ATL-natives Seeking Advice for a 2nd Home Base (apartment) in Houston!

Hi all, my partner recently accepted a job requiring him to split time between Houston and our home (Atlanta). I also work hybrid and will plan to be in Houston a few times a month with him.

We are late 20s/early 30s, enjoy running and walking, interesting shops & cafes, and neighborhood restaurants/bars. Being gay, we generally prefer more liberal areas but don't need to be in a "gayborhood."

His work will be near IAH, so a short commute is a big plus.

Our ideal budget is somewhere between $1500-1800 a month. Given that this is not where we will be full-time, we value walkability and a short commute over square footage. Ideally, we just want a great home base to explore what Houston has to offer!

Are there any neighborhoods that we should absolutely check out (or avoid)? Many thanks in advance!