Kingwood, TX

In the late 1800s, the Foster family owned the portion of the land now called Kingwood. The land was later sold to the Friendswood Development and King Ranch, which Kingwood was named after when it was incorporated. Kingwood was created by the Friendswood development community in 1971. Nicknamed "the livable forest," the neighborhood has experienced significant growth since it was founded. Many homes were built and commercial development significantly increased.

Kingwood does not have museums or an arts scene. The closest museum is the Humble Museum, located a few minutes outside of the area. It has preserved artifacts dating back more than 100 years, and presents the history of Humble via educational information and tours.

Popular food chains satisfy anyone's taste buds here, but local gems deliver a taste of the area like no other. Kingwood has dining options for any type of foodie, as the vegan or the carnivore can find a place to their liking. For a fine dining experience, visit The Union Kitchen for global cusine with a taste of Southern hospitality. This restaurant opens for brunch and dinner, and the ambiance makes it a great place for a romantic evening or quiet dinner. For dinner, start with the sweet, heat chicken then move on to Pete's filet mignon with an arugla salad. Try the chicken and waffles for brunch on the weekends.

Wise Guys Gourmet Pizza has a more relaxed atmosphere and provides a budget-friendly menu selection. As an alternative to pizza and wings, Wise Guys has pasta Alfredo, gyros and salads. This eatery opens daily for lunch and dinner.

Serving fresh and authentic Chinese food, Mencius Gourmet Hunan serves tasty dishes, such as a sesame shrimp ball and lamb in wine sauce. Mencius even serves brunch with a Chinese twist on Sundays..

Heavily wooded acreage and tall pines and magnolias provide the first sign that you're entering Kingwood. Lying between Humble and New Caney, Highway 59 is the main artery running through the area, and is easily accessible for Kingwood residents.

A vehicle is necessary to get around, since public transportation routes do not operate in the area. Parking can be found for free at most places, and it's common to find people circling the streets for a spot when lots are full. Some restaurants have valet parking available, and limited metered parking is available. Uber does service this area, but cab services can be arranged through local taxi companies.

Many residents who work downtown take the Metro Park and Ride to work. This service allows commuters to ride the bus to work instead of fighting the grueling daily traffic. It costs around $3 each way, and operates only during business hours on weekdays.

The neighborhood was created to accommodate local residents, so sidewalks and biking lanes can be found in the residential neighborhoods giving pedestrians can safe areas to walk or ride their bikes in Kingwood.

These parks cater to its family friendly community. None of the parks have fees associated with them. For parks within residential areas, visitors must have a sticker to park or they will be towed.

The Greenbelt Trails has over 75 miles of trails, perfect for the avid jogger or someone who enjoys walks through the park. The Town Center Park hosts annual holiday events featuring live music and vendors. The River Grove Park has fishing and picnic areas. It has a soccer field and boat launch at the lake.

The cost of living in Kingwood is slightly higher than in Houston. The median price of rent for a one-bedroom apartment comes in at $840, about $40 more than rent in Houston. Getting to the city center via the park-and-ride costs about $6 for a round trip. Expect to pay around $3 for a beer at a local pub. The cost of gas stays right about equal with the national average.

Shopping centers serve as the major areas of commerce. Deer Park Mall has large chain and department stores, drawing in many residents who satisfy their shopping needs here and choose from major retailers like Macy's and JC Penny's. The Designer Consigner Boutique has the best vintage, upscale clothing in the area. Choose from great designers like Prada and Coach, and browse a selection of shoes, clothing and accessories perfect for a special someone. The owner finds clothes from all over the world and restores them for resale. Cute and trendy clothing can be found at the Dirt Road Divas Boutique. This Southern-chic boutique stocks cute cowgirl boots and dresses with Texas flair. Offering some of the latest styles for the fashion-forward woman, Dirt Road Divas opens daily and updates its styles weekly. Local grocers include Kroger's and Randall's, though locals looking for one-stop shopping for grocery and household needs hit up Target and Walmart. The Kingwood Farmers Market opens on Thursdays and provides local vendors an opportunity to sell their own goods. Choose from homemade cheeses, fresh produce, jams and soaps at this community hot spot.