contents | sections WELCOME TO CENTRAL HOUSTON • 8
14
HOUSING + NEIGHBORHOODS • 14
Phone: 713-952-1916 Fax: 713-952-1956 info@HoustonNewcomerGuides.com www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com CEO Derek Wright
15 Neighborhoods 18 Cost of Living 21 High-rise and Mid-rise Living
22
HOME FRONT • 22
PRESIDENT Kevin Evans VICE PRESIDENT Robert Nusbaum
23 Rent or Buy 24 Harris County Map 26 Choosing a Realtor 28 Credit Reports
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Erin Hayden Seal OPERATIONS MANAGER Cecile Nemitz-Ruffino
EDUCATION IN CENTRAL HOUSTON • 30 32 Houston School Districts
36
33 Private Schools 35 Higher Education
RELOCATION INFORMATION • 36 37 Moving Companies 39 Utilities 41 Public Transportation
30
42 International Relocation 44 Places of Worship
HEALTHCARE RESOURCES • 46 47 Texas Medical Center 48 Finding a Doctor
BUSINESS + COMMUNITY • 50 52 Houston by the Numbers
54
53 A rea Economic Development Partnership
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERS Jill Roe Harlan McGrail ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Judy Van Cleve, Paul Yarbrough, Candi Thomas, Robin Bramlette & Kelly Gajewski GRAPHIC DESIGN Debora Licón Central Houston Newcomer Guide is published and distributed bi-annually by WEB Media Group LLC For advertising information, please call 713-952-1916. Although every attempt is made to be as comprehensive and accurate as possible, WEB Media Group LLC is not responsible for any misprints, errors, omissions, deletions, or the accuracy of the information in the publication. WEB Media Group LLC does not accept responsibility for any loss, injury, or inconvenience sustained by anyone using this publication.
LEISURE + RECREATION • 54 56 Arts and Culture 58 Museum District 60 Dining Scene 62 Sports & Golf
4
CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
– SPRING/SUMMER 2018
300 E. Highland Mall Blvd Suite 395 Austin Texas 78752 Phone: 512-266-2900 www.TexasRelocationGuides.com
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
5
WELCOME from
THE CITY OF HOUSTON MAYOR Diversity, Entrepreneurship, Thriving Economy, World-Class Entertainment Just a few of the benefits of living in the Greater Houston area.
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 restaurants, 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 City of Houston Mayor
P.O. Box 1562, Houston, Texas 77251-1562 Telephone – Dial 311 www.houstontx.gov
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CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
– SPRING/SUMMER 2018
WELCOME from the
CENTRAL HOUSTON REGION Welcome to Houston! Find your dream home in the Central Houston area and take advantage of what the community has to offer. Welcome to Houston! You’ve just arrived at 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 countless arts, entertainment, sports and recreation destinations, and home of the World Champion Houston Astros. As you drive around and familiarize yourself with the Houston area, you’ll probably 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. HAR CENTRAL 3693 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 BEND 6680 Greatwood Pkwy. Sugar Land, TX 77479
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 buy or rent. The 37,000 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 appreciate that a home is one of the greatest investments you will ever make. More than a million consumers begin searching for their dream home every month on HAR’s award-winning website, HAR.com, which actually showcases property listings for the entire state of Texas. Our 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 take advantage of everything our incredible community offers.
713-629-1900 ext. 700 Fax: 281-343-9557
Sincerely,
Kenya Burrell-VanWormer 2018 Chair Houston Association of REALTORS®
Photo courtesy of Discovery Greenn Katya Horner, Photographer
in this section
Photo courtesy of Discovery Greenn - Katya Horner, Photographer
welcome recreation culture shopping & entertainment
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CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
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e m o c l e W to CENTRAL
HOUSTON
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.
“We Love Houston.” The 28-foot welcoming
publicly traded oil and gas exploration and
healthcare and other recession-resistant
sign says it all. Open and friendly Housto-
production companies.
industries now accounting for a larger share
nians embody a boisterous spirit of growth
of the regional economy. In fact, Houston
and optimism – a can-do attitude – and cele-
Despite the slowdown in the energy industry
has more Fortune 500 company headquar-
brate individuality and quirky creativity.
over the past couple of years, optimism
ters than any U.S. city other than Chicago
has crept back into the markets as the price
and New York.
Houston, the city with no limits, is America’s most diverse city. Whatever their
of oil has slowly improved; consensus is building that the Houston economy may
Houston’s Texas Medical Center is the
also have seen the worst of this drilling
largest in the world, employing more
downturn and that better times are just
than 106,000 people and welcoming 10
ahead, according to the University of
million patient visits each year. The Port of
Houston’s status as the Energy Capital of
Houston Bauer Institute for Regional Fore-
Houston is the nation’s top seaport by many
the World remains unrivaled. The city is
casting. That’s largely because Houston has
measures, and ranks as one of the busiest
home to more than 3,700 energy related
worked hard to diversify its economic base
ports in the world by cargo tonnage. NASA’s
firms, including 40 of the nation’s 145
since the hard oil crash of the 1980s, with
Johnson Space Center adds to Houston’s
backgrounds, newcomers from around the nation and the world come to Houston in huge numbers.
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
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WELCOME TO CENTRAL HOUSTON
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
Considerations When 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 neighborhood 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. • A s 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.
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 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 renovated 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-forgotten 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 buildings, renovated historic bungalows and cottages, and new townhomes and singlefamily residences.
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CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
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Living in central Houston means easy
Marriott Marquis, is one of many new
Warehouse District, Reef in Midtown, and
access to Houston’s rich cultural scene.
towers ringing Discovery Green and it
Hugo’s, Uchi and Underbelly in Montrose.
The
features a Texas-shaped lazy river.
In a city where more than 90 languages are
Theatre
District
in
Downtown
Houston has the largest concentration of
spoken, great ethnic food is everywhere,
seats outside of New York. This 17-block
For Downtown entertainment, Green Street
from the many Vietnamese restaurants
district is home to nine performing arts
Houston is home to the House of Blues, the
along Milam Street in Midtown, to the
organizations that wow audiences in
Lucky Strike bowling alley, a growing array
original Ninfa’s Mexican restaurant on the
venues including Jones Hall, the Hobby
of stores and restaurants, and new luxury
recently-beautified Navigation Boulevard.
Center, the Wortham Theater Center and
hotel Hotel Alessandra.
the Alley Theater. Overall, Houston has
Houston’s original downtown entertain-
Central Houston is a shopper’s paradise
more than 500 arts organizations – most of
ment complex - offers movies at Sundance
that includes funky fashion boutiques in
them in Central Houston.
Cinemas, concerts at Bayou Music Center,
Montrose, antiques stores in the Heights,
and a variety of restaurants.
and a large cluster of art galleries and home
Just southwest of downtown, in the pedes-
Bayou Place,
decor stores along Kirby and Richmond.
trian-friendly Museum District, more than
The 16-acre site of the Downtown Post
Westheimer is the undisputed champion of
8.7 million visitors explore the 19 museums
Office was sold in 2015, and a top local
Houston’s shopping streets, crowned by The
that make up the tree-lined, culture-filled
developer is transforming it into a mixed-use
Galleria, Texas’ largest shopping center with
neighborhood each year. Within a 1.5-mile
complex called Post HTX with private event
400 fine stores and restaurants, and over 30
radius of the iconic Mecom Fountain, are
space and residential, office, retail and
million shoppers every year. Located right
such famous institutions as the Museum
restaurant spaces.
outside the 610 Loop, The Galleria has
of
Fine
Arts-Houston,
the
Houston
everything from Neiman-Marcus, Gucci
Museum of Natural Science, and more
Meanwhile, more options include movies and
and Saks Fifth Avenue for uber-luxury, to
more specialized museums such as the
concerts at historic Market Square Park, and
Macy’s for moderately priced fashion. Just
Houston Center for Contemporary Craft,
amusements at The Downtown Aquarium.
inside the Loop on Westheimer, Highland
the Holocaust Museum, and the Asia It‘s well known that Houstonians eat out
Society Texas Center.
more than residents of any other city, and
Village has everything from Pottery Barn to Williams-Sonoma.
For sports fans, all of Houston’s profes-
with 11,000 eateries to choose from, who
At Westheimer and Kirby, West Ave is an
sional teams are rooted in the central city.
could blame them? Central Houston is home
The Astros baseball team play downtown
example of several large mixed-use develop-
to many of the nation’s most acclaimed
at Minute Maid Park, built around the
ments coming onboard in Central Houston.
new restaurants, including Oxheart in the
West Ave has shopping and dining on its
historic Union Station railroad depot. Also downtown, the Rockets play basketball at Toyota Center, next to the incredibly popular
Discovery
Green,
which has
quickly become Houston’s own peoplefilled 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
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
11
WELCOME TO CENTRAL HOUSTON
lower floors, including big draws like Toot-
As Central Houston continues to improve,
Houston and UT, and “an intellectual hub
sies for fashion, and restaurants including
so does its offering of schools. Houston
for the entire UT system.”
Pondicherry and Eddie V’s. On top of it all
has more than 40 colleges, universities and
are 400 apartments.
other institutions of higher learning. Rice University is consistently hailed as one
Another new mixed-use complex, the River
of the nation’s finest, and the University
Oaks District, has opened on the site of
of Houston has earned Tier One status,
a former car lot on Westheimer, between
placing it in the same league as the Univer-
The Galleria and Highland Village. The
sity of Texas and Texas A&M University for
vision is to offer an urban experience with
advanced research.
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.
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
Many Central Houston schools are worldclass, 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
Houston
congestion
in
throughout
the
and
Central 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 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 muchneeded 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, Houston’s first light rail line opened along Main Street, taking riders through Downtown, 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 development along the way, especially in Midtown, which has boomed with new midrise residential buildings, townhomes eateries and
Galleria Houston - Photo courtesy of Visit Houston
12
CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
arts centers.
– SPRING/SUMMER 2018
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, stopping 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.
