Garden Oaks/Oak Forest

“ACCESS NORTH OF 610”

Garden Oaks was named one of Houston's "25 Hottest Neighborhoods" in 2013, according to Houstonia; it was "wealthier and more mature" than Oak Forest, but the latter was also gaining popularity. The GOOF, or Garden Oaks/Oak Forest, is a newly trendy area just north of the 610 loop with an increasingly rising real estate market. While the homes in Garden Oaks are significantly larger than those in Oak Forest, the styles are essentially the same: bungalows, ranch-style homes, and large brick houses. Garden Oaks is the more developed of the two neighborhoods, but Oak Forest isn't far behind. With its cozy wine bars, shabby chic gastropubs, and trendy dining places, the GOOF attracts a lot of artistic types.Many young families are drawn to the area because of its suburban feel and functional accessibility. By 1995, the Montessori program at Garden Oaks Elementary had risen in popularity in the city, and there were less spaces available than eager applicants.