The historic Brooke Smith neighborhood is located smack dab in the middle of several amazing Houston communities, including Norhill, Houston Heights, Woodland Heights, and Northside Village. Brooke Smith features a mixture of home types, including bungalows and cottages starting at $280,000 – $320,000 lot value. For those not necessarily interested in relocating, homes in this neighborhood would make great rental units.
Houses in Brooke Smith are often updated or fully-renovated. These carefully-restored homes are typically built on roughly 4,000 – 5,000 square foot lots. A redone 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom bungalow on a 4,000 – 5,000 square foot lot would likely sell for about $500,000 minimum.
Larger new construction homes are also options in Brooke Smith, and these homes usually sell in the range of $600,000 to $800,000. Whatever kind of home you purchase in Brooke Smith, commuters can relax – the community is bordered by North Main and I-45 North. Nearby Northside Village also offers extensive public transportation via the METRORail.
Although nearby neighborhoods offer plenty to do from shopping to sightseeing, there’s quite a bit to do in Brooke Smith itself. The neighborhood boasts cute bars and restaurants, like Preslee’s and Hughie’s, and North Main is a paradise for foodies looking to explore. Brooke Smith is also locally famous for its huge central green space at Montie Beach Park, which features a community center, playground, trails, and a lighted tennis court.
Founded in 1905, Brooke Smith consists of roughly 1,400 homes and counting. It was one of the first communities developed in Houston, and offers great education to young residents at schools like Browning Elementary School. Some parts of Brooke Smith are even zoned to award-winning Travis Elementary School. Although Brooke Smith may not receive as much attention as other local hot spots, it’s a wonderful place to lay down roots or simply to invest in property.
BROOKE
SMITH
COTTAGE
GROVE
Although Cottage Grove doesn’t receive as much attention as other Houston neighborhoods, it’s a lovely community located in the 610 Loop with a lot of growth potential. Prospective buyers will find many two to three story homes here built on narrow roads in the last 20 years. These homes range in price from $300,000 – $500,000. Due in part to attractive home prices, Cottage Grove attracts a variety of people, including young professionals and empty nesters.
There are many reasons to live in Cottage Grove. For the outdoors types, the neighborhood is located near Memorial Park, which has been open for nearly 100 years and is one of the largest parks in the United States! Cottage Grove Park is another cute local park, and it offers awesome amenities like a full covered basketball court, a baseball field, and a playground. The community also has easy access to I-10, a major plus for commuters, and many errands can be completed on foot. Residents also enjoy the neighborhood’s cozy bars and restaurants. One local favorite is the NextDoor Bar, locally famous for its delicious food and drinks. Cottage Grove is also located nearby Houston Heights, Norhill, and Woodland Heights, meaning that additional great shopping, dining, and entertainment are just a bike or quick car ride away.
As a member of the Houston Independent School District (HISD), Cottage Grove has access to wonderful local schools. Elementary students in this neighborhood tend to be zoned to Memorial Elementary School, but some are zoned to Love Elementary School instead. Public middle school students attend Hogg Middle School, while high schoolers may attend Waltrip High School or Lamar High School depending on what part of Cottage Grove they live in. All available options are great, which is one reason Cottage Grove is popular among young families.
Garden Oaks is a small neighborhood located in the middle of Central Northwest, Independence Heights, Northside, and Shady Acres. While the neighborhood is small, property lot sizes are actually quite large, making this a wonderful place to live for families who enjoy hosting outdoor gatherings or who have active children or dogs. Buyers can expect lots to be roughly 7,000 – 25,000 square feet in size. Garden Oaks is beloved for its tall, mature trees, many of which line the streets and residents’ front yards. Fans of these large statement trees will love the aesthetic of Garden Oaks. However, it is worth keeping in mind that the neighborhood does not have sidewalks or street gutters, and roadways are narrow. Although there are exceptions, prospective buyers will typically find three types of houses in Garden
Oaks.
1.) Small 1940s-era cottages approximately 1,100 square feet in size are common in this community. These homes are great as rentals or investment properties and typically cost $300,000 – $500,000. Many of these homes are completely restored with additions tacked on to increase size.
2.) Three-bedroom, two-bathroom ranch homes from the 1960s – 1995 are also popular in Garden Oaks. Although some of these houses are original with little to no renovations, most have been updated to appeal to modern style and comfort. Buyers can expect these homes to cost $500,000 – $800,000.
3.) For the past 15 years, Garden Oaks has seen more new construction homes, making them a popular choice for buyers. These homes are larger inside, contain four or more bedrooms, and have all the modern updates you’d expect in a new home, along with the possibility of custom touches. These houses typically sell for $800,000 – $1,400,000.
Garden Oaks is also known for Garden Oaks Elementary School, one of the top elementary schools in all of Houston! This makes it a popular neighborhood among young families.
