Cloverleaf - Houston, TX

Long before it became Cloverleaf, the area was a stop along the Beaumont, Sour Lake, and Western Railway, which began operating in 1903. The line was developed to connect Beaumont with Port Arthur. The developer, B.F. Yoakum, was gambling on Port Arthur overtaking Houston as the state's main shipping center. That never happened, and the railroad ceased operations in 1956.

The area now known as Cloverleaf was bought by two developers in the 1920s. After the stock market crash, ownership of the land changed to R.F. Nadolney, and by 1945, Cloverleaf was emerging as a successful community. Market Street, now known as Interstate 10, began to attract businesses, many of which were related to the Brown shipyard and a military munitions facility.

History and culture buffs should visit the National United States Armed Forces Museum west of Cloverleaf. Southwest from there, Houston's variety of museums and art galleries may be of interest as well.

Cloverleaf's choice of restaurants, take-out joints, and bars means you certainly have options, while its location close to Houston and other neighborhoods provides a wider selection for dining and bigger clubs in surrounding areas.

When in the mood for traditional American barbecue, head to Brother-In-Law's Bar-B-Que located on Freeport Street. The restaurant provides diners with home-cooked goodness, excellent service, and a friendly welcome. Lunch time gets busy, so be prepared to wait, or take advantage of the separate to-go area when in a rush. The ribs come recommended by locals, so be sure to order a rack whether dining in or taking your food home.

Another popular dining option, locals flock to the family-owned and operated Las Palomas Mexican Restaurant & Cantina in Timberwood Shopping Center on Woodforest Boulevard. Families enjoy this spot as it has been known to provide children with free ice cream. Be sure to try the cheese enchiladas or fajitas.

For a night cap, try Canary Club on Freeport Street. The bar features a pool table, live bands, and dancing. The service proves friendly and the drinks varied, and this bar stays open late. Cloverleaf's surrounding neighborhoods provide further nightlife options. Just south of Cloverleaf on Interstate 10 and beyond, discover a wide array of bars and sports bars sure to suit your particular tastes.

Cloverleaf is bound by Interstate 10 in the south. Follow it westward, and you're in Houston in just 20 minutes, or follow it eastward to reach Channel View. Woodforest Boulevard cuts Cloverleaf in half, running all the way from Sheldon Road in Channel View in the east to Northshore in the west.

Similar to Houston and the rest of Texas, driving is the most popular form of transport in Cloverleaf, and most errands require the use of a car. However, you can get around the area and further afield using other modes of transport. METRO serves the area with the 137 bus stopping frequently on Uvalde Road and Woodforest Boulevard, giving you easy access to the Woodforest Shopping Center. Bus stops are also found along Interstate 10. Hop on the 137 bus to get to downtown Houston. Uber operates in the area too, and charges around $20 to get into Houston.

Cloverleaf is a small but densely populated area, which means many restaurants and shops are within walking distance. Furthermore, the neighborhood's street grid structure helps to reduce traffic building up on individual streets and provides multiple paths for cars to get around the area. These factors, as well as Cloverleaf's location on flat ground, make walking and biking attractive as forms of transport around the area.

You can find a few green spaces in Cloverleaf to meet your need to explore the great outdoors. The one-acre Cloverleaf Park offers picnic facilities and a playground, while the 2.8-acre North Shore Rotary Park on Force Street features a full-size basketball court, a spray park, paved trails, a pavilion, a picnic area, and a playground. Dog owners looking for spots where their beloved pets can roam free go south to Bay Area Park and Partnership Park, both of which cater to your four-legged friends.

A 10-minute drive north takes you to North Shore Rotary Pavilion Park, a big open-air pavilion and cook house. Enjoy annual events such as the Jacinto City Galena Park Annual BBQ Cook-Off and Auction.

Living in Cloverleaf costs you less than living in many other areas of Texas, especially the more populous cities. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Cloverleaf costs around $585 monthly. A one-way trip into downtown Houston using a METRO bus sets you back $1.25. As for gas, you pay almost six percent less than the national average. On a night out, a beer at your local pub runs around $4 to $5.

Many family-run businesses exist in Cloverleaf. Certain streets, such as Woodforest Boulevard, Freeport Street, Uvalde Road, and Interstate 10 are especially busy with activity.

Woodforest Shopping Center contains a selection of restaurants and retail stores. One such store is Rainbow, a chain clothing shop that specializes in juniors, plus sizes, and children's clothing. New Forest Crossing Shopping Center, an outdoor shopping mall with a small choice of retailers and restaurants, resides in the direction of North Shore, giving you more nearby shopping options. Specialized shops can be found in the area too, such as Gomez Western Wear on Uvalde Road. The shop sells fine handmade boots, hats, and belts of high-quality leather. For creative flower arrangements that add a personal touch, go to the Wild Orchid on Woodforest Boulevard. A popular favorite with locals, the shop has earned a good reputation among customers who return time and again. You can also find a gift shop here.

Shop for groceries at a variety of small shops in the area as well as larger chains, including Walmart Supercenter, Kroger, Food Town, and two La Michoacana Meat Markets. For a combination of meat and old-school charm, try Stark Brothers Beef Shop on Freeport Street. The butcher provides meat eaters with a great selection of high-quality cuts.