The first incorporated African American city in Texas
Independence Heights is a neighborhood where history and future are intertwined. The neighborhood became the first African American municipality in Texas when it was incorporated in 1915. In its heyday, the city had more than 40 black-owned businesses, including grocery stores, eateries, and law offices. The blossoming town was annexed into Houston in 1929 but has started to see new life with the development of new modern townhouses. “It is a historic neighborhood that offers affordability and a great location,” says Sloane Laswell, a broker with Corcoran Prestige Realty. “Things are still under construction as more redevelopments continue to happen. But it is in a great location, and you can get anywhere in the city with nearby Interstate 610, and you’re not dealing with as high of a price point.”
In Independence Heights, historic charm meets modern flair, creating a dynamic community.
Historical marker
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Historic homes and new townhouse developments
Along tight city streets, historic bungalow homes adorn compact property lots and make up the original home inventory of the neighborhood. More recently, new construction modern townhouses with garages have become the norm in the neighborhood. Buyers can expect home prices to range from $174,000 to $350,000 for an older home, while townhouses can range from $350,000 to $500,000. “Homes are still being redeveloped in this area. We are seeing developments and investors come into the area and either tearing down old homes or remodeling them,” Laswell says.
Single family homes in Independence Heights.
Independence Heights has charming bungalows and cozy cottages.
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Children delight in the playgrounds and play areas of McCullough Park.
Historic McCullough Park
McCullough Park is the only public space remaining from the neighborhood's early years and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The park, originally named Independence Park, opened in 1910 and was a milestone because, at the time, African American neighborhoods had very few community spaces and parks. Today, the park remains a community gathering spot for church groups and schools and hosts the annual Juneteenth celebration. With multiple pocket parks in the area, Independence Heights Park is a popular destination with an adjoining community center. Residents head to the park where they can beat the summer heat at the pool, play on the playground or shoot hoops on the covered hard-surfaced courts. The community center provides indoor recreation with classrooms and rentable space.
Shopping close to home and dining in The Heights
The Whole Foods Market on 31st Street is more than a grocery store and is a point of pride in the neighborhood as the side of the building is encased with a mural created by local artist Danny Asberry El that shows the neighborhood's history. B&W Meat Company has been open since 1959 and has been a local butcher with meat, seafood, and other groceries, while Wabash Feed & Garden has a rooster on its roof and offers everything from gardening needs, home goods and pet supplies. Just a few blocks south is the Heights, where residents can try food of all varieties. “The Heights has so many restaurants you can find five in one block,” Laswell says. Some popular picks, though, are La Lucha, which serves seafood and chicken options, while Field & Tides is known for its southern fare and extensive cocktail menu.
Whole Foods is the one-stop shop in Independence Heights.
Dive into the culinary delights of Independence Heights, where creativity and flavor collide.
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Celebrating Juneteenth in a historic neighborhood
Juneteenth is a big celebration in the neighborhood, with an event held at McCullough Park and the mural on the Whole Foods being part of the city’s Markers, Murals, and Mains Juneteenth Tour. The neighborhood is just north of the Houston Farmers Market, a permanent 18-acre structure offering local produce, herbs, spices, meats and treats daily.
Independence Heights is rich in history, with many historical markers.
Independence Heights showcases its beautiful murals.
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The high school for engineering professions
Independence Heights is part of the Houston Independent School District, ranking as a B on Niche. With nearly 190,000 children, it is the largest school district in Texas and the eighth largest in the country. The district offers school choice, and families can apply to any school they feel meets their student's needs. One of the zoned school paths for students is Burrus Elementary, which grades a C-plus then the B-minus rated Hamilton Middle, before earning their diploma from Booker T. Washington High School. The high school earns a B-minus and is the high school for engineering professions, one of the first magnet programs in the district.
Booker T Washington Sr High is in the Independence Heights neighborhood.
Booker T Washington Sr High provides a safe and academic environment for students.
