Great Neighborhoods of Houston -Click Below to Learn More About Houston's Neighborhoods
INNER LOOP- (click for map)
The Inner Loop area comprises the cities of Bellaire and West University, as well as those parts of Houston located inside Loop 610. The area is a mixture of historical landmarks, museums, arts, sports arenas (Astrodome, Compaq Center), medical facilities(The Medical Center), fine restaurants, and first-class shopping. (The Galleria shopping center complex is located just outside the loop on Westheimer.)
The Inner Loop area combines older homes with new construction. Many of the older homes are purchased strictly for their lots and location, and are being replaced with new homes ranging from 2,000 to 8,000 square feet. Most of the new homes in this area start around $300,000, and can go into the seven figures. Resale housing is also available but demand is high in what is currently a seller's market. Many older homes are about 1,500 square feet and have only two bedrooms, a den, a kitchen and a detached, one-car garage. These homes generally start at about $150,000. The trade-off, however, is the charm of the older neighborhoods and easier access to Houston's best attractions. There are several areas that you may want to take a look at in the Inner Loop area such as DOWNTOWN, THE HEIGHTS, MONTROSE, RIVER OAKS, THE MEDICAL CENTER, WEST UNIVERSITY and BELLAIRE.
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DOWNTOWN- (click for map)
Click To View All MLS Listings in Downtown
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Neighborhood Sites:
http://www.cityofhouston.gov/
Downtown is becoming more attractive to Houstonians as a place to live. Approximately 2,000 downtown residences exist in such locales as Beacons field, Hermann Lofts, White Oak Lofts, Dakota Lofts, Four Seasons Place, Hogg Palace, Houston House and 2016 Main.
Residential development is booming and in 1998 alone over 1,000+ new residential units became available. Since Houston is one of only four cities in the country with resident companies in all four performing arts - ballet, opera, theater and symphony-and the theater district is located downtown, residents of this neighborhood have easy access to some of the nation's premier performances.
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MIDTOWN-
Click To View All MLS Listings in Midtown
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Neighborhood Sites:
http://www.houstonmidtown.com/
Midtown - At the turn of the century, Midtown began to flourish as the second residential neighborhood for the city of Houston after Allen's Landing. This area now South of the Central Business District was better known as Southside place, predominantly developed as single family Victorian style homes on small lots of approximately 5000 square feet. The homes were generally 4000-6000 square feet in size and occupied by families of the original founders of the Humble Oil & Refinery Company. The subdivision flourished through the mid 1940's and began to decline into the 1980's and 90's as a result of the sudden decline in oil production.
Houston's population grew less than one percent between 1980 and 1990 and the area that includes Midtown was the only district in the state of Texas to lose population during this time. The make-up of the neighborhood better known as Midtown after 1990 was comprised of vacant land, boarded up buildings, a few single family residences, and a few prosperous businesses in the area. Generally the area had been marred by blight lack of direction and very little cohesiveness, all of which led to the revitalization efforts that exist today. Most of midtown is under heavy construction of new townhomes ranging from $225,000 - $350,000.
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HEIGHTS- (click for map)
Click To View All MLS Listings in the Heigths
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Neighborhood Sites:
http://www.houstonheights.org/
http://www.woodland-heights.org/
The Heights is located just north of Buffalo Bayou and east of Shepherd Drive. The Heights is recognized for it's turn-of-the century Victorian homes. Founded more than a century ago, the community has experienced revitalization and recaptured some of it's old charm. Because of it's proximity to downtown, the Heights has become an attractive neighborhood for young professionals who want a short commute. Due to the increased demand, Heights' homes can command $165,000 to $1,000,000 for a single family home.
The inner-loop Houston Heights neighborhood has experienced phenomenal changes since it was developed in 1891 by O.M. Carter and his group of forward-thinking investors, Houston Heights became the first “master-planned community” in Texas and was a marvel of its time. Throngs of curious visitors piled onto streetcars to share a glimpse of Carter’s utopian vision, a place where grand Victorian mansions and quaint working class cottages coexisted in harmony alongside industrial and business districts.
Having survived a long, slow decline beginning in the 1940s with the nation’s exodus to the suburbs, Houston Heights today has experienced dramatic revitalization, attracting families and young professionals who value its architectural distinction, small-town character, and proximity to downtown. Available homes vary from original bungalows to impressive new construction, much of which actually mirrors the architecture of those grand Victorian mansions from times past. This diversity is reflected in home prices that range from below $150,000 to over 1 million.
