Galleria, Houston, TX

Singles and families alike. There are upscale apartments, lofts and townhomes in the area, as well as, established neighborhoods such as Highland Village, Tanglewood and Lamar Terrace. Mostly professionals and people on the go. A lot of private business owners have found this area ripe for realizing their dreams. The Galleria is not for the faint at heart though. It's busy, gutsy & edgy...just as the people that live within. You can find people from all walks of life, but I doubt you will find the laid back type that just wants to relax in the backyard.

Five Star restaurants such as The Oceanaire, State Grille, Del Frisco's and Grotto. Best bars found in the upscale hotels in the area, such as Hotel Derek & The Westin Galleria. Favorite hot spot....Belvedere for a party and Sullivan's for a layed back atmosphere, a stiff drink and live entertainment. Bice retaurant offers special wines and signiture drinks for it's happy hours and has a particular draw for the upper crust drinkers in the area. Kona Grille offers two happy hours on Thursday & Friday's. One for those that get off a little earlier and another for those that just cannot part with the office before 6pm. DJ included with the second happy hour. Ra Sushi is another great hang out spot for the young and happening.

Rental prices can get a little pricey in this area, but it is an excellent area to live in for several reasons. I think it is well worth the rental prices that it yields because of the location & an quality of living. Everything that you could ever need or desire is in this area and if it is not, it is within a 10 mile radius. You can pretty much lease any type of living facility to accomodate your needs and the further you go away from the Galleria, I am sure that you can find the price you are looking for as well. But if you want to stay within close proximity to the Galleria, you are going to pay.

Westheimer and Post Oak can get congested at certain times of the day due to the lunch crowd and shoppers. The Galleria has ample parking for all. And as I have said before the Highland Village and Uptown Park provide great alternatives to shopping, if the Galleria becomes a bit conjested for your taste. Most of the newer contruction in regards to apartments tend to build their own parking garages for convienance. I would suggest going with one of those if you can afford to do so for the comfort and security. The Metro bus system is the only good alternative to driving in this area. Eventually the metro rail will be accessible in the Galleria area also.

You have great options for renting in the Galleria area. Lots of choices and variety of locations to choose from. You can find a simple corporate apartment at some of the complexes for a quick fix until you become acclimated to the area. I would suggest one of the nice loft apartments off of Sage or McCue. They are for the stylish & chic. Tanglewood and Briar forest are great areas to lease single famiy dwellings, if you have the means to do so. Oh, and Highland Village is another great location before you get to the extremely pricey River Oaks.

Pets are welcome, but not much green space for them unless you buy/rent a single family home. Closest dog park on Westpark @ 610.Rice Unversity and Memorial Park also provide walking trails that are pet friendly. There are several doogie hotels in the area for the frequent flier as well.

For family entertainment, how about taking in a little ice skating at the Galleria. Or an afternoon at the movies sounds like fun. The closest theater would be the Edwards Grand Palace theater on Wesleyan. But for an off beat Indie or Foreign film, try the Greenway Plaza theater. Oh! And the Williams Tower is a great date night spot with one of the largest man made waterfalls in the middle of the park. You can feed the ducks there as well. Or maybe you want to take the dogs out for an adventure. The nearest doggie park is located on Westpark and 610, or you can try the walking trails at Memorial Park. Rice University walking trails are pet friendly also. There is a plethera of fine dining in the area, so eat until your little heart is content!

Westheimer, Post Oak and San Felipe for all of the shopping and fine dining you could ever dream of! The nearby Highland Village and Uptown shopping Center also provide  the perfect shopping option for the Galleria's overflow. For a taste of the nightlife you will have to venture downtown or you can find a quaint pub or lounge in the Montrose area. Some of the best restuarants in the Houston area are found on the streets surrounding the Galleria.

HEB's Central Market would be my best recommendation for grocery shopping in the area. You can get almost anything from every end of the earth at this store. From spices imported from India to fine a wine from Italy. Whole Foods is another great option for the shopper with great concern for only buying organic. In the Galleria area you can pretty much find at least three banks for each block. Were there is money, or the spending of money, there will be banks. Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and one of my favorites Properity bank, are all within blocks of the Galleria. There is a very popular 24hr Fitness on Post Oak and a brand new New Level gym in close proximity.

Most are zoned to great elementary schools...Lanier Middle school and Lamar High for an exemplary education. Briar Forest, Thompson  and Will Rogers are other great public school options in the area. Of course there are private school options as well. St. Johns, Episcopal and St. Thomas are just a few of the private schools easily accessed from the Galleria area. The Galleria is of course and excellent option for shopping, but you can also take in a movie, go ice skating or go to build stuffed animals together at Build a Bear. If the Galleria is too conjested for you, the nearby Uptown Center & Highland Village are other great options for shopping and family outings.