West University

West University or West U as the locals call it, is known as a neighborhood city and is situated just a couple of miles from the Houston Medical Center.  West U has its own local government and services.  Doctors and professionals flock to this neighborhood for its quiet setting, tree-lined streets, and excellent schools.  Shopping is abundant at the local Rice Village shopping district which is home to numerous shops and restaurants.  Quiet parks and the neighborhood recreation center are some of the best in Houston.

This price range is just a starting point for homes in this Houston neighborhood with many properties selling well over $1Million.  Older, stately homes with numerous updates will be available in this price range.

Bellaire

Like West University, Bellaire is a neighborhood city.   It also has a local government and city services that are separate from the city of Houston.  This neighborhood straddles the 610 Loop just south of Highway 59.  Tree-lined streets and a small town feel draw many Houston Medical Center professionals to this neighborhood.  This neighborhood is also known for its excellent public and private schools.

Bellaire has undergone an extensive transformation in recent years with most of the original homes replaced by luxurious custom homes.

Rice University/Museum District

Rice University/Museum District has some options that are a little more affordable than West University, but also includes sections such as Boulevard Oaks that can get much more grand and expensive.  This neighborhood is situated immediately adjacent to the Houston Medical Center and also offers a quiet residential setting, tree-lined streets and great schools.  There is no shortage of cultural landmarks, public green spaces, and well-regarded shopping and restaurant options. The Rice Village shopping district, Rice jogging trail, Hermann Park, Museum District, and numerous parks and restaurants are all within a reach by foot or short bike ride.

Neighborhoods within this area and within this price range are Southampton, Southgate, Windmere, and Vassar Place. Homes at this price point will be a mix or original, updated stately homes and recently built contemporary homes.  There are also a very limited amount of luxury townhomes available.

Upper Kirby/Avalon Place

Upper Kirby and Avalon Place offer more of an urban experience at this price range.  Situated on either side of Kirby, north of Highway 59, this location is popular with Houston Professionals that want to be close to work and play.  Luxury shopping and chic restaurants proliferate the neighborhood. Multi-use developments such as West Ave and 2727 Kirby provide a wonderful combination of trendy boutiques and restaurants.

Home options include fully renovated stately homes, modern custom homes, luxury townhomes, and high-rise condos.

Lean more about Houston Real Estate:

• New Timbergrove area restaurant makes Top 10 list
• Rice Military Market Update – July 2011
• Rice Military / Washington Corridor Market Update – April 2011
• Montrose-Neartown Market Update – January 2011
• Timbergrove/Lazybrook Market Update – January 2011

An organization called Red Fields to Green Fields is helping to spearhead this initiative.  About a week ago, a video and a case study was released in promotion of this effort.  We found it very inspiring and think it is a worthy cause.  Below we’ve identified the Houston neighborhoods that would be most effected by the development of these parks which will make them really interesting, fun places to live.  What Houston neighborhoods do you think will be impacted?

Red Fields to Green Fields – HOUSTON from Red Fields to Green Fields on Vimeo.

1. Woodland Heights

Of all of the neighborhoods listed, Woodland Heights is farthest along as far as development of the bayou area as a park. The new North Downtown Bikeway is almost complete. This 2.8-mile-long bike trail extends from UH-Downtown all the way to Stude Park, home of the big red sculpture thing, near I-10 and Studemont.  This bike trail is making this area of the Bayou even more accessible and “user friendly”. Walkability to a much more accessible, much more usable park should help to make Woodland Heights even more sought after than it was before.

2. EaDo, Eastwood and Second Ward

EaDo, Eastwood, Second Ward, whatever you want to call it, this area of town is located just east of Downtown Houston (i.e. EaDO, get it). Over the past several years, Houston city planners and developers have spent a significant amount of time and effort to encourage development of this area. Currently, Houston’s new MLS soccer stadium is being constructed in this area and promises to bring even additional development.  However, the problem with this area has been that much of it is overrun by warehouses, some of which are not very well kept or even abandoned.  An initiative to help eradicate the area of the most undesirable pieces of real estate could be extremely helpful to development.  The section of Buffalo Bayou that runs through this area is extremely under utilized and inaccessible.  Creating more open, usable greenspaces along the bayou would definitely help make the warehouse sections of this neighborhood much more attractive for development, which in turn would make the more attractive subdivisions, such as Eastwood, Lawndale, and Idlewood, a better place to live.

