Shopping | Banking | Communications

     The Houston area has well over 30 malls and never an empty parking lot. The Galleria I, II and III is a multi-level mall encompassing a huge ice skating rink filled with designer boutiques, department stores, restaurants and specialty shops. Some of its prestigious shops include Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Gucci and more. Across the street from the Galleria is the Center at Post Oak featuring FAO Schwartz, and Barnes & Noble to name a few. Also nearby is the Highland Village Shopping Center featuring fine upscale shops. For bargain shoppers, there is the Conroe Outlet Center 45 miles north of Houston, the Lonestar Factory Outlet in Texas City, the Factory Stores of America in La Marque, and the Strand Outlet Shops in Galveston, where hundreds of name brand items are sold at discounted prices.

      Old Town Spring began as a railroad boomtown back in the late 1800's and today is a true shopper's boomtown. The beautiful old houses and brick courtyards remain, as does a weathered railroad saloon and even a blacksmith shop. Located just 20 miles north of Houston, is one of the most popular shopping and tourist destinations in Texas. The 100 year old village has over 150 shops, many in turn-of-the-century cottages filled with antiques, arts, collectibles, unique gifts and assorted treasures. Old Town Spring is especially exciting to visit during the Christmas holiday season, when the whole town takes on a glorious look with it's seasonal decor and lights.

     Although greater Houston offers a world of shopping entertainment, nearly everything you might need can be found in the convenience of your own community. Clear Lake's Baybrook Mall is second only to Houston's Galleria in retail sales. Stores such as Dillard's, Mervyn's, Sears, Montgomery Ward, and approximately 160 others please most shoppers. Our residents also enjoy the advantages of neighborhood shopping in the master planned communities.

     Major grocery stores are easily accessible to all neighborhoods. Among our four major grocery store chains, Kroger, Randall's, H.E.B. Pantry Food, and Albertson's, almost every type of produce, meat and spice can be found. Fresh seafood can be purchased at the grocery stores or at the fish markets in Seabrook or Kemah's waterfront district.

BANKING

     The Clear Lake area houses approximately nineteen banks, and three Savings & Loan Associations; Bank United of Texas- FSB, Guaranty Federal Savings, and Savings of America-NASA. There are also three credit unions found in Clear Lake; Gulf Coast Educators Credit Union, Johnson Space Center Credit Union, and Lockheed Credit Union.

COMMUNICATIONS

NEWSPAPER

     Our major daily newspaper, The Houston Chronicle, reports international, national and local events of the day to area readers. Community news is also big in Houston. Clear Lake is serviced locally by the Citizen/Exchange News, The Times, Bayrunner and the Sun Times.