West University Place gets its name due to its proximity to Rice University
Thanks to the eye-catching estates along its tree-shaded streets and proximity to one of Texas' top universities, West University Place — also called West U for short — has established itself as a top destination for homebuyers in the Greater Houston area. Just 6 miles from downtown, locals enjoy easy access to the city, but still enjoy the quieter vibes of the suburbs. Numerous celebrated eateries are within walking distance, and when college football season rolls around, the roar of the crowd at nearby Rice Stadium echoes through the night sky. West U is technically its own town, but is sometimes referred to as "The Neighborhood City" for its small-town community feel. "It's a city within the city. West University is actually an incorporated city. It has its own mayor, city council, fire department and police department," says local Realtor Lisa Baer of Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty, who has lived in the community since 1980. "It's called West U because it's west of Rice University. Over the years, it's attracted a lot of Rice University professors and other people who have worked at Rice. A lot of their alums really love to come back and live in the area."
West University Place is named for its proximity to the historic Rice University in Houston.
West University Place is popular amongst both established and new home buyers in Houston, Texas.
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Multi-million-dollar homes line West University's gridded layout
Homebuyers will find a wide range of styles along West University Place's gridded, tree-lined streets from colonials and contemporary Spanish-inspired properties to Tudors and everything in between. Most homes price between $1 million and $4 million, though some smaller properties may range from $500,000 to $900,000. According to Baer, homes in West U sell quickly thanks to its proximity to downtown Houston and the many amenities surrounding the area.
Colonial Home Styles account for a large percentage of homes in the West University Place area.
Multi-million dollar homes accompany many of the residential areas of West University Place.
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Little Matt's serves great food for an even better cause
Locals are just steps away from numerous acclaimed, independent eateries. Serving burgers and sandwiches since 2009, Little Matt's has become a community favorite for its arcade games and outdoor picnic table seating. All proceeds are donated to the nearby Texas Children's Hospital. Coffee lovers stop for a cup of Joe at Grinder's, while Milk & Cookies is the place to go for a sweet treat. "You see a line of people sometimes waiting to get cookies and ice cream," Baer says. "It's really nice, especially during the summertime. You'll see neighborhood kids, they gather there and meet their friends." Residents often pick up groceries from Kroger or H-E-B at Plaza in the Park, but on the east side at Rice Village, shoppers can find an array of retail stores from Lululemon to Sephora. Rice Village also hosts an open-air farmers market on the first and third Sunday of every month. "It's more prepared foods than actual vegetables, but there are a couple farmers that I buy some produce from every other Sunday. Sometimes they have live music, they'll have some children activities," Baer says. "It's a nice place where you might meet some of your neighbors on Sunday morning."
Shop a wide selection of produce at the Rice Village Farmers Market near West University Place.
Little Matt's, in West University Place, serves up tasty burgers for a fantastic cause.
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Some Lamar High graduates move on to Rice University just outside West U
Students in West University Place are served by the Houston Independent School District. Kids may go to West University Elementary, which sits in the heart of the community and earns an overall A-minus grade from Niche, before advancing to the B-plus-rated Pershing Middle School. Teens go to Lamar High School just north of West University Place on Westheimer Road. Also earning a B-plus Niche grade, the high school offers a host of after-school clubs and organizations, including the National Honor Society and a Taylor Swift-centric club called "Lamar Switfies." After their secondary education, many students opt to attend Rice University, which sits less than a mile east of West U's eastern border.
West University Elementary School fosters a love for learning through educational experiences.
Lamar High, near West University Place, offers classes for grades 9-12.
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West U contains several pocket parks that draw residents of all ages
West University Place contains several pocket parks scattered around the community. Whitt Johnson Park is a favorite among kids for its unique treehouse-themed play structure, while the newly renovated Wier Park is a top spot for pickup basketball games. Meanwhile, Jennie Elizabeth Hughes Park serves as a quiet sanctuary for outdoor reading alongside the button-activated stream bed. Residents are also just a short drive — or walk — away from West University Place Recreation Center. The recreation center's fitness center draws gymgoers from across the area, while swimmers gather for regular meets at its indoor pool, though some swim meets are held at other nearby locations, such as Colonial Park. Little League baseball is a main draw to the rec center as well and serves as one of West U's favorite pastimes. "West University Little League is an incredibly big deal. It's on the grounds of West U Elementary School," Baer says. "It's a very, very popular program. There's a dugout where people will gather and have food from little local restaurants that are brought into the dugout. It's really a very core part of the community."
West University Place Recreation Center boasts a gym, swimming pool, and playground on site.
Pocket parks are plentiful in West University Place, with many free library stands provided.
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Locals enjoy convenient access to Interstate 69 and numerous METRO bus stops
With gridded, sidewalk-lined streets dominating the community, West University Place is easily walkable and bikeable. Locals can also get around on the METRO bus, which features numerous stops along Bissonnet Street and Buffalo Speedway. Those who prefer to drive will benefit from solid access to Interstate 69, which runs along the community's northside and feeds directly into downtown Houston. Just 6 miles from the city center, residents can be in the heart of Houston within 20 minutes, though traffic can slow things down.
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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.
