WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE
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West University
The city of West University Place (which draws its name from neighboring Rice University) was developed in 1917 by former Tennessee governor Ben Hooper. The city was incorporated in 1924 because Houston was reluctant to extend power lines that far from the city center. A charming atmosphere, a wide variety of architectural styles and strict zoning laws, which require 40 percent of open space on every lot, have combined to make "West U" one of Houston's most appealing locales.
Location, Location, Location
Though it enjoys an urban location, surrounded by the cities of Houston, Bellaire and Southside Place, West University is known for its tree-lined streets and safe neighborhoods. Many of its street names were inspired by universities and colleges throughout the United States. The city has several distinct areas. One is called West U Downtown, a small strip of centrally located businesses. There are also about 26 subdivisions, including Rice Court, Pemberton, Colonial Terrace and Sunset Terrace.
West U offers easy access to some of Houston's finest museums, as well as to the Medical Center, Astrodome and freeway system. It has been nicknamed "The Neighborhood City" for its appeal to upper-middle-class families, who choose it as a conveniently located bedroom community. West U's population is approximately 15,000, and it ranks eighth in the wealthiest locations in Texas by per capital income.
Real Estate
The real estate business is booming in West University: In the city as a whole, the average per-square-foot sales price has risen more than 50 percent since 2003. Originally, West U was made up mostly of small cottages. Many of these cottages were torn down and replaced with large, two-story houses, several in the Georgian style. West University continues to develop as one of the most desirable and affluent parts of the greater Houston area.
West University Place Real Estate Listings
