Upper Kirby Real Estate Guide

Upper Kirby homes for sale & insider real estate guide

Once nicknamed the “Heart of Houston,” Upper Kirby is one of the most accessible neighborhoods in the city. The community is located a few miles southwest of Downtown Houston. Upper Kirby is home to many restaurants, offices, bars, townhomes, vintage homes, and residential condo buildings.

The neighborhood is highly sought after for its:

• PROXIMITY TO JOB CENTERS: Downtown is 3 miles away, and Texas Medical Center is 2 miles away. The Galleria is only two and a half miles away. Downtown Houston has more than 150,000 workers employed by 3,500+ businesses. Texas Medical Center is the largest medical center in the world, with over 8 million patients. The Texas Medical Center housed more than 100,000 workers.

• DINING AND RETAIL SPOTS: The district features more than 150 Yelp-rated retail, dining, and entertainment establishments. Most of them are located along Kirby Drive, Shepherd Drive, and Westheimer Road. Residents can enjoy exciting new food spots, lounges with craft beer and wine, and shopping hubs. Additional retail and centers are available in Downtown Houston, only 10 minutes away from Upper Kirby.

• ACCESS TO MAJOR THOROUGHFARES: The district sits along/near major streets and freeways. The neighborhood is located near Kirby Drive, Westheimer Road, and Buffalo Speedway. Upper Kirby sits along Richmond Avenue and W Alabama Street.

• GROWING REAL ESTATE MARKET: The district has continued to grow over the past ten years. Upper Kirby is posting great Land Value Appreciation and Real Estate Appreciation.

• AFFORDABILITY: Upper Kirby is certainly more affordable compared to its neighbor River Oaks, Houston’s most expensive neighborhood. (See The Salary I Need to Live Comfortably In 52 Top Ranked Houston Neighborhoods). The district features several home types, from vintage single-family homes to newer townhomes. Some mid- and high-rise residential condos are also available within the neighborhood.

Buying or selling a home in Upper Kirby can present some challenges. Homes near main roads and freeways may have noise or parking issues, especially near the district’s commercial areas. With no zoning laws in effect, some homes may be built backing a restaurant or bar that can get noisy on certain days. The district features some old and new properties, each with its own set of challenges. However, older homes may need to be updated, while new construction may have quality issues.

To get personal advice on buying or selling in the Upper Kirby Area, contact Paige Martin, one of Houston's best realtors and one of the top-ranked Realtors in the United States.

“We had a great experience buying a home in the greater Houston area with Brad! We were first time home buyers who were completely ignorant of what’s involved in buying a home, and we were buying from out of state, so we had to put offers on houses we didn’t see in person. Brad made this very easy for us, and he went to many open houses, taking detailed videos of the different homes. We had initially planned on waiting to buy a home until after moving to Houston, but Brad made us feel confident in buying a home remotely. It was important for us to have as stress-free an experience as possible buying a home, and Brad was so good at what he does that it really was almost entirely stress-free for us. He’s a native Houstonian, and he was able to answer our worries and concerns about different houses we were interested in and gave us all the information we needed to make an informed decision. When we were putting in offers, Brad was able to help us move very quickly in a high-paced market, getting offers in within 24-48 hours of first finding a house. He would do comparisons of comparable homes to give us an idea of whether a property was priced right and what a reasonable offer would be. Once our offer was accepted, Brad made it very easy for us when we came to town to see the property in person, arranging all of the details with the sellers for our visit. Throughout our time working with him, Brad has been great at patiently answering our often long and detailed questions about even relatively minor details, and he’s great at being proactive, calling us frequently to check in and see if we had any questions or to let us know what the next step would be. Even after closing on the home, he’s been staying in touch with us. We’re so happy to own our own home, and we’re so delighted with the house! Overall, it’s been a really pleasant experience buying a home with Brad’s help, and I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a home in the greater Houston area!” - Ben Koons (Google Review)

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Upper Kirby Homes For Sale

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Table of Contents

1. Upper Kirby Home Sale Trends
2. Upper Kirby Best Realtor Insights
3. Upper Kirby Maps, Location & Zip Code
4. Upper Kirby Schools
5. Upper Kirby Real Estate Market

Upper Kirby Home Sale Trends

Upper Kirby is a vibrant mixed-use district located next to Greenway Plaza and Montrose. One of Houston’s most accessible neighborhoods, the area features plenty of bars, cafes, lounges, restaurants, and stores.

