Sunnyside's first home was built on Alvin Street over 100 years ago, and its name was chosen because that side of the street felt brighter than anywhere else. This home is still standing, even as the nails hammered into its faded pink wood paneling loosen their grip. As the sun's rays filtered down in Sunnyside, the area grew like a flower, becoming one of Houston's most culturally rich neighborhoods. Neighbors have lived here long enough to watch each other's kids grow up. And many of Sunnyside's original one-story minimal traditionals have been passed down from grandparents to grandchildren. Longstanding residents leave a legacy with a hall of fame that includes Texas' first Black architect, John S. Chase, and the first Black graduate of the University of Texas School of Dentistry, Zeb F. Poindexter. Sunnyside's residents are immersed in community enrichment efforts as the neighborhood faces changes due to increased development. In its earliest days, Sunnyside founded its own volunteer fire department because of community activism. Locals live just north of the Sims Bayou, a mere 8 miles from downtown Houston and all its highlights.
Sunnyside's historic community showcases the charm of old Houston.
An aerial view highlights Sunnyside's quick access to downtown Houston.
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The METRO bus connects Sunnyside residents to key destinations daily.
Outside the 610 loop
Sunnyside is outside the Interstate 610 loop while being within Beltway 8 off State Highway 288. The light rail's purple line runs through the neighborhood, connecting locals to employment opportunities in the city and the University of Houston. Bus stops served by Houston Metro line all of Sunnyside's main roads and park and ride services reach its residential streets. William P. Hobby airport is just over 6 miles east along Reed Road.
Sunnyside's vintage homes
Flowering bushes, tall oaks, and the occasional palm tree spring from modest lawns capped by sidewalks in Sunnyside. The neighborhood's development eras are clear, with its most vintage homes sitting in stride with ranch-styles and brick traditionals from the '60s to the early 2000s. "A lot of families are selling," says Broker Nesha Jackson of Home Express Realty, who specializes in Houston markets. "Others are sprucing them up and some people are tearing them down and rebuilding." As development picks up, there's been an increase in modern duplexes, changing Sunnyside's look and feel. Councilwoman Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, born in Sunnyside, works closely with the community to preserve deed restrictions that maintain the neighborhood's traditional feeling. Some of Sunnyside's vintage homes have been taken down to the studs and refashioned in their classic style with bright updates. Minimal traditional homes mainly price from the mid $100,000s to $200,000s. Brick traditionals range from the mid $200,000s to $300,000s. New construction starts in the low $300,000s and heads toward $700,000. Sunnyside's Cap Index Crime Score is 9 out of 10, but the Houston Police Department supports city-wide neighborhood watch initiatives.
Sunnyside's colorful homes brighten up the neighborhood's streets.
Residents enjoy upgraded features in newly built multi-family homes with stylish designs.
Sunnyside is seeing a surge of new build homes enhancing the neighborhood.
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Fried catfish from Butter Funk Kitchen
Sunnyside has a few beloved hole-in-the-wall eateries, like Chief Cajun's Big Baby Hamburgers on Brandon Street, which is takeout only. Locals say to order ahead because the burgers aren't churned out like a chain. They are carefully crafted by the "Chief" himself. Butter Funk Kitchen on Scott Street is known for its daiquiris and southern comfort food, including fried catfish with a side of greens and red beans with rice. Fiesta Mart is on Cullen Boulevard for grocery runs. There's a Family Dollar on Reed Road for everyday items.
Fiesta is a local grocery store for members of the community of Sunnyside.
Families in Sunnyside visit Family Dollar for everyday essentials.
Butter Funk Kitchen serves up flavorful dishes right in Sunnyside.
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After-school enrichment at Sunnyside Community Center
Sunnyside Park is on Bellfort Avenue with sports courts, a playground and a community center. "We have a summer enrichment program for children from 6 to 13 who come daily and do activities – arts and crafts or exercise," says James Glover, the center's recreational specialist. "We also have senior aerobics classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays." Glover says Sunnyside is too often associated with crime. "I don't think it's as bad as everyone portrays it to be. I love working with kids. You have some kids that may be off track and they just need some love and attention to put them on track." A brand-new park called The Hill at Sims is also coming to Sunnyside. The park will connect to 20 miles of trails along the Sims Bayou Greenway and bring a brand-new retention pond to the Sunnyside area, which is a welcome sight for this bayou-burb which is prone to flooding. In fact, in a 2019 survey spearheaded in part by Rice University, 25% of participating residents ranked flooding as a major concern. Once the green space is completed, locals will have a hilltop pavilion to sit and look out at the downtown skyline.
Residents visit the Sunnyside Park Community Center to engage in recreational programs.
Sunnyside Park offers safe and modern playgrounds for its residents.
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Back to school bash at Worthing High
Houston Independent School District participates in school choice, so parents may apply to send their children to any school in the district. Many Sunnyside students attend Bastian Elementary School, Attucks Middle School and Worthing High School because they are right in the neighborhood. Each school gets a C rating from Niche. Joseph "Rock" Roquemore, who owns AJ's barber shop on Reed Road, organizes a yearly back-to-school bash at Worthing High School, coined Sunnyside High by locals, where clothing, school supplies and gift cards for groceries are donated to students and parents.
Knowledge meets creativity at Bastian Elementary School.
Passion meets purpose in the halls of Attucks Middle School.
Worthing High School in Houston serves a diverse student population.
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Sunnyside locals gather for worship at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church.
Sundays at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church
Corner churches are abundant in Sunnyside. Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, established in 1922 on Stassen Street, is the area's oldest house of worship and was recently honored with a historical marker dedication from the Harris County Historical Commission. Juneteenth is one of the most significant local events in Houston's southside, of which Sunnyside is a part. Emancipation Park, just over 7 miles north of the neighborhood, was established by a formerly enslaved person to celebrate the end of slavery. The park has remained the festival ground for over 150 years.
