Overview
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Greenway Upper Kirby is a great area for business professionals that need easy access into downtown. Several businesses are in the area as well. It's a little congested, but you can find great new construction townhomes in the area. Single family dwellings are a little scarce, and have smaller lots...but you can find them. Another great option for housing would be in one of the high rises of Greenway Plaza built back in the early 1980's, but most have been renovatted and are really nice. Their are also several upscale loft apartments in the area. For entertainment I would suggest the best movie theater in town, on Wesleyan with 24 theaters and Harlows restaurant on the first floor. They even offer a special dinner & a movie package to help with cost for that special first date. There are plenty of eateries in the area. Some of my favorites that have the best reviews are Fleming's Steak House, Pesce and Pappadeux Seafood. Most of this area is still devoted to businesses and traffic can be a bit overwhelming at times. But the location also provides you easy access into Downtown's theater district, the Museum district and the Galleria for other source of entertainment. I would highly suggest Whole Foods and Central market for all of your grocery needs. Currently listed for leases are multi-family (duplex) dwellings from $700 to single family upwards of $3000 per month. You can also find a few of the high rises for as little as $1250 per month.
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The Upper Kirby area has a stong appeal to the business professionals that need to get in and out of the Galleria area and downtown Houston. The biggest perk of the area in regards to leasing would be that there will always be a variety of accomodations to choice from. In this area you can lease anything from a corporate apartment, to a high-rise or even a single family dwelling (which are actually few & far between). Your best bet would be to get into a townhome or loft apartment. The newest trend of the European style condo, which will have shops, grocery stores & restuarants below, would be ideal. The biggest asset to Upper Kirby is it's accessibility and the biggest drawback would be the fact that it is conjested and has heavy traffic at certain times of the day.
If you work at Greenway Plaza this is a very convenient area to live. There is a Costco, Regal Theater, and lots of shopping and restaurants close by.
There is the best farmers market across the street from Camden Greenway on Richmond and East Side (i think). http://www.urbanharvest.org/programs/market/index.html
Young Business professionals ages 25-35 (approx) that need easy access in and out of downtown. There are also several businesses in the area that supply corporate living accomodations for their employees. Another twist is that you find quite a few "empty nesters" living in the high-rise and mid-rise developments. Overall this location provides easy access for business professionals and is highly favored by that group.
Best hot spot...Club Europa. Several restaurants in the area between Highland Village and Rice Village shopping areas. Most popular restaurants....Fleming's Steakhouse, Pesce and the State Grille. Rice Village is within the same vicinity as Highland Village and offers pretty much the same ammenities. The higher end restaurants being in Highland Village. There are also several intimate lounges and bars in the area that have a lot to offer to the individual that prefers a "happy hour", before heading home.
The quality of living is exemplary for the business professional seeking easy access. For someone looking for space, peace of mind and room to breathe, not so much. Rental prices vary. You can find small corporate apartments to lease very inexpensively or you could go for a high end high rise or some of the newer construction lofts/townhomes in the area.
Easy access into downtown, the galleria area and River Oaks. Parking is questionable depending on where you live. A lot of parking on the streets. Transporation in and out of the area may be difficult at times due to the high traffic areas & times. Other alternative to driving would be to just take the Metro bus system into downtown or where you need to go. Parking in the high-rise garages and apartement parking lots will not be a problem. But there are some of the single family dwellings and townhomes that aren't that conducive to having more than one vehicle or lots of visitors over on a regular basis.
My best advise would be to save yourself some time and frustation by using a Realtor that is educated on the area. Secondly, if you have an opportunity to visit before relocating, take time to drive the area and get a feel for the neighborhood. It offers great accessibility and some fabulous living accomodations, but it may not be for everyone. Neighboring Galleria, West U or even the Montrose area may be a better fit for you.
Pets are welcome, but the area is not really pet friendly. Not mucg greenspace, open areas for walking or parks for that matter. Closest dog park is on Westpark @ 610. There are also several doggie hotels in the area for the frequent flier.
Plenty of eateries, best movie theater on Weslayan off of HWY 59 and club Europa. Other than that....go into downtown. Some of the highly recommended restuarants in the area are Fleming's Steak House (Alabama & Kirby), Pesce Seafood (Kirby), Pappadeaux Seafood Cafe (Richmond) and I would also recommend Churrascos South American (Kirby). You can also enjoy fabulous happy hours at Ra Sushi in the nearby Highland Village or Benji's has a very popular happy hour with the young professionals.
Recommended streets for activity would be Kirby, Richmond & Westheimer. You can find anything to get into on any of these streets or you may even find the perfect job on them as well. For renting, I would suggest some of the side streets off of these main areas for a little peace & serenity. The newer condos are typically located on the main streets and supply easy accesibility to all of the businesses, shops & eateries in the area.
Whole Foods, Rice Epicurian and Central market are the main grocery stores in the area. Plenty of banks. Most popular gym...One to One Fitness Training on Kirby. But you can always find a 24 hr. fitness or even the Next Level gym is in close proximity. Banks pretty much on every corner to provide convenience and accessibility to all of the businesses in the area. For instance, on the corner of Richmond & Buffalo Spdwy there are two Chase banks directly across the street from each other. Similiar to Starbucks in some cities.
Children would be zoned to Lanier Middle and Lamar High, two of the best public schools in the city. St. John's one of the best private schools in the neighborhood. As for the elementary school this area has the option of Poe Elementary & River Oaks Elementary. Both exemplary schools.
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