Visiting Houston with some questions!

Hi Everyone,

I’m visiting friends in Houston next month and have a few questions:

1.) What is the best area to find an accommodation? (Late 20’s Male looking for vibrant area, walkable, nightlife of some sort)

2.) Friends live near IAH, would it be a haul for me to see them or for them to come see me if I stayed in the Downtown area?

3.) How reliable are Ubers? Do they usually take a while to come get you, or are cabs better?

4.) What areas should I refrain from, if any?

Thank you all so much for your time. I really will appreciate any thoughtful advice.