Houston Real Estate Blog

Over the last 10 to 15 years, people in major cities throughout the United States have been returning to the inner city as a place of residence and the city of Houston has join in this trek back to downtown as well.

Many urban and regional planners set sort of a flowery, “it takes a village” milieu to the whole process by stating that people return to the inner city because it reflects the character of the town and a need to return to roots. However, there are far more down to earth reasons why this is taking place.

Kevin Byrd, a Masters Degree candidate at Virginia Polytechnic, states that people in the United States lived in tight communities for decades because of the convenience of goods and services. Living near the rail road tracks or a vital port was not seen as a negative. Separating yourself from a town or city meant going in to the deep, dark unexplored wilderness which was not good for those who were poor with a long rifle.

The invention of the automobile in the beginning of the 20th century; most especially after World War II, enabled people to escape the downtown area for a more suburban lifestyle. Relative to this factor, land values began to rise, and land consumption took place at a rapid pace. As the population rises and the city spreads in size, the infrastructure must stay at least at a level pace with this growth, which it usually not the case. Where the infrastructure stops, so does the suburban growth.

The invention of the internet at the end of the 20th century and the use of it as a business tool has changed the way some of the population works. (In their pajamas) This has also changed where you have to physically be to enjoy your lifestyle.

The market players for the move back to downtown Houston has been young singles or young couples and empty nesters. Not having a need for schools for children and having work and recreation nearby, is a plus for them.

The housing consists of loft condominiums which have been built within older office buildings and warehouses which were too costly to return to original use. There is one full service condominium with another under construction with a completion date of 2006.

The beginnings of the Metro rail system to downtown will become more of a factor as the price for housing a car in the inner city becomes more costly and the rail is able to take you more places. Placing the rail through the Texas Medical Center and redeveloping the Mid-town area, however, was the wisest move made and a very controversial endeavor.

The downtown Houston nightlife is well established with the theater district, restaurants which cater to ‘after 6’ activities, and Minute Maid Park, the home of the Houston Astros.

Park space, which has always been at a premium in Houston, is somewhat addressed off the downtown area but not well within walking distance.

Overall, the move of the city to an interurban community is on the right tract. The future will tell how long and how powerful the attraction will be.

Thomas M. Ponce
I am Houston Real Esate Appraiser for The Ponce Group, a Houston Appraisal company.