Upper Kirby neighborhood is highly sought after for its:

• PRIME LOCATION: The district is less than 15 minutes away from the key business and commercial centers of Houston, namely Downtown Houston, Texas Medical Center, and The Galleria.

• SHOPPING & DINING HUBS: Upper Kirby boasts more than 150 Yelp-rated retail, dining, and entertainment establishments. Most shops sit along Kirby Drive, Shepherd Drive, and Westheimer Road.

• ACCESS TO MAJOR THOROUGHFARES: The neighborhood is close to main streets and freeways. These include Kirby Drive, Westheimer Road, Buffalo Speedway, Richmond Avenue, and W Alabama Street.

While Upper Kirby homes are more affordable than residences in the neighboring River Oaks, the district's land and real estate value have continued to grow over the past ten years.

Upper Kirby Best Realtor Insights

Once nicknamed the “Heart of Houston”, Upper Kirby is one of the most accessible neighborhoods in the city.

• Upper Kirby features a variety of housing options. Houses are along retail, dining, and other commercial establishments.

• There are several smaller neighborhoods in Upper Kirby. It includes Alabama Place, Crawford, Richmond Place, Dearborn Place, and Ormond Place. These established communities tend to feature vintage homes from the 1930s.

• There are three luxury highrise condominiums in the district. It includes 2727 Kirby, the Regency House, and Lamar Tower.

• Upper Kirby homes are zoned to the Houston ISD. The district is home to two well-respected schools. It includes Lamar High School and St. John’s School.

• Upper Kirby is always on “Top Houston Neighborhood” lists. It is due to convenient accessibility, central location, great real estate appreciation, and land value appreciation rates.

• Thanks to the district’s central location, residents are minutes away from major employment centers. It includes Downtown, Greenway Plaza, Galleria, and the Texas Medical Center.

• Upper Kirby homes typically offer 3/3 floor plans. Home sizes range from 2,000 to over 4,000 square feet.

• Upper Kirby homes often sit on 1,500 to 6,000 square feet.

• Townhomes have become quite popular in the area, replacing some of the district’s older single-family homes.

• Prices for Upper Kirby homes can start at around $500,000 and can go up to more than $1,000,000.

Upper Kirby Maps, Location & Zip Code

Upper Kirby Schools

Upper Kirby homes are zoned to the Houston Independent School District (HISD).

Established in the 1920s, Houston ISD is the largest school district in the state (with 283 schools). The Texas Education Agency (TEA) gave the district a “Met Standard” rating in 2016. HISD features several International Baccalaureate (IB) World schools. It includes Lamar High School, Lanier Middle School, and Poe Elementary School.

Students in the area may attend the following public schools:

Elementary Schools

• Poe Elementary at 5100 Hazard St. Named after the famous author, Edgar Allan Poe Elementary offers a fine arts magnet Program. It features various enrichment classes in dance, music, visual arts, Suzuki violin, and technology. It is a candidate for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.

• River Oaks Elementary School at 2008 Kirby Dr. Founded in 1929, River Oaks Elementary is a magnet Vanguard school. It is one of the HISD’s International Baccalaureate World schools (Primary Years Programme).

• West University Elementary School at 3756 University Blvd. West U Elementary is in the eponymous independent city. It is considered one of HISD’s best elementary schools. It has a GreatSchools.org rating of 10 out of 10.

Middle Schools

• Lanier Middle School at 2600 Woodhead St. Lanier is located in neighboring Neartown/Montrose. It is one of HISD’s International Baccalaureate World schools (IB Middle Years Programme). It offers a Vanguard Magnet/GT program that features classes in foreign languages. It also includes Algebra and IPC (Integrated Physics and Chemistry).

