Greenspoint

If Charles Dickens were alive today and writing about Greenspoint, he might riff on an existing title and call his new work “A Tale of Two Neighborhoods.” Statistics show that this is, unfortunately, a high-crime area. Much of the neighborhood’s eastern two-thirds is composed of businesses and apartment complexes, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport is less than 5 miles away; airplane noise is a consideration for anyone looking in the neighborhood. However, areas on the neighborhood’s northern and western edges have an abundance of newly constructed, single-family homes, so there are some signs that the best of times may yet lie in Greenspoint's future. “It’s an up-and-coming area that offers affordability and convenience,” says Elisa Gonzalez, a Realtor with Keller Williams who has represented multiple properties in the neighborhood. “It’s close to a few major highways, and it’s close to the airport. But the main thing is the price points are so much lower than most of Houston.”

The neighborhood's median price of real estate is $198,000, and buyers should expect to pay about $100 per square foot, making it among the most affordable neighborhoods in the Houston area. For comparison’s sake, the median price for Houston as a whole is $340,000 with an average of $170 per square foot, a fact that brings the affordability of Greesnspoint into sharp focus. A typical three-bedroom/one-bathroom ranch-style home in Greenspoint can sell for $165,000, and a roomy four-bedroom/two-bathroom ranch-style lists for $267,000. “The price points are especially good for first-time homebuyers,” says Gonzaelz. “But there also homes for people who want more space to grow their families. So really there’s something for everybody.”

Students in the neighborhood can attend Calvert Elementary, Lewis Middle School and Aldine High School. Both Calvert and Lewis earn a C-minus rating on Niche, and Aldine High School earns a C. Students at Aldine High School can participate in school-sponsored clubs ranging from Academic Decathlon to Computer Maintenance to Future Farmers of America, and they also have the opportunity to be involved with 17 varsity-level sports teams. Parents also have the option to send their children to Houston-area private schools, including The Kinkaid School, which is rated the best private school in the state by Niche.

You won’t find any sidewalks in Greenspoint, so personal transportation is essential for residents here. That said, there are several Houston METRO bus stops along Gears Road, which bisects the middle of the neighborhood. For those who are interested in getting out for a walk, the Greens Bayou Greenway Trail winds its way along the northern border of Greenspoint for 12 miles, broken up into five distinct segments. At the trail’s eastern end, you’ll find City View Park, with a playground, a covered picnic shelter and a walking path. Skaters can grind at North Houston Skate Park, which features multiple bowls, ramps and rails suitable for all skill levels. Those who prefer two-wheeled action can head to Rock Star Energy Bike Park, the largest BMX park in the United States. Riders can choose between a dirt race track or cement trick park all in a single location.

For groceries, neighborhood residents head to Food Town, which is less than a mile east of Greenspoint on Veterans Memorial Drive. Walmart Super Center is approximately 10 minutes south on Interstate 45 for other home necessities. For other retail shopping, residents don’t have to travel very far, as both Greenspoint Mall and Greens Crossroads Shopping Center are centrally located in the neighborhood. Greenspoint Mall offers shops such as Hookup Fashions, Champs Sports and Palais Royal, in addition to Fantastic Shots portrait studio and Fitness Connection gym. At Greens Crossroads, you’ll find Burlington, Rainbow Shops and other various retail offerings. In terms of area restaurants, you’ll find a variety of fast food readily available, along with barbecue from Brown Sugar’s and Mexican cuisine from Los Mayas, both of which are located on Greens Road in the neighborhood.

Written By

Andrew Spencer

Video By

Kyle Keyes