Sharpstown - Houston, TX

Sharpstown started as the vision of Frank Sharp - a man striving to create the ideal suburban community. From 1950 to 1961, the town was brought to life with the construction of several stores and residential zones. As the community continued to grow and expand, the neighborhood transformed into a cosmopolitan urban environment, simultaneously fueling both commercial and residential expansion.

Both the Museum of Southern History and the Dunham Bible Museum lie just outside of the Sharpstown border, which present a number of detailed exhibits outlining both the overarching and religious history of the South.

While residents of Sharpstown enjoy a healthy variety of nationally recognized chain restaurants, a strong concentration of Asian-themed bistros and cafes on Bellaire Boulevard dominate the town's culinary scene.

Juice Box, a Taiwanese juice bar, is the go-to spot for desserts and the best freshly made smoothies in town. The business specializes in crafting shaved ice desserts, which are usually served in a dish with fresh fruit, gourmet ice cream and rich syrup. Customers enjoy a selection of specialty beverages from iced coffee to fruit green tea. Customers can customize their deserts to their hearts content, so if you're looking for something in particular to try, grab yourself a milk tea for a real treat.

Stop by King Bakery to experience one of the most unique yet highly successful combinations of bakery foods and China-style barbecue Sharpstown has to offer. Known for its low prices and consistently fresh-baked bread, King Bakery serves as a heavily frequented location in Sharpstown for anything from a simple snack to a full-on meal. Whether you're looking for an authentically crafted egg tart or more traditional bakery goods like pineapple buns, King Bakery has you covered. But don't count out this local bakery just yet - be sure to try the restaurant's signature BBQ pork bun, a filling mix of carefully seasoned pork nestled in a freshly baked bun.

When it comes to nightlife, residents of Sharpstown enjoy everything from bars and lounges to karaoke bars and nightclubs. Spots such as Giau Bar N Bites blends a bit of both the culinary and nightlife worlds, functioning as a combination Asian-fusion restaurant and lounge. Televisions line the walls, creating a choice atmosphere for bar goers to relax and enjoy delectable Vietnamese style dishes. Meanwhile, guests looking for a more upbeat experience can dance to sounds provided by local DJs while they enjoy a number of specialty drinks. On a similar note, spots such as STAGE Lounge & Live Music provide plenty of entertainment. With a more than spacious atmosphere, karaoke and regular live-musical acts, the facility serves as a great spot for a casual get together with friends.

Automobiles are the most common form of transportation in Sharpstown, while the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County serves as the town's primary source of public transportation, providing access to several bus and trolley routes. Taxi services are fairly limited in Sharpstown, while Uber services can be accessed throughout Houston and the surrounding areas. On-street residential parking, private lots and a small spread of metered parking comprise public parking in Sharpstown. The Southwest Freeway runs across Sharpstown and offers easy access to downtown Houston, while the Westpark Tollway and Sam Houston Parkway run along the outer edges of the town. Meanwhile, pedestrians enjoy a fairly walkable environment, while cyclists travel across a small spread of bike trails in a generally flat landscape.

Most parks in Sharpstown focus on recreation, typically providing a range of amenities. Sharpstown Park contains a playground area, lit tennis courts, a swimming pool and a golf course. Bayland Park offers a clean and well-kept environment, housing a track, picnic area and baseball field. Bring the family for a refreshing day in the great outdoors, and don't forget to bring your furry companion along as well

Be sure to catch Houston's Signature Independence Day celebration, an annual six-hour event that features a superb roster of local and nationally recognized musical talent.

Living in Sharpstown incurs a cost of living that is slightly lower than that of Houston, and residents travel to the center of the city via Metro for as little as $1.25. One-bedroom residences rent at an average cost of $548, while gas prices sit at around 10 percent less than the national average. Luckily, you can grab an ice cold pint of beer for as little as $5.

Sharpstown presents a commercial district dominated by specialty boutiques, ranging from department stores and clothing shops to home decor outlets and toy stores. The town also houses a small selection of high-end stores within its main shopping center, Dun Huang Plaza. Most establishments are located along Bellaire Boulevard. fit Japanese Store carries a truly unique yet broad selection of merchandise, ranging from housewares and stationery to office supplies and hobby materials. The store specializes in satisfying the niche needs of its customer base, while covering a wide range of product categories with over 1,200 product lines. With affordable prices, attentive customer service and amazing value, fit is one of the most heavily favored stores in the area. Poshak Fashion & Style on Southwest Freeway carries the cutting edge in South Asian fashion, and serves as one of Sharpstowns more high end locations. Store director and local fashion designer Sameera Faridi readily provides expert advice and recommendations for customers. Meanwhile, visitors browse a neatly organized selection of both men and women's clothing and accessories. Many locals appreciate the professionalism and dedication of Poshak Hillcroft Fashion & Style, making it a hidden gem in the town. Both Dynasty Supermarket and Goldenfoods Supermarket serve as Sharpstown's main grocery stores, respectively providing the finest Chinese BBQ meats and a full selection of Asian groceries. The town does not host any farmers markets, but residents travel to nearby markets, such as the Westchase District Farmers Market, for a thorough collection of local produce, baked bread, pastries and plenty of fresh meats.