In 1983, the community was designated as a historic Multiple Resource Area by the National Park Service and listed in the National Register of Historic Places in recognition of the area’s overall significance. In 1991, the City designated Houston Heights to be a Historic District of the City of Houston, and the Houston Heights received an official Texas Historical Marker commemorating the founding of Houston Heights. Heights Boulevard serves as a living photograph of “how it used to be,” featuring turn-of-the-century homes, privately maintained parks, and special City of Houston designation as a “Scenic Right-of-Way.”
Other outstanding features of the Houston Heights include the Heights Playground, completely designed, funded, and constructed by the people of the community; its unique 19th street historic business district; educational opportunities that include preschool, parochial schools as well as outstanding public schools; a variety of annual events, such as the Heights Garage Sale, Historic Heights Home and Garden Tour, Heights Fun Run, Heights Festival, and Christmas in the Heights; and warm friendly people who keep that small-town feeling alive.
Houston Heights… an outstanding place to call home!
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MONTROSE- (click for map)
Click To View All MLS Listings in Montrose
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Neighborhood Sites:
http://www.houstonmuseumdistrict.org/
The Montrose area is bordered by Highway 59(south) and Shepherd Drive(west) and brushes up to downtown Houston. The Muzeum District is located in the southern part of Montrose where many restaurants, boutiques and small galleries maintain the unique flavor of this part of the city. Homes built here in the 20th century still stand and so the area is characterized by two-bedroom, brick bungalows as well as two story brick homes. Single family homes range from $185,000 to $1,000,000 while townhomes will start at $175,000 and go over $600,000. Montrose residents enjoy the art district as well as easy access to downtown.
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RIVER OAKS- (click for map)
Click To View All MLS Listings in RIVER OAKS
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Neighborhood Sites:
http://www.ropo.org/
http://www.riveroaksgardenclub.org/index.cfm
http://www.aftonoaks.org/
River Oaks is the most exclusive residential area in Houston. It was developed in the early l920s by Will Hogg, member of a pioneer Texas family and Hugh Potter, Will’s associate and son of a former Texas governor. The entire residential area comprises some 1,200 acres. The Hogg family also gave the City of Houston an adjacent 1,000-acre tract of land for use as a park. Today Memorial Park, as it is known, is a highly valued recreational resource for Houstonians who may choose to watch a polo game, play golf or tennis, picnic or simply stroll along the park’s quiet, shady paths.
River Oaks is protected by very comprehensive deed restrictions which ensure that the area can never be invaded by commercial structures or multi-family housing. The River Oaks Homeowners Association, which is accessible to homeowners 24 hours a day, handles permanent maintenance of the area through the levy of a maintenance fee. The Association monitors deed restriction compliance, maintains the esplanades and parks, and contracts for trash collection services.
While there is a wide range of architectural styles evident throughout River Oaks, strict control has created harmony with the landscaping and natural topography in this heavily-wooded area. Many homes were designed by nationally recognized architects of the era. One such home, “Bayou Bend,” was built by the sister of one of the developers. She later donated the magnificent Greek Revival property, along with its extensive collection of early American furniture and antiques, to the Museum of Fine Arts.
The location of River Oaks is unexcelled. Just four miles west of downtown Houston, River Oaks also enjoys easy access to Greenway Plaza business district and the Uptown/Galleria area, each about four miles away. The neighborhood is bordered by Buffalo Bayou on the north, on the east by Shepherd Drive, on the west by East Briar Hollow Lane. Historically, land in River Oaks has held its value. A one-acre tract of land may sell well in excess of $1 million.
Many River Oaks residents are Houston’s business and professional leaders. They provide much of the civic, cultural and social leadership in the city.
River Oaks affords its residents a comfortable and gracious lifestyle and is, perhaps, the most sought-after neighborhood in Houston
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RICE / MEDICAL CENTER- (click for map)
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Neighborhood Sites:
http://www.tmc.edu/
The Texas Medical Center collectively make-up the city's largest employer with over 51,000 local citizens working in over 42 institutions. The Medical Center area is attractive to a lot of people who enjoy the convenience to The Medical Center, Rice University, The Museum District, the Astrodome, downtown and the Galleria. There is an enormous range of housing costs depending on the neighborhoods. Many neighborhoods you may want to check out are University Place, Southampton, Southgate, Old Brasewood and Morningside Place. Boulevard Oaks was formed by a group of small neighborhoods: South Hampton, Vassar Place and North & South Boulevard. This area is know for it's abundance of oak trees.
Nestled beneath the towers of the sprawling Houston Medical Center is are neighborhoods including Southgate, Old Braeswood and the recently named Morningside Place that includes Wessex Brantwood, and Windermere. With the Medical Center as the city's largest employer, it's no wonder that housing in these area is in high demand.
