Welcome to Memorial
Welcome to Memorial! Back when Memorial Drive was just a simple country road, it ran alongside a number of small farms that dotted the once–wide open spaces. Now, the long thoroughfare that this neighborhood gets its name from bisects a vibrant residential community nestled between the busy Katy Freeway and the meandering Buffalo Bayou waterway.
What to Expect
Easy access to the Energy Corridor but suburban tranquility too. Memorial is an ideal homebase for those working in Houston’s Energy Corridor, the nearby district where many international energy companies have put down corporate roots. It’s also just as convenient for residents to head home at the end of the day to the area’s serene, secluded subdivisions.
The Lifestyle
An appreciation for good retail, restaurants, and recreation. There’s no need to trek into the Inner Loop for a little retail therapy or a memorable evening out; Memorial residents can make the short drive over to the Memorial City Mall, the 37-acre CityCentre, or Town & Country Village for first-rate shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Two massive nature preserves--Bear Creek Pioneers Park and George Bush Park--are within striking distance too.
Unexpected Appeal
The neighborhood’s quaint throwback vibe. Pleasant” is a word that comes up a lot in descriptions of Memorial (which is also known as Memorial West, to distinguish it from the adjacent Memorial Villages area). It’s the kind of place where kids play in sizable yards in front of picturesque homes, and it’s not unusual to see families out for evening strolls or kids enjoying the splash pad at the 22-acre Nottingham Park.
The Market
Ample, lots and lots of exquisite, updated offerings. While many of the area’s original one-story ranch homes, developed in the sixties and seventies, have been replaced, you can expect to see lots of gigantic Georgian, Mediterranean, and traditional brick two-stories that went up in later decades and have been thoroughly modernized. Brand-new builds are popping up too. You'll Fall in Love With Memorial’s secret gem of a park. Terry Hershey Park may not be as well known as expansive Memorial Park, a few miles to the west, but it’s no less beloved by Memorial residents who frequent its bucolic six-mile hike and bike trail, which runs along Buffalo Bayou.
Memorial is a community comprised of independent cities and large to small gated neighborhoods, located south of Interstate 10 (Katy Freeway) and west of Loop 610. The neighborhood offers great accessibility, notable schools, and many housing options. Memorial is well-known for its:
- Top-Ranked Schools: Zoned to both Houston ISD and Spring Branch ISD. Frostwood Elementary, Memorial Middle, and Memorial High are among Houston's Highly-Rated Schools that serve the community. Unlike other inner loop neighborhoods, Memorial homes have access to many top-performing school options.
- Huge Lots: Most Memorial properties for sale are on the large, tree-lined lots ranging in size from 3,000 to over sprawling 20,000 square feet.
- Central Location: Memorial homes are close to multiple stores, dining spaces, entertainment facilities, and several parks. The community is also close to two of Houston's largest employment hubs, the Energy Corridor and the Galleria.
- Excellent Home Options: The Memorial is vast in area size, whereby the neighborhood features a variety of housing options, from traditional single-family homes, townhouses, and old ranch-style, to grand estates. The Memorial community houses 20 of the Most Expensive Houston Communities such as the Frostwood, Memorial Forest, and the Memorial Villages among others. Its real estate can be challenging to navigate due to its size, popularity, and accessibility to major thoroughfares.
Memorial Villages: Where Upscale Living Meets Small-Town Charm
A cluster of six autonomous and upscale communities located just east of Houston's Inner Loop. These distinct villages, including Spring Valley, Hilshire, Hedwig, Bunker Hill, Hunters Creek, and Piney Point, offer a unique blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquility.
Incorporated to preserve their independence and avoid annexation by Houston, each village boasts its mayor and city council while sharing certain municipal services and falling within the boundaries of the renowned Spring Branch Independent School District (ISD).
What to Expect
A harmonious blend of nature and urban amenities. While the Memorial Villages retain their small forested areas, they now thrive amid urban development. Residents can savor the charm of lush landscapes and explore high-end shops and acclaimed restaurants in three major mixed-use hubs: CityCentre, Memorial City Mall, and Town & Country Village.
The Lifestyle
Comfortable country living enriched by city luxuries. For those seeking an ideal balance between the tranquility of a suburban neighborhood and the vibrancy of a city, Memorial Villages offer the best of both worlds without compromise.
Unexpected Appeal
Proximity to one of the nation's largest urban parks. Spanning 1,466 acres, Memorial Park surpasses Central Park in size and boasts scenic trails, towering pines, and the adjacent Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, where visitors can explore well-preserved wilderness on five miles of trails.
