Rice / Museum District Real Estate Guide

Rice / Museum District homes for sale & insider real estate guide

Known for its premier cultural and arts centers, the Museum District is located in the Greater Houston area. The highly accessible neighborhood features a mix of classic and contemporary architectural styles. This accentuates the district's artistic charms.

The Museum District is in demand due to its:

• CULTURAL AND ART CENTERS: The Museum District has 19 cultural, arts, and scientific institutions. It holds the second-largest number of museums in a neighboring area in the United States. Its key destinations include the Museum of Fine Arts, Children’s Museum, and Houston Museum of Natural Science.

• ACCESSIBILITY: The district holds three stops for the METRORail Red Line. It has easy access to I-45 and Highway 59. The Museum District is one of Houston’s most accessible neighborhoods. Its pedestrian-friendly streets have wide and well-maintained sidewalks.

• INNER LOOP LOCATION: It is nestled between prime business and employment centers, Texas Medical Center and Downtown. The Galleria, one of Houston’s leading retail centers, is minutes away. Other nearby inner loop key districts include Upper Kirby and Greenway Plaza.

• REAL ESTATE APPRECIATION: The Museum District is in Houston’s list of neighborhoods with the best land value appreciation. The neighborhood shows strong real estate property appreciation in the next decade thanks to increasing demand and developments.

• LUXURY CONDO LIVING: The Museum District has established landmarks such as Warwick Towers and 1400 Hermann. Newer condos like Museum Flats and Oaks on Caroline are also in the area. Upscale condo amenities may include 24/7 concierge services, valets, and private balconies.

• OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT: Aside from its lively culture and arts scene, the Museum District offers many outdoor recreation options. Hermann Park offers bike trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, gardens, and a golf course. The Houston Zoo, Houston Garden Center, and the Miller Outdoor Theatre are other destinations for entertainment.

• TOP-RATED SCHOOLS: Museum District properties are zoned to the Houston Independent School District. Nearby schools include Poe Elementary, Lanier Middle, and Lamar High School.

Buying or selling Museum District real estate can be tricky. It is due to its proximity to freeways which can lower resale value. The presence of arteries where noise and traffic can be issues can hurt resale odds. Several Museum District streets sell at a premium to others. Additionally, some condos have low resale values due to high HOA rates, quality issues, limited views, and parking concerns.

To get personal advice on buying or selling in the Museum District area, contact Paige Martin, one of Houston’s best realtors and one of the top-ranked Realtors in the United States.

“We enjoyed working with Violet Brooks. She was an absolute pleasure to work with throughout the whole process. She is a knowledgeable Real Estate agent who understood our needs and went above and beyond to find the right property for us! She made the process so easy thanks to her thoroughness and dedication! We feel so happy that Violet was our Realtor.” - Maricarmen Colin (Google Review)

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Rice / Museum District Homes For Sale

Rice / Museum District Homes For Rent

Table of Contents

1. Rice / Museum District Home Sale Trends
2. Rice / Museum District Best Realtor Insights
3. Rice / Museum District Maps, Location & Zip Code
4. Rice / Museum District Schools
5. Rice / Museum District Real Estate Market

Rice / Museum District Home Sale Trends

Vibrant and highly accessible, the Museum District is one of Houston’s premier cultural and art centers. It is located just north of the Texas Medical Center.

The district’s appeal stems from several factors, including:

• CULTURE AND ARTS CENTERS: True to its name, the Museum District is home to 19 culture, arts, and scientific institutions. It has the second largest number of museums in a contiguous area in the US.

• ACCESSIBLE LOCATION AND EASY COMMUTE: The district is nestled between two major employment centers and allows easy access to I-45 and Highway 59. The METRORail Red Line has three stops within the Museum District.

• LUXURY CONDO LIVING: The Museum District has both established landmarks like the Warwick Towers and 1400 Hermann as well as newer condos like Oaks on Caroline and Museum Flats. Amenities may include private balconies, valet and concierge services, and reserved parking.

Aside from its lively arts and culture scene, the Museum District also offers a lot of outdoor entertainment and recreation options in Hermann Park. This includes the Houston Zoo, the Houston Garden Center, and a golf course.

Rice / Museum District Best Realtor Insights

Centers for culture and the arts define much of the Museum District area’s character. The neighborhood’s charm, however, extends well beyond galleries and exhibitions.

• Located just north of Houston’s premier Medical Center, the Museum District features both classic and contemporary homes, reflecting the neighborhood’s artistic draw. Much like neighboring Montrose, Museum District homes are an eclectic mix of patio homes, elegant manors, townhomes, and stylish lofts.

