Greater Fondren Southwest - Houston, TX

Greater Fondren Southwest experienced many ups and downs throughout its history, changing along with the oil industry's booms and downturns. In the late 1970s to early 1980s many new apartment complexes were established, attracting an influx of new residents.This growth spurt in population lured high-end restaurants and strip malls to follow to the area.

Fondren suffered another decline after the economy collapsed in the mid-1980s, but property values increased during the 1990s. In 2005 the Greater Fondren Southwest area became part of the Brays Oaks Management District. The District began projects to beautify and improve the area with a budget of $250,000 and expanded in size in 2011. The district created a logo that consisted of an oak tree, branches, water, and sun. The tree is said to represent strength and the branches of the community. The water represents the Brays Bayou and the sun symbolizes the revitalization of the budding, growing community.

Authentic ethnic cuisine can be found in abundance within Greater Fondren Southwest. Calliope's New Orleans style fast-food is famous for its grilled shrimp po' boy; don't forget to ask for the house special sauce. You might have to loosen your belt after visiting Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill and indulging in one of their extra-large portions of curry chicken with a side of succulent fried plantains. After dinner, keep the evening going at Club Riddims, Houston's only Caribbean night club.

You'll want your car when you move to an apartment in Greater Fondren Southwest -- this is a car-reliant neighborhood lacking alternate modes of transportation. The area has convenient access to Sam Houston Parkway and Southwest Freeway. West of the heart of Greater Fondren Southwest, the Metro West Bellfort Park-and-Ride is available for public use with its primary destination being the central business district and Texas Medical Center.

There are three cab services within a close vicinity to Greater Fondren Southwest such as the City Center Taxi and Fort Bend Cab, so while calling for a cab is possible, you would be hard pressed to hail one off the street. Uber is also an option and costs between $20 to $30 to get from Greater Fondren Southwest to downtown Houston.

While there are several parks in Greater Fondren Southwest such as the Haviland, Fondren, and Westbury Park, the park at the heart of the community is the Marian Park and Community Center located on South Gessner Road. The community center contains an indoor gymnasium, a fitness center, conference rooms, and a volleyball court. Outside, the park provides playground equipment, a lighted sports field, a basketball pavilion, and a quarter-mile hike and bike trail.

Marian Park has a varied schedule that changes seasonally based on the needs of the community and ranges from adult aerobics, senior fitness, family fun quarterly events, and after-school enrichment programs (free for youths ages 6 to 13). You can even rent space in the community center to host your own events, such as wedding receptions and birthday parties, for a nominal fee.

The neighborhood's cost of living falls well below the city average. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Greater Fondren Southwest runs around $600. Gas in Houston is over five percent lower than the national average, though a good beer at a local pub will still run you between $8 to $9. All in all, with plenty of affordable housing and reasonably priced grocery options, Greater Fondren Southwest is a budget-friendly place to live.

Fondren Southwest Village is a small shopping mall that serves as a one-stop-shop for all your needs. The shopping center features many local, regional, and national retailers including Palais Royal, Citi Trends, Burger King, Rainbow Shops, and Payless Shoe Source. Other popular stores in the mall include Game Stop, Shoe Show, Fiesta Mart, and many more. If you are looking for an intimate, top-quality, local boutique, then Social Butterfly Collection on West Bellfort may suit you perfectly. There you can find maxi dresses and tops as well as handbags, stilettos, and accessories. You can explore the intriguing apparel the shop has in store or customize your shopping experience according to your personal fashion needs by browsing its online options. Top grocery and drugstore chains such as Fiesta Mart, Wal-Mart, Save-a-Lot, and Walgreens are conveniently located throughout the area. You can also find great local, specialty grocers such as Pyburns Farm Fresh Foods, famous for its fresh boudin and sausages. Southern Star Kosher Foods provides specialty kosher groceries and a restaurant.