MacGregor Houston, TX

The neighborhood takes its name from Henry McGregor, a man who settled in Houston in 1873 and invested in the area. After buying the donkey cart-powered Houston Street Railway and replacing it with electric streetcars, he set to enhance several residential neighborhoods.

MacGregor provides a home to the Laini Kuumba Ngoma Troupe, a nonprofit arts organization that performs and educates locals on African culture and artistic expression. The group, comprised of dancers, drummers and entertainers, also offers workshops and classes to residents.

Take advantage of close proximity to the Houston Museum District, a 1.5-mile radius of nearly 20 museums. Visit The Children's Museum of Houston, The Health Museum, The Museum of Fine Arts and The Houston Museum of Natural Science. Don't leave without exploring The Houston Zoo, a zoo that houses over 6,000 animals and attracts 2.3 million visitors annually.

Restaurants in MacGregor feature a variety of cuisine, from soul food and Southern barbecue to Cajun-Creole specialities. Family-owned Ray's Real Pit BBQ Shack on Old Spanish Trail serves MacGregor residents finger-licking barbecue, fresh fish, burgers and po' boys. Savor barbecue plates that include your choice of hickory-smoked meats and two sides. Dine here on fall-off-the-bone ribs, brisket, chicken or sausage with side dishes such as spicy rice, corn on the cob or macaroni salad. Ray's menu also includes fried catfish and shrimp, hush puppies, BBQ-smothered sandwiches and homemade desserts.

For even more Southern soul food staples, locals favor This Is It on Blodgett Street. The casual family-owned diner has been served homemade comfort food with generous portions and affordable prices since 1959. Come in for a hearty breakfast and choose menu items such as the pancake and pork chop platter, Creole breakfast bowl or crispy bacon, eggs and grits. For dinner, the diner serves a rotating menu that consists of favorites such as braised oxtails, meatloaf, smothered chicken, ham hocks and turkey wings. Be sure to come here hungry — all the entrees come with your choice of three sides, from butter beans to macaroni and cheese, and two cornbread muffins. This Is It also makes a variety of homemade desserts, including banana pudding, sweet potato pie and over a dozen types of cake.

For lighter, healthier fare, residents flock to Sunshine's Health Food Store and Vegetarian Deli adjacent to MacGregor Park. Sip fresh-squeezed juices and smoothies while sampling a vegetarian and vegan menu that includes vegan nachos, Tex-Mex burgers and bean thread noodles. Locals can be seen enjoying avocado po' boys, garlic kale salad or comforting vegan soups in the relaxing and casual space.

As far as nightlife options go, residents can relax at a local dive bar or dance and sip cocktails at an upscale lounge. Sugarhill Bar and Lounge on Southmore Boulevard provides a sophisticated environment with plush decor, red and black leather seating and optional VIP bottle service. Sip signature cocktails such as the Sugar Hill Martini made with citrus vodka, lime juice, simple syrup, pureed blackberries and sparkling wine. Come for happy hour on the patio or for evenings at Sugarhill, where the crowds of people dance to live music or premier Houston DJs.

MacGregor residents enjoy easy commutes thanks to close proximity to major roads and highways, such as I-45, Loop 610 and State Highway 288. A drive to downtown Houston takes less than 10 minutes. You can also take advantage of plenty of street parking and car shares such as RelayRides. Some errands can be achieved by foot and the neighborhood is very bike-friendly. Utilize convenient bike lanes, flat terrain and the Brays Bayou Hike and Bike Trail. The 16-mile trail connects MacGregor Park to several neighborhoods, schools and attractions, such as The Houston Zoo and the museum district.

While hailing a cab on the street isn't practical in MacGregor, you can call one in advance or arrange for Uber service. Additionally, you can choose to leave your car at home and rely on the area's excellent public transportation options with about 14 bus routes passing through it.

MacGregor houses the 82.79-acre MacGregor Park and community center. Let children burn off some energy in the park's playground or find a shaded spot beneath a tree for an afternoon picnic. If you happen to be a sports enthusiast, you can play basketball in the outdoor pavilion or a game of tennis at Homer Ford Tennis Center. The dog-friendly park also features a swimming pool perfect for cooling off on hot summer days, a weight room and 18-hole disc golf course. Visit the park's annual Easter egg hunt, an interactive kid-friendly event that locals look forward to.

MacGregor residents enjoy a lower cost of living compared to Houston. A one-bedroom apartment rental costs an average of $657 a month. This puts the cost of living about 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.

MacGregor residents shop at nearby malls such as the Shops at Houston Center in downtown Houston, a center that features speciality, apparel, and technology stores alongside 28 dining options. Be sure to visit Worth the Weight for fine jewelry and gifts, and don't miss Designs by Dorli for Texas-Western home decor and apparel.

For boutique shopping in the neighborhood, visit Holyghost Girl Boutique on Stella Link Road. Inside the boutique, you can find fashionable apparel for both men and women, jewelry, and handbags. Shop floral prints, funky patterns, maxi dresses, and sparkling accessories. The shop provides a section of fashionable finds under $50, ensuring you can look amazing without breaking your budget.

For groceries, locals shop at nearby supermarket chains H-E-B and Kroger and visit smaller convenience stores such as Tip Top Grocery on N MacGregor Way for standard needs. For healthier options, residents shop at Sunshine's Health Food Store and Vegetarian Deli for vegetarian grocery items, dietary supplements and natural detox products. While MacGregor doesn't host a farmer's markets, several markets open in the greater Houston area, such as Urban Harvest. Visit Houston's largest farmer's market and take home organic produce, artisan breads and farm-fresh eggs from more than 50 local farmers and vendors.