Where to live in Houston from $300k to $500k

Norhill Realty February 10, 2012

The Houston Neighborhoods in this price range offer a good mix of lifestyle and housing options.  You will find urban and residential options that are close to all of Houston’s hot spots.  Since we focus on Houston’s near-town neighborhoods, we’ll take a look at the best options in this area.

Montrose

Montrose is an eclectic urban neighborhood that was recently recognized as one of the Ten Best Neighborhoods in the country by the American Planning Association.  The street grid lends itself to being very walkable to the diverse mix of retail and entertainment options along Montrose Blvd and Westheimer.  Lower Westheimer in particular is experiencing a rebirth with several new restaurants that have opened recently or are under construction.  These include El Real, Uchi, and Underbelly.  The location offers easy access to all the major business districts including Downtown, The Texas Medical Center, Greenway, and the Galleria.

Housing options in this price range are as diverse as the residents and include stately restored homes, classic bungalows, new construction townhomes, and mid-rise condos.  This price range is a starting point for homes in this neighborhood as prices for prime real estate can easily reach the $1million mark.Montrose-Home

  Rice Military & Washington Corridor

Rice Military and the Washington Corridor is one the most popular neighborhoods for young professionals.  Its close proximity to Memorial Park makes it the perfect option for those who enjoy the outdoors and the excellent jogging trails.  Entertainment options along Washington Avenue are diverse and numerous.  Some of our favorites include El Tiempo, Max’s Wine Dive, and Star Pizza.  The central location also offers easy access to the major business districts.

The predominant housing option in Rice Military is new construction, recent-build townhomes and patio homes.  Towards the middle and higher end of this price range, you can find many free-standing units with small yards.  Home builders continue to find land to develop and home buyers continue to gobble up the new construction as they build it.

Museum Park

Museum Park has a special place in our heart because it’s home to our office.  This neighborhood is centrally located between two of the largest business districts in the state of Texas, Downtown Houston and the Texas Medical Center.   Folks that love the outdoors love this neighborhood because it’s walking distance to Hermann Park and the Houston Zoo.  If it’s culture that you’re looking for, you’ll find 13 museums including the Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Natural Science, and the Children’s Museum.  Entertainment options in the Montrose area and Rice Village are close by as well.

Housing options are very diverse in this neighborhood.  You’ll find some original stately homes, recent-build townhomes, modern new construction, and high-rise condos.  Speaking of modern design, Museum Park is home to the highest density of this architectural style in Houston.

Houston Heights

Houston Heights is one of the more hip and kid-friendly neighborhoods in Houston.   Entertainment and shopping options are plentiful along the Historic Heights Shopping District on 19th Street.  Outdoor enthusiasts will be at home in the Heights at the hike and bike trail along Nicholson and the jogging trail on Heights Blvd.  Families flock to the Heights for its quiet residential lifestyle.

You will find updated bungalows, recent-build patio homes, and stately historic homes in this great neighborhood.  Some sections of the Heights are designated historic districts which helps retain the original look and feel of the neighborhood.  This price range is just a starting point for homes in this area with many properties priced above the $500k mark.

Timbergrove Manor & Lazybrook

Timbergrove Manor and Lazybrook are two neighborhoods that border one another and offer the same lifestyle and housing options.  Young professionals and new families love these neighborhoods for the large lot sizes and kid-friendly atmosphere.  The two neighborhood parks, Jaycee Park and 11th Street Park, are a nice urban oasis.  Entertainment options in the Heights are just a short drive away and many new dining options in nearby Shady Acres have opened recently.

This area was developed in the late 50s and early 60s so you’ll primarily find single story ranch style homes.  Most of them will have lot sizes over 7,000 SF which is great for kids and pets.  The homes in this price range will have lots of updates and some may even have master-suite additions.