august948 Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 I keep hearing people talk about the Heights so I finally got around to driving through last weekend. For reference, we drove up Heights Blvd from I-10 to 20th, took 20th to Rutland, went north on Rutland almost to 610, cut over to Yale and drove Yale all the way back to I10. I saw some nicely restored homes, but also many run down places and small apt complexes. There were a couple of coffee shops, a couple of antique stores and a few bars but nothing that seemed out of the ordinary for other neighborhoods of similar age and location. We stopped at the Kroger on 20th and it was fairly shabby. I don't intend this to be a put down of the Heights, but we didn't see anything particularly special about the area. Can someone enlighten me? Did we drive down the wrong streets? Why does the Heights seem to be so popular vs other inner loop neighborhoods? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sowanome Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 Don't worry, I haven't figured it out either...I actually spent most of my high school years in the heights area and I'm still baffled as to what's so cool about it. I think it's become the cool "little old charm" area of houston that doesn't serve alcohol. Anything else?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan the Man Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 Why is this thread under "Weather"? Can we move it?The Heights is conveniently located to several major employment centers, as well as other popular areas inside the loop that contain many options for food, shopping, and entertainment. The neighborhood also has historic buildings, as well as many eclectic residents and businesses that give the area a unique feel. It's also "trendy" to live there, meaning more people will want to live in the Heights regardless of whether they appreciate the things that make the neighborhood what it is. Though most people probably disagree, I actually find the East End to be a more interesting area than the Heights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Porchman Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 Don't worry, I haven't figured it out either...I actually spent most of my high school years in the heights area and I'm still baffled as to what's so cool about it. I think it's become the cool "little old charm" area of houston that doesn't serve alcohol. Anything else??Actually, Ive always thought the two run together. The fact that a large part of the Heights is dry has helped preserve its charm. Maybe, some residents in OSW or Rice Mil. want to weigh in on that one.The Heights is conveniently located to several major employment centers, as well as other popular areas inside the loop that contain many options for food, shopping, and entertainment. The neighborhood also has historic buildings, as well as many eclectic residents and businesses that give the area a unique feel. It's also "trendy" to live there, meaning more people will want to live in the Heights regardless of whether they appreciate the things that make the neighborhood what it is.I think Dan has touched on something. I think the Heights is different things for different people. For me:The conveniences Dan mentionedThe small town feel - the front porch homes, the trees, the birds, the multitude of catsOur neighbors - blue collar, white collar, business owners, professional, retired. A nice mix. All good folks.Our house. It was smaller than what we had in mind. However, it had all the light and grace we sought.If you're imagining (and all about) a transplanted subdiv with perfect curbs and a screachy HOA that bitches about moss on the side of your house, you'll not get the Heights. It's different (as is Eastwood, as are many sections of Montrose) from a lot of Houston. A little shabby, yes. However, a very comfortable place to live. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
20thStDad Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 It has a history that it is proud of, the location is awesome, and Sheila Jackson Lee's office is here!!!Lights in the Heights is fun, too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barracuda Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 If you're imagining (and all about) a transplanted subdiv with perfect curbs and a screachy HOA that bitches about moss on the side of your house, you'll not get the Heights. It's different (as is Eastwood, as are many sections of Montrose) from a lot of Houston. A little shabby, yes. However, a very comfortable place to live.That's how I view the Heights. The homes are older and sometimes shabby, odd, and close together, but therein lies the charm. Some folks don't want to live in a master planned charmless community where every third house looks identical, and the Heights has the added advantage of being really close into town. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeebus Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 Beyond the proximity to downtown (and everything west of downtown) and the architecture - I don't see the appeal either. And no, I'm not trying to compare it to any other neighborhood - I just don't see the appeal period.Its nice though. I'm not knocking it, I just don't get it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgs1419 Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 The Heights is cool because we give free beer away some days. You just came on the wrong day. Otherwise, it's a run down dump. Everybody should stay away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedScare Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 I don't particularly care if others like it. In fact, it has gotten a bit too popular, drawing in those who must have all the current trendy things. Oh well, at least a few of you are staying away.Oh, and the alcohol thing? I got booze less than 1500 feet from my front door. I can walk to 2 liquor stores, half a dozen bars and half a dozen wet restaurants. If you think the Heights is about being dry, you REALLY don't know the Heights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heights_yankee Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 I don't particularly care if others like it. In fact, it has gotten a bit too popular, drawing in those who must have all the current trendy things. Oh well, at least a few of you are staying away.Oh, and the alcohol thing? I got booze less than 1500 feet from my front door. I can walk to 2 liquor stores, half a dozen bars and half a dozen wet restaurants. If you think the Heights is about being dry, you REALLY don't know the Heights.agreed. i kind of feel like if you don't get it/don't like it, then don't worry about it. go where you get a good feeling. i get one here.agreed. i can walk to the shiloh. that makes my walk better than yours, red! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Porchman Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 The Heights is cool because we give free beer away some days. You just came on the wrong day.Dude! You're not supposed to mention the free beer and wine.I don't particularly care if others like it. In fact, it has gotten a bit too popular, drawing in those who must have all the current trendy things. Oh well, at least a few of you are staying away.Oh yeah, front porch homes, the trees, the birds, the multitude of cats and grumpy, liberal, dog lovers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
20thStDad Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 We have a snoball stand, but it's only for people who live here. Alley parties. It don't flood!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaggieMay Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 I don't particularly care if others like it. In fact, it has gotten a bit too popular, drawing in those who must have all the current trendy things. Oh well, at least a few of you are staying away.Oh, and the alcohol thing? I got booze less than 1500 feet from my front door. I can walk to 2 liquor stores, half a dozen bars and half a dozen wet restaurants. If you think the Heights is about being dry, you REALLY don't know the Heights.Since The Old Heights is still dry, Greater Heights Area convenience stores tend to have better than average selections of wine & beer. And our coffee houses often have beer & wine, too. Wait, what am I saying? Yes, the Heights sucks. People should stay away! Build their mini-mansions elsewhere! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Native Montrosian Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 No, no, the Heights is great - it's Oak Forest that sucks! Nobody needs to move here! *looks at 2 new giant houses and 4 more being built on block* Too late.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tricky Matt Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 agreed. i can walk to the shiloh. that makes my walk better than yours, red!Agreed! Although the walk home is often in a zig zag...Sometimes I get home and friday and dont' have to drive until Monday morning because I live within walking/biking distance of everything I need. There are very few walkable neighborhoods in the entire city where you can be totally car independant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rammer Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 I keep hearing people talk about the Heights so I finally got around to driving through last weekend. For reference, we drove up Heights Blvd from I-10 to 20th, took 20th to Rutland, went north on Rutland almost to 610, cut over to Yale and drove Yale all the way back to I10. I saw some nicely restored homes, but also many run down places and small apt complexes. There were a couple of coffee shops, a couple of antique stores and a few bars but nothing that seemed out of the ordinary for other neighborhoods of similar age and location. We stopped at the Kroger on 20th and it was fairly shabby.I don't intend this to be a put down of the Heights, but we didn't see anything particularly special about the area. Can someone enlighten me? Did we drive down the wrong streets? Why does the Heights seem to be so popular vs other inner loop neighborhoods? First, you shouldn't have driven down Yale...the ugliest street in the Heights. The Heights is Houston's oldest planned community (circa 1890). Most of the homes were built in the 20's and 30's. The Heights was much better before all the McMansions popped up. I actually prefer the small bungalos east of Studewood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheNiche Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 I keep hearing people talk about the Heights so I finally got around to driving through last weekend. For reference, we drove up Heights Blvd from I-10 to 20th, took 20th to Rutland, went north on Rutland almost to 610, cut over to Yale and drove Yale all the way back to I10. I saw some nicely restored homes, but also many run down places and small apt complexes. There were a couple of coffee shops, a couple of antique stores and a few bars but nothing that seemed out of the ordinary for other neighborhoods of similar age and location. We stopped at the Kroger on 20th and it was fairly shabby.I don't intend this to be a put down of the Heights, but we didn't see anything