Houston Heights

As one of Houston's first planned communities, the Heights has been designed with parks, grocery stores, shops, restaurants and prestigious schools in mind - all within minutes of downtown.

Bordered by downtown Houston and Memorial Park to the south, Timbergrove to the west and Northside Village to the east, the Heights occupies roughly 2.7 square miles, with an elevation of 62 feet above sea level. It is just 10 minutes away from downtown, expanding the leisure and entertainment choices of residents.

With a population of around 15,500, the Heights is also home to wonderfully preserved historic buildings, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Some of the neighborhood's architectural gems include Queen Anne cottages, Colonial Revival-style homes and Neo Gothic-style churches that date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, at around the time the Heights was first founded.

Nearby schools

The community is zoned to the Houston Independent School District and has some great school choices.

• Field Elementary School
• Harvard Elementary School
• Crockett Elementary School
• Love Elementary School
• Sinclair Elementary School
• Helms Community Learning Center
• Hogg Middle School
• Hamilton Middle School
• Reagan High School
• Waltrip High School

Real estate

Cited as one of the inner loop's hottest neighborhoods, the Heights has new home developments and housing options that include single-family homes, patio or cluster homes, townhomes, midrise and high-rise condos.

The Houston Heights Association (HHA) works to preserve historic homes and maintain the neighborhood's old world charm by enforcing deed restrictions in the following areas:

• Houston Heights Historic District West
• Houston Heights Historic District East
• Houston Heights Historic District South

As a result, the neighborhood retains much of its character and boasts an eclectic mix of renovated Victorian-style homes and new home constructions.
At a glance

Numerous commercial establishments have emerged since the neighborhood was revitalized in the 1990s following a period of decline. Parks and trails also provide opportunities for outdoor recreation.

• The Heights Playground in Donovan Park is one of six parks located in the Heights. The playground features a wooden train and a Victorian-style fortress with rope bridges and turrets.

• The renovated Historic Heights City Hall and Fire Station functions as a community center and events venue. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also recognized as a City Landmark.
• 19th Street Shopping District is lined with boutiques and antique shops that sell one-of-a-kind items. There are also a number of cafes where shoppers may rest and have a glass or two of wine.

• Retropolis on 321 W 19th Street is a fabulous vintage shop. It carries a ton of merchandise, including clothes, home decor, toys and household items dating back to the 1940s. The shop next door, Jubilee, also sells vintage clothing and is known for home decor and offbeat accessories.
• Diners can get affordable and authentic Thai food at Asia Market. Menu items include green papaya salad and Kang Massam curry.

• Down House takes pride in its craft bar and chef-driven menu. Some of the restaurant's offerings include chili-crusted pork chop and kimchi burgers.