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Houston, a vibrant metropolitan community, is Texas' largest city
and the fourth largest city in the United States. Houston was the
fastest growing city in the United States in the 20th century, according
to American City Business Journals. More than four million people
live in the metropolitan area.
While still a major refinery center, Houston has managed to diversify
its business base so the local economy does not follow the drastic
rise and fall of oil prices. Houston also features one of the largest
ports in the world.
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| Houston neighborhoods |
At first glance, the variety of choices available in Houston neighborhoods
and communities may seem overwhelming. You may choose to live "close
in" amidst the charm and character of older homes as well as
newly built mansions. High-rises may appeal to those seeking a hassle-free
urban lifestyle. If waterfront property is your dream, Houston has
communities with boat docks and even swimming beaches. If you yearn
for a small town feel, Houston's many suburbs offer an unmatched quality
of life. At the city's outskirts, there is still a country atmosphere
where ranches and horse-boarding farms thrive. Houston is home to
residents of many cultures and races, adding charm and diversity to
many local neighborhoods.
With all these choices, it's worth the time to explore Houston's
neighborhoods. To help in your search for the location that is right
for you, Here is Houston offers a brief, informative overview of
area neighborhoods and communities. This summary offers a starting
point for you in your journey to discover the house that you will
make your home. Additional information can be obtained from your
Realtor, local school districts and by talking with fellow employees
who have lived in the area for an extended time.
Determining the right area for you will require a visit to get
acquainted and feel the atmosphere of the neighborhood first-hand.
A word to the wise on Houston house-hunting: take the time to drive
the distance between your work location and prospective neighborhood
during rush hour. Also, check the availability of commuter alternatives
such as city buses or van pools.
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| Inner Loop |
Extreme variety in housing costs and style is available in the area
within Loop 610. The area contains some of the city's most desired
and high-end neighborhoods because of their proximity to downtown,
the Texas Medical Center, Hermann Park and the Museum District. Tree-lined
streets are a mainstay and many of the city's finer restaurants are
within the inner loop. Homes located in the inner loop range from
wood-frame bungalows to stately mansions to a variety of apartments,
townhomes and condominiums.
The Height:
Just north of Buffalo Bayou and east of Shepherd is an area known
as the Heights,
a Houston-annexed town recognized for its turn-of-the-century Victorian
mansions. Founded more than a century ago, the community has experienced
a renovation effort to recapture the Victorian charm that once characterized
the neighborhood.
Wood-frame homes with gingerbread trim complement the community's
revitalized Main Street District that is home to quaint antique
shops and other small stores. Because of its proximity to downtown,
the Heights has become an attractive neighborhood to young professionals
who want a short commute and are interested in renovating an old
home. Homes are being updated to accommodate modern lifestyles --
without destroying the original charm of the home.
Because of its rise in popularity, Heights-area homes are commanding
top dollar -- especially those that have been restored. Still, there
are many homes to choose from that haven't been restored or fully
restored. Hispanic influences add charm and diversity to neighborhoods
in the Heights area.
River Oaks
Exclusive neighborhoods are common to every city, whether it's Highland
Park in Dallas, Pacific Heights in San Francisco or Lake Forest
in Chicago. Houston's most exclusive neighborhood is River
Oaks, replete with white-columned mansions, maids' quarters
and manicured gardens. Nestled around the southern edge of Memorial
Park, River Oaks was established by Will and Mike Hogg, the sons
of former Texas Governor James Hogg.
In 1928, the Hogg brothers promoted lots in the subdivision for
$2,200. Deed restrictions required architectural control and prohibited
homes priced below $7,500. Restrictions for Kirby Drive allowed
homes only of American Colonial or English Tudor style.
Today, this exclusive neighborhood of about 1,600 residents offers
properties starting near $400,000. Deed restrictions prohibit "For
Sale" signs on the properties. Many of the district's streets
are named after famous golf and country clubs in cities such as
Chevy Chase, Md., Inverness, Ohio, and Inwood, New York. The River
Oaks area is known for its quaint, upscale restaurants as well as
its exclusive boutiques and shops.
Characterized by smaller lots, Royden Oaks, Oak Estates and Afton
Oaks are located south of River Oaks. Living there are many long-term
residents, accompanied by young couples who have purchased homes
with renovation plans in mind.
