The Villages/Tealwood - Houston, TX

The incorporation of The Villages in the '50s marked the time when the growing city of Houston started inching into the farms of the area. At that time, several municipalities incorporated themselves into what later became known as The Villages. Over the years, it continued to grow and prosper. Today, some of the most prominent residents of the city live there and enjoy its beauty. Many older homes have been renovated into more modern designs. The Bayou City Art Festival happens annually and remains a highlight of the year for locals.

Local, eclectic and popular restaurants inhabit Memorial Drive, less than 1 mile from Tealwood. Nine restaurants can be found just 1 mile from The Villages, but no central area exists. The Empire Turkish Grill located on Memorial Drive, serves delectable kebabs. One of the best authentic Mediterranean restaurants in the city, it serves a lunch special and gyros. If you want the best dining and wining experience, the Vine Wine Room serves wines from the best vineyards in the United States and other countries. Considered a favorite of Tealwood residents, it also serves delicious salads, sandwiches, pasta and pizzas. You may also join the Wine of the Month Club and take part in events and tastings. For All-American dining for the whole family, especially for those with kids, the Tres Market continuously impresses its patrons with its home-cooked meals. Having four venues, it has a pantry menu, catering menu, lunchbox menu and a holiday menu. As for nightlife, residents of Tealwood, as well as the residents of The Villages, indulge in nights of jazz and blues, karaoke, country dancing and modern dancing. The homeowners association in the neighborhood has Flamingo Fridays at residents' homes. Bring an appetizer and a beverage. Being within Houston's Inner Loop, venues in the theater district range from the Houston Symphony and the Alley Theatre to the Hobby Center for Performing Arts. Those who want to have a night of fun drive just outside the gates of The Villages and choose from the many bars and clubs, pool halls and music venues. These establishments usually have event nights, showcasing local talents. The Lounge comes as a good example, providing comfy seating and sassy drinks. For something different, try Pinot's Palette, where you can create an oil painting while enjoying your drink.

Houston’s Metropolitan Transit Authority, also known as the METRO, transports commuters from West Houston to Downtown Houston and other business and commercial districts around the city. Aside from the light rail, the METRO provides alternative public transport through its buses and vans. The buses and vans run on major roads and highways. Residents of The Village can take a bus or van from Memorial Drive, which is less than a mile from Tealwood. The Metro also provides assistance to the disabled and mobility-impaired passengers through special vans and buses. Interstate 10 and the four major highways make travel by car a fast and convenient way to travel to and from The Villages. The Grand Parkway connects The Villages to the outer regions of the city. A public bike sharing service, Houston B-cycle, offers a convenient and cheap way to travel around the city.

Just a short drive from The Villages, residents get to enjoy one of the biggest urban parks in the country: Memorial Park. Located at Memorial Drive and operated by Houston Parks & Recreation Department, the 1,503-acre park houses an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, swimming pools, running course, and bicycle course and other sports facilities for all ages. Residents of Tealwood also frequent the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center at Woodway Drive, the first nature recreation facility for children in the state and the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens on Westcott Street. The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center offers several programs for kids, such as the Tadpole Troopers adventure. Adults can join any of the monthly events, including the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Cost of living ranges from average to high at 6 percent higher than Texas but 5 percent less than the national average. Local bus route fares cost $1.25, and one-way fare to four zones ranges from $2 to $4.50. A Metrorail one-way ticket comes in at $1.25. Median rent is at $1,330. The cost of gasoline runs approximately 2 percent higher than the rest of Texas. Beer at a bar costs around $4.

Commercial restrictions prevent shopping centers, restaurants and other commercial establishments in The Villages. Nevertheless, Memorial Drive, Gessner Rd and Town & Country Blvd - all within less than 1 mile from The Villages - have everything that the residents of Tealwood need when it comes to shopping. The CityCentre at Town and Country Blvd. brings the shopping centers, hotel, park, art and entertainment in one location. The Memorial City Mall at Gessner Rd. has more than 100 stores and services. For creative, artsy and unique items, head to Anthropologie at Town & Country Ln. They stock their shelves with unique and beautiful items you cannot find in other stores. There are plenty of options for groceries, including Staples like H-E-B, Sam's Club, Kroger and Whole Foods. For specialty oils and vinegars, Olive & Vine is a family-owned boutique that features a tasting bar for all of its products.