As the fourth largest city in the United States, Houston has a lot of options when it comes to up-scale neighborhoods. One neighborhood rising in popularity fast is Garden Oaks/Oak Forest (GOOF). Garden Oaks is known as a family-oriented and wholesome community, attracting both young families and professionals. With only 1400 homes in the neighborhood, it offers a small-town feel with the benefits of big city living.
In line with the Houston real estate market, the neighborhood is seeing an increase in home values as new construction continues in the area.
A neighborhood with history and charm
Garden Oaks was established in 1937 by Edward L. Crain, a well-known developer who founded many of Houston’s neighborhoods during the first half of the twentieth century. The area still has many oak, pecan, and pine trees that gave the area its namesake. A lot of the bungalows and other homes built in the 1930s-late ’40s are still surviving in the neighborhood that beautifully blends modern construction with historic charm.
In the western portion of the city, many homes were constructed for military men returning from WWII and the architecture adds even more appeal to the impeccably melded neighborhood. The history and memories are evident by the pride of ownership and the immaculate homes of yesteryear.
Ideal location for both the working professional and growing family
Garden Oaks is ideally located. Only 10-15 minutes from downtown, residents live in the beautiful tree-lined streets that are commonplace in the suburbs and still be at work or attend big-city entertainment/dining within minutes.
Living near the major interstates and highways, as well as the George Bush Intercontinental Airport, puts you just close enough to the major travel arteries without experiencing the traffic, congestion, or noise.
The Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority also operates buses, trolleys, and small lift vans that provide service to the neighborhood making getting to downtown or other Houston neighborhoods convenient and fast.
Safe neighborhood and involved residents
Garden Oaks has one of the lowest crime rates in Houston. The Garden Oaks Civics Club keeps the neighborhood moving forward in affording its residents a great quality of life and added security. The club enforces deed restrictions, reviews building plans, and regularly organizes beautification projects.
The Garden Oaks Civics Club also contracts with the Harris County Precinct One Constable’s Office for two deputies that provide 40 hours of a sworn law enforcement officer presence in the neighborhood. The program has been met with great success, leading to lower crime rates and much faster response rates when assistance is needed.
Great schools
The neighborhood is served by the Houston Independent School District and has some of the best schools in Texas.
Most elementary school students are zones for the Garden Oaks Montessori Magnet School. The school ranks in the upper third of all Texas elementary schools and has teachers and staff dedicated to consistently pushing students toward their potential.
All middle school students are zoned to the Frank Black Middle School. Black Middle School is in the top 30% of all Texas schools for overall test scores.
Most of the high school students are zoned for Waltrip High School which also does well in state school rankings.
Plenty to do
For the little ones wanting to enjoy the water, Garden Oaks is home to Houston’s most recognized swim school. The Pengu Swim School was founded over two decades ago and is committed to bringing value to the community they serve. They are known for their small class sizes and ability to produce strong, confident swimmers of all ages. The beautifully decorated facility is also available for swim parties and weekends full of fun.
Also in the neighborhood is The American Legion Park that has plenty of space as well as softball/baseball fields for the active residents to enjoy.
While the neighborhood is known for its family-oriented lifestyle, there is plenty of excitement for adults wanting to get out and enjoy the area’s social scene. One popular destination is the Wakefield Crow Bar, it even has sand volleyball courts and kid’s areas.
It is a casual sports bar and restaurant that is dog and family-friendly. With a full kitchen and more than 30 beers on tap, this is the neighborhood place to be. The large patio wraps around three full-sized sand volleyball courts, providing hours of entertainment for both the athlete and the audience alike.
An area expanding in development
More and more amenities are arriving in the neighborhood every year. Dubbed a “building boom” in Houstonia Magazine, Garden Oaks expansion is attracting investors looking to capitalize on the thriving area by adding additional retailers and restaurants. Gulf Coast Commercial Group recently announced that they will be revamping the strip center at 1102 Pinemont Drive and turn into the area’s newest mix-use commercial center called The Common.
The developers are describing it as a “lifestyle hub” with numerous retailers all surrounding the “common” area that is full of greenery. Neighborhood residents can expect farmers markets, artisan vendors, and plenty of space for dining and outdoor fitness classes.
An investment with a bright future
During the past decade, Garden Oaks has enjoyed some of the best appreciation rates in Houston. Since 2011, the average price per square foot of land in Garden Oaks has increased more than 66%. With the increasing popularity and continued growth, values will continue to rise.
As newer, more expensive homes and townhomes replace the older structures, the values of existing residences will continue to soar.
ROC Homes setting the standard In Oak Grove
Oak Grove, a small section of the Garden Oaks neighborhood where ROC Homes built homes with inviting First Floor Living floor plans that have ample space for young families, is a community to keep an eye on. Homes are selling fast in the area and future residents need to act fast.
ROC Homes is always committed to enhancing the communities in which they build new construction. In line with that promise, ROC Homes created a small green space for a park in front of the Oak Grove community. The area is perfect for taking the dog out or enjoying a picnic.
If you are looking for a new home in Houston and a neighborhood fit for your lifestyle, Oak Grove deserves a visit. For more information and to schedule a no-obligation consultation, contact the professionals at ROC Homes today.