River Oaks residents enjoy easy access to the Southwest Freeway,
a main artery southwest from downtown, and Loop 610 around the inner
city area. Added attractions for residents are the nearby Galleria,
the Museum District and the Summit, home court to the Houston Rockets.
West University Place
The city of West
University Place was developed by former Tennessee Gov. Ben
Hooper in 1917. Proximity to Rice Institute inspired the name West
University. It incorporated in 1925, ironically, because of a reluctance
on Houston's part to extend power lines out "that far."
Now, about 13,000 residents live in this city that spans 1,248 residential
acres and nearly 20 acres of commercial property. West University
maintains strong inspection and permit policies as well as strict
zoning regulations.
Because of the high demand for homes in the area, few vacant home
lots remain. About five years ago, a trend began in the area. Older
homes were razed and replaced with new, multi-story Georgian style
homes. In fact, more of this kind of renovating has taken place
in the West U. area than elsewhere in Houston. Per square foot home-building
costs run $130 to $150, having risen from $104 in April 1989.
Bellaire
The West Loop of 610 cuts mid-way through another city, Bellaire.
The occupational make-up of Bellaire's 15,000 residents is predominantly
professional, as is true of most of the South Main area. The town
experienced a housing boom during 1991-93, with more than 100 homes
built per year. Lot prices start at well over $100,000. A large
variety of lot sizes is available, many from one-half to one acre.
Housing variety in Bellaire range from 1950s style two- and three-bedroom
ranch styles, to the new Georgian mansions built during the past
few years. Those with the renovation bug will have much to choose
from in this community.
Bellaire's shopping district enjoys a "neighborly" atmosphere.
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| North |
North Houston intrigues many newcomers because of the value and the
variety available in this area that contains a mixture of cultural
influences, new and older housing. With the completion of the Hardy
Toll Road, North Houston residents can enjoy a hassle-free commute.
The area offers restful suburban/rural living as well as immense shopping
and recreational opportunities.
Along 1-45 North from Loop 610, newcomers will find old, smaller neighborhoods
built in the late 1930s and 1940s. Many of these older neighborhoods,
including Garden Oaks, Oak Forest and Inwood Forest, are attracting
professional couples who are intrigued by the tree-lined streets and
easy commute to downtown. These homes are popular with residents who
have caught the renovation bug and are interested in restoring the
simple charm these neighborhoods offer.
Shopping centers and malls abound, with the Greenspoint Mall anchoring
a large area of shopping centers and restaurants. Northline and Northwest
malls also are convenient to residents in North Houston.
Spring
In the 1800s, Spring was a bustling railroad town. Today, the community
offers a suburban quality of life for those who want to live near
the city but yearn for a hometown feel. The community is home to one
of the region's most popular attractions, Old Town Spring, a quaint
shopping area of restored buildings that sell fine art, handmade gifts
and crafts, woodworks, antiques, clothing and the like. Old Town Spring
is the site of many annual festivals, including the Heritage Festival
in October and the Crawfish Festival in April.
Spring offers a variety of housing, from the 1950s and 1960s one-story
ranch style homes to the large, two-story colonials. The area has
several townhome and apartment communities. Spring residents draw
from several employment centers, including Houston Intercontinental
Airport, The Woodlands and even downtown.
The Woodlands
Making up the area north of Spring along 1-45 is The
Woodlands, which enjoys the serenity offered by the greenery of
forest pines and silver lakes. Fifty miles of hike and bike trails
are an amenity that close to 30,000 residents appreciate about the
Woodlands.
Residents refer to The Woodlands as the "new home town."
The community sits off 1-45 North, 27 miles north of Houston's downtown
and 16 miles north of Houston Intercontinental Airport. The four villages
of The Woodlands are 20 years old, although new houses are still available.
Nestled in a forest habitat are The Woodlands' commercial enterprises.
George P. Mitchell, Woodlands founder and chairman of Mitchell Energy
and Development Corp., headquarters his company here. Also here is
The Woodlands Business Complex, composed of three development zones:
the Metro Center (The Woodlands downtown); the Trade Center for light
manufacturing; and the 1,000-acre Research Forest for academic and
nonprofit research institutes and industry. Located in the Research
Forest, for example, are product development laboratories and centers
for medical and biotechnology research.
Reflecting the flora and fauna of The Woodlands environment are its
street names: Moon Vine, Wally Bucket, Muskmellow and Doe Run. The
man-made Lake Woodlands is graced with a gazebo at the water's edge.