3.  Cottage Grove

Located just North of I-10 and East of Shepherd, this area of town has gone through an astonishing transformation in the past several years. Newly developed townhome and patio home communities have sprung up almost over night, replacing vacant warehouses and small, dilapidated homes.  A mix of affordability and convenience to Downtown Houston, the Galleria, Memorial Park, and the Washington Corridor has propelled much of this development.  What this neighborhood has in convenience, it lacks in open greenspace.  Even though the neighborhood runs along the banks of White Oak bayou, it has no direct access to the already substantial hike/bike trail that runs along it. An expansion of the hike/bike trail, expansion of the usable park space along the bayou’s banks, and a further clearing out of old warehouses would help this neighborhood tremendously in creating attractive outdoor amenities.

4.  Timbergrove/Lazybrook

Timbergrove and Lazybrook have some really nice wide open spaces around the park already. However, what the park could use along the bayou is some upgrades in the available amenities. Since, the White Oak Bayou runs the entire length of these neighborhoods, this initiative to create more usable park space could have a  real impact.  Returning the paved sections of the bayou to a more natural and attractive condition would encourage residents of Timbergrove to use the park and in turn would enhance the overall lifestyle of the neighborhood.

Lean more about Houston Real Estate:

• Timbergrove/Lazybrook Market Update – January 2011

Montrose

Montrose is an eclectic urban neighborhood that was recently recognized as one of the Ten Best Neighborhoods in the country by the American Planning Association.  The street grid lends itself to being very walkable to the diverse mix of retail and entertainment options along Montrose Blvd and Westheimer.  Lower Westheimer in particular is experiencing a rebirth with several new restaurants that have opened recently or are under construction.  These include El Real, Uchi, and Underbelly.  The location offers easy access to all the major business districts including Downtown, The Texas Medical Center, Greenway, and the Galleria.

Housing options in this price range are as diverse as the residents and include stately restored homes, classic bungalows, new construction townhomes, and mid-rise condos.  This price range is a starting point for homes in this neighborhood as prices for prime real estate can easily reach the $1million mark.

Rice Military & Washington Corridor

Rice Military and the Washington Corridor is one the most popular neighborhoods for young professionals.  Its close proximity to Memorial Park makes it the perfect option for those who enjoy the outdoors and the excellent jogging trails.  Entertainment options along Washington Avenue are diverse and numerous.  Some of our favorites include El Tiempo, Max’s Wine Dive, and Star Pizza.  The central location also offers easy access to the major business districts.

The predominant housing option in Rice Military is new construction, recent-build townhomes and patio homes.  Towards the middle and higher end of this price range, you can find many free-standing units with small yards.  Home builders continue to find land to develop and home buyers continue to gobble up the new construction as they build it.

Museum Park

Museum Park has a special place in our heart because it’s home to our office.  This neighborhood is centrally located between two of the largest business districts in the state of Texas, Downtown Houston and the Texas Medical Center.   Folks that love the outdoors love this neighborhood because it’s walking distance to Hermann Park and the Houston Zoo.  If it’s culture that you’re looking for, you’ll find 13 museums including the Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Natural Science, and the Children’s Museum.  Entertainment options in the Montrose area and Rice Village are close by as well.

Housing options are very diverse in this neighborhood.  You’ll find some original stately homes, recent-build townhomes, modern new construction, and high-rise condos.  Speaking of modern design, Museum Park is home to the highest density of this architectural style in Houston.

