Spring Branch West - Houston, TX

The roots of Spring Branch's history can be traced back to its first settlers in 1830, which were German farmers. Karl Kolbe settled on a branch of the Buffalo Bayou that he would name Spring Branch. Beginning as a religious community, the neighborhood was centered around St. Peter's United Church. The historic church, built in 1848, is still an active part of the community.

Explore the nearby art galleries of Spring Branch West, including Newspring Art Studio, Magnolias and Landauer Art. See a ballet at Uptown Dance Centre, and explore the museums of Houston. The Houston Museum District consists of 20 museums, including the Museum of Natural Science, Children's Museum and Contemporary Arts Museum. Attend the annual Polish Harvest Festival for traditional entertainment, live dancing and authentic cuisine.

Locals enjoy the dining options in Spring Branch West, from Tex-Mex to Korean BBQ to a host of popular casual chain eateries. Stop in at EurAsia Fusion Sushi for fresh sushi and delectable Japanese cuisine. Sit in the dining room or at the sushi bar, where you can watch rolls being handmade and chat up the sushi chef. Start your dinner with a selection of sharable appetizers, including crispy shrimp tempura, honey-glazed chicken wings or the house favorite, golden-fried cream cheese and lump crab stuffed puffs.

For over 40 years, Aunt Pookie's Bar-B-Que has been serving Spring Branch locals hearty breakfast, finger-licking barbecue and sizable burgers. Start your morning with fluffy pancakes, biscuits and gravy, or create-your-own omelettes with grits. For an affordable and satisfying lunch, choose between combination barbecue plates, sandwiches, burgers, salads and loaded baked potatoes. Take home barbecue sauce or barbecue by the pound for a family dinner, and be sure to indulge in desserts, such as pecan or buttermilk pie.

For a night out, Hollister Grill on Hollister Street offers classic ambiance with New-American comfort food. Begin your meal with homemade soup, crab cakes with red pepper beurre blanc or an apple-arugula salad featuring hand-picked local produce. Popular entrées include country-fried ribeye steak with creamy jalapeño gravy and spinach-mozzarella stuffed chicken parmesan. For something unique, try the shrimp and scallop risotto made with pablano peppers and roasted corn or the Creole pasta with sautéed shrimp and andouille sausage in spicy Creole sauce. The restaurant is BYOB, so don't forget to bring a fantastic bottle of wine to share.

Locals have several options when it comes to enjoying the neighborhood's nightlife. Laugh out loud at a comedy show at Improv Comedy Club, see an IMAX movie at Marq-E Entertainment Center, go dancing, have a drink at a sports bar, or sing your heart out at karaoke. For a bit of everything, Drink Houston on Katy Freeway features five unique clubs playing everything from hip hop to salsa, a sports bar and a karaoke room. If you prefer something more low-key and appreciate fine whiskey, Yellow Rose Distilling on Post Oak Road is perfect for you. Visit Houston's first whiskey distillery, and tour the facility to learn how they make double-barrel bourbons, rye whiskeys and vodka. Then, of course, sample a few.

Spring Branch West residents typically rely on their cars to commute to work and run daily errands. Commuters can take advantage of the area's close proximity to major freeways and highways, including Interstate 10, Interstate 610 and U.S. Highway 290. Residents can also rely on plenty of public parking and ride-shares such as RelayRides. While hailing a cab on the street is not practical in Spring Branch West, you can call one in advance or arrange for Uber service.

Locals can feel comfortable both walking and biking in this safe neighborhood. Several bus lines service Spring Branch West, ensuring easy commutes by public transportation. Leave the car at home, and take a bus directly to downtown Houston in about 30 minutes.

With a surplus of parks nearby, Spring Branch West residents can hike, swim, bike or play. Spend a day in the sun at Agnes Moffitt Park. This free public park features a playground, disc golf course, basketball court and public swimming pool where locals enjoy cooling off on hot days. Locals can also be seen at Nob Hill Park jogging or leisurely strolling the park's walking trail. The 13-acre park comes equipped with picnic facilities, a softball field, a children's playground and a gazebo.

Canine friends are not left out of the fun, with plenty of nearby dog parks to exercise in, including Tanglewood Bark Park, Danny Jackson Dog Park and Congressman Bill Archer Bark Park.

Be sure to check out the Bayou City Art Festival, an annual cultural event that takes place in Memorial Park every year. Shop fine art and crafts from more than 300 artists, enjoy food, wine and beer stations, see live local music and dance performances, and let the children enjoy the interactive creative center.

A one-bedroom rental in Spring Branch West costs an average of $916 a month. Overall, the cost of living is about 9.5 percent higher than the Houston average.

A ride on public transportation costs about $2, and gas prices typically stay at about 5 percent below the national average. Expect to pay around $5 for a pint at a local bar.

Locals have plenty of options when it comes to shopping, including nearby Town and Country Village and Memorial City Mall. Both shopping centers offer a multitude of department stores and local boutique and speciality stores. Expect to find apparel for the whole family, home decor and furniture, and the latest technology at both of these malls.

Spend a day exploring the vintage treasures at Market Place Antiques & Collectibles on Katy Freeway. From 18th century furniture to antique jewelry to collectible items, locals praise Market Place as a great antiquing spot. For unique and whimsical decor, healing crystals and stunning handmade jewelry, head to Pixie's Intent on Katy Freeway. This new-age store also sells a variety of aromatherapy items and conducts tarot card readings.

Spring Branch West residents also have several choices when it comes to grocery shopping. Locals shop at Kroger, H-E-B and Walmart Supercenter. In addition, Spring Branch hosts a farmers market every Thursday on Wirt Road. Bring home local produce, handmade crafts and ready-to-eat meals. From honey and fresh spices to pet treats and gluten-free artisan breads, everyone can enjoy the selection at this local pop-up market.