Bordered by Rice University on one side, this neighborhood provides homes to Medical Center professionals and downtown executives, as well as professors and teachers desirous of a short commute to the prestigious university. Additionally, the award winning Roberts Elementary School is situated here. Many homeowners with school age children enjoy the benefits of this fine school.
Residences also enjoy the amenities provided by the neighborhood university. Continuing education programs offer an opportunity to improve computer skills, writing talents, and many other disciplines. Additionally, a wonderful on-campus jogging trail is available for those young at heart.
Near the university, one can find stately mansions on large estate-sized lots. Elsewhere, older two story residences and one story brick bungalows line the treed streets and boulevards. Recently built homes and new construction may be found throughout, as many newcomers have found the larger lots and neighborhood consistency appealing. Strict deed restrictions govern the new construction as well as street parking and a constable service is a mainstay in this community. Residences in this neighborhood range from as low as the low $350,000s to well over $1 million.
This area's sustained popularity has been recently boosted by the redevelopment and expansion of the nearby Rice Village. Trendy boutiques, eateries, markets, home furnishings, salons, and retail stores are available to satisfy every shopper's needs. The area’s location affords quick access to downtown and Minute Maid Park, the Galleria, Greenway Plaza, Hobby Airport, Six Flags Astroworld, the new Reliant Stadium and Reliant Hall complex, host to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the nation's largest. The new Main Street rail system will be an added plus.
As the Medical Center continues to grow, so has the popularity of this neighborhood. Convenience, affordability, and consistency have enhanced housing values through the years. The Med Center continues to be one of Houston's most desirable communities.
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SOUTHAMPTON (click for map)
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Neighborhood Sites:
http://www.southamptoncivicclub.org/
Homes in Southampton, always expensive by Houston standards, have increased considerably in value in the past several years, to a neighborhood-wide average in 2006 of around $250 per square foot of structure area. Land values in the best locations in the neighborhood (e.g. Sunset Blvd, Rice Blvd) are nearing $100 per square foot, rivaling the most expensive areas of West University Place, and even of River Oaks. Bordering Rice University, the Texas Medical Center, the Museum District, and Hermann Park, Southampton is an outstanding neighborhood, perhaps best know for its handsome, oak-lined boulevards, traditional style homes, and its strong sense of community.
Houston developer E. H. Fleming planned the residential and business community of Southampton in 1922, using about 160 acres of land he purchased from Nellie B. League of Galveston. The purchase price at that time was $297,387.59.
Southampton Place may be one of the few spots in Houston where you really don't have to have a car to get around. What's so great about Southampton is it's so close in. Located across from Rice University, this upscale neighborhood is near the Texas Medical Center, the Museum District and is not far from downtown. It's very much a neighborhood. You can walk to Seekers, the Village, or to get cappuccino at Allegro. Butera's, the longstanding neighborhood grocery store on Bissonnet, was purchased this year by Seekers grocery stores, which has maintained the store's small town character. The civic association has been vigilant about maintaining restrictions and keeping the quality of the neighborhood intact.The association fought attempts by the city to ban use of the alleys that run behind the houses for trash pick-up. The city ended up getting smaller garbage trucks to service the area.
In order to preserve the residential environment, a strong set of deed restrictions was written in 1923. A civic club was formed in 1929 to enforce the deed restrictions, and the club remains active today. The original homes in Southampton were two story, traditional residences built on wooded lots. To enhance the beauty of the tree lined streets, driveway access to each home was hidden. Service alleys allowed for a rear entrance giving Southampton a unique and attractive appearance. 
Through the years, the neighborhood integrity has been maintained both in home restoration and new construction. With a strong interest and desire for "inner loop" housing, Southampton continues to be a popular draw offering homes ranging in price from the low $600,000s to over a million dollars. Today, newly built Georgian brick homes as well as soft contemporary residences sprinkle its historic avenues.
Southampton continues to attract many business executives, medical and other professionals who are drawn to its charm, educational facilities, shady streets, close-in location, and proximity to numerous cultural activities offered in the museum and downtown areas.
Southampton's picturesque boulevards and prime location have provided a strong basis for property values.
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WEST UNIVERSITY- (click for map)
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Neighborhood Sites:
http://www.westu.org/
http://www.thecityofsouthsideplace.com/
http://morningsideplace.org/
Blue street signs line West University Place. This small incorporated city founded in 1911 now includes approximately 5,000 residences. West University Place is well known for the police and fire department, academically recognized elementary school, Little League, beautiful parks and recreational facilities, The JMH Market, the Edloe Street Café, as well as its eclectic architectural style. Home to many professionals, this city provides immediate access to downtown, the Museum District, Texas Medical Center, the Galleria, Greenway Plaza, and most major freeways.