GARDEN OAKS
OAK FOREST
HOUSTON
HEIGHTS
The Heights is one of the most beloved neighborhoods in Houston, and by far the most easily accessible. Many homes in this neighborhood are true classics from the 1920s and 1930s, although there has been some new construction over the years. Historic homes here tend to attract buyers who desire modern comforts without compromising on one-of-a-kind charm.
Prospective buyers can expect new Heights bungalows in the 3,000 – 4,200 square foot range to sell for $500,000 – $900,000. For larger new construction homes with 5,000 – 6,600 square foot lots, homes sell for $900,000 – $1,600,000.
The Heights is known for its various styles of homes – this is not a cookie-cutter neighborhood! Take a stroll through the streets here and you’ll find prairie-style houses, craftsman bungalows, colonial revivals, “arts and crafts” homes, double gallery houses, and Queen Anne homes.
Not only is the Heights a classy place to live, but it’s also a bustling location with a ton to do with friends and family. Enjoy antique shopping on 19th Street, amazing food at restaurants like Harold’s, and high-end shopping centers with both traditional and novelty retail stores. Some other local favorites include the Chocolate Bar and Ginger & Fork. The Heights also has fantastic green spaces, such as Donovan Park and West 11th Street Park, and running paths perfect for those with an active lifestyle.
The Heights was founded in about 1886 by Oscar Martin Carter, a wealthy man who wished to start a community some distance from downtown Houston, where people could reside in health and happiness. The area soon attracted young professionals, craftsmen, and eager investors who often built their own homes. Today, more prospective buyers come to the Heights looking to restore a classic home than to build a new one, but new construction is still an option here. It’s a tight-knit community close to jobs, restaurants, and cultural centers – a vibrant place Carter would surely be proud of.
Lazybrook/Timbergrove are two adjoining neighborhoods both loaded with 1950s and 1960s suburban charm. Located within the 610 Loop just minutes from the iconic Houston Heights, Lazybrook/Timbergrove is known for beautiful, towering trees and good schools. Many ranch- style homes in this neighborhood were built on large lots, which makes this a fantastic neighborhood for buyers interested in having a yard or room for additions. Fans of mid-century homes and brick homes will also love the aesthetic of this area.
Investors may be interested in Lazybrook/Timbergrove’s classic, unrenovated homes in the $350,000 – $450,000 range. These homes are a steal price-wise and come with lot sizes hard to find in other neighborhoods. As a result, fully-updated and renovated homes in the Lazybrook/Timbergrove community can sell for $750,000 or more. Luxury new-construction homes in this neighborhood often sell in the $900,000 – $1,000,000 range.
Lazybrook/Timbergrove attracts buyers who value community charm and investment opportunities, but it’s also a fun place to live. It’s a great neighborhood to go for a walk in to take in the beautiful homes and mature trees, and there’s plenty to do. TC Jester Park is a local favorite due to its running and bike paths, disc golf course, pool, playground, and enclosed dog park. It’s also worth noting that Lazybrook/Timbergrove is situated along the White Oak Bayou, allowing residents to take in some nature within the city. There are also countless neat restaurants, coffee shops, and small bars here to enjoy.
Originally settled by German farmers in the 1800s, Lazybrook/Timbergrove remained largely undeveloped until freeways were built after World War II. By the 1950s, residents began moving first to Timbergrove, named after the neighborhood’s pine trees, and then to Lazybrook, named after the bayou that runs along that neighborhood’s eastern edge. In 2011, Lazybrook/Timbergrove became officially classified as a “Super Neighborhood.”
LAZYBROOK
TIMBERGROVE
NORTH + EAST
NORHILL
Norhill is divided into Norhill, North Norhill, and East Norhill, and was developed in 1920 by William C. Hogg on pastureland originally owned by Henry Stude, who bought the land in 1873. As a wealthy investor and Chairman of the City Planning Commission, Hogg played an influential role in the development of Houston during the 1920s. After the development of Norhill, North Norhill was built in mid-1923. East Norhill was built in mid-1924 with nearly half the number of lots as North Norhill. The neighborhoods grew with new residents during a time when Houston’s economy exploded and the city needed quality housing.
Many bungalows in Norhill were built from commercial plans sold through catalogs like Sears Roebuck and Co., but these homes have often received additions over the years. These bungalows typically have relatively open floor plans and covered porches with outdoor living space – ideal for Houstonians in the 1920s who did not have access to air conditioning. In 2000, North Norhill and East Norhill were designated a historic district by the City of Houston and the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission.
The Norhill community is known for its local esplanades, including Proctor Plaza Community Center, and nearby Stude Park and Woodland Park. These are all fantastic places for residents to go to stretch their legs or walk the dog! Norhill’s location to Houston Heights and Woodland Heights also means the community has great access to shopping and some of the best restaurants in Houston.
