Neighborhood Guide: Eldridge - West Oaks, Houston
If you have the opportunity to move to Houston, Texas the suburban Eldridge - West Oaks neighborhood is a great area to look into renting a home. Offering pleasant apartment communities with modern amenities, Eldridge - West Oaks is designed for working families and young professionals. If you are considering moving to Houston you’ll quickly learn there are many neighborhoods to choose from. Each offering their own unique look and feel. Here’s what you need to know about Eldridge - West Oaks.
Eldridge - West Oaks' Location
Just east of Tanglewood in western Houston lies the smaller subdivision known as West Oaks. The Eldridge/West Oaks neighborhood is a larger area located in Harris County. As one of the best places to live in Texas, residents here enjoy the mix of an urban and suburban feel. West Oaks is positioned between the Energy Corridor business district and the heart of Houston, making it a commuter home to those working in either location.
Eldridge/West Oaks is a highly-esteemed neighborhood where you can find an average apartment studied with luxurious amenities, including gyms and pools. Since Houston is known for its heat in the summer, it’s no wonder these added amenities are so widely sought after in this area. Thankfully, West Oaks understands goes above and beyond in terms of living amenities.
West Oaks welcomes young professionals and families alike, with plenty of parks, coffee shops, and restaurants. Some of the famous parks in the area include Grady Park, Tanglewood Park, and Memorial Park. The public schools in the West Oaks area are all very highly rated, with the highest rated being Carnegie Vanguard High School, Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions, and Seven Lakes High Schools.
Another popular attraction of Eldridge/West Oaks locals is Seismique, which hosts interactive, mind-bending experiences. With over 40,000 square feet in the facility, visitors enjoy a combination of stunning displays and immersive exhibits. Other fun things to check out in West Oaks include Exploration Park, Andretti Indoor Karting & Games Katy, and Topgolf.
It’s Easy to Be Active and Social
Families and friends like to congregate at pools to connect and hang out on weekends. Residents also take advantage of the country clubs and golf courses in the area. This is a typical gathering spot among friends and neighbors.
If country clubs and golf courses aren’t your scene, there are plenty of parks to kick back at. The George Bush Park is equipped with a large soccer field, shooting range, playgrounds, and jogging trails. This park always has an event going on, so it’s a great place to get to know the community. George Bush Park also has a system of swamps, bayous, and forests that people like to bike through.
The Terry Hershey Park Trail System is another awesome nearby space to get some outdoor exercise. Ray Miller Park offers additional walking trails and even has a butterfly garden that’s popular in the spring and summer.
As you can see, you’ll have the opportunity to spend plenty of time outdoors. This is a huge benefit for Eldridge - West Oaks residents. You’ll see young families taking advantage of nice weather whenever they can at these parks.
Eldridge - West Oaks' Demographics
The West Oaks subdivision is home to 175 individuals, with a nearly even split of male to female residents. The median age in this subdivision is 58, with the majority of these homes inhabited by couples. The average family size in the West Oaks subdivision is 2.55.
More than 56,000 people call the Eldridge/West Oaks neighborhood home. There’s a nearly even ratio of male to female residents, with 47.85% male and 52.15% female. Eldridge/West Oaks is a smaller area in Houston, and while it is incredibly inviting to your professionals, it is also an excellent place for families and the elderly.
The majority of Eldridge/West Oak residents fall within the 30-to-35-year-old age bracket, with a median age of 34.6. There are over 33,000 households in Eldridge/West Oaks, with 63% of them being the homes of families and 37% of non-families.
Eldridge/West Oaks has a walk score of 44, making it the 53rd most walkable neighborhood in Houston. Although it is relatively walkable and bikeable, the preferred method of transportation is by vehicle. You'll also see college students scattered around who attend one of the 40 colleges and universities in the Houston region.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Houston is $1,320, while the average for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,794. However, you should expect to pay less for an Eldridge/West Oaks apartment, as the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $940, while the average for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,250.
