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OST-South Union

OST-South Union

Suburban Neighborhood in Houston, Texas

Harris County 77021
$219,008 Average Value
$166 Average Price per Sq Ft
191 Homes For Sale
The OST-South Union neighborhood is a short drive from downtown Houston.
The OST-South Union neighborhood is a short drive from downtown Houston.

A southside Houston neighborhood steeped in history, arts and culture

Just 3 miles from downtown Houston, OST-South Union is intentional about its community. This shows up at neighborhood block parties, within its thriving Black-owned businesses and the everyday actions of neighbors helping neighbors. Surrounded by the vibrant Third Ward, OST-South Union is steeped in Black history, arts and culture. As its centrality and relative affordability naturally draw interest, it's also becoming a multicultural melting pot. "I think most people in Houston, when they think of places that are having a lot of new development, this area is one of the first places they think of,” says HAR Realtor and local expert Michaela Green. The community faced economic struggles after its once-thriving business core, the Palm Center mall, became a ghost town in the 1980s. But today OST-South Union is rising through a community that’s only growing stronger. Despite Houston's loose to no zoning laws, grassroots efforts ensure OST-South Union maintains cohesion, with much of the new construction matching its '50s era minimal traditional home styles.

Black-owned businesses along Martin Luther King Boulevard

A range of popular Black-owned businesses settles along Cullen Boulevard, Martin Luther King Boulevard and Old Spanish Trail. Best Soul Food In Town is the spot for Southern classics like pork chops with a side of mac and cheese. A mile from there, The Stuffed Baked Potato Factory serves spuds loaded with toppings. In the evenings, The Liv'n Room and The Local Seat are go-to's for affordable drinks and creative ways to let loose. "On Monday nights The Local Seat has open mics with people rapping and singing and reading spoken word poems," Green says. "You really get to see the culture." The Liv'n Room hosts The Tiny Room experience every Wednesday with live soul music and a happy hour. One of the most popular venues, however, is Shrine of The Black Madonna. The shrine houses Houston's only Buy Black Marketplace on the first Saturday of every month supporting Black-owned businesses. For everyday shopping Aldi's, Walgreens and Dollar Tree are at the intersection of Old Spanish Trail and Scott Street.

Engage with local arts and culture at The Shrine of Black Madonna Cultural Center.
Engage with local arts and culture at The Shrine of Black Madonna Cultural Center.
The Stuffed Baked Potato Factory has many tasty options for OST-South Union residents.
The Stuffed Baked Potato Factory has many tasty options for OST-South Union residents.
Locals in OST-South Union visit Staring Line Up Black Barbershop for haircuts.
Locals in OST-South Union visit Staring Line Up Black Barbershop for haircuts.
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Accessible housing options through Agape Development

OST-South Union's streets have character. The tall trees and the cracks in the roads speak to the area’s history as shiny new developments move in. Established traditional-style homes might range from the mid-$100,000s to the high $200,000s depending on the extent of their renovation. Completely remodeled homes and new construction generally range from the low $300,000s to $400,000s. Some of the most affordable housing in the area is spearheaded by nonprofits like Agape Development. "Community convenings were held to see what the residents wanted, and they didn't want anything starkly different from what already existed in the neighborhood," says Peter Freedman, Agape's director of housing. "Every home has a front porch so you can sit and talk to your neighbors and a back patio so you can still have privacy while relaxing outdoors." Agape homes are secured on an application basis with pricing that's adjusted for income. OST-South Union's proximity below the Brays Bayou, and within Houston, makes it at risk for flooding.

Many homes in OST-South Union come with front yards.
Many homes in OST-South Union come with front yards.
Craftsman style homes are sprinkled throughout the OST-South Union neighborhood.
Craftsman style homes are sprinkled throughout the OST-South Union neighborhood.
New contemporary builds are popping up all over OST-South Union.
New contemporary builds are popping up all over OST-South Union.
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Parks that celebrate Houston's civil rights activists

A few of OST-South Union's parks are named for prominent activists, including George T. Nelson Park off LaSallette Street. Originally called "Yellowstone," a yearlong effort spearheaded by neighbors who knew and loved him led to a name change honoring the prominent Houston civil rights leader. Today, the park has a community pool for cool swims on hot Texas days, a playground with swings and a green for dogs to run. Park at Palm Center, the re-imagined abandoned mall on Griggs Road, now has a splash park for the kids, trails and a community garden with vegetables and fruit locals can pick fresh off the trees. OST-South Union's has been a GO Neighborhood since 2013. GO Neighborhoods participate in multiyear efforts to create stronger communities in Houston. Beautification projects that promote connection, like the community garden, are just one way to create healing in areas where crime is higher than average. Currently, OST-South Union's CAP Score Crime Index is 6 out of 10, which is above the national average of 4

The public pool in OST-South Union is the place to be on hot summer days.
The public pool in OST-South Union is the place to be on hot summer days.
George T. Nelson Park is a great place to to take the kids in the OST-neighborhood.
George T. Nelson Park is a great place to to take the kids in the OST-neighborhood.
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Metro rail provides transportation for OST/South Union residents.
Metro rail provides transportation for OST/South Union residents.

Inside the 610 Loop

Being within the 610 Loop makes commutes throughout Houston quicker though essentials are all close at hand. Neighbors who don't have a car can take advantage of the Houston METRO, which stops throughout the area, or take the light rail. Corner churches, stores and restaurants also create a semi-walkable lifestyle here.

Yates High School's magnet program

Students in this neighborhood are served by the Houston Independent School District (HISD). They may attend Hartsfield Elementary School, Cullen Middle School and Yates High School, home to HISD's magnet program for communications and media. The elementary school earns a C-plus from Niche, the middle school maintains a C minus and the high school scores a C rating. On Griggs Road, the Alice McKean Young Neighborhood Library provides a quiet place to study. Several higher education options, including the historically Black college Texas Southern University, just over 2 miles south, are a short drive away.

This is the entrance to Hartsfield Elementary.
This is the entrance to Hartsfield Elementary.
Cullen Middle School is championing the spirit of exploration.
Cullen Middle School is championing the spirit of exploration.
Yates High School is where curiosity meets the classroom.
Yates High School is where curiosity meets the classroom.
The Houston Public Library has many learning options for all OST-South Union residents.
The Houston Public Library has many learning options for all OST-South Union residents.
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Kathryn Ashworth
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Aylin Reyna
Photography Contributed By
Aylin Reyna
Matt Ferguson
Video By
Matt Ferguson

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Zugeili Stallworth, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

William P Hobby

20 min drive

Bus

Mykawa Rd & S Loop E

Bus

Scott St & Lehall St

Bus

Peerless St & Ward St

Bus

Tierwester St & Luca St

Bus

Springhill & Goodhope St

Bus

Yellowstone Blvd & Scott St

Bus

Scott St & Daphne

OST-South Union Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$289,000
Median Sale Price
$246,662
Median Single Family Sale Price
$279,600
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$287,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$206,750
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Last 12 months Home Sales
256
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-1%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$166

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
5,978
Number of Homes for Sale
191
Median Year Built
1950
Months of Supply
9.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,364
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,810
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,195
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
440
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,534

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Sep 6
    11am - 1pm

    3630 Alsace St, Houston, TX 77021

    $299,999

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,524 Sq Ft
    • 3630 Alsace St

    Welcome to 3630 Alsace Street, a stunning fully renovated gem nestled in the heart of Houston! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home has been meticulously updated from top to bottom—offering peace of mind and modern comfort. Enjoy brand-new everything including a new roof, HVAC system, foundation work, updated electrical wiring, and all-new plumbing. Inside, you’ll find a thoughtfully designed open-concept

    Agent Photo
    Elfego Mendoza
    Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan
    (346) 699-5347
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  • Saturday, Sep 6
    1 - 3pm

    3618 Zephyr St, Houston, TX 77021

    $305,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,790 Sq Ft
    • 3618 Zephyr St

    Fully renovated and move-in ready, this beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bath home at 3618 Zephyr Street offers modern comfort in a prime Houston location. Step into an open-concept layout with a spacious kitchen featuring quartz countertops, an oversized island, and stylish finishes throughout. The primary suite includes a large walk-in closet and a sleek, updated bathroom. Enjoy peace of mind with new

    Agent Photo
    Elfego Mendoza
    Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan
    (281) 783-3953
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  • Sunday, Sep 7
    3 - 5pm

    3733 Lydia St, Houston, TX 77021

    $369,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 2,018 Sq Ft
    • 3733 Lydia St
    • New 28 days ago

    Brick and Stone proudly introduce a another gem in South Union, a rapidly growing neighborhood minutes from the Medical Center, Museum District, and Downtown, offering affordable city living. These newly designed homes now feature an Austin feel with warm earth tones, each over 2,000 sqft with a private backyard. These modern farmhouse-style homes are a rare find sitting on oversized lots w/

    Agent Photo
    Christopher Phan
    Truss Real Estate, LLC
    (281) 694-6756
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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Zugeili Stallworth, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
23,202
Median Age
35
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
27.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$30,539
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$47,679

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
81.8%
College Graduates
17.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.2%
% Population in Labor Force
54.6%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
43°F
Average Summer High Temperature
95°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

51 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

54 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

49 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
OST-South Union
Zugeili Stallworth
JEA Properties
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