She has a sleek and contemporary exterior coupled with sophisticated and luxurious finishes that emphasize Hotel Alessandra’s beautiful simplicity interwoven with a sense of timelessness and sophistication. Located in the Greenstreet development of downtown Houston, our newest hotel transforms this urban area into a vibrant and well - rounded environment. Designer Lauren Rottet, Founder for Rottet Studio says “Alessandra transplants old world luxury to blend seamlessly with southern charm, sophistication, and a business savvy mindset:’
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 Houston’s bayous. The first results are visible in the beautifully landscaped and popular Buffalo Bayou Park, stretching along Allen
INDULGE ALL THE SENSES: • 223 elegantly appointed rooms and suites • Custom Valencia Bed with luxurious linens • Complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access in all guest rooms and public areas • 50 inch LCD Televisions
DELIVERING THE EXPERIENCE: • Valencia VIP loyalty program • Spa & swimming pool • Fitness center
Parkway and Memorial Drive, from Downtown 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 Japanese 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.
1070 Dallas Street, Houston, Texas 77002 Reservation 844.204.5851 | Direct 713.242.8555
HOTELALESSANDRA-HOUSTON.COM HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
13
in this section
Photo courtesy of Röhe and Wright
neighborhoods cost of living high-rise & mid-rise living
14
CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
– SPRING/SUMMER 2018
HOUSING &
NEIGHBORHOODS 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.
As the nation’s largest city without zoning
development takes place one or two houses
a living experience like nowhere else in the
laws, Houston sometimes presents chal-
at a time. However, a growing number of
city, thanks to the growing number of restau-
lenges for those who like to live in a
larger communities with up to 100 new
rants, bars, parks, sports venues and cultural
controlled and predictable environment.
homes are being developed on former
attractions in the center of the city. Down-
Any hesitations, however, are usually far
commercial sites as demand for Central
outweighed by the city’s relative afford-
Houston living ramps into high gear.
ability and cultural dynamism.
Phoenicia Market, located on the ground
The reward for your search can be discovCentral
Houston
home
and
floor of the Park Place apartment high-rise.
With Central Houston offering so many
ering
opportunities to cover, the following neigh-
neighborhood that perfectly fits you, your
borhood profiles are brief by necessity, and
personality and your lifestyle. A fringe
Houston’s skyline is regarded as one of the
meant to offer ideas for deeper exploration.
benefit is stopping to eat and shop at some
nation’s most beautiful, and even views
fun and funky urban spots as your house
looking away from Downtown can take in
hunt unfolds.
verdant parks and historic neighborhoods.
websites, information centers, and builders
DOWNTOWN HOUSTON
Downtown has 25 mid and high-rise resi-
with hundreds of plans and lots to choose
While not the only neighborhood with
dential buildings, each with its own distinct
from, much of Central Houston’s new
high-rise living, Downtown Houston offers
character, style, and charm.
In contrast to suburban master-planned
a
town even has its own grocery store, the
Views are also a huge consideration, since
communities, most of which have robust
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
15
HOUSING & NEIGHBORHOODS
Photo courtesy of Visit Houston
Photo courtesy of Houston Dynamo
HOUSTON HEIGHTS & GREATER HEIGHTS
But as early as the late 1970s, Housto-
40-storey tower on historic Market Square, is the tallest residential building in Down-
One of the hottest areas in Central Houston
and a nascent renovation trend got a foot-
town and offers a new level of luxury. This
for new construction and renovation, the
hold. As early as the 1990s, some builders
building, like many new and existing resi-
Houston Heights is a fairly compact area,
began creating new homes that were hard
dential buildings in Downtown, has units
at least by its legal definition. Founded in
to distinguish from the old Victorians. The
for lease rather than purchase, but a few new
1891 as a separate city connected to Down-
renovation pioneers battled crime and a
buildings are also testing the for-sale market.
town Houston by streetcar, the Houston
severe lack of restaurants and retail, but they
A few smaller historic Downtown Houston
Heights proper stretches just a few blocks
were rewarded with affordable prices and
east and west of Heights Boulevard, with
seemingly unlimited opportunity.
New Market Square Tower Apartments, a
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, townhomes and mid-rises, and residents can walk
nians began to rediscover The Heights
I-10 West and 20th Street as its southern and northern boundaries.
Today, the pace of new construction and redevelopment all over The Heights is
As newcomers continue to flood into the
fast and furious, and property values have
area, and as builders work feverishly to
soared. It is not uncommon to find homes
find houses and lots to accommodate them,
over the $1 million mark, and modest bunga-
“The Heights” has come to refer to an
lows can fetch more than half a million.
ever-expanding envelope of neighborhoods located north and west of Downtown, and
As affluent residents have poured in, grocery
the redevelopment fervor is also spreading
stores,
outside the 610 Loop.
followed. Today, the Heights is home to some
retailers
and
restaurateurs
have
of the hottest restaurants in Houston, and the
to an increasing number of local restaurants,
Following its glory days in the late Victo-
bars, live music venues, as well as Dynamo
cultural scene is also thriving with many art
rian era and the first half of the 20th
stadium and Minute Maid Park.
galleries and artist studios in the area.
century, The Heights declined as automobiles and highways made it popular to
Parts of the Heights area, including much
Whether they live on Market Square or in
escape to new suburbs like Spring Branch,
of the Houston Heights and surrounding
EaDo, Downtown residents have increasing
now going through a decay-and-rebirth
neighborhoods including Norhill and the
options for getting around, with two new
cycle of its own. From Victorian mansions
Woodland Heights, have been declared
rail lines and new connections for Houston’s
to modest cottages, many original homes
as protected historic districts, curtailing
expanding trail system. One lane of Lamar
were demolished in the 1950s and 1960s
demolition and restricting renovations of
Street is a dedicated bike lane, connecting
as commercial interests invaded the area.
historic homes. Builders remain very active
trails along Buffalo Bayou to trails in EaDo
Many other once-glorious homes were
in these neighborhoods, where single-family
and the East End.
subdivided into apartments.
detached homes are the predominant style.
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CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
– SPRING/SUMMER 2018
Construction activity in the Greater Heights
The East End has had a large Hispanic popu-
Like many inner-city neighborhoods, the
area has spread all the way west to Ella
lation since the early 20th century, when
East End began a slow decline after World
Boulevard, encompassing N. Shepherd Dr.
many Mexicans began to settle there after
War II, but many began rediscovering its
and Durham (Shepherd’s southbound coun-
fleeing the upheaval of the Mexican Revo-
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
lution. Also home to the Port of Houston at its eastern boundary, the East End has long
treasure trove of historic homes as early as the late 1970s, and a strong gentrification movement has taken hold.
been a diverse working-class melting pot of
Today, East End neighborhoods like East-
Hispanics, Germans and Italians.
wood and Broadmoor are starting to offer
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.” North Main Street is a main artery in
Northside
the-century
Village, homes
in
where
turn-of-
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 END Bracketed 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.
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
17
HOUSING & NEIGHBORHOODS
new construction, with new homes built
its large stock of intact Mid-Century
Residences and rip-roaring nightclubs are not
by Craftsman and other compatible styles.
Modern homes.
always an ideal combination, and fortunately
Idylwood and Country Club Place are two
for residents, the party crowd has moved else-
Golf Course and the verdant Villa de Matel
WASHINGTON CORRIDOR & RICE MILITARY
convent. University Oaks is a tidy enclave
Houston’s
next to the University of Houston.
corridor has seen many changes over the
Washington is bookended by the Sixth Ward
past 100 years or so. Though signs depicting
and First Ward neighborhoods as it meets
The industrial area between Downtown
the nation’s first president would have us
Downtown to the east. To the west, it leads
and Cullen Street, Eastwood’s northern
think otherwise, the street is actually named
to the conglomeration of neighborhoods
boundary, is rapidly filling with town-
after Washington County, as it was origi-
commonly referred to as the West End and
homes and, in a few cases, historic
nally part of the highway route to Brenham.
Rice Military, which hug Memorial Park.
area’s largest new projects, will have about
The streetcar from Downtown to the Heights
Arguably Houston’s oldest existing neigh-
40 townhomes on the site of a former
also ran down Washington, and in the 1960s
borhood, the Sixth Ward is a compact area
bakery at Polk and Cullen.
the street became lined with used-car lots.
filled with Victorian era cottages and a
Things began to change in the 2000s, when
limited amount of new construction. The
The East End revitalization has mostly
Washington emerged as Houston’s hottest
larger First Ward area, recently dubbed the
stayed inside the 610 Loop, although
new nightclub scene. Townhomes also began
First Ward Arts District for its heavy concen-
Glenbrook Valley, located just outside
to sprout up and down Washington, with the
tration of warehouses converted into artists’
the Loop near Hobby Airport, is drawing
parallel corridors of I-10 and Buffalo Bayou
studios, is very active with new construction
hipsters and other newcomers who love
forming the boundaries.
and a limited amount of preservation.
well-preserved gems next to the Wortham
historic
Washington
where, and Washington is developing a more mature and sedate restaurant following.
Avenue
warehouse loft conversions. One of the
COST OF LIVING 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 Q3 2017) City
Composite 100%
Grocery 13.61%
Housing 27.59%
Atlanta
99.3
103.6
94.3
Austin
96.2
90.3
100.0
Boston
145.7
105.8
Chicago
123.5
Cleveland
Utilities 1 0.06%
Transportation 9.59%
Healthcare Misc. 4.00% 35.15%
84.6 103.0
107.9 103.9
82.0
90.9
100.3 100.6
204.9
139.9 111.4
133.3 127.0
105.6
156.1
91.3 130.4
101.3 114.7
100.2
112.9
84.9
111.1 100.3
99.9 104.2
Dallas
102.0
98.0
103.1
Denver
112.1
96.7
133.7
88.6
101.5 121.5 100.3
Houston New York (Brooklyn)
98.1 181.0
121.4
324.6
107.0
94.1
101.6 103.5
90.9 104.6
105.1 109.9
118.7
126.7
93.0 92.4 111.1
132.1
Phoenix
95.1
96.1
94.4
98.2 93.3
96.2 94.6
Raleigh
96.1 106.5
83.4
97.0 102.1
99.8 99.6
San Francisco
191.8
125.2
365.1
116.8
Seattle
152.8
123.8
206.6
127.9 137.6
Tucson
94.9
104.5
76.0
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CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
– SPRING/SUMMER 2018
95.8
138.7
96.5
126.2
125.1
123.5 136.5 100.3 104.6
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 AREA Sandwiched between two of Houston’s largest employment centers – Downtown and the Texas Medical Center – Midtown is booming with new residential development.