Guarding the lake is a sculpted dragon, donated by the Mitchell family.
The Woodlands' villages present a mixture of home styles. Most houses
are brick and are priced from the upper $90,000s to $1 million and
more. Some estate homes sit on one to two acres. Available are golf
course and lake front properties as well as townhomes and patio homes.
Apartments are enjoying a high occupancy rate and rent from $400 to
$1,000.
The Hardy Toll Road, stretching from The Woodlands to the North Loop,
provides commuters with comfortable access to the metropolis.
Most alluring to residents of both The Woodlands and Conroe is the
quiet, forested atmosphere that makes living in the north a pleasure.
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| Northeast |
Houston's northeast is made up of a triangle of communities: Kingwood,
Humble and Atascocita. They share an area abundant with natural beauty
and friendly folks. These three communities lie within about a 10-mile
radius from where Highway 59 and FM 1960 intersect. Recreation buffs
will enjoy this area because of its proximity to several golf courses
and to Lake Houston.
Humble
Humble was first known as Hunter's Paradise to early settlers. Pronounced
"Umble," the city was named after P.S. Humble, a settler
who operated the ferry across the San Jacinto River in the mid 1800s.
The city's "humble" beginnings as oil field country trace
back to Charles F. Barret who started oil operations there in 1903
that ultimately led to Harris County's first oil field.
Humble residents enjoy life in a small town -- downright rural living
-- that is just minutes away from a major metropolitan center. Intercontinental
Airport provides Humble residents with jobs as does other commercial
areas along Highway 59 and in nearby Kingwood. Humble is another area
that offers "more for your money" in terms of housing. Many
Humble homes are built on large, wooded lots.
Kingwood
Four miles north of Humble lies Kingwood,
developed by King Ranch Inc. and Friendswood Development Co. in the
late 1960s. Kingwood is a planned community with 40,000 residents
who make up a self-contained community.
Kingwood covers 13,000 acres divided into 14 villages, each with its
own neighborhood association and each with a varying home price scale.
One can find homes from $60,000 to more than $1 million. Humble ISD
serves more than 18,000 students in its 18 schools that cover a 90
square mile area.
Residents of all three areas can take advantage of the fishing and
boating opportunities that Lake Houston and the San Jacinto River
create. These amenities attract many home buyers as increased home
sales point out.
Proximity to Houston's downtown (22 miles) and Houston Intercontinental
Airport (five miles) contributes to the northeast district's drawing
power. Residents appreciate these advantages and the peaceful woods-and-water
atmosphere in which they live.
Atascocita
Six miles east of Humble is Atascocita, (Spanish for "obstruction")
sitting on heavily wooded territory that was once a Spanish government
possession and served as a stronghold against the French. Atascocita
and its neighboring community of Walden
fringe Lake Houston, a man-made lake. Concentrated home-building began
in 1975. Prices range from the $50,000s to the low $100,000s.
The suburban community offers large, country-club style homes as well
as smaller homes in well-planned subdivisions.
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| East |
Near the Port of Houston, the east area of Houston has always been
important as a trade and industrial region. This was especially true
after World War II when the area took a growth spurt. The industry-based
communities of Galena Park, Channelview and Jacinto City lie outside
610 Loop East.
East Houston residents appreciate proximity to the University of Houston
downtown and San Jacinto College in Pasadena. An added attraction
to newcomers is the wide variety of cultural and ethnic influences
that shape many of east Houston's communities.
Galena Park/Jacinto City/Channelview
Low taxes and moderately prices homes characterize these three communities,
many of whose residents work at the nearby Port of Houston and petrochemical
plants. Older, wood frame houses and 1960s-built brick tract homes
are available for reasonable prices. The areas offer moderately priced
apartments.
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| Southeast |
The center of the local petrochemical, manufacturing and shipping
industries, the area of southeast Houston encompasses the Houston
Ship Channel that is lined with oil and chemical plants. The region
provides a quality lifestyle for the thousands of skilled laborers
and managers.
Farther south, below the Ship Channel is Pasadena, about 18 miles
from downtown Houston. This city offers homes from 40 years old to
new. Prices range from the $40,000s to more than $1 million.
South of Pasadena lies the Sagemont district, characterized mostly
by single-family residences. Homes can be found from the $50,000s
to the $150,000s. Green
Tee Terrace, an adjoining country club addition, offers custom
homes from the $150,000s to $350,000s. Pasadena has a population near
150,000.
