Eastwood Houston, TX

Eastwood was designed and developed in 1911 by William A. Wilson. As one of Houston's first master-planned neighborhoods, it houses the city's largest collection of historic Craftsman- and Mission-style homes. Visit these historic homes during the annual Eastwood Historic Home Tour.

Visit the nearby Houston Museum District, consisting of 20 museums, such as the Museum of Natural Science, Children's Museum and Contemporary Arts Museum. Explore the art, events and programs at Greater Eastwood's East End Studio Gallery, a community based, nonprofit organization that enriches culture through art shows, guest talks and creative workshops.

Restaurants in Greater Eastwood provide residents with a variety of cuisines, from Southern barbecue to flavorful street tacos to spicy Thai specialties.

Start your morning with a latte, or end your night with a glass of wine or craft beer while listening to live music. Bohemeo's Cafe and Bar on Telephone Road provides locals with much more than your average local coffee shop. Sip locally roasted coffee and appreciate local art in the eclectic indoor space, or relax on the spacious outdoor patio. The menu focuses on healthy eats, offering vegetarian-friendly fare as well as familiar favorites such as pizza and nachos. Snack on homemade hummus plates, Baja fish tacos, focaccia bread paninis and locally made desserts.

For flavorful, ethnic cuisine, head to Kanomwan Thai Restaurant or the Mexican food stand Taco Keto. Kanomwan has been serving Eastwood residents traditional Thai cuisine since 1984. Sample authentic Thai specialties, curries and noodles made with imported staples at this popular lunch and dinner spot. For a quick and affordable bite that doesn't lack in flavor, head to Taco Keto on Cullen Boulevard and sample street tacos, tortas and fajitas filled with fresh Mexican ingredients and your choice of savory meats.

With downtown Houston less than three miles away, your nightlife and entertainment options are plentiful. If you stay in the neighborhood, you can see a live show at the entertainment and art venue Super Happy Fun Land on Polk Street or play a game of pool and enjoy a pint at local favorite dive bar D&W Lounge.

Greater Eastwood residents can take advantage of easy commutes with close proximity to several interstates and highways. A mere 10 minute drive takes you from Greater Eastwood into downtown Houston. If you prefer public transportation, the Eastwood Transit Center offers several local and park-and-ride options that can take you anywhere you need to go to, from Hobby Airport to downtown Houston to the Bay Area. While hailing a cab on the street is not practical in the neighborhood, you can call one in advance or arrange for Uber service. The neighborhood is also both walk and bike-friendly.

Locals can spend the day in the sun at 10.8-acre Eastwood Park. The public park features a swimming pool, a ball field, tennis courts, a basketball pavilion and a skate park. Children can enjoy interactive playgrounds and events in the Eastwood Community Center, such as free after-school enrichment programs focusing on arts and crafts, sports, games, fitness and nutrition.

Take advantage of the hike and bike trail, or jog or walk the tree-lined walkway. Residents can play with their dogs or have picnics. The park provides barbecue grills and shaded picnic tables for your convenience.

Greater Eastwood residents enjoy a lower cost of living compared to Houston. A one-bedroom rental costs an average of $475 a month, which puts the cost of living almost 20 percent lower than Houston.

A ride on public transportation costs about $2, and gas prices typically stay at about 5 percent below the national average. Expect to pay around $5 for a pint at a local bar.

Shop at nearby the Shops at Houston Center in downtown Houston. Have lunch at one of 28 dining options before browsing the shopping center's specialty, apparel and technology shops. Be sure to stop in Designs by Dorli, a Texas and Western-themed store that provides a variety of gifts, home decor and apparel. Buy authentic dream catchers, rodeo-worthy cowboy hats and unique accessories for your Texas home.

Shop Kismet Boutique on Telephone Road at Tlaquepaque Market. Kismet is one of the only boutiques in Greater Eastwood, offering fashionable apparel for women and children and home decor. With affordable prices and several recurring store sales, you can shop for a fashionable new wardrobe without leaving the neighborhood.

For groceries, locals shop at Kroger on Polk Street or Pat's Food Center on Dumble Street. While Greater Eastwood does not host any farmers markets, you can enjoy one of the markets in the greater Houston area. Visit Houston's largest market, Urban Harvest Farmers Market, for fresh produce from more than 50 farmers and vendors. Buy artisan breads, grass-fed beef, honey and farm-fresh eggs while listening to live music. The market takes place every Saturday year-round.