Photo courtesy of Visit Houston
Over 100 years ago, Midtown was home to many of Houston’s poshest neighborhoods, but these gave way to decline and commercial encroachment after World
Theater, Houston’s resident African-Amer-
The Medical Center has played a major
ican theater company, and new additions
role in the booming growth of the suburban
include
National
Highway 288 Corridor, which includes
Museum in the stunning 1925 Houston
Pearland, and in recent years it has spurred
Light Guard Armory building.
a residential resurgence in its own backyard.
many restaurants along Milam to taste its
The area’s cultural bona fides got even more
Hermann Park was one of the first areas in
recent history as an enclave for Houston’s
legit with the opening of the Midtown Arts
Houston to offer high-rise living, with build-
Vietnamese community.
and Theatre Center in late 2015. On the Main
ings including the Spires, Parklane, Warwick
Street rail line, the center includes six theaters
Towers and the nearby 5000 Montrose.
War II. For a peek at the past glory of Midtown,
visit
Adkins
Architectural
Antiques on Fannin, or stop at one of the
About 20 years ago, Midtown began its rebound
with
townhomes
flourishing
south of the Pierce Elevated, which is considered the boundary between Downtown and Midtown.
the
Buffalo
Soldiers
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
The transformation of Baldwin Park tells
parking facility for 360 cars is complete.
Across Highway 288, the Riverside neighborhood 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
the rebirth of Midtown in one glance.
South of the U.S. Highway 59 bridges,
Houston’s wealthiest families, with imposing
Located
becomes
Midtown gives way to the Museum
homes in the style of French chateaux,
Westheimer a few blocks west) and Highway
District, which has flourished both east
English castles and Southern mansions. In
288, Baldwin Park was founded in 1910 and
and west of Highway 288 with historical
is home to stately Live Oak trees. For many
renovations and new condos, townhomes
decades, the park was mainly a hangout
and mid-rises. Proximity to museums,
for vagrants. After a recent renovation that
Hermann Park, Rice University and the
added a jogging track and brightly colored
Medical Center, plus easy access to high-
playground equipment, the park is filled
ways, all add to the area’s appeal.
near
Elgin
(which
with people of all ages who live in block after block of newly built townhomes in all directions. Mid-rise and high-rise development has also taken root in Midtown, both
HERMANN PARK / TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER / RIVERSIDE
the 1950s, Riverside became home to many of Houston’s elite African-American residents; 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 / BELLAIRE The different colored street signs – red in
for-sale and rental.
With over 106,000 employees, the vast Texas Medical Center – the largest medical center
Bellaire, blue in West University Place
As the gateway to the Museum District,
in the world, with 54 institutions covering
residential enclaves hugging the 610 Loop
Midtown is developing a cultural vibe of its
more than one thousand acres – has long
are separate cities. Long valued as safe
own. It’s long been home to the Ensemble
been a catalyst for residential development.
and stable urban enclaves at a time when
– are sure giveaways that these popular
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
19
HOUSING & NEIGHBORHOODS
surrounding Central Houston neighbor-
as a walkable, pedestrian-friendly neighbor-
River Oaks is surrounded by several shady,
hoods were perceived otherwise, Bellaire,
hood with parks, plazas and a 24/7 urban
stately neighborhoods such as Avalon
West U and the adjacent city of Southside
vibe. Some of the first buildings, including
Place and Royden Oaks, stretching to
Place never experienced the boom-and-
the 21-story Sovereign apartment tower,
Upper Kirby and the Highland Village
decline cycles common to other parts
have just been completed.
shopping area on Westheimer.
cities have been remarkably transformed
Home to St. Thomas University and the
The Upper Kirby area is also experiencing
in past decades, with modest frame and
Menil Collection museum, Montrose has
a surge in residential development. Much
brick homes giving way to large newly
also gained new grocery stores, including
of it, like apartments in the West Ave
constructed homes. This rebuilding trend
H-E-B and Whole Foods. The neighbor-
mixed-use project, is rental. Mirroring a
continues today.
hood is in no danger of losing its funky
trend that’s spread throughout Houston,
vibe though, as nationally acclaimed new
older low-rise garden apartments are being
restaurants such as Underbelly and Uchi
demolished for mid-rise and high-rise
of the Houston area. Nonetheless, these
Functioning as bedroom communities for Houston, these small cities are home to tree-filled parks and esplanades, well-regarded schools, and independent police departments. 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 soughtafter 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.
MONTROSE Houston’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
thrive alongside hipster boutiques, gay bars, coffee shops and vintage clothing stores.
apartments in Upper Kirby.
SPRING BRANCH / MEMORIAL
The Fourth Ward area, also known as
Paralleling the westward spine of the Katy
Freedman’s Town, has benefitted from the
Freeway (I-10) are two very different areas
appeal of its location between Montrose
– modest mid-century Spring Branch and
and Downtown. It sports new restaurants
the upscale Memorial area.
and newly constructed townhomes, condos and apartments.
Spring Branch, which spreads along the north side of I-10 from about the 610 Loop
RIVER OAKS AND UPPER KIRBY
to Beltway 8 (Sam Houston Tollway),
Still Houston’s ultimate address after
World War II homes, 1950s era shopping
nearly a century, River Oaks spans 1,100
plazas and tall trees. Starting in the 1970s,
beautifully wooded acres along Buffalo
apartment complexes began rising in the
Bayou, just a few minutes’ drive from
area, leading to its eventual decline.
maintains a suburban character with post-
downtown along scenic Allen Parkway. Ranked as Houston’s most expensive
Spring Branch is coming back, however,
neighborhood, and among the nation’s
with young homeowners moving in to
top 10 wealthiest communities, it’s home
restore and expand existing homes, and
to the exclusive River Oaks Country Club.
homebuilders redeveloping large tracts
Property values are estimated to range
formerly occupied by apartments and shop-
from $1 million to over $20 million – a
ping centers.
far cry from the $2,200 price for lots when River Oaks opened in the late 1920s.
With names such as Bunker Hill Village and Hedwig Village, the Memorial Villages
of the new development is rental, such as
River Oaks opens its doors – or at least its
are nestled in a woody area along Memorial
the 30-story tower rising at 3400 Montrose,
garden gates – to the rest of the city for the
Drive, mostly south of I-10. Home to some
and the 390-unit, 7-story Susanne apart-
annual Azalea Trail tour, and it is home to the
of the wealthiest ZIP codes in Houston
ments across from the acclaimed H-E-B
Museum of Fine Arts Rienzi and Bayou Bend
and the nation, these villages maintain a
grocery store at Alabama and Dunlavy.
House museums. The neighborhood also
rural character with winding tree-filled
lends its name to the popular upscale River
lanes, huge lots and gated enclaves. Styles
Oaks Shopping Center along West Gray.
range from rambling brick ranch houses to
Now under development near Waugh Dr. and Allen Parkway, the 24-acre Regent
Georgian-style mansions. Many well-kept
Square promises to be a transformative
One of the ways River Oaks resembles the
project for the Montrose area. The plan
townhome and condo complexes are also
rest of Houston is that, despite the stately
in the area.
calls for 550 condominiums and 550 apart-
architecture of its grand old homes, it has
ments, plus 400,000 square feet of retail,
not escaped the teardown-and-rebuild move-
Stretching to the Beltway and beyond,
office and restaurant space. It’s envisioned
ment that is widespread across the city.
the greater Memorial area is also heavily
20
CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
– SPRING/SUMMER 2018
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 11acre lake, a field ripe for festivals, and a stunning meeting and events center.
UPTOWN / TANGLEWOOD / SHARPSTOWN
Photo courtesy of Röhe and Wright
Uptown is the term that Galleria area boosters have worked to establish for the entire neighborhood surrounding Houston’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
High-Rise & Mid-Rise Living 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.
mid-rise condominiums that are for sale rather than for lease.
Since a mini-boom of high-rise buildings was built in Central Houston in the early
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, wellplanned neighborhood of
Tanglewood,
where development started in the 1930s. Perhaps best known as the current neighborhood of former President George H.W. Bush, Tanglewood has parks, leafy esplanades and large lots filled with oak trees. Original rambling ranch houses exist alongside newer Mediterranean and English style homes. A few years ago, including Sharpstown on
1980s, the area hadn’t seen many new residential towers, with the exception of a few in the Galleria and River Oaks areas. Today, the local landscape for high/ mid-rise is changing fast, with a growing population and rising land values again making Central Houston a hotspot for new construction. 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 buildings. 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.” 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, expansive 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.
a list of revitalizing Central Houston neigh-
As far as renting vs. owning, the same pros and cons apply to mid-rise and high-
borhoods would have been questionable,
rise living as to traditional single-family homes and townhomes. One big difference
but today this former suburb inside Beltway
is that high-rise and mid-rise buildings also include maintenance fees that vary, but
8 is outgrowing its label as one of Hous-
can approach $1 per square foot per month in many high-rises. Such fees typically
ton’s “best hidden neighborhoods” and is
include salaries for building staff, landscaping, insurance and building maintenance.
attracting newcomers who appreciate its
Beyond monthly fees, unit owners can be charged special assessments – sometimes
mid-century homes, its relative value and
totaling tens of thousands of dollars – for major maintenance items such as elevator
convenient location.
repair and exterior renovation.
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
21
in this section rent or buy harris county map choosing a realtor credit report
22
CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
– SPRING/SUMMER 2018
The
HOME FRONT The tremendous amount of resources available in the Central Houston area enables newcomers to find everything they need for a smooth relocation – from abundant temporary and permanent housing choices, to skilled realtors and custom builders who are eager to help.
TEMPORARY LODGING
management for information on how to
RENT OR BUY?
Sometimes, newcomers need temporary
apply for this exemption.
There can be advantages to both renting and
housing while they continue their home
buying a new home, depending on one’s
search, or while they wait for their new
Consider the location and style of housing
home to be built or renovated.
Houston
that would best suit you during your
has many options for temporary housing,
temporary stay. Is proximity to work
According to Freddie Mac, renting can
because the city has been welcoming people
the top consideration during this hectic
make more sense if you have a career or life-
since its founding, especially those coming
period? Or it might be most important to
style that requires you to move frequently;
to work in the energy, medical and aero-
stay near an airport if you’ll be doing a lot
space sectors.
of traveling during the transition. Would
Many multifamily complexes have corpo-
you be most comfortable in a hotel or
rate programs with fully furnished units
apartment, or would you prefer a single-
and short-term leases available. Hotels
family home or townhome?
immediate priorities and long-term goals.
if you prefer a set monthly budget and cannot afford unforeseen home-maintenance 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
are another option, including the growing number of extended-stay hotels in the
Good
sources
for
locating
temporary
and tennis courts; if you plan on down-
area. When staying in a hotel for 30 days
housing include your company’s human
sizing your living space or retiring soon;
or longer, Texas law allows for an exemp-
resources department, your Realtor and/or
and if you are experiencing a financial
tion of the 6% state hotel tax; see the hotel
builder, and the Internet.
setback and/or rebuilding your credit.
