Medical Center South - Houston, TX Area Guide

This neighborhood came to be after the development of the Astrodome. The Astrodome was the football arena for Houston's first football team, the Oilers and as the second home to the Houston Astros. When the Astrodome was built, apartment complexes and condos were built. This area served as one of the main routes when the Metro light rail was built.

Though the Astrodome awaits development and the NRG Park and Stadium replaced it, the neighborhood has continued to flourish. Initially, only residences could be found and a few grocery stores. Now, several restaurants and stores can be found. The closest museums can be found minutes away in the Museum District.

The many dining options in this neighborhood make you feel as though you are traveling all over the world. Choose from Chinese, Thai or Mexican, or keep it simple with American cuisine. Enjoy a cozy dinner or relaxed lunch at a nearby eatery. Even the pickiest eaters can find something to their liking.

Stop in Vasso Grill for breakfast or lunch. Open only on weekdays, this restaurant has a vast menu with tasty options that anyone will enjoy. Keep it light and simple with a turkey sandwich and a salad, or try the tasty chicken Alfredo. Vasso's has reasonable prices and daily specials.

Located minutes away from NRG Stadium, Fat Boy's Bar and Grill never lets its patrons down. Locals visit this popular hangout and enjoy great deals on food and beer. The menu features American favorites such as burgers, hot wings and sandwiches. Patrons boast about the weekly happy hour and daily specials. Stop in any time and watch the game on the big screens on the patio.

For a nice, relaxing meal, Marco's Mexican Bar and Grill features some of the best Tex-Mex dishes in town. Grab a plate of beef fajitas or nachos to enjoy with a margarita. The large portions make the meals perfect for sharing, and the restaurant even has family-sized meals for low prices. Visitors rave about the great service and location.

The Astrodome area has a lively nightlife scene. Most residents go to the local bars and nightclubs for a good time, many of which feature live bands or a DJ multiple days of the week. Find cheap drinks and great food at Time Out #1, the original Time Out Sports Bar and Grill. This bar features games and a live DJ on some nights. The Coach's Corner Sports Bar, Texas Hookah and the Island Sizzler Jamaican Rum Bar and Grill all sit within close proximity of Time Out for a fun night of bar hopping.

Though most residents use a car to get around, the public transportation system is a popular option as well. Metro bus routes 011, 087 and 297 service the neighborhood, providing routes that go to downtown and other key areas in the city. The Metro light rail runs in front of NRG Stadium and goes all the way through the Medical Center and downtown.

Arrange an Uber or cab to get around. Though hailing a cab may prove to be an issue, sometimes they can be found lingering near popular locations. With driving being so common, ample parking can be found on the streets and parking lots surrounding the area. On game days or when events are being held at NRG, parking can get very expensive. Some lots charge $20. Most patrons park and walk to the stadium or ride the light rail to save on parking.

The sidewalks and biking lanes make it convenient for pedestrians to get around. Highway 288 and 610 surround the neighborhood and are easily accessible depending on where you are in the neighborhood.

The only park in the neighborhood is Schweppe Park. Though this park lacks amenities, it makes up for it in the vast amount of space. The several acres make it an ideal place for birthday parties or family gatherings. Patrons visit this park to enjoy a day in the great outdoors, free of charge. Local festivals tend to be held in the stadiums.

Though the cost of living near the Astrodome averages about 5 percent more than Houston, the costs are not reflected in the costs of goods and services. Residents enjoy normal prices despite the differences. Beers cost about $4 and can cost much less during happy hour or special events. Gas prices equal the Houston average and run around 7 percent below the national average.

Rent prices exceed the city average by about $100. The median cost of a one-bedroom apartment comes in at $921. Getting to the city via public transportation only costs about $3 for a round trip.

Discover several shopping centers and chain stores nestled near the Astrodome. Though finding high-end designers and stores requires traveling outside of the neighborhood, several local gems grace the area and make up for what is lacking. Find retailers offering clothing, gifts and other goods.

Located right on the 610 loop, Designs by Lynn Boutique has fine women's clothing and accessories. Women can browse through the selections and find the perfect outfit for any occasion. Options range from formal dresses to casual wear and even some outerwear. Match your new outfit with a cute pair of shoes and a necklace to complete your look.

Texas Hookah is a tobacco shop located to the east. Here you discover rows and rows of different types of hookahs and shishas to choose from, whether you're a beginner who wants to snag something cheap or an expert who wants something fancy to add to your collection.

Top Vintage sits to the east of the neighborhood and offers vintage clothing, shoes and accessories. The company proudly owns a large warehouse to store its finds, as it used to only supply vintage shops in the area. It opens its doors to the public, so you can discover all of the organization's great finds in one location.

Grocery stores such as Kroger and Fiesta service the area. Major retailers like Walmart and Target can be found nearby as well. The closest farmers markets are in the Museum District and near Kirby Drive.