Museum District Houston Real Estate Guide
One of Houston’s Most Accessible Neighborhoods, the Museum District is home to 19 museums and art institutions within a 1.5-mile radius.
Museum District Houston Real Estate, Homes For Sale & Neighborhood
Located just north of the Texas Medical Center, the Museum District is one of the premier culture and arts centers in the United States.
The district showcases vintage homes, luxury townhomes, and upscale condos, and is constantly in high demand due to:
- CULTURE AND ARTS CENTERS: True to its name, the Museum District is home to 19 culture, arts, and scientific institutions – the second largest number of museums in a contiguous area in the US. The district hosts 8+ million annual visitors. Key destinations include the Museum of Fine Arts, the Children’s Museum, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
- GREAT ACCESSIBILITY: The district’s location along the MetroRAIL, South and Southwest freeways, and restaurant-lined streets are factors that make the Museum District one of Houston’s most accessible neighborhoods.
- GROWING REAL ESTATE MARKET: Thanks to growing demand and development, Museum District real estate has posted remarkable appreciation rates. It is among the Hottest Inner Loop Neighborhoods, and one of Houston’s best neighborhoods for appreciation.
- LUXURY CONDO LIVING: Increased demand for housing in the district sparked a rise in mid- and high-rise condo development. The Museum District now showcases a mix of established landmarks like the Warwick Towers and 1400 Hermann and new upscale condos like Oaks on Caroline, the Mosaic, and Museum Flats. Amenities can include valet and concierge services, reserved parking, and private balconies.
- FANTASTIC INNER LOOP LOCATION: The district is located between two of Houston’s major business and employment centers: downtown and the Medical Center. Other key districts like the Galleria and Upper Kirby/Greenway Plaza are minutes away.
- OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT: Hermann Park features a variety of facilities and entertainment hotspots, including a golf course, the Houston Zoo, and the Houston Garden Center. Trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and gardens are also available within the park.
Buying or selling in the Museum District can be tricky due to proximity to freeways (which can hurt resale values) or major arteries (where noise, traffic, and/or parking can be an issue). Certain streets sell at a discount/premium to others. In addition, some Museum District condos suffer from poor resale values due to quality issues, high HOA rates, view limitations, and/or parking problems.
For help in navigating this complex market, contact Paige Martin, one of Houston’s Best Realtors and one of Museum District’s most active real estate agents.
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- Located just north of Houston’s premier Medical Center, the Museum District features both classic and contemporary homes, reflecting the neighborhood’s artistic draw.
- The district is nestled at the southeast corner where Southwest and South Freeways meet. Several main arteries run through or near the Museum District: Main Street, Fannin Street, Almeda Road, Binz Street, and MacGregor Way, among others.
- Museum District is among Houston’s most accessible neighborhoods, thanks to its convenient location and METRORail access. Residents are mere minutes away from retail and entertainment hotspots, as well as some of the best artistic, cultural, and scientific centers in the state.
- Key destinations in the district include Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, the Museum of Natural Science, Miller Outdoor Theatre, and the Children’s Museum.
- Museum District features one of the hottest real estate markets in the Inner Loop, both in terms of real estate appreciation and land value appreciation.
- The district features several upscale mid- and high-rise condos, including established landmarks like Warwick Towers and new construction like Museum Flats and Oaks on Caroline. These residential condos offer a wide range of amenities and facilities, including valet and concierge services, controlled access, guest suites, and reserved parking for residents.
- Much like neighboring Montrose, Museum District homes are an eclectic mix of patio homes, elegant manors, townhomes, and stylish lofts.
- Townhomes and condos are a popular housing option within the Museum District, though detached single-family homes are still available in the area.
“Paige Martin is the best realtor in Houston. She will tell you the ‘bad’ and ‘ugly’ of a property and help you make a good purchase.”
“As first time buyers in the US, we are delighted to have worked with Paige. She is a delight to work with, and I would recommend anyone to enlist her help if you’re looking to either buy or sell a property.”
- A typical Museum District home features a 3-bedroom (3 1/2 bath) floor plan, spread across 3,000 square feet of living space.
- The most expensive Museum District real estate properties are vintage homes from the 1920s, updated and carefully maintained. These properties typically feature spacious living areas with 6 bedrooms, luxury furnishings and finishes.
