The Heights is Houston's hottest neighborhood and has been for a decade. Tree-lined streets, cute bungalows, the 19th Street shopping district, and White Oak Music Hall. But the shine is wearing off in some areas.
What's great:
- The tree canopy. The Heights has more trees per block than almost anywhere in Houston. Walking down Harvard or Yale streets in the spring is beautiful.
- The bike trail along the MKT corridor is excellent. You can bike from the Heights to downtown in 15 minutes.
- 19th Street has independent shops, restaurants, and bars that still feel local.
- White Oak Music Hall brings legit touring acts.
What's not great:
- Property taxes are insane. A $500K bungalow = $12,000+/year in property taxes. The Heights is in the HISD district which adds to the rate.
- The dry laws. Parts of the Heights are technically "dry" — restaurants can serve alcohol with a food order but you can't buy liquor in a store. This is from a 1912 ordinance that refuses to die.
- New construction townhomes are everywhere. Developers buy a bungalow for $400K, tear it down, and build three townhomes at $550K each. The density is increasing without the infrastructure to support it.
- Flooding. The Heights floods during heavy rain events. White Oak Bayou runs right through it.
Cost of living:
- Rent: $1,600-2,400 for a 1BR
- Bungalows: $450-700K (if you can find one that hasn't been torn down)
- Townhomes: $500-750K (new construction)
Source: Heights resident since 2021, Harris County Appraisal District, HCFCD flood maps
White Oak Bayou flooding is real. My street was underwater twice last year during heavy rain events. If you're buying in the Heights, check the flood maps BEFORE you make an offer.