Houston's Third Ward is as historically significant as it is rich in art and culture. As the home of singer and songwriter Beyoncé, the site of Houston's first sit-in protest against segregation in the 1960's and a generations-old annual Juneteenth celebration, Third Ward is integral to the Texas story. The neighborhood has increasingly attracted artists over the years, leading to the development of the Third Ward Cultural Arts District in 2020. It's also the home of one of the oldest parks in the state. Being less than 3 miles from the downtown area and just over 5 miles from the Medical Center Area, Third Ward's convenience to the rest of Houston and the fact that it's home to two universities is currently driving unprecedented interest. Properties are being torn down or completely renovated, and some have been abandoned, waiting for the next nonprofit or developer to discover them.
Texas Southern Universty has a rich and cultured history in the Third Ward neighborhood.
A view from inside a Project Row House located in Third Ward.
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Building community at Blodgett Urban Gardens
Though Third Ward's arts district came alive in 2020, its borders encompass an area that's already served the community for nearly 100 years. One of its historic anchors is The Trinity United Methodist Church, initially built in 1848 for a congregation of formerly enslaved people. Today, besides Sunday services, the church brings affordable daycare options to the community. Another feature of the district is Project Rowhouse. Established in 1993, it represents a nonprofit and a transformed block of abandoned shotgun houses on Holman Street that have been converted into artist studios and community exhibit spaces. The nonprofit works to create affordable housing options in Third Ward and prides itself on being a model for neighborhood redevelopment. The district's Blodgett Urban Gardens, developed in partnership with Texas Southern University, is another prominent community gathering space.
The Blodgett Urban Garden is located in Third Ward.
Third Ward's Blodgett Gardens volunteers meet every Saturday morning at 8:30.
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Louisiana-style fried chicken at Frenchy's
"People know this area of Houston for its nightlife, but they also have good food. Little hole-in-the-wall spots. The restaurants that are really known over here showcase the local experience for sure," says local expert Michaela Green, a HAR Realtor. One of Houston's oldest soul food restaurants, This Is It Soul Food on Blodgett Street, serves southern classics like smothered pork chops. On Scott Street, Frenchy's serves Louisiana-style fried chicken and many Creole side dishes. The Doshi House on Emancipation Avenue sells coffee, homemade sparkling tonics and vegan options, including jackfruit tacos. Popular bars in Third Ward line the same street, including The Spot and Club 3710. Locals land at the Shrine of the Black Madonna just two miles south of Third Ward. This popular cultural venue hosts Houston's only Buy Black Marketplace on the first Saturday of every month, hosting vendors from the Black Community. Retail is primarily hyperlocal, with places only known to Third Ward, including Kindred Shop, a bookstore on Emancipation Avenue. For a large grocery store, locals could travel around 4 miles to South Macgregor Way where there's an H-E-B.
Frenchy's Chicken in the Third Ward has been a game day tradition since 1969.
H-E-B food store is the nearest big box grocery store just a short drive away from Third Ward.
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Murals showcase Third Ward's culture
Third Ward is noted for its proliferation of shotgun and vintage brick houses, many of which have been preserved. "A lot of those houses went down from generation to generation," says area expert Shonnan Brown, a Realtor with Engel & Volkers. New townhouses now mix with these older homes, many of which were built during the 1930s. Space is maximized along Third Ward's residential streets through short setbacks. The occasional palm tree springs from lawns and sidewalks connect neighbors as short pathways lead them to cozy front porches. Around any street corner could be a vibrant mural showcasing the culture here, a church, corner shop or restaurant. Land and investment properties begin in the $100,000s and climb just below $200,000. Fully renovated homes start in the $300,000s. Newer builds veer toward the $400,000 range. Depending on the build year, location or quality of renovation, properties may climb to the $500,000 range, and even a select few fetch $750,000 to $800,000.
Third Ward is a neighborhood rich in history and culture.
Single-family bungalows often have lots of character in Third Ward.
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Home to one of Texas' oldest parks
Third Ward has several community parks, but the most famous is Emancipation Park on Emancipation Avenue. Its numerous amenities include an indoor gym with basketball courts and state-of-the-art exercise equipment, sprawling lawns, an outdoor swimming pool with twisty tube slides, a playground, a picnic area and athletic fields for sporting events. The park's 10 acres were initially purchased in the 1870s by formerly enslaved men and Black community leaders to offer the Black community a celebrating ground for Juneteenth, the day that the end of slavery in the U.S. is celebrated. Residents also live just north of the 65-acre MacGregor Park, which connects to its western neighbor, Hermann Park, via a 3-mile trail. Hermann Park is the site of the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Houston Zoo for a fun, family day out.
The Emancipation Park complex offers a basketball court and a gym to Third Ward residents.
Third Ward's Emancipation Park is as beautiful as it is culturally significant.
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150-plus years of Juneteenth celebrations
Houston's Juneteenth celebrations still kick off at Emancipation Park, which has been hosting the festivities for over 150 years. The celebration draws members of the Black community from all over Houston to the park's grounds for live music and vendors.
Emancipation Park visitors
Residents enjoy various amenities available at Emancipation Park.
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School choice within Houston ISD
The public schools within Third Ward are part of the Houston Independent School District. Students can elect to attend their district-zoned school or apply to one of the magnet schools. One path a student might take is beginning at Blackshear Elementary before moving on to Cullen Middle School and Yates High School. Both the elementary, which is given a C plus rating by niche, and the high school, which earns a C rating, are nestled in Third Ward. Cullen Middle, given a C minus, is just a few miles outside the neighborhood. Texas Southern University Charter Lab is also in Third Ward, providing an alternative route for kids from prekindergarten through second grade. The school prepares students for higher education through accelerated learning paths that are tailored to students' interests and overall needs.
Located in the Third Ward, the University of Houston is a tier one univeristy.
Cullen Middle School is a C minus school located near Third Ward.
Yates High School provides a rigorous curriculum for its students.
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Taking the metro downtown
Third Ward is about a 3-mile drive to Houston's downtown and midtown districts. The Metro Line runs through the heart of Scott Street, where the University of Houston also resides, taking people into the city's core. Bus stops dot throughout the city, making public transportation robust. When flights are needed, Houston's airports are less than a half-hour away, with Houston Hobby Airport less than 8 miles south. There's a medical complex just north of the neighborhood along St. Joseph Parkway for emergency care. Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center is also 6 miles southwest in the Medical Center Area.
Public Transportation is available throughout the Third Ward area.
Emancipation Park with Mosaic Pillars visible at street corner
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
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Third Ward
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Third Ward Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Third Ward, Houston sell after 56 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Third Ward, Houston over the last 12 months is $380,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Some of the best views of Downtown Houston are here at The Dennis Collection. This incredible residence is truly modern luxury at it’s finest. Features include open concept living spaces and an array of luxury finishes hand selected by the Aspen Grey design team. The first floor features a spacious bedroom or office with a full ensuite bathroom. Upon reaching the second floor, you will be greeted
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Not every new construction home in Near Downtown Houston is the same. This one truly is a GEM !!! It is located in a three home gated community on a quiet street with bike lanes. It is location is Fantastic. It is less than 2 miles from (Downtown, Toyota Center, George Brown Convention Center, Minute Maid Park, EADO, and the University of Houston). It is 3.5 miles from Medical Center, and 6.4
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