- The district is zoned to some of the best schools within the Houston Independent School District (HISD). Several IB World Schools serve the area, including Poe Elementary School, Lanier Middle School, and Lamar High School. Two-time National Blue Ribbon School Debakey High School is located nearby.
- Prices for Museum District homes for sale can start at around $400,000. Vintage homes, luxury townhomes, and upscale condos tend to sell for more than $3,000,000.
Located along the South and Southwest freeways, the Museum District has the Texas Medical Center to the south and Rice University to the west. Across the Southwest Freeway, north of the neighborhood lie Midtown and the Neartown/Montrose.
Downtown Houston is about three miles further northeast of the district.
Considered as one of the Inner Loop’s most accessible neighborhoods, the Houston Museum District is pedestrian-friendly, has immediate access to major freeways, and features great transportation services.
The METRORail’s Red Line has stops in the neighborhood, including Museum District, Hermann Park/Rice U, and Wheeler.
The Museum District also encourages visitors to avail of a bike sharing program called Houston B-cycle.
Museum District homes are minutes away from job centers like Downtown and the Texas Medical Center, and from retail and nightlife options in Montrose and The Galleria.
Museum District real estate have 77004, 77005, 77006, 77030, and 77098 zip codes. (View Houston zip code map.)
Paige Martin’s Recent Awards:
– “One of America’s Best Real Estate Agents,” Real Trends
– Five Star Realtor Award, Multi-Year Winner
– “One of Houston’s Top 50 Realtors,” Houston Chronicle
– “One of America’s Best Real Estate Agents,” Real Trends
– Five Star Realtor Award, Multi-Year Winner
– “One of Houston’s Top 50 Realtors,” Houston Chronicle
West of Museum District
North of Museum District
- Montrose
- Midtown
- Downtown Houston
- Hyde Park
- Fourth Ward
- East Downtown (EaDo)
- Northside Village (Near Northside)
- Rice Military
East of Museum District
- Greater Third Ward
- MacGregor
- University of Houston
- Greater East End
- Pine Valley
- South Union
South of Museum District
- Texas Medical Center
- South Main
- Myrtle
- Central Southwest
- Pearland
- Shadow Creek Ranch
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Museum District 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.
Poe Elementary, Lanier Middle, and Lamar High School all offer International Baccalaureate programs. Debakey High School for Health Professions (named National Blue Ribbon School twice, in 1997-1998 and 2003) is located just minutes away from the Houston Museum District.
Students in the area may attend the following public schools:
- MacGregor Elementary School at 4801 La Branch St. Founded in 1922, this school used to be known as Southmore. Named after Henry F. MacGregor, the school serves students in grades EE to 5 and offers magnet programs for music and science.
- Poe Elementary School at 5100 Hazard St. Edgar Allan Poe Elementary is a fine arts magnet school, as well as a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP). Poe also offers enrichment classes in several areas including visual arts, dance, music, physical education, Suzuki violin, and technology.
- Lanier Middle School at 2600 Woodhead St. Located in the Neartown/Montrose area, Lanier Middle School is one of the HISD’s International Baccalaureate World Schools. Lanier also has a Vanguard magnet program, as well as fine arts and athletics programs. It has a GreatSchools.org rating of 10/10.
- Cullen Middle School at 6900 Scott St. Located a few minutes away from the Museum District, Cullen Middle School (or CMS) offers a number of academics programs. The school has a Pre-AP program, along with a Vanguard Magnet and Vanguard Neighborhood programs for Gifted and Talented students. Spanish, Music, and Aquatics are also offered at Cullen.
- Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy at 1906 Cleburne St. A relatively new school, YWCPA opened in 2011 through a partnership between the HISD and the Young Women’s Preparatory Network. This all-girls high school offers Pre-AP and AP programs.
- High School for the Performing and Visual Arts at 4001 Stanford St. Located in Montrose, HSPVA offers a curriculum that covers six art areas: instrumental music, vocal music, dance, theater, creative writing, and visual arts.
- Debakey High School for Health Professions at 3100 Shenandoah St. One of the best public schools in the Houston area, Debakey offers the only magnet program for health professions under the HISD. It was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School in 1997-98 and 2003.