• Pershing Middle School at 3838 Blue Bonnet Blvd. Pershing Middle School is nearby Braeswood Place. It offers a neighborhood program, a Fine Arts magnet program, Pre-AP, and a Vanguard Gifted and Talented program. The school specializes in music and features enrichment classes in “unorthodox” areas.

• Pin Oak Middle School at 4601 Glenmont St. Located in Bellaire, Pin Oak is an option for students zoned to Pershing. The school is “application-only”. It serves as a regular program together with a Foreign Languages magnet program. Pin Oak is known for its academic excellence. It is a National Blue Ribbon School and a TEA Exemplary school.

High Schools

• Lamar High School at 3325 Westheimer Rd. Lamar High School is in Upper Kirby District. Lamar features several academic programs. It includes an IB Diploma Programme, Advanced Placement, and a magnet program for Business Ad. It also offers IB diplomas in 5 languages. It includes French, Chinese, Italian, Russian, and Spanish. It is one of HISD’s International Baccalaureate schools.

Private Schools

The following are some of the more notable private schools near Upper Kirby.

• St. John’s School at 2401 Claremont Ln. Forbes lists St. John’s (or SJS) as one of “America’s Elite Prep Schools.” It has long held a reputation for both academic excellence and selectivity. SJS also features a House system that sorts students into six Houses.

• River Oaks Academy at 10600 Richmond Ave.

• Annunciation Orthodox School at 3600 Yoakum Blvd.

• The Harris School at 900 Lovett Blvd.

• Avalon Academy at 1616 Indiana St.

• Kipling Street Academy at 1425 Kipling St.

• School For Young Children at 810 Sul Ross St.

• St. Stephens Episcopal School at 1800 Sul Ross St.

• University of St. Thomas at 3800 Upper Kirby Blvd.

To find an updated listing of all Upper Kirby zoned to any specific public school, please email Paige Martin at [email protected] with the property preference and budget that you're working with.

Note: School zoning tends to change from year to year. The information provided above is accurate but not guaranteed. Please double-check by visiting the school's website.

Upper Kirby Real Estate Market

Upper Kirby Single-Family Home Sale Trends

Despite the surge in condos and townhomes, single-family homes remain a popular housing option in the district.

It can range from new construction custom-built homes to vintage patio homes. Price, architectural style, size, and condition can vary, but the typical Upper Kirby home can feature three bedrooms and baths.

As demand for more housing rises in Houston’s Inner Loop, townhomes have started to replace older homes in Upper Kirby.

Lot areas range from 2,500 to more than 6,000 square feet. Living areas can range from 2,000 to upwards of 4,000 square feet.

Upper Kirby homes for sale tend to sell at a premium – especially new construction homes. Prices can start at around $600,000. New construction homes can fetch much higher price tags, selling for upwards of $1,300,000.

Upper Kirby Townhome Sales Trends

Thanks to the neighborhood’s overhaul, increased demand made way for new development in Upper Kirby. Townhomes have become quite a popular option. Several new construction townhomes are available in the district.

Upper Kirby townhomes can feature 4 stories of living space, with 4 bedrooms and 4 and a half baths. Two-car garages, high ceilings, rooftop terraces, and beautiful furnishings are common features. These properties sit on smaller lots (from 1,000 to 2,500 square feet) but have spacious living areas (from 2,000 to upwards of 3,000 square feet).

Some townhomes in the area are within private gated communities. It includes amenities like controlled access and common area swimming pools.

New construction of Upper Kirby townhomes for sale can start at around $500,000. Pricing depends on the property's age, size, location, and quality, and some townhomes in the district can sell for upwards of $950,000.

Upper Kirby Condo Sale Trends

Upper Kirby is home to three highrise condos: 2727 Kirby, the Regency House, and Lamar Tower. These three Upper Kirby condos are quite popular among those in the market for both luxury and accessibility. It includes amenities like lounges, 24/7 staff and security, pools, golf simulators, fitness centers, and private parks. (HOA fees and amenities vary from building to building).

