Living

Five Reasons YOU Should Call Downtown Home

_{PHOTO: KATYA HORNER}

If it’s been a while since you’ve looked at Downtown Houston, let us re-introduce ourselves. We won’t brag too hard, but we’ve really been doing some work on ourselves, some introspection, and it’s paid off big time. We’ve got a lot more to offer the young professionals, the empty nesters and everyone in between. Our neighborhood in the heart of the city is alive and beating, offering residents work life, nightlife, rail access, all kinds of social activities and even the occasional unexpected discovery. Whether you’re hanging out at Market Square Park for Blanket Bingo, sipping after-hours cocktails with coworkers or taking in our spectacular skyline from the comfort of your own couch, there are a ton of reasons why Downtown is a great place to call home.

1. YOU’RE CLOSE TO THE ACTION.

Downtown is located at the heart of Houston’s best entertainment, dining and arts venues with a choose-your-own-adventure novel of residential properties for sale or rent. Cherry pick your favorite district. Each with its own unique things to love. Are you a big supporter of the arts and theater? Or looking for a home with ALL the history, nightlife and culinary options? Check out the bustling Historic District with some of the city’s best bars and restaurants, located just a few blocks away from the Theater District. Sports fans may gravitate towards the Ballpark District where they’ll have easy access to Minute Maid Park, BBVA Compass Stadium and nearby Toyota Center. Cheering already?

_{PHOTO: KATYA HORNER}

2. NO BACKYARD? NO PROBLEM.

Many urban dwellers have traded in backyards and porch swings for an up-close view of the skyline. But just because you no longer have a lawn to mow (aw, darn) or a flower bed to dig in doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy fresh air and some green space. Between the hike and bike trails along Buffalo Bayou, the 12 acres of park that make up Discovery Green and the “back yard” feel of Market Square Park you won’t miss a thing. Even better, these parks come complete with year-round programming and multiple dog parks. We didn’t even mention all this other stuff!

3. GROCERY SHOPPING IS (GASP) FUN!

Head toward 1001 Austin Street and you’ll hit Downtown’s one-stop shop for all things yum—Phoenicia Specialty Foods. Missing mayonnaise on your chicken sandwich? Needing veggies for your famous stir fry? Hosting the next game night? Phoenicia boasts produce, everyday essentials, international delicacies, a selection of exotic wines, 200+ beers and ciders from around the world and a killer prepared food section. Downtown is not just for the foodies dining out.

If you’re more of a low-key, grab-and-go shopper, look no further than Grit Grocery. The Grit brings the best of the farm back to the block with local, natural and unprocessed food through their mobile grocery truck concept. They set up shop every Tuesday and Thursday from 4–9 p.m. on the 900 block of Preston in Historic Market Square. Foodie residents can dine in as easily as they can dine out!

If these two options don’t cover that one weird item you’re still needing, there’s always Spec’s, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Randall’s and Kroger—all within a mile or two of Downtown.

_{PHOTO: PHILIP EMERSON}

4. GETTING AROUND DOWNTOWN IS SIMPLER THAN EVER

No car? No need. Getting around Downtown has never been this easy. With a little experience you, too, can become an expert navigator of our neighborhood. Residents are ditching their cars in favor of alternative services like METRORail, BCycle, Uber and Lyft. Downtown dwellers can also count on Greenlink, Downtown’s free circulator bus, to get to popular restaurants, hotels and entertainment destinations in a snap. Hop on the Green Route for your work week commute or take the Orange Route across neighborhoods during the weekend. We’re also fans of the old-fashioned way: by foot. Heck, take the dog!

Have friends coming over? Check out our interactive parking map for nearby garages, surface lots, valet, street and discount parking options. And don’t forget—metered parking is FREE after 6 p.m. (Monday–Saturday), all day Sunday and on City holidays.

_{PHOTO: MORRIS MALAKOFF}

5. EASY ACCESS TO QUALITY EDUCATION

Choosing an urban lifestyle for your family doesn’t mean sacrificing quality education for your kids. In fact, many education options close to Downtown are some of the region’s highest-achieving schools. (Take that, suburbs!) And now, thanks to Learn Central, you can find information about the 150+ public, charter and private schools, the 33 diverse neighborhoods and the world-class cultural offerings inside the central city all with just the click of a button. Designed for families committed to city living, Learn Central also provides parents with resources for child care centers, transportation, budgeting and a lot of other stuff.

Thinking about converting to a Downtown lifestyle? Check out our online residential guide, and keep an eye out for periodic home tours for an insider’s view of luxury apartments, condos and the Downtown lifestyle. Buying or renting, historic or contemporary—whatever you’re deciding, Downtown is the right spot. Believe us when we say the skyline is better up close.

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