Oak Forest-Garden Oaks - Houston, TX

Established in 1937 by Edward Crain, Garden Oaks began a quaint neighborhood comprised of a unique blend of mid-century homes. The Oak Forest community popped up shortly after, in 1947. The western portion of the neighborhood provided a place for returning World War II veterans to settle with their families.

Transforming the neighborhood from the old and outdated to fresh and new, renovations and tear-downs have given the community an architecturally unique feel, and Oak Forest-Garden Oaks has become one of Houston’s most desirable neighborhoods. Attracting creative types, the neighborhood has drawn residents from other trendy areas such as The Heights and Montrose as they have needed more space for growing families.

With lots of patio seating available around the neighborhood, Oak Forest-Garden Oaks offers residents their pick of gourmet eats paired with cold craft beer on a sunny afternoon. Locals stop in at Houston Panini and Provisions for a lunch box filled with a crispy panini, side of popcorn and soda. Most orders are taken to-go, as the restaurant only provides a small bar with about four or five barstools and a few small outdoor tables to dine at, but the food is just as tasty when boxed. Patrons favor the chicken cilantro panini, which often sells out, and the cookies and cream popcorn. Paired with a specialty soda and friendly service, the meals are the reason this spot tops the list of neighborhood gems.

Oak Forest-Garden Oaks provides several top-notch pubs serving above-average bar food. Petrol Station, a gas station turned pub, sits tucked on a shady residential street near Wakefield and Golf Drive. With ample outdoor seating and a beer-only selection, the atmosphere remains casual and relaxed. Though Friday and Saturday nights get crowded, locals don't mind the long wait for a Rancor burger. Don't skip on the Parmesan fries, the house specialty.

Locals head a few blocks north to 43rd and Ella Boulevard for another neighborhood favorite, Plonk Beer and Wine Bistro. Order from its chef-created seasonal menu, and peruse the eclectic wine list and craft beer selection. The patio fills up here because the casual atmosphere draws a friendly crowd. Favorite menu items include the crispy rustic pizza cooked to perfection in a state-of-the-art stone hearth oven and Guanciale Burger with gruyere cheese and its signature shallot bun.

For an alternative to the pubs and bars, venture over to Fifty Fifty Acorn Golf and Icehouse for a bucket of balls and a bucket of beer. The renovated driving range turns on the lights and turns up the music after dark. Whether you're a golf pro or novice, the affordable prices and relaxed atmosphere make for a fun evening. Enjoy a cold beer, and brush up on your skills with a few tips from the owner, a golf pro himself.

As with most Houston neighborhoods, residents prefer to get around via personal cars. Though the area is somewhat walkable, most locals run errands or commute to work by car. Some bike lanes exist, but they provide access for the leisurely biker rather than one running errands. Close proximity to two major Houston highways, Loop 610 and Highway 290, ensures quick access to other parts of Houston.

Some public transit stops sit throughout the neighborhood, but public transportation doesn't provide the most convenient mode of navigating around town as a city metro bus ride takes about 50 minutes with one transfer. About eight bus lines pass through the neighborhood. To hail a cab, call the cab company to request a ride, or schedule a pickup with Uber.

Though it's a relatively small area, the neighborhood provides several parks and trails to enjoy the outdoors. Locals favor the large TC Jester Park, situated along TC Jester Boulevard. With spacious, paved trails for jogging or biking, baseball fields, playgrounds and a dog park, the green space attracts many people without feeling crowded. Go for a swim in the public pool, or take your best shot at lobbing a disc over the bayou on the 21-hole disc golf course if you're feeling adventurous. For less-traveled trails, head over to the smaller but well-kept Mangum Manor Park on Costa Rica Road and Saxon Drive. The park provides tennis courts, a playground and plenty of shaded picnic tables. The walking trail stretches about a 1/3 mile around the park.

Although it's cheaper than The Heights, its trendy neighbor to the south, Oak Forest-Garden Oaks residents dub themselves “honorary Inner-Loopers” as the neighborhood provides much of the charm and chicness of The Heights without the soaring prices. Though old home tear-downs and renovations have added substantial value to the neighborhood, it remains an affordable place to live in Houston with a cost of living index about 14 percent lower than the national average.

A one-bedroom apartment runs about $584 per month. A trip downtown costs about $1.25 per ride on the city metro, but driving around town is economical as well with gas prices about 15 percent lower than national prices. With several casual pub options in the area, locals pay about $3.75 for a domestic beer.

Residents typically travel outside of the Oak Forest-Garden Oaks neighborhood for shopping. Though restaurants and pubs have moved into the area, retail has shown slower growth. Locals don’t seem to mind because the area has kept its quaint feel. Plus, easy access to Loop 610 and Highway 290 means driving to major shopping centers doesn’t take long. The Heights neighborhood, just south of Oak Forest-Garden Oaks inside Loop 610, provides residents with quick access to a range of shopping, from strip centers to specialty shops.

Though not a retail mecca, Oak Forest-Garden Oaks has its few quality shops. For the adventure seekers, Surfhouse on 34th and Ella Boulevard stocks supplies for surfers and skateboarders, from clothing to boards. Locals have been loyal to this independent business for years and love the shop as much as the friendly customer service.

Residents rely on well-known chain stores such as Kroger’s and Randall’s for grocery shopping within the neighborhood. The adjacent Heights neighborhood provides a few more specialty food shops, such as Revival Meats for high-quality butcher shop needs and Canino Produce for fresh farmer’s market fare.