Moving to Houston from Louisiana (rent, townhouse, schools)

[Julesunder]

I'm doing a short move to Houston from just over the stateline. I'm kinda famliar with Houston, but not really. My new office is off the 8, just south of 59. I'm trying to narrow down an area to live.

I would like to stay within the 8, but outside of the 610.
I'm attempting to have no more than a 20 min drive to the office, if possible.
I would like a 2 bedroom with a den or 3 bedroom, newer townhouse with an attached garage.
My budget is 2,000-2,500 in rent per month, depending on the details (large master bath, walk in closets...blah blah blah).
Im interested in an area with running trails and stuff to do. I don't want to be stuck in suburbia yet. Just turned 30, no kids, so schools are not important.
Would like to be social, but not college/club-ish.

Ideas?

Gulfton, sharpstown, woodlake...are these the areas i should be looking in? Or am I way off?

Thanks

[Lost_In_Translation]

What about an apt just inside the loop on the southwest side, like the meyerland apts at south braeswood at 610? Close enough to the galleria and rice area but you could just hop on south post oak to main to beltway 8?