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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Centered around The Galleria destination shopping center, the Galleria area (also referred to as Uptown) is a cosmopolitan, diverse neighborhood that's also one of Houston's largest employment centers — and one that real estate professional Jason Lee Villarreal knows well.
He has lived there for six years and loves how there’s a new adventure and sight to see around every corner.
“The Uptown district combines the best of urban living with the peaceful, cherished feeling of a neighborhood,” he says. “It’s full of charming, tree-lined streets off Post Oak along with leading commercial and retail developments, making it the best lifestyle district in Houston.”
Villarreal is meticulously involved in each step of the selling process, from physically staging a property himself to photography, videography, and worldwide reach. And he's also passionate about helping his clients find their perfect-for-them homes.
When not traversing the city for work, you might catch Villarreal walking his sheltie — aptly named Houston — around the neighborhood.
A firm believer in giving back to the community, he is heavily involved in various humanitarian causes, including the Alzheimer's Association. He’s also a big fan of the live music, arts, and culture scene — when he’s not at an Astros game, that is.
Villarreal offered up a few more of his personal favorites about life in the Galleria area. Here's his guide:
Where to eat & drink
As a big foodie, Villarreal loves to take in as much of Uptown’s dining scene as possible. But his tried-and-true, go-to restaurant is North Italia.
“They use the best ingredients to create and serve consistently crave-worthy food,” he says. “From the moment I walk through their doors to the last scoop of their salted caramel budino at the end of a gratifying meal, you know you’re in good hands.”
He also frequents Willie G’s, a Galleria-area staple serving the freshest Gulf Coast seafood since 1981, along with Nobu for sushi (and the scene!), and Ninfa’s for the gold standard in fajitas and handmade tamales.
Where to play
Memorial Park is a 1,500-acre urban wilderness and the crown jewel of Uptown. Villarreal mentions that the park sees an average of 10,000 runners daily, and that sometimes even includes Houston’s professional sports athletes and local celebrities.
What to see
Villarreal recommends Waterwall Park as a must-see. It is one of the city’s most beloved, iconic landmarks and a community centerpiece for visitors of all ages. “It’s definitely Instagram-worthy!” he says.
Where to live
In the Galleria area, residential properties range from newly built, upscale apartment complexes to luxurious high-rise condominiums and commodious townhomes.
“It’s an artfully designed, exquisitely executed destination of live oak trees, lush floral gardens, and characteristic architectural streetscapes,” Villarreal adds.
He celebrates the exquisite property at 5561 Bordley Drive, where he represented the seller.
The nearly 10,000-square-foot residence was constructed by Thompson Custom Homes and designed by Robert Dame and features a 1,150-square-foot primary suite, chef’s kitchen, elevator, and home gym, in addition to a private garden, numerous fountains, a loggia, and a heated pool. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how he readied the property for sale.
For more about Villarreal, you can watch his 23 Questions video here and follow him on Instagram @JasonLeeHouston.
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Jason Lee Villarreal works and plays in the Galleria area. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email jasonlee.villarreal@sir.com, or call 281-871-9127.
Photo courtesy of Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty
Agent Jason Lee Villarreal.
