Need Info: Rush Hour Traffic in NW Houston (Briar, West: apartment complex, lofts)

[Jeepsquad]

Hi everyone! I will be moving to Houston in January for a new job, and would like to get some information about rush hour traffic in NW Houston. Since I am a young professional and enjoy the urban setting, I'd like to live in the Inner Loop or West Loop/Galleria area. Work will be located near Beltway 8 and Clay Rd. (please refer to the map, below).



I'd like to keep the commute under 30 minutes each way (ideally, less than 20 min). Are there any frequent traffic jams along the way that may pose a problem? Are there any intersections that should be avoided? Thanks for the advice in advance!

[Oildog]

Take a look at the traffic map in www.chron.com to get ideas on rush hour. I-10 is MUCH improved after renovations. You would be fine to look inner loop. Check out www.har.com and type zip codes 77006, 77019, 77007, 77008.

[XodoX]

Well, if you live in that green area, then you won't have any problems. It's a reversed commute. The traffic on the Beltway won't be bad.

[EasilyAmused]

15 minutes tops from 610 at 10. But if you live in Uptown or ITL, just getting to freeway is the trick. If you can find a location that is close to 10 (never use 610, it's hell 24/7) that would be ideal.

[daisee1203]

Hey! I make that drive every morning. I leave at 6:30 to get to work by 7. I-10 is clear and free going out of town, which is how you would be travelling. Coming home is a different story. Either way you go (610 going to Heights or out 290, 1-10 going to Heights, Midtown or Downtown, 610 going to Galleria or 59S going anywhere but the Land of Oz at that time) is sticky. Once I approach any of those areas I'm looking at about an additional 20-30. If its raining...ugh.

If you work for a big company they might have a car or vanpool. Those work for some people. I just prefer my-ipod. : )

Congrats on your new job!!!

[cheryjohns]

Galleria would be easier for short commute. Inner Loop - add 15 minutes minimum to a 20 minute commute.i

[cheryjohns]

Galleria zips - 77063,77056

[Jeepsquad]

Thanks for the info! After some thought, I think I'm going to try to get a place a little further west in the Energy Corridor area. The primary reason is because I can find more affordable housing in the Briarforest and Westchase areas. I'm also considering getting a roommate and living at the Alexan Bunker Hill or Alexan Silber which are both off of I-10. Perhaps after moving to Houston and getting more familiar with the area, I'll make a move to a more desirable/centralized location (i.e. Inner Loop).

[EasilyAmused]

Originally Posted by Jeepsquad

Thanks for the info! After some thought, I think I'm going to try to get a place a little further west in the Energy Corridor area. The primary reason is because I can find more affordable housing in the Briarforest and Westchase areas. I'm also considering getting a roommate and living at the Alexan Bunker Hill or Alexan Silber which are both off of I-10. Perhaps after moving to Houston and getting more familiar with the area, I'll make a move to a more desirable/centralized location (i.e. Inner Loop).

Alexan at Memorial Bend is right off the Sam Houston at Memorial, and right across from CityCentre. I'd think that would be a great location for you. Everything you would need is in that area. it's just one block east of The Energy Corridor...or actually I think it will soon be included in that phrase. There are some smaller oil companies opening offices in there. Great entertaining spot.

[CCMayor]

Jeepsquad: You have probably already made your decision, but I would not count out the actual CityCentre development. You would have two choices in this area, one being The Lofts and the other being Domain. The Lofts are located above retail shops and Domain is a separate Apartment complex. Both are comparable to the Alexan complexes that you mention.

As a young, professional urbanite myself, I can tell you that living here is great! You have more than 5 restaurants within 5 minutes walking distance and more than 10 restaurants within 15 minutes walking distance. The best part is that the nightlife is hot! There are multiple bars within 1-2 minutes walking distance.

I am new to the forums so I cannot link, but I would suggest that you do a forum search here for a thread called "What's Now Open at CityCentre." You will find a link in there to a helpful blog. Look in the "Useful Links" section of that blog for links to The Lofts and Domain.

Keep us updated on if you decide to move to either of the options listed here. I can put you in contact with management at both if necessary.