Houston Heights

Houston Heights is one of the more hip and kid-friendly neighborhoods in Houston.   Entertainment and shopping options are plentiful along the Historic Heights Shopping District on 19^th Street.  Outdoor enthusiasts will be at home in the Heights at the hike and bike trail along Nicholson and the jogging trail on Heights Blvd.  Families flock to the Heights for its quiet residential lifestyle.

You will find updated bungalows, recent-build patio homes, and stately historic homes in this great neighborhood.  Some sections of the Heights are designated historic districts which helps retain the original look and feel of the neighborhood.  This price range is just a starting point for homes in this area with many properties priced above the $500k mark.

Timbergrove Manor & Lazybrook

Timbergrove Manor and Lazybrook are two neighborhoods that border one another and offer the same lifestyle and housing options.  Young professionals and new families love these neighborhoods for the large lot sizes and kid-friendly atmosphere.  The two neighborhood parks, Jaycee Park and 11^th Street Park, are a nice urban oasis.  Entertainment options in the Heights are just a short drive away and many new dining options in nearby Shady Acres have opened recently.

This area was developed in the late 50s and early 60s so you’ll primarily find single story ranch style homes.  Most of them will have lot sizes over 7,000 SF which is great for kids and pets.  The homes in this price range will have lots of updates and some may even have master-suite additions.

Lean more about Houston Real Estate:

• New Timbergrove area restaurant makes Top 10 list
• Montrose-Neartown Market Update – January 2011
• Timbergrove/Lazybrook Market Update – January 2011
• Rice Military Market Update – July 2011

Houston Heights

Due to its affordability, location, and historic charm, Greater Heights is one of the most sought after communities in Houston. Most of the Heights was built in the early part of the 20th century and was considered Houston’s first suburb.  However, after a few decades of development, the Heights is basically located in the center of town.  In its early history, trolley cars could be taken directly to downtown Houston and ritzy boutiques dotted 19th street.  The trolley cars are gone and what is left is a great jogging trail and park that cuts through the middle of Heights Boulevard.  19th street still has shopping but today it is mostly filled with small hip boutiques and restaurants.  In the 70s and 80s, then neighborhood fell on some hard times.  However, today it is one of the trendiest, family-oriented areas of town, and new home development and retail development is flooding into the neighborhood.

The Houston Heights offers a diverse mix of old and new Victorian homes, early century craftsman homes, and contemporary/modern design.  Most of the homes feature high ceilings, great craftsman interior finishes, and spaces from 1000 sqft to well over 3500 sqft.  Prices range from the low 400s to the high 700s.  However, at the 500K to 750K range, you are looking at a new or completely renovated home with a space over 2000 sqft.

Upper Kirby

Upper Kirby can only be described as a wonderful marriage between luxury and urban living. The area is considered one of the hipper neighborhoods in the city. Luxury shopping and chic restaurants proliferate the neighborhood. Multi-use developments such as West Ave and 2727 Kirby provide a wonderful combination of trendy boutiques and restaurants with luxury living. Most everything in this area is within walking distance or a short bike ride.

Upper Kirby is a also centrally located and an easy commute to some of Houston’s largest economic centers, including the adjacent Greenway Plaza, Galleria/Uptown, Downtown Houston, and the Texas Medical Center.

The living options in this area are diverse. From single family bungalows to upscale luxury townhomes to ultra modern single family homes to high rise living, this neighborhood has something for everyone.  From $500K to 750K, there are a number of single family home options.  Single family homes in that price range will typically be about 2500 sqft or less.  They are typically of older construction, but they do have some modern updates and renovations.

New and recently developed townhomes and patio homes are also within reach at this price point in Upper Kirby.  These units tend to be newer construction with spaces in excess of 2500 square feet.  Many of the developments are actually quite nice with high quality finishes and amenities.

Museum Park

Museum Park Houston is one of Houston’s most culturally rich communities in the city. Home to 13 Museums, Hermann Park, and Rice University, this neighborhood offers walk-ability to many of Houston’s most prized treasures. Uniquely situated between Downtown Houston and the Texas Medical Center, two of the largest business districts in the state of Texas. Both of these districts are connected to Museum Park by Houston’s light rail system. Museum Park has many recently constructed luxury single family homes, townhomes, and high rise condominiums. The neighborhood is also home to the highest concentration of modern residential development in all of Houston. Norhill Realty is proud to call this vibrant neighborhood our home.

