Briar Village - Houston, TX

In-depth history of Briar Village is not known, but the area arose soon after the city of Houston was founded in 1836. Population increased due to production of shipbuilding industries during World War II and the city quickly began to develop. Residents flocked to the area because of the availability of air conditioning, and the economy boomed.

Briar Village doesn't have any museums, but the community loves to host annual holiday events. On the Fourth of July, residents put on a parade. Kids are encouraged to decorate their bikes, scooters and wagons. Residents and kids march in the parade themselves, following a real fire truck. The parade always pleases crowds. In May, a Spring Fling provides days of fun where residents can play games, run in races and eat delicious food. All proceeds of the refreshment stand feed into the Briar Flyers swim team fund.

Briar Village features a great variety of chain restaurants as well as locally-owned venues. Fat Tony's Pizzeria, located on Eldridge Parkway, caters memorable Italian family meals. The owners say that the food is always made with fresh ingredients, love and family tradition. Personal pizzas cost only $6, and diners who prefer to eat sandwiches or wings will not be disappointed either. The garlic sauce at Tony's will leave you craving more, and toppings on the pizza always come in large quantities.

Residents also love Piccolo Italian Cafe & Cucina for an Italian meal. Family-owned and run, Piccolo's offers excellent service every day of the week. The restaurant's small location gives off a cozy feeling that fits in perfectly with chowing down on warm pastas and pizzas. Soft Italian music plays in the background, perfect for date night or a family occasion. Make sure not to leave Piccolo's without trying one of the cannolis or tiramisu delicacies.

For a casual night out, residents go to JP Hops House for a beer. Friends can hang out on the large deck or stay inside where the pub is warm and cozy. Music always plays, and residents can play darts as they drink or munch on appetizers. Guests can also reserve part of the pub for parties.

At night time, many of Briar Village's residents like to relax at one of the nearby hookah lounges. Red Sky Hookah has a large variety of flavors as well as food. The music playing at this venue helps cultivate a relaxing setting. Next Door Bar and Lounge is just on the outskirts of the neighborhood to the north, and it features large garage doors left open during the warm days of summer. You can get cozy near the fireplace, or catch a game on the outdoor TV. When hunger strikes, grab a flatbread pizza to go with your cocktail.

Residents typically prefer to drive their own vehicles around town, mainly because most have a car of their own and the availability of public parking is high. Briar Village conveniently locates itself under I-10 and to the right of State Road 6, making travel to other parts of the city very easy.

Although most people drive, public transportation is also widely available. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, or METRO, provides bus routes and park-and-ride stations. Residents can buy fare cards for multiple days of travel or opt for daily passes. Senior discounts are available for each of these options. Uber drivers service the area of Houston, including Briar Village. Other car companies such as Royal Taxi & Towncar Service and Yellow Cab can be phoned for a quick ride.

Briar Village has excellent resources for staying active and enjoying its picturesque landscape. A community pool stays open during the weekends in September and May as well as 7 days a week in June, July, and August until schools go back in session. A baby pool provides entertainment for small children as long as an adult supervises them. Lifeguards keep watch over the area to ensure that everyone stays safe. To enter the pool, residents must purchase a pool tag. People also have access to lighted community tennis courts as long as an access key is purchased.

Residents of all ages love visiting Ray Miller Park on Eldridge Parkway. This park perfects the feeling of relaxation with its gazebo and fountain adding beauty to the 15-acre space. Kids can run around and play with friends while parents relax on the grass. Paths for walking and biking tend to attract people who want to exercise.

The cost of living in the Briar Village neighborhood averages to almost the same price as living in the middle of Houston. Rental rates for a one-bedroom apartment average $892 per month, but residents never have a problem finding both cheaper and high-end housing.

A huge perk of living in Briar Village includes the low gas prices; gas here costs about 8 percent less than the national average. For residents who rely on public transportation, the bus system can take you into the center of the city for a low price of $1.25. A pint of beer can be found for about $6.

Although the neighborhood's small radius does not include many stores, close shopping options still exist. Just outside the neighborhood lies the Market Square at Eldridge Parkway. This square attracts many residents with its wide variety of stores. For clothing, Burlington Coat Factory and TJ Maxx are popular choices. Target and Michael's provide the neighborhood with household items as well as craft supplies. This square houses smaller stores like pet and game stops, as well as fast food chains for residents on the run.

Just past Highway 6 lies West Oak Mall. This mall rests outside of Briar Village's proximity, but residents can still access it easily. The mall has large department stores, an extensive food court, and smaller, more unique stores. Residents can find high-end jewelry options at Zales and Kay Jewelers. A few specialty stores locate here as well, like Leather Avenue and Lids, for items that cannot be found at some of the larger stores.

Residents usually shop at Sam's Club and Kroger for their groceries and fresh produce. No farmers markets service the neighborhood, but larger areas of Houston do have them.