West University

A High Income Community

West University Place, frequently known simply as West University or West U, is located within the Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metropolitan area and the south-western Harris County. The population of the neighbourhood was 14,787 in 2010 and has slowly increased. Nicknamed “The Neighborhood City” it is largely a community for high-income families. West University Place is close to Bellaire and Southside Place. As of 2011, West University Place has one of the highest concentrations of households with earnings above $150,000. Most street names within West University Place are allusions to colleges, universities and poets. Its academic allure and residential|purity makes it one of Houston’s most attractive areas. Professionals keen to plant family roots flock to this neighborhood with community spirit at heart.

A Great Place to Live

The West University area boasts a wealthy divergence of design, and newcomers often elect to remodel a classic home, select a lot for new construction, or pick an already completed home to suit their personal preferences. The area prospered from strict deed restrictions and zoning which protects residents from invasion of industrial development. In an age of unbridled and frequent chaotic urban expansion, West University Place has emerged itself as a neighborhood of residential stability.

Properties for sale in West University Place range from around $400,000 for large substantially renovated classic homes constructed before 1970. Homes built between 1970 and 1995 range from $500,000 upwards into the millions whilst fhomes constructed after 1995 range from $500,000 for terrace homes, and $800,000 to $2 million for single-family properties.

Parks and Outdoor Recreation

Colonial Park can be found at 4130 Byron Street which includes a park and recreational center. The park also includes a picnic area, playground, two tennis courts, volleyball court, concrete walking pathways, and a pavilion. Colonial Park Pool is available to the public from May through to September, whilst the recreational center is accessible all year-round.

Friends Park, previously known as the Rice Pocket Park, is situated at 3771 Rice Boulevard. This is one of the newest parks in the neighbourhood opened December 11, 2007. Huffington Park, located at 3901 Milton Street, includes a playground, picnic tables, shaded arbor, and game tables. You’ll also find Whitt Johnson Park, situated at 6540 Wakeforest Street, which includes a playground, picnic area, gazebo and a lighted basketball court. Other parks includes Judson Park at 4242 South Judson Street, and Wier Park, located at 3012 Nottingham Street.

Shopping

West University is home to the Rice Village Shopping Center and appeals to families and young professionals alike. Discover fashion-forward pieces at local and nationally-owned boutiques, snacks at one of many restaurants and happy-hour deals within the nightlife hot spots along Morningside Boulevard. With over 300 stores} in the 16-block neighborhood, Rice Village is famous for its small, diverse stores and boutiques. Recent developments in the area has also brought about luxury clothes stores as well as nation-wide retailers including Mac, Banana Republic, Chico’s and Kendra Scott. Unique boutiques such as Lily Rain, Impeccable Pig, Hemline and Em & Lee that gives the Village its character.

Education

A number of the Houston Independent School District’s greatest schools serve the neighborhood such as West University Elementary School, Mirabeau B. Lamar, Pershing Middle School and Bellaire high schools. The Rice School is a magnet school for kindergarten pupils through to the eighth grade. You will also find both private and parochial schools within the neighborhood. St. Mark’s Episcopal School (K-8) is the only private school situated directly within West University Place. Other parochial schools and private schools based locally to West University include the School of St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church at Braeswood Place, St. Francis Episcopal Day School (Texas) at Piney Point, St. John’s School in Houston, Episcopal High School within Bellaire and The Post Oak School situated in Bellaire. Incarnate Word Academy, St. Agnes Academy and Duchesne Academy are two local Catholic girls’ schools and are connected to the all-boys schools of St. Thomas High School and Strake Jesuit. West University Place is served by Houston Community College System and is situated close to Rice University.