High quality, luxury townhomes and patio homes are plentiful in this neighborhood between $500K to $750.  Developments such as The Art Colony, Intexure’s Palm Terrace, and Lovett Homes’ Rosedale Park are some examples of the kinds of luxury home projects that are currently under way in Museum Park.  As demonstrated by The Art Colony and Palm Terrace, Museum Park has a large density of modern and contemporary construction at this price point.

Museum Park also has some great high rise properties to consider between $500K and $750K.  The contemporary Mosaic on Hermann Park and The high-luxury Warwick Towers offer some gorgeous views of Houston, great community amenities, and wonderful, spacious spaces between $500K and 750K.

Garden Oaks/Oak Forest

Located in Northwest Houston, the area of Oak Forest and Garden Oaks is positioned just outside Houston’s 610 Loop. This near town location provides great access to Houston’s two largest economic centers, Downtown Houston and Galleria/Uptown. The area has seen a significant level of new development in recent years thanks in large part to the fantastic elementary schools, both public and private, as well as the great sense of kid-friendly community that proliferates the neighborhoods.  The recently renovated Oak Forest Library is a testament to this communities’ commitment to family and community.

Homes priced between $500K and 750K in this area tend to be a mix between older, remodeled properties and new construction.  The existing construction in Garden Oaks tends to be the most attractive in this price point, as these home tend to be much larger than the existing construction in Oak Forest and the lots tend to be enormous.  Lots in Garden Oaks can top well over 15,000 square feet and lots over 20,000 square feet are sometimes available as well.  The homes tend to have spaces as large as 3500 sqft or more.

Although New Construction can be found in both neighborhoods between this price point, Oak Forest is going through an extraordinary amount of new development at this time.  These new homes tend to have all of the size and amenities of quality luxury construction in great suburban communities.  New Construction in Oak Forest tends to be constructed with more than 3000 sqft of space, and lots tend to be over 7000 sqft.

Braes Heights/Braeswood Place

Located just west of the Texas Medical Center, Braes Heights and Braeswood Place have become particularly popular with physicians and professionals from the hospitals in the Medical Center.  It also very well positioned for people commuting to Greenway Plaza and the Uptown/Galleria area.

With some truly great public schools, such as Mark Twain Elementary and Longfellow Elementary, and some wonderful parks such as Karl Young Park and the recently renovated John P. McGovern Campus Park, this area has become one of the most sought after, kid-friendly family neighborhoods in town.  There is also the long trails that traverse the Brays Bayou, which cuts through the neighborhood along Braeswood Blvd.  There are also some really top flight private schools in the area, such as St. Vincent de Paul School, a K-8 Roman Catholic school, and St. Mark’s Episcopal School.  The recently developed Weekly Family YMCA, which replaced the previous Southwest Branch YMCA in West University Place, is home to a gymnasium, an outdoor pool, an outdoor athletic fields, and a weight room.  All of these amenities and resources provide a great suburban like atmosphere in the inner loop.

With respect to the housing options, there is a nice mix of both new and existing construction. The original neighborhood was developed in the 1950s and the existing homes are primarily one story, ranch-style construction.  These Properties in the $500k to $750K range are typically in excess of 2000 sqft with at least 3 bedrooms.  In this price range, the homes have typically undergone extensive updates and renovation.  The area went through a modest building boom in the 90s.  These homes are typically 2 story with spaces in excess of 3000 sqft.  At this price point, these homes will typically only have modest updates (if any) from their existing construction.

