Houston's Third Ward is as historically significant as it is rich in art and culture. As the home of singer and songwriter Beyoncé, the site of Houston's first sit-in protest against segregation in the 1960's and a generations-old annual Juneteenth celebration, Third Ward is integral to the Texas story. The neighborhood has increasingly attracted artists over the years, leading to the development of the Third Ward Cultural Arts District in 2020. It's also the home of one of the oldest parks in the state. Being less than 3 miles from the downtown area and just over 5 miles from the Medical Center Area, Third Ward's convenience to the rest of Houston and the fact that it's home to two universities is currently driving unprecedented interest. Properties are being torn down or completely renovated, and some have been abandoned, waiting for the next nonprofit or developer to discover them.
Texas Southern Universty has a rich and cultured history in the Third Ward neighborhood.
A view from inside a Project Row House located in Third Ward.
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Building community at Blodgett Urban Gardens
Though Third Ward's arts district came alive in 2020, its borders encompass an area that's already served the community for nearly 100 years. One of its historic anchors is The Trinity United Methodist Church, initially built in 1848 for a congregation of formerly enslaved people. Today, besides Sunday services, the church brings affordable daycare options to the community. Another feature of the district is Project Rowhouse. Established in 1993, it represents a nonprofit and a transformed block of abandoned shotgun houses on Holman Street that have been converted into artist studios and community exhibit spaces. The nonprofit works to create affordable housing options in Third Ward and prides itself on being a model for neighborhood redevelopment. The district's Blodgett Urban Gardens, developed in partnership with Texas Southern University, is another prominent community gathering space.
The Blodgett Urban Garden is located in Third Ward.
Third Ward's Blodgett Gardens volunteers meet every Saturday morning at 8:30.
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Louisiana-style fried chicken at Frenchy's
"People know this area of Houston for its nightlife, but they also have good food. Little hole-in-the-wall spots. The restaurants that are really known over here showcase the local experience for sure," says local expert Michaela Green, a HAR Realtor. One of Houston's oldest soul food restaurants, This Is It Soul Food on Blodgett Street, serves southern classics like smothered pork chops. On Scott Street, Frenchy's serves Louisiana-style fried chicken and many Creole side dishes. The Doshi House on Emancipation Avenue sells coffee, homemade sparkling tonics and vegan options, including jackfruit tacos. Popular bars in Third Ward line the same street, including The Spot and Club 3710. Locals land at the Shrine of the Black Madonna just two miles south of Third Ward. This popular cultural venue hosts Houston's only Buy Black Marketplace on the first Saturday of every month, hosting vendors from the Black Community. Retail is primarily hyperlocal, with places only known to Third Ward, including Kindred Shop, a bookstore on Emancipation Avenue. For a large grocery store, locals could travel around 4 miles to South Macgregor Way where there's an H-E-B.
Frenchy's Chicken in the Third Ward has been a game day tradition since 1969.
H-E-B food store is the nearest big box grocery store just a short drive away from Third Ward.
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Murals showcase Third Ward's culture
Third Ward is noted for its proliferation of shotgun and vintage brick houses, many of which have been preserved. "A lot of those houses went down from generation to generation," says area expert Shonnan Brown, a Realtor with Engel & Volkers. New townhouses now mix with these older homes, many of which were built during the 1930s. Space is maximized along Third Ward's residential streets through short setbacks. The occasional palm tree springs from lawns and sidewalks connect neighbors as short pathways lead them to cozy front porches. Around any street corner could be a vibrant mural showcasing the culture here, a church, corner shop or restaurant. Land and investment properties begin in the $100,000s and climb just below $200,000. Fully renovated homes start in the $300,000s. Newer builds veer toward the $400,000 range. Depending on the build year, location or quality of renovation, properties may climb to the $500,000 range, and even a select few fetch $750,000 to $800,000.
Third Ward is a neighborhood rich in history and culture.
Single-family bungalows often have lots of character in Third Ward.
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Home to one of Texas' oldest parks
Third Ward has several community parks, but the most famous is Emancipation Park on Emancipation Avenue. Its numerous amenities include an indoor gym with basketball courts and state-of-the-art exercise equipment, sprawling lawns, an outdoor swimming pool with twisty tube slides, a playground, a picnic area and athletic fields for sporting events. The park's 10 acres were initially purchased in the 1870s by formerly enslaved men and Black community leaders to offer the Black community a celebrating ground for Juneteenth, the day that the end of slavery in the U.S. is celebrated. Residents also live just north of the 65-acre MacGregor Park, which connects to its western neighbor, Hermann Park, via a 3-mile trail. Hermann Park is the site of the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Houston Zoo for a fun, family day out.
The Emancipation Park complex offers a basketball court and a gym to Third Ward residents.
Third Ward's Emancipation Park is as beautiful as it is culturally significant.
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150-plus years of Juneteenth celebrations
Houston's Juneteenth celebrations still kick off at Emancipation Park, which has been hosting the festivities for over 150 years. The celebration draws members of the Black community from all over Houston to the park's grounds for live music and vendors.
Emancipation Park visitors
Residents enjoy various amenities available at Emancipation Park.
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School choice within Houston ISD
The public schools within Third Ward are part of the Houston Independent School District. Students can elect to attend their district-zoned school or apply to one of the magnet schools. One path a student might take is beginning at Blackshear Elementary before moving on to Cullen Middle School and Yates High School. Both the elementary, which is given a C plus rating by niche, and the high school, which earns a C rating, are nestled in Third Ward. Cullen Middle, given a C minus, is just a few miles outside the neighborhood. Texas Southern University Charter Lab is also in Third Ward, providing an alternative route for kids from prekindergarten through second grade. The school prepares students for higher education through accelerated learning paths that are tailored to students' interests and overall needs.
Located in the Third Ward, the University of Houston is a tier one univeristy.
Cullen Middle School is a C minus school located near Third Ward.
Yates High School provides a rigorous curriculum for its students.
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Taking the metro downtown
Third Ward is about a 3-mile drive to Houston's downtown and midtown districts. The Metro Line runs through the heart of Scott Street, where the University of Houston also resides, taking people into the city's core. Bus stops dot throughout the city, making public transportation robust. When flights are needed, Houston's airports are less than a half-hour away, with Houston Hobby Airport less than 8 miles south. There's a medical complex just north of the neighborhood along St. Joseph Parkway for emergency care. Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center is also 6 miles southwest in the Medical Center Area.
Public Transportation is available throughout the Third Ward area.
Emancipation Park with Mosaic Pillars visible at street corner
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
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Reach out to
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Parks in this Area
Elizabeth Baldwin Park
Baseball/Softball
Bike Trails
Trails
Emancipation Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Pool
Peggy Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Houston International Promenade
Moses LeRoy Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