$360,601Average Value$188Average Price per Sq Ft20Homes For Sale
Gulfton at a glance: A centrally located Houston neighborhood
About 10 miles west of Downtown Houston, Gulfton is one of the city's most densely populated neighborhoods, with apartments housing about 95% of its roughly 45,000 residents. Many complexes were built during Houston's 1970s oil boom to accommodate workers seeking a relatively affordable, centrally located place to call home. Those reasons still bring homebuyers to Gulfton today, as does the neighborhood’s authentic international food scene and easy access to public transportation.
Renting apartments and buying homes in Gulfton
Apartment complexes make up most of Gulfton’s housing, mostly built in the 1960s and ‘70s. Single-family, ranch-style homes from the 1950s are concentrated in the Shenandoah subdivision near the community’s center. They typically range in price from the low $200,000s to the mid-$400,000s. Condos can cost from the high $60,000s to the low $200,000s, depending on size, age and condition, while Gulfton’s few townhouses typically range from the low $400,000s to the high $500,000s.
Gulfton is known as a budget-friendly alternative to Uptown-Galleria District, Bellaire or Greenway-Upper Kirby, neighborhoods where median sale prices range from mid-$900,000 to $1.2 million. Homes in Gulfton cost less, and the neighborhood offers proximity to the attractions and amenities nearby.
International dining and everyday shopping in Gulfton
Shops, restaurants and services are spread throughout Gulfton. The neighborhood is known for its authentic international food scene, with an especially large concentration of Mexican and Central American options. “People usually call it the Ellis Island of Houston,” says Sandra Rodriguez, President of the Gulfton Neighborhood Council, referencing the diverse cultural influences seen throughout the community. Here’s where to go for what you need:
Bellaire Avenue, the community’s primary commercial artery, offers a dense stretch of restaurants, bakeries, flea markets, discount retailers and small grocers.
Bissonnet Street, a busy corridor that connects Gulfton to nearby neighborhoods, is lined with shopping centers, international eateries, supermarkets and services, with more options as you get closer to Uptown.
Chimney Rock Road, a north-south route in the neighborhood’s center, features taquerias, bakeries, barber shops, informal restaurants and local markets.
Residents typically handle everyday shopping close to home, then drive a few minutes to Uptown, the Galleria or Greenway Plaza for big-box retail, malls and white-tablecloth dining options.
Burnett Bayland Park anchors local recreation
Burnett Bayland Park sits along Chimney Rock Road, and locals often play soccer on its athletic fields. The park also has a playground, community garden, splash pad, basketball courts and the Gulfton Skatepark, which draws visitors from across southwest Houston. The Burnett Bayland Community Center, located in the park, hosts youth programs, fitness activities and events throughout the year. Plus, in a neighborhood long affected by extreme heat and a limited tree canopy, Burnett Bayland Park has helped cool things down.
Gulfton also shares a community center, called BakerRipley, with nearby Sharpstown. Just west, it offers services like English as a second language classes and summer camps for kids.
Gulfton is an urban heat island, but things are improving
Gulfton is one of Houston’s hottest neighborhoods. During summer months, temperatures can be 10 to 17 degrees higher than in greener areas, placing it at the high end of the city’s urban heat island range. “If you sit at a bus stop, it’s like an Easy-Bake oven,” Rodriguez jokes. This is largely due to the neighborhood’s very limited tree cover, dense development and large amount of pavement and concrete. But things are changing for the better, and here’s how:
Burnett Bayland Park is the centerpiece of Gulfton’s cooling strategy, with long-term revitalization projects that will lower surface temperatures by planting more trees and expanding green space and shaded areas.
Harris County and partner organizations have launched tree-planting efforts across southwest Houston, including in Gulfton, focusing on pedestrian rights-of-way, bus stops and other service areas.
Greener Gulfton, an initiative spearheaded by community leaders and The Nature Conservatory, targets sidewalks, school and commuter routes and other key transit corridors, adding more greenery and shaded public areas.
Students attend schools in the Houston ISD
The highly rated Houston Independent School District serves Gulfton. Through a centralized application, its open enrollment program allows students to apply to citywide magnet and specialty programs in STEM, fine arts, IB and career and technical education. Some programs have specific academic criteria or require auditions, while placements in others are determined by available seats and lotteries. Out-of-district transfers depend on space and district policy. A densely populated neighborhood, Gulfton has more than 10 public schools within a 5-mile radius.
