Westchase

This area is extremely diverse, with a healthy mix of young professionals, families and elderly people. The homes in the neighborhood are populated with families and elderly people who lived there before the area came up. There are many new apartment developments that are occupied by young professionals, newlywed couples, and small families. There are a few pockets of Boomtown apartments that are filled with mostly families due to the relatively inexpensive rent in the area.

If you love the social life, from dining to clubbing, then this is definately the neighborhood for you.

Restaurants consist of mainly chain restaurants (Chilis, Applebees, fast food), but there are a few unique family owned restaurants nestled within strip centers off of Westheimer. Chief among those are Sylvias Enchilada Kitchen, on Westheimer and Dairy Ashford, and Phonicia Deli, on Westheimer at Gray Falls.

Nightlife is when the strip really opens up. There are quite a number of bars to go to, either after work or on the weekends. Here are some notables:

• Fox and Hound (Westheimer) - This British style pub offers at least 25 beers on tap and even more in bottles. They also do a very reasonably priced lunch and dinner. The pub also features darts, pool, a huge patio, and weekly poker tournaments.
• Buffalo Wild Wings (Westheimer) - Although this is a restaurant, they serve decent drinks and lots and lots of sports around the bar. Be aware that on weekends and game nights, this place is packed.
• Sherlocks Pub (Westheimer) - This is the big bar to go to on a Friday night after work. Mostly filled with young professionals fresh out of college, except a loud and fun time.

There aren't many clubs in the area. There is a huge nightlife complex called "Hush" located on I-10, about a 25 minute drive from the neighborhood. There are also many gentlemans clubs eastbound on Westheimer.

The rental pricing of this neighborhood is very reasonable, but just watch where you are living. Take time to drive by and observe both the day and the nightlife. What looks like a quiet apartment complex during the day can turn out to be a loud party-plex in the evening. Also ask smart-consumer questions about the property and remember, if its way underpriced, there is a reason behind it.

Most of older complexes feature very few amenities that may be important to you, such as washer/dryer in unit or updated appliances. Nearly all of them have central air conditioning and carpet. These older complexes are low-priced, starting at $450-500 for a one bedroom, and $650-800 for a two or more bedroom.

Since the start of construction of several office buildings in the area, there has been demand for newer apartments with amenities designed to attract the new professionals working in the area. These apartments usually include washer/dryer in unit, private balconies, giant closets, and two bathrooms. They go anywhere from $650 and up for a one bedroom/one bath, to $800 and up for a two or more bedrooms/two bath.

Parking is no problem in this neighborhood. There are a few shopping centers that you may have issues with at peak times, but for the most part there is no shortage of parking.

You can also commute to work via the 25 Richmond bus or the 82 Westheimer bus. Both run very efficiently, although they do take the long way to downtown.

If you are a driver, you have the choice of Beltway 8 or the Westpark Tollway. If you find yourself taking the tollway every day, invest in an EZ-Tag system for your car. You will then have access to the EZ Pass lanes and its automatically debited out of your EZ Tag account. From the Beltway, you can take either I-10 or 59.

In this neighborhood, what looks bad from the outside may be hiding an absolute gem of an apartment. Take the time to go to each property and inspect the apartment that you will be living in, not the show apartment.

Also, never take an apartment in this neighborhood sight unseen. There may be aspects of the neighborhood that aren't mentioned in the real estate ad that are a deal breaker for you, such as proximity to a bar or blighted strip center.

Due to the competitive nature of this area, and the glut of apartments, there are many deals to be had. Remember to ask the apartment management if there are any special offers that might not have been mentioned in an ad.

Due to the size of most older complexes, there might not be room for a large dog in the apartment. There are many apartments that have weight or breed restrictions on dogs, so be sure to ask the management if your pooch is allowed.

The newer complexes are larger and may be better for you and your animals. Remember the weight/breed restrictions also on the animals.

In most, if not all apartments, there are pet deposits. These can range from $250 to $400, with usually a quarter of it non-refundable. You can also ask the apartments to work with you on paying this deposit off in installments.

There unfortunately aren't any dog parks in the area at the moment, but this should change soon.

What is there NOT to do in this neighborhood?

Westheimer is the main strip of not only this neighborhood, but Houston in general. You can find shops, malls, antique stores, bookshops and many other features just off of Westheimer.

Twenty or so minutes west on Westheimer is West Oaks Mall. This mall features Alamo Drafthouse theater, where you can dine while watching a first run movie, or on special theme nights when they show older films. They also have an impressive beer and wine list.

You can also play golf at the Royal Oaks Country Club, located on Westheimer and Royal Oaks Drive. This is one of the most exclusive clubs in Houston, where you can usually spot a local sports star or celebrity.

Westheimer and Richmond are the main arteries of this neighborhood. Richmond is the quieter of the two, with neighborhoods west of the beltway and businesses to the east.

Westheimer is an interesting drive that can give you a slice of Houstons history better than some books. There is quite a bit of blight, but the stores are still operating at the same frequency as they did when they first opened 20 or so years ago. Be warned however, that this street is constantly busy, no matter what time of day or night. In the rush hours both major streets get extremely backed up near the beltway.

There are plenty of grocery stores to choose from in Westchase. There is a Whole Foods located on Wilcrest and Westheimer, and also a Kroger Signature on Westheimer before the Beltway.  There is also a very new super HEB at Westheimer and Kirkwood. This HEB features a deli, bank, fresh sushi and a meat counter.

Banks are also plentiful, with several large banks along Westheimer to smaller branches on the same street.

There are several gyms to choose from, including 24-Hour Fitness, Ballys, and a YMCA.

Laundromats are not so plentiful, but many of the apartment complexes have an on-site laundry, if not a washer/dryer in the unit. However, there are many dry cleaners available.

This neighborhood is quite family friendly, with an abundance of schools and daycare.

Depending on your zip code, you will be zoned to either Alief or Houston school districts. Be certain that you visit http://www.houstonisd.org/  to check to see if your zip code is included in their list.

The apartments are also roomy enough for children, but there are apartments that are virtually childfree.