The Market
Extravagant estates nestled in wooded landscapes. Homes in the Memorial Villages are considered as magnificent as those in nearby River Oaks but often feature more extensive lots ensconced in wooded expanses. This extra space allows for the grandeur of gated French chateaus and secluded mid-century modern abodes.
You'll Fall in Love With
The tightly-knit sense of community. Rooted in rural origins and a spirit of independence, each village feels like a close-knit small town. The well-attended Saturday farmers' market, considered the city's best, underscores this sense of community.
Highlights of Memorial Villages
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Top Rankings: Memorial Villages frequently earn top rankings in publications like Forbes and Fortune as some of the best places to live well.
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Exclusivity: Each village enforces unique deed restrictions, electing separate mayors and city council members. The area boasts its water authority and shares the prestigious, 77024 zip code.
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Excellent Schools: Memorial Villages fall under the Spring Branch ISD, home to some of the nation's top-ranked public schools.
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Security: The neighborhood maintains its police force, known for its excellent safety record, and has its Fire Department.
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Strong Real Estate Appreciation: The area consistently performs well in Land Value Appreciation and Real Estate Appreciation reports.
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Great Accessibility: Located near major roads, it offers easy access to employment hubs like Downtown and the Galleria, as well as dining and entertainment options.
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With home prices starting at $2 million and each village enforcing unique deed restrictions, navigating the real estate landscape in Memorial Villages can be complex. Consulting an experienced realtor in the area is advisable for those interested in this upscale community.
Memorial West: Luxury Living in Houston's Memorial Neighborhood
A suburban oasis located in the heart of Houston. This lavish neighborhood combines the convenience of urban amenities with the charm of tree-lined streets, offering some of the city's most prestigious residences.
What Sets Memorial Apart
Proximity to downtown and excellent schools. One of Memorial's main attractions is its proximity to downtown Houston. You can enjoy a peaceful suburban lifestyle while being just a stone's throw away from the vibrant city center. Memorial also boasts excellent schools, making it an ideal choice for families.
A Brief History
From farmland to upscale residential community. The rapid growth of Houston in the 1960s led to the development of numerous subdivisions in the Memorial area. Today, it's an upscale residential neighborhood featuring a wide range of homes. Traditional-style architecture with brick facades and contemporary homes with multilevel terraces coexist, along with Mediterranean and English-inspired estates. New construction has also taken hold, offering modern homes with attached garages and balconies.
The Housing Landscape
Spacious Properties with Manicured Lawns. Memorial's properties are known for their generous sizes, ranging from 3,500 to over 20,000 square feet. These homes often feature manicured lawns, inviting inground pools, and covered patios, making the Texan heat more bearable. Prices in Memorial can vary from the high $600,000s to well over $2 million, with new builds starting around $900,000.
Education and Community
Notable schools and a strong sense of community. Memorial is served by the Spring Branch Independent School District, offering access to top-rated schools like Rummel Creek Elementary and Memorial Middle School. The community fosters a strong sense of togetherness, with friendly neighbors and family-friendly activities.
Exploring Nature and Recreation
18 acres of nature sanctuary and community clubs. The Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, spanning nearly 18 acres, offers walking trails, educational programs, and birdwatching opportunities. For recreation, the Memorial West Community Club provides tennis courts, a lap pool, and a clubhouse. The popular Nottingham Grill 'n Chills on Friday afternoons are a community favorite.
Shopping and Dining
Upscale dining and entertainment. Memorial boasts a friendly alcove of shops and restaurants. Randall's is a go-to for groceries, while Tres Market Foods offers convenient grab-and-go items. The neighborhood is also known for upscale dining establishments like Bistro 555 and Taizzi, serving fabulous French dishes and high-end sushi.
Entertainment Beyond Memorial
Downtown Houston and CityCentre. With downtown Houston just 16 miles away, Memorial residents can explore a wide range of entertainment options in the city. The CityCentre, with its shopping, restaurants, theaters, and more, has become a vibrant gathering spot for Memorial's residents.
Memorial West: Where Luxury Meets Location
Discover Memorial West. Memorial West is a renowned community within Memorial, known for its prestigious homes and prime location. With highly-ranked schools, excellent accessibility, diverse housing options, and ample recreational opportunities, Memorial West remains one of Houston's sought-after neighborhoods. If you're considering a move to this area, consult with real estate experts for guidance in navigating its diverse housing market.
