Central Southwest - Houston, TX

In 1892, a small town located on a railroad line was named Almeda, after the founder's daughter. With its location about 10 miles from Houston, the tiny town grew slowly, adding a post office in 1893 and a small brick schoolhouse in 1914. By 1948, the town was home to 125 residents. It experienced a period of rapid growth, expanding to 1,750 residents by 1953. The post office closed in 1959 and the town was absorbed by the growing city of Houston, becoming one of its larger neighborhoods, Central Southwest. One of the area's first subdivisions was Almeda Plaza, and today you'll see the town's original name reflected in businesses and with Almeda Park. Central Southwest is considered one of Houston's 88 Super Neighborhoods.

With Downtown Houston just 10 miles north, terrific restaurants, excellent nightlife, top-rated performance venues, and sports events are all just minutes away from your new Central Southwest apartment. Houston is home to the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, the Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, and local hotspots like Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse. After your dinner or show, be sure to stop by the Flying Saucer Draught Emporium for a wide selection of beers. Closer to home, tailgating at NRG Stadium during football season provides fun and excitement. After the game, head to Island Sizzler Jamaican Rum Bar and Grill to celebrate.

Central Southwest is home to several Houston hotspots. The Square features great music and dancing for a fun evening out, while Second Seafood is the go-to spot for a family dinner (the catfish is highly recommended). Directly south of Central Southwest, Pearland Town Center provides popular chains like Whataburger and Red Robin along with other favorites like Fish City Grill and Gringo's Mexican Kitchen.

The Fannin South Station is the starting point of Houston's 13-mile red line, which whisks commuters and visitors along Main Street to various points throughout Houston, including the Museum District, the University of Houston-Downtown, NRG Park, and the Texas Medical Center. This is by far the most popular mode of transportation to and from Central Southwest -- an impressive 48,000 people ride the train daily. If you want to live within walking distance of the train station, look for your apartment near the corner of Holmes Road, Almeda Road, and Fannin Street. To reach the train station by car, the Fannin South Park & Ride is located at the corner of Fannin Street and West Bellfort Avenue. Bus service is also available.

For driving into Downtown Houston, take Highway 288 north. I-610 loops around Houston and provides fast access to I-69 and I-45 to reach destinations like George Bush Intercontinental Airport. For quick seaside getaways, take Highway 288 south to Surfside Beach or I-45 southeast to Galveston Island State Park. In about an hour, you'll be enjoying sun, surf, and sand along the impressive beaches of the Gulf Coast.

Sims Bayou runs through Central Southwest, and running and bicycle trails line sections of the bayou. The area also borders the largest of Houston's public parks. Townwood Park and Community Center features a pool, a baseball diamond, soccer fields, and a playground. Almeda Plaza Park contains a large playground and a covered basketball pavilion, and Brentwood Park provides green space and a playground.

The Wildcat Golf Club features full amenities at reasonable fees. It’s divided between two areas for testing your skills: the lakes and the highlands.The West Orem YMCA offers a full list of affordable exercise programs, a pool, and more. Elsewhere, pull together a team and take advantage of the Houston Sportsplex and their affordable rates for amateur softball and flag football leagues.

Nearby Hermann Park is a fantastic destination. This large, urban park features the Houston Zoo, the Hermann Park Golf Course, the Miller Outdoor Theatre, and the Houston Museum of Science. This historic park covers 445 acres and is one of the most-visited parks in Houston. The Hermann Park Conservancy, built in 1914, is a historic green space.

Annual events tend to be small affairs centered around traditional holidays, like the "After Dark in the Clarke" Halloween Festival in the Hiram Clarke area. Larger music and arts festivals in the museum district and downtown are easily accessible.

Residents of Central Southwest enjoy a cost of living that comes in at about the median rate for Houston. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $860, exceeding the city average. One-way bus fare to downtown Houston will set you back $1.25 and gas prices can be as low as 25 percent below the national average.

Houston has a reputation as a shopping destination with famous locations like the Galleria, just 15 minutes away from Central Southwest. From antique stores to high-end designers, you'll discover it all in Houston. For local trips to the grocery store, head to the plaza at the corner of Fuqua Street and Hiram Clarke Road. Here you'll find a CVS, a Foodarama Market, and several smaller stores and restaurants. On the south end of the neighborhood, Pearland Town Center is a large, outdoor shopping mall that features large department stores like Macy's and Dillard's and popular stores like Hot Topic, Fossil, Forever 21, Spencer's, and GameStop.

Just outside the neighborhood to the north, Meyerland Plaza is another popular shopping destination. This shopping mall contains JC Penney, Target, Marshalls, Ross, Pier 1 Imports, Stein Mart, Old Navy, and Carter's.

Head about six miles north on Main Street and discover Rice Village, a fantastic shopping village next to Rice University. Here you'll find shops like Talbots, Urban Outfitters, Banana Republic, and LOFT. Before heading home, stop off at Shops at 3 Corners, located near the intersection of Main Street and Old Spanish Trail. This shopping plaza features Fiesta Mart, Office Depot, Toys "R" Us, and several restaurants.

The Urban Market Houston Antique Show on Knight Road is a must-visit, especially if you want to decorate your new apartment with fantastic, original designs ranging from vintage to modern. It's only open twice a year, so check the website for specific days and times.