Minnetex - Houston, TX

A 1936 county highway map shows a church and a few homes in Minnetex, though it wasn't named at that time. It wasn't until the 1980s that Minnetex's population began to increase, especially as Houston expanded farther and farther out from its center. The area still reflects is rural beginnings, with only about 600 people per square mile for a total population of about 5,000.

A quick trip along I-69 will take you to Houston's Museum District, which is lined with several fascinating locations. Visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Children's Museum of Houston, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Zoo in Hermann Park. Houston is filled with major universities -- the University of Houston, Rice University, Texas Southern University, and the University of St. Thomas. These universities also offer cultural and historical events. Be sure to take a trip to the Blaffer Art Museum on the campus of the University of Houston after moving to your Minnetex apartment.

Due to its residential nature, there are only a handful of restaurants in Minnetex. The neighborhood favorite is Nanny's Front Porch. Many claim Nanny's Front Porch to be the best down-home eatery in Houston. The menu features every comfort-food standard: mac-and-cheese, fried chicken, greens, yams, and sweet tea. Garland Young runs this spot along with his wife Etta, serving up recipes he learned from his mother Nanny.

Farther north, you find Tammy Chin Chicken-N-Seafood, which serves up excellent fried chicken and friendly service. Happy Donuts sells the regional favorite: kolaches, and other options occasionally pop up from time to time in strip malls.

Minnetex residents usually chose either downtown Houston or nearby Pearland for nightlife. During football season, locals head to NRG Stadium to cheer on the Houston Texans. Other attractions include the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Revention Music Center, the Toyota Center, and the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.

As in so many parts of Houston, Minnetex residents rely on their cars, and major highways remain easily accessible, especially the Sam Houston Parkway. Highways 288 and 35 also run close by. Public parking almost always comes free and widely available. Houston Metro bus lines serve the major thoroughfares, and Uber and taxi companies also serve the area. As in most outlying areas of town, however, you may face a long wait for cabs and need to provide them with good directions.

Minnetex has some great parks and outdoor activities. The large Tom Bass Regional Park lies partly within the neighborhood. An all-in-one exercise/outdoor activity center, this park features jogging trails, tennis courts, and picnic areas. There's even fishing and free Wi-Fi in some areas. The western edge of the park includes a smaller area just for dogs. Clear Creek, which passes through the park, continues eastward, forming the southern border of Minnetex and the edge of the city.

All the way at the north end of the neighborhood where Minnetex meets Sims Bayou, F.M. Law Park includes a nine-hole golf course and a learning center for beginning golfers. It's home to an annual father-child charity tournament.

288 Lake is a private park and spring-fed lake located in the heart of Minnetex. This is a training facility that focuses on scuba diving, stand-up paddle-boarding, kayaking, and swimming. There's a fee to access the lake, which includes picnic areas and a volleyball court. If you have kids, be aware -- this is a place for serious athletes to train and children under age 17 aren't permitted.

Minnetex residents enjoy a cost of living below the city average. A one-bedroom apartment in Minnetex averages about $638. Home prices also fall much lower than most other parts of Houston. Gas sells for 10 percent less the national average, and you can get a beer for $3 or less at a local pub.

A few businesses are scattered along major roads such as Almeda-Genoa, Fuqua, Airport Blvd., and East Orem Drive. Most Minnetex residents, however, head to nearby Pearland for serious shopping. The Baybrook Mall is in neighboring Friendswood and features anchor stores such as Dillard's, Macy's, Sears, and JC Penney and popular shops like the LEGO Store, MAC Cosmetics, Hollister, and Talbots.

Lollipop Children's Consignment and Boutique in Pearland was voted the Best Resale Shop in Pearland in 2010. The largest consignment shop in the Bay area, Lollipop has the best selection of gently used children's clothing in the area. Also in Pearland, Brooke's Boutique, a family-owned designer consignment shop, allows women to turn their cluttered closets into cash while enabling those on a budget to acquire quality designer clothing and accessories.

A couple of small food marts reside on the west side of the neighborhood on Almeda-Genoa, but for serious grocery shopping, head to the Kroger in Pearland. The Pearland Old Townsite Farmers Market is only about five minutes away from Minnetex and is well worth the trip. This market is held two Saturday mornings a month and features locally-grown produce, grass-fed beef, organic selections, ready-made food, local coffee roasters, baked goods, and more.