I think ive gotten my fill of suburban living out of the way. Im

LittleTexas : My wife and I were just there last night to meet up with our son for dinner. We walked around after since weather was great. All the patios were busy. And they still have 2 hour free parking in the garage

Doddlebug50 :
The Woodlands is good with lots of good shopping. Closer is Valley Ranch, New Caney. Academy, Marshals, great restaurants.❤️

DDSS :
There are not many good places to live that do not have a lot of traffic. I have friends that live in the Heights and just love it.

DDSS :
I loved downtown Houston during my working years. Living in a downtown high rise would have been fantastic. I lived on Memorial for five years; it was very convenient . The Galleria area would be a second choice.

There's always River Oaks. 😝

DDSS :
Heights is a great idea.

DDSS :
Depends on where you work? Do you care about schools? Do you need/want a yard? Are you buying or renting?Heights is nice but houses are tiny, old/lots of maintenance, very close with neighbors. West university, Afton oaks, upper Kirby come to mind. Have you thought about buying/renting a condo? Get one on main bus lines that can get you to downtown events or sports venues. No yard, garage parking, other amenities.

One granddaughter and her husband live in the montrose area. Both walk to the high-rise office buildings where they work. They walk almost everywhere. Shopping (and limited nightlife now they have kids) is all within walking distance. Only time they use the car is to bring the great-grands out to the suburbs to visit us.

turkeyandchips : I was thinking more inner city

DDSS : Midtown. Knew a lady who lived in a townhouse walking distance to Toyota Center. She and her neighbors would meet up and walk together to games etc. She loved it.
Another friend lived north of town near the bayou. She had a larger place but part of that old converted warehouse flooded.
Rice Hotel apartments...
www.livetherice.com

DDSS :
I like Memorial.

DDSS : Almost all the locations mentioned are going to be very pricey inside the loop but if willing to rent there are decent options to find. We have friends in The Heights that are renting a two bedroom/1 bath bungalow for about $2500/mo. Sure it's higher than a mortgage but they weren't looking to buy after selling their home. They are walking distance to numerous restaurants/bars which is good because the parking during the evenings are a pain. Other options (if you dare) are just renting an apartment or townhome. My son loves his apartment near the TMC since it is so close to Rice Village/Montrose/Midtown. He's young so not sure if that is what you are looking for. Go explore on weekends (especially at night) and check around town. Maybe you'll find some hidden gem.

I second Rice Village. Park in the convenient parking garage in the center. Lots of great restaurants (like the Black Walnut) and unique shops.Heights is great for restaurants and pretty neighborhoods.

DDSS :
Yes suggested Woodlands as downtown is so spaced out.....but Rice Village would be a pleasant choice