Deer Park
Deer
Park, with a population of approximately 30,000, offers very affordably
priced, single-family homes. Taxes are lower than in other areas due
to local industry support of the school systems. Multi-family units
are not as plentiful here as they are in other communities. Deer Park
offers average to expensive homes -- many within planned subdivisions.
Good schools, small town atmosphere and families characterize the
atmosphere.
La Porte
Farther east is La Porte, considered for years as a vacation-home
community. Morgan's Point is nearby. As might be expected, weekend
beach homes contribute to the interesting variety of residences here.
One can find homes priced from the $30,000s to multi-million dollar
estates. To LaPorte's south is Bayport where more than 60 companies,
including chemical and petrochemical manufacturers, are located.
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| South |
Running southeast toward Galveston is I-45 South, nicknamed the Gulf
Freeway. Several diverse neighborhoods and communities border the
freeway, which was the first freeway in the city Gulfgate Mall, built
at the intersection of the Gulf Freeway and Loop 610 South, was Houston's
first shopping mall. The south Houston area settlement grew around
orange and fig orchards and rice farms. Later, as oil fields developed
in the late 1930s, many residents worked in refineries in Texas City.
Parts of south Houston are among the fastest growing in the entire
region, and newcomers will find a variety of lifestyle options on
the southside of Houston. One can find relatively new homes in the
Clear Lake area, while there's an ample supply of quality, older homes
in neighborhoods along I-45 South. The proximity to downtown, Hobby
Airport and NASA Johnson Space Center contribute to the popularity
of South Houston.
Clear Lake/NASA
As a community that is home to NASA Johnson Space Center, as well
as to the third largest boating center in the United States, Clear
Lake has a great deal to offer.
Clear Lake describes an area built near the bay water that empties
into the Gulf of Mexico. It lies about halfway between downtown Houston
and Galveston on I-45 South.
The city of Houston annexed
Clear Lake City in 1976. But eight surrounding communities comprise
the area: Clear
Lake Shores, El Lago, Kemah, League City, Nassau
Bay, Seabrook, Taylor Lake Village and Webster. The population
of Clear Lake and the eight townships totals approximately 156,000.
Clear Lake originally was a fishing and agricultural community. NASA's
decision in the 1960s to locate the Johnson Space Center there gave
a strong impetus to the area's development. Today, aerospace related
companies employ about 27 percent of the area's population.
Contributing significantly to the area's economy also are the petrochemical
and computer industries. As a result, housing in Clear Lake is in
demand and the area offers a variety of housing options. For example,
South
Shore Harbour in League City offers homes with boat slips and
touts their new resort and conference center. In seaside communities
near NASA Road 1, one can set sail from townhomes, apartments and
homes as well.
For those who like planned-community living, Friendswood Development
Co. has created more than 10 single-family subdivisions.
Generally, ages of homes range from brand new to 25 years old. New
construction is constant. Purchase prices span from $80,000 to $600,000,
with some custom homes even higher.
The apartment and townhome rental market is thriving with occupancy
rates close to 100 percent. The high demand has recently created a
shortage of available units, creating waiting lists in some cases.
Rents average more than 75 cents per square foot. Newcomers who need
short-term interim housing, however, will find it available through
suite hotels and corporate apartment rental companies.
High-flying types will appreciate Hobby Airport just 10 miles away.
Even non-flyers will occasionally have the chance to greet astronauts
or U.S. presidents and other VIPs as they wing in to Ellington Field.
In October 1992, Space Center Houston -- a $70 million, 40-acre visitor
center complex, opened in the area. A visual time line depicting the
history and future of manned space flight illustrates America's space
accomplishments. Walt Disney Imagineering created hands-on exhibits
and programs, allowing visitors to experience the inner workings of
the manned space program.
Boating, recreation and tourism industries employ more than a quarter
of Clear Lake's work force, so many chances exist for participating
in boating, wind surfing, or other water sports. Boaters can choose
from 19 marinas offering more than 6,000 boat slips.
For those who would enjoy living in a community built on dreams pointed
upward to the sky and downward to the sea, Clear Lake is certainly
worth exploring.
Friendswood
The city of Friendswood lies farther south, on the west side of the
Gulf Freeway. It is a rural community founded in 1895 by members of
the Society of Friends (Quakers).
