Clear Lake - Houston, TX

Clear Lake, a master planned community, is the second-largest in the Houston area. This southeast Harris County community was initially developed by James Marion West in the late 19th century as a place to drill for oil. The community started to grow after the establishment of the NASA Johnson Space Center. More people began to move into the area and more businesses began to pop up.

Home to the University of Houston-Clearlake and major companies such as Boeing, people migrate to the area searching for a peaceful area to settle. The nearby Big League Dreams Sports Complex is the nearest sports center; it accommodates local businesses and league teams wishing to rent the venue for events. The Clear Creek Community Center on Nassau Bay has a stage, workshop and dressing rooms. With productions ranging from "Dracula" to "Miracle on 34th Street," this theater brings culture to the community.

Dining options in Clear Lake range from steakhouses to ice cream parlors to buffets. The majority of the eateries turn up near I-45, making them easy to find and easy to access.

Alamo Tamales has the best tamales in the area. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and delivers within a 5-mile radius. Crispy tacos and tasty burrito bowls grace the menu along with a variety of tamale options. Fill your tamale with brisket, spinach and cheese or chicken.

For a big meal with the family, look to Angelo's Pizza and Pasta. It offers catering and delivery, and it serves up pizza, pasta and other Italian classics. This family-friendly establishment has brunch on Sunday afternoons. With the large variety of items on the menu, this restaurant is a great alternative to pricey Italian restaurants.

The nightlife in Clear Lake stays fairly active, with many bars and cocktail lounges dotting Bay Area Boulevard. Davenport's Lounge has signature cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere. This trendy spot stays open until 2 a.m. every night.

The local cigar bar, Perk and Puff Lounge, has hookah in addition to operating as a coffee shop. As one of the few smoking establishments in the area, you'll be treated to a wide selection of cigars and shisha flavors that range from vanilla to apple. Both Friday and Saturday night attracts large crowds, but it is open daily.

This area does not have public transit, though the Metro Fuqua Park and Ride provides rides to residents who work downtown. The buses take riders to and from work. Commuters can also rent a van and carpool with other residents.

It may be next to impossible to hail a cab, but you can call one of many cab companies to schedule a pick-up or drop-off. While the presence of sidewalks make walking in the neighborhood enjoyable, most people choose to drive to their destinations. Residents also bike around town as biking lanes are available throughout the area. The main highway serves as the major road, so renting a car may be the best option for visitors.

The Clear Lake area has acres of parkland, with playgrounds for children and trails for joggers and hikers. Families can picnic and enjoy a boat ride in the nearby lakes. The park has no fee to visit, but there are fees for the activities. The park opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. during the summer months but closes earlier during the fall. Other park amenities include a baseball field, soccer field and tennis court. The pavilions can be used for parties and family gatherings.

Clear Lake residents enjoy low cost in living – unless you choose to live on the lake. One-bedroom apartments can cost as low as $500 per month, but also as high as $1,200 per month if you want your apartment to look over the lake. The cost of living is comparable to the rest of the Houston area. Restaurants and grocery prices remain relatively low.

Baybrook Mall, located on I-45, houses many major department stores such as Macy's and Dillard's. A Barnes & Noble bookstore and Palais Royal also lie nearby.

A quaint specialty boutique for expectant mothers nestled in the heart of Clear Lake, Haute Mommies and Bella Babies has items for mothers and infants. Handmade vintage cribs and classic carriages make perfect gifts for a new mom. Convenient online ordering gives patrons the option to purchase items over the Internet.

Head over to Pasha's Boutique for some funky and trendy couture. This shop has exclusive handmade pieces that turn heads. Maxi dresses and rompers make up a large part of this collection. Other boutiques in the area include A Lot of Panache and My CoCo's Girl Lingerie Boutique, which both specialize in women's clothing.

Kroger and H-E-B have been the main grocery hubs for several years. Both stores host their own events such as cooking classes and wine education courses. Most residents grab all other essentials (and nonessentials) at Target and Walmart.

Local growers bring fresh produce to farmers markets throughout the Houston area every week, but the closest farmers market to the Clear Lake neighborhood, the Clear Lake Shores Farmers Market, pops up just a few miles away in Clear Lake Shores. This volunteer-operated farmers market, open on the first and third Saturday mornings every month, provides your best opportunity to get locally grown farm-fresh fruits and vegetables along with some tempting homemade wares.