Sunnyside - Houston, TX

Nestled near the 610 loop, Sunnyside is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Houston. Founded by H.H. Holmes in 1912, he chose the name "Sunny Side." Back then, lots could be purchased for $10 down and $10 a month. In the 1940s, the residents were able to get gas, heating, and water into the neighborhood. The roads were eventually paved, and a volunteer fire department was established. Some of the homes dating to those early years remain, many of them shotgun houses. The neighborhood was annexed by Houston in 1956.

Today, the community celebrates its heritage during the Chocolate Bayou Festival. This festival includes live music, art exhibits, photography, and oral history. The festival is held in September at Sunnyside Park.

The Museum District and NRG Stadium can be found just minutes from Sunnyside, making it easy to catch a Houston Texans game or visit museums like the Children's Museum of Houston, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Houston Zoo.

Food lovers delight in the southern cuisine found in Sunnyside. Without a central location for restaurants, residents and visitors have to travel throughout the neighborhood to find places to eat. Though several chains, such as Popeye's, can be found, the local gems provide a taste of southern hospitality.

Just Oxtails Soul Food has way more than just oxtails. Specializing in soul food, this eatery has been family owned and operated since its opening. Just Oxtails opens during lunch and dinner. Choose from tasty dishes, such as smothered pork chops, yams, and collard greens, or keep it light with a salad. No meal would be complete without dessert, so be sure to try the peach cobbler or banana pudding. People come from all over to get a taste of Houston's number one soul food restaurant.

Enjoy a filling burger at Big Belly's Burgers. This restaurant has juicy, homemade burgers at very reasonable prices. Patrons enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and bask in the challenge of completing the massive hamburgers. However, the menu has much more than just burgers. Try the fried pork chops, or have a turkey burger.

For a taste of Louisiana cuisine, locals go to Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken. Despite its name, this eatery serves more than just fried chicken. Enjoy classics, such as red beans and rice or gumbo, or go for the specialty items, including pasta jambalaya or fish tacos. Located on Cullen, this place makes a great option for families.

Nearby Reed's Lounge and Super Star Nightclub open nightly and have great drink specials. Residents also travel to nearby downtown and midtown for the hip bar and club scene.

Residents most frequently use vehicles to get around the neighborhood. Getting around the city takes no time due to the close proximity of major highways, such as the 610 loop, which circles Houston, and Interstate 288, which brings you directly downtown. Parking proves to be a simple task, as Sunnyside, unlike downtown and midtown, has no metered parking. Most establishments offer free parking, and parking on the street is acceptable.

Metro bus routes 087, 077, 073, and 030 service the Sunnyside neighborhood. Passengers can travel to key areas of the city, such as downtown, the Medical Center, and Reliant Park for a little more than $1.

The parks in Sunnyside serve the community by offering events and activities throughout the year. The community center in Sunnyside Park has holds yoga, aerobics, and knitting classes throughout the week. It also has an after-school program for kids. The park has a playground, pavilion, designated sporting areas, and a hiking and biking trail.

In comparison to the city, the cost of living is lower in Sunnyside. Getting to the city via Metro costs around $2 for a one-way trip. Gas prices remain equal to the national average. Beer in a local pub costs about $4 on average. The median cost of rent is around $654.95, which is about $200 less than the Houston average.

Major shopping malls, such as the Galleria and Gulfgate shopping center, can be found minutes away from Sunnyside. Some small stores can be found in the neighborhood, but most residents travel outside the community to go shopping.

For all the latest styles in tennis shoes and sportswear, look no further than Active Athlete. This shoe boutique has been servicing Sunnyside for more than 10 years. With only two other locations in Houston, people travel from all over the city to browse and shop the unique shoe collection. Choose from brands that include Nike, LRG, and K-Swiss. Grab a nice pair of kicks for the kids, or treat yourself to tennis sneakers and a matching jacket.

Beauty Empire has a vast selection of hair products, accessories, and extensions. This establishment has been servicing the neighborhood for several years. This store has a huge selection of miscellaneous beauty items, and the inventory is updated constantly.

Fiesta Mart, Sheffield Grocery, and Cullen Grocery Store make up the grocery stores in this neighborhood.