These days, the 28,000 residents enjoy a heavily-wooded, rural atmosphere.
Some homes sit on several acres, others on smaller subdivision lots.
Creek front properties are available, and one subdivision offers a
private landing strip as an amenity. Prices range from the mid-$70,000s
to $300,000 or more.
Easily accessible to all these communities is Hobby Airport, named
for the late William P. Hobby, former Texas governor. Close by, too,
is Ellington Air Base, a training base used by NASA, the U.S. Army
Reserve, and the Coast Guard. Also on the base is a cargo facility
for United Parcel Service.
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| Southwest/Fort Bend County |
One of the most expansive areas in Houston is the southwest region
-- encompassing part of Harris County and Fort Bend County. The far
western part of the area is dotted with ranches and horse-boarding
farms. Several high quality master-planned communities, combined with
consistently top rated school districts, make this area popular with
newcomers.
Fort Bend County is home to several electronics and manufacturing
firms.
Residents on the southwest side enjoy convenient proximity to downtown
Houston and the Galleria area via U.S. 59. Testament to its growth,
the populations of Fort Bend County increased by more than 50 percent
from 1980 to 1990. In 1994, the county was ranked among the top 10
fastest growing counties in the nation.
A wide variety of home styles and prices are available in this area,
from affordable patio homes to multi-acreage country home lots.
Meyerland
At the outer southwest corner of the Loop 610 sits Meyerland,
a residential district developed in the mid-1950s by Leota Hess whose
father ranched the area. This might be termed Houston's first "planned
community" in that Hess held to strict regulations and strong
architectural controls for the development. Homes were required to
have copper plumbing, for instance. Covenants prohibited apartments
and commercial enterprises. Characteristic of Meyerland are brick,
contemporary-styled homes, three and four bedrooms and two baths,
an uncommon feature when built.
Renovation is taking place in several pockets.
Alief/Sharpstown
A large part of west and southwest Houston comprises the communities
of Alief and Sharpstown.
While these communities experienced their major growth spurts in the
1960s and 1970s, they continue to offer comfortable living for a range
of lifestyle considerations. Many cultural and ethnic influences are
evident in neighborhoods in the Alief/Sharpstown area, including Asian,
Hispanic and African American.
Multi-family living options are widely available in these areas, with
apartment, condominium, townhome and duplexes available for rent in
several clusters. Small and mid-size brick tract homes are prevalent
in this area. Prices range from $50,000 to $200,000. Expansive shopping
centers and restaurants make this an attractive, accessible area of
town.
Sugar Land
The state's oldest company, Imperial Sugar, is located in Sugar Land,
hence its name. The sugar refinery still operates in the city's old
business district. While its heritage is important, Sugar Land planners
have their eye on the future.
The community has been built with extreme care, taking into consideration
many lifestyle considerations. Residents of Sugar Land and the surrounding
communities are recreation-oriented with three highly regarded golf
courses. Also located nearby are the Brazos Bend State Park and the
George Observatory (the largest observatory in the country devoted
primarily to public use).
Homebuilders throughout the area build in the region, with homes starting
from $100,000 upwards to $500,000. Among the newest developments in
this community is Sugar Lakes.
First Colony
Three hundred colonists, led by William B. Travis, first settled on
the banks of the Brazos River north of what is now Richmond. It was
the first Anglo settlement in Hispanic Texas, hence the name for First
Colony. The territory's fertile soil historically was the basis
of sugar cane, rice and cattle production.
The master-planned community of First Colony is among the leading
areas in housing starts over the past three years. Most of the homes
are new, less than 10 years old in many cases. New tract, semi-custom
and custom homes are available, many within a country club setting.
Stafford
Stafford is home to a cluster of technology firms. The community offers
affordable housing and the high standard of living common to all residents
of Fort Bend County.
Eight major subdivisions in Stafford, including Crestmont, Dove Country,
Kingsway and South Meadows offer a variety of housing options that
range from $70,000 to more than $1 million. New housing as well as
an ample stock of pre-owned homes are available.
Missouri City
Incorporated in 1956, Missouri City is a growing community of 43,000
residents. Approximately 80 percent of the city lies in Ft. Bend County
and 10 percent lies in Harris County. The city is served by the Fort
Bend Independent School District.
