Situated 18 miles outside of downtown Houston, Alief is one of the truest examples of a “melting pot” in the United States—meaning that residents don’t have to venture far to experience a variety of different cultures. Referred to by locals as the “International District,” Alief got its start as a small prairie known as Dairy and was named after its first postmistress, Alief Magee. Over a century later and the area is now home to over 115,000 people representing a variety of different cultures—but a welcoming, friendly, and community-focused vibe is a common thread among its many subdivisions. “The first thing I think of when it comes to Alief is just how friendly and welcoming of a community it is,” says Nancy Ware, Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty and longtime resident of the Houston area. “It’s a down-to-earth spot that happens to have some of the most vibrant culture in all of Houston.”
Residents of Alief take pride in their cultural heritage and traditions.
Arthur Storey Park's accessibility ensures that all visitors can enjoy its amenities.
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Hong Kong City Mall, H Mart, and more
Located in the southwest corner of Houston, Alief is situated between the shopping and dining hubs of Chinatown and Sugar Land—while offering plenty of options on its own. Alief’s cultural diversity shines in the area’s dining options, with options ranging from authentic Persian cuisine as Kasra Persian Grill to fresh sushi at Hokkaido. Locals can find these favorites and even more at the Hong Kong City Mall, a large shopping center that features retail and grocery shopping options in addition to food. Further options for stocking up on groceries come in the form of Food Town, H Mart, and H-E-B—all within or close to the neighborhood.
Alief is home to a variety of businesses, ranging from local shops to commercial centers.
Hong Kong City Mall in Alief.
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The Alief International Festival celebrates its locals
Alief’s cultural diversity is celebrated in its variety of events and festivals. With over 90 languages spoken in the neighborhood, the area is known for its welcoming nature that educates and brings together people of all different backgrounds. The Alief International Festival is one of the main examples of this, with the event featuring food, performances, art, and history from the many different cultures that the area features.
The Alief neighborhood is a diverse and vibrant community in southwest Houston.
Gazebo at the Hong Kong City Mall in the Alief neighborhood.
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Classic style and suburban charm
Alief’s charm extends to its houses, which typically come in the form of single-family, one-story homes—often ranch styles, but there are a number of split levels and even custom builds too. Alief’s farther-out nature allows for spacious lots and large yards, with many homes featuring driveways and garages as well. A number of modern contemporary townhomes can be found in Alief too. Prices range from $150,000 to $450,000, though some larger estates can go for as high as $675,000.
Neighborhood Homes
Large homes in the Alief community.
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The Alief Neighborhood Center is the area's newest addition
Recently completed, the Alief Neighborhood Center is a massive center featuring a public library, open green spaces and park grounds, a senior center, outdoor seating and more. The Alief Community Garden—also known as the Alief Spark Park & Nature Center—features a number of plots for locals to grow produce. Arthur Storey Park is one of the best spots for a stroll in Alief, with the park offering trails and a beautiful pond to appreciate.
The Alief Neighborhood Center provides a safe and welcoming space for residents.
Alief's diverse population contributes to a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere.
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Interstate 69 access
Alief is roughly 18 miles from Houston’s downtown, and only 7 miles north of Sugar Land. Bordered by Interstate 69 and a number of highways and freeways, residents have plenty of options for getting around. Though Houston’s traffic is notoriously congested at certain times during the day, residents can take advantage of the nearby toll roads to shave some time off their commute. Houston’s METRO bus line also services Alief.
Alief is a welcoming and dynamic neighborhood that celebrates diversity and community.
METRO's transit centers in Alief serve as important transportation hubs.
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Elsik High students aim high
Students in Alief begin at the C-plus rated Boone Elementary continue on to fellow C-plus rated Alief Middle School. Students finish up at B-rated Elsik High. Elsik High’s student body demonstrates its diversity with over 80 languages spoken by students, and its college graduation rates are among the best in the area. The football team is a local powerhouse as well, with several professional football players rising through its ranks.
Elsik High School, located in Alief, Houston, is a cornerstone of the community.
Elsik High School plays a vital role in shaping the future leaders of tomorrow.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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They have a few clubs near by and restaurants that are open until 3 am in the actual Chinatown part of Bellaire.
3.0Niche User
8/10/2016Niche Review
Police have been seen to respond quickly. There have been cases of robbery and assault, but not as frequent as one would expect. At night, however, there's not enough lighting that would help with visibility.
3.0Niche User
9/1/2015Niche Review
This area had negative connotations due to the surrounding areas and the school district. The crime associated with the neighborhood and those around it made the area seem bad.
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Alief Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Alief, Houston sell after 47 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Alief, Houston over the last 12 months is $226,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom,2-bath home with a 2-car garage offers comfort, style,and peace of mind with numerous 2024 upgrades. Enjoy a brand-new roof,2024,fresh interior and exterior paint,new baseboards,and modern light fixtures throughout.The spacious dining and family room combo features durable laminate flooring, perfect for everyday living.The updated kitchen boasts new stainless
Welcome to Houston’s International District! This charming corner home is perfectly situated for a fun, busy lifestyle. With easy access to Highway 6 and the Westpark Tollway, the entire Houston area is just a short drive away-making school drop-offs, errands, and weekend adventures a breeze. Step inside and feel right at home! The house has fresh paint, a refreshed kitchen counter, and new
Step into this updated 2 bed/2 bath condo with gated entry. Enjoy fresh paint, new countertops, vanities, light fixtures, SS appliances, and more. New HVAC April 2025. Entertain in the open living area or relax by one of two pools. Easy access to highways, shopping, dining, and entertainment. Includes fridge, washer, and dryer. Schedule your viewing today!
INVESTOR ONLY! Turnkey and recently leased. Beautifully REMODELLED two-story townhome that blends modern style with everyday convenience. Featuring 2 spacious primary bedrooms, with a private ensuite baths. This home offers the perfect balance of comfort and privacy. Sleek, upgraded kitchen is designed for effortless cooking, complete with brand-new Quartz countertops, a gleaming stainless steel
3 bedroom home with formals and a fireplace. Primary bath has double sinks and a separate shower, Utility room is inside the home with a 2 car attached garage.
Tucked into a quiet corner of 7618 Del Glen Lane, this newly renovated and furnished home brings together ease, space, and a splash of fun. Inside, smooth laminate floors run through every room, tying the layout together with warmth and flow. The kitchen stretches wide—plenty of room to cook, move, and gather—while natural light filters through generously sized windows. . With a washer, dryer,
Welcome to this charming home with a bright open floor plan connecting living and dining areas. The beautifully updated kitchen boasts modern appliances including a microwave, oven, refrigerator, and washer/dryer. With two spacious bedrooms, including a primary with a private bath, and two stylishly renovated bathrooms, this move-in-ready property is ideal for first-time buyers, downsizers, or
This 5-bedroom, 2.5-bath home delivers a polished mix of comfort and style in a location that keeps you close to major highways, shopping centers. Waterproof flooring adds durability and warmth to the bedrooms and game room, while tile bring a clean, modern edge to the living areas and kitchen. Granite countertops run throughout the kitchen and bathrooms, creating a unified, upscale look. The
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