32 and relocating to Houston (The Woodlands, Bellaire: neighborhoods, university, quality of life)

[Exoro]

Hello and thanks for the comments in advance.

I just relocated to Houston for a job opporunity based out of The Woodlands. Most folks out here say it is very family oriented with not much going on. Its just a safehaven for folks with money and families.

I am a single guy at 32 who just moved to a new city I know nothing about. I am curious what people who live here think is the best place to live for singles that want the best possible experience. I do however still have to travel to The Woodlands everyday.

My budget is around 800-1200.

Any ideas guys ?

[houstonfan]

I have friends in the Heights that do that commute everyday and they love where they live. Lots of young singles there and south of IH10, yet commute wouldn't be too bad going against traffic. I think heights are zips 77008 and 77018? Rentwise, not sure, but I think you can find good places in your range.

[VSAngel]

You probably want to live in proximity to highway 59 North - This takes you all the way to the Woodlands from central Houston/the Inner Loop for your commute.

Personally, I think living inside the Loop is the best option for singles, as opposed to out in the suburbs. Residential areas that are right on highway 59 include West University/the Medical Center, Bellaire, Richmond/Westheimer and Meyerland. You could easily find a 1 or 2 bedroom within your price range in these areas. Richmond/Westheimer and the Medical Center/West University are probably the most expensive, though.

Traffic can get pretty bad, but it's worth living close to everything, in my opinion

[houstonfan]

Isn't Woodlands up 45N? I would consider living close to 45, north of IH10 as it gts congested at peak hours at IH10x45. In the evenings and weekends, it's a short drive to all the fun singles places like Washington St, midtown, Galleria, Memorial park, etc. Or you can live in midtown close to 45(where most singles probably rent?) and take a longer commute, but I hate that stretch of 45...congested. Anyway, good luck, I'm sure others will chime in soon.

[VSAngel]

I usually take 59N to the Woodlands. 45N would put the OP closer to neighborhoods like Memorial/Heights, but it seems he would have more options with 59 for Med Ctr/Bellaire etc neighborhoods.

[Oildog]

I'd live in the Heights www.har.com zip 77008. Need to be near 45N for the commute. I spoke w some singles who lived in the Woodlands...they were miserable.

[rogerbacon]

Live close to where you work. The stress you save on commuting will go a long way to improving your quality of life. You cna always drive into the city on weekends to meet people.
I moved to Houston July 1st, 2010. I have found it amazingly easy to meet people. I already have six friends that I get together with once a week. I joined several meetup groups and we're going to the beach this weekend. Houston people are very friendly. I even had a Border's clerk give me a 'high-5' for having exact change. lol

[Exoro]

Wow great replies guys. I didnt expect such well thought out suggestions. It seems the majority lean to midtown, heights or the loop. Also the suggestion to commute on the weekends to join the scene had some value.

[houstonfan]

Actually, the loop refers to Highway 610. Inside the loop is Midtown 77006/77019, the Heights 77008, Montrose 77019, Rice Miliatary 77007, Med Ctr 77030, Upper kirby 77098, etc...they're all pretty close to each other and don't necessarily have strict boundaries. Young single people tend to live inside the loop or in the Galleria, just west outside of the loop. The question is where inside the loop? Heights save you alot of time as that stretch of 45 south of IH10 is heavily congested at peak hours, or 59 for that matter. Staying north of IH10 is best imho. But if you prefer being in the center of everything, then Midtown or Montrose is prob best.
Check out this map to help orient you
http://www.visithoustontexas.com/dow...ods_102306.pdf