Nestled in the northwest corner of the 610 Loop, Shady Acres is part of the Greater Houston Heights. It’s a beautiful neighborhood known for its three and four-story single-family homes. It’s also known for smaller cottages that have either been restored or present fantastic renovation opportunities for eager investors looking to be a part of Shady Acres’ growth and development. Most homes in the Shady Acres neighborhood are fairly new, with many built in 1995 or after. Home prices here typically range from $300,000 – $550,000.
If you enjoy entertainment, you’ll be in luck in Shady Acres. There are so many fun restaurants and small bars to check out! Cedar Creek is a local favorite. Their sandwiches, drinks, and outdoor patio have made the restaurant a hit among savvy locals. As for outdoor activities, you’d be remiss to not take advantage of the highly-rated White Oak Bayou Hike and Bike Trail, which extends all the way into Woodland Heights.
Shady Acres is located east of Lazybrook/Timbergrove and north of the Heights. In terms of accessibility, you can easily find grocery stores and other necessities within neighborhood limits. Its immediate access to the 610 Loop is a huge advantage for travel within Houston, as well! At less than 5 miles away from Downtown, Shady Acres provides ample job opportunities for residents, which is just one great reason of many to live here.
Although Shady Acres is typically considered one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Houston, its popularity is on the rise! It’s becoming a sought-after community for numerous reasons, including its unique atmosphere, entertainment, outdoor activity options, accessibility, and close distance to other local neighborhoods which also provide benefits, like employment opportunities. Shady Acres is particularly popular among young professionals and small families, and will likely continue to be as new construction focuses in on multi-level townhomes.
SHADY
ACRES
SUNSET
HEIGHTS
On the north side of the historic Heights, just three miles from Downtown, you will find a neighborhood called Sunset Heights. If you like bungalows, this is a great place to be in Houston! There are loads of fully-renovated bungalows in Sunset Heights, many with additions. This neighborhood is also a wonderful place for real estate investors, as some of the smaller bungalows in Sunset Heights are in need of sprucing up. These smaller bungalow-style homes are located on plots of land typically valued between $300,000 – $400,000.
Prospective buyers will also find new construction double gallery homes on large plots of land, typically 3,000 – 5,000 square feet in size. They usually have coveted alley-access garages or a front-load garage – a major perk for those who would rather secure their vehicles in an enclosed space. These high-end homes tend to cost approximately $600,000 for a smaller, 3,000 square foot lot, and roughly $800,000 for a larger, 5,000 square foot lot.
A local organization called the Sunset Heights Civic Club actively improves the community and supports local businesses and initiatives. The group is made up of people who live right in the neighborhood, so members have a stake in every project. As a growing neighborhood, there are several initiatives currently underway dedicated to fostering a greater sense of community here.
Although this neighborhood is right next to some of the most active communities in Houston, you don’t have to leave it to have a great time. Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar is one of the many rockin’ spots in Sunset Heights! Visitors may also want to consider heading over to Downtown or to the iconic 19th Street for a day of shopping.
For history buffs, Sunset Heights is a subdivision of the Heights, which was split up into multiple subdivisions by many owners in the first 50 years of its existence. When developers began to build neighborhoods north of White Oak Bayou, Sunset Heights was one of the first completed.
Woodland Heights is the perfect community for those who love the classic Houston Heights atmosphere and can’t get enough of the curb appeal of lush trees. The neighborhood is located nearby the Heights and Norhill, both great neighborhoods that offer a lot for residents to do. The lot size of Woodland Heights’ properties is typically 5,000 – 6,000 square feet, offering plenty of room to enjoy a backyard or possibly build an addition.
Prospective buyers interested in the Woodland Heights community can expect a few different types of properties. First, since many of Woodland Heights' homes are bungalows, updated bungalow listings are common here. These types of homes usually sell for $500,000 – $900,000. You may also see new construction homes that are roughly 3,000 – 4,200 square feet indoors and tend to sell for $900,000 – $1,600,000. Although there has been new construction over the years, many of Woodland Heights’ homes were built in the 1920s and 1930s. These older, classic homes possess character difficult to find in other neighborhoods; notable exceptions include Houston Heights, Norhill, North Norhill, and East Norhill. Other types of homes you might find in Woodland Heights include cottage and English cottage-style homes, and craftsman-style bungalows.
Residents love Woodland Heights for several reasons. For one, some of the best elementary schools in the HISD program call Woodland Heights home. Among these are Harvard Elementary School and Travis Elementary School. There's also so much to do in this neighborhood since it’s close to 6th Street and tons of cute restaurants. Stude Park and Woodland Park in the south of Woodland Heights are also popular places to go to get some exercise in among nature. Some errands in Woodland Heights can be completed by walking, the neighborhood is moderately bikeable, and some access to public transportation is available. Since the community is tucked away in the southeast corner of the 610 Loop, it also provides excellent highway access for busy commuters.
WOODLAND
HEIGHTS
