West University is an area located on the southwestern edge of Houston’s central business district and just north of the Texas Medical Center. It is generally recognized as a combination The City of West University Place (established 1911) and several of its inner and surrounding subdivisions including Pemberton Place, Virginia Court, Belle Court, Monticello, Montclair, Colonial Terrace, College View, Sunset Terrace. The City of West University Place is actually a residential town within the confines of the City of Houston. West University (or even just ‘West U’) grew up with Rice University (founded 1912), and its academic charm and residential purity make it one of Houston’s most appealing neighborhoods. Professionals eager to plant family roots flock to settle in this small town with true community spirit.
The West U area boasts a rich divergence of architecture, and newcomers may opt to remodel a vintage home, choose a lot for new construction, or select a finished home to suit their tastes. From its beginning, the neighborhood prospered from strict zoning and deed restrictions. The code protects residents against invasion of industrial development, and in an era of unbridled and often chaotic urban growth, West U has emerged as an island of residential stability.
Allowing for lot size, condition, and neighborhood location, West U area home prices range from near $400,000 for a lot into the millions for a substantially renovated and updated classic home built before 1970. Homes constructed between 1970 and 1995 range from the $500,000s into the millions. Prices for homes constructed after 1995 range upwards from the $500,000s for patio homes, and from the $800,000s upwards of $2 million for single family homes.
The West U area offers immediate access to some of Houston’s finest museums, Reliant Stadium and the Astrodome complex. The community center at Auden Street and University Blvd. houses the City of West University Place City Hall, the West University Place Police Department, and recreational and community gathering facilities.
