Medical Center or Galleria? (Houston, Kirby: crime, school, university)

[blue_haze]

Hi guys I'm a 25 year old single African American male relocating from Ohio and I work as a cna. I have my sites on two areas of town the medical center and galleria. I'd like to know which area is cheaper and safer has more things to do and would be a better choice. I'm moving down without a vehicle. So proximity to a Houston metro stop would be great and also the livliness of an area.any info will be greatly appreciated.

[14Bricks]

Bro, do not move here without a car. Buttom line you need one to get around. As far as the Gallaria or the Med center. Both are nice areas, but if I had to choose one, I would go with the Med Center. Its close to everything. Herman Park, The Museum District, Rice Village, Rice University, The light rail. Both areas are pricey. As far safety, crime can happend anywhere, you just have to be cautious like you would in any be big city. But overall I would say both areas are "safe."

[blue_haze]

Your right crime can happen anywhere. And I know moving without a car will make things more difficult but you gotta play with the cards your dealt and it certainly isn't impossible especially if you live near major amenities like a busline downtown or grocery store.

[HUM398]

Originally Posted by blue_haze

Hi guys I'm a 25 year old single African American male relocating from Ohio and I work as a cna. I have my sites on two areas of town the medical center and galleria. I'd like to know which area is cheaper and safer has more things to do and would be a better choice. I'm moving down without a vehicle. So proximity to a Houston metro stop would be great and also the livliness of an area.any info will be greatly appreciated.

You say your an African American Male, but the real question is how important is it for you to say close to or near an African-American Community?

Reason why i ask is because many African Americans in Houston (not all, just many) like to stay in some close proximity to a black community. if this is the case, Medical center wins (Close to 3rd Ward) If you are just looking for good amenities, Galleria/Uptown.

if you are inside the loop, you are fine as far as metro goes. Again, id pick Medical center in terms of best transit and accessibility to grocery stores and what not. Theirs a Krogers accessible through light rail south of TMC, a Randalls off main near downtown and a couple of other markets just east of TMC within walking distances depending on where you live.

[blue_haze]

Thank you hums and both areas seem desirable. I wonder if the TMC would be slightly less congested. I know the inner loop is a good fit for me now the issue is finding out everything else.

[westres1]

TMC and reconsider the car issue. You will need it.

[westhou]

Originally Posted by blue_haze

Thank you hums and both areas seem desirable. I wonder if the TMC would be slightly less congested. I know the inner loop is a good fit for me now the issue is finding out everything else.

Both areas are extremely congested. But that's the way every business district in Houston is. I've lived Uptown for a few years now and love it. I have a car so transit isn't a issue but there are plenty of bus stops in the area. Like someone said earlier, I would really reconsider the car issue. It's possible to do without one but it's a hassle from what I hear. You really don't have to limit yourself to Uptown and TMC. Upper Kirby District is also a great area for a young professional. You would be sorta in between TMC and Uptown. That's probably what I would do in your situation. Good luck wherever you decide on.

[Pine to Vine]

blue - I can't support enough the folks who tell you to bring a car. If it's not feasible, then you have some serious considerations to make. Where will you be working or going to school? If dt, the TMC is a slam-dunk w/out a car, since you'll have rail access. If not, seriously think about transit. Traffic in both areas is rough, especially at commuting time, so you'll need to calculate how you'll get to where you need to be. Multiple bus changes can be a hassle.

TMC is more a working district, so is more quiet at night than the Galleria, although you can make your way by to Rice Village and Montrose if you're willing to walk. Further, sometimes areas as far south as Old Spanish Trail call themselves "Med Ctr" but they are more remote and pretty residential. As for as amenities alone, I think Uptown/Galleria offers more shopping and nightlife within a more compact area. It is technically "outside the loop" but it is right on the loop - not worth the distinction in my mind.

Hopefully you can come down and take at look at each area before you make your choice. If all you've down is look on-line, I'd look at other areas, as well. Mid-town could be a really good fit as it continues to offer more and more activities and lving options plus it's close to rail.

Good luck.

[houstonfan]

If you don't plan to get a car for a while, live in area closest to your job and access to rail, as you'll be going there everyday and it'll make you grumpy if you're having to do 3 bus changes taking 1hr+ each way in pouring rain or extreme heat.

[Jesse69]

Going without a car is very difficult. You should get a decent hybrid bike [$450], U Lock [$50], and backpack then you can get around easily and grocery often too. Make sure you have nights or a rear blinker if you bike at night, or you could get run over.

Houston's public transit stinks compared to Chicago's.