While rent prices have been steadily increasing in the Houston area since the beginning of 2021, they have been up and down in Eldridge/West Oaks, making it an attractive location within Houston for new residents. The most recent drop in prices was last month and has since begun to increase again gradually.
Eldridge - West Oaks' Transportation
The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (also known as Houston Metro) is the mass transportation system operator of Houston, including the Eldridge - West Oak area. Three bus options are connecting Eldridge Parkway in Houston. The 151 Westpark Express, 25 Richmond, and 75 Eldridge transit lines all have routes that pass near Eldridge Parkway, serving this area for residents.
The closest bus stations to the area are Eldridge Parkway at Ashford Point Drive, Alief Clodine Road at Eldridge Parkway, and the Mission Bend Transit Center.
While the Eldridge - West Oaks area has some public transportation available, the transit score is only 38, which means that to live comfortably in this area, it is best recommended to have a vehicle of your own.
Is Eldridge - West Oaks Safe?
Despite its location in the Greater Houston Area, the neighborhood of Eldridge/West Oaks is one of the safer areas. The Department of Health and Human Services has said that Eldridge/West Oaks has a lower crime rate than the average for the whole city.
Even though Eldridge/West Oaks is close to Downtown Houston, it is far enough away that individuals and families alike can take solace in knowing they do not have to feel the effects of urban pollution in their neighborhood.
Eldridge - West Oaks' Major Employers
Engineering and energy firms make up the biggest employers in the West Houston area, where the Eldridge/West Oaks neighborhood lies. By industry, the biggest employers in west Houston are energy, engineering, healthcare, retail, tech and services, chemicals, and manufacturing and distribution.
Since Eldridge/West Oaks is still a part of Houston, it is centrally located to dozens of Fortune 500 companies, including the food distributor Sysco and the building automation system company FMC Technologies.
Houston is also home to the largest medical campus in the world, the Texas Medical Center. This campus is just ten miles from the heart of Eldridge/West Oaks and has over 50 healthcare, education, and research institutions within it.
Another significant employer in the Houston area is the NASA Johnson Space Center, just over thirty-five miles to the southeast of Eldridge/West Oaks. Those who work in this aerospace hub with specific skill sets or advanced degrees can easily earn as much as $200,000 per year.
Like many other major cities in the country, Houston has seen a dip in employment due to the pandemic. Thankfully, growth and development are still relatively strong as conditions continue to ease. Compared to similar-sized cities, Houston has a less healthy job market with an index score of 6.6 out of 10 and an unemployment rate of 8.7.
Things to Do in Eldridge - West Oaks, Houston
New to the neighborhood and looking for some things to do? Here are the first things to check out in Eldridge - West Oaks.
Explore the Local Parks
As mentioned above, the parks in this neighborhood are one the biggest perk. Imagine a beautiful weekend where the sun is out and there’s a slight breeze in the air. In Houston, you can take advantage of those opportunities often, and there’s nowhere you’d rather be than in Terry Hershey Park. The Terry Hershey Park is a city green space that runs over six miles along the Buffalo Bayou in Eldridge - West Oaks. It’s the easiest park to access if you’re looking for a spot to walk, jog or bike. You can spend time alone here for some peace and quiet. Better yet, how about joining some of the community’s running, yoga, and cycling events? It’s a great way to meet your new neighbors.
Dinner and Driving at Topgolf
If you haven’t been to a Topgolf yet, you are in for a treat. Topgolf is a massive golf complex that features a high-tech game that’s great for friends. Simply drive your ball onto the green from one of their hitting bays. Scores are kept based on the distance you’re able to drive your ball. It’s an awesome venue to get together with friends for some competition. Oh, and the food here is nothing to scoff about. Elevated bar food staples make up the menu. Pizzas, burgers, wings, fries… they’ve got it all and the flavors are on point. Great food, cocktails, and golfing combine to make the perfect night out.
