West University Place is often called West University or just “West U”, for short. It is nicknamed "The Neighborhood City" due to the great family-oriented and friendly neighborhoods in the community. West University Place has been named by Inside Houston Magazine as the “Hottest Neighborhood” in their annual Reader’s Choice Awards. Business Development Magazine recently named West University as the one of the best small Texas cities to live in. Its population is estimated at approximately 15,000 people. Residents of West University strive to maintain their community’s friendly atmosphere and are proud of their excellent local schools.
Location
West University Place is in Harris County, Texas and is completely surrounded by the cities of Houston, Bellaire, and Southside Place. It is an ideal location in Houston’s Inner Loop and is centrally located near the Houston Medical Center, Rice University and downtown Houston. West University is also minutes away from Reliant Park, The Galleria and the world-class Houston Museum district.
The nearest cities to West University Place include Southside Place, .5 miles away, Bellaire, 2.2 miles away, Houston, 4.7 miles away, Hunters Creek Village, 5.9 miles, Hilshire Village, 6.4 miles away, and Piney Point Village, 6.5 miles away.
Geography
West University Place has a land area of 2.0 square miles (none is water). Houston area climate is classified as being humid subtropical. Houston and the surrounding area was built on forested land, marshes, swamp, or prairies.
Houston’s Inner Loop is a great location as it is approximately 46 miles from Galveston and the Gulf of Mexico with all its recreational opportunities. It is about 147 miles from Austin and approximately 225 miles from Dallas. Houston is approximately 86 miles from the Louisiana border.
Jobs
Industries providing employment in West University Place include educational, health and social services (27.1%), professional, scientific, management, administrative, (24.1%), and finance, insurance, real estate (10.3%).
The Texas Medical Center is one of largest employers of West University Place residents. Houston is home to a network of more than 100 hospitals and medical facilities that provide state-of-the-art health care and employment opportunities for health professionals. The Texas Medical Center is one of the world's most important research and health care institutions.
Houston is one of the most desirable cities for professionals wishing to relocate. It is no wonder as Houston is famous for international trade and The Port of Houston. Houston’s energy, aeronautics, and medical industries are also top-notch. NASA's Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center and Mission Control Center is located in Houston.
Housing
West University Place is one of Houston's most appealing residential communities. The community streets are known for an abundance of mature oak trees. West University Place real estate options consists primarily of single-family detached homes, condominiums and townhouses. Many of the older homes are renovated, traditional structures from the 1920’s, but many newly constructed homes are available, as well. Lovely brick and stucco homes are popular in West University. Houston’s median home price is $147,000 for a single family home but homes in West University run on the very high end. Many exquisite estates in this neighborhood can be priced as high as $700,000 to a million.
Recreation
West University Place has a Parks and Recreation Department that provides programs and recreational activities for all ages, as well as organized sports and day camps for kids. There are six West University Place parks to enjoy, many with walking paths, playgrounds, tennis courts, picnic facilities, as well as ball fields.
Colonial Park in West University Place has a community pool, gazebo, sand volleyball court, and lots of open space.
Plans for a new Recreation Center facility in West University place include a new pool, fitness center, gym, and meeting facilities.
The Houston area provides some of the best golfing weather in the US. Houston has 2 city-run courses including Memorial Park Golf Course, which is rated one of the best municipal golf courses in Texas. In the Museum District, Hermann Park Golf Course is one of the city's oldest municipal courses with exception amenities. In addition, there are almost 200 golf courses in the Houston metro area, and over 100 of them are public courses.
Interesting Facts
The Friends of West University Place sponsors the Park Lovers Ball in February, an annual fundraising event to benefit the development and expansion of West University parks.
West University Place is the 9th wealthiest location in Texas by per capita income (2000 census).
Starting in the 1980’s, West University underwent major revitalization as families recognized its great location and beautiful neighborhoods. Many of the great historic bungalows have been renovated and remain in West University Place.
The city was developed in 1917 by Ben Hooper, a former Tennessee governor.
The name "West University Place" originated from its proximity to Rice University.
The city incorporated in 1924 because Houston was reluctant to extend power lines that far from the city center. In 1939, the municipality refused to consolidate with the City of Houston and adopted a formal city charter the following year.
The Newcomers and Neighbors Club in West University Place is a social and service group open to all residents of West University and Southside Place. The club hosts many social activities throughout the year including Bunco, Book Club, Diner's Club, Play Groups, the Gadabouts, Chick Flicks, and Luncheon Group.
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