Area Information

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 Houstonians cherish their older neighborhoods. The mature trees, classic architecture and central location help maintain the high property values in the inner loop. You can find new construction as well as carefully maintained older homes. The architectural styles vary from traditional Georgian to Prairie style bungalows to mid-century ranches and contemporary. Strict deed restrictions help maintain the neighborhood attractiveness.
 

Often referred to as "inner loop" properties, the centralHouston neighborhoods inside the 610 loop are close to downtown and the world-renown Texas Medical Center, these homes are in high demand by Medical Center and downtown professionals, as well as university professors. The nearby RiceVillage is a popular center of activity with an array of restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and salons. The Museum District is home to several museums, including the Museum ofFine Arts, the Contemporary Arts Museum and the Museum ofNatural Science.
 

These popular neighborhoods include River Oaks, WestUniversity, Southside Place, Bellaire, Southampton, Southgate, Old Braeswood, Braes Heights, Montrose, the Museum District, the Houston and Woodland Heights. Homes in these desirable neighborhoods often sell quickly so be prepared to move fast!

 

 Well known for its history and beautiful Victorian homes, the Heights was the first planned community in the city. Established in 1887 just north of downtown, the tree-lined streets of this neighborhood include a historic passageway along Heights Boulevard and a passageway for shoppers along Yale Boulevard.
 

Some of Houston’s oldest homes are found in The Heights, which is served by the Houston Heights Association, an organization formed in 1973 to uphold and protect the neighborhood’s unique ambiance.
 

Wood-frame houses with gingerbread trim harmonize the community 's rejuvenated Main Street district that features charming antique shops and other small stores. Because of its proximity to downtown, the Heights attracts young professionals who want a short commute and are willing to restore older homes.

 The William A. Wilson Company began developing WoodlandHeights in 1907 on 136 acres of land that was once part of John Austin’s Mexican land grant. Woodland Heights is one of the oldest and most historic neighborhoods in Houston.
 

Bayland Avenue, with its tunnel of live oaks, is the "main street" of Woodland Heights. Stretching for 10 blocks between Studewood and Houston Avenue, this overhanging canopy of grand live oak trees serves as the stunning centerpiece for our neighborhood. Bayland is also the main avenue for our Lights in the Heights® Celebration each December.
 

Woodland Heights is blessed with abundant green areas, including the Stude park hike-and-bikeway that winds along White Oak Bayou at the southern edge of the neighborhood.Stude Park includes picnic tables, baseball diamonds, a pool and a recreation center.
 

Woodland Heights is north of I-10 and White Oak Bayou, just one exit west of downtown Houston. From I-10 East or I-10 West, take the Taylor street exit and turn north onto Watson, proceed until you reach Bayland and turn right onto one of the loveliest streets in the city, in the heart of the WoodlandHeights. If you are coming from I-45, turn onto I-10 West then exit at Taylor (first exit) and turn right onto Watson.
 

 Garden Oaks is one of Houston 's best-kept secrets. Nestled among towering pines and grand magnolias, this quaint and architecturally unique neighborhood of approximately 1400 homes continues to attract attention and rave reviews. From the quaint cottages and charming bungalows to plantation, ranch and traditional style homes, Garden Oaks supports diverse updates while maintaining its charm and sense of history. Because of its excellent location, mass appeal, over sized lots, and booming property values, Garden Oaks is often compared to West University and Bellaire.
 

In 1937, Edward L. Crain established Garden Oaks on a tract of land just north of the Houston Heights. Comprised of 5 sections, Garden Oaks offers a unique blend of mid-century homes—mostly pier and beam cottages. The western edge of the neighborhood is comprised of G.I. homes built for returning veterans after World War II. All five sections have seen an abundance of renovations and newly constructed homes.

The Montrose area is bordered by Highway 59(south) and Shepherd Drive(west) and brushes up to downtown Houston. The Museum 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.   The area is primarily characterized by two-bedroom, brick bungalows as well as two story brick homes.  Montrose residents enjoy the art district as well as easy access to downtown. 

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 avant guard designs and a stimulating urban feel.

 

Southampton, just north of Rice University, is perhaps best known for its handsome, oak-lined boulevards and stately homes. Architectural styles are mostly early 20th Century traditional although newer construction has introduced soft modern and Mediterranean styles. Whereas many older neighborhoods fall in disrepair, this upscale neighborhood has maintained its grand appearance and property values through strict deed restrictions and homeowners ' fondness of restoring older houses.
 

Southgate (including adjacent subdivisions of Brantwood,Wessex, and Windemere) is located just south of RiceUniversity. Originally developed in the 1930 's, the neighborhood is a delightful mix of traditional styled homes, English cottages and American bungalows built in from the 1930 's to 1950 's. New construction tends towards the traditional and modern.

 

Southside Place is a small incorporated city completely surrounded by West University Place and Houston. Like many older neighborhoods inside, Southside Place was developed to provide homes outside the city. In 1925, developers touted Southside Place is "close enough in to be convenient to the City, just far enough from downtown to make the ideal home." Southside Place with approximately 450 homes and has managed to keep its small town, family oriented atmosphere even when some of the surrounding areas have gone "big city." Southside Place has its own mayor, city manager, five council members, a police chief, a Police Department and a volunteer fire department.

 

West University Place, often called West University or West U for short, is an incorporated city centrally located inside the 610 Loop. Close to the Texas Medical Center, Rice University, the Museum District, Downtown and the Galleria area, WestUniversity provides convenient access to restaurants, retail and cultural events. Although located "inside the Loop" WestUniversity has a small town feel, enjoys strong community support and provides recreational and social activities for families.
 

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.

 

 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.
 

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