Serving as an entranceway to the San Jacinto Bay and Buffalo Bayou, La Porte, French for “the door," is an apt name for this suburb of Texas where some homes are steps away from Sylvan Beach. "This locale seamlessly combines cost-effective living with top-rated schools, while still being within great proximity to the city,” says Courtney Okanlomo, a Real Estate Broker who runs her own firm in Houston and is an expert in the La Porte area. Though La Porte has a population of over 30,000, Okanlomo shares that’s small for Texas. With its niche shopping, family-centered traditions and amenities, the area has a cozy and neighborly feeling. Residents are also 25 miles from downtown Houston. “People often find themselves here by chance, initially drawn for work but eventually captivated by the area’s proximity to the bay,” Okanlomo adds. Many of these jobs are at chemical plants as La Porte has the largest concentration of them in the world.
Eclectic waterside residences in La Porte
In La Porte, where the average list price is around $330,000, even the entry point for a home with an ocean view can be as low as $240,000. Residences right by Highway 146 can drop to $100,000, while larger waterfront properties may list around $1 million. New construction is common here and homes near the water have their own docks. Architecture ranges from New Traditional and Mission Revival to cozy ranch-style properties, Cape Cods and cottages. Arches, exposed beams and shiplap paneling are common. Streetscapes are suburban but worn by time.
Ranch-style homes are one of the most popular styles in La Porte.
Waterfront homes in La Porte are in high demand.
Newer custom builds are available to purchase in La Porte.
Residential properties in La Porte feature nicely-kept driveways and landscaping.
Homes on stilts are quite common in La Porte.
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La Porte Independent School District
La Porte is served by the La Porte Independent School District. One complete pipeline includes Leo Rizzuto Elementary School, La Porte Junior High School and La Porte High School. The elementary school earns an A rating from Niche, the junior high school scores a B plus and the high school is rated B. All of La Porte ISD’s schools have robotics and STEM Labs — in fact, the robotics club at the high school recently received a $10,000 grant in part from The Harris County Department of Education.
La Porte High School is the largest school in the area.
La Porte Junior High School is a premiere place of learning.
Leo Rizzuto Elementary School has a supportive staff that serves the students of La Porte.
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Explore Sylvan Beach Park for water activities
Sylvan Beach Park has beach fronts and roped-off swimming areas for locals to enjoy. Neighbors can also pay to fish along Sylvan Beach's over 1,000-foot public pier — a common catch is speckled trout. There are also 13 miles of trail in La Porte where residents bike, walk and jog. The trailhead begins at Five Points Town Plaza, an open-air gathering place that was once the center of town in La Porte. Little Cedar Bayou Park has a wave pool, playground, public sports fields and a dog park.
Sylvan Beach Park and Pier is a popular place to visit in La Porte during the summer.
The giant wave pool at Little Cedar Bayou Park is a unique amenity in La Porte.
The playground at Little Cedar Bayou Park in La Porte is fun place to play.
Little Cedar Bayou Park in La Porte has many different activity options.
Head out for pars and swings in La Porte at Bay Forest Golf Course.
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A tradition of fun at Sylvan Beach Festival
Neighbors who’ve lived in La Porte for generations may have memories of the Sylvan Beach Festival that trail back as far as 67 years. Considered a family tradition, this shoreline festival is the longest-running of its kind along the Texas Gulf Coast. Locals expect parades, carnival rides, live music, arts and craft vendors and more each year. Kemah Boardwalk, with its retro amusement park rides and aquarium restaurant, is also 9.5 miles away via Highway 146.
Niche shopping along Main Street
Boutique, antique and resale shops line Main Street. Among them is The Mustard Seed Antiques and Collectibles where locals can buy anything from autographed helmets to used bicycles, vintage kitchen essentials and décor. Eateries, like Ed's Bistro — known for its wine and three-course meals — are also on Main Street. And the wider region of Houston offers plenty to choose from. “I think at one point we had more restaurants per capita than any other area of the country,” says Greg Nino, a Houston local and Realtor with Re/Max Compass. For grocery hauls, Kroger is close by on West Fairmont Parkway.
There is something for everybody at Domensions Comics, Music & More in La Porte.
Ed's Bistro has delicious lunch and dinner options in La Porte.
There are many local restaurant and retail options.
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Navigating La Porte
La Porte is mostly car dependent though depending on location, some locals may be able to walk or bike to a few places, like the beach. The town also has its own airport, the La Porte Municipal Airport. Ellington Airport is also 14 miles away via Fairmont Parkway; William P. Hobby Airport is 21 miles away via Route 225; and Houston George Bush Intercontinental is 38 miles away via Texas 8 Beltway. The Harris County Transit System also runs fixed bus routes through the area. Locals get modestly-priced bayside living with family-friendly amenities in the neighborly town of La Porte.
Written By
Tina Davis
Photography Contributed By
Mitchell Hester
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rickey Chavez,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in La Porte, TX sell after 47 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in La Porte, TX over the last 12 months is $265,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Spacious home, ideal for larger households needing extra room to grow. This plan features a stunning two-story family room, a well-designed kitchen with a large island perfect for seating and quick meals, and a casual dining area. The first-floor owner’s retreat includes a slide-in tub and mud-set shower for a spa-like experience. There is a further bed on the 1st floor which can be a perfect
Welcome to 2552 Glenvalley Dr! This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home features several recent upgrades, including new flooring, beautifully renovated bathrooms, and a modernized kitchen with granite countertops. The backyard boasts an extended patio slab, providing additional outdoor space—perfect for entertaining or enjoying warm summer days. Don't miss this opportunity to make this beautiful
Recently renovated home with fresh paint and new flooring thorughout. Adorable well maintained home with large living room and oversized kitchen open concept. Patio area and spacious yard with double gate. Must see!
Spacious home, ideal for larger households needing extra room to grow. This plan features a stunning two-story family room, a well-designed kitchen with a large island perfect for seating and quick meals, and a casual dining area. The first-floor owner’s retreat includes a slide-in tub and mud-set shower for a spa-like experience. There is a further bed on the 1st floor which can be a perfect
Welcome to 2552 Glenvalley Dr! This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home features several recent upgrades, including new flooring, beautifully renovated bathrooms, and a modernized kitchen with granite countertops. The backyard boasts an extended patio slab, providing additional outdoor space—perfect for entertaining or enjoying warm summer days. Don't miss this opportunity to make this beautiful
Prime Lot with Utilities – Ready for Your Dream Home!Discover the perfect canvas for your near the water retreat on this expansive, cleared lot, ideally situated just steps from Pine Bluff Park. With all essential utilities already in place, including water, electricity, and sewer connections, this property is primed and ready for construction.?Utilities: Fully equipped with on-site
Immerse yourself in uncompromising luxury and comfort when you call Hawthorne at Bay Forest home in La Porte, TX. Choose from modern designed 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and find yourself surrounded by resort-style amenities just footsteps away. Hawthorne at Bay Forest is a place that you'll want to call home.
WOW what a beautiful home, Adorable townhome with all the bells and whistles... Spacious living room, cozy dining area, amazing kitchen with updated navy cabinets, quartz countertops, white subway tile backsplash, USB ports in kitchen, SS appliances, pantry modified to mud area right off of garage. Half bath downstairs, area under stairs was updated with additional storage right off half bath.
Introducing Hawthorne at Fairmont, a brand-new luxury community in La Porte, Texas. Choose from our 1, 2, or 3-bedroom apartments, featuring designer finishes and no detail left untouched. Youll also have access to top-of-the-line resort-style amenities and a prime location. Sign up today to receive updates for this brand-new community!
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