Houston Neighborhoods – Texas Medical Center

The Texas Medical Center is world-renowned with the MD Anderson Cancer Center, The Houston Methodist Debakey Heart & Vascular Center, Texas Children’s Hospital and many more in-patient and out-patient facilities. It isn’t just about healthcare though! The medical center is home to NFL team, the Houston Texans, the largest rodeo in the nation, The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, and the 8^th wonder of the world, The Astrodome (even if not in use.) This highly affordable region inside the 610 loop is conveniently close to 3 freeways and offers easy access to downtown and the Galleria area. Despite being one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Houston, nearby Rice Village, West University & Bellaire are to the West and have stunning homes starting at $1 million and climbing. North of the Texas Medical Center, you’ll find the tree-lined streets of the museum district with charming turn of the century bungalows, several acclaimed museums and the Houston Zoo.

Walkability ★☆☆☆☆

The Texas Medical Center is probably the least walkable area in Houston, unless your idea of walkability is getting to a hospital on foot. If you’re a medical professional or student, this may be exactly what you’re looking for! Even with the lack of walkability, the medical center has more residents without vehicles than other Houston neighborhoods. Fortunately, many apartment communities are strategically located near shopping centers where people can pick up a few necessities or grab a bite to eat without calling an Uber.

Transportation ★★★★☆

What the Texas Medical Center lacks in walkability, it makes up for in public transportation! The main line of the METROrail runs along Fannin & San Jacinto, and can easily get residents to work or into midtown and downtown! If that isn’t enough, there is a METRObus stop on nearly every corner…ok, I’m exaggerating a little, but they’re abundant. There is a bus stop within a block or two of every apartment community. To sweeten the deal a bit more, the nicer communities have stops along the TMC shuttle route or offer a private shuttle to and from the hospitals.

Dining ★★☆☆☆

The Texas Medical Center has plenty of chain restaurants and fast food such as Olive Garden, Los Cucos and Chipotle, to choose from; however, it doesn’t really offer much in the way of local or finer options. Trevisio in the medical center complex is a popular spot for conventions, wedding parties and special occasions. In addition to traditional Italian entrees, they have a fun happy hour menu and a full range of options on the vegetarian and gluten-free menus. Glazed is located on the first floor of a mixed-used apartment community and serves up some amazingly creative homemade donuts. Saddle up to the bar at Captain Benny’s Seafood or pick up rolls and pieces from Asahi Sushi. A Houston original, around since 1986 and with 4 locations, Southwell’s Hamburger Grill serves up an old fashioned burger the way your dad makes it.

Nightlife ★☆☆☆☆

As you may have noticed, the Texas Medical Center is more of a place for work than play. However, the METROrail can drop you off in midtown or downtown in a matter of minutes. Rice Village is a short 5 minute drive or 20 minute bike ride, and filled with cool venues that cater to everyone’s needs. One of my favorites is Under the Volcano on Bissonnet.The cocktails may take a bit of time to put together, but they are stout, flavorful and unlike any drink anywhere else. Try the strawberry basil margarita or the whiskey smash and tell me you aren’t impressed. Have a private conversation on the back patio or check out the local talent on live music night. The Gingerman on Morningside is the beer spot. Anything you could imagine, they have on tap. Another notable bar is Little Woodrows. This is your go-to sports bar. They have big screens, tons of beers on tap, and a great patio for soaking up the sun.

Pet Friendly ★★☆☆☆

The Texas Medical Center is mostly hospitals, METRO transit vehicles and concrete, sadly. There isn’t an overwhelming amount of green space, but most communities accept fur babies of many shapes and sizes, and several have on-site dog runs and parks. What the medical center does have that it shares with the Museum District is Hermann Park! The park is huge with a 18-hole golf course, Miller Outdoor Theatre, the Houston Zoo, the Japanese Gardens, and plenty of animal friendly green space!  Unfortunately, there isn’t a designated dog park; so, you’ll have to keep man’s best friend on a leash.

Average Home Purchase Price:$ 211,800*

Average One Bedroom Rental Rate – Privately Owned: $1405**

Average One Bedroom Rental Rate – Class A Apartment: $1287***

*data calculated on January 4, 2015 from HAR.com using houses, townhouses & condominiums sold in the “” market areas in the previous 90 days with at least 1 bedroom and an average square footage of 1353 square feet. This average rate does not take into account studio or efficiency condominiums.

** data calculated on January 4, 2015 from HAR.com using one bedroom condominiums and apartments leased in the “Medical Center” market areas in the previous 90 days ranging in size, quality and condition. This average rate does not take into account studio or efficiency lease options.

*** data calculated on January 4, 2015 using the most recent “best rate available within 60 days” published on UrbanLeasing.com for traditional one bedroom one bathroom apartments at Class A apartment communities in the “Medical Center” market areas that are within the geographical boundaries of Memorial Heights. A “Class A” apartment is new or recently updated, well maintained and offers luxury finishes, gated access, on-site parking, washer and dryer, and amenities include at minimum a pool, fitness center and cyber café. This average rate does not take into consideration studio or efficiency apartment homes. The team at UrbanLeasing.com updates rates on a daily basis as market data becomes available.

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