2120 Kipling is also within the district. More residential condos are available in nearby neighborhoods. It includes River Oaks, Montrose, Downtown, Galleria, and the Museum District.

Listed below are some of the highrise condo buildings in and around Upper Kirby.

In Upper Kirby:

• 2727 Kirby at River Oaks

• Regency House

• Lamar Tower

River Oaks (77019):

• The Huntingdon

• Royalton At River Oaks

• One Montrose Place

• Renoir Lofts

• Gotham Lofts

Downtown Houston (77002 / 77010):

• Commerce Towers

• Four Seasons Residence

• Bayou Lofts

• Franklin Lofts

• Hermann Lofts

• St Germain Lofts

• Rise Lofts

• The Edge

Museum District:

• 2520 Robinhood

• IL Palazzo

• Warwick Towers

• 7575 Kirby

• The Mosaic

• Serento Houston

• 1400 Hermann

• 5000 Montrose

To see other condos within the Inner Loop, see Inner Loop Houston Condos. To see condos within the nearby Museum District area, see Museum District Area, Houston Condos.

Upper Kirby TX History

Upper Kirby is around deteriorating commercial and residential properties. It is similar to neighboring EaDo, Montrose, and Midtown. Upper Kirby, however, managed to revitalize itself like those three neighborhoods.

During the 1980s, property and business owners banded together. It is to revitalize the area’s ailing infrastructure. In 1988, the Upper Kirby District was officially formed. Followed by a Management District (1997) and a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (1999).

During those periods, the neighborhood developed alongside its infrastructure.

Upper Kirby today features a great fusion of commercial and residential areas. It has become one of the Inner Loop’s hottest neighborhoods.

Fun Things To Do Near The Upper Kirby

Residents in the Upper Kirby District are nearby shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Since the neighborhood’s location gives it easy access to the finest Houston has to offer. The Greenway Plaza is the district’s next-door neighbor. Montrose’s lively nightlife and the Galleria’s posh offerings are accessible from Upper Kirby.

Upper Kirby’s restaurants offer feasts in various cuisines, making the neighborhood quite a hotspot for good foods.

The neighborhood also features lounges, bars, and pubs. It offers great selections of craft beers and wine.

Listed below are some of the best places to visit in and around Upper Kirby.

Dining

• Kata Robata
• The Queen Vic Pub and Kitchen
• Goode Co. Seafood
• Goode Co. Taqueria
• Sonoma Wine Bar & Restaurant
• Luna Pizzeria
• Fat Bao
• Paul’s Kitchen
• Mia’s
• Ruggles Black
• Gusto Gourmet
• Hobbit Cafe
• Grace’s
• Luigi’s Cucina Italiana
• Corner Table
• El Tiempo Cantina
• Beck’s Prime

Nightlife

• Beckrew Wine House
• The Stag’s Head Pub
• Mezzanine Lounge
• Mugsy’s
• The Cellar Bar
• 1919 Wine and Mixology
• Velvet Melvin
• The Davenport
• Downing Street Pub
• McElroy’s Pub
• McGonigel’s Mucky Duck

Groceries

• Trader Joe’s
• Kroger
• Whole Foods Market
• H-E-B
• Central Market Houston
• Randall’s

Parks

• River Oaks Park
• Levy Park
• Menil Park
• Memorial Park
• Weir Park

Retail

• River Oaks Shopping Center
• Rice Village
• The Galleria
• Weslayan Plaza
• Highland Village
• Shepherd Square Shopping Center
• Kirby Richmond Plaza
• Southwest Freeway Retail Center

Best Upper Kirby Realtor – Paige Martin

As featured on Fox News in the Morning, Houston Business Journal, and Houston Magazine, Paige Martin, a consistent Top Producing Broker-Associate and head of the Houston Properties Team, is ranked as one of the top residential real estate agents in the world.

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