$366,639Average Value$176Average Price per Sq Ft14Homes For Sale
The “Ellis Island” of Houston
Houston is known for its diverse population, and Gulfton is a particularly varied melting pot. In the 1970s, the area was booming with young families working in the oil industry. After this influx of residents left a decade later, a new population moved into the neighborhood’s empty apartment complexes. Today, Gulfton is one of the most densely populated parts of Houston and has residents who represent more than 80 different countries and speak more than 50 languages. “People usually call it the Ellis Island of Houston,” says Sandra Rodriguez, President of the Gulfton Neighborhood Council. “Newcomers and immigrants to Houston come here because it’s familiar to their culture or they know someone here.” The neighborhood has faced some challenges, including increased violent crime in the 1980s and environmental factors like extreme heat. Many of these issues are now being addressed by community organizations that want to fill Gulfton with local art, trees and walkable routes to work, school and shopping.
Greener Gulfton creates shaded sidewalks and bus stops
Gulfton is only 3 miles from the Uptown district and 10 miles from Downtown, and Interstates 69 and 610 run next to the neighborhood. Many Gulfton residents cannot rely on a car for transportation, leading them to walk and take the bus. Multiple community projects have been dedicated to cleaning up the sidewalks and making them more comfortable for locals who walk to work, school or local stores. “It is a walkable community because the community has made it that way,” Rodriguez says. “We want to make sure people have safe pathways to get where they need to go.” There are Ride METRO stops on every street in Gulfton, and the area’s bus stops have also been a point of focus. In 2023, a county-wide heat mapping project determined that Guflton was “the hottest neighborhood in Houston,” and was up to 17 degrees hotter than other parts of the city. “If you sit at a bus stop, it’s like an easy bake oven,” Rodriguez says. “If you ride the bus on a hot summer day, you’ll want to sit near a tree or sign or near shade.” The Greener Gulfton Plan is now working to plant 800 trees around the neighborhood and create “green” bus stops that include built-in planters and extra shade.
Apartment complexes dominate Gulfton’s landscape
Gulfton has over 60 apartment buildings, which house over 95% of Gulfton’s residents and often take up entire blocks of the neighborhood. Local artists have painted brick walls, utility boxes and bus stops to add some color to these apartment-heavy streets. Single-family homes are clustered in the Shenandoah section within Gulfton and in private communities on the border of Gulfton and Bellaire. In these areas, condos, townhomes and ranch-style homes are all common. Condos and townhomes typically start at under $100,000 and increase to $300,000 in luxury complexes near Bellaire. Single-family homes range between $200,000 and $300,000.
Mexican, Ethiopian and Afghani cuisine showcase Gulfton’s diversity
Gulfton’s diversity is reflected in the selection of eateries that dot the neighborhood. There are two locations of Tacos La Bala off of Dashwood Drive, which both have counter service and a menu of hearty sandwiches, tacos and burritos. Bahel on Chimney Rock Road is an Ethiopian restaurant and market that is known for its coffee and hearty entrees cooked in Ethiopian butter. The Afghan Village on Hillcroft Street doubles as a halal grocery store and a sit-down restaurant serving Afghani meat and vegetable entrees. The area's diversity extends to its churches. San Mateo Episcopal Church on Alder Drive holds services in Spanish, while Iglesia Universal off the Southwest Freeway offers programs in English, Spanish and Portuguese. There is a large grocery shop in every corner of Gulfton, with a Walmart and Sam’s Club to the north on Rice Avenue, an H-E-B to the east on Bissonnet Street, and a Fiesta Mart to the west on Bellaire Boulevard. Gulfton also neighbors the uptown district, known for The Galleria, Houston’s largest shopping mall.
“Mothers of the Park” give Burnett Bayland Park a makeover
Burnett Bayland Park on Chimney Rock Road has received new life thanks to the community group Madres del Parque, or Mothers of the Park. Since 2016, the group has added trash cans and recycling bins, built a butterfly garden and planted a community garden. Gulfton also shares a community center with the nearby neighborhood of Sharpstown. The BakerRipley Neighborhood Center on Rookin Street serves both areas and offers community services like English as a second language classes and a kids’ summer camp.
Open-enrollment options through the Houston Independent School District
Gulfton is part of the Houston Independent School District, which is an open-enrollment district. Families can choose to enroll their children in locally zoned schools like Rodriguez Elementary School and Benavidez Elementary School, which both receive a C grade on Niche, or can enroll outside of these schools. Pin Oak Middle School is A-rated, while Wisdom High School has a C grade. Liberty High School, which has a D-plus grade, is also in the area and specifically serves immigrant students between 17 and 25 years old. Liberty High shares a complex with the Gulfton branch of Houston Community College. In addition to the local Houston Community College location, Gulfton is 4 miles from Houston Christian University, formerly Houston Baptist University.
