Brook Forest Houston Apartments & Rentals

Renting an apartment in Brook Forest will have you living in the master-planned Clear Lake City outside Houston, TX. The area is adjacent to NASA's Johnson Space Center and other major aerospace companies.

The land around Clear Lake and Clear Creek was first developed by James Marion West who came to the area with his family as a boy in 1880. His interests in ranching, lumber and oil made him a rich man. In 1938, Humble Oil (now ExxonMobil) bought West's property when oil was discovered. However, the land sat mostly undeveloped until the Johnson Space Center, then called the Manned Spacecraft Center, opened in 1963. Humble Oil's Friendswood Development company began efforts to create a master-planned residential community.

Brook Forest is part of the second largest master planned community in Houston. In the 1970s, the nearby cities of Houston and Pasadena each annexed portions of Clear Lake City. Brook Forest and Clear Lake City are popular with professionals in their mid-30s to mid-40s, married couples and families with children of all ages.

Brook Forest and Clear Lake City have a lifestyle that is clearly centered around family and community. Pride of ownership is evident as you travel through Clear Lake City's neighborhoods. Many residents focus their activities on those that are family-friendly. Area cafes and restaurants cover the range from casual for fine dining, with spots for gathering with friends. The Baybrook Mall is just three miles from the Clear Lake City center. Anchored by Dillard's, Macy's, Sears and JC Penney, it has dozens of other top name stores for all your shopping needs.

For outdoor recreation, there's Sylvan Rodriquez Park, operated by the city of Houston and opened in 2001. The park features an aeronautical and astronomy theme with structures that mark the points of the sun and a labyrinth in the plaza that represents the order of the cosmos. There also is a jogging trail, practice fields, a picnic area and rocket-themed playground.

The Clear Lake Community Association's Kermet H. Applewhite Sports and Recreation Center gives residents access to a heated indoor pool, fitness room, several outdoor pools, tennis courts and gym. The Arts Alliance of Clear Lake brings culture to the community with art exhibits, musical performances and other programs. For something a little different, there is the annual "Wings over Houston Air Fest" air show. It is held at the Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, the home base of the Texas Air National Guard, which is adjacent to Clear Lake City and Brook Forest.

The apartment rental market in Clear Lake City - Brook Forest offers a nice selection from the affordable to five-star. Rents for garden style and low-rise complexes start at around $500 for a one bedroom unit, with two bedrooms for about $650. There also are some mid-rise buildings. More upscale accommodations rent for $800 to $950 for a one-bedroom and $1,000 to $1,500 for a two-bedroom near the lake. Costs vary by location and amenities. You can also rent a single-family home, a condo or a townhome in the neighborhood. The Brook Forest - Clear Lake City communities are a short drive from NASA, the Medical Center and Galveston. Most residents report a commute of just 15-20 minutes.

Houston City Council District E serves portions of Brook Forest and Clear Lake City. Visit Houston city government to learn more. The area is served by the Clear Lake City-Freeman Branch of the Harris County Public Library. Children in Brook Forest and Clear Lake City attend schools operated by Clear Creek Independent School District.

Zip codes serving the Brook Forest area include: 77058 and 77059.