Moving to Houston - well, maybe.... (Kirby, River Oaks: real estate, apartment, renting)

[Snarky123]

Hi! I am an attorney in my thirties and may move to Houston for a job. I like city life and I am single with two dogs. I have lived mainly on the East coast, including NYC. I would like any advice on where I should live in Houston.

My main preference would be to very near good restaurants and bars (walking distance even), and a good park (for the dogs). Not knowing anyone there and being single, I would not like to be out in the burbs.

Also, thinking of renting at first, so advice on that front would also be appreciated. Condo? Small house? Apartment (remember the dogs).

If my employer was out West of the city where all the energy companies are (correct?), what would my commute be like? Would it be a "reverse commute" because I would be leaving the downtown when most are coming in?

Any thoughts or advice is appreciated.

[cheryjohns]

How large are your dogs? I am thinking a house in Oak Forest, Garden Oaks, Timbergrove Manor. Even condos often have regulations about number of dogs, size, etc.

You will have a reverse commute and it won't be bad.

[Snarky123]

Small terriers. Less than 20 lbs.

Are these downtown neighborhoods?: Oak Forest, Garden Oaks, Timbergrove Manor

And thanks!

Also, what is Houston like for the single guy?

[cheryjohns]

Originally Posted by Snarky123

Small terriers. Less than 20 lbs.

Are these downtown neighborhoods?: Oak Forest, Garden Oaks, Timbergrove Manor

And thanks!

Also, what is Houston like for the single guy?

That area is close to Midtown and the Washington club area. Also, a lot of young professionals live in the Galleria area, which is not that far from the bars, etc. Good commute to the Energy Corridor. Again, reverse commute.

Since the dogs are small, possibly a newer condo or townhome would work - certainly less yard work (although lawn services are pretty cheap here). Those neighborhoods I mentioned earlier are older homes, as newer homes close in to downtown are rare and expensive. Condos/townhomes are a different matter.

[Snarky123]

Thanks again.

Considering my situation, what are the pluses and minuses of the following areas (or those you mentioned)?

River Oaks
Gallerina Area
Midtown area
Rice Military area

A townhouse or a condo would be fine for a while, I think.

[cheryjohns]

Originally Posted by Snarky123

Thanks again.

Considering my situation, what are the pluses and minuses of the following areas (or those you mentioned)?

River Oaks
Gallerina Area
Midtown area
Rice Military area

A townhouse or a condo would be fine for a while, I think.

All of those areas aren't really that far apart from each other. All are going to be a reverse commute and all are close to restaurants and bars. A lot of young professionals in all of them. It will boil down to just finding a place you like as to the rental. Go to www.har.com

[City Love]

What are you looking to pay in rent?

If you have small dogs and are mostly inside. I would consider an inner loop townhome in Midtown, Upper Kirby, or off Washington Ave. I think you will find exactly what you want there. Lots of restaurants, bars, clubs, and young professionals. No way you would feel lonely.

You also have some big great parks near by. You could go to Memorial Park, Hermann Park, or even Discovery Green in downtown.

[Snarky123]

Thanks! A townhouse sounds right. What should I expect to pay in one of those neighborhoods?

Any more thoughts?

[chris_ut]

You can check prices at Houston Real Estate - Houston Homes, Houston Home Value and Houston Relocation

[elsa137]

The Energy Corridor is pretty far from downtown Houston. Unlike more centralized cities, Houston is very spread out and downtown isn't necessarily where all the action is... but that's just MO.

Much closer to the Energy Corridor is a new development called CityCentre. It's contrived, yes, but it is very popular, has a lot of very hip restaurants and available upscale housing. The link is below. I am sensitive to the distance because I live in Jersey Village and work in the Med Center (far), and even when traffic is light driving a long distance every day eventually wears you down.

www.citycentre.com