Homes in the community are priced from $50,000 to $250,000. Two golf
courses and many city and county parks provide recreational opportunities
for residents. New home construction is available throughout subdivisions
in Missouri City.
Subdivisions include Quail Valley, Lake Olympia, Brightwater and Hunter's
Glen A new planned community is being developed in Missouri City that
has the potential to double the size of the community. The new Sienna
Plantation, which is planned to have 15,000 single-family homes and
town homes when complete, opened in 1996.
Richmond/Rosenberg
On the banks of the Brazos River are the cities of Richmond and Rosenberg.
Originally a Spanish ranch, these small farm communities attract people
who enjoy small town values and desire tremendous value for their
housing dollar. Small, starter homes start at $40,000 and new homes
can be purchased in master-planned subdivisions for about $75,000.
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| West |
Over the past several years, Houston's west side has been experiencing
immense growth. New and pre-owned home sales have been brisk. Housing
values continue to increase as demand has increased. West Houston
offers high quality living, good schools, excellent freeway access
and a range of shopping and recreational activity.
West Loop/Galleria
At the mention of the West Loop, one envisions the Galleria complex
that features shopping, offices, a hotel and indoor ice rink. Vivid
also are images of high-rise buildings (including Transco Tower with
its 64 stories), a concentration of fine restaurants and luxury hotels.
The West Loop area, in short, is Houston's second downtown, or "uptown"
as it's called. This uptown area boasts the city's second skyline.
Residences "close to the Loop" are always in demand.
Tanglewood/Broadoaks
Embracing the Loop's west side is the Tanglewood/Broadoaks
district. Only a few vacant lots north of Woodway are available, so
most new construction is a result of rebuilding on lots where an older
home has been razed. Architectural style is frequently Colonial or
Georgian, with some examples of French and contemporary. "Empty
nest" couples occupy many residences as do younger, professional
couples. Prices ranges from the high $200,000s to almost $2 million.
Two small subdivisions are Del Monte and Briarcroft.
The number of homes for sale is somewhat limited due to a lack of
new construction. One can find homes ranging from the $150,000s to
$300,000s. Larchmont is also a small subdivision wherein live many
single and married young professionals. Here one finds homes spanning
a $70,000 to $180,000 price range.
A good inventory of townhomes exists also. A very "executive
set" resides in these homes that are extremely popular with retired
couples, singles or former owners of large homes. They appreciate
the security and privacy offered by townhome living. Prices range
from $200,000 to $1 million.
Demand has exceeded supply of many Loop residences because of the
location's proximity to freeways, the Galleria complex, and the appeal
of a wooded, established neighborhood.
The Villages/Memorial
Clustering near west Memorial Drive (a former Indian trail) and near
1-10 (the Katy Freeway), are the "Villages." This term refers
to the incorporated municipalities of Bunker Hill, Hedwig, Hunter's
Creek and Piney Point, all located south of 1-10 West, and Spring
Valley and Hilshire
Village, north of the freeway. Many homes found in this area fringe
Buffalo Bayou.
Older homes built in the 1960s as well as more modern homes can be
found here. Homes prices in the villages begin at $300,000. For the
most part, residents are professionals, independent business owners,
and oil and energy executives. This area also is home to some of Houston's
finest private schools such as Kinkaid and Duchesne Academy.
West Memorial
Traveling farther west on Memorial past Wilcrest Drive, one finds
subdivision after subdivision of homes built in the late 1960s and
early 1970s. These areas present private, secluded, near-bayou living.
Cost of homes closer to Memorial spans $150,000 to $750,000. In neighboring
Nottingham, home prices hover at $250,000.
Memorial
Thicket, Fleetwood and Barker's Landing near the east side of
Highway 6, are newer subdivisions built within the last 20 years.
Home styles are typically New Orleans Colonial, Cape Cod, traditional
and contemporary. Far west of Highway 6 is Weston Lakes, a private
master-planned community featuring custom homes rivaling those of
River Oaks and Memorial.
Townhomes in the west Houston area are more often leased than purchased.
A good availability exists. Retirement communities include Tarrytowne,
an assisted living complex at Briar Forest and Dairy Ashford.
West Houston has attracted professional business people and is a wide-based
employment center. The Energy Corridor, comprising a number of international
energy-related companies, is nearby along I-10 between Gessner and
Highway 6.
In addition is Memorial City Medical Center at Gessner and the Katy
Freeway. It is composed of five major institutions that include a
medical plaza, psychiatric and rehabilitation hospitals, and a residential
nursing care facility.
