Uptown

You'll find the area is dominated by professionals, from CFOs of major corporations and big names in oil and gas, to mid-level management. Generally, the age range here tends to skew older, as the people who live here are more established in their careers and have the money to afford an Uptown lifestyle. There's also lots of diversity in Uptown, as there's a significant wealthy ex-pat community that resides here.

There are plenty of bars in the area, along with famous restaurants, that reside in Uptown. The Galleria boasts many fabulous places to shop and delicious eateries, like Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse and The Oceanaire Seafood Room.

Uptown Park is a shopping center full of fabulous places to wine and dine, including the swanky Belvedere lounge, The Tasting Room for a glass of wine or Uptown Sushi for a cocktail at the bar (you'll find plenty of cougars at this restaurant) or some sushi in the fabulous see-and-be-seen dining room.

You could grab some fresh sushi or the signature edamame hummus at Sage 400, or experience some Latin flavor at Americas on Post Oak. If you're looking for some pricey, but excellent Southwestern cuisine, Cafe Annie's will have you singing praises about the Schiller and Del Grande families (The Schillers own the restaurant, and Robert Del Grande is the chef.) There are other upscale restaurants in Uptown, like The Capital Grille and Arcodoro Ristorante Italiano that have gotten rave reviews.

Since there are so many upscale hotels in the area, there are plenty of hotel bars to frequent. Hotel Derek, a newer boutique hotel in Uptown, has a great bar amidst modern ambiance.

There are also several gentlemen's clubs in the area, if that's your cup of tea.

This is a very pricey area to live in, and you're paying for location, location, location. The convenience of having great shopping and a huge variety of dining options comes at a price. One bedrooms at some of the apartment complexes start in the mid $900s, and two-bedrooms are in the mid $1000s, but the more exclusive buildings (with all kinds of amenities) can go over $10,000. Many of the buildings offer club room, fitness center and concierge services. Just be sure you're willing to pay for it!

A car will be your main mode of transportation, although if you're staying in the Galleria area, you could probably get by on foot. Some of the exclusive residences may offer a car service for nights and weekends. They would take you to your destination, and pick you up when it's over.

Parking can be a pain, especially if you're shopping in the Galleria. There are plenty of free parking garages surrounding the mall area, but you might have to walk a while to and from your car.

The METRO buses have routes in the Uptown area, and provide around 10 different routes. These include the 6, 33, 82 and 283/286. By 2012, the METRO light rail will run to Uptown, making for convenient travel to and from other locations in the Inner Loop, including Downtown, Rice Village, Midtown and Uptown.

• Make sure you find out about what parking options are available at your complex. Some of the high-rises and mid-rises may offer valet service or a car service for weekends and evenings.
• Also investigate whether or not the building is just for rent, or if there are a mix of renters and owners (there are a lot of condo buildings in Uptown that are a mix). Beware that if there is a mix, owners and renters may not get along. There have been owners in the Uptown area that claimed renters brought down their property value, and it can be a point of contention while you're living there.

Although there are people with pets in the area, there aren't quite as many outdoor areas in Uptown that are suitable for pets to play.

The Williams Waterwall has a green area that could be perfect for a walk with your pooch.

The Williams Tower (formerly the Transco Tower) is one of the largest (and most beautiful) towers in the Houston area, and is home to the Waterwall. The Waterwall is a Pritzker Architecture prize-winning curved fountain sculpture, which sits right near a large patch of grass and Texas Live Oak trees. You'll find this is a great place to have a picnic on a warm afternoon, or a romantic place to bring a date.

If you're looking for something to do in Uptown, there will never be a shortage of places to shop! The Galleria is the largest mall in Texas, and the seventh largest in the country. Check out Uptown Park for more shopping options. You might also appreciate specialty retailers like Elizabeth Anthony/Ester Wolf and Tootsies, which are home to many trunk shows and fashion shows throughout the year.

The area right near the Galleria is one of the most congested areas in Houston. There is always plenty to do (and eat and shop for) in this area, and you'll find it is bustling almost everyday of the week. Traffic will become particularly bad during rush hour or on weekends, so plan accordingly.

The Galleria is located on Westheimer, the long road full of places to eat and things to do, spanning from the Uptown area to Downtown. You'll find that most of the high rise apartments and condos are very close to Westheimer, and that this street is a central fixture to this area. Post Oak Blvd. is also home to many of the eateries and shopping options in Uptown as well. You'll find these streets have unique street signs (large circles hanging from wires) that give the area an even more upscale feel.

All your essentials will be located close by wherever you live in Uptown, and you'll find plenty of organic grocery stores, such as Whole Foods, right off of Kirby and Westheimer, and Central Market on Westheimer and Weslayan. There are a variety of banks, dry cleaners, pharmacies and other businesses that can take care of your daily needs located right on Westheimer (or right nearby on Richmond). There's a huge Chase building on Richmond, and a Bank of America branch right past the Galleria on Westheimer.

Post offices are located the Galleria, on Sage (home to many high rises and apartments) and on Woodway.

There is a nice 24 Hour Fitness facility in the area, along with an upscale fitness club, The Houstonian Club.

Uptown is zoned to the Houston Independent School District and that includes Briargrove and St. George Place Elementary Schools, Grady Middle School and Lee, Lamar or Westside High Schools. Lamar has been recognized in Newsweek and US News and World Report as a school that performs well, with both an AP and IB program. Wealthier students who reside in Uptown often opt to go to Lamar, if they remain in the public school system.

If your child is zoned to Briargrove Elementary School, they can apply to attend Briarmeadow Charter School. T.H. Rogers School, a Vanguard magnet school, serves gifted and talented students from kindergarten through 8th grade, and some groups of impaired students through 12th grade.

There are also several private schools in the nearby area that children may attend, such as St. Michael School, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory and St. Agnes Academy,  The Awty International School, St. John's School and The Kinkaid School.

The Art Institute of Houston is also located in the Uptown area.