Why You Need a REALTOR® When Buying New Construction in Houston I recently read an…
Houston Neighborhoods – The Heights
The Heights is filled with charming historic bungalows on tree-lined streets with garage apartments in back. The scene is set for a perfect evening stroll under the canopy of trees along the sidewalks trimmed with picket fences enclosing cute homes. These homes, while old come with a pretty high price tag. Some have been updated over the years while others were truly loved and cared for over the past century. During the turn of the century, it wasn’t uncommon for a 3 bedroom home to have only one bath and small closets; so, this is an area that you must concede if The Heights is where you want to be. I feel like a porch is a pretty solid trade off though. There’s also the option of one of the newer townhouses that seem to be popping up everywhere inside the 610 loop. While they don’t come packed with charm, you’re guaranteed ample closet space, several bathrooms, great finishes and possibly a view of downtown. Originally a “streetcar suburb” and one of the first master planned communities in Texas, The Heights is bounded by 610 to the North, I-45 to the East, I-10 to the South and Ashland Street to the West. The Heights is home to quirky shops and thrift stores, some of Houston’s best grub, the most laid-back bars, and must-do events like Lights in the Heights and White Linen Night. The neighborhood is still growing; so, the number of houses greatly exceeds the apartment options.
Walkability ★★★★☆
Walkability in the Heights is more about being outside and enjoying nature than easily and quickly getting to restaurants, bars and shopping. Their are a couple strands in The Heights filled with anything your heart could desire, but they’re in specific areas. Over on White Oak/6th Street is where you’ll find a tasty beverage. There’s food and shops too, but mostly bars, bars, bars. 19th Street is filled with vintage shops, thrift stores and other windows to tempt the spender in you. There’s plenty in between too, but not quite as concentrated.
Transportation ★☆☆☆☆
The Heights is a neighborhood without METROrail access, but the METRO bus line is available, and if the day is nice, a walk or bike ride will do you good. There is convenient access to I-10, I-45 and 290 so the area is great for people interested in being close to the city, but work in Katy, The Energy Corridor, The Woodlands, or Cypress.
Dining ★★★★☆
Food options in The Heights really vary from simple pub fare to organic farm to table. Good Dog Houston and Happy Fatz both serve up gourmet hot dogs to the junk food lover in all of us, and at the corner of Studewood and White Oak, BB’s is satiating the raging craving for Cajun flavor late, late into the night. Liberty Kitchen & Oyster Bar is a popular spot that uses locally sourced meats, produce and vegetables and offers a unique take on the traditional steak and seafood concept. The Deviled Eggs & Fried Oysters are the first thing anyone ever says when the restaurant is mentioned. Not far away is Coltivare and Garden; like the name implies, they grow their own vegetables and herbs, and all of that is used to make a heck of a pizza.
Nightlife ★★★☆☆
If all the great food options listed above don’t strike your fancy, you can head over to Canyon Creek, Cedar Creek, Onion Creek or Dry Creek for more traditional bar and cafe food such as corn dogs, sandwiches and burgers. Hopefully, you’ve realized that Dry Creek only serves up non-alcohol beverages, but for those of you that need a little kick to your drink, you still have the other 3 locations to choose from. If that isn’t enough, walk up and down White Oak/6th Avenue to Little Woodrow’s Heights, Christian’s Tailgate and others like Public House. For the music heads and audiophiles, Fitzgerald’s is one of Houston’s oldest local music venues for local talent to be enjoyed, and some big names roll through too, and for a wicked cheap price. Be careful though; I swear one day that upstairs balcony is going to collapse!
Pet Friendly ★★★☆☆
While there are no official dog parks in The Heights, most homes have yards and the neighborhoods are great for morning and evening walks. There are bayou trails following the flow of White Oak Bayou and Buffalo Bayou which make any furbaby happy, and you too since usually these areas have some shade!
Average Home Purchase Price: $527,875*
Average One Bedroom Rental Rate – Privately Owned: $1,135**
Average One Bedroom Rental Rate – Class A Apartment: $1,303***
*data calculated on January 4, 2015 from HAR.com using condominiums, townhouses and freestanding houses sold in the “Heights” and “Greater Heights” market areas in the past 90 days with at least 1 bedroom and an average square footage of 2206 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, apartments and 1-4 family complexes leased in the “Heights” and “Greater Heights” market areas in the past 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 Heights area and map location indicated North of I-10. 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.
Is there a neighborhood you would like to know more about? Do you have questions or comments? Leave a note in the comments section below.
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