Recreational activities abound such as the Westside Tennnis Club,
selected by World Tennis magazine and the U.S. Tennis Association
as one of the top 20 tennis clubs in the nation. For its residents,
west Houston provides a wide mix of housing and lifestyle opportunities.
Katy
Katy, once a small farm community, has thrived from the "go west"
syndrome caught by many Houstonians. The city, just 20 miles from
downtown on I-10 (Katy Freeway) is home to many upscale subdivisions
populated by oil and gas professionals who work at Shell, Amoco, Arco,
Exxon Chemical and other companies in the Energy Corridor along the
freeway. Green
Trails, Kelliwood and Nottingham
Country are among the developments along Fry Road and Mason Road.
While home prices in the region have firmed considerably over the
past few years, home builders still boast 1970s prices. Homes with
2,500 to 5,000 square feet abound, and prospective buyers can contract
to buy a home being built on spec or they can start from scratch with
their own plans. The area still boasts quite a value for your housing
dollar.
Cinco
Ranch is among Katy's most talked-about communities. The master-planned
community is one of the fastest growing areas of the region, known
for good schools, quality housing and a serene lifestyle.
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| Northwest |
The Northwest section of Houston is also a high growth area. Homes
ranging in price from the mid-$70,000s to $450,000 are being built
to accommodate those pursuing the value and quality of life offered
by master-planning. The completion of the Sam Houston Toll Road, the
upgrading of Highway 6 and FM 1960 and improvements to Highway 290
have opened up accessibility to the region. This area is attractive
to employees of local energy and chemical companies located on the
west side.
Bear Creek/Highway 6
In the last two decades, as Houston became increasingly more urban,
many residents sought a country living environment. One place they
found it is in the expanse of land northwest of Houston.
As a result, the region has experienced significant residential development
as well as major office and industrial activity.
The area between the Katy Freeway and Highway 290 is referred to as
Bear Creek and is one of the three distinct areas that make up Houston's
northwest sector. Master-planned communities in Bear Creek include
Fairfield and Deerfield
Village. Neighborhood homes are priced from the $60,000s to the
$160,000s. Other subdivisions include Glencairn, Bear Creek Plantation
and Pine Forest.
Copperfield, a second master-planned community north of the Bear Creek
area, is composed of villages that span 1,800 acres. Each village
has its own recreational facilities. Home prices range from the $80,000s
to the $400,000s. Both Copperfield and Fairfield are products of Friendswood
Development Co., which has developed other such master-planned communities
throughout Houston. Copperfield and Fairfield are popular among young
professionals.
Cypress-Fairbanks
The second major area of the northwest is Cypress-Fairbanks (Cy-Fair),
demarcated by Highways 249 and 290. Here sits Lakewood
Forest, a bedroom community of mainly single-family homes. It
sprouted up around Compaq Computer Corp., which was founded in 1982
and is now one of the world's leading manufacturers of personal computers.
Living in Lakewood Forest are many young families who are part of
Compaq's 9,000 member work force. The community expects continued
growth as Compaq expands.
Lakewood Forest home prices range from the low $100,000s to $350,000
and more. Many two-story brick homes sit on wooded lots that offer
quiet havens. Multi-family housing is limited.
Champions/FM 1960
Making up the third area of the northwest is the land between Highways
249 and I-45. The "Champions" was the northwest's first
subdivision 25 years ago and the area retains the name.
Giving impetus to growth were Houston's Intercontinental Airport,
the Champions Gold Club and the Beltway 8 Sam Houston Tollway. Other
subdivisions followed, including Olde
Oaks and Champions
Forest with homes priced from the $100,000s to $1 million or more.
Also is
Northgate Forest, a neighborhood of custom estate homes starting
in the $400,000s. Country clubs and golf courses abound in the Champions
area, and the shopping is excellent, with Willowbrook Mall and the
Greenspoint Mall just minutes away. Much of the new building in the
area is attributable to the nearby location of Houston-based Compaq
Computer Corp.
Northwest residents appreciate the present and future freeway improvements
aimed at facilitating this high growth region. U.S. Highway 290 has
been extended from Little York to Highway 6.
But as much as these amenities, residents enjoy a safe, serene environment
that contributes to their relaxed style of living.
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Equal Housing Opportunity 