Lean more about Houston Real Estate:

• New Timbergrove area restaurant makes Top 10 list
• Rice Military Market Update – July 2011
• Rice Military / Washington Corridor Market Update – April 2011
• Montrose-Neartown Market Update – January 2011
• Timbergrove/Lazybrook Market Update – January 2011

The two initial units should be completed just in time for the 2012 Houston Modern Home Tour, which is set for early March. The Houston Modern Home Tour is set to select 8 to 12 modern/contemporary homes on the tour, and the Art Colony promises to be one of the stars of the Tour. See below for details of the tour. We hope you will sign up and attend. It will be one the first opportunities to see these two impressive homes fully completed.

The Art Colony

◄ Back

Next ►

Picture 1 of 5

WHEN: Saturday, March 3, 2012 from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

TICKETS: Advance tickets are $25. Day of tickets will be available for $30. Purchase tickets here.

Lean more about Houston Real Estate:

• The Art Colony: Art in Architecture
• Modern home for sale in Oak Forest

Shepherd Park Plaza

Shepherd Park Plaza isn’t a big neighborhood, but it is certainly one of the best.  This neighborhood sits just north of Houston’s Inner Loop.  Located next door to the upscale Garden Oaks community, Shepherd Park Plaza makes for an affordable alternative to its pricey neighbor.  Great parks such as Candlelight Park and Shepherd Park dot the area.  There are plenty of retail options in the area along 43rd Street and Shepherd Drive.

Most of the homes in the neighborhood are a minimum of 3 bedroom 2 bath with a 2 car garage.  Several 4+ bedroom options set it apart from neighborhoods of comparable age.  Furthermore, you’ll find many homes over 3,000 SF for those looking for a little more space.  The lot sizes are over 7,000 SF, which offers plenty of room for your family to run around.  Home prices range from $225,000 – $450,000 with many options in that $200K to $300K range. Most of the homes are single-story ranch-style homes, but you’ll also find many 2-story homes in varying architectural styles.

Shady Acres

Located in the NW Inner Loop, Shady Acres is an up and coming area near Houston’s very hip Houston Heights.  In the past several years, there has been a plethora of new townhome and single family homes pop up in this fledgling neighborhood.  There are two distinct varieties of properties that have been developed, small townhome communities with a shared, common driveway and front facing single family homes that sit on lots under 4000 square feet.  This development style has provide a wonderfully affordable option for those homebuyers that want to live in a close-in, “inner loop” neighborhood.

One of the things that makes this neighborhood so desirable is the growing number of restaurants and trendy watering holes that are popping up through-out the neighborhood.  From the upscale taqueria/tequila pub, El Gran Malo to the well-known Corkscrew wine bar, Shady Acres is fast becoming a great destination for food and fun.

Maplewood

Located adjacent to the affluent Bellaire and Meyerland neighborhoods in Southwest Houston, Maplewood has become one of the most sought after communities for young professionals.  Like Shady Acres, this community has become very popular with up and coming professionals that want to live and work without the long commutes.  Braes Bayou Trail cuts through the entire neighborhood and provides a wonderful public green space for bike rides, jogging, and long walks.

You’ll find many single story ranch style homes with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths.  Prices range from $175,000 to $375,000 depending on the extent of updates.  Like its cross-town neighbor Shepherd Park Plaza, this neighborhood has great sized lots with many exceeding 7,000 sqft.

Westbury

Of the four neighborhoods identified here, Westbury is probably the most affordable.   In recent years, young professionals from the Galleria and the Texas Medical Center have flooded this area for the affordable homes and the close proximity to town. Many buyers and investors have been buying homes in this neighborhood to remodel, but the majority of the homes in this price range will have original finishes or older updates.

Like its near neighbor, Maplewood, Westbury has some great public green spaces, such as Braes Bayou Trail and Hager Park.

The size of homes in the neighborhood range from 1500 square feet to upwards of 2000 square feet.  The homes are generally single story, ranch style homes that were built in the 50s and 60s with a few mid-century modern homes mixed throughout.  Like Shepherd Park Plaza and Maplewood, the homes are generally of brick construction which makes them very efficient and great homes for modern renovations.

