Fairbanks-Northwest Crossing - Houston, TX

Founded in 1893, this community was annexed by Houston in the mid 1900s. As part of the Cy-Fair and Cypress community, Fairbanks has increased in size dramatically over the years. What was once an area with a handful of stores and businesses has grown to become a premier location for restaurants and shops.

The neighborhood lacks museums, but Southwest Museum Services provides exhibit design assistance and more to museums. This organization helps design display layouts and provides collection conservation services, ensuring vital artifacts get the attention and care they deserve.

Providing theatrical performances throughout the year to residents, Theater Suburbia is the longest running volunteer-led theater in the Houston area. Visit its website to see a list of performances and ticket prices.

Residents of Fairbanks have access to several different cuisines. From Cajun to Asian, select from a chain restaurant or stop in one of the local favorites. Most restaurants reside near highway 290, but a few lie scattered in the crevices and corners of the neighborhood. Even the pickiest eater can find what their taste buds crave with the wide selection available in the area.

Have a taste of Louisiana at Crazy Cajun Seafood and Sports. Serving famous Cajun dishes such as etoufee, creole and boiled crawfish and this restaurant doubles as a sports bar as well. Watch a sporting event on television and enjoy great drinks like a hurricane. Crazy Cajun Seafood has been servicing this area for several years. Get there early, so you can beat the crowd. Kublai Khan features authentic Mongolian food prepared from the freshest ingredients. This local gem attracts many guests, especially during lunch hour. Try one of the signature dishes such as Kung Pao Beef with brown rice or Buddha's Feast for the vegetarians. This establishment even has sushi and teryaki bowls. Thanks to its reasonably priced options, this eatery makes a great place to for large groups or families.

Located near Beltway 8, Eats Mesquite Grill serves American cuisine with a few international touches. Keep it simple and enjoy a burger or chicken sandwich with fries, or indulge in chicken soumak served on pita bread with grilled onions. Regulars rave about the awesome and quick customer service. This establishment only opens during lunch hours during the week.

You can find most locals hanging out, going to the movies or shopping at the nearby mall. The area nightlife can be described as lively, and even though the neighborhood lies only a few minutes outside of downtown, residents have no need to go to the city for a good time. Click's Billiards has been open for almost 20 years. Patrons come here to enjoy a drink, shoot some pool and play darts. For a more party-like atmosphere, head to the West Wind Club located on Guhn Road. Playing mostly country music, regulars dance the night away at this dance hall. Wish's Club hosts themed nights and karaoke for couples throughout the week.

Most residents drive to get around Fairbanks- Northwest Crossing. With the ample amount of parking on the street and in various lots, locating a free spot proves to be simple. When shopping or dining, some places do provide valet services.

Arrange a ride around town via the Uber app or call a cab. Most residents arrange these services ahead of time as hailing a cab proves difficult in the area. As an alternative, Metro bus route 045 provides routes to other parts of the city, such as downtown and the medical center. Residents who work downtown can use the park and ride in Cypress to commute to work. For a small fee, passengers can park their car and ride the bus to and from work. If two or more people carpool, they can use the HOV lane to get to downtown faster as well. The HOV only opens during the week during business hours.

A few dedicated bike paths can be found in the area. Ample sidewalks make the neighborhood relatively safe for pedestrians.

The two parks in the neighborhood have been designed to cater to families and large groups wishing to enjoy to great outdoors. Neither of these parks have a fee and are both kid-friendly. Fresh Meadow Park, located on Campbell, has a playground area. Cole Creek Park features a running trail as well as a tennis court.

With a cost of living lower than Houston, Fairbanks-Northwest Crossing residents enjoy lower taxes and lower home costs as well. The median cost of an apartment comes in around $550, about $200 less than Houston. Residents also save on getting around town. Public transportation only costs $1.25 one way and gas comes in about 5 percent less than the national average. A beer usually runs around $3 to $4, but expect a drastic decrease during happy hour or lunch.

With the one of the newest outlet malls in nearby Cypress, Fairbanks has a lot to live up to in the shopping area. Northwest Mall and Northwest Marketplace consist of chain stores and shops sure to match anyone's style. Find the perfect gift or outfit or anything else you need or want here.

Sneaker collectors find everything their hearts desire at One Sneaker House. Discover classic selections such as Air Jordans, Air Max and Kevin Durant kicks in various conditions. This store has been the premier location for sneakers for several years and continues to expand its collection with new shoes daily. Find great gear to match your shoes as well.

L' Patricia, located inside of Northwest Mall, features women's clothing and accessories. Browse through trendy dresses and unique jewelry and shoes to match. Find formal wear and the latest styles for yourself or a friend.

Local grocers include Foodtown and Walmart Neighborhood store. Closer to the freeway, you'll find a Super Walmart and Target for household and general needs. Though no farmer's markets set up shop in the area, residents can travel to nearby Memorial City and visit the Eco Market at Town and Country.