Where do young professionals live in Houston? (The Woodlands, Allen: to rent, neighborhoods)

[MemphisElle]

Hi All

I am a young professional (32/f) moving to Houston from Chicago via Memphis. I am fond of ethnically diverse, somewhat trendy neighborhoods. I am a runner and usually get out before the sun rises so safety is a concern to me. I am looking to rent for now, so can anyone recommend good neighborhoods with easily accessible shopping, restaurants, and social activities. Not looking for the college crowd. Also would help if STRAIGHT singles lived in the vicinity. I am starting from scratch here. Don't know much about Houston but I know I need to leave the scourge of the south called Memphis and Houston was where my paper airplane landed. LOL. Thanks

[carolineb]

This club looks like it might be good for you so you don't have to run alone:

Welcome to Memorial Park Running Club (MPRC). We've been running the streets and trails of Houston, Texas, since August of 2000. We are a mid-sized running club with runners of all ages and speeds.

We meet every week in Memorial Park on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays at 5 A.M. and Saturdays at 6 A.M. and 6:30 A.M. Our runs start by the benches in front of the warm-up area by Memorial Park's tennis courts. We also do Dash-n-Dines and assorted social events, on announced dates.

Our Monday-Thursday runs are 5-6 miles long. The courses vary from between Memorial Park to Shepherd and back or Memorial Park to the Polo Grounds and back.

We have two runs on Saturday. The 6 A.M. run, our most well-attended run of the week, is generally 10-14 miles and includes vehicle support. The vehicle carries the water and Gatorade provided by each individual runner in a cooler that is driven and dropped off every few miles. The vehicle is also available to pick up runners who are tired or would prefer to shorten the run. Our 6:30 A.M. run covers a shorter distance, 6 miles, but does not include vehicle support.

All of our runs welcome visitors, so if you'd like to see us, email or come meet us out at Memorial Park!

[Mr. Krinkle]

I would check out Memorial Park, Montrose\St. Thomas area, Midtown, and the Heights area. I live downtown and the downtown area works for me. My friend moved from Chicago and lives in the Rice Millitary area and loves it, but most people own places in that area. These places are also close to any kind of entertainment you want.

Memorial Park is probaly the most popular spot for runners, and all of the places I listed are within 10 minutes or less from the park. A lot of people run along the Buffalo Bayou Park as well.

You are definitely doing the right thing by renting first and checking things out. Send me a direct message or email if you need any other questions answered.

[texas7]

Try the midtown area -- just on the outskirts of downtown and it is the trendy place to leave and close to everything. Short drive to Memorial Park or you could run around Hermann Park & Rice University as well. Close to employers, restaurants, bars, etc. Lots of single professionals (and not-so-single as well).

[MemphisElle]

I think I like Houston already! The responses that I've received so far have been great, especially the running spots. People who don't run don't understand "the life" so I am appreciative for the suggestions and the running club information. Thanks again. I am sure I will enjoy all that Houston has to offer (except the Astros). Sorry - Cubs fans all the way. LOL

[Mr. Football]

Inside the Loop. We lived in Midtown for 5 or 6 years post college. Lots of fun. You may also try places in/around River Oaks and West U as well as the Galleria area.

[daisybear]

We recently moved from out of state and have been renting off Allen Parkway in the Memorial Heights area. Great location and close to Memorial Park. Along Allen Pkwy and the Bayou there are also running trails.

[carolineb]

We rented on Allen Pkwy & Montrose Blvd. - there were a lot of young professionals living there and of course just cross the street to jog. Another place to walk/jog is at the Houston Arboretum - it's free and you won't be running along side car smog for most of it.

[A.L.I. Designs, Inc.]

I would move to the Rice Military area. A article was written in Houston Lifestyle Magazine that it is the new "it place" to live in Houston.

[gimmemusik911]

You should try one of these areas:

Southwest - Sugarland
West - Westheimer/Galleria/Memorial area
North I-45 -- Spring/The Woodlands

In fact, I am certain a lot of young pro's live in apts around Research Park Drive, which is right on the Spring/Woodlands area.

Good luck and welcome!

Originally Posted by MemphisElle

Hi All

I am a young professional (32/f) moving to Houston from Chicago via Memphis. I am fond of ethnically diverse, somewhat trendy neighborhoods. I am a runner and usually get out before the sun rises so safety is a concern to me. I am looking to rent for now, so can anyone recommend good neighborhoods with easily accessible shopping, restaurants, and social activities. Not looking for the college crowd. Also would help if STRAIGHT singles lived in the vicinity. I am starting from scratch here. Don't know much about Houston but I know I need to leave the scourge of the south called Memphis and Houston was where my paper airplane landed. LOL. Thanks