Greater Greenspoint - Houston, TX

Initially, Greenspoint was developed as a commercial area. Business owners saw the potential in the area and a need to save the neighborhood from its decline. What started off as a few businesses seeking to establish themselves in a neglected part of Houston, quickly grew and attracted more than just businesses. More people began to migrate to the neighborhood as well.

As far as cultural shifts are concerned, Greenspoint was once considered a questionable area but has made great strides in the reduction of crime. The area was named one of the top locations for logistic companies and considered the ideal location for business development.

No museums are in the neighborhood but the National Museum of Funeral History is the closest museum. This museum has educational exhibits and artifacts from funerals and famous deceased persons. It holds the largest collection of funeral memorabilia in the country.

Though not many fine dining restaurants exist here, several casual eateries populate this Northern Houston suburb. Choose from spicy Thai cuisine or get a taste of authentic Chinese dishes. Anyone can find what their taste buds desire with the various restaurants in this area.

Known for its quick service and even better customer service, Super Chicken attracts a large group of lunch customers daily. Get there early because the restaurant only opens during lunch hours. Indulge in a honey mustard grilled chicken bacon melt with a side of cole slaw, or keep it simple with an order of chicken tenders and a side of fries.

Despite the name, patrons flock to Rocky's Subs for the pizza, and the generous portions keep customers returning to indulge. The menu also features hoagies and Philadelphia steak sandwiches. Try a chicken sandwich hoagie or a meatball sandwich, and treat yourself to dessert with the cheesecake.

For healthy eaters, Just Juice has great selections. This cafe offers organic juices and teas and a small selection of sandwiches, soups and salads. Food-conscious individuals appreciate the gluten-free selections and vegetarians enjoy the lack of meat on the menu. Stop in and grab a green smoothie and sandwich.

Most locals travel to downtown Houston to enjoy the nightclubs, but a few bars can be found nearby. Located inside of the Hilton, Vino has a full-service bar and a lively happy hour. Despite the limited selection, patrons continue to visit for the great drink specials. A short drive north of Greater Greenspoint, Swig Lounge attracts an energetic local crowd. Known for its fast and friendly service, this cozy lounge makes the ideal spot to watch a game or catch up with friends. Go on the weekend for the crowds, or stop in after work for the happy hour specials.

Most residents of Greenspoint drive to get around. Metro bus routes service the area. Routes 102, 56 and 86 go to various Houston destinations such as Bush Airport and provide limited routes to downtown. Cabs and Uber rides can be scheduled. Parking can be found throughout the area for no fee. Many major highways surround the neighborhood. Residents have easy access to Interstate 45, Beltway 8, Hardy Toll Road and U.S. 59. The streets have sidewalks and biking lanes, perfect for pedestrians. Only a few biking lanes can be found, so the sidewalks would be the best option.

Greenspoint has five parks. None of the parks have fees. Residents and visitors go to the parks to relax and enjoy outdoor recreational activities.

Buckboard Park covers about five acres of land and has a gazebo and picnic tables. This park would be great to host a family event or kid's birthday party.

Though City View Park may be smaller than the other parks, it has more amenities. The huge pavilion provides shade from the hot summer sun. The tables and benches work great for picnics and outdoor relaxation. The entire park or the pavilion can be reserved for personal use.

Ida Gaye Gardens provides outdoor recreational activities for senior citizens. The park includes over three acres of land and has walking trails, ponds, specialized exercise equipment and gardens.

The Spring Recreational Area features Spring Skate Park and Dylan Park. The skate park is the largest in the nation and features large scales, bowls and ramps. The Dylan Park was named after a special child who died from abuse. The park has been designed to accommodate children with special needs.

Thomas R. Wussow Park covers 11 acres of land. It has multiple playgrounds, bike trails and ball fields.

In comparison to downtown Houston, the cost of living in Greenspoint is lower. Apartment medians differ greatly with Greenspoint averaging $550 for a one bedroom. To get to the city via public transportation costs around $3. It will require transferring routes because the routes that run throughout Greenspoint do not go directly to downtown. Most beers cost $3 during normal hours but during happy hours prices can decrease drastically for happy hour specials. Gas prices equal the national average.

Greenspoint Mall and the Northwood Village Center serve as the major shopping areas. Equipped with restaurants and major department stores, these shopping centers attract hundreds of visitors daily. People flock here to hang out and get some shopping done.

African Imports, located inside of Greenspoint Mall, has unique and affordable gifts and merchandise. Choose from African clothes and movies, church supplies and even some collectible items. This store offers many other services and goods and is a great alternative to conventional shops and boutiques.

The independently owned Game World offers Greenspoint Mall shoppers the chance to look for their favorite vintage games and consoles. Shoppers ranging from classic-Nintendo to old-school Pokemon fans rave about the selection. Fashion lovers flock to My Bra Boutique, where they buy everything they need to look and feel good. Not an average lingerie store, this shop sells stylish corsets, girdles and undergarments for women of all sizes.

Local grocers include Fiesta Mart, and the closest farmers markets are the Farmers Market at MainStreet in Spring and Canino Produce in the Heights. Both markets provide goods and fresh produce from local vendors.