Alden Bridge - The Woodlands, TX

Alden Bridge doesn't have much history to speak of, as it only opened in 1994. In that short amount of time, though, this community has quickly become the largest village in The Woodlands.

No museums are located in the neighborhood, but residents take pleasure in visiting museums located in nearby neighborhoods. Children love playing with art and science tables at the Woodlands Children's Museum. The Houston Museum District packs a remarkable 20 different museums in a 1.5-square-mile area, including the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, and the Holocaust Museum Houston.

Few annual events or celebrations of the arts are in Alden Bridge. The area of The Woodlands has both annual events and an art scene. The annual Palettes and Paintings fundraiser features silent auctions of the titular pieces and always attracts a crowd in The Woodlands.

Residents of Alden Bridge enjoy excellent options for Italian, Greek and Japanese, but often travel to other neighborhoods of The Woodlands for a larger variety of restaurants. Don't miss the artisanal pizza at the neighborhood favorite Crust Pizza, where pies come topped with fresh ingredients and house-made sauce. Fans of spicy food can set mouths on fire with the hot pepper chicken from China Bridge, which many say dishes up the most authentic Sichuan in town. The Woodlands offers an exceptional combination of Southern and American food at The Republic Grille, or you can head to the nearby town of Magnolia for a delectable bite of the sweet potato casserole at the Eden Cafe.

Locals like the quiet evenings in Alden Bridge, but when the mood strikes, they get their fill of live country music, bluegrass and jazz at Dosey Doe, a coffee shop with a hometown feel. Those looking for the bar scene typically travel to Magnolia. There, locals hear live DJs or savor a steak at The Golden Retriever Pub, known for its many evenings of themed dinner and entertainment. To enjoy both a night out on the town and the taste of fine wine, visit GenuWine Tasting Room, a wine bar located just outside of Alden Bridge.

Closer to home, Cellar Twenty Four pours glasses of fine vintages in the middle of its wine shop, inviting customers to sit down and relax while they sample wine and nibble on chocolate from a small gourmet menu. Wine aficionados wanting bigger ambiance head downtown to Crush Wine Lounge, where they sway on the sizable dance floor or relax on the rooftop patio.

Like most Texans, most residents of Alden Bridge prefer to travel the neighborhood by car. Cyclists and pedestrians remain safe on neighborhood streets, and the many bike lanes available on main roads mean you can pedal around mostly worry-free.

Public transportation does not stop in Alden Bridge, but Uber, Lyft and traditional taxis remain an alternative to transportation problems. You likely won't be able to hail a taxi from the side of the road, so be sure to call ahead to schedule a pickup.

With over two dozen parks distributed through out the village, Alden Bridge far exceeds the expectations when it comes to green space. Parks range from small clearings well-suited for an outdoorsy family birthday party to larger water parks that are free to visit.

Visit Acacia Neighborhood Park for a relaxing time while the children play on the jungle gym. Cool off on a hot day at the pool or play a game of tennis at Alden Bridge Park. With play areas geared towards children up to age 12, tennis courts, basketball courts, a pool and a pond that allows fishing, your whole family can have a blast at Alden Bridge Park.

Alternatively, fire up the grill and invite the extended family to Sundance Park for a reunion. With gazebos, picnic tables, play equipment for both older and younger children, and a basketball court, family members of all ages will be entertained.

The overall cost of living in Alden Bridge is higher than the Houston city average due to the higher cost of housing. Other costs of living, such as groceries and health care, fall slightly below the city average. The average one-bedroom apartment will cost you $902 a month. Driving around the neighborhood or back and forth to the metropolis of Houston will be cheaper with gas prices that consistently remain below the national average. A night on the town won't break the bank either, as you can enjoy a pint of beer for only $3.

Residents frequent Alden Bridge Village Center and Windvale Shopping Center, the two main shopping venues of Alden Bridge. These both contain a mixture of chain restaurants, grocery stores and professional offices with few stores to shop in. Shop for new toys for your little one at Learning Express Toy Store in Alden Bridge Village Center. You'll discover learning toys, puzzles, games and even toys for older children, such as water beat speakers.

Locals enjoy the small shopping plazas, but travel just outside of Alden Bridge to Magnolia, where a surplus of shops can be found along Highway 2978. Redecorate your home with some help from Design Tiques, an antique furniture store that also specializes in home decorations and accent pieces like fine art, vases and figurines. Visit chain stores such as Target, TJ Maxx, Payless and Sally's Beauty Supply in this area. Locals head to Houston to shop at high-end stores.

Chain grocery stores Walmart and Kroger service the area of Alden's Bridge. There aren't any farmers markets in the neighborhood proper, so if you're looking for fresh produce and other goods, drive over to Grogan's Mill Farmers Market in The Woodlands, open year-round. Pick up some fresh fruit and vegetables and enjoy their premade bread and pasta.