This is only a sample of affordable neighborhoods located near Houston’s Inner Loop.  There are a also some fantastic neighborhoods in Houston’s suburbs that might be worth consideration.  Use this web post as a starting point, but consult with your Realtor about the other options available in the market.  If you need some advice, feel free to contact one of our Norhill agents.  The easiest way is to either use the chat function at the bottom of this website or calling us direct.  Happy hunting!

Lean more about Houston Real Estate:

• New Timbergrove area restaurant makes Top 10 list
• Rice Military Market Update – July 2011
• Rice Military / Washington Corridor Market Update – April 2011
• Montrose-Neartown Market Update – January 2011

West University

West University or West U as locals call it, is known as a neighborhood city and is situated just a couple of miles from the Houston Medical Center.  West U has its own local government and services.  Doctors and professionals flock to this neighborhood for its quiet setting, tree-lined streets, and excellent schools.  Shopping is abundant at the local Rice Village shopping district which is home to numerous shops and restaurants.  Quiet parks and the neighborhood recreation center are some of the best in Houston.

This price range is just a starting point for homes in this Houston neighborhood with many properties selling well over $1Million.  Older, stately homes with numerous updates will be available in this price range.

Southgate

Southgate is the more affordable neighbor to West University.  This neighborhood is situated immediately adjacent to the Houston Medical Center and also offers a quiet residential setting, tree-lined streets and great schools.  There is no shortage of cultural landmarks, public green spaces, and well-regarded shopping and restaurant options. The Rice Village shopping district, Rice jogging trail, Hermann Park, Museum District, and numerous parks and restaurants are all within a reach by foot or short bike ride.

Homes in this price range will be a mix or original, updated stately homes and recently built contemporary homes.  There are also a very limited amount of luxury townhomes available.

Bellaire

Like West University, Bellaire is a neighborhood city.   It also has a local government and city services that are separate from the city of Houston.  This neighborhood straddles the 610 Loop just south of Highway 59.  Tree-lined streets and a small town feeling draw many Houston Medical Center professionals to this neighborhood.  This neighborhood is also known for its excellent public and private schools.

Bellaire has undergone and extensive transformation in recent years with most of the original homes replaced by luxurious custom homes.

Upper Kirby

Upper Kirby offers more of an urban experience at this price range.  Situated on either side of Kirby, north of Highway 59, this location is popular with Houston Medical Center Professionals that want to be close to work and play.  Luxury shopping and chic restaurants proliferate the neighborhood. Multi-use developments such as West Ave and 2727 Kirby provide a wonderful combination of trendy boutiques and restaurants.

Home options include fully renovated bungalows, modern custom homes, luxury townhomes, and high-rise condos.

Lean more about Houston Real Estate:

• Medical Center Area Market Update – January 2011

Lean more about Houston Real Estate:

• Houston Real Estate Blog

Museum Park

Museum Park Houston is one of Houston’s most culturally rich communities in the city. Home to 13 Museums, Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo, and Rice University, the area offers walk-ability to many of Houston’s most prized treasures. Making it one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Houston. Uniquely situated just a couple of miles from the Houston Medical Center, this neighborhood offers one of the shortest commutes and it is connected to the Houston light rail system along Main and Fannin. Museum Park has many recently constructed luxury single family homes, townhomes, and high rise condominiums. The neighborhood is also home to the highest concentration of modern residential development in all of Houston.

Braeswood

Located between the city of Bellaire and the Texas Medical Center and Reliant stadium, this neighborhood has undergone a dramatic revitalization. Professionals from the Texas Medical Center have flooded this neighborhood for the great schools and superior location.
Braeswood Place (or Old Braeswood as it is sometimes called) consists of approximately 2,200 mostly deed restricted homes and includes seven subdivisions: Ayrshire, Braes Heights, Braes Oaks, Braes Manor, Braes Terrace, Emerald Forest, and Southern Oaks. Although most of the homes were built in the mid-twentieth century, many of the older homes have been torn down and large, beautiful newly constructed homes have taken their place.

