Relocating SE Houston

Relocating with my husband and toddler from a very walkable, outdoor & nature focused town with mostly locally owned businesses to accept a job I can’t pass up in southeast Houston (Pasadena area closer to clear lake)…

I grew up in SW Houston, so besides the shock of coming back to the heat & humidity, I’m trying to think where we can live that will have easier access to cultural activities but won’t have me stuck in the car for hours a day commuting to work. Any areas just outside of downtown worth exploring? Or is suburbia our destiny? 😂