Any decent neighborhoods on 45 south of Houston?

Mid 20s "young professional" (god I hate that) looking to move into a starter home.

Big issue is, my work is in clear lake and I'm not ready to give up access to Montrose. Normally the heights would be the obvious solution but that's putting my commute into nasty territory.

I've driven up and down 45 and I'm struggling to find more up and coming neighborhoods. I'm sure there are some hidden gems of neighborhoods but I'm wondering what they might be. I'm not expecting something pristine and cultivated but at least somewhere where half the houses don't have bars on the windows.