The Where I Live series aims to showcase our diverse city and region by spotlighting its many vibrant neighborhoods. Each week a local resident invites us over and lets us in on what makes their neighborhood special. Have we been to your neighborhood yet? Get in touch to share your story. If your story is selected and published, you will receive a $250 stipend.
Growing up near SeaWorld, my dad used to tell me that we were in what was considered “the country.” As time passed, I loved seeing my little childhood neighborhood flourish and grow with businesses, schools and family-friendly entertainment. I always assumed I’d stay in the same area as an adult. Little did I know that one friend and working in a small salon would make me feel connected to the area I now call home.
My co-worker-turned-best friend moved near the Jefferson area, which was near the salon where we worked at the time. I couldn’t describe it then, but I just loved how calm it was. I loved the unique older homes and the renovated homes that somehow made the area look even older, but classy. It was like nothing like I had ever seen before. The cherry on top was the enormous, yet quaint, Woodlawn Lake Park. I thought maybe one day I’d be fortunate enough to live there.
Fast forward to 2018, I had my first “big girl” job at the hair school I attended and decided to move in with some dear friends. I insisted we move near Woodlawn Lake, and we found a place between the lake and the architectural masterpiece that is Jefferson High School.
I got to explore my neighborhood at my pace, again noticing the calmness and unique, older homes, not to mention all the small businesses. There’s The Hut Diner, Panadería Jimenez, Elotitos Corn Bar — and the ones we miss (long live Jefferson Bodega and Woodlawn Theatre!). We also have numerous thrift shops, eateries and my favorite H-E-B. Deco District H-E-B makes me feel like I’m shopping at an art store/grocery store.
After 2020, we saw new businesses, which made me love the area even more. Brainwave Records, Black Potion and The Starlighter are just a few of our new neighbors. Prior to my current job, I had worked for a small, local salon for years. I will always admire and appreciate the hustle and heart of small business owners and all they and their teams do to make our neighborhood even more special.
I eventually moved out of my close friends’ home and in with my best friend (now husband), still in the same Jefferson area. My early adulthood has all unfolded here — from wild nights with the buds to walking around Woodlawn Lake pregnant and now taking my son to Woodlawn for walks and plays.
Our neighbors are significantly older than us, which has been a blessing as they somewhat “took us under their wing” when my husband and I moved into our current home, making sure we are warm in the winter, cool in the summer and occasionally spoiling us with pan dulce. When our son was born, our neighbors could not wait to meet him.
The heart of the neighborhood, to me, is Woodlawn Lake Park. We go there for picnics, occasions, or just because it’s a nice day and we want to get some exercise. Woodlawn Lake is my gem. Recently my family and I have begun participating in the vendor markets and events that are typically held there. It’s fun, it’s simple and it gives us a true sense of community.
My neighborhood is more than a lake and older homes. It’s a community, it’s a feeling. I think what I’m trying to say is, it’s home! And I hope everyone experiences the same feeling in their community.
