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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Originally from Pretoria, South Africa, real estate professional (and former nationally ranked swimmer!) Hedley Karpas moved with his family to Houston in 1980 and started working in real estate 10 years later.

From the start, he saw immediate potential in Bellaire — located southwest of downtown in Harris County — and was a previous resident himself for over 26 years.

He and his wife love the amazing community and appreciated the great schools for their two children.

“Bellaire is an awesome place to raise your family,” he says. “And the city services are exceptional, especially the police, fire, and ambulance services. It’s very safe!”

Karpas offered up a few more of his personal favorites about life outside the loop in Bellaire. Here's his guide:

Where to eat & drink
Grab a burger and a marg at Jax Grill, which has been serving up down-home Texas fare in a casual, family-friendly place since 1993.

Costa Brava Bistro is another recommendation from Karpas, where you’ll find a Spanish menu with a French twist — including paella and charcuterie — in an intimate bistro setting.

Where to play
Karpas considers Evelyn’s Park to be one of the area's gems for relaxing and resetting. It’s a beautifully designed space that’s nestled on five acres of green space and often offers engaging programming, including art events and fitness activities.

The Nature Discovery Center is another good place to get outdoors; it’s a four-acre wildlife habitat that’s great for all ages.

Karpas also suggests the Bellaire Rec Center for everyone's new favorite sport, pickleball.

Where to live
“We have a great mix of all types of homes in Bellaire, from traditional to contemporary,” says Karpas. “Whether you’re living in the inner loop or outside the loop, you will have access to premier schools, safe streets, and an easy commute to other parts of the city.”

He recently sold 5409 Valerie St., an exquisite Tuscan-style home on a half-acre in Bellaire.

“It’s a perfect blend of exceptional design and architectural detail, artisan-level craftsmanship, and extraordinary beauty,” he says. “I love the two private, walled gardens and the backyard paradise that includes an outdoor kitchen, outdoor living area with fireplace, sparkling pool, spa, water garden, and fire pit.”

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Hedley Karpas works and plays outside the loop in Bellaire. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email hedley.karpas@sir.com, or call 713-444-5721.