• The district is nestled at the southeast corner where the 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.

• Townhomes and condos are popular housing options within the Museum District, though detached single-family homes are still available in the area. 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 which have been updated and carefully maintained. These properties typically feature spacious living areas with 6 bedrooms, luxury furnishings, and finishes.

• 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.

• 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.

Rice / Museum District Maps, Location & Zip Code

Rice / Museum District Schools

Museum District Houston Schools

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:

Elementary 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.

• Roberts Elementary School at 6000 Greenbriar Dr. is part of the Lamar High School feeder pattern. It is one of the oldest International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB/PYP) schools in Houston. Roberts Elem students participate in various enrichment opportunities with an emphasis on Fine Arts.

Middle Schools

• 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 academic programs. The school has a Pre-AP program, along with a Vanguard Magnet and Vanguard Neighborhood program for Gifted and Talented students. Spanish, Music, and Aquatics are also offered at Cullen.

High Schools

• 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 at 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, the information provided above is accurate but not guaranteed. Please double-check by visiting the school’s website.

Rice / Museum District Real Estate Market

Rice / Museum District Single-Family Home Sale Trends

Though new construction townhomes and condos are becoming 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, along 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.

The most luxurious and expensive housing options in the district are old estates that date back to the 1920s. These beautifully updated vintage homes can feature 6 bedrooms, 6 baths, and 3 half-baths.

Pricing depends on several factors, including the condition of the home, location, and size. Museum District homes for sale can go from $400,000 to more than $3,000,000.

Rice / Museum District Townhome Sale Trends

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 common 3/3.5-storey floor plan. Floor areas can range from 2,000 to more than 4,000 square feet.

Luxury Museum District townhomes can feature 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, and 2 half baths in addition to more living space.

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.

Most Houston Museum District condos feature 24/7 security, round-the-clock staff, and parking. Some also offer luxury amenities including 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.

Rice / 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.

Rice / Museum District TX History

The Museum District's history is a testament to the neighborhood’s strong sense of community and civic responsibility.

In 1977, several civic organizations and associations initiated efforts to revitalize the Houston Museum District. This “Montrose Project” became the Museum District Development Association of Houston 10 years after.

The MDDAH plotted a progressive plan for 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 district’s covered area. The Museum District is identified as the area along Montrose Boulevard, from Allen Parkway to Hermann Park.

The MDDAH was dissolved in 1994. Three years later, 11 institutions formed the Houston Museum District Association.

More museums joined the HMDA in the following years. The association is now comprised of 19 member museums and institutions.

Fun Things To Do Near The Rice / Museum District

The Houston Museum District Association lists 19 members, all within a 1.5-mile radius of Hermann Park’s Mecom Fountain. These member museums welcome more than 8 million visitors annually with each of their unique scientific, educational, and artistic exhibits.

One of the largest museums in the country, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston is located at 1001 Bissonet Street.

The MFAH houses more than 60,000 pieces in its permanent collection within its 300,000 square feet of space. The cultural complex has two gallery buildings, two house museums, a sculpture garden, a library and a movie theatre.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science, located at 5555 Hermann Park Drive, gets more than 2 million visitors per year.

Aside from its natural science hall displays, the museum plays host to numerous guest exhibits every year. HMNS also features the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, the Burke Baker Planetarium, and the Cockrell Butterfly Center.

Forbes listed the Children’s Museum Houston at 1500 Binz Street as one of the “Best Children’s Museums in the US.” Its exhibits and bilingual programs aim to inspire “a passion for lifelong learning” in all children.

Another popular Museum District destination is Hermann Park. The 445-acre public park features several attractions and amenities including jogging trails, pedal boats, playgrounds, and gardens.

Hermann Park is home to Houston Zoo, Hermann Park Golf Course, Miller Outdoor Theatre, and Houston Garden Center.

The Museum District features plenty of dining, retail, and entertainment options. Its proximity to Montrose, Medical Center, and Rice University means 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
• 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

Dining

• Maxwell Street Grill
• Number 1 Chicken Rice & Seafood
• Davis Street at Hermann Park
• The Raven Grill
• Bodegas Taco Shop
• Lucille’s
• Museum Park Cafe
• Reggae Hut
• Black Hole Coffee House
• Ambrosia
• Green Seed Vegan
• The Lexington Grille

Nightlife

• Monarch Restaurant & Lounge
• Grand Prize Bar
• Ruthie’s Place
• Bar 5015
• Bosta Wine and Coffee
• Unwine
• Cidercade Houston
• The Patio At The Pit Room
• Penny Whistle
• City Cellars HTX

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

Best Rice / Museum District 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.