Explore Cuisine from Across the Globe
This neighborhood has an abundance of delicious food to explore from different cultures. Start by grubbing at Flip ‘n Patties for Filipino-style burgers and fries. Or skip the fries, and head to Tubs Poutine for lobster poutine for amazing smothered fries. Asian food cravings? Tiger Noodle House is the spot for Chinese and Hoodadak for Korean chicken wings. Save room for dessert, as Tarascos has some of the best ice cream in Houston. There’s a ton to eat in this neighborhood, so make sure to hit all the stops!
Where to Eat and Drink in Eldridge - West Oaks, Houston
Looking for some of the best bites in the neighborhood? We’ve got you covered. Here are some of our favorite restaurants in Eldridge - West Oaks.
Flip ‘n Patties
Flip ‘n Patties is a popular food truck turned brick-and-mortar Filipino street food restaurant. They specialize in juicy Akaushi gourmet burgers and it’s a must-try when in Eldridge - West Oaks. They offer some of the most unique menu items like the Jeepney with banana ketchup aioli or the Puet with their tang sauce. You’ll find plenty of Houston locals here looking for a unique, flavorful bite.
Kolache Bar
Open from 5 am until 1 pm (2 pm on weekends) head here to grab some top-tier coffee and breakfast. At The Kolache Bar, you have to try some kolaches (obviously). Try the Sausage and Gravy, Tex-Mex, Philly Cheese Steak, Jalapeno Popper, Chicken Enchilada and more. And of course, you can’t forget the sweet treats! Apple fritters, eclairs are available, but the donuts are a local favorite. Get the popular glazed donut with cereal toppings like Fruity Pebbles or Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
Shawarma Grill & Cafe
A hidden gem in West Oaks is Shawarma Grill & Café. If you want a true taste of Mediterranean food, this is just the place. You order at the counter with the lovely sight of fresh lamb and chicken Shawarma skewers rotating behind you. The meat is directly shaved onto your plate, resulting in a fresh, hot bite. Definitely order the hummus, falafel and the Mixed Shawarma platter. To elevate your experience, have your meal with hot mint tea or Turkish coffee.
Whiskey Cake
Serving up farm-to-table dishes and cocktails from their scratch kitchen is what Whisky Cake is all about. Featuring traditional Southern staples like Jalapeno-Cheddar Biscuits, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Deviled Eggs, this place is delicious and on the savory side. For lunch, try the Chicken and Waffle or the Whisky Braised Short Rib. To get you feelin’ boozy go for an elixir like the Guava Gimlet with vodka, guava, pineapple, simple syrup, and lime. The Wabbit Smash is just as tasty with gin, carrot, mint, local honey, and lemon. Their whiskey cake dessert keeps locals coming back. The toffee torte, bourbon anglaise, spiced pecans, and vanilla whipped cream is the perfect dessert.
Twisted Turban
A Tex-Indian concept with the cool slogan of “Wrap your head around it,” Twisted Turban brings explosive flavor to the neighborhood. They cater to foodies and provide a hip, fast-casual environment for people of all backgrounds and cultures to enjoy their take on Tex-Indian grub. The dining area is bright and colorful with painted murals on the wall. Their menu consists of tacos and burgers with an Indian twist.
The Wrapchic Taco, which is 48-hour marinated grilled chicken with carrot slaw, cilantro, tamarind chutney, is an incredible bite. For the vegetarians, try the Caulitaco, with fried cauliflower and paneer, onions, and peppers. Bullet Buns are their specialty burgers and they have options like their super popular Turban Burger. It’s a beef patty topped with braised brisket, muenster cheese, mango slaw, and Turban sauce. The fusion of flavors comes together beautifully at Twisted Turban. Make sure to add it to your list!
Is Eldridge - West Oaks Right for You?
West Oaks is known for being one of the best places to live in the Greater Houston area. Young professionals will feel right at home in Eldridge/West Oaks, as well as families who are looking to settle into an urban lifestyle without compromising green space and safety.
Ready to find your next home in Houston? Take our quiz to start apartment hunting today!
Share this Article