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
23
CENTRAL HOUSTON HOME FRONT
Freddie Mac says buying may be best if you
latest high-efficiency heating and cooling
have reliable income, good credit and docu-
systems, along with advanced insulation and
mentation for your assets; if you can afford
window products that weren’t available 10
at least a 5% down payment and closing
or 20 years ago.
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.
costs; and if you are financially able to take
ment or another financial setback; and if you plan on staying in your home at least four years.
There are just as many advantages for
CUSTOM HOME BUILDING
buying an existing home, especially in
Building a custom home in Central
Central Houston where historic homes
Houston can be more challenging than in
offer charm that a newer home can’t match.
the suburbs, but the payoff can be getting
NEW HOME VS. EXISTING HOME
According to Realtor.com, other advantages
In Central Houston, the pros and cons of
“extra” features such as window coverings
buying an existing home vs. a new home are
that may not be included in new homes, and
builders and upscale amenities such as gated
much the same as in the suburbs.
traditional floor plans.
entrances, lakes and golf course views,
Advantages of buying a new home include
Used homes may also have a track record
“new” everything – from carpets to appli-
of appreciation over the years, although
ances. Energy efficiency is another big
Realtor.com cautions that past performance
consideration. New homes can include the
does not guarantee future market appeal.
Harris County
ek ss Cre
LR
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LR
521
Harris County © Texas Almanac
0
24
CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
PTRA
288
865
South Houston
William P. Hobby Airport
UP
BATTLESHIP TEXAS 134
225
Deer Park LR LR
10
330
SAN JACINTO MONUMENT
UP
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146
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Courtesy of the Texas Almanac, published by the Texas State Historical Association, Austin, Texas.
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– SPRING/SUMMER 2018
CHAMBERS
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In neighborhoods where inventory is tight and demand is frenzied, finding a vacant
UP
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The largest county in the eastern half of state; level; typically coastal surface and soils; many bayous, canals for artificial drainage; Lake Houston, Sheldon Reservoir; partly forested.
Area (sq.mi.)..........................1,777.5 Land area(sq.mi.)..................1,703.5
building a custom home in Central Houston
UP
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the perfect new home in the location you
may include price, established landscaping,
Bay
cash reserve to withstand loss of employ-
latest technologies.
on
breaks and credits; if you have an adequate
wired and capable of accommodating the
st
build equity and qualify for homeowner tax
in the short term, and new homes are
ve
It may also be better to buy if you want to
A new home will require less maintenance
al
on home maintenance and improvements.
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 neighborhood 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.
MANAGEABLE, AFFORDABLE LIFESTYLE Although home prices have risen in Houston, it still ranks as one of the most affordable big cities in the U.S. for homeownership. 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. Homebuyer 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
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
25
Choosing a Realtor The right realtor can save you thousands. Buying or selling a house involves real estate law, title insurance policies, home warranties, home-lending practices, appraisals, inspections, hazard insurance, surveys and other issues; the services of a realtor are highly recommended. Especially for people new to the area, a realtor can save time and money and provide local knowledge. A realtor can swiftly locate homes that fit with your lifestyle, price range, educational needs, and location.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT REALTOR? First, understand the difference between a real-estate agent and a realtor. Only professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® (and other local associations) can use this designation and they must abide by a strict code of ethics based on competency, fairness and integrity. A realtor who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® cannot discriminate against someone based on race, religion, gender, handicap, family status or national origin. Talk to a number of realtors before making your decision, talk to some of their previous clients and review their current and recent listings. You might want to ask the following:
• How long have you worked in real estate?
• Is real estate your full-time job?
• Do you prefer to work with buyers or sellers?
• Do you specialize in a particular area or neighborhood?
• What is the average price of properties that you close?
• How many closings do you have each year?
• Do you work on a team?
• D o you have any designations, cer tifications, awards or special training?
SPECIALTY CERTIFICATIONS Realtors with the CBR (Certified Buyer Representative) are exclusively committed to providing excellent buyer representation and know current real-estate practices. Realtors can also be certified as Texas Affordable Housing Specialists, which recognizes training in green technologies that can make a home more affordable. Realtors certified by Earth Advantage are trained to spot and understand the advantages of green construction. An EcoBroker designation means a realtor has extensive training in conservation and green energy. Your realtor should be someone who is an expert on the area and the industry. But she should also be easy to work with and willing to listen – the process should be enjoyable as well as productive.
26
CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
– SPRING/SUMMER 2018
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 indicates 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 OPTIONS Several 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 mortgages 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 insurance 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 periodically 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 PAYMENT The down payment is the cash committed toward the purchase of a home. For most loans, a down payment of 20 percent of the
“
Central Houston in the ideal place to find a beautiful home, while being in close proximity to your employer. Any Realtor that specializes in the Inner Loop can assist you in finding the right home, while getting the best financing options available.
”
purchase price is required to avoid paying Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), although it is possible to take out a secondary loan to
CLOSING COSTS Typically between 2 to 5 percent of the
PRE-APPROVAL VS. PRE-QUALIFICATION
INTEREST RATES
purchase price of a home, closing costs
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is
Interest rates fluctuate frequently and vary
include related fees such as costs for
beneficial because it gives sellers a level of
from lender to lender. Interest on a 30-year
running credit reports, loan origination,
assurance that the prospective buyer can
fixed rate mortgage is likely to be different
appraisal, survey, title insurance, and
obtain a mortgage – a big plus in a compet-
from that of a 15-year, and adjustable rate
discount points paid to lower the interest
itive market. Pre-approval requires the
mortgages reset according to the terms of
rate. Closing costs are typically paid by
completion of a loan application and some-
the lender.
the buyer at the time of closing.
times a fee. Pre-qualification, on the other
avoid PMI.
LOOKING FOR HOMES JUST GOT EASIER…
Search more than 8 million properties
Ask Your REALTOR®
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27
CENTRAL HOUSTON HOME FRONT
hand, is just an estimate of a mortgage that a prospective buyer might qualify for.
TAX DEDUCTIONS Some 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.
BANKS Banks offer a full range of services that usually include mortgages at competitive 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, availability of funds policy, direct deposit and
CREDIT REPORTS
other options. Contact the Texas Department of Banking toll free 877-276-5554 or
Lenders need your credit report, which is an analysis of your credit history over the last seven-to-ten years. Called the FICO score, it includes your employment history, your payment activity, the amount you owe, the amount of
visit www.dob.texas.gov.
CREDIT UNIONS Credit unions are a good source to check for mortgage loans because they may offer
available credit you’re using, the length of the history, any
lower or competitive rates. Historically,
new credit and other factors. You will be scored anywhere
credit unions have been employer-based
between 301 and 850, with anything over 740 considered an
financial institutions but today it is common
excellent score. Higher scores lead to better loans and lower rates. There are three credit reporting agencies and you may contact them to obtain your credit history.
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
FREE CREDIT REPORTS You are entitled to a free credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies once every 12 months. You can request all three reports at once, or space them out throughout the year.
account
TRANSUNION® 1-877-322-8228 www.transunion.com
CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
the
National
Credit
EQUIFAX® 1-800-685-1111 www.equifax.com
EXPERIAN
More information about credit unions is available from the Cornerstone Credit Union
League
ciation (www.cuna.org).
HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE Homeowner insurance is required by mort-
®
1-888-397-3742 www. Experian.com
– SPRING/SUMMER 2018
(www.cornerstoneleague.
coop) and the Credit Union National Asso-
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 premiums included in monthly mortgage payments.
28
by
Union Administration.
Selecting an insurance company and determining 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
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 (harriscountytx.gov/csd). Realtors, mortgage lenders and builders are also good sources of information about available homebuyer assistance programs.
Central
Houston neighborhoods, the value of the lot may represent a much larger-than-average share of overall property value, and
BUYING OR SELLING
it may be a good idea to talk with several
We will get you where you want to be,
insurance companies – especially those
HOME.
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. Floodplain maps are determined by the Harris County Flood Control District, which has a mapping tool at harriscountyfemt.org.
FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS A 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.
With two local offices to serve you, we will put our expertise and market knowledge to work on your next real estate transaction.
713.961.1722
InnerLoop.GaryGreene.com 1705 West Gray Houston - 77019
713.667.1000
Bellaire.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.
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
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in this section houston school districts private schools higher education
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CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
– SPRING/SUMMER 2018
EDUCATION IN CENTRAL HOUSTON The 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.
Ask anyone why they love living in Central Houston, and most mention the arts, restaurants, culture, convenience and other perks of urban life. Public education would probably not rank high on the list, but that is changing as the fast-growing population of Central Houston increasingly includes families 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-regarded academics and special programs, such as International Baccalaureate.
Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) Academy and the Young Scholars Academy for Excellence. Most students living within HISD boundaries may apply to attend a magnet or charter school, although competition can be stiff for some campuses. Many other HISD schools have open enrollment boundaries, although preference is typically given
Many HISD neighborhood elementary schools are also excellent and much soughtafter, 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.
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 International 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.
HISD also has more than 20 charter schools including the Energized for STEM (Science,
org), which publishes annual rankings of area schools, with campus-by-campus
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C E N T R A L H O U S T O N E D U C AT I O N
data. The Texas Education Agency evaluates public schools and districts under state and federal accountability requirements. Its latest reports are at www.tea.texas.gov. More helpful websites include www.greatschools.org and www.houstonisd.org.
HOUSTON SCHOOL DISTRICTS Houston Independent School District www.houstonisd.org • 713-556-6000 The Houston Independent School District Photo courtesy of St. Michael Catholic School
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
HISD Construction and Facility Services
prepare for college and careers.
is responsible for the construction, renovations, and maintenance of more than
The district operates with an annual budget of $1.8 billion and has more than 29,000 full and part-time employees, educating
320 schools and administrative facilities —
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.
the equivalent of 29.3 million square feet
more than 215,000 students in 284 schools
of building space spread throughout the
spread out over 334 square miles. The
greater Houston area.
