If you know the TV show "Beavis and Butt-head," you might well recognize the name Highlands, Texas, because the show was set there, albeit in a fictionalized version! Now that's some claim to fame!
Highlands is actually a CDP, or census-designated place, situated in an industrialized area of Harris County, Texas
If you know the TV show "Beavis and Butt-head," you might well recognize the name Highlands, Texas, because the show was set there, albeit in a fictionalized version! Now that's some claim to fame!
Highlands is actually a CDP, or census-designated place, situated in an industrialized area of Harris County, Texas. At the 2010 census, the population was 7,522, and there were 2,727 homes in the city. Of this, the vast majority is made up of detached houses and mobile homes, with pretty much no apartment buildings available. The CDP is situated to the east of Bear Lake and is roughly 20 miles from the center of Houston.
With its close proximity to Houston, it's no surprise that a lot of the inhabitants of Highlands commute to the big city for work. If you have a job lined up in Houston, then Highlands is certainly a great option and won't cost too much. You'll need a car, but East Highway takes you straight into the city, so the commute is simple. If you're looking for apartments for rent, however, you're better off looking elsewhere, because there really aren't many options here. Vacancy rates across the city are at over 11%, but those are generally for rental houses, and, on occasion, townhouses for rent. With some people moving to the area to chase down those lower rents, however, you need to be on your mettle. So get together everything you'll need when prospecting the local realtors. We're talking credit reports, letters of reference and employment, pay stubs and enough cash to put down a chunky deposit. You don't want to find that perfect place and have some Houston deserter come and snatch up your favorite property in town.
You don't have much choice of neighborhoods in Highlands, which is no real surprise. There are two to look at: Town Center and McNair.
Town Center: There are some nice spots here. You've got Bear Lake to the west, San Jacinto Riverfront Resort in the south the Rio Villa Nature Trail in the north and Highlands Sports Complex in the middle. That's all good for the sporty and outdoorsy types!
McNair: There's a lot of decently priced family homes here, generally with three to four beds, which is great if you're looking for a nice home for rent in Highlands. The north of the neighborhood is dominated by Highlands Reservoir, while there's a nice park in the south with a couple of baseball fields and tennis courts.
Transport is easy into Houston if you're a commuter or just someone looking for a bit more action at the weekend. However, you'll find a bit of action in town if you cruise through the middle, with several bars and restaurants cutting up the main street --Charlie's Ice House, Sunset and Su-Su's Sports Bar are all worth a look if you enjoy a drink. The weather is pretty hot through the summer months, but with lakes and parks nearby, there's plenty of fun to be had under the sun. Whether you're working in Houston or locally, Highlands is a quiet and relaxing place to settle.
