West University Place - Houston, TX

The Medical Center was established in 1945 with funds donated to the M.D. Anderson Foundation. In 1946, there were other projects approved for additions to the Medical Center. These projects included the Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center and Houston Methodist Hospital. The Texas Children's Hospital, a valuable addition, was completed in 1954 and admitted its first patient in the same year. These projects were the first major additions to the Medical Center neighborhood.

This neighborhood is adjacent to the Museum District, which is home to 20 museums, galleries and cultural centers. Museums include the Contemporary Arts Museum, Holocaust Museum and Museum of Fine Arts. These locations offer various exhibits that appeal to the art aficionado and cultural enthusiast. There is also the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, which occurs annually in March. This is a popular cultural event that offers six weeks of entertainment and excitement.

The Medical Center features a diverse selection of restaurants and coffee shops. Aside from popular fast food options and chain restaurants, this area has several distinct pubs and eateries.

The Asahi Sushi is a niche sushi bar located at 8236 Kirby Drive. This sushi bar has a menu priced between $11 and $30, serving a variety of flavors. The dining environment is open and modern. Popular menu items include the Asahi Roll and the salmon sashimi.

The Medical Center is considered a safe and walkable neighborhood in Houston. This area also has good transit options that allow users to reach most destinations in less than 30 minutes.

This area has an excellent transportation system with the streets that are bike friendly. There are several bike lanes throughout the neighborhood that make biking a convenient option for most trips.

The Medical Center has 19 bus lines and 1 rail line. The area uses the Red Line segment of the METRORail system and the METRO bus service as the primary forms of public transportation. There are three METRORail stations located near the Medical Center neighborhood that include the Hermann Park and TMC Transit Center stations.

A car is required for some errands, and for residents without a personal vehicle, there is a useful car sharing service known as RelayRides. Other services like Uber are available, in addition to local taxis.

Residents using a car have access to State Highway 288 and Southwest Freeway for access to nearby locations.

Hermann Park is located within walking distance of the Medical Center and is one of the most visited parks in Houston. This is largest and most active park in the Medical Center neighborhood.

Hermann Park is an ideal place for residents who want to perform physical activities, such as yoga, jogging and biking around the beautiful grounds. This park contains a spacious 455 acres and is home to popular cultural institutions like the Miller Outdoor Theater, Houston Zoo and the Hermann Park Golf Course. These are all family friendly, and each provides outdoor activities that all ages can enjoy. The Miller Outdoor Theater offers free performances that run between March and November. Guests to the park can relax in a covered seating area and enjoy different outdoor performances. The Houston Zoo sits on 55 acres and has a variety of animal species for you to visit. Zoo keepers are friendly and informative.

This beautiful park offers the splendor of nature to every guest through its picturesque scenery and visually appealing design.

The cost of living in the Medical Center is high compared to other neighborhoods in Houston.

For example, a one-bedroom apartment in the AMIL at the Medical Center starts at $1,144, whereas a one-bedroom at the Villas at Hermann Park starts at $1,111. Although this is an expensive price tag, luxury amenities and ample space are generally included, giving residents a bang for their buck.

The standard fare for a Metro ride is $1.25, while gas is about 9 percent below the national average. At the local pub, guests can expect to pay $3.25 for a domestic beer.

When shopping in the Medical Center area, vintage shops and boutiques are more common than major department stores. National chains exist at the Shops at 3 Corners area near the football stadium just to south of the neighborhood. The center also has a PetsMart and Fiesta Mart supermarket. Weslayan Plaza on Bissonnet Street also contains several national chain stores, including Ross Dress for Less.

Kroger serves as a neighborhood supermarket, while the Rice University Farmers Market on the Rice University campus opens each Tuesday. Vendors sell goat cheese, fresh juice and many other locally produced goods.

Bering's shows off all kinds of unique, luxury wedding gifts, including dinnerware, luggage, silverware, grills and tea sets. Check out the wide selection of hardware, outdoor furniture and bathroom decor to fit almost any style.

Designs By Lynn, located at 2646 South Loop, represents another local favorite. This shop offers unique pieces and custom items that department stores generally do not carry.