From inception, West University Place has priced itself with tough zoning and deed restrictions. Although the setback requirements were written in 1937, the City later adopted them into law. The laws protect the city from industrial and commercial development. In an era of rapid metropolitan growth, West University has emerged as an island of residential stability.
Through the years, West University Place has worked hard to protect its residential image. In order to preserve the beauty and integrity of the neighborhood, current ordinances require that each lot contain a certain amount of open space. This prohibits large new construction homes or remodeled homes from occupying the total yard.
A recent addition to the City has been the Urban Forester who protects the neighborhood from losing too many of its cherished trees. As a result, West University Place has maintained its small town atmosphere. 
West University Place affords a variety of choices when it comes to price range and style of residence. Each block contains original bungalows, recently remodeled homes, as well as an abundance of beautiful new and recent construction. Contemporary, Tudor, New Orleans, traditional Georgian, and French designed homes blend harmoniously into the neighborhood. Homes range in price from the $300,000s for a lot to build. Single family homes range from $550,000 to as much as $2 million dollars.
West University Place has emerged as one of Houston's most desirable neighborhoods. Architectural diversity, price ranges, and proximity to major areas have improved housing values through the years. This small city within a city has captured the hearts of many. Time has proven that the demand for "West U" housing remains consistently high.
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OLD BRAESWOOD / BRAESWOOD PLACE- (click for map)
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Neighborhood Sites:
http://www.oldbraeswood.com
Old Braeswood is one of Houston’s historic neighborhoods. Originally planned as a “country club district” in the late
1920’s, Old Braeswood was actually developed in spurts through the ‘30’s, ‘40’s, and ‘50’s. Each section of the
neighborhood has a distinct architectural style, reflecting the era in which it was developed and the city’s changing
residential patterns during the middle of the century. A detailed history of the neighborhood and its unique homes
can be found in the publication Braeswood, An Architectural History. This publication is available for purchase from the
civic club by calling Kathy Lord at 713-666-4326. Old Braeswood is bounded by South Main, North Braeswood, Kirby Drive, and  Holcombe. The Texas Medical Center, Rice University, the Village, and the Astrodome complex are all within a one-mile radius. Surrounded by some of Houston’s best schools, medical facilities, museums, restaurants, and shopping, Old Braeswood is one of the most convenient neighborhoods in the city. Many of the best public and private schools in Houston are within an easy drive of Old Braeswood. Children in Old Braeswood are zoned to Roberts Elementary School, Pershing Middle School, and Lamar High School. From the $250,000s for a lot to build. Single family homes range from $400,000 to as much as $1 million dollars.
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BELLAIRE- (click for map)
Neighborhood Sites:
http://www.ci.bellaire.tx.us/
Bellaire is another city that was engulfed by the city of Houston. Like West University - it has the old charm of an inner city neighborhood with lots of tree lined streets and sidewalks that make it's real estate quite valuable. Pre-owned homes start from $300,000 and can go up to a million. Housing variety in Bellaire ranges from 1950's style homes, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, 1 car garage or about 1,000 square feet and up. Like West University - Bellaire is also experiencing a renovation with many of these older homes razed in favor of new multi-story homes.
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RICE MILITARY- (click for map)
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Neighborhood Sites:
http://www.ricemilitary.org/
Rice Military has become increasingly popular over the last few years because of its close proximity to Memorial Park (a lush park with several hike and bike trails), downtown and the Galleria area. Small, older homes in Rice Military have been torn down and replaced by beautiful townhomes and contemporary metal buildings. This neighborhood is an exciting, energetic area full of avantguard designs and a stimulating urban feel. Homes range from $235,000 - $550,000.
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CAMP LOGAN-(click for map)
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Neighborhood Sites:
http://www.camploganonline.com/
Camp Logan, an emergency training center in World War I,qv was earlier a National Guard camp just beyond the western city limits of Houston. Construction of the center began on July 24, 1917. In the Houston Riot of 1917,qv trouble between local police and black soldiers quartered at the camp resulted in a riot on August 23 and the declaration of martial law in Houston. The camp was used for hospitalization of wounded men in 1918. At the close of the war the site was acquired by William C. Hoggqv and his brother, Mike, who turned over to the city of Houston, at cost, more than 1,000 acres. Memorial Park, the city's largest recreational area, is on the site.
Camp Logan is made up of small community of 500 Townhomes that is adjacent to memorial park; this is one of Houston's hidden treasures. Conveniently located near I-10 and memorial drive. You can find Townhomes starting at $450,000 and up most and an average of 3,000 sq ft.
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