Central Northwest Real Estate Guide

Central Northwest homes for sale & insider real estate guide

Central Northwest is a Super Neighborhood located between Pinemont, Shepherd, the North Loop West, and US 290. Garden Oaks and Oak Forest are located within the large neighborhood, both known for their great location and historic homes.

Central Northwest is famous due to its:

• ACCESSIBILITY: Shepherd Drive, TC Jester Blvd, and Westheimer Rd are all accessible to its residents. Loop 610 and US 290 also run through the area. These routes connect Central Northwest to nearby neighborhoods.

• CONVENIENCE: Central Northwest is close to major Houston areas. It is a short commute to Downtown Houston and Greater Heights. Public transportation like METRORail and bus lines allow for convenient commutes.

• NEARBY JOB OPPORTUNITIES: The neighborhood is close to prime employment centers. It is a short drive to Downtown, Energy Corridor, and the Galleria. Major companies like ExxonMobil, Shell Oil, Chevron, and Baker Hughes surround the area.

• ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: Central Northwest is known for its top-rated schools in the Houston Independent School District (HISD). Nearby school districts like Aldine ISD, Spring Branch ISD, and Cypress-Fairbanks ISD also serve the area. These districts have National Blue Ribbon and TEA A-rated schools.

• OUTDOOR RECREATION: Central Northwest is known for its scenic trails and nature parks. Residents can enjoy biking and hiking on the nearby Heights Hike and Bike Trail and White Oak Bayou Greenway Access. Parks like Watonga Parkway, Mangum Manor Park, and Oak Forest Park also surround the area.

• DIVERSE HOME OPTIONS: Central Northwest offers a variety of home options. It ranges from ranch-style homes built in the 1950s to modern homes. The prices of homes in the area can range from around $200,000 up to over $1 million.

Central Northwest real estate can be tricky to navigate. Factors like different school zones and deed restrictions must be considered. Additionally, different builders add variety to the housing options. It is best to get in touch with a Central Northwest realtor with local knowledge.

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

“Paige Martin is THE BEST realtor. We have moved around the world and around the US many times and Paige is truly the best we have ever come across. She is very focused, very professional, extremely knowledgeable and an excellent negotiator. She makes the buying process stress free and fun. We couldn’t recommend more highly.” - Claire and Andy Madden (Google Review)

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Central Northwest Homes For Sale

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Table of Contents

1. Central Northwest Home Sale Trends
2. Central Northwest Best Realtor Insights
3. Central Northwest Maps, Location & Zip Code
4. Central Northwest Schools
5. Central Northwest Real Estate Market

Central Northwest Home Sale Trends

Central Northwest is a large neighborhood in Northwest Houston. The area borders south of Loop 610 and Northwest Freeway (US 290) to the west. North of the area is bordered by Hardy Toll Road and the city of Bellaire to the east.

Central Northwest is known for its:

• HIGH ACCESSIBILITY: Homes in the Central Northwest are close to Sheperd Drive, TC Jester Blvd, and Westheimer Rd, all major roads and highways. Loop 610 and US 290 also run through the area, giving residents access to nearby neighborhoods.

• EASY COMMUTE: The MetroRail Red line runs through Central Northwest, giving residents a fast and convenient commute. Several bus lines also surround the area. Downtown Houston, Texas Medical Center, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport can be easily reached through public transportation.

• NEARBY MAJOR EMPLOYERS: Central Northwest is close to several businesses, such as ExxonMobil, Galleria, and the Texas Medical Center. Many small businesses and startups also surround the area.

• TOP-RATED SCHOOLS: Central Northwest is home to some of the highly-rated schools in the Houston Independent School District. For families seeking alternative education, private schools also surround the area.

Central Northwest is characterized by a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. The area is close to various nature parks, dining, and retail centers for residents to enjoy.

Central Northwest Best Realtor Insights

Central Northwest is a Super Neighborhood known for its prime location, top-rated schools, and diverse home options.

• Central Northwest is located between Pinemont, Shepherd, the North Loop West, and US 290. Residents enjoy access to major roads and highways such as Loop 610, US 290, Shepherd Drive, and TC Jester Blvd.

• Central Northwest is in proximity to Houston’s key districts, such as Downtown Houston and Greater Heights. METRORail and bus lines allow for convenient commutes.

• Economic hotspots like the Galleria, Energy Corridor, and Medical Center are also nearby. Major employment companies like ExxonMobil, Baker Hughes, and Shell Oil surround the area.

• Retail and shopping hotspots like Oak Forest shopping center, and Garden Oaks shopping center are minutes away from the area. It is also surrounded by restaurants like Local Table and Jackie's Kitchen.

• The neighborhood has well-maintained parks and scenic trails. Residents can enjoy hiking and biking on the White Bayou Greenway Trail. T.C. Jester Park offers outdoor amenities like disc golf, a pool, and a playground.

• Central Northwest homes are zoned by the Houston Independent School District (HIDS). Nearby school districts such as Aldine ISD, Spring Branch ISD, and Cypress-Fairbanks ISD also serve the area.

• Central Northwest is one of the older residential neighborhoods in Houston. Homes in the area range from ranch-style houses built in the 1940s to new custom-built homes.

• Home sizes in the area range from 1,000 to 4,000 square feet. Homes feature designs like craftsman, ranch, traditional, and modern.

• Central Northwest homes are typically built on large lots (by Houston standards). Lot sizes can range from 1,600 to 14,000 square feet.

• Homes in Central Northwest feature 1-4 story floor plans, offering 2-5 bedrooms and 2-4 bathrooms. Prices of homes in the area range in cost from about $200,000 up to $1 Million.

Central Northwest Maps, Location & Zip Code

Central Northwest Schools

Central Northwest homes are zoned under Houston Independent School District.

Houston ISD is the largest public school district in Texas and the seventh-largest in the United States.

Central Northwest is near the following public schools:

Elementary Schools

• Field Elementary School at 703 E 17th St. Often referred to as “The Pink School on Studewood,” Field Elem serves Pre-K to 5th-grade learners. The school implements programs such as the Gifted and Talented Program and the Special Education Program. The school received a Gold Ribbon Award from Children at Risk.

• Harvard Elementary School at 810 Harvard St. Established in 1898, it is an authorized IB World School that offers a Primary Years Programme (PYP). The school is known for offering a STEM Magnet Program and Vanguard Neighborhood Program to Pre-K to Grade 5 learners. Harvard Elem is recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School.

• Ketelsen Elementary School at 600 Quitman St. Ketelsen Elementary is recognized as a TEA A-rated campus. The school offers Special Education Services, an English Learners program, and Fine Arts like Music and Visual Arts. The school also has after-school clubs and activities like Art, Choir, and Cross Country for Pre-K to Grade 5 learners.

• Memorial Elementary School at 6401 Arnot St. Memorial Elementary is a dual language school and a candidate for the IB Primary Years Program. It is recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School and an A-rated school by TEA. It is known for its Gifted and Talented Neighborhood Program, Music and Orchestra Program, and after-school care program.

• Oak Forest Elementary School at 1401 W 43rd St. Opened in 1949, Oak Forest Elementary is a Vanguard Magnet school serving Pre-K to Grade 5 students. It is a top-rated school offering programs like developmental bilingualism, ESL, the Gifted and Talented Program, and a Healthy Kid initiative.

• Travis Elementary School at 3311 Beauchamp St. Formerly named Beauchamp Springs School, William B. Travis Elementary School is a Vanguard Magnet school. Known for its exemplary programs such as Special Education Resource and Structured Learning Class (Standard and Autism services). The school also offers ESL Education, Dyslexia Intervention Program for K to Grade 5 learners it serves.

• Valley Oaks Elementary at 8390 Westview Dr. First opened in 1957, it is one of the most established schools in Spring Branch ISD. It is a highly rated school known for offering Bilingual, Gifted and Talented, and Special Ed programs. After-school activities like chess, art after school, baseball, violin, and Spanish are also offered to its K-Grade 5 learners.

Middle Schools

• Burbank Middle School at 315 Berry Rd. Burbank Middle School, founded in 1927, is a Verizon Innovative Learning School. It is known for offering Magnet Vanguard and Dual Language Vanguard Programs to students in Grades 6–8. Burbank Middle School was designated an International Spanish Academy (ISA) and received second place in the “Colegio del Año’ Award.

• Cook Middle School at 9111 Wheatland Dr. Cook Middle School, which opened in 1988, offers programs like STEM Academy and Career and Tech Ed (CTE). It is also known for offering a federally funded “Title I” program and the Horizons Gifted and Talented Program for its 6-9th grade learners.

• Black Middle School at 1575 Chantilly. Black Middle School, originally named Frank Black Junior High School was founded in 1957. It is a Vanguard Magnet Campus offering Dual Language and Special Ed programs. Black Middle School is also known for its exemplary fine arts and athletic programs.

High Schools

• Victory Early College High School at 4141 S Victory St. A collaboration between Aldine ISD and Lone Star Community College, Victory Early College HS offers over 30 Advanced Courses. The school allows students to pursue an HS diploma, an Associate’s degree or 2 years of college credit. Victory Early College High School serves Grades 9–12 students.

• Blanson Career and Technical Education High School at 311 West Rd. Blanson CTE High School is a TEA A-rated school offering various programs to its Grade 9–12 learners. Programs such as Animation, Construction Technology, Diesel Technology, Machining, Welding, and Physical Therapy, among others.

Central Northwest Private Schools

The following are some of the most notable private schools near Central Northwest.

• St. Pius X. High School at 811 W Donovan St.

• Lutheran North Academy at 1130 W 34th St.

• The Awty International School at 7455 Awty School Ln.

• School of the Woods at 1321 Wirt Rd.

• Houston Christian High School at 2700 W Sam Houston Pkwy N.

• Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart at 10202 Memorial Dr.

• St. John’s School at 2401 Claremont Ln.

• St. Thomas High School at 4500 Memorial Dr.

• Memorial Private School at 14333 Fern Dr.

• Xavier Academy at 1001 W Loop S Suite 300.

To find an updated listing of all Central Northwest real estate zoned to any specific public school, please email Paige Martin at [email protected] with the property preference and budget that you're working with.

Note: For more detailed information on specific schools zoned to different Central Northwest areas, please refer to our Houston Schools Guide OR email me.

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.

Central Northwest Real Estate Market

Central Northwest Single-Family Home Sale Trends

Central Northwest area is a major residential community primarily consisting of single-family properties. The area retained most of its original homes, dating back to the 1950s and 1970s. Most of these are ranch-style homes that have since been restored and renovated.

Single-family home sizes in Central Northwest range from 1,000 to 4,000 square feet. These homes feature designs like craftsman, ranch, traditional, and modern.

Central Northwest single-family homes are typically built on large lots (by Houston standards). Lot sizes can range from 1,600 to 14,000 square feet.

Single-family homes in the area generally have 1-4 story floor plans, offering 2-5 bedrooms and 2-4 bathrooms. Prices of homes range from $200,000 to $1 Million.

Central Northwest Townhome Sale Trends

Increasing prices of single-family homes in Central Northwest boosted the market for townhomes. Standard features include 1-3 story floor plans, 1-3 bedrooms, and 1-3 bathrooms. Some townhomes offer private balconies or terraces and attached 2-car garages.

Unlike single-family homes, townhomes in Central Northwest feature smaller lots. They range from about 1,000 to over 3,000 square feet. Living spaces are typically between 1,000 to 2,500 square feet.

Prices of townhomes in Central Northwest start at $60,000 and go up to $300,000.

Central Northwest Condo Sale Trends

There are no mid- or high-rise Central Northwest condos for sale, but plenty of units are available in the surrounding areas.

To see other condos within the Inner Loop, see Inner Loop Houston Condos. To see condos within the nearby Galleria area, see Galleria Houston Condos. To see other condos within Downtown Houston, see Downtown Condos. To see condos within Museum District, see Museum District Condos.

The Houston Properties Team is an expert in Central Northwest real estate. Please contact us if you'd like to see Houston condos or learn more about buildings that could be a fit for you.

Central Northwest TX History

Farmers and ranchers first settled in the area in the early 1800s. In the 1920s and 1930s, the area quickly developed.

Before World War II, Garden Oaks was planned as a garden suburb with curvilinear streets and various homes. These homes range from ranch-style homes and cottages to mansions.

After WWII, Oak Forest was developed and grew to be the biggest residential community at that time. Developers planned the neighborhood with spaces set aside for establishments like parks and schools.

Between the 1950s and the 1970s, Candlelight Estates, Shepherd Park, and other nearby subdivisions were built.

In 2010, Central Northwest was recognized as Super Neighborhood 12. It includes the neighborhoods of Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, Candlelight Estates, and Shepherd Park. Other subdivisions north of Loop 610 and west of North Freeway are also part of the area. This group of subdivisions and neighborhoods is called the Oak Forest-Garden Oaks area.

Fun Things To Do Near Central Houston

Central Northwest provides residents with a wide variety of leisure and relaxation options. Due to its strategic location, there are numerous parks, trails, and recreation areas around the neighborhood.

Restaurants, pubs, and retail centers also surround Central Northwest.

Here are some of Central Northwest’s must-visit places:

Run/Hike/Bike Trails

• Heights Hike and Bike Trail
• White Oak Bayou Greenway Access
• T.C. Jester Park
• Watonga Parkway
• Lorraine Cherry Nature Preserve
• Mangum Manor Park

Dining

• Local Table
• Govinda's
• Jackies Kitchen
• Russo's New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen
• Fajita Pete's- Garden Oaks
• Juanita's Mexican Restaurant
• Dish Society
• Antone's
• Gabby's BBQ

Nightlife

• The Upside Pub
• Johnny's Gold Brick
• Big Star Bar
• T-Bones Sports Pub
• The Post Beer & Wine Garden
• McIntyre's Heights
• Inwood Bayou Pub
• Wicklow Heights

Shopping Centers

• Oak Forest Shopping Center
• Northbrook Center
• Garden Oaks Shopping Center
• Ella Boulevard Shopping Center
• Northway Center
• Brookhollow Marketplace
• Forest West Shopping Center

Best Central Northwest 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.

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