Westwood - Houston, TX

Westwood, like much of Houston, dates back to the 1800s. The Allen brothers, Chapman And John, decided to buy 6,64 acres of land along the Buffalo Bayou to build a town. They chose to name their town after Sam Houston, a general who was elected the President of Texas in 1836. Houston was incorporated in 1837. In Westwood, you'll find a historic marker for a Masonic Lodge that was built in 1838. In 1954, the Westwood Civic Club was formed to serve the neighborhood.

Local events and festivals include a Lunar New Year celebration and WorldFest-Houston International Film and Video Festival. The film festival has taken place for more than 50 years. It features live screenings, writing contests, and a Grand Awards Gala.

With numerous shopping centers located here, Westwood has restaurants scattered throughout without any particular concentration, and you can find many small family-owned cafes serving up cuisines from all over the world. When you visit Westwood, be sure to try Afrikiko Restaurant for authentic and flavorful Ghanaian food. Patrons rave over the peanut butter soup, and even if you've never tried dishes from Ghana before, most people love the unique combination of flavors. Get a big serving of fufu to dip in your soup or stew. Chewy and filling, the fufu makes the ideal accompaniment for any dish.

If you crave a traditional American brunch, head to Omelette & Waffle Restaurant. Don't underestimate this tiny and slightly worn-looking location. The owners here serve up some of the best straightforward breakfast foods in Houston all day long, and they serve it quickly. The food generally arrives at your table fast, but don't fret during busy times. The owners deliver chips and salsa for patrons to snack on while waiting for their meals.

Nightlife in Westwood generally feels low-key. Although finding trendy bars or high-energy dance clubs proves difficult, the neighborhood hosts plenty of sports bars and lounges, including BreWingZ Sports Bar & Grill and D'Place Restaurant & Grill.

Mostly bound by the Sam Houston Highway and the Southwest Freeway, Westwood has easy access to major highways connecting to the rest of Houston. This is a car-centric area, and most people drive to get around. Free parking is easy to find, and if you prefer a taxi or Uber, those services are available. If you prefer to take public transportation, grab a few METRO buses into the city.

Forum Park offers residents an important place to relax outside that remains free to all. With many trails for running or walking dogs, Forum Park makes the ideal spot for exercising or a quick respite from city life. Westwood Dog Park provides a nice spot to let your furry companion run free, complete with two fenced areas to keep the small dogs separate from their larger counterparts.

Located next to Best Elementary School, Forum Park is a large, open green space where kids can run around or organize a soccer game. The park also features hiking trails and picnic areas.

A highly affordable neighborhood, Westwood living costs dip almost 20 percent below the average cost of living in Houston. For a one-bedroom apartment in Westwood, expect to spend an average of $519.70 per month on rent. A night out also proves affordable here, with a beer at a local pub costing around $3. Gas prices here average around five percent lower than the national average.

You'll find a variety of shopping options in Westwood, from large chains like Sam's Club and Marshalls to smaller, locally-owned specialty stores. The Second Blessing Store, a thrift shop loaded with amazingly inexpensive new and gently-used merchandise, sells everything from appliances, clothing, and exercise equipment to furniture and housewares, including rare and unusual items for the collector. Search for artwork, books, china, jewelry, and even vinyl LP records.

For simple grocery shopping trips, many residents head to the nearby H.E.B. You can also stop by the many ethnic groceries, such as Holyland Halal Meat & Grocery or El Ahorro Supermarket, for more specific needs. Locals can grab fresh, local produce from the Southwest Farmers Market.