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Just north of the I-610 Loop
Independence Heights is in a prime location in the city. It is just north of Interstate 610, known as the loop, and encircles the traditional inner city of Houston, which spans 42 miles. Its western border is Interstate 45, from Dallas to Galveston across Texas. Residents can ride the MetroRail’s Red Line at nearby stations, Lindale Park or Melbourne / North Lindale, or take one of the Metro bus routes with stops scattered throughout the neighborhood.
Abundant amount of green spaces in Independence Heights.
610 shield sign
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Severe weather in Houston
Houston is susceptible to severe weather and over the last decade, has experienced hurricanes, tornados and flooding. The east part of the neighborhood is at a higher risk of flooding than the rest.
Planet fitness is a great place to get a work out in Independence Heights.
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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been living here for about two years has been so far a pleasant stay. the apartment that i have been staying at has been safe and quiet.
3.0Current Resident
8/30/2021Niche Review
We have had only positive experiences with out neighbors, and love our home. But we don't really walk around our neighborhood, for various reasons. We walk a couple blocks to the west where it is much prettier and safer.
5.0
3/14/2025Niche Review
My name is lamequa i had a wonderful experience with ms.Detra and Ms.Tenika they were so helpful and sweet i thank it is Beautiful people in the world.we need more people like them.im so thankful for them ...Thank u
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Independence Heights Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Independence Heights, Houston sell after 58 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Independence Heights, Houston over the last 12 months is $349,500, down 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Texas Development Group debuts the Cortlandt residence in Independence Heights—featuring two newly constructed single-family homes with private backyards. Ideally located minutes from Whole Foods 365, Houston Farmers Market, major freeways, the Heights, and Downtown, this community offers urban convenience in a growing neighborhood. Enjoy first-floor living with an open layout, soaring ceilings,
Texas Development Group debuts the Cortlandt residence in Independence Heights—featuring two newly constructed single-family homes with private backyards. Ideally located minutes from Whole Foods 365, Houston Farmers Market, major freeways, the Heights, and Downtown, this community offers urban convenience in a growing neighborhood. Enjoy first-floor living with an open layout, soaring ceilings,
Step into timeless elegance with this impeccably maintained, three-story residence that balances grandeur and comfort. Soaring ceilings and expansive windows bathe the interiors in natural light, while rich travertine and hardwood flooring flow seamlessly throughout the home. The open-concept chef’s kitchen is appointed with sleek stainless steel appliances and transitions effortlessly into an
Jennifer Martinez-MedinaCompass RE Texas, LLC - Houston
Welcome to your new home. This rare 4 bedroom/ 2 bathroom home was fully remodeled in 2021 with new cabinets, roof, windows, siding, HVAC, and water heater. Enjoy an open-concept layout, high ceilings, luxury vinyl plank flooring, and a modern kitchen with granite countertops. Includes a 1-car garage plus a carport for 3 more vehicles. All of this sits on a fully fenced lot. Located minutes from
Take advantage of this vacant lot in a rapidly developing area! With easy access to major freeways like 610, I-10, 290, and 45, you’re just minutes away from Downtown, the Heights, Galleria, and Garden Oaks. This location presents fantastic investment potential—ideal for a build and flip project or a buy-and-hold strategy. Don’t miss the opportunity to capitalize on this growing neighborhood!
This unit is in a private gated townhome community and easily accessible to Downtown, Galleria area and all the major freeways, I45, Beltway 8, etc. Lots of new developments in the area. You will love the carpet free home with all engineered plank flooring, quartz countertops in kitchen, granite countertops in all bathrooms, clean lines and contemporary modern look and finishes. You'll also enjoy
**Special for this month $1,000 off 1st month's rent!!** This a private gated townhome community and easily accessible to Downtown, Galleria area and all the major freeways, I610, I45, Beltway 8, etc. Lots of new developments in the area. You will love the carpet free home with all engineered plank flooring, quartz countertops in kitchen, granite countertops in all bathrooms, clean lines and
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