Gulfton offers easy access to public transit and major roads
Gulfton is walkable and centrally located in Houston. “The community has intentionally made it that way — we want to make sure people have safe pathways to get where they need to go,” Rodriguez says. There’s frequent, reliable bus service in the neighborhood, and Loop 610, Interstate 69 and Westpark Tollway are nearby. METRORail stations are accessible by bus or car, and the closest is Wheeler Station in Midtown, with Red Line service. For air travel, George Bush Intercontinental Airport is about 30 miles north.
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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We have a popular vegetarian restaurant and Japanese cuisine restaurant close by. They also happen to be my favorites, I am a vegetarian so they both easily have dishes that I can and enjoy eating. They are often packed on weekends and people from different areas come to eat.
3.0Niche User
6/17/2015Niche Review
I am used to living in the country, so living in a huge city is something I am not used to. The traffic and amount of people is my biggest issue. But over all, it is not a bad place to live.
3.0Niche User
8/19/2016Niche Review
Police can be quite unfair.
3.0Niche User
7/31/2014Niche Review
Plenty of fast food places and even a couple of mom&pop places to eat at that are very good.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Gulfton
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
9
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
7
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Gulfton Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Gulfton, Houston sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Gulfton, Houston over the last 12 months is $387,000, up 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully renovated two-story condominium featuring 2 spacious bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms in an excellent location. This move-in ready home offers a fresh modern feel with new flooring, updated countertops, and fresh interior paint throughout. The functional two-story layout provides comfortable living and privacy, while the stylish upgrades make this property perfect for both homeowners and
Elisa SaaMartha Turner Sotheby's International Realty
Super cute, 1/1 condo on second story, located near the pool, washer & dryer connections in unit. Gated and assigned covered parking. Occupied, please schedule showing 24hr notice required, do not disturb tenant. All measurements are approximate, please measure for accuracy. AC unit replaced in 2024 both inside and outside units.
Investor-friendly 2-bedroom condo currently tenant-occupied with a lease in place for the next few months, providing immediate rental income. The unit features two bedrooms and a functional layout with both front and rear entrances for convenient access. Recent upgrades include a new air conditioning system for improved comfort and efficiency. This property offers a great opportunity for
Desirable and hard to find gated four bedroom with first floor living townhome zoned to Bellaire High School. Mediterranean style on corner lot in gated community within walking distance to Bellaire restaurants, HEB and shopping. Hardwoods, gas log fireplace, dining & den on first floor. Double ovens, stainless appliances, granite countertops & gas cooking in kitchen. Dining room. Huge primary
The monthly maintenance fee includes ALL the UTILITIES! Come see this 2 bedroom 2 bathroom condo on the second floor in a gated community. Some updates include recent paint, laminate wood, and tile through out. There is no carpet for easy maintenance. Stainless steel appliances and the stainless steel refrigerator stay. Take a swim in the community pool or just sit around and relax. Close to
Maria ArriazaBetter Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene - Memorial
One of the most desirable places in houston to live now or build later . This updated Bellaire-area home offers 2 bedrooms & 1 1/2 bathrooms with a sunroom/office. Situated on an 8500 square foot lot, this home is zoned to Condit elementary, Pershing middle, and the newly-built Bellaire High school! It has fresh paint throughout and beautiful Hardwood floors and New Windows. The large backyard
Beautiful 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home with home office, game room, and formal dining area in a desirable Bellaire-area location. The first floor features a spacious living room with gas-log fireplace, formal dining area, and a bright kitchen with granite countertops, pantry, and breakfast area. Upstairs, the oversized primary suite offers double sinks, jetted tub, separate shower, and walk-in
1 bedroom condo with a living room & breakfast area in a well-maintained mature condominium complex of Palm Gardens Condo. SECOND FLOOR unit. Two closets. No carpet! Wood-like laminate flooring throughout. NEW HVAC 2026. Balcony. Gated front patio. There are two laundry facilities on the property and a swimming pool. Nice courtyards for a leisurely stroll. Property has video security cameras,
Clear lot ready to build. Great location close to everything in Bellaire. Shopping, Gallery, Medical center. Easy Highway access, yet nestled in a home community.No appointment necessary, cleared lot.
