Washington Ave - Houston, TX Area Guide

With Memorial Park in the center, this area has grown to become one of the most popular destinations in the city. Considered the First Ward, this neighborhood has a collection of older buildings that have been renovated and turned into condos and apartments. At one point, the area was going downhill, but restaurants and bars eventually started moving into the area, taking advantage of the growth potential.

During March, The Bayou City Art Festival happens every spring and attracts people of all ages. Games, food and entertainment fill the park for visitors and their families. Hosted by the Art Colony Association, this festival is sponsored by the city of Houston and the Houston Art Alliance. The Art Car Museum has dozens of antique vehicles that have been restored to top condition.

Washington Avenue features a variety of restaurants -- so many, in fact, it is considered a food corridor. There are places for the adventurous -- just try the rattlesnake or elk at Sammy's Wild Game Grill -- to great sushi places like Sushi Tora. Bars and nightclubs are also plentiful. Try Benjy's, Hughes Hangar, or the Porch Swing Pub for a fun night out.

Bus routes traveling to downtown, midtown and the Galleria service the area. Stops can be found at almost every corner. Parking meters line the streets, but most street parking costs nothing. A few parking garages can be found near shopping centers, and most restaurants offer valet. Schedule a pickup with Uber, or call a cab to get around.

Most people drive around the city. Pedestrians do not really have anywhere to walk or ride their bikes since there aren't many sidewalks or biking lanes. Most highways can be easily accessed, but since the neighborhood stretches pretty far; accessibility depends on how far you travel into the area.

The historical Memorial Park hosts several events every year and attracts many guests daily. Visitors enjoy a golf course and a fitness center, but the most popular attraction is the running trail which measures close to three miles. The park also has a swimming pool and six miles of mountain for hiking and bike trails. This pet- and family-friendly park happens to be one of the most sought-out parks in the city, and the golf course has been ranked as one of the best in the nation. River Oaks Country Club connects to the park, and the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center calls it home. Other nearby parks include Cleveland Park, Knox Park and Spotts Park, all of which are very exercise-centric and kid friendly.

Prices have skyrocketed over the past few years. What was almost an abandoned neighborhood has become one of the most sought-out areas in the city, and young adults move here to be close to all the fun. One-bedroom apartments start around $1,200 and increase to roughly $2,000.

The further you are away from the main attractions, the less the rent is. Gas prices are around 15 percent more than the national average. Compared to living in the city, the cost of living is about 30 percent more. Beer typically costs $3 to $4, but during happy hour, some bars have specials for beer as low as $2.

Local shopping malls include Memorial City Mall and the Galleria. Shopping centers surround the area. Major chain stores are nearby for clothing and household supplies. Arne's Party Warehouse is a party store with decorations and supplies for any occasion. This two-story place has all the party essentials and more. Patrons can rent drink machines and other novelties as well. Arne's has been open for years and attracts people from all over the city.

James Craig Furnishings makes moving to the neighborhood a breeze by providing all the upscale furniture you need for your new apartment. Choose from manufacturers such as Lee Industries and Vanguard Furniture. After you purchase your new furniture, head over to the Room Re-Do for your interior decorating needs. Let the staff show you how to match prints, choose hues or just get some feng shui going.