Sunnyside residents receive community services at Sunnyside Multi-service Center.
Meeting community needs at Sunnyside Health Multi Service Center
Sunnyside Health Multi Service Center on Reed Road provides a range of services that address community needs. The center has not only a community garden but also a drug and alcohol recovery support service and a Nurse Family Partnership program that offers pregnancy planning and at-home visits for new mothers and even supports them in finding employment. Their Senior Program promotes community fun through games like bingo, a walking club, scrapbooking, dance socials and more, while providing free meals daily. The center also offers mental health services for 14- to 25-year-olds as they make substantial life transitions. But the list goes on, as locals can also get medical care here, including dental work. When a large hospital is needed, HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center is just over 6 miles north the Medical Center Area of Houston.
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?
Reach out to
Nesha Jackson,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Cloverland Park
Picnic Area
Pool
Trails
Sims Bayou Park
Basketball
Multi-Purpose Field
Sunnyside Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Grills
Zollie Scales Park
Basketball
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Central Park - City Park
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Trails
Crestmont Park
EP Hill Park
Grimes Park
Margaret Jenkins Park
Transit
Airport
William P Hobby
18 min drive
Bus
Cullen Blvd & Pederson St
Bus
Cullen Blvd & Teton St
Bus
Reed Rd & Rosehaven Dr
Bus
Scott St & Kewanee St
Bus
Reed Rd & Ferdinand St
Bus
Scott St & Sparrow St
Bus
Scott St & Jipsie Ln
Reviews
Niche Reviews
3.344 Reviews
5.0Niche User
7/25/2014Niche Review
We have a YMCA in the area, and there are several local parks that offer exercise programs.
3.0Current Resident
3/4/2019Niche Review
In the place I live in it's pretty calm, not many distractions or drama. I'd say maybe a bit lackluster due to very low interactions with neighbors who are usually indoors. There's a nice variety of food places around like Burger King and Popeye's. Overall a nice place to live.
2.0Current Resident
8/31/2018Niche Review
Sunnyside is a poor neighborhood on the come up with many new houses built and in the building process. Sunnyside is full of youth looking for a way to come up and do better for not only them for their family, too.
3.0Niche User
5/23/2016Niche Review
I probably wouldn't choose to live here again because it's secluded from outside environments.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Sunnyside
US
Homicide
9
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
9
4
Robbery
8
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
7
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Sunnyside, Houston sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Sunnyside, Houston over the last 12 months is $226,220, up 2% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Brick and Stone proudly presents a stunning new home development in Sunnyside, just minutes from the Medical Center, Museum District, and Downtown. This newly built 3-bed, 2.5-bath home spans 1,815 SF and sits on an oversized lot with a huge backyard, a private driveway, and a personal gate for added security and exclusivity. The first floor boasts an open-concept design with a chef’s kitchen,
Welcome to 3113 Sparrow St, this four bedroom three bath home features kitchen open to living and dining, granite countertops in kitchen, custom cabinets, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances, large yard and more. Room size and lot size is approximate, buyer and buyers agent to verify.
Discover Unmatched Convenience and Luxury Living at 3828 Lockhart!Imagine enjoying a prime location minus the inside loop prices. Enjoy your commute without thetraffic and tolls. This beautifully crafted home welcomes you with a spacious 2-cargarage featuring a 3-foot extended storage area.Designed with security and style in mind, this residence boasts a wrought iron front fence,
ANY OFFER WILL BE CONSIDERED! LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT AND A WAREHOUSE! OTHER PURCHASE OPTIONS AVAILABLE! Located in the desirable Cullen Corridor, the Property is a great owner/user opportunity and also gives investors the opportunity to purchase at a significant discount with a huge value add opportunity through strategic long term development strategies and potential expansion opportunity. It
Corner lot For Sale off Scott St. Currently used for parking but could be used to build residential dwellings. Lot is fully fenced, and all utilities are available. Stop by to see anytime!
Discover vacant lot brimming with potential for development or investment. This property features: A spacious 0.27-acre lot, ideal for building a single-family home or other projects. Located in Southeast Houston, it offers convenient access to major highways and local amenities. Situated in a growing neighborhood with increasing property values, it presents a promising investment opportunity.
Welcome to your next home located in the South Side District of Houston, Texas! This charming multi-family home features 2 sizable bedrooms and 1 well-appointed bathroom, thoughtfully spread out across 690 square feet of functional living space. Nestled in an exceptional location, this property is in close proximity to NRG Park just in time for Houston's Livestock Show and Rodeo. Downtown
Out of all the places to live in Houston, Texas, Cypress Creek at Reed Road will find its way to the top of your list. This is so much more than any ordinary apartment community. Lease a one, two, three and four bedroom residence here and be surrounded by a stylish home, appealing amenities, and an incredible neighborhood. Keep scrolling to see all that’s waiting for you at our inviting community.
Very nice, modern 3 bedroom 2 bath fully furnished home. Family room opens up to beautiful kitchen that is perfect for entertaining. Kitchen has island w/undermount sink & granite countertop. Stainless steel appliances with gas stove and pot filler. Very comfortable primary bedroom w/ensuite that has huge shower and closet. Secondary bedrooms with large closets as well as laundry room on second
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Nesha Jackson,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
24,866
Median Age
35
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
30.1%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$31,500
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$45,539
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
76.6%
College Graduates
10.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.1%
% Population in Labor Force
51.6%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
43°F
Average Summer High Temperature
95°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
42/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
44/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
40/ 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.