ZONED TO BELLAIRE SCHOOLS! What a gem! This large, 8112 sf lot has wonderful possibilities! It is surrounded by new construction and framed by a stunning canopy of oaks around this beautiful lot. Perfect for your dream house...short stroll to parks, ballfields and everything the neighborhood has to offer. Never flooded.(5539 Jessamine is available next door for a double lot possibility). Buyer to
Stylish 2-Bedroom Condo with Bonus Room & Pool Views!Welcome to your new home in this beautifully updated second-floor condominium, perfectly situated across from a sparkling in-ground pool. This spacious unit features 2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, plus a generously sized walk-in closet that can easily be transformed into a cozy third bedroom, home office, or nursery.Recent upgrades
ZONED TO BELLAIRE SCHOOLS! This charming bungalow sits pretty on a lovely, treed lot. Enjoy the deck and backyard. Step inside and you will be greeted with wood floors and a neutral white palette. Many recent updates including roof, bath, and plumbing. Short stroll to Bellaire schools...including highly rated Condit Elementary & Bellaire HS, restaurants, parks, and everything the area has to
Welcome Home to The Alora Apartments! Our community offers inviting one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments featuring spacious layouts, fully equipped kitchens, generous storage space and a private patio or balcony, creating the ideal space for both relaxing and entertaining. Our welcoming clubhouse features a fitness center, business center and an internet café with fully stocked cappuccino bar.
Located in a well-established community in one of Houston’s most desirable areas, 5401 Chimney Rock has the apartments you’ve been dreaming of. Located by the Galleria and Greenway Plaza and only a short ten minutes away from downtown, you will have no problem finding great shopping, dining and entertainment. We offer one and two-bedroom floorplans that are all beautifully appointed. Each kitchen
Choose usWe don't just rent apartments. From the moment you walk through the front door, you'll feel the comfort and security that makes our residents happy to call us home. Cutting-edge amenities, meticulously groomed grounds, and a dedicated staff contribute to a higher standard of living. Convenient shopping, award-winning schools, local museums, and parks are all close at hand, with sponsored
Discover an apartment community that offers you comfort and convenience while keeping you just minutes away from the pulse of the great city of Houston. Just 15 minutes west of downtown, Pavilion Place is idyllically located right off I-69 in the charming and peaceful West Houston neighborhood of Gulfton, amazingly close to countless attractions and amenities. Our inviting 1 and 2-bedroom Gulfton
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If you are searching for Houston apartments set in an urban environment that feels like a cozy home, there's no need to look any further. The Santa Monica Apartments have what you are looking for. We offer floor plan designs to suit your needs, contemporary amenities, and a location with nearby shopping, notable schools, popular restaurants, and beautiful parks.
Houston has got it all, from rodeo and chili to theater, fine dining and a major league baseball club, the Astros. Enjoy easy access to these things and more when you make the move to The Atrium at 5606, an apartment community inside the loop and close to the city’s heart. You’ll find our apartments on Bissonnet Street, near Cornerstone Specialty Hospitals Bellaire and Bellair-Zindler Park and a
Escape the hustle and bustle while still being in the middle of it all. Located just moments from I-59 and zoned to some of Houston's most exemplary schools including Condit Elementary and Pershing Middle School. Our Bellaire apartments offer a gated retreat in easy reach to Houston’s most sought-after shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations. Colony Oaks is nestled in prime location near
Searching for affordable apartment living near the heart of Houston, Texas? Well, look no further than South Rice Apartments! We are a brand new apartment community that will provide convenient access to major roadways to get around town. With our prime location, residents will be just minutes away from incredible local restaurants, shopping venues, cinemas, and parks.
Come home to Remington Park Apartments, where you'll find the apartment home that's perfect for you. Take advantage of our state-of-the-art, fully equipped fitness center and much, much more! Every apartment comes with Full Size Washer/Dryer included. We offer a shimmering resort style pool with a separate lap pool, an indoor basketball court, a business center and an attendant controlled
Welcome to The Fountains at Chimney RockWelcome, Home to the Fountains at Chimney Rock! Our community offers inviting one-, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments featuring spacious layouts, fully equipped kitchens, generous storage space, and a private patio or balcony, creating the ideal space for both relaxing and entertaining. No matter your choice, you'll find spacious living areas, fully
Welcome Home to The Ellis Apartments! Kick back, relax and enjoy the good life at The Ellis Apartments. Our 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments & Townhomes in Houston, Texas, come in a variety of floor plans so you can choose your ideal living space. Our convenient location in Houston places you moments away from popular dining, shopping, and outdoor recreation. The home you’ve been searching for is
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