Tree-lined streets set against homes from traditional to modern along with luxury condos and townhomes characterize the Rice University and Medical Center landscape. The area also provides easy access to Houston’s Museum District, offering 19 unique museums plus the Hermann Park and the Houston Zoo. The MetroRail Red Line serves as the gateway to the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world, Houston’s happening Downtown, and NRG Park and Stadium which hosts sports events, concerts, and the Houston Rodeo.

Southampton

Established in 1923, the Southampton neighborhood features charming brick cottages, bungalows, and traditional Georgian homes paired with oak trees and plenty of room for spacious front yards. Fleming Park on Sunset Boulevard provides a playground area with whimsical features like cowboy themed monkey bars and tennis courts for a friendly match. Rice Village is an open-air shopping center where you can get prescriptions filled, schedule a blow dry or haircut, shop at popular chains like Urban Outfitters and Sephora, as well as local gems like British Isles for the Anglophile and Chocolat du Monde for chocoholics. Dining options include burgers at Hopdoddy and Shake Shack, Sweet Paris for crepes, Turkish dishes at Istanbul Grill, and D’Amico’s for Italian.

Boulevard Oaks

Over 2,000 trees line the streets of this appropriately-named enclave known as Boulevard Oaks. It’s a scenic destination for morning jogs, dog walks, and evening strolls with a listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The area’s proximity to Rice University allows for visits to their weekly Farmers Market, the James Turrell Twilight Epiphany Skyspace, and a calendar of performing arts from opera to films. Small businesses dominate Bissonnet Street with independent booksellers like Murder by the Book and Brazos Bookstore, which hosts readings and story time sessions for the younger ones. Fun Fact: North Boulevard provided the backdrop for two Hollywood films, Rushmore, directed by Houston native Wes Anderson, and 1984 Best Picture winner, Terms of Endearment. 

Southgate

The scenic grand homes and active civic club of this deed restricted neighborhood provides a small town feel in the middle of the city. Southgate has Hermann Park as its backyard with several walking paths and jogging trails filled with contemporary art installations throughout its 445 acres. Kids love to ride the park’s train to see the sights or hop off and visit the nearby Houston Zoo and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Play a round at the Hermann Park Golf Course or finesse your swing at their range. Pack a picnic and enjoy Miller Outdoor Theatre’s full schedule of concerts, musicals, movies, opera, ballet, and Shakespeare under the stars. 

Old Braeswood

This historic neighborhood boasts a diverse architectural scene, from stately Tudor homes to notable mid-century modern ranches, and one of the city’s oldest garden clubs. Green space is abundant in the area with Brays Bayou running along Braeswood Boulevard, offering two Hike and Bike Trail options (Upper and Lower Bank). These popular trails offer skyline views of the still-standing Astrodome, Medical Center, and Museum District. The Boulevard is also home to many Mini Murals, utility boxes transformed into works of art by local artists in a community-wide effort to beautify the city. Visit the project’s website to map out your own tour. 

Schools

Parents have a variety of choices on the subject of school selection. Public schools in the area include Robert, Poe, Twain, and Longfellow for the elementary school set; Lanier, Pin Oak, and Pershing for middle schoolers; and Lamar and Bellaire High Schools for the final stretch. Private schools range from non-denominational choices like St. John’s, Post Oak High School, and the Joy School. For schools with religious affiliations, check out St. Vincent de Paul, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, Presbyterian School of Houston, and St. Nicholas, an independent Anglican school.

For more information on Houston neighborhoods and home values, please contact Kathlyn at kat@whyilovehouston.com.

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