- Lamar High School at 3325 Westheimer Rd. Located in Upper Kirby, Lamar is an International Baccalaureate school that offers IB Diploma and AP programs, as well as a magnet program for Business Administration. It also features a great athletics program and is home to the Lamar Texans, formerly known as the Redskins.
Museum District Houston Private Schools
The Museum District is an ideal jumping-off point to the private schools and universities located in Rice University, Montrose, Medical Center, and the Third Ward. Several private schools are located within minutes of the neighborhood. Listed below are some of them.
- St. John’s School at 2401 Claremont Ln. Founded in 1946, St. John’s is one of the most prestigious private schools in Houston. Forbes listed it as one of “America’s Elite Prep Schools” and holds a reputation for academic excellence and selectivity. It has a great athletics program as well, and has a rivalry with The Kinkaid School.
- St. Paul’s School at 5501 Main St.
- Montessori Country Day School at 5117 La Branch St.
- Presbyterian School at 5300 Main St.
- The Joy School at 1 Chelsea Blvd.
To find an updated listing of all Museum District real estate zoned to any specific public school, please send an email to 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, information provided above are accurate but not guaranteed. Please double check by visiting the school’s website.
Much like Midtown and Montrose, the Museum District’s real estate market has grown by significant margins over the past decade.
In 2005, Museum District homes for sale posted a median sales price of $438,075. By 2014, it has increased by over half to $739,756 – this 69% positive change is one of the best appreciation rates in the Inner Loop.
Average price per square foot has also increased over the same period, marking a 43% change, from $208 to $298.
Prices tend to fluctuate, though this can be due to the area’s wide variety of home options.
Houston Museum District real estate is certainly as interesting as the neighborhood’s selection of science and art museums. This vibrant community features a mix of elegant estates, luxury condos and lofts, patio homes, bungalows, and townhomes in gated communities.
(Data sourced from the Houston Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.)
For updated information regarding Museum District real estate pricing and trend analysis, please contact Paige Martin at [email protected].
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Though new construction townhomes and condos are becoming quite popular in the Museum District, there are plenty of detached single-family homes.
Patio homes and older bungalows line the neighborhood’s pedestrian-friendly streets, interspersed with gated communities. On average, Museum District single-family homes have a 3-bedroom, 3 and a half-bath floor plan, with 3,000 square feet of living space.
Some of the most luxurious – and most expensive – housing options in the district are the old estates that date back from the 1920s. Beautifully updated, these homes can feature 6 bedrooms, 6 baths, and 3 half-baths.
Pricing depends on a number of factors, including the condition of the home, location, and size. Museum District homes for sale can go for $400,000 to more than $3,000,000.
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One of the Museum District’s most popular housing options, townhomes are a common sight in the area. Most Museum District townhomes are located within gated, private enclaves with luxury amenities and 24/7 security.
The standard townhome can feature a standard 3/3.5 floor plan. Floor areas can range from 2,000 to more than 4,000 square feet. Luxury Museum District townhomes are also available, and in addition to more living space, they can feature 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, and 2 half baths.
Prices can range from $300,000 to more than $1,000,000.
Museum District Condo Sale Trends
The Museum District is home to several mid- and high-rise condominiums, most featuring early 19th century European-inspired architecture.
Houston Museum District condos typically feature 24/7 security, round-the-clock staff, and parking. Some also offer luxury amenities, like pools, gyms, tennis courts, and jogging trails.
A surge in new residential condos netted more upscale development in the district, including Oaks on Caroline and the Mondrian.
Museum District Condos include:
- 2520 Robinhood
- IL Palazzo
- Warwick Towers
- 7575 Kirby
- The Mosaic
- Serento Houston
- 1400 Hermann
- 5000 Montrose
- Museum Flats
- Chateau Ten Sunset
- Oaks on Caroline
- The Mondrian
- The Spires
- The Parklane Condos
To see other condos within the Inner Loop, see Inner Loop Houston Condos. To see condos within the downtown area, see Downtown Houston Condos.
Museum District TX History
The Museum Distict’s history is a testament to the neighborhood’s strong sense of community and civic responsibility.
In 1977, a number of civic organizations and associations came together to initiate efforts in revitalizing the Houston Museum District. Ten years later, what was then dubbed the “Montrose Project” became the Museum District Development Association of Houston.
The MDDAH and its previous iteration plotted a progressive plan to turn the district into a pedestrian-friendly area centered on the Museum of Fine Arts.
