---River Oaks' Best Kept Secret---
If you don't know where The Gael is situated, you might not notice it driving down Weslayan St. It's on Essex Lane, just south of Westheimer. Which is part of the appeal of The Gael, an unbeatable location in Houston's historic River Oaks. Everything is close by---Highland Village, Central Market, the Looscan (public) library, Weslayan Plaza, and all the RO restaurants and boutique-style retail you could hope for are right out your front door, not to mention Greenway Plaza, the Galleria, Montrose, the Museum District, Midtown, and even the Houston Heights---are all less than a 10-minute drive away. My apartment has expansive windows that look out on the inimitable attractions of this upscale neighborhood--- even the downtown skyline is partially visible from here--- and the many high rise residential and office buildings surrounding the property offer an urban, citified feel to this address---yet afford the luxury of being on a quiet little tree-lined residential street, apart from the traffic and activity, when it's time to relax at home.
All of my transactions with the Management office have been seamless. The Gael's administrative staff, including a property manager, Kaylyn, our assistant manager, Elise, and two leasing/marketing professionals, Sam and Stephanie, are experienced, knowledgeable and capable individuals that obviously know how to run an apartment community. I haven't had any complaints, nor have I heard of any either from my neighbors. What a blessing! I've never had an inquiry go unanswered. Everyone at the office is a pleasure to deal with, and I never worry that a request or question will not be handled/ responded to definitively. The management staff is accommodating and supportive of this community, and they succeed daily in making the experience of living here the best it can be. Also, I've had only one repair request since I moved in---the apartments are kept up impeccably by the maintenance staff. And the apartment itself has everything I like---large rooms, huge windows with lots of natural light, recessed, diffuse lighting fixtures, granite countertops, a balcony with over-arching trees in view, high vaulted ceilings, a protected, enclosed breezeway and multi-level parking platform that enables me to park my car just feet away from my front door.
Many of the Gael's amenities are unavailable at other communities, due to its garden-style features, classic/traditional architecture and ideal location. The neighbors are wonderful, too! It's a quiet, lovely haven hidden away in the midst of everything you want---all around you. This is the only apartment I’ve found that absolutely has it all.

I love living here & just renewed my lease for a second year. Great location, very safe, and super quiet. Neighbors are respectful and I rarely hear anyone. Management team have always been really helpful and quick to fix issues. Earlier this summer, my air conditioner went out from a fuse w/ Hurricane Beryl at the end of the day on Friday, and they made sure the issue was resolved (even though it was past office hours).

Chelsea Denard
Nov 01, 2024
The Gael is a well kept and quiet community. The location is excellent, and the grounds are well maintained. The private gate to central market and dog run are great features. The Gym facilities are some of the nicest I've seen in an apartment complex.

Jeremy Hughes
May 16, 2017
It has been great experience so far! Thank you for asking 😊 Staff is great and property well kept. Parking is convenient and quite easy to get around complex. Love the cozy apartment home feel!

Imagine-U Consulting LLC
Sep 15, 2023
I don't usually write reviews, however, my move into this apartment complex has been one of the best decisions I've made in a while. The office staff is very kind and will do whatever they can to address all of your needs. Also, they went as far as to deliver a food delivery to my apartment door when the delivery service refused to do so and left the delivery at the apartment complex office. Also, the maintenance is really great in fact outstanding. I also feel very safe here and this is very important because of the times we are living in currently. Also, the trash is very well-managed daily and sometimes twice a day which is very important. With all that said I would recommend the Gael to anyone.
I read the reviews, I do understand this is an older community; however, for the price, in this zip code, I am truly blessed and thankful to have found my apartment. The staff has been attentive and kind and the community is quiet. I am believing that as the weather gets better the community here is more social and communal, as I came from a very neighborly communal complex.
Overall…I AM HOME!

Domini Bryant (Ms. Inspire You)
Feb 09, 2023
I update my review each year I renew here. Over the last 3 years, property management has really stepped it up. It's not the newest property and I noticed a bit of age related deterioration, however, they have slowly but surely renovated it over time. New exterior paint and a gym refresh happened toward the end of 2021, the Gael pool was refreshed in 2021, and landscaping was recently upgraded this summer. They take our safety seriously and report when/if activity is reported in the garage or on the property (we know properties only have so much control over crime). The property is generally really quiet- such a nice perk. Maintenance is helpful and prompt as well. I love living in this little pocket called Essex Lane and really never want to move.

Natalie Guido
Aug 29, 2019
I’ve been living here 6 months now. So far my experience has been pleasant. Never had a major issue so far. Residents are generally quiet and friendly and so is the office staff. Never had a pest or security issue, the complex and area is fairly safe. They just installed LED lights throughout the complex so it’s well lit. The parking garage is great. Plenty of parking spaces as well for your guest. Grounds is kept clean and I love the pool area. Walking distance to Central Market and highland village shopping district is definitely a plus. Overall I like the place and I hope rent stays reasonable when it comes to renewal.