Americans want a lot from a hometown, and as the fourth-largest city in the country, Houston fits the bill for many. It has top-rated schools and affordable housing. In addition, it can be a friendly place to look for jobs. However, like in any major city, different areas of town have their own distinct identity, and right now, Spring Branch in Houston stands out as one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the popular metropolis.

“Spring Branch offers a fantastic combination of quality of living, and cost of living,”; said Realtor Paige Martin. “It offers a lot of value.”;

If you’re looking for a cool and affordable neighborhood in a city with one of the fastest-growing populations in the country, Spring Branch may be the place to settle down.

Where to Live in Spring Branch Houston Texas

Let’s face it, buying a home is not easy. But looking in Spring Branch could be as good as it gets in Houston thanks to affordable properties, even though prices are rising with the city’s population.

In 2010, Spring Branch home buyers paid a little less than $60 per square foot. Now the price is upwards of $105, and the area has one of the highest appreciation rates. But the area is still half the price of other popular Houston neighborhoods like Montrose and Houston Heights, according to the Houston Association of Realtors.

“Land values in Spring Branch started a dramatic upswing starting in 2010,”; Martin said. “Lot values in the area have appreciated over 104 percent over the past five years.”;

If you’re going to buy a home and want the most bang for your buck, look for property below Long Point Road, she added.

This upward trend may be what has driven people to purchase lots with less-desirable homes, said Pete Friend, a Houstonian and the local Public Storage district manager.

“Older, 1960s properties are being bought up, bulldozed and rebuilt,”; he said. “That’s a fascinating thing about Houston; you’ll go down a street and there’s a million dollar home and then on the other side of the street there’s something a lot smaller.”;

The highly rated schools and family-friendly parks make the whole neighborhood a great option for growing families, whether they are ready to buy or just rent for now, said Martin.

Easier Commutes Drive Houstonians to Spring Branch

Houston is known for its bad traffic, so it’s no surprise that newcomers would want to live in an area close to work. Nestled between four major freeways, and straddling Beltway 8 that circles around central Houston, Spring Branch is a convenient neighborhood for people headed in several directions for work and play.

Dozens of Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in Houston, and getting across town via nearby highways is important to take advantage of the job market.

“The neighborhood also has great access to Downtown Houston because of its proximity to the (Interstate) 610 beltway,”; said Friend.

A decade ago, Memorial Hermann Hospital expanded and opened near Spring Branch, which employs thousands of workers near Houston’s Energy Corridor District, the town’s business district that is about seven miles away from Spring Branch.

“Spring Branch is just across the freeway from the Energy Corridor, in the town that is the Energy Capital of the World,”; said Roger Clark, longtime Houston resident and the town’s Public Storage regional manager. “A lot of their corporate offices are clustered very close together.”;

Plenty of Entertainment Near Spring Branch

There’s no shortage of new shopping centers like the Memorial City Mall, CityCentre Plaza and the Galleria, all of which are within driving distance of Spring Branch.

“These are some of Houston’s best retail and shopping areas, all within 5 to 15 minutes from Spring Branch,”; said Martin.

CityCentre Plaza is one of the top entertainment destinations in town. Young professionals can enjoy date nights at Studio Movie Grill, a restaurant-movie theater hybrid. While budget-aware families can listen to live music and practice yoga for free at the outdoor promenade.

“CityCentre is filled with hotels, nightclubs, live music, boutique shopping and high rise condos,”; he said. “Park your car and grab dinner. There’s plenty of options to choose from!”;

But why stay indoors when you could enjoy the Texas sunshine. Take Fido to the dog park inside Congressman Bill Archer Park or jog around some of the 30 miles of trails within nearby Memorial Park.

If you’re looking for a Spring Branch favorite, check out Teriyaki Kitchen on Gessner Road, said Martin.

“Great food, awesome service,”; she added.

If you’re convinced that Spring Branch is the neighborhood for you, don’t forget to stop by Public Storage, 9223 Long Point Rd, Houston, TX 77055. There’s plenty of space to help store your stuff during the move!