Briar Forest - Houston, TX

Before the area was settled, Briarforest was simply an area of land passed through by travelers heading from ranches out west to the center of Houston or from the city now known as Alief to the Ashford stop on the Houston and Texas Railroad. Once residents began to settle the area after World War II, the land was converted to rice and cotton farmland. In the 1960s, Briarforest began to grow into the urban community that stands today as the sprawl of the metropolitan area changed Westheimer Road from a quiet two-lane road into a major city thoroughfare. Once considered far from Houston’s metropolitan center, Briarforest now accounts for a portion of the major urban community, anchored by a successful business community, Westchase District, and surrounded by major shopping and entertainment centers.

Packed with a seemingly endless supply of eating options ranging from fast food to fine dining, Westheimer Road draws residents to the area when looking for a bite to eat. Those looking for familiar cuisine at chain restaurants as well as the more adventurous eaters seeking a specific international flavor find an array of ways to satisfy their appetites.

Described by locals as a hidden gem that sits in an unassuming strip mall, Saldivia’s South American Grill appears to be a hole-in-the-wall dining spot from the outside, but in fact, once inside, provides a warm, modern atmosphere perfect for business lunches or a date night. A resounding favorite dish of local patrons, the Entrana, a Uruguayan skirt steak topped with Chimi Churri sauce, rivals any steakhouse’s best steak. The wine menu includes several South American Malbecs, which pair nicely with dinner. Don’t be fooled by the empty dining room if you arrive before 7 p.m. The crowd arrives later in the evening, around 9 p.m.

Less than a half mile to the east on Westheimer Road, sits another, more casual Latin American-style favorite, the Original Marini’s Empanada House. Locals love the flaky, crunchy made-from-scratch empanadas as either a light snack or a casual, affordable meal. Choose from savory or sweet variations, and save room for the signature alfajores, delicate cookies made fresh daily. Patrons near and far love these empanadas so much that the restaurant ships the frozen pastries out of state as well.

Known for its karaoke but equally loved for its Thursday ribeye steak and potato night, locals trot over to the neighborhood dive bar, Three Sheets Bar & Grill, for a night out. Providing a break from the trendy bars around Houston, the relaxed atmosphere draws an eclectic but easy-going crowd. Friendly bartenders serve first-time patrons the signature shot, the Lap Dance, on the house.

For another local favorite, head over to the eastern side of Briarforest and stop in First Tee Pub on Dairy Ashford and Wittington Drive. A small neighborhood dive, the bar serves strong drinks as well as free lunch and happy hour food Monday through Friday.

The majority of Briarforest residents prefer to use cars when traveling to work or around other parts of Houston. With easy access to major highways and thoroughfares, locals navigate easily to various parts of Houston. Some public transportation is available, though most bus routes sit along the major streets rather than throughout the residential area. About four bus lines pass through the area. From the centrally located corner of Briar Forest Drive and Kirkwood, a commute downtown takes about 53 minutes. Some bike lanes exist but few locals choose to navigate via bike. To catch a ride by taxi, call the cab company to request a pickup, or schedule a ride through Uber.

A favorite green spot in a vastly urban atmosphere, Terry Hershey Park provides an opportunity to surround yourself in nature as you navigate the many hiking and biking trails. The park follows the Buffalo Bayou in the northern section of Briarforest. The Buffalo Bayou is filled with catfish and a portion of the wooded trails, known as the Ant Hills, vary in elevation, making it the perfect pathway for mountain biking. Be on the watch for dangerous wildlife though, such as the venomous copperhead snakes.

Just to the east of Beltway 8 sits a smaller green space, Mary Ann Francklow Park. Locals stroll around the half-mile paved trail on the perimeter of the park, which encloses an area of wild trees and brush. Though this park does not include a playground, it provides a few picnic tables and benches for a resting spot.

A neighborhood desired by professionals, retirees and young families, Briarforest’s cost of living sits about 15 percent higher than the average cost of living in Houston. Residents are willing to pay a premium for an established home close to a major business district and quick access to major shopping centers.

Public transportation around Houston costs $1.25 per ride, and residents wishing to commute to downtown Houston take bus route 053 for a direct journey. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Briarforest runs about $810 per month, and the average price of a beer in a local pub costs about $4. Gas prices in the area generally run about 8 percent lower than the national average.

Briarforest residents enjoy easy access to major shopping centers with its close proximity to major highways and thoroughfares. Mixed with restaurants and office space, retails stores line Westheimer Road to fulfill just about any type of shopping desired from thrift stores to high-end chain stores.

Locals looking for a bargain shop at Designer Exchange Consignment Resale for designer name brands such as Tori Burch and J. Crew at discounted prices. The shop owner provides friendly help perusing the well-organized store while patrons sift through the vast selection of clothing and accessories.

Just north of Briarforest across Buffalo Bayou on Memorial Drive sits Blue Willow Bookshop, a local mom-and-pop bookstore. With well-known author signings, store events always draw a crowd. The knowledgeable and friendly staff make excellent recommendations for any age reader, and though the shelves don’t hold as many books as Barnes & Noble, the high-quality selection satisfies patrons’ reading needs.

Memorial City Mall lies outside of Briarforest neighborhood, but is only a short drive north on Gessner Road. Filled with a wide selection of familiar stores typically found in an average mall, patrons find Memorial City Mall doesn't get as crowded as some of the other major shopping malls around Houston.

Briarforest residents have access to a number of grocery stores ranging from big-box chain stores such as H-E-B and Whole Foods, to smaller specialty stores, including Phoenicia Specialty Foods for Middle Eastern fare or Nippan Daido USA Inc. for authentic Japanese goods.