Greenway-Upper Kirby - Houston, TX

Once a poorly defined, neglected neighborhood with deteriorating commercial properties, Greenway-Upper Kirby now thrives as a bustling mix of urban living space, chef-owned restaurants and upscale shopping. Established in the 1980’s, the neighborhood home and business owners came together to form the Upper District and breathe new life into the area. The non-zoned area has allowed for residential and commercial development to grow together in harmony, creating a well-defined community feel that attracts intellectuals, professionals, up-and-comers, foodies and fashionistas.

At the intersection of Colquitt and Lake streets is Gallery Row, home to a number of door-to-door art galleries. For a history lesson on the evolution of the Girl Scout brand, try on a vintage uniform and browse old troop scrapbooks at the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council Goodykoontz Museum of Girl Scout History.

With an abundance of fine-dining steakhouses and familiar restaurant chains, Greenway-Upper Kirby also serves up highly-acclaimed dining spots that locals seek out to satisfy particular cravings.

For an English/Irish/Indian pub-food craving, The Queen Vic Pub & Kitchen has you covered. The slightly spicy curry-battered fish and chips pairs nicely with a locally brewed craft beer, and locals rave about the naan. The place can get crowded after 7 p.m., but service is top-notch, and the experience is worth the wait.

From happy hours to cigar bars to late-night dance floors, Greenway-Upper Kirby has a nightlife that is full of entertaining options. To start off the night, meet a few friends at Sonoma Retail Wine Bar & Restaurant on Richmond Avenue. With ample parking and a cozy outdoor patio, this wine bar leaves the pretentiousness at the door and allows you to relax and enjoy a well-selected glass or two. Happy hour occurs Monday through Saturday from 3 to 7 p.m., with a different special each day. Don’t miss the best deal of the week: the Friday Featured Wine Flight for $10.

Tucked away on a quiet street a few blocks down, blank/c12dt" The Music Box Theater provides an intimate theater setting for an evening of laughs. Shows occur nightly at 7:30 p.m., packed with live music and sketch comedy performed by a group of young up-and-coming artists. The show changes throughout the year, so there’s good reason to go often. Parking can be a bit tricky, so arrive a little early to avoid missing any of the laughs.

A local favorite, McGonigel’s Mucky Duck is the perfect place to end the night. Sit back, sip on a cold craft lager, and listen to the live music fill the cozy, dimly-lit space. If it’s Monday night, you’re in for a treat, as the open-mic draws a talented local lineup. McGonigel’s Mucky Duck has consistently topped the city’s Best-Of lists with its British-inspired comfort-food plates, careful selection of specialty beers and easy-going atmosphere.

With its mix of high-rise residential living and nearby shops and eateries, Greenway-Upper Kirby has become the walkable neighborhood it was intended to be. Navigate the neighborhood and surrounding areas by car or the city's metro bus, as access to major highways is quick and easy. Some bike infrastructure is available, though not usually the preferred method among locals. Hailing a cab on the street is not practical in this area, so obtaining a ride requires a phone call to a cab company or quick use of the Uber app to schedule a pick up.

Amidst the urban backdrop of Greenway-Upper Kirby, Levy Park exists as a small green space that provides a relaxing spot to enjoy the Texas sun. The park has undergone several improvements, including a community garden as well as a fenced space for local dog owners to let their pups run free. In a densely growing residential and commercial community, park space is hard to come by, but the locals take good care of their patch of green.

Though the cost of living in Houston is slightly lower than the national average, residents pay a premium to live an upscale, urban lifestyle in the Greenway-Upper Kirby neighborhood. The cost of living is about 25 percent higher than the state average, but locals are willing to pay for the well-maintained streets and easy access to nightlife and restaurants. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment runs about $1,531.36 per month but gets you a decent size unit in a building that likely offers amenities such as upgraded kitchens and resort-size pools.

Given the range of restaurants from counter-service casual to reservation-required fine dining, the price of a beer varies greatly in Greenway-Upper Kirby. However, a domestic pint costs about $3.50 on average. Gas prices are about 4 percent higher in this neighborhood than the national average, but a short drive to a gas station in an adjacent neighborhood can save you a little money.

Though the Galleria Mall is located just a few miles away, if you’ve got the necessary plastic in your wallet, shopping in Greenway-Upper Kirby provides plenty of opportunities to use it. A mixed-use residential development anchored by upscale retail stores below, West Avenue caters to the affluent locals as a one-stop destination for all things fancy. Stroll into Tootsie’s flagship store, and browse the selection of glitzy cocktail dresses, or stop in Rye 51 for a more casual, yet fashion-forward, menswear selection. Vanity Lounge spruces you up for your night on the town with makeup application, eyebrow threading and makeup classes. Though many of these storefronts do not open to the sidewalk, a private street runs through the development, encouraging pedestrian use. The parking garage provides complimentary parking, and some places offer valet services.

For style on a bit of a smaller budget, locals rely on a hidden gem, Tres Chic. Located a few blocks off Richmond Avenue, local patrons of the mother-daughter-owned boutique love the affordable dresses, handbags and jewelry as much as they love the friendly service. Inventory changes often, and be sure to check out the back room of the shop for super clearance steals.

Large-chain grocery stores, such as Kroger and HEB, located in the southern portion of Greenway-Upper Kirby provide locals with ample food-shopping options, but for convenience and more organic offerings, many locals are willing to pay the higher prices at Whole Foods Market near Kirby and Alabama.

For the freshest local produce, visit Urban Harvest Farmers Market on Eastside and Richmond Avenue. The market is open every Saturday morning, rain or shine, and the fresh-made breakfast, ranging from egg quiche to crème brulee French toast, is a can’t-miss.