Situated in Northwest Houston, lies the Oak Forest subdivision. Just north of Loop 610 N, Oak Forest runs along the Northwest Freeway offering an easy commute throughout Houston including many of Houston’s downtown hotspots. Catering to families as well as working professionals, Oak Forest allows residents to enjoy the benefits of a large city while relaxing in the quiet solitude of a small town neighborhood lined with mature pine, pecan, and oak trees.
Bordered on the west by Spring Branch and the east by Independence Heights, Oak Forest is nestled along White Oak Bayou which divides it into Oak Forest West and Oak Forest East. Within the area lies Watongo Parkway Park near Pinemont Dr. And TC Jester Park further south toward W 34th Street. Both parks offer beauty and recreation as they are located near White Oak Bayou.
Oak Forest was originally established as a golf course in 1947 by the Oak Forest Realty Corporation owned by Frank Sharp, who later went on to develop Sharpstown. The very first home in the area was at the corner of Fisher Drive and Golf. Polish and Czech Texans made up the majority of Oak Forest’s first residents, as well as many World War II veterans. One famous resident of Oak Forest for about 20 years was actor, Patrick Swayze who attended St. Rose of Lima Catholic School. Plenty of land within and around Oak Forest was preserved for parks, schools, and churches, while other areas were developed for grocery stores and service stations along W. 43rd Street.
Today you will find charming, original homes in Oak Forest as well as renovations or new constructions that took the place of the earlier homes. Regardless of the architecture, the residents in Oak Forest enjoy parks, trails, restaurants, and bars that cater to this vintage Houston neighborhood.
