Medical Center - Houston, TX

The Texas Medical Center has been at the forefront of medical innovation since its inception in 1945. Hermann Hospital, which opened in the 1920s, was one of the first hospitals in the area. Over the years, more hospitals were added and the Texas Medical Center developed.

Member institutions have made great medical strides. The first successful heart transplant was performed here. In 1991, the Texas Heart Institute released the first patient in the world with an electric, portable, battery-powered heart pump. This Center continues to set and raise the bar for life sciences..

The nearby Museum District hosts several different museums, including the Health Museum, which houses the medical history archives of The Medical Center and is a member of the Texas Medical Center.

This area has fast-food restaurants as well as dine-in restaurants and eateries. Most restaurants cater to TMC visitors and patrons by offering quick and tasty meals. Those with a dine-in option work well for family members of hospital patients taking a break from the hospitals or employees looking to eat and grab a coffee before heading home. Most restaurants sit close to Main and Fannin, although Kirby has some as well.

Houston's Famous Deli & Catering Co. has sandwiches, subs and salads, perfect for a lunch to go. Enjoy a roast beef panini or spinach and walnut salad. This restaurant even delivers to nearby hospitals and residences.

Offering unique and tasty sushi options, Asahi Sushi opens daily for lunch and dinner. Online ordering helps you avoid the long lines during the lunch hour and ensures order accuracy. Try the famous asahi roll or the sizzling beef teriyaki.

The nightlife in this area tends to be serene and tranquil. Local patrons hang out at night to unwind and enjoy drinks. Libra Lounge, on Buffalo Speedway, has a small dance floor and great drinks. On weekends, expect a DJ; during the week, the jukebox shells out some popular hits.

For a great night out from dinner to dancing, head over to Island Sizzler Jamaican Rum Bar & Grill. Start out with some drinks at happy hour, but definitely stick around for dinner. Everyone who goes raves about the famous curry goat, jerk chicken or oxtails. On a Friday or Saturday, you can generally expect live music or a DJ.

The closest music venue, the NRG Park, happens to be about 10 minutes away. This stadium hosts large concerts and is home to the Houston Texans, the local football team.

Uber services this area. Cabs circulating throughout the area have more than likely been scheduled to pick up someone. Readily available cabs can usually be found outside of the hospitals. Interstates 610 and 288 surround the area, and accessibility depends where you are in the neighborhood.

Most people drive to get around, but parking can get very expensive. Most garages charge around $4 per hour, and some garages go up to $30 per day. Drivers can purchase contracts for lower monthly rates through the TMC website. Street parking may be difficult to find unless you park on the outskirts and walk. Most street parking has meters, and walking would be an inconvenience depending on what hospital you are going to. Drivers can usually find street parking and free lots near homes and apartments in the area.

Shuttles make commuting to different hospitals and parking lots around the area more convenient. The shuttles, provided by the Texas Medical Center, stop every 5-10 minutes at designated locations. The shuttle is free and open to employees, patients and visitors.

Metro has several bus routes that run through the area. Some routes take patrons in and out the area to different parts of the city while other routes are for park-and-ride patrons who work in the Medical Center and ride the bus instead of driving. Routes travel to Bellaire, Downtown, Montrose, Hiram Clarke, among others. A round trip on Metro costs $5 on average. Transit riders can purchase all-day bus passes for $7, allowing unlimited routes and transfers, but passengers can only use them on normal bus routes, not the park and ride.

Located on El Paseo, Schweppe Park is the only park in TMC. This park has a playground and picnic area. Patrons visit to take a break from the hospitals or enjoy their lunch.

Hermann Park, located right across from Memorial Hermann Hospital, has more amenities than any other park in the area. With walking and bike paths, people have several exercise options. This park has a playground and waterfall for the kids to enjoy during the summer months. Miller Outdoor Theater, in the park, hosts several free activities such as concerts and plays during the year. Neither park has an entrance fee.

Residential areas around hospitals tend to be more expensive in general, and since the Texas Medical Center consists of more than 20 hospitals, the cost of living comes in at 17 percent more than the city. The median cost of rent for a one-bedroom residence averages $1,094.

To get to the city center via Metro costs no more than $3, and the cost of gas sits at the same price as for the rest of Houston at about 6 percent below the national average. A domestic draft at one of the local bars and restaurants will set you back $3-$4.

This area would not be considered a hub for shopping, but residents can find major shopping 15 minutes away at the Galleria or only 5 minutes away at the shops in Rice Village. Gift shops reside in every hospital, offering trinkets and flower arrangements for patients. A few shopping gems call the area home, however. Locals rave about nearby boutique Dao Chloe Dao for their friendly service and trendy selection of fashion for every budget. Project Runway winner Chloe Dao offers a diverse selection of both her own designs and top label brands. Expect to find the latest trends in apparel and accessories here. An awesome vintage and consignment seller near the loop offers a vast selection of clothing to choose from, but is only open to the public on the last Saturday of each month as their main business is selling to local vintage shops and boutiques. Taking the time to go to Top Vintage is well worth it however, as the finds and prices are unbeatable, and the shopping experience of hunting for a gem is priceless. Nearby Fiesta Mart, Kroger and Target provide groceries and other common household needs. The nearest farmers' markets are Urban Harvest Market on Kirby and Houston Farmers Market on West University. Choose from vendors offering fresh pastries, fruit and vegetables.