Houston’s Next Hot Neighborhoods — These Spots are Drawing Serious Real Estate Attention

Houston is seriously hot right now. No, we’re not talking about the weather (that’s always a Bayou City given) but rather the city’s consistent growth. It’s sizzling.

According the U.S. Census Bureau, the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land area ranked third in the highest population growth among metropolitan areas from 2017 to 2018, with 91,689 new residents calling Space City home.

As the population of America’s fourth-largest city continues to rise, more revamped and redeveloped neighborhoods are popping-up and making their mark. Areas that were once far down on the list of prime real estate options (hello, Midtown) are now wiping off the dust and turning into shiny, coveted locales.

While there’s a lot of new development happening all over Houston, these three thriving and up-and-coming inner Loop neighborhoods are ones to know before they complete the journey from hidden gems to fully coveted locales.

Sunset Heights

Located within the Historic Heights neighborhood, Sunset Heights is a quaint spot just three miles from Downtown. The area boasts a real sense of community — a somewhat small town, tight-knit feel not always found directly in the city. The homes, which vary greatly in style and age, carry a median price of $347,157, according to Har.com.

Sunset Heights is a perfect outdoor enthusiast’s spot thanks to nearby Halbert Park and Paul Carr Jogging Trail.

For foodies, Sunset Heights makes for an underrated base. Food Thai Market, Nam Eatery and Tomas Bakery are must-hit finds for some seriously unique bites.

To cool down from the heat, the neighborhood’s Lei Low bar serves tasty rum-filled cocktails in a fun, artsy space. And perhaps one of the top businesses here worth noting is Sunset Height’s very own Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar. It’s an eclectic, spirited place to grab drinks while enjoying some nice beats and live music.

Near Northside

One of Houston’s oldest neighborhoods, Near Northside has seen its fair share of gentrification in recent years. The neighborhood is getting quite the facelift with a new extra emphasis on redevelopment, including the Hardy Yard Project. The Project plans to revive the area’s old vacant railyard into a cultural haven with new parks, restaurants and stores all on top.

The average median Near Northside home costs $240,145 according to Har.com, which makes it a more affordable option.

On the restaurant end, Near Northside is home to some majorly good Cajun-inspired and seafood hubs, including Swamp City and Pier 16 Crawfish and Wings. And the newly-opened Monkey’s Tail bar is a nice, hipster-style spot to hang out at before heading over to the nearby White Oak Music Hall for an indie or alternative concert.

Second Ward

Being in the heart of the city is just one factor that makes Second Ward an increasingly attractive living option for homebuyers. Located on the East End, Second Ward has been given some much needed TLC with many updated housing options that are particularly popular among the younger, married-with-no-kids crowd.

Due to the area’s Buffalo Bayou Partnerships’ bayou redevelopment project, the Second Ward will see many more parks and trails in upcoming years, which in should in turn bring in more new residents. Also, the area’s easy access to the rail line and its proximity to EaDo hotspots makes it desirable.

Particularly special, Second Ward is home to a quintessential part of H-Town: the Original Ninfa’s on Navigation. A serious Tex-Mex win. It’s also home to Moon Tower Inn and its outdoor play land.

Another hip drink spot worth mentioning? Voodoo Queen Daiguiri Dive, a mural-splashed oasis serving a unique variety of drinks and grub while also offering a musical throwback of hits on its vintage jukebox.

Whether it’s a new area to call home or just another unique area to explore for some good eats and drinks, these up-and-coming Houston neighborhoods will continue to pick up steam.

Smart homebuyers may strike before it’s too hot. (Although yes, we know Houstonians can handle their heat.)