Webster, TX Area Guide

Webster was founded in 1879 by James Webster, but the town was originally named Garden Town. It once served as a colony for English immigrants. In the early 1900s, the farming of rice became important to the area. Later, oil was found near Friendswood, increasing trade in the area. The city was incorporated in 1958, shortly before the Johnson Space Center was built. Since its founding, the area has grown tremendously. Webster also has a well-developed medical center, which serves over 1 million patients every year.

The West Bay Common School Children's Museum and the Butler Longhorn Museum await visitors right outside of Webster in League City. The museums allow patrons to get a glimpse of Webster's history and other western artifacts of Texas. The museum provides hands-on activities and hosts events for kids, such as experiencing what it was like to be a student over 100 years ago.

Webster consists of causal eateries, mainly. Most restaurants can found along Interstate 45, the main highway in the area.

Consider visiting Samurai Japanese Steak and Sushi. Providing authentic Japanese cuisine and sushi, Samurai boasts hibachi-style entertainment. Chefs creatively prepare food in front of guests using fresh ingredients such as Filet Mignon, or the House Delight with chicken and shrimp. Sushi can be prepared via the hibachi chef as well. The main menu includes Japanese dishes such as Chicken Katsu and Combination Yaki Udon.

Franca's Real Italian Restaurant on Nasa Parkway uses high-quality ingredients to prepare tasty Italian dishes. This family owned establishment has an atmosphere that makes you feel as though you are in Italy. Stop in and try some of the classic favorites such as ravioli, and choose your own sauce or keep it simple with lasagna. Try one of the signature dishes, such as Gamberi Fra Diavolo, which consists of sauteed shrimp in a zesty marinara sauce, or the Pollo Franca for a dish of chicken topped with fresh spinach, mozzarella and mushrooms. Franca's hosts a dinner theater where patrons can enjoy a play while they eat.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a vanilla concha or pan dulce at Martinez Mexican Bakery. This bakery prepares fresh goods and pastries daily, and they even serve sandwiches and burritos. The reasonable prices make it an attractive option for large groups looking for something cheap to grab on the go.

For entertainment, residents visit one of the local game halls such as Main Event. Hip and lively describe the nightlife in Webster. Enjoy live music at Scout Bar or Cock Eyed Seagull. For a true western experience, visit Big Texas Dance Hall and Saloon.

Getting around Webster requires the use of a vehicle. Metro bus routes 246 and 249 provide service to downtown Houston, and it takes around 45 minutes to get there. Cab and Uber services have to be arranged. Hailing a cab proves difficult. Public parking can be found throughout the area, and fees for parking are not common. Residents have easy access to Interstate 45 since the city sits right off of the interstate. The neighborhood does have sidewalks and biking lanes, making the roads safe for pedestrians.

The neighborhood does not have any parks, but residents can access a few in nearby neighborhoods. Walter Hall Park sits right outside of the area and has accommodations for everyone. The sports fields and trails make it perfect for the exercise-centric individual, and the pier makes for the perfect setting for a family outing. The boat ramp opens to the public, and the park doesn't charge fees.

Locals visit another nearby park as well; the Challenger Seven Memorial Park was created to honor those who lost their lives in the explosion of the Challenger Space shuttle. This park features a boardwalk, pavilions and barbecue pits.

The cost of living in Webster compared to the city does not vary greatly. With the cost of living coming in around 1 percent less than Houston, residents do not see a drastic change in expenses when living here versus the city. To get to the city via Metro costs less than $2. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment sits around $860, close to the Houston median. The typical cost of beer at a local pub comes in at only $3, and gas prices equal the national average.

Baybrook Mall serves as the key area of commerce for Webster residents. Not many high-value stores can be found, but some high-end brands, such as Coach, have shops within the mall.

La De Da Lingerie features undergarments for women of any size. This boutique has a vast array of nightgowns and accessories for customers to choose from. Customers enjoy the fact that they have access to rare sizes and designs. This store also provides the proper cleaning materials for the sensitive garments, and locals enjoy their altering services.

Visit Changes Resale, and browse through their collection of refurbished garments and goods. This thrift store features high-end designer pieces that have been restored for resale. Customers can also bring some of their own goods to be bought and resold.

A unique specialty shop, The Smoke Ring has gifts and trinkets perfect for smokers and non-smokers alike. Patrons come to the shop to enjoy their favorite tobacco, and they have air filters to make the non-smokers more comfortable as well. The great ambiance makes it a perfect place to purchase your favorite tobacco and relax, if you like.

Local grocers include Kroger's, Randall's and HEB. The closest Farmer's Market awaits locals in Clear Lake and Kemah. The farmer's market features fresh, homemade goods and locally grown produce for residents who prefer organic ingredients.