Spring Branch Homes for Sale
I have always struggled to describe Spring Branch, even though it is where I bought my first house, on Tilson Lane. It is a diverse neighborhood (I hate the word diversity..it has become too political in nature…but the word diverse is still okay). It is an area of mainly 1940’s and 1950’s ranch style homes. Some beautifully maintained areas of brick homes, and some ratty areas that have been neglected. For a while sprawling apartment complexes in deplorable condition dominated the area. This type of housing didn’t bring in the best clientele as renters. These were mostly demolished in the 1980’s though.
The commercial streets, like Longpoint, aren’t the best in the world, and affect neighboring residential areas. Other streets like Westview though, have stunning new homes.
So…old, new, wonderful ranch style homes, ratty neglected homes…all mixed together. It is definitely not a homogeneous cookie-cutter area. Don’t mistake my inability to describe it as being negative, however, I love the area and recommend it.
The area now has a strong Korean and Hispanic presence as well as being mixed with well-healed inner-loopers trying to find new homes that are more affordable than inner loop prices. There are also multiple Spring Branch Civic Associations
Here are some random notes on Spring Branch:
- The defining street in Spring Branch is Longpoint, the main East-West drag. Asian bistros, taquerias, a Spanish language Walmart. Most of the shops are Mom and Pop type, not high end chains.
- Gessner is the main North-South street. It goes by Memorial City (at I-10) and by the Memorial Hermann Hospital complex. It’s proximity to the Energy Corridor make all the neighborhoods bounding it very popular.
- Westview Drive is a different world: big new homes. It touches or goes through the Villages such as Hilshire Village, Spring Valley, etc.
- Clay Road is the northern boundary. This used to be the area of old horse stables, etc. There are still a few, but hidden from view.
- The neighborhood is chopped up by bayous, making navigation is little difficult. Briar Branch, Spring Branch (the area’s namesake) and Brickhouse gulley are just some of them. I used to have to drag my golden retriever out of Brickhouse when I lived there. he loved the water, but wasn’t smart enough to get back out on his own.
- Fault lines are all over. This clay soil is bad enough; add to it moving planes of land though and it spells foundation problems. Watch where you buy. Expect to see holes drilled in and around slabs where foundations have been raised. Here is a link to my post on the main Longpoint Fault Line
- Demographics? A mix of people and cultures. Some street signs in Korean.
- Rentals? These run the gamut from nice homes for rent; high end apartments and scary apartments. Take your pick.
- House style? Predominantly ranch style homes. Some gorgeously updated; others rented out, waiting for better owners. Lots of new homes scattered around. They are all on big lots though; hard to find any closer in. The homes on the fringes, as everywhere, are typically the least cared-for.
Do I recommend the area? Definitely. looking for your first home; maybe one to remodel according to your own tastes. This is a good place to look.
Similar area for ranch style homes you might consider too are Oak Forest, just N of the 610 Loop, and Timbergrove Manor, inside the loop next to Houston Heights.
I realize this isn’t a great dsecription of Spring Branch, but it’s the best I can do. Just drive around and you’ll find areas you love. You will also find pockets too junky, too commercial, as well as too exclusive.
Let me know if I can help find your Spring Branch home. Contact Me or Call 713 868-9008….Rich Martin
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