Meyerland

Meyerland is a great little neighborhood just outside Houston’s 610 Loop on the southwest side. Located along Brays Bayou, this neighborhood is full of wonderful little community parks and public green spaces. Furthermore, the bike trails and running trails that run along Brays Bayou add a great amenity for active Houstonians. The neighborhood also has a wonderful outdoor shopping district called Meyerland Plaza that provides a variety of high end shopping.

In recent years, professionals that work in the Texas Medical Center and the Uptown/Galleria area have flocked to this area for the affordable housing options, schools, and wonderful community. Most of the homes are 1 story, ranch-style homes that were built in the 50s and 60s. However, there has been a fair amount of new construction built in this area in recent years as well.

Montrose/Neartown

Montrose/Neartown is one of the most diverse and eclectic neighborhoods in the city of Houston. Home to some of the best restaurants and the best nightlife in the city, this neighborhood really is an ideal area of town for someone who really wants to experience a complete urban experience. Furthermore, some great cultural institutions, such as Anderson Fair, the Menil Collection, the Rothco Chapel, and Saint Thomas University are located in this neighborhood.

The housing options in this neighborhood are just as eclectic and diverse as the people who reside in the area. Mid-rise condominiums, renovated mansions, hip bungalows with great front porches, and newly developed townhome communities line tree-lined boulevards throughout the area. All of which lies within walking distance to a great urban experience.

Lean more about Houston Real Estate:

• Medical Center Area Market Update – February 2011

Willowbend/Willow Meadows

Willowbend/WillowMeadows is kind of the southwest-sides version of Timbergrove Manor.  This neighborhood is extremely close to the loop and it provides some truly great ranch-style homes.  Located around the corner from the Texas Medical Center, this neighborhood has become very popular with many up and coming medical professionals.   Shopping and entertainment at the MeyerlandPlazaShoppingCenter is not far either, which includes a movie theater and some great restaurants and shopping.  Willow Park provides a great public green space in the middle of this up and coming neighborhood.

Most of the homes are single story with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths.  Prices range from $175,000 to $375,000 depending on the level of updates.  Homes in this neighborhood come with fantastic green space with most lots sized over 8000 SF.

Maplewood

Located adjacent to the affluent Bellaire and Meyerland neighborhoods, Maplewood has become one of the most sought after communities for young professionals.  Like Willowbend/Willow Meadows, this community has become very popular with up and coming professionals that work in the TexasMedicalCenter and the Galleria area.  BraesBayouTrail cuts through the entire neighborhood and provides a wonderful public green space for bike rides, jogging, and long walks.

You’ll find many single story ranch style homes with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths.  Prices range from $175,000 to $375,000 depending on the extent of updates.  Like its neighbor Willowbend/Willow Meadows, this neighborhood has great sized lots with many exceeding 7,000 sqft.

Meyerland

Meyerland is a great little neighborhood just outside Houston’s 610 Loop on the southwest side. Located along Brays Bayou, this neighborhood is full of wonderful little community parks and public green spaces. The neighborhood also has a wonderful outdoor shopping district called Meyerland Plaza that has a variety of high-end retail shops and stores.

In recent years, professionals that work in the Texas Medical Center and the Uptown/Galleria area have flocked to this area for the affordable housing options, schools, and wonderful community. Most of the homes are 1 story, ranch-style homes that were built in the 50s and 60s. However, there has been a fair amount of new construction built in this area in recent years as well.

Westbury

Of the four neighborhoods identified here, Westbury is the most affordable.  The homes are generally single story, ranch style homes that were built in the 50s and 60s with a few mid-century modern homes mixed in.  Westbury is also a little further away from the Houston Medical Center than the other neighborhoods, but home owners still enjoy a short commute.

Many buyers and investors have been buying homes in this neighborhood to remodel, but the majority of the homes in this price range will have original finishes or older updates.  Given its location and affordability, Westbury is a good option for first-time home buyers that work in the Houston Medical Center.

Lean more about Houston Real Estate:

• Medical Center Area Market Update – February 2011