West University in the center of Houston, Texas, has attractions that keep the area's real estate prices vital, say local Realtors.

"West University is a great location near the medical center in downtown Houston," says Realtor Magdalen Prus. "West University also is just minutes from The Galleria. According to the Houston Association of Realtors, the city of West University has had about 27 homes sell for the months of January and February 2005. The average price on a home sold was $634,901. The homes that sold during these months were on the market for an average of about 62 days. West University sales are HOT!"

Suggests Realtor Rosie Phillips, "Long before Houston's Inner Loop real estate was a hot redevelopment market, West University Place was setting the pace in redevelopment. West U ranks as the third most expensive home neighborhood in Houston. A charming mix of bungalows and new brick homes, West University is known both inside, and outside Houston as a quality, family-friendly community."

"West University Place, Texas, is located in Harris County and is one of Houston's most appealing residential neighborhoods inside the 610 Loop," agrees Realtor Margie Kaplan. "The city's proximity to the Houston Medical Center, Rice University, and downtown Houston makes West University Place an ideal location for citizens employed in the medical, legal, oil, utilities, and other major companies with offices in downtown Houston and the Medical Center. Wonderful shops and unique restaurants attract many to the area. West University Place is also a short drive to the Houston Galleria -- great shopping for everyone. Neighborhoods are sprinkled with parks, and streets are lined with trees. Between Rice University and West University Place is The Village, one of Houston's first shopping districts. More than 350 stores make up The Village, including over 60 restaurants. The 16-block area has an eclectic mix of unique shops and designer boutiques."

About the market, Kaplan explains, "West University Place is fertile ground for pioneers: those who founded the city far from downtown back in 1917 and those who spearheaded the tear-down trend in the early 1980s. Over the past few years, West U. has really witnessed a rebirth of the neighborhood. We are seeing a lot of new construction. Since January of last year, 170 new and recent construction houses and town homes were sold, ranging from $198,000 to $1,225,000. It's now competing for buyers who used to be River Oaks-oriented. Older homes sell for $170,000 to $500,000. Tear-downs generally range from $100,000 to $250,000. The city of 13,200 people is located six miles from downtown near U.S. 59 South and Buffalo Speedway. Nearby is Greenway Plaza, the Village and Rice University.

"Brick cottages, stucco, and traditional style homes are found among the old oak, maple, and magnolia trees common in the community," Kaplan continues. "Chain link fences around trees foreshadow the fate of quaint old houses -- demolition. There's the benefit of having a variety of architectural styles with new construction. You have Grandma's old home next to a New Orleans-style next to striking stucco contemporary. But squarish red-brick houses built recently have been criticized by some. "Many of the blocks are like row houses," says architect Roy Harper. "You almost have to count from one end of the block to find your home because they all look alike. I think that it's still a very special place to live. There's a real sense of pride in ownership in its citizens."

"Although big new homes with small yards have changed the look of the neighborhood over the past 10 years," says Kaplan, "some things have stayed the same. At 46-year-old JMH Super Market on Rice Boulevard, groceries are still rung up on old-fashioned cash registers and you can charge by signing your name. West University has its own police and fire departments with quick response times."

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Published: March 11, 2005

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