In 1989, Mayor Kathryn Whitmire and the City of Houston City Council officially designated the Museum District as “the area along Montrose Boulevard, from Allen Parkway to Hermann Park.”
The MDDAH was dissolved in 1994, though three years later, 11 institutions formed the Houston Museum District Association. More museums have joined the HMDA in the years since, and the association is now comprised of 19 member museums and institutions.
The Houston Museum District Association lists 19 member museums and institutions inside an area within a 1.5-mile radius of the Mecom Fountain in Hermann Park. These member museums – each with its unique scientific, educational, and artistic exhibits – welcome more than 8 million visitors annually.
Located at 1001 Bissonnet Street, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is one of the largest museums in the country. Within its 300,000-square feet of space, the MFAH houses more than 60,000 pieces in its permanent collection. Visitors can take advantage of the cultural complex’s two gallery buildings, two house museums, sculpture garden, library, movie theatre, and cafe.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science, located at 5555 Hermann Park Drive, is one of the country’s most popular museums, with more than 2 million visitors per year. In addition to its natural science halls, HMNS features the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, the Burke Baker Planetarium, and the Cockrell Butterfly Center. The museum also plays host to numerous guest exhibits every year.
Forbes listed the Children’s Museum of Houston at 1500 Binz Street as one of the “Best Children’s Museums in the US.” With its exhibits and bilingual programs, the museum aims to inspire “a passion for lifelong learning” in all children.
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Another popular Museum District destination is Hermann Park. The 445-acre public park is home to the Houston Zoo, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Hermann Park Golf Course, the Miller Outdoor Theatre, and the Houston Garden Center. It features several attractions and amenities, including jogging trails, pedal boats, playgrounds, and gardens, among others.
The Museum District also features plenty of dining, retail, and entertainment options, and its proximity to Montrose, Medical Center, and Rice University means that more choices are mere minutes away.
Listed below are some of the best places to visit in and around the Museum District:
Member Museums
- Asia Society Texas Center
- Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
- Children’s Museum of Houston
- Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
- Czech Center Museum Houston
- DiverseWorks
- Holocaust Museum Houston
- Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
- Houston Center for Photography
Member Museums
- Houston Museum of Natural Science
- Houston Zoo
- The Health Museum
- The Jung Center of Houston
- Lawndale Art Center
- The Menil Collection
- Museum of African American Culture Center
- Museum of Fine Arts , Houston
- Rice University Art Gallery
- The Rothko Chapel
“Paige is simply the best. She has worked with my husband and I for the last couple years in our quest to find the perfect first home. She was patient with us throughout the process and took time to answer all of our questions! She knows so much about the housing market so we felt very confident that we were in great hands!”
Dining
- Maxwell Street Grill
- Number 1 Chicken Rice & Seafood
- Bowl Cafe
- Davis Street at Hermann Park
- Bowl Cafe
- The Raven Grill
- Bodegas Taco Shop
- Lucille’s
- Pax Americana
- Museum Park Cafe
- Reggae Hut
- Pinewood Cafe
- Black Hole Coffee Houst
- Ambrosia
- Green Seed Vegan
- The Lexington Grille
- Papa Mio Italian Cafe
Nightlife
- Monarch Restaurant & Lounge
- Grand Prize Bar
- Absinthe Brasserie
- Harp
- Revelry on Richmond
- Ruthie’s Place
- Bar 5015
- Kaiser’s Korner Pub
- The Alley Kat Bar & Lounge
- Bosta Wine and Coffee
- Mosaic Bar and Lounge
In Hermann Park
- Miller Outdoor Theatre
- Houston Zoo
- Buddy Carruth Playground For All Children
- The Japanese Garden
- McGovern Lake
- Judson Robinson Jr. Community Center
- Hermann Park Mini-Train
- Hermann Park Trail
- Houston Garden Center
- Bayou Parkland
- Hermann Park Golf Course
Museum District Houston 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.
Paige Martin’s Recent Awards:
– #1 Agent, Keller Williams, Memorial
– #1 Agent, Keller Williams, Texas
– #9 Agent, Keller Williams, United States
– #1 Agent, Keller Williams, Memorial
– #1 Agent, Keller Williams, Texas
– #9 Agent, Keller Williams, United States
