GOOF covers the Garden Oaks and Oak Forest areas of Houston.
Welcome to Garden Oaks-Oak Forest
A quaint, affluent area with easy access to Houston’s hottest spots.
Offering the best of city conveniences with small-town warmth, GOOF covers the Garden Oaks and Oak Forest areas of Houston. These largely residential neighborhoods are small and charming with an enviable central location. Young families looking for the serenity of suburban life with a dash of city sophistication will fall in love with GOOF. Easy access to Houston, one of the nation’s largest cities, is the cherry on top of this sweet neighborhood sundae.
Once far behind neighboring communities in terms of technology and expansion, GOOF didn’t even get telephone service until 1948. Today, with its wine bars, trendy restaurants, and tight-knit community, GOOF has become one of the most coveted places to put down roots. Housing styles vary greatly, and residents have their pick from a mix of bungalows, ranch-style homes, townhouses, grand plantation-style designs, and new constructions.
What to Love
Hip restaurant scene
Warm, friendly community
Easy access to thriving city life
People and Lifestyle
Sprawling residential areas, affordability, and top-rated schools make GOOF a prime location for young families. The location, close-knit community, tree-lined streets, and convenient shopping make living here a breeze. And with neighbors like this, you’ll never want to leave! Oak Forest has been called the friendliest neighborhood in Houston. The local Starbucks drive-through has the highest number of customers who offer to pay for the car behind them. How’s that for a warm welcome?
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
With a wide variety of top restaurants ranging from casual to upscale, GOOF has plenty of options for every kind of celebration, from family dinner to date night.
Got a hankering for real Texas barbecue? You’ll satisfy your craving at Gatlin's, Houston’s hidden barbeque gem. This family-owned favorite offers smoked meats, beef ribs, spicy sausage, mac and cheese, and the house specialty: brisket. The classic Southern fare and friendly staff make this a local go-to.
If an intimate, upscale experience is more to your liking, check out Plonk! Wine Bar and Bistro and enjoy five-star dining and ambiance at midrange prices, as well as New American cuisine, craft beer, a premium wine list, and local favorites like the cheese and nut appetizer with honey and roasted garlic, ceviche, and massaman curry.
Get more of that classic Southern flavor at Cottonwood, with menu choices like crawfish fries and chicken fried steak bites. This easygoing gastropub serves hearty bar food and a wide variety of beer, plus nightly specials. Stop in for the grub, and stay for the live music and relaxation. Dog lovers: Make sure to bring along Fido (and his dog bed) to the dog-friendly gravel patio.
Sports fans will love Wakefield Crowbar, a casual bar offering burgers, local favorites like loaded fries and fried jalapenos, craft beer, weekend brunch, and a playground for both kids and adults. Lounge at the outdoor patio, catch a pickup game on the sand volleyball courts, and let the kids work out that extra energy in the playground area. The family pup is even invited to this laid-back spot.
Things to Do
What’s in a name? A lot, as far as the Oak Garden and Forest Oaks areas are concerned. With the stunning display of oak, pecan, and pine trees lining the streets of this residential community, life here really is a walk in the park. This natural beauty takes center stage at the Garden Oaks Wine Walk, a fundraiser for the Garden Oaks Constable Program, which benefits all five sections of the neighborhood. Set against a lavish landscape, this wine tasting and culinary event celebrates the beauty of the area while also benefiting the community.
For an easy outdoor playdate, head over to the Shepherd Park. This beautiful, quaint park offers plenty of playground space for both kids and pups. Nearby Shepherd Park Plaza hosts one of the best parts of the holiday season: the Shepherd Park Plaza Holiday Arch Lights. This impressive Christmas light display dates back to the late 1960s and has become a neighborhood favorite. Residents go all out decorating their sprawling front yards with holiday lights, giant candy canes, menorahs, ribbon, tinsel garlands, and snowflakes.
But the superstar of the show is the series of lighted arches that straddle the streets of the Plaza community. The festive neighborhood even hands out awards for various categories, including Most Creative and Best Overall, and the Civic Club provides hayrides and hot chocolate to residents.
Schools
The GOOF neighborhood is home to one of the state’s highest-rated schools, Oak Forest Elementary.
Work With Us
Whether helping first-time homebuyers, move-up buyers, investors, or empty nesters, the HTX Group demonstrates unmatched service, a tenacious work ethic, and clear communication that makes every client feel like they are their only client. If you are ready to start your buying or selling process
give us a call. We're happy to answer all your questions.