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 education and are prepared to complete and be successful in a global society upon graduation. Spring Branch Independent School District www.springbranchisd.com • 713-464-1511
St. Michael Catholic School
Prekindergarten 3 – 8th Grade Enriching Minds and Inspiring Hearts ESTABLISHED IN 1954, OUR FOCUS INTEGRATES FAITH AND KNOWLEDGE IN THE CATHOLIC TRADITION. • 70,000 sq. ft. LEED certified building • Computer Labs • Middle School 1:1 Chromebook Program • Regulation athletic field and gymnasium • Peaceful chapel for reflection
• SMART Boards in each classroom • Middle School Science Labs • Thriving Fine Arts program • Expansive library
StMichaelcs.org
1833 Sage Rd., Houston, Texas 77056 | 713.621.6847
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CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
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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 incorporated villages of Bunker Hill, Hedwig, Hilshire, Hunters Creek, Piney Point and Spring Valley. The district’s dedication to the small neighborhood 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
SBISD remains recognized as one of the top public school districts in the nation with consistent college-readiness indicators 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 district has one of the higher student participation rates regionally on these important assessments.
operates an exemplary rated charter middle
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
tive/virtual middle and high school facility. In
addition,
expanding
the
variety
district of
offers
an
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.
History, Math, Science, and a comprehensive Language Arts program (Writing, Reading, Grammar, Spelling and Vocabulary) 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 class-
school, a highly regarded charter middle and high school campus, as well as an alterna-
chimes. Core subjects include Phonics,
Memorial Lutheran School www.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
room. 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; Elementary Level: Grades K to 4; Middle School: Grades 5 to 8. Tours of the school can be scheduled by
calling
the
admissions
office
at
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 Kirby 3001 Richmond Ave. | Houston, TX 77098 713.522.6700 | 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.
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
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C E N T R A L H O U S T O N E D U C AT I O N
The Standards of Excellence. Primrose Schools holds schools to high standards of excellence with the implementation of quality assurance and continuous improvement 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-inspired approach in Primary School to the
Photo courtesy of St. Michael Catholic School
inquiry-based environment of Lower School to the hotbed of 21st century learning that is the St. Francis Middle School, they engage
713-782-4022. Conveniently located in
Primrose School of First Colony. They have
and inspire students to think critically,
the Galleria area. Application or inquiry
provided for the Pearland and Sugarland
explore deeply, and take the academic and
can be made on the school’s website –
families a nurturing environment where chil-
artistic leaps that allow them to mature in
www.memoriallutheranschool.org.
dren arehappy, safe and having fun while
independence and innovation.
learning. The Papadopulos’ are looking to bring that same Primrose School experience Primrose School of Upper Kirby
to the Upper Kirby community.
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, 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 Primrose Experience starts with fostering
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 management 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 education and child care services for families across America. The Balanced Learning System. The Primrose Balanced Learning System provides high-quality
educational
research-based
curriculum;
passionate,
award-winning educators; and leading-edge
www.primroseschools.com/schools/upper-kirby
713-522-6700
At the core of it all is a student-centric,
experiences
that support children’s development as
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 environment. 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 compassion of eighth graders who donate $45,000 in national Lead2Feed Challenge winnings to local nonprofits.
well-rounded individuals. The Balanced
At St. Francis, success equals so much
Learning curriculum addresses children’s
more than a grade on paper. On their two
social-emotional, cognitive, creative and
campuses, more than 900 students live, grow,
and in life.
physical development as they determine
and give together through beloved annual
what experiences children need at different
service projects; 40-plus teams in 13 sports;
For the last sixteen years Mr. & Mrs. Papa-
age levels. The curriculum is reviewed and
rousing theatre and choir productions; three
dopulos have been the franchise owners
updated annually to ensure continued align-
orchestras;
for Primrose Schools of Pearland and
ment with early learning standards.
events; and a dizzying array of school-day
a strong connection and partnership with parents to help build the right foundation for future learning and success in school
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CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
– SPRING/SUMMER 2018
unforgettable
living-history
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 sacramental training; enhanced creative writing programs; Spanish courses; interactive science curriculum enhanced by hands-on learning, competitive and award winning athletics; service and leadership opportunities; fine arts, music, and performing arts instruction; academic rallies such as 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 squarefoot 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 fullyequipped art rooms and a kiln room; library, including media center and resource room;
regulation athletic field for football, soccer,
including creative writing, architecture and
practice track and gymnasium with boys’
law, are considered among the nation’s best.
and girls’ locker rooms and two concession stands; a school chapel that offers an area
Rice University, situated on a beautiful
for reflection and spiritual development; and
oak-lined campus near the Texas Medical
dedicated performing arts classrooms. These
Center and Hermann Park, is consistently
facilities provide students with the most
ranked among the top 20 universities in the
current educational tools and resources.
U.S. and among the top 100 in the world. Known for its small student-to-faculty ratio
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.
and its high level of research, Rice also offers excellent public arts and continuing education 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
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,
University
University, and
Houston
Houston
Baptist
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 statement, 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.”
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
35
in this section moving companies utilities public transportation international relocation places of worship
36
CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
– SPRING/SUMMER 2018
RELOCATION INFORMATION
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
MOVING COMPANIES
for items you may have purchased overseas.
If you are moving from out of state, it may
Also consider the size of your new space:
be necessary to hire a moving company.
will it be larger or smaller than the home
The best time to move is the middle of
you’re leaving? If you’re a U.S. citizen who
the month rather than the end or during
is moving back from overseas, then you
summer vacation, when moving companies
might have many items in U.S. storage,
are usually busiest.
so you’ll also need to plan the logistics of getting these to your new home.
At the other extreme, Houston’s global economy draws newcomers from around the world, and there are a few important
TYPES OF MOVING ESTIMATES
considerations to keep in mind when
Most companies give free estimates based
moving from overseas. If your overseas
on distance and the weight of household
move is work-related, find out how much
contents. Some moving companies include
of the expense will be covered. As a general
the costs of packing materials in their bid
rule, many experts recommend scaling
while others break out supplies separately.
your belongings down to essential items
Packing services, fuel charges, wait time and
and those with emotional value. Find out
temporary storage costs may vary consider-
about import fees and duty costs, especially
ably so be sure to ask about all charges.
Moving companies offer three types of estimates: 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
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
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R E L O C AT I O N I N F O R M AT I O N
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 the weight is less than anticipated. Ask all movers if they offer this type of service.
MORE CONSIDERATIONS Be aware that many moving companies fall
Before the movers arrive, begin making
behind schedule, so consider hiring a moving
preparations. Take an inventory of your
company that will guarantee a pickup and
belongings and note their condition. If the
delivery date. Make sure those dates are
moving company performs their own inven-
in the contract. Pick-up and delivery dates should not be open-ended.
tory, check it carefully against your own before signing anything. Should any of
Although moving companies provide liability
your belongings arrive with scratches, dents
insurance on household belongings by the
or other damages, photographs will help
pound, it is wise to purchase extra insurance
verify a claim so consider taking pictures of
that provides additional coverage, especially
valuable items or making a video inventory
for those items that are more valuable.
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.protectyourmove.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.
38
CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
– SPRING/SUMMER 2018
IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION POLICE DEPARTMENTS The Houston Police Department, the Harris County Sheriff ’s Department and the Harris County Constable’s Office
serve
the
Central
Houston
region. Many neighborhoods and multifamily
communities
contract
with
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.
TEXAS GOVERNMENT VOTER REGISTRATION You must be at least 18 years of age, a resident 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.
VOTING Texas voters must be 18 years old and register at least 30 days prior to an election. Those already registered to vote but who change precincts must file a change of address. Call Harris County Clerk 713-7556965 or visit www.harrisvotes.org.
LEGAL RECORDS • 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
Legal 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 LAWS The 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 alcoholic beverages while operating a vehicle. DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) and also known as DUI (Driving Under the Influence) 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.
inspections are available on request. Established in 1838, HFD has a proud
PET LICENSING/LEASH LAWS
history that is showcased in the Houston
Dogs and cats in Texas must be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age.
Fire Museum just south of Downtown.
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.
UTILITIES TXU 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 information call 1-877-TXU-MOVE or visit txu.com/movers.
ELECTRICITY Houstonians 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 renewable energy, added customer services, and incentives or promotions. Visit www.powertochoose.org to compare pricing. The Public Utility Commission recommends 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 SERVICE Greater 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
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39
R E L O C AT I O N I N F O R M AT I O N
services, special promotional rates and
TRANSPORTATION
HARRIS COUNTY TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY (HCTRA)
discounts for newcomers. Funded by a 1-cent sales tax, Houston’s
WATER, SEWER, RECYCLING AND SOLID WASTE The 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
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
trash is picked up once a month.
the HOV lanes for a toll fee.
For all waste related questions, visit the
METRO also has traditional bus services
city’s website at www.houstontx.gov/solid-
throughout Houston, plus a number of Park
waste. This website also has information on a
& Ride lots and Transit Facilities, although
number of recycling drop-off centers located
these are geared mainly for suburb-to-down-
around the city, including a center for “envi-
town commuting during work hours. For an
ronmental waste” such as paint and batteries.
overview of METRO services, please visit
Most multifamily communities – such as
www.ridemetro.org.
high-rise, mid-rise, townhome and apartment developments – have private trash services.
The Harris County Motorist Assistance Program (MAP), sponsored in part by
The City of Houston also provides water
METRO, helps motorists stranded on Hous-
service for all residents. The monthly bill
ton-area freeways.
for water service also includes a fee for solid
MAP vehicles are equipped to handle minor
waste services and a drainage fee based on
automotive emergencies and regularly patrol
the size of your property.
Houston roadways.
40
CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
The specially marked
– SPRING/SUMMER 2018
HCTRA operates approximately 120 miles of toll roads in the greater Houston area, including the Hardy Toll Road from Downtown 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 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.
AUTOMOBILES DRIVER LICENSE New residents must obtain a Texas driver license within 90 days of establishing residency. 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
TEXAS MOTOR VEHICLE LAWS
including almost 9 million international
the nearest Department of Public Safety office.
Texas law requires that the driver and front-
passengers.
seat passenger wear seat belts. Children For license requirements including fees
eight years of age or younger or less than 4
Houston’s
“close-in”
original
airport,
Hobby Airport is located off the Gulf
and additional information, please visit
feet nine inches tall must be secured in an
www.txdps.state.tx.us.
approved car seat.
