Moving to Houston for Work? Why River Oaks Makes a Central Base

Houston is large and spread out, and where you live shapes how much of each day you spend in the car. For many people relocating for a job in medicine, energy, finance or law, River Oaks solves that problem: it sits inside the 610 Loop, between Downtown and Uptown, with most major employment centers 15 to 20 minutes away. Here is what the commute looks like from NOVEL River Oaks, and how to lease before you arrive.

Why River Oaks Works as a Central Base

River Oaks is bordered by Buffalo Bayou, Shepherd Drive, Willowick Road and Westheimer Road, and NOVEL River Oaks sits at the corner of the last two. That location puts Westheimer, Kirby Drive, Shepherd Drive, Allen Parkway, the 610 Loop and US-59 (I-69) within a few minutes, so you can head toward Downtown, the Texas Medical Center or the Energy Corridor without crossing the whole city. Daily errands stay close too: Central Market and Highland Village are a 5-minute walk.

Commute Times

Estimates for a weekday drive from 2511 Willowick Rd. Peak is about 7:30–9 a.m. and 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Destination	Distance	Off-peak	Peak
Greenway Plaza	2 mi	5 min	10–15 min
The Galleria / Uptown	2–3 mi	6–8 min	12–20 min
Downtown Houston	5 mi	10 min	15–25 min
Texas Medical Center	5 mi	12–15 min	20–30 min
Rice University	4 mi	12 min	15–20 min
Energy Corridor	13–15 mi	20 min	30–45 min
William P. Hobby Airport	12 mi	16–20 min	25–35 min
George Bush Intercontinental	21–26 mi	30 min	45–60 min

The most useful test is your own schedule. Enter 2511 Willowick Rd and your workplace into a maps app, set the time you'll actually leave on a weekday, and compare the result with any other neighborhoods you're considering. If you work nontraditional hours, such as hospital shifts, your commute may be much shorter than the peak column suggests.

A Short Walk Away

West along Westheimer, River Oaks District is about a 15-minute walk (4 minutes by car) and holds several of the area's most popular tables:

Transit Options

METRO's Route 82 runs along Westheimer between the Galleria area and Downtown, with buses about every 8 minutes at busy times, and the stop is steps from NOVEL River Oaks. From Downtown, METRORail's Red Line continues south to the Texas Medical Center. METRO's Park & Ride network mainly serves commuters from the suburbs into Downtown, so most River Oaks residents use the local bus, a short drive or rideshare instead.

Short-Term Leases While You Settle

If you're not sure yet which part of Houston suits you, a shorter lease buys time. NOVEL River Oaks offers lease terms starting at three months, subject to availability and pricing. Residences are unfurnished, and the leasing team can recommend furniture rental partners so you can move in with a suitcase.

The Preferred Employer Program

Employees of participating organizations receive waived application and administrative fees, a complimentary amenity reservation of up to three hours, a complimentary night in the furnished guest suite (useful when family visits during the move) and a complimentary housekeeping service. HR and relocation teams can ask to add their organization.

Learn more about our PEP program.

Video Tours for Long-Distance Renters

You don't need to fly in to choose a home. View our virtual tours or book a live video tour and a leasing professional will walk the residence you're considering, open the closets, step onto the balcony and show you the view from that floor. The team can also send dimensioned floor plans so you can plan furniture before you arrive, and applications are completed online.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the drive from River Oaks to the Texas Medical Center?

About 5 miles, or 12 to 15 minutes off-peak and 20 to 30 minutes at rush hour from NOVEL River Oaks.

Can I lease an apartment at NOVEL River Oaks without visiting?

Yes. The leasing team offers live video tours of the actual residence, sends dimensioned floor plans on request, and applications are completed online.