Barrett is keeping its small-town character as it grows
Settled in 1889 by a former slave and the family members he spent years searching for after the Civil War, Barrett holds true to its motto: “Rich in heritage, education and community pride." Founder Harrison Barrett’s homestead remains, and some of his descendants still live here, but today the Texas community has swelled to more than 5,000 residents. “There’s a lot of history there,” says Toni Hite, an associate broker with Coldwell Banker, who has been selling homes in the area for 20 years. “It used to be considered cowtown because it’s small, and there was a lot of farmland. That’s not it anymore. It’s growing because of its proximity to Houston. There’s a huge subdivision of brand-new homes going in, but it’s still small enough where everybody knows everybody. It’s neighborly.”
Homes that are competitively priced compared to the Houston market
Located less than 25 miles east of Houston, Barrett features a wealth of single-family homes built anywhere from the early 1900s to the present day. “The homes are much more affordable than Houston," Hite says. "It’s a great place for someone who’s looking for a starter home.” Common architectural styles include cottages, ranch-style houses and contemporary homes with two-car garages. Properties typically rest along wide, sidewalk-free streets on lots adorned by mature oaks and maples that are common to the area. A 1,500-square-foot home with a quarter-acre could be found for about $200,000, while a larger 2,800-square-foot home with a third of an acre may run as much as $400,000. “If it’s priced right, it’s going to sell. Right now, our average days-on-market is 60 days,” Hite says. “If a home is going to sell fast, it’s more about the age and condition of the home. The older homes don’t sell as quickly.”
Solid ratings for local public schools, plus college-credit options
Public school students may attend Barrett Elementary, Crosby Middle and Crosby High, which score Niche grades of B, B-plus and A-minus, respectively. Home of the Cougars, the high school allows students to take dual-credit classes to earn college credits from San Jacinto College North or Lee College.
Local restaurants, plus shopping and national chains nearby in Crosby
Barrett residents have easy access to nationally known chains such as Walmart Supercenter and Starbucks in the small town of Crosby, which is less than 5 miles north by way of Farm to Market Road 2100. And there are plenty of independent options to choose from as well. For dining out, Critter Runners Crawfish Farm & Boil House on Farm to Market Road 1942 is the go-to spot for mud-bug lovers. Fergie’s Bar and Grill, also on Farm to Market Road 1942, is another local favorite for burgers and beer or meeting up with friends to play a game of pool or darts. “We are not famous for our restaurants. We don’t have anything elaborate,” Hite says. “For fancy, five-star restaurants, you’re going to want to go to downtown Houston.”
Outdoor recreation at local parks and the San Jacinto River
For outdoor fun, head to Riley Chambers Park on Magnolia Avenue in Crosby to take a leisurely walk along the paved trails, watch your kids frolic on the playground, or catch a Little League football game. Xtreme Off Road Park and Beach, which rests on the banks of the San Jacinto River, offers fishing, swimming, and miles of mud-bogging trails. “People love to get on their off-road vehicles and play in the mud. That’s really big around here,” Hite says. “You can drive by at night and the whole place is lit up.”
Highway 90 to downtown Houston
Downtown Houston is a straight shot after hopping on Highway 90. “It’s a great location,” Hite says. "You can be on the freeway in one minute and be in downtown Houston in 20 minutes. For people who work in downtown Houston, it’s not a bad drive at all."