VEHICLE REGISTRATION
Texas enforces a mandatory automobile
vations, Hobby now offers international
liability insurance law, and if a driver is
flights to Latin America and the Carib-
stopped for any reason, proof of liability insur-
bean, along with extensive domestic U.S.
ance coverage will be necessary. The required
service. Hobby’s original Art Deco building
insurance must provide $30,000 bodily injury,
has been transformed into the 1940 Air
$60,000 per person per accident coverage, and
Terminal Museum. For more information
$25,000 of property damage insurance.
visit www.1940airterminal.org.
A copy of the Texas Motor Vehicle Laws is
Houston’s “big” airport, George Bush
available from the Texas Department of Public
Intercontinental, is located 23 miles north
Safety General Services Department, P.O. Box
of Downtown. With five terminals and 20
15999, Austin, Texas, 78761-5999, 512-424-
scheduled passenger airlines to hundreds of
2000, and requests for information must be
destinations worldwide, IAH is the second
submitted in writing.
busiest airport in Texas, and the 12th busiest
Freeway, just outside the 610 Loop. Recently improved with extensive reno-
License
plates
for
vehicles
can
be
purchased at district field offices in the county of residence. The cost is based on the model and year for cars and gross weight for trucks.
Motor vehicle regis-
tration 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. Appli-
in North America. In May 2016, IAH
AIRPORTS
achieved a quality 4-star rating from Skytrax
For complete information on airports go to
(one of only 3 U.S. airports).
www.fly2houston.com. Ellington Airport, a former military airport
cations are available at tax offices or at
Overall, Houston’s three airports serve
located 15 miles southeast of Downtown, is
www.txdot.gov.
more than 55 million passengers a year,
geared toward commercial aviation.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION METRO is the primary public transportation service in the Greater Houston area. METRO has launched several initiatives in the Houston and surrounding area to make commuting around the city quick and easy for their customers. For more information, visit RideMetro.org.
• Local Bus METRO
Local bus service runs mostly along city streets, making stops at every other corner along the designated route.
• METRORail
The light-rail network features 23 miles of service stretching from the Texas Medical Center, Downtown, the Museum District. This efficient system even goes as far as Northline with numerous stops inbetween.
• Park & Riders METRO
This service offers 27 Park & Ride facilities that are spread throughout Houston, offering direct, nonstop service to downtown, the Texas Medical Center and other major employment centers across the region.
• METROlift
METROlift is the transit companies curb-to-curb shared-ride paratransit service. This services provides transportation for persons with disabilities who cannot be facilitated on the traditional METRO buses or light rail systems.
•M ETRO STAR
METRO STAR STAR vanpool provides transportation directly to and from work and offers more than 700 routes in an eight-county area. Register online to find a match for your commute, or call 713-224-RIDE to help start a vanpool for your route.
+ HOV / Hot Lanes + Bike & Ride + Transit Centers
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I N T E R N AT I O N A L R E L O C AT I O N I N F O R M AT I O N
MOVING TIPS What to do Social Security Number 1-800-772-1213 Information/ Application www.ssa.gov/forms Physical locations: 8989 Lakes at 610 Drive, 77054 16200 Dillard Drive, 77040 5414 Aldine Mail Road, 77039
THINGS TO KNOW Wait 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. 42
CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
TRANSPORTATION
Credit Card
Texas Drivers License Application & Locations: www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/movingtotexas.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.
www.creditcards.com
BANKING
for details).
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.
– SPRING/SUMMER 2018
• Request a credit card & debit card (ATM) when opening a bank account. • You will need a residential address, phone & place of employment, credit history.
HOUSING Apartment
Houston 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 • 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. • 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.
TAXES
State of Texas
Private Schools • HoustonNewcomerGuides.com
Texas does not have state taxes. Texas collects 8.25% sales tax and property tax only.
• Houstonprivateschools.com
Internal Revenue Service
There are a variety of independent and faith-
• Privateschoolreview.com
Federal 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
based private schools in the Houston area.
Realtor/Homes for Sale & Lease
EDUCATION
International Baccalaureate program and
Day Care:
might be better suited for children
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 to find homes. • Realtors are usually paid by the seller, their services are free to buyers.
www.childcarecenter.us
planning to later attend university
• Some centers only care for children until
outside the US.
New Homes/Builders/ Communities
• Child’s birth certificate, passport, social
Buying a home • You can view homes for sale and find a Realtor who speaks your language on www.HAR.com.
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.
HEALTHCARE
Affordable 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.
• 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
they are ready for Kindergarten at age 5. Other schools offer Kindergarten.
IMMIGRATION VISA
• Will need your child’s birth certificate,
Most questions are answered on the U.S.
social security number, passport,
Citizenship & Immigration web sites below.
application.
Contact your Consulate about your coun-
• Schools vary widely, make several trips with and without your child at different
try’s requirements.
times of the day. Ask for referrals.
General How Do I Guides:
Public Schools
• www.uscis.gov
PK-12 Texas Education Association: tea.texas.gov • Required for children 6-18 years of age in USA. 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 www.petersons.com Community colleges are located in all parts of Houston. Houston has numerous 4-year colleges and technical schools
• www.uscitizenship.info Employment Visas: • www.travel.state.gov • www.uscis.gov Green Card: www.uscis.gov/greencard Permanent Residents: www.uscis.gov Schedule appointment with USCIS officer: infopass.uscis.gov
PETS Entry Requirements: www.dshs.texas.gov • 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.
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PLACES OF
WORSHIP
Half of Americans have looked for a new church or place of worship, most because they moved. If faith is a vital part of your daily life, you should easily be able to find a spiritual home in the Clear Lake area. In addition to sacred enlightenment, places of worship also provide social support, volunteer opportunities, educational options, and access to groups with common interests. If you are looking to make new friends, a congregation might be the perfect place to find them. *
*Pew Research 2015
44
CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
– SPRING/SUMMER 2018
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD Braeswood Assembly of God................... 713-777-1651 Heights Assembly of God....713-864-8231
BAPTIST Antioch Missionary Baptist Church........... 713- 652-0738 Bellaire Central Baptist Church................. 713-668-2389 Houston’s First Baptist Church .................. 713-681-8000 7401 Katy Freeway, Houston TX 77024 www.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 Union Church of Christ.................... 713-747-5440 Westbury Church of Christ...713-729-7880
EPISCOPAL Ascension 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............ 713-622-3600 | 2450 River Oaks Blvd. Houston TX 77019 | www.sjd.org St. Francis Episcopal Church..................... 713-782-1270 St. Martin’s Episcopal Church................... 713-621-3040
HINDU
South Main Baptist Church.713-529-4167
Hindu Worship Society.........713-957-4608
Tallowood Baptist.................713-468-8241
Sri Meenakshi Temple..........281-489-0358
Memorial Drive Lutheran.....713-468-9443 Memorial Lutheran Church....................... 713-782-6079 | 5800 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
METHODIST Bellaire 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
INTERDENOMINATIONAL
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.......... 713-528-0527
BUDDHIST
Church in the Center ..........281-213-0110
NON DENOMINATIONAL
Dawn Mountain...................713-630-0354
ISLAM
Bridge Point Bible Church...832-448-1330
Texas Buddhist Association........................ 281-498-1616
Islamic Da`wah Center.......713-223-3311
Lakewood Church .............713-635-4154
Al-Noor Mosque...................713-779-1304
Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church...................................713-861-9149
West U Baptist.......................713-668-2319
CATHOLIC All Saints Catholic Church...713-864-2653 Annunciation Catholic Church................ 713-222-2289
Madrasah Islamiah..............713-772-7000 Masjid ElFarouq....................713-465-2020
ORTHODOX
JEWISH
Annunciation Greek Orthodox ................ 713-526-5377
Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.......... 713-659-1561
Chabad of Uptown.............713-419-3960 Congregation Beth Israel....713-771-6221
St. George Orthodox Church................... 713-665-5252
Holy Rosary Church..............713-529-4854
Congregation Brith Shalom 713-667-9201
St. Mark Coptic Orthodox ..713-669-0311
Our Lady of Guadalupe .....713-222-0203 St. Anne Catholic Church...713-526-3276
Congregation Emanu El......713-529-5771
St. Paul Antiochian Orthodox................... 281-556-5366
St. Cecilia Catholic Church.713-465-3414
Congregation for Reform Judaism.......... 713-782-4162
PRESBYTERIAN
St. Michael Catholic Church....................
CHRISTIAN (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST) First Christian Church...........713-526-2561 Heights Christian Church.....713-861-0016
Temple Sinai..........................281-496-5950 The Shul of Bellaire................713-839-8887
LUTHERAN
Christ Church Presbyterian........................ 713-667-6574 First Presbyterian Houston....713-620-6500 Grace Presbyterian Church...................... 713-781-7615
University Christian Church.. 713-522-7625
First Evangelical Lutheran Church............ 713-529-3589
CHURCH OF CHRIST
Grace Lutheran Church......713-528-3269
Heights Presbyterian Church.................... 713-861-1907
Holy Cross Lutheran Church..................... 713-686-8253
Southwest Presbyterian Church .............. 713-432-0040
Heights Church of Christ......713-861-0922 Memorial Church of Christ..713-464-0271
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in this section texas medical center finding a doctor
46
CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
– SPRING/SUMMER 2018
HEALTHCARE RESOURCES 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.
THE TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER
The Texas Medical Center is a 1,300-acre
critical edge that attracts top researchers,
Over 70 years have passed since the ground
“city of medicine” with 290 buildings,
academics
breaking in 1945 for Baylor College of
50 million gross square feet of space,
20,000 MDs, PhDs and researchers work
Medicine on a site southeast of Memorial
28,000 parking spaces and some 106,000
at member institutions. In 2010, National
Hermann Hospital–established in 1925
employees. Expenditures by member insti-
Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded insti-
and the first hospital in the Texas Medical
tutions exceed $5.7 billion, and second
tutions in the Texas Medical Center a total
Center. Today, the Texas Medical Center is
expenditures are more than $8.1 billion. Its
of $477.3 million for existing projects and
a major business district where planning,
economic impact is huge throughout the
to launch new ones. Collaborative projects
infrastructure, transportation and other
region and beyond Texas.
extend locally to Rice University.
the Texas Medical Center has 54 not for
The Texas Medical Center holds a promi-
Sources: Texas Medical Center, www.mdanderson.
profit institutions.
nent position in medical information—a
org, Houston Report at www.dallasfed. com.
issues are growing in importance. Today,
and
physicians--more
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
than
47
HEALTHCARE RESOURCES
UT Physicians
unparalleled growth over the last five years.
