There are so many great places to live in Houston that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community.
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Tucked away in Hunters Creek Village, Riverbend is a “neighborhood where everyone knows your name,” says real estate agent Kelley Austin. That’s one of the reasons this native Houstonian loves this area so much and has made it her home for more than 18 years.
“We have a very laid-back, Texas vibe here — and it’s walkable and dog-friendly, so there is always a lot of interaction among neighbors. We even host holiday street parties!” she adds. “Some residents grew up here and have now moved back to raise their families. We purchased the original 1961 home my husband grew up in!”
In addition to its quiet setting, thanks to its Buffalo Bayou border, Riverbend is also conveniently located and surrounded by everyday amenities. For example: Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods Market are both within walking distance.
Kelley served on the Riverbend HOA board for several years and is passionate about sharing her firsthand knowledge of this neighborhood and the greater Houston metropolitan area with her clients.
When she's not working, you might find her walking the Memorial Park circuit and spending time outdoors, or visiting her three children, one of whom lives in Houston, another lives in Brooklyn, and another lives in Lubbock and attends Texas Tech University.
Austin offered up a few of her personal favorites about life in Riverbend. Here's her guide to the area:
Where to eat & drink
For the best Tex-Mex around, Austin heads to Escalante's. She also recommends Carrabba’s Italian Grill and The Buffalo Grille, which serves up classic comfort food in a diner setting and has been a breakfast favorite since 1984. All three are within walking distance of the Riverbend neighborhood.
Where to play
From Riverbend, it’s a short 15-minute drive to Memorial Park, which is the city’s largest urban park. It boasts six miles of mountain and recreational bike trails along the bayous, tennis courts, playing fields, a fitness center, swimming pool, and more.
And The Galleria and Memorial City Mall are just as close, says Austin, if you’re looking for some retail therapy.
What to see
For an urban nature sanctuary, head to the Houston Arboretum, says the outdoors-loving Austin, or the cute Tanglewood Park.
You can also shop (and spend time outside) at the nearby CityCentre with retailers, events, movies, dining, and more, all in a lovely, open-air environment.
Where to live
“Riverbend is such a great location, with 65 larger lots featuring expansive homes, sweeping driveways, winding streets, cul-de-sacs, and beautiful trees — several even back up to the bayou,” says Austin. “We have original 1950s ranch-style homes in addition to new-construction homes with larger lots here, and there are even a few contemporary homes sprinkled in.”
Austin recently sold 7626 River Point, a beautiful, 6,233-square-foot home on a quiet cul-de-sac. Floor-to-ceiling windows and several terraces capitalize on its park-like setting, plus there's an immense backyard and pool.
"Kelley is awesome!" says the seller. "She is very knowledgeable and helped guide me through every step of the real estate transaction. She was always available to help out and answer any question I had. She goes above and beyond to assist her clients."
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Kelley Austin lives, works, and plays in Riverbend. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email kelley.austin@sothebys.realty, or call 832-978-0086.
Agent Kelley Austin.
