Fondren Southwest Houston Apartments & Rentals

Rent an apartment in Fondren Southwest, Houston, TX, and you will be living in an historical area that was once the ranch property of Walter Fondren, an oilman. The area is also know as Greater Fondren Southwest. It was first developed in the 1970s when single family homes were built in the area. Gessner Road was a dirt road and the pavement on South Braeswood Boulevard ended at Fondren Road. People liked the idea that they were living in the country, but still part of the city.

But as Houston continued to grow, so did the development here. With the oil boom, many apartment complexes were added to the neighborhood. Fondren is part of the Southside area of Houston. Other nearby neighborhoods include Sharpstown and Westmoreland Farms.

After a period of decline in the 1980s and 1990s, two Houston city councilmen proposed a management district to help revitalize the area. In 2005, the Brays Oaks Management District was created. The district describes the area as "one of Houston's most accessible communities with a mixture of families, culture and commercial businesses" and that the neighborhood has "become a popular place to live as well as work."

Fondren Southwest has residents of all ages, but it is particularly popular with 20- and 30-somethings, married couples and young families. People generally enjoy a slightly lower cost of living here. The Houston suburb gives them a break from city life, but a short drive easily connects them with all the things the city has to offer.

The Fondren Southwest community offers a typical selection of cafes, eateries and casual dining options for couples and families. Local shopping includes many name retailers and service companies. The Fondren Southwest Village shopping mall conveniently combines a grocery store with other retail and dining choices.

There were three neighborhood parks in the Brays Oaks District, which grew to nine when the district expanded in 2011. These outdoor venues give residents plenty of opportunities to enjoy time with their families and friends. Most of the parks provide sports facilities, picnic areas, play structures, and trails for walking, hiking or biking.

Apartments in the Fondren Southwest rental market begin at about $500 a month for a one-bedroom, making the neighborhood quite affordable for Houston. The average cost is around $625-$650 monthly, about average for Houston. Fondren Southwest two-bedroom units rent for about $850 to $900 a month. Most of the apartment complexes in the community are low-rise buildings, with some mid-rises. Condos, townhomes and single family homes also are available in this community. The average commute time for community residents is 20 to 25 minutes.

Residents of the Fondren Southwest neighborhood live in one of the following Houston City Council Districts : J, K, or C, depending on where they live. Visit Houston city government to learn more. The neighborhood is part of the Brays Oaks Management District. Children in Fondren Southwest attend schools in the Houston Independent School District. The area is served by two branches of the public library: The Meyer Neighborhood Library and the Morris Frank HPL Express Library.

The Zip codes serving the Fondren Southwest area are: 77071, 77031, 77096 and 77035.