Mulberry Manor - Houston, TX

The Mullberry Manor community sits in Bellaire, Texas, a Houston suburb founded in 1908 by Iowa railroad magnate William Wright Baldwin. Baldwin claimed he named the town Bellaire, meaning "good air" after the Gulf breezes that traveled into the area. However, certain historians believe the town was named after Bellaire, Ohio, a town served by one of Baldwin's railroads.

By 1910, the area housed several residential homes and truck farms, followed by the development of an electric streetcar line, commonly referred to as the "Toonerville Trolley," that ran down Bellaire Boulevard. By 1940, Bellaire's population had grown to 1,124 and continues to grow today.

The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, located on Montrose Boulevard, hosts exhibits featuring works of local and international artists, as well as events such as the Annual Gala and Art Auction, an elegant black-tie affair featuring dancing, food and a live auction.

Mullberry Manor residents have an abundance of options when it comes to dining out and nightlife, with many of Houston's most popular establishments conveniently located on and around Bissonnet Street and Bellaire Boulevard.

When local residents feel like a tasty burger or Tex-Mex breakfast, they head over to Skeeter's Mesquite Grill at the Weslayan Plaza, just off Bissonnet Street. This family-friendly, locally owned establishment features a lively dining room, complete with country blues music and televisions for the big games, making it the perfect pit stop any time of the day. If you're in the mood for a classic burger with a little kick, try the Anniversary burger; a juicy 1/2 pound mesquite-grilled chuck burger smothered with mixed shredded cheeses. If you've got seafood on your mind, locals recommend the tortilla-crusted tilapia; a scrumptious serving of tilapia breaded with tortilla strips and topped with fresh sliced avocado.

For an authentic Italian meal, check out Auntie Pasto's on Bellaire Boulevard. With a lovely dining room that makes you feel as if you just stepped into a cafe in Italy, delicious food and exceptional service, patrons always feel welcome here. Signature menu items include the Gorgonzola chicken entree; a savory chicken breast topped with Gorgonzola cheese and served over fresh mixed vegetables, as well as the crawfish ravioli; a melt-in-your-mouth dish of cheese ravioli and crawfish tails topped off with a sweet tomato cream sauce.

If you've got a taste for fresh Asian-fusion fare served in a cheerfully elegant dining room, check out the Lemongrass Cafe on Bellaire Boulevard. With a reputation for friendly service and some of the tastiest food in town, Lemongrass Cafe rates high among the local foodies. Must-try menu favorites include the clam-miso soup with scallions, tofu and mushrooms, pan-fried dumplings and the Lemongrass BBQ pork sandwich; a delightful combination of Vietnamese pork, jalapeños, pickled carrots and Japanese mayonnaise, served on a crisp baguette roll.

The area's rich and abundant nightlife ranges from sports bars to music venues.For an exciting night of music, dancing and cocktails with friends, locals recommend The Concert Pub on Richmond Avenue. Known as Houston's "Ultimate Live Music" bar and grill, The Concert Pub features an ample dance floor, happy hour specials, Texas hold-em poker and karaoke, allowing for a truly remarkable evening. Another great spot, the Firehouse Saloon presents some of the best up-and-coming country music stars and broadcasts a live radio show from the venue. An event-packed calendar ensures that this spot has every weekend covered with fantastic live entertainment.

The Mullberry Manor neighborhood features multiple residential sidewalks, making it a safe area for walking. Cyclists can utilize biking paths in nearby parks, as well as over 300 miles of interconnected bike lanes, trails and paths throughout the city of Houston.

Residents and visitors can park for free on residential streets in the area; however, they must follow the specific time guidelines posted on the neighborhood's parking enforcement signs. Additionally, individuals who wish to park on Maple Street next to Bellaire High School must obtain a temporary parking permit. Commuters can conveniently access the U.S. Route 59 Highway and the 610 Freeway via West Park Drive and Bissonnet Street.

Individuals who ride the bus can board at several Metropolitan Transit Authority bus stop locations throughout the neighborhood, including Westpark Drive, Bissonnet Street and Childress Street. Taxi drivers do not circulate through the residential areas, so hailing a cab isn't an option. However, rides can easily be scheduled through Yellow Cab of Bellaire, as well as with alternative ride-sharing services such as Uber.

Mullberry Manor residents live within minutes of several free parks provided by the Bellaire Parks and Recreation Department, featuring multiple amenities such as tennis courts, walking trails, picnic areas and more.

The Danny Jackson Family Bark Park on 1/2 Loop Central Drive provides a refreshing dog pond, walking trails and dog showers, making it the perfect spot for doggies and their owners.

Fitness enthusiasts appreciate Pin Oak Park on West Loop South, as it provides visitors with amenities such as jogging tracks, tennis courts and playing fields.

Families enjoy spending the day at Ware Family Park on Elm Street, as well as Mullberry Park on Mullberry Street, as both parks feature playgrounds and spacious picnic areas.

While visitors can enter Bellaire parks at no charge, parties in need of sheltered picnic areas for large parties or ball fields for certain sporting events must usually pay rental and deposit fees in order to reserve the space.

Residents of the Mullberry Manor community enjoy attending the numerous annual events hosted by the Bellaire Parks and Recreation Department, with all-time favorites being the annual 4th of July Parade and Festival and the annual Wine and Tapas Event to raise funds for new park developments.

The cost of living in the Mullberry Manor community in Bellaire exceeds the average cost of living in Houston by approximately 57 percent. Residents pay approximately $1,216 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Bus fares into the city range between $1 and $3. The cost of a beer in a Mullberry Manor/Bellaire pub ranges between $4 and $6, but specific prices may vary. When compared to the national average, gas prices in the Mullberry Manor area are approximately 10 percent lower.

Mullberry Manor residents enjoy the convenience of living near multiple grocers, retailers and specialty shops located on or along Bellaire Boulevard and Bissonnet Street.

When shopping for groceries and household items such as laundry soap, shampoo and basic sundries, locals often visit Randall's on Bellaire Boulevard and H-E-B on Bissonnet Street. For specialty grocery items and organic foods, locals recommend Whole Foods, also located on Bissonnet Street. Fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, hand-crafted items and baked goods can be found at the La Placita Farmer's Market on Bellaire Boulevard.

Specialty boutiques in the area include the French Cuff Boutique and Children's Collections, both located on Bellaire Boulevard. The French Cuff Boutique features unique and stylish clothing, shoes and accessories that are sure to perk up your closet. Children's Collections, a specialty consignment boutique, features both new and resale items such as children's clothing, children's shoes and maternity wear.

For high-end merchandise, local shoppers take a short drive outside of the community and visit the Houston Galleria on Westheimer Road in Houston. The Galleria houses several high-value shops, including renowned designer Kate Spade, Coach, Jimmy Choo shoes and the legendary Ralph Lauren.