Westbury - Houston, TX

Westbury is a relatively young neighborhood compared to other notable Houston sections. Ira Berne established the suburb after World War II. Berne, originally from Westbury, N.Y., named the community after his hometown and set to work building its reputation. The neighborhood’s expansion came around the 1960s after a shopping square and public housing units made the community more livable. Locals continued planting roots in the area as the nearby communities of Houston Heights and Neartown became too expensive, thus making Westbury an economical option with most of the same amenities.

While no museums exist within the neighborhood’s boundaries, the Museum of Southern History at Houston Baptist University is less than five miles away on Fondren Road. Westbury also partners with neighboring communities and the Brays Oaks District for organized events such as 5K marathons, small festivals and food markets.

One reliably strong aspect of life in Westbury that continually runs strong is the food scene. Grab breakfast, lunch or dinner from Annie’s Hamburgers on Post Oak Road. The full menu starts with classic breakfast staples and finishes with juicy cheeseburgers. Locals say the burger patties are bigger and fresher than anywhere else in town. Annie’s signature onion rings taste incredible smothered in the restaurant's special dipping sauce, so make sure to order enough to share. If you’re craving a burger with all the best fixings, opt for the Big Nasty, which comes with a few slices of crispy bacon.

While the high-energy nightlife of Houston doesn't spill over to Westbury, residents still enjoy a few drinks after a long day at work. Evening stops include Burdine Street for a cold beer from Cozy Corner, Westbury’s neighborhood dive bar. Locals flock to Cozy’s for the mix of games, indoor and outdoor seating and famed karaoke. The casual atmosphere with cheap beer and eclectic cocktails make Cozy’s a best-kept secret in this quiet, residential area. For the best of Westbury’s nightlife, head to Thirsty’s Bar and Lounge on Hilcroft.

Westbury is a city mostly dependent on cars, with more than 75 percent of residents choosing to drive as their primary means of transportation, and another 10 percent frequently carpooling. Bikers need to keep south of Willow Drive, since this area offers the only bike paths or lanes in the neighborhood. Most areas, aside from residential streets, are not walker friendly. However, several retail and dining options cluster along Post Oak Road and the intersection of Chimney Rock Road and Bellfort Street, so strolling along these retail-lined streets is more feasible than other areas.

Westbury has some public transportation, with six bus lines passing through and one car share. Call ahead for a taxi or schedule rides through Uber. Because so many residents drive, free parking spots rest near all major establishments and homes. Westbury’s location makes it easy to access the Sam Houston Parkway or the South Loop Freeway, which both connect to major roads heading all directions.

One of the largest and most popular green spaces in the area is the free Willow Waterhole Greenway on Gasmer Drive. At almost 290 acres, this peaceful haven gives Westbury locals a scenic place to take in the best of nature and wildlife. City officials constantly improve the park and aim to create a stopping point for migrating birds. Residents can stroll through green pastures with pets on leashes or picnic under a gazebo. Locals say the perimeter is best for joggers or bikers, since the winding trails inside the conservation area aren’t paved.

An alternative to the serene environment of Willow Greenway is Hager Park, located off Landsdowne Drive. This lively park attracts athletes and children to its large sports fields, playground and covered basketball court. Families utilize this free park since it’s tucked inside the streets of a residential neighborhood, and it shares a playground with the elementary school. The walking trail provides a designated walking area for joggers, families and residents with pets.

Life in Westbury comes at a moderately affordable price tag, especially when compared to the neighborhoods immediately surrounding it. In 2011, the median rental price was around $900. Most of the properties in Westbury are detached homes with a starting monthly payment of $1,200 for three bedrooms.

Trendy shopping options in Westbury are scarce since the majority of retailers are corporate chains such as Payless Shoes and Walgreens. Central shopping locations include the intersections of Chimney Rock Road and Bellfort Street and the shopping center at Fondren Road and Bellfort Avenue. From the Family Dollar to Rainbow apparel and GameStop, residents can find whatever they need between these two locations. Smaller, boutique style stores such as Uptown Strut give Westbury residents some one-of-a kind-fashion choices. Outside the neighborhood's limits, shoppers can visit To the T Boutique on Gessner Road, or head north to West University for more local flair.

A popular grocery store in Westbury named 99 Cents Only ranks close to the top for inexpensive produce and name brand products without the high prices. Locals love small stores such as this one even though they also have larger alternatives such as the Fiesta Mart available. Specialty grocers Foodarama and La Michoacana 23 offer residents a pleasant shopping experience with unique items such as authentic Mexican cheese and tortillas. Residents particularly appreciate the availability of corn-fed pork and beef from Foodarama, and say they carry a surprising selection of specialty sauces and spices. Westbury itself doesn't host a farmers' market, but residents can travel about 8 miles north to Rice University's Houston Farmers' Market.