The idea of community-based UT Physi-
1-888-4UT-DOCS • UTPhysicians.com
With offices generally located solely across
cians clinics is one that started with the goal
The right place, the right time. - As the medical group practice of The John P. and
the street from McGovern Medical School, UT Physicians now boasts more than 200
Katherine G. McGovern School (a part of
clinical sites in and around the Greater
UTHealth), UT Physicians has experienced
Houston Area.
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 practice 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 Pediatrics, 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.”
FINDING A DOCTOR
Dr. Parks enjoys all aspects of pedi-
The following is list of local and national physician resource, - where
passion for pediatric and women’s health
you can search for general practice physicians by location, specialty, and more.
atric medicine, but has an interest in and advocacy. Dr. Parks was educated and trained in New York and New Jersey. She was born in Costa Rica and is a native
American Medical Association: Resource for general health information, as well as a search function for local physician resource under the “Patients” tab of the site. www.ama-assn.org
Spanish speaker. Thomas Murphy, MD, Assistant Dean for Community Affairs and Health Policy,
American Academy of Pediatrics: National website for children’s
says that doctors outside of the Texas
health resources; separate “Parenting Corner” website is compre-
Medical Center provide stability and
hensive site for health-related news, questions, and other topics. www.aap.org • www.healthychildren.org
long-term patient relationships. “Right care, right place, right cost – it’s a simple concept,” he says.
Texas Medical Association: Listing of member physicians across the state, as well as information on general health resources; go to the “Find A Physician” tab to search by specialty or location. www.texmed.org
For more information on any UT Physicians clinic, please visit the website at UTPhysicians.com or contact them at 1-888-4UT-DOCS
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CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
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Our Primary & Specialty Care Clinics Bayshore 11452 Space Center Blvd Houston, TX 77059
Dashwood 5420 Dashwood St Houston, TX 77081
Cinco Ranch 23923 Cinco Ranch Blvd Katy, TX 77494
Texas Medical Center 6410 Fannin St Houston, TX 77030
Sienna Village 8810 Highway 6, #100 Missouri City, TX 77459
Bellaire 6700 West Loop South Bellaire, TX 77401
Cinco Pediatrics 10450 Spring Green Blvd., Suite B Katy, TX 77494
Heights 925 N Shepherd Dr Houston, TX 77008
Greens 245 West Greens Rd Houston, TX 77067
Southwest 10623 Bellaire Blvd, #280 Houston, TX 77072
Victory 7364 Antoine Dr Houston, TX 77088
Rosenberg 5115 Avenue H, #701 Rosenberg, TX 77471
Beaumont 3610 Stagg Drive Beaumont, TX 77701
Jensen 2620 E. Crosstimbers Street, #100 Houston, TX 77093
UTPhysicians.com 888-4UT-DOCS
in this section Houston by the numbers
Photo courtesy of Uptown Park
area economic development partnership
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CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
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BUSINESS &
COMMUNITY The Greater Houston Partnership forecasts that metro Houston added nearly 63,000 jobs in 2017, and that employment is at an all time high for the Greater Houston area. 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.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re
headquarters, institutions and landmarks that
these will almost double the number of
a newcomer relocating to Houston for the
define Houston’s proud economic history.
downtown residences. Additionally, Houston’s central business district continues to
city’s tremendous employment opportunities – still some of the best in the nation.
Downtown began its renewal in the
welcome waves of new relocating busi-
Or, you might be a long-time or even native-
mid-1990s, and since then, more than
nesses, as well as urban professionals who
born Houstonian (yes, a few actually exist!)
$6.1 billion has been spent on buildings,
will see an additional 1.5 million square
who has long benefitted from the city’s
parks and infrastructure. Today, construc-
feet of office space and seven modern and
thriving economy and relentless growth.
tion worth more than $1 billion has been
luxurious hotel high-rises under construc-
completed in the last two years, with proj-
tion or newly completed. With a workforce
The Greater Houston area covers almost
ects worth $1.7 billion underway. Nine
of more than 150,000, Downtown claims
600 square miles, but the 96 square miles
residential properties are under construction
10 of Houston’s 26 Fortune 500 companies
inside the 610 Loop contain many of the
and another fie are planned; once complete,
and boasts a gleaming skyline, which is an
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
51
BUSINESS & COMMUNITY
international symbol of the city’s ‘can-do’
HOUSTON by the NUMBERS Want to know how living 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 $53,759 in Denver, 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.
MOVING FROM HERE
SALARY
MOVING FROM HERE
SALARY
Phoenix
61,439
New York City
25,910
Detroit
61,826
Los Angeles
41,996
Austin
61,375
Chicago
50,705
San Francisco
33,401
Las Vegas
54,455
Boston
40,832
Portland
45,498
Denver
53,759
St. Louis
63,697
Miami
52,467
Raleigh
65,105
Pittsburgh
59,757
Cincinnati
64,818
Dallas
61,311
Charleston
58,336
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 Downtown. 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 commercial 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 postmodern triumph of the 64-storey Williams Tower is among the city’s famous architectural 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 most buildings are connected by
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CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
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environmentally 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 modernization 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; 241+ millions tons of cargo is handled annually. The Port of Houston is out of sight for most Houstonians, but a free and fascinating boat tour can be arranged by contacting the Port of Houston Authority at www.portofhouston.com. The Greater Houston Partnership reported that the metro Houston area added 63,000 jobs in 2017. 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 technical services, educational services, health care, administrative services, arts and entertainment, hotels and food services, other services and government.
city’s finest convention, arts and entertainment 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.
Anchored
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
by
Post
Oak
Boulevard,
Uptown Houston is an urban community of
exceptional 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 entertainment, Uptown Houston is the one place where you can have it all. Greater East End Management District www.greatereastend.com
include reintroducing professional sports into Downtown and spearheading redevel-
The Greater East End Management District
opment of Buffalo Bayou.
provides services and conducts capital improvements throughout the 16 square miles
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.
of the District. Its many successes include beautification, public art and the Livable Centers Initiative. Connecting neighborhoods and business to transit, the District’s grantfunded capital program will see $29 million in improvements through 2017. Texas Medical Center www.texasmedicalcenter.org
Helping to make it all happen are the
Surrounded
Midtown Redevelopment Authority and
University and the Museum District, the
the Midtown Management District.
Texas Medical Center covers 1,345 acres,
Houston Museum District Association www.houstonmuseumdistrict.org
making it the 8th largest business district
With 19 museums, 4 walkable zones, and numerous amenities, visitors to the Museum District can get inspiration every day.
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.
Uptown Houston www.uptown-houston.com
Upper Kirby District www.upperkirbydistrict.org Named for Kirby Drive, the Upper Kirby
by
Hermann
Park,
Rice
in the country, right after Philadelphia and Seattle. The Texas Medical Center member institutions work together to promote the highest standards of patient care, research and education. Rice Village District www.ricevilliagedistrict.com Rice Village, a historic destination, is a
District is recognizable for its distinct red
highly productive shopping district that
street signs and iconic antique British phone
offers an eclectic mix of retailers, restau-
booths. Located to the east of Greenway
rants and nightlife. It is the only authentic
Plaza, north of West University and south
urban district in Houston and the District’s
Houston First Corporation is leading the
of River Oaks, the district is home to many
goal is to offer visitors and the local
effort to promote Houston as one of the
of Houston’s trendiest restaurants and most
community a unique, best-in-class and
great cities of the world. They operate the
fashionable shops.
shopping, dining experience.
Houston First/Visit Houston www.VisitHouston.com
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
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in this section arts and culture museum district dining scene sports & golf
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CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
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LEISURE & RECREATION
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.
Life is too short to just work; you gotta play
Greater Houston Convention and Visitors
(after Los Angeles) and in Houston, it’s very
too. And in vibrant Houston, fun activities
Bureau.
easy to enjoy a traditional Thai or Chinese
abound, with annual events such as the
meal, or treat yourself to a foot massage.
world’s largest rodeo, the nation’s largest
The website includes a visitor’s guide, inter-
renaissance festival and the country’s quirk-
active maps, coupons and discounts, and
Take the stage and hone your acting skills
iest event, the art car parade.
itinerary ideas. One of its most popular
or watch others command the stage at a
features is the Houston CityPass, which
dramatic production at the Queensbury
The city’s diverse personality shines through
provides admission to 5 of Houston’s top
Theatre. Laugh until you cry and be part
with buoyant events like the Chinese New
attractions at a substantial discount!
of the fun at Houston Improv, the city’s
Year, Cinco de Mayo, Juneteenth and
premier comedy club. Or take in one of the many galleries or show spaces.
that Houston doesn’t cherish its history,
AND IN HOUSTON, THE FUN CONTINUES.
but that’s not the case with traditions like
Part of the rich demographic diversity that is
Enjoying such a rich tapestry of activi-
the 80-year-old Azalea Trail and numerous
Houston, cultural centers and festivals cele-
ties and presentations takes fuel to keep
historic home tours. Plus, Houston’s rich
brating societies from around the world are
your energy up, and in Houston, you’re in
arts, theatre and restaurant scenes offer
everywhere. In Houston, you can take a hula
luck. Hundreds of restaurants, from small
exciting experiences every day.
class at Houston’s Hula Halou & Polynesian
mom-and-pop cafes to successful national
LGBT Pride Celebration. It’s often said
Dance studio or enjoy a performance of
franchises to one-of-a-kind culinary desti-
One of the best websites for finding out
traditional Indian dance at the Anjali Center
nations mean the dining scene is varied and
about special events in Houston is www.
for Performing Arts. Houston is home to the
wonderful. You’ll be sure to find something
visithouston.com, the official site of the
second largest Asian population in America
to eat that hits the spot.
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ARTS, CULTURE s n o i t c a r t t &A
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.
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CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
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T HE AT E R DIS TR IC T Alley Theatre 615 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. Hobby Center for the Performing Arts 800 Bagby St., Ste. 300 Houston, 77002 www.thehobbycenter.org
won a Tony, two Grammy awards, and two Emmy awards. Houston Symphony 615 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-orchestral 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 Hall 615 Louisiana St., Houston, 77002 www.houstonfirsttheaters.com
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.
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 visitors attend some 250 events annually.
