School Spirit

Kolter Elementary’s campus sports a big chess board and is conveniently located next to Godwin Park which offers a playground, basketball court, and plenty of shade for hanging out. Parker Elementary, near Westbury Park, has the distinction of being a Grammy Signature school for its music magnet program and a brand new building. In the Meyerland area, most residences are zoned to the academically acclaimed Bellaire High School, which also boasts a magnet program for foreign languages. Nearby Sharpstown is home to two neighboring Catholic, collegepreparatory high schools, Strake Jesuit for young men and St. Agnes Academy for young women.

Greenspace

The Willow Waterhole Park is a 290-acre greenspace dedicated to wildlife conservation with scenic walking trails, gazebos, and community events like their annual music festival in the spring. Future plans include a dog park and a state-of-the-art performing art pavilion. If you’ve got a green thumb, lend a hand at the Westbury Community Garden where there’s 62 raised gardening beds, orchards, and a certified butterfly garden with native plants. Purchase fresh, seasonal produce and meet the farmers at the Plant it Forward Warehouse on 4030 Willowbend every Tuesday from 3:30-5:30 pm. Bike or hike the trails along Brays Bayou. Practice your serve at the Platou Community Center in Chimney Rock Park which has lighted tennis courts, basketball courts, and a playground. Westbury Park also offers tennis courts, a pavilion with picnic tables, and a big playground. Willow Park’s playground will entertain the young ones with tennis courts too. Sharpstown Park Golf Course is a hidden gem offering country club greens with budget-friendly fees.

Community Spirit

The area is home to many of the first Mini Murals now popping up all over the city, one utility box at a time! From designs of spring flowers to the abstract, local artists have contributed to this civic arts project that transforms a stop at the traffic light into an impromptu art exhibit. Film festivals, a spring market, and chicken soup and chili cook-offs can all be found at the JCC, which also offers memberships for its facility that includes a fitness center, tennis, aquatics, and a variety of programs for all age groups. Become a member of the Willow Pool where there’s swim lessons, a swim team, plus shaded decks and gazebos for lounging. Be sure to check out Catalina Coffee. Their fresh roasted seasonal coffees come from Amaya Roasting Co., another local Houston company, and their syrups add a lot of great flavor to their coffees without over sweetening the drinks. The little cafe is stocked with pastries and their cinnamon rolls are to-die-for. They also offer a variety of danishes, croissants, and muffins to choose from as well. The vibe at Catalina is very laid back, with seating available both inside and out.

Local Eats

Start your morning with an old school diner breakfast at the New York Bagels and Coffee Shop. For meals with a Mediterranean flair, hit the massive spread at Fadi’s Mediterranean Grill. For a burger fix, head to neighborhood favorites, Annie’s Hamburgers and Cue’s Burgers & More, featuring a menu that goes from early morning breakfast to dinner. The Cozy Corner, a neighborhood bar and hangout, often hosts jambalaya nights and tailgating parties. Save room for dessert with a visit to Three Brothers Bakery and take home cookies, cakes, pastries, and pies! Los Tios introduced frozen margaritas in the 70’s and they’ve been serving Tex-Mex specialties to area residents ever since.

Entertainment

Take advantage of nearby Asiatown along Bellaire Boulevard that’s a foodie destination for pho, dim sum, and bahn mi. Karaoke fans can take center stage with their signature song at Yes KTV and New Happy Zone KTV. See a show at the historic Arena Theatre offering an intimate setting for watching your favorite band.

For more information on Houston neighborhoods and home values, please contact Kathlyn at kat@whyilovehouston.com.

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