Originally Posted by timg

Hard to recommend, without knowing a bit more about what you are looking for, or looking to do. Generally, Houston, like most places in Texas, is a driving city. Its big, and there is sprawl.

There are probably four areas that you might want to consider.

1- Downtown. This is generally safe, and you can walk. But a bit uninteresting (probably a bit closer to downtown LA in feel).

2- Galleria area - This is a nice area, west of downtown. Lots of places to eat, and shop. But walking will be a bit harder

3- Airport - Not recommended.

4- Suburbs - Perhaps something like The Woodlands. This is on the north side of town, about 30 minutes from the airport (same distance as downtown). You can walk and lots of places to eat, but its not a vibrant, big-city environment.