Houston Grand Opera 510 Preston St., Houston, 77002 www.houstongrandopera.org
Main Street Theater 2450 Times Square Blvd., Houston 77005 333 S. Jensen, Houston, 77003 www.mainstreettheater.com
Adding to Houston’s rich cultural environment, 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
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 Theatre 3021 Allen Pkwy. Ste. 101, Houston, 77019 www.stagestheatre.com Stages Theatre is one of only two theatres in the region that offers year-round employment
for actors, directors and additional staff. Stages contributes much to the Houston community, including the availability of thrilling live performances. The Theatre produces daring and innovative plays focusing on new off-Broadway hits and world premieres. Society for FINE the Performing Arts 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 internationally 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.Featuring two theaters, the Alice and George Brown Theater and the Lillie and Roy Cullen Theater. Since its opening in 1987, Wortham has entertained more than 8 million people.
HOUSTON BALLET 501 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 contemporary works. This company attracts the world’s best dancers and choreographers. The Houston Ballet also has a world class Academy whose instruction levels vary from professional dancer to non-professional dancers. HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
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L E I S U R E & R E C R E AT I O N
M U S E U M D I S TR IC T The Art Car Museum 140 Heights Blvd., Houston, 77007 www.artcarmuseum.com
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
Holocaust, remembering the 6 million
5216 Montrose Blvd., Houston, 77006 www.camh.org
Jews and other innocent victims and
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 acknowledged by other cultural institutions. Most popular to Houstonians is the annual Art Car Parade.
The
Contemporary
Arts
Museum
honoring the survivors’ legacy. The Holoof
Houston is an institution dedicated to presenting the best and most exciting international, national and regional art. Patrons of every age will appreciate the collections of work and dynamic exhibitions on display. CAMH also offers special programs and educational opportunities. Admission is Free.
Texas Medical Center. The Health Museum is the most visited health museum of its kind
Children’s Museum of Houston 1500 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-
Popular exhibits include:
programs are free. They hope to educate and inspire by being readily accessible to future generations. The Museum of Arts, Houston (MFAH) 1001 Bissonnet, Houston, 77005 www.mfah.org The Museum of
and the McGovern 4D Theater.
Fine Arts, Houston
presents its exceptional exhibitions and The Houston Museum of Natural Science 5555 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
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
(HMNS) seeks to enhance knowledge
2015 to 2019 the campus of the Museum
and delight in natural science and related
of Fine Arts, Houston will transform into a
subjects. It houses the Burke Baker Plane-
magnificent two new buildings.
tarium, Wortham GIANT Screen Theatre, variety of permanent exhibit areas that
Blaffer Art Museum University of Houston - 120 Fine Arts Bldg. Houston, 77204
examine astronomy, space science, Native
www.blafferartmuseum.org
Cockrell Butterfly Center and a fascinating
American culture, paleontology, energy, chemistry, gems and minerals, Texas wild-
Blaffer Art Museum helps the community
life and more.
to engage in contemporary art through exhibitions, publications and public programs.
Holocaust Museum Houston
This art museum is free, and open to the
5401 Caroline St., Houston, 77004 www.hmh.org
public in an effort to promote participation in the arts. Blaffer Art Museum is also the
anyone bored. For nearly 30 years, the place
The
for families to play, laugh, learn and grow.
dedicated to educating people about the
CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
The Menil Collection is an art museum
DeBakey Cell Lab, Amazing Body Pavilion
dren’s Museum of Houston will not leave
58
The Menil Collection 1533 Sul Ross St., Houston, TX 77006 www.menil.org
no admission fee is charged and all public
member institution of the world-renowned
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 workshops, youth outreach programs and exhibits about the history of the Buffalo Soldiers and their service.
pieces of history.
accessible to all is vital to their mission, so
interactive science learning center and a
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum 3816 Caroline St., Houston, TX 77004 www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com
Community Remembers,” as well as other
welcomes special exhibitions. Making art
The Health Museum is Houston’s most
Photo courtesy of The Art Car Museum
exhibition called “Bearing Witness: A
that houses both permanent collection and
The Health Museum 1515 Hermann Dr., Houston, 77004 www.thehealthmuseum.org
in the country.
caust Museum Houston has a permanent
Holocaust
Museum
– SPRING/SUMMER 2018
Houston
is
gateway between the University of Houston and the City of Houston.
H OU S T ON & S U R R O UN DING A REA A TTRA CTIONS Asia Society www.asiasociety.org Asia Society is the leading educational organization dedicated to promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships 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 Museum 281-479-2431 Battleship Texas is anchored at the 1,200-acre San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site where visitors can experience history firsthand. 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 selfguided 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 Aquarium www. aquariumrestaurants.com
and a rain forest with colorful birds. Take a walk through the Sunken Temple and come
Houston Center for Photography www.hcponline.org
face-to-face with lionfish, tarantulas, and pufferfish. You can even see a Tiger Reticulated
The Houston Center for Photography is an
Python that is over 20 feet long! Don’t miss
organization dedicated to the art of photog-
the Louisiana Swamp, with gators, alligator
raphy.
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 Aquarium’s conservation efforts to help other tigers in the wild. The Galleria Houston www.simon.com/mall/the-galleria
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 Zoo 713-533-6500 • www.houstonzoo.org Aiming to be a leader in the global move-
More than 30 million visitors each year seek the dynamic and fine shopping environment 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 children’s play area, two swimming pools, and many eateries and dining options. For a list of stores, map and more. George Ranch Historical Park www.georgeranch.org
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 permanent attractions, like holiday Zoo Lights 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 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.
located at 6200 Hermann Park Drive. Photo courtesy of The Houston Zoo
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
The aquarium also has plenty of land-side attractions, including Ferris wheel rides
classes and visit the Discovery Room and the Nature Shop at the Nature Shop.
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Delicious HOUSTON’S
DINING SCENE 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.
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CENTRAL HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE
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Americas River Oaks 2040 West Gray Street • 832-200-1492 Cuisine: South American
Hugo’s 1602 Westheimer • 713-524-7744 Cuisine: Mexican
Oxheart 1302 Nance St • 832-830-8592 Cuisine: New American
Americas River Oaks presents exuberant
Located in the heart of Houston’s Montrose
Owned by native Houstonians, the Oxheart
dishes from multiple countries of Latin
area, Hugo’s brings the exciting earthy
celebrates Texas by serving foods with
America in their own unique way. Instead
flavors of Mexico across the boarder. Exec-
the best ingredients prepared in the most
of preparing the exact dish, they instead pay
utive Chef Hugo Ortega created a restaurant
creative ways. Oxheart is a restaurant with
tribute to the ingredients by preparing them
using his namesake to share traditional
a homey atmosphere where guests can just
in both classic and modern ways.
Mexican dishes and foods of his homeland
come eat, drink and relax.
with all his guests. Brasserie 19 1962 West Gray Street • 713-524-1919 Cuisine: French / New American
Indika 516 Westheimer Road • 713-524-2170 Cuisine: Indian
Brasserie 19 has a claim to fame, touting one of the Houston area’s best wine lists avail-
Indika has been serving Houstonians for 15
able. With a beautiful crisp white interior
years with India inspired foods using local
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 Bayou 1 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-
ingredients.
Also, honored by Travel +
Leisure as one of the “Best Indian Restaurants in the U.S.” Indika is definitely a must-try restaurant for those new to the area. Ibiza 2450 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.
tail menu. Da Marco 1520 Westheimer Road • 713-807-8857 Cuisine: Italian Da Marco Cucina E Vino is a fine Italian restaurant located on the skirts of the downtown 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 Cantina 5602 Washington Avenue • 713-681-3645 Cuisine: Mexican For the past 55 years, El Tiempo Cantina
KIM SON Restaurant 2001 Jefferson St • 713-222-2461 Cuisine: Vietnamese & Chinese KIM SON has been honored repetitively for their fine dishes prepared in both Vietnamese 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
has been serving up some the best
Le Colonial is a celebration of the seduc-
authentic Tex Mex cooking to local Hous-
tive spirit and vivid flavors of 1920’s French
tonians. All the food is made from scratch
Colonial Southeast Asia, located in the
using recipes that go back generations in
heart of one of America’s largest and most
their family.
diverse cities.
Reef 2600 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”. Uchi 904 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, yakimono, tempura and sushi. Come and enjoy Japanese dishes that all guests will enjoy as well as the experience at Uchi restaurant. Underbelly 1100 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 Steakhouse 1510 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.
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SPORTS & GOLF
Central 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 sports scenes. With year-round mild temperatures, getting up and getting out has become a way of life.
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The Houston Astros
kind of town. 2006 and 2007 MLS
www.astros.com
Champions, fans have lots to cheer about as this team continues to rank well both
Part of the West Division of Major League Baseball’s American League, the Houston Astros are on a roll. Currently the winningest 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 delectable choices while enjoying the game. Around the park, many restaurants, clubs and music venues hop, especially on game day.
at home and internationally. The Dynamo play in BBVA Compass Stadium, an architecturally acclaimed venue, located east of downtown
The Houston Rockets
Photos courtesy of the Houston Texans
www.houstonrockets.com The Houston Rockets are the city’s profes-
The Houston Texans
sional National Basketball Association
www.houstontexans.com
team playing in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference. Two-time
Football is huge in Texas and the
world basketball champions, the Rockets
Texans are huge in Houston. In their
are regular challengers in playoff action
16th season, this NFL professional
The Houston Dynamo
and always provide exciting end-to-end
team are the 2011, 2012 and 2015 AFC
www.houstondynamo.com
action in the Toyota Center. Many star
South Division Champions. Head coach
players have passed through the team’s
Bill O’Brien and owner Bob McNair
roster over its almost-fifty-year history
have put together an exciting roster that
and now James Hardin and the rest have
includes fan favorites, like J.J. Watt,
launched the Rockets back into competi-
and new up-and-comers, like Deshaun
tive contention.
Watson.
Founded in 2005, the Dynamo is Houston’s Major League Soccer Team. The team name is reflective, in part, of Houston: an energetic, hard-working, risk-taking
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17 AMAZING COMMUNITIES. SO MANY WAYS TO LIVE.
CREATING ENVIRONMENTS THAT CELEBRATE LIFE. At Johnson Development, we make more than just places to live; we create amazing communities for what you enjoy most. Whether you’re seasoning dinner with herbs from our Harvest Green community gardens, kayaking in Viridian, or splashing at our huge waterparks in Sienna, you’re sure to find that life is special in a Johnson Development community.
Willow Creek Farms