particularly special about the area. Can someone enlighten me? Did we drive down the wrong streets? Why does the Heights seem to be so popular vs other inner loop neighborhoods?Physically speaking, you're correct that there's nothing especially unique about the Heights. It's just that there's a relatively small number of people that are urban pioneers (typically young, hip, low-budget), and they tend to flock together to specific well-located and inexpensive neighborhoods until those neighborhoods are considered by outsiders to be gentrified (i.e. white) and safe. Then the neighborhood gets to be 'on the radar' and prices rise. The original urban pioneers reap real estate appreciation and tend to age in place, while a new generation of urban pioneers goes on to unwittingly open up the next best located old neighborhood.So the short answer at present is that affluent people like to live near other affluent people in locations that are convenient to work.There also seems to be some sorting by political philosophy going on, as the Heights has the most geographically concentrated cluster of donors to candidates of the Democrat Party, and as I've noticed that a lot of folks are there because they either want to embrace a community that has shared values or because they want to reject the values that they associate (rightly or wrongly) with suburbia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaintCyr Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 Moved here 2 years ago... Here's why1. Close to everywhere I enjoy and friends (midtown, washington, memorial park, buff bayou, etc...)2. It's a 10-15 minute drive to work3. Reminds me of Eureka where I grew up.4. Has lots of mature trees5. Better built older home to preserve and restore6. Active community with all sorts of neighborhood events7. Not in a flood plain8. Great investment area9. Diverse culture and ages of people/neighbors10. It felt right. I don't think I could have picked a better place, where else can you find neighbors like mine (College stoners, hispanic family with naked babies running around, crazy misunderstood Polish packrat, Jesus praising "art gardeners"...), seems like just the right mix that keeps things interesting. D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EMME Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 I keep hearing people talk about the Heights so I finally got around to driving through last weekend. For reference, we drove up Heights Blvd from I-10 to 20th, took 20th to Rutland, went north on Rutland almost to 610, cut over to Yale and drove Yale all the way back to I10. I saw some nicely restored homes, but also many run down places and small apt complexes. There were a couple of coffee shops, a couple of antique stores and a few bars but nothing that seemed out of the ordinary for other neighborhoods of similar age and location. We stopped at the Kroger on 20th and it was fairly shabby.I don't intend this to be a put down of the Heights, but we didn't see anything particularly special about the area. Can someone enlighten me? Did we drive down the wrong streets? Why does the Heights seem to be so popular vs other inner loop neighborhoods?Your tour was of the still transitioning part of the Heights. The firmly established part is between Yale and Houston Ave., I-10 and 20th Street. Once you drive that and see what it is, you can drive the rest and see what it can and should be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samiamj Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 Moved here 2 years ago... Here's why1. Close to everywhere I enjoy and friends (midtown, washington, memorial park, buff bayou, etc...) 2. It's a 10-15 minute drive to work 3. Reminds me of Eureka where I grew up. 4. Has lots of mature trees 5. Better built older home to preserve and restore 6. Active community with all sorts of neighborhood events 7. Not in a flood plain 8. Great investment area 9. Diverse culture and ages of people/neighbors 10. It felt right. I don't think I could have picked a better place, where else can you find neighbors like mine (College stoners, hispanic family with naked babies running around, crazy misunderstood Polish packrat, Jesus praising "art gardeners"...), seems like just the right mix that keeps things interesting. D Saintcyr could not have summed it better. The main reason I love the Heights area is the LOCATION, active community involvement and property value appreciation. Plus it is relatively affordable/safer? compared to Montrose where I first intendede to live. In about five years time, my home appreciated 60K. Of couse don't tell the appraisal district this fact. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
august948 Posted June 26, 2009 Author Share Posted June 26, 2009 Physically speaking, you're correct that there's nothing especially unique about the Heights. It's just that there's a relatively small number of people that are urban pioneers (typically young, hip, low-budget), and they tend to flock together to specific well-located and inexpensive neighborhoods until those neighborhoods are considered by outsiders to be gentrified (i.e. white) and safe. Then the neighborhood gets to be 'on the radar' and prices rise. The original urban pioneers reap real estate appreciation and tend to age in place, while a new generation of urban pioneers goes on to unwittingly open up the next best located old neighborhood.So the short answer at present is that affluent people like to live near other affluent people in locations that are convenient to work.There also seems to be some sorting by political philosophy going on, as the Heights has the most geographically concentrated cluster of donors to candidates of the Democrat Party, and as I've noticed that a lot of folks are there because they either want to embrace a community that has shared values or because they want to reject the values that they associate (rightly or wrongly) with suburbia.That's kind of what I thought...http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/2008/02/22...gentrification/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yankee_in_TX Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 Hrrrrm. Well, we haven't closed yet, but....Anything South of Washington is too expensive.Anything outside 610 is too far (we have never lived more than 10 miles from our employers).Anything in Washington was too expensive and by rr tacks (I am a VERY light sleeper).East side (West of Downtown) is a little run down still and I wouldn't want my wife driving some of those streets at night alone.That pretty much left North of I-10 and West of Studemontish.I guess I am saying a lot of people end up in the area by process of elimination (sorry, I don't mean Heights proper, so this may be off topic). As to why we do actually like it - we look forward to being able to ride our bikes to a close by bar or a trip to the spice store or farmer's market. We've done that in Kirby/Montrose/Grey, and it's not exactly relaxing with all the traffic and lights.The Heights is much more relaxed compared to else where we have lived inside the loop (again, when I say Hieghts I include White Oak, Shady Acres, etc.). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toadfroggy Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 For me, it was also a process of elimination. I was ready to give up apartment life for a yard, but I didn't need or want a lot of house. It had to be close in because I'm a city girl, but in a somewhat safe area because I live alone. Heights, because it still has some tiny, not-completely-redone houses was what I could afford given the other criteria. I didn't really target the Heights area. It was just where I found the house that was right for me. As it is I'm not in Heights proper, but the distinction doesn't really mean anything to me. To me, Heights is quintessential Houston. If you like Houston, you'd like the Heights. If you just can't bring yourself to embrace Houston in all its messiness, then you'd probably not like the Heights much either. To me, it feels like home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunsets Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 What everyone else said. I love the combination of cute old homes and random weirdness. I love that fact that I get called up on my neighbor's porch on my way home from the bus stop to share some wine and talk about everything from Iran to current educational theory. I love the fact that I can walk to a fancy dinner at Glass Wall, or take a can of Bud Light to Andy's for a cheap meal. I love that we can decide to go to an Astros game and be at the ballpark in 10 minutes. I LOVE Lights in the Heights. My husband and I were just discussing this last night and he said "You know, if we hadn't moved to this neighborhood, I think we would have left Houston after a year". It's certainly not the place for everyone, but it's incredibly charming once you live here.Some friends of ours just moved to Houston, and were looking to rent a place near Rice. They ended up in Norhill, and they absoluely adore it. They have a little boy, and they like to take walks around the neighborhood and chat with the locals. We can't get the husband to travel anywhere outside of the 610 loop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gooch Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 As crazy as it sounds now... I moved into the Heights because it was cheap. and my neighbors were freaks and musicians. Oh, and the homes had yards with trees! My how the neighborhood has changed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiko Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 First, you shouldn't have driven down Yale...the ugliest street in the Heights. Yes, I've driven by the Heights on I-10 and I fail to see the appeal... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EMME Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 Yes, I've driven by the Heights on I-10 and I fail to see the appeal... Which is precisely why you should not buy or build in the Heights. And that is precisely why I will not buy or build in Kingwood. There, we can all get along. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goastros Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 Because it was close to work.Because I had 12 mature pecan trees on my small urban lot.Because I could find my house while driving down the street without having to look for the address on my mailbox because my house looked exactly like all the neighbors.I could paint my house pink and purple if I wanted to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiko Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 Which is precisely why you should not buy or build in the Heights. And that is precisely why I will not buy or build in Kingwood. There, we can all get along. My attempt at sarcasm has failed How about this? "I flew over the Heights and I fail to see the appeal" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
20thStDad Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 I could paint my house pink and purple if I wanted to.Our neighbors did this, I think it's great. Pink with purple trim and garage door. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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