As one of Houston’s first wards, Second Ward is a historical, culturally rich community in East End Houston. While this hidden gem was previously overlooked, the neighborhood’s proximity to downtown Houston, the University of Houston and its accessibly priced real estate have made it a highly sought-after area for businesses, developers and young homebuyers.
“It’s got an amazing and rich cultural history,” says Jonathan Williamson, a Realtor at Nan & Co Properties and Second Ward resident. “It’s close to downtown and the stadiums, U of H, it’s also got lots of great local businesses,” he says.
Second Ward is home to several major commercial and residential developments, the most notable being the East River project. This mixed-use urban development spans over 150 acres along the Buffalo Bayou and is the largest development in Houston. Featuring perks including art, dining, recreation, jobs and more, this development is a historic upgrade for residents and businesses alike. “It’s happening on industrial land that was otherwise undeveloped, so it doesn’t really interfere with daily life,” says Williamson. “It also brings jobs to the area.”
The Second Ward is filled with history and expansion.
Enjoy the night market at the Esplanade in the Second Ward.
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Established bungalows and modern row houses
Although there are ample new builds in this community, most homes are closer to 85 years old. Cozy bungalows and charming craftsmen are the most common styles. Modern, multi-story row houses have also started dominating the residential landscape of this neighborhood. Prices range from $165,000 for a two-bedroom bungalow in need of some TLC, to upwards of $1 million for a four-story luxury row house. Condos and townhouses range from about $250,000 for one bedroom, and more than $530,000 for a newly constructed four bedroom.
There are many older homes in the Second Ward that have lots of charm.
Newer homes in the Second Ward often come with third story patios.
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Shopping and dining along Navigation
Everyday essentials are picked up from the Walmart off Wayside Drive. Fiesta Mart #3 is a popular choice for stuffing grocery carts. Locally-owned restaurants, taco trucks and shops can be found throughout this neighborhood, especially around Navigation. Hispanic cuisine is the most common find, but there are a few restaurants that serve American, Italian and Asian cuisine. A few shops, like The Original Ninfa's, have been around for many years and have withstood the rapid developments this neighborhood has undergone. “Second Ward has historic restaurants on Navigation that have been around longer than I’ve been alive,” says Williamson. Taco trucks, like Taqueria Los Mexicanos, have especially become popular in recent years. They can be found dappled throughout the neighborhood in convenient locations, like grocery store lots. The neighborhood is also home to several coffee shops and convenience stores.
Ninfa's on Navigation in the Second Ward is the birth place of Tex-Mex cuisine.
Second Ward residents love to shop at Fiesta Market for all their grocery needs.
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Kindergarten through graduate school
Kids in Second Ward attend Burnet Elementary School, which has a C rating on Niche. From fourth through eighth grade, students attend Baylor College of Medicine Biotech Academy at Rusk, which has a B-minus Niche rating. High Schoolers attend East Early College High School, which has an A-minus rating on Niche. The public magnet school is known for its academics and was recently nominated for the National Blue Ribbon award. Second Ward is also just 2 miles north of the University of Houston, which holds an A-minus rating on Niche and is ranked as the 4th best public university in Texas.
Burnet Elementary in the Second Ward offers students a loving learning environment.
Second Ward students at East Early College High School embrace a rigorous curriculum.
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Light Rail Transit
A car is essential to get around Texas, but Second Ward is far more walkable than other areas in the Lone Star State. Second Ward is one of few Houston neighborhoods with high bike, walk and public transit scores. Paved sidewalks, a compact design and bike lanes make navigating the neighborhood simple. The neighborhood also features several METRORail green line stops. “Houston has such a car culture that people from here don’t think much about it, but people moving in appreciate having public transportation options,” says Williamson.
The Second Ward has great access to the rest of the city by using METRO Rail.
Borrow a bike with the city's public bike system in the Second Ward.
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Celebrations and culture
Second Ward is home to several cultural institutions including Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Talento Bilingue and Ripley House. This neighborhood is also home to Guadalupe Plaza Park, which is where the Houstonians meet monthly for the Critical Mass bike ride. Other events include Second Saturday in Second Ward, a weekend market at the Plant on Harrisburg.
The monthly Critical Mass Houston ride usually starts around 7:30pm.
Western sculptures can be seen along Navigation in the Second Ward.
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Parks and recreation
Along with Guadalupe Plaza Park, residents enjoy spending warm summer days at Antonio Marron Park. The tranquil greenspace offers peace and quiet away from the busy Houston streets. Featuring soccer and baseball fields, hiking paths and a playground, this conveniently placed park is a popular option. Also popular is the recreation complex Eastwood Park. This park features a swimming pool, community center, picnic tables, basketball court and more.
The Second Ward's Eastwood park is a fantastic place to hang for the afternoon.
Guadalupe Park Plaza in the Second Ward is a beautiful place to hang for the day.
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Crime
Second Ward experiences slightly higher crime than the US average, according to its CAP score. Motor vehicle theft and larceny are the most reported crimes in the neighborhood.
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
Are you familiar with the Second Ward neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Second Ward
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
8
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
7
4
Larceny
7
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Second Ward Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Second Ward, Houston sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Second Ward, Houston over the last 12 months is $361,000, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Rae Lynn White
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties
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Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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