West Houston Area
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.
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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 Williams 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. Current Listings in the West Loop/Galleria Area
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Embracing the Loop’s west side is the Tanglewood/Broadoaks district. Only a few vacant lots north of Woodway are available. 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.
Two small subdivisions are Del Monte and Briarcroft. The number of homes for sale is somewhat limited due to a lack of new construction. Larchmont is also a small subdivision wherein live many single and married young professionals.
A good inventory of town homes exists also. A very “executive set” resides in these homes that are extremely popular with retired couples, singles or former owners of large homes.
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. Current Listings in the Del Monte and Briarcroft Area Current Listings in the Tanglewood Area
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Clustering near west Memorial Drive (a former Indian trail) and near I-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 I-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 1960’s as well as more modern homes can be found here. 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. Current Listings in the Villages/Memorial Area
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Traveling farther west on Memorial past Wilcrest Drive, one finds subdivision after subdivision of homes built in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. These areas present private, secluded, near-bayou living.
Memorial Thicket, Fleetwood and Barker’s Landing near the east side of Highway 6 are newer subdivisions. Home styles are typically New Orleans Colonial, Cape Cod, traditional and contemporary. south of Memorial on Westheimer between Kirkwood and Wilcrest, is a Royal Oaks Country Club, a “close-in” golf community featuring custom homes rivaling those of River Oaks. 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.
Recreational activities abound such as the Westside Tennis 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. Current Listing in the West Memorial Area
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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 in the energy industry. 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, homebuilders still offer value for your housing dollar. 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.
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. Current Listings in the Katy Area
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