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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With a friendly, laidback vibe, Southside Place is literally the place to be if you love a small-town feel with a strong sense of community — plus easy access to downtown, the Galleria area, the Medical Center, and major highways.

“My family and I have lived in Southside Place since 2014, as we were drawn to the larger lot sizes, smaller community feel, friendliness, and the gorgeous tree-lined streets,” says real estate professional Kristine Martinez, who has been working in the neighborhood for the last eight years, as well. “I simply fell in love with Southside Place once we moved into our home.”

Born and raised in Canada, Martinez moved to the United States with her husband in 2007 — and then relocated five times. Her personal experience with relocation inspired her to pursue real estate, with an extreme passion to provide white glove service and attention to detail for her clients, whether they're buying or selling or moving one mile or across the world.

She really adores sharing Southside Place with clients, especially young families. “As a family, we truly have enjoyed our time here,” she says. “Although my daughter has aged out of the summer activities, I still love watching the kids walk, bike, and scooter their way to swim practices and the all-day summer camp. Their smiles are definitely contagious.”

Martinez mentions that it’s also very easy to get involved and meet your neighbors through the Garden Club, the Southside Place Civic Club, annual block parties, the Southside Place Winter Carnival, and many other community events.

She has chaired the annual Garden Club party and auction and currently serves as the chair of the Fire Truck Park Fund, Inc. Board. “I welcome every opportunity to work alongside neighbors to continuously improve our fabulous Southside Place,” she says

Martinez offered up a few more of her personal favorites about life in Southside Place. Here's her guide:

Where to eat & drink
"Molina's Cantina is a great place for a delicious family dinner or a fun happy hour in the bar,” says Martinez. “Get the chicken enchiladas!”

She also recommends the farm-to-table restaurant Dish Society for a solid lunch spot, and says that Palace Social offers a “great happy hour, good food, and tons of fun for the family with its bowling, arcade games, and more.”

Where to play
“When my daughter was younger, we loved being steps from the amazing Fire Truck Park and the private community pool,” says Martinez. “I still enjoy walking past the park and seeing and hearing all the children play.”

“The Southside Place Community Garden offers open and beautiful green space and a covered pergola to meet up with neighbors and enjoy some beautiful evenings,” she adds. “It holds a special place in our hearts, as my daughter loved attending the Saturday ‘work days’ in the garden and looked forward to learning how to plant and harvest delicious vegetables.”

Tennis and basketball hoops are available at the Southside Place clubhouse. Plus there are lots of indoor fitness options in the neighborhood with Orangetheory Fitness, RIDE Indoor Cycling, and Pure Body Studio.

Where to live
Included in the charm of Southside Place is its array of architectural styles. According to Martinez, every tree-lined street might include any combination of French country, Colonial, Tudor, Mediterranean, soft contemporary, saltbox, and cottage. There are also two townhome developments located on the south side of Holcombe.

Martinez recently represented 3712 Darcus Street, a class-act Southside Place home that's nestled just a few blocks from the park, pool, and tennis courts.

With stunning design features and an open plan, it’s flexible for family living as well as entertaining. A sizable turfed backyard features an outdoor living space with a vaulted patio, outdoor kitchen, gleaming pool, and more.

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Kristine Martinez works and plays in Southside Place. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email kristine.martinez@sothebys.realty, or call 832-736-8095.