Crime
Gulfton saw a surge in crime in the 1980s after an economic crash caused many people to move out. A decade later, the area received federal resources for crime prevention, which included establishing recreation and education programs for at-risk youth. Today, Gulfton has an overall CAP Index Crime Score of 6 and some high individual scores. The CAP Index Crime Score for robbery is a 9, and the score for car theft is a 7.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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James Krueger,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Joe Gaither Park
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Bayland Park
Baseball/Softball
Soccer
Tennis
Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Burnett Bayland Park
Skateboard
Soccer
Tennis
Anderson Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Tennis
Transit
Airport
William P Hobby
32 min drive
Bus
Bissonnet St & Hillcroft Ave
Bus
Chimney Rock Rd & Glenmont Dr
Bus
Renwick Dr & Clarewood Dr
Bus
Gulfton Dr & Westward St
Bus
Hillcroft Ave & Clarewood Dr
Bus
Bellaire Blvd & Renwick Dr
Bus
Bellaire Blvd & Hillcroft Ave
Reviews
Niche Reviews
3.138 Reviews
3.0Former Resident
8/20/2024Niche Review
Good area. There are many schools nearby. There are many restaurants nearby too. The area is family friendly.
2.0Niche User
8/8/2016Niche Review
The police is rarely around when you need them and we need a lot of changes in this area. There are camera surveillance but it usually never helps. My concern is, when is this violence going to stop? When are things going to get better? All
3.0Niche User
1/29/2015Niche Review
I am a senior in high school, so a lot of seniors in my class of 2015 are working part time. This shows the availability of jobs if needed for those seeking. Many come to Houston for its jobs because some of companies and empyers are the best in Texas even in United States. The jobs here is the reason why Houston is so diverse.
2.0Niche User
1/3/2015Niche Review
Most of the businesses that I frequent are big companies. I use these stores because they have better security and maintenance. The smaller stores in the area are poorly lit and maintained. I would not feel safe getting out of my car in a large portion of these parking lots. I would not be living in this neighborhood if the apartment complex that I chose didn't have a 24 hour security patrol.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Gulfton
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
9
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
8
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Gulfton, Houston sell after 54 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Gulfton, Houston over the last 12 months is $379,138, up 31% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath condo located in the well-established Palm Gardens Condominium community. Situated on the second floor, this well-maintained unit features a spacious living room, a cozy breakfast area, and durable wood-like laminate flooring throughout—no carpet to worry about. Two closets provide ample storage space, and the refrigerator is included for added
Discover stylish city living in this beautifully designed 3-story home located in a gated community near the heart of Houston’s vibrant Galleria/Uptown area. This home offers an exceptional floor plan filled with thoughtful details and upscale finishes throughout. Soaring ceilings and skylights flood the home with natural light, while custom site-built cabinetry and elegant plantation shutters
LLarge 8255 SF corner lot in a great location with an excellent opportunity for new construction or live in now and build later! Recent streets and curbs with $1M+ homes all around. 4 blocks to Bellaire Blvd, restaurants, shopping, HEB. 2 blocks to Zindler Park, Aquatic Center, basketball courts, etc. Walk 2 blocks to Condit Elementary. Just minutes to Medical Center, Galleria or downtown.
Marty WarrenMartha Turner Sotheby's International Realty
Discover an apartment community that offers you comfort and convenience while keeping you just minutes away from the pulse of the great city of Houston. Just 15 minutes west of downtown, Pavilion Place is idyllically located right off I-69 in the charming and peaceful West Houston neighborhood of Gulfton, amazingly close to countless attractions and amenities. Our inviting 1 and 2-bedroom Gulfton
Newly remodeled 1 Bedroom apartment condo in GATED community. Overlook community pool and courtyard. Spacious bedroom with double closet, and one Assigned Cover Parking. Excellent Location!!! Minutes from major freeways, Galleria, and Medical Center. Walking distance Metro Bus Stop. Very close to grocery, restaurants and shopping! Call now to make your appointment TODAY!!!
Located in a well-established community in one of Houston’s most desirable areas, 5401 Chimney Rock has the apartments you’ve been dreaming of. Located by the Galleria and Greenway Plaza and only a short ten minutes away from downtown, you will have no problem finding great shopping, dining and entertainment. We offer one and two-bedroom floorplans that are all beautifully appointed. Each kitchen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
James Krueger,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
45,578
Median Age
32
Population Density
25 ppl/acre
Population under 18
32.2%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
6.7%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$35,520
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$46,878
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
56.8%
Significantly below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
17.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.3%
% Population in Labor Force
75%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
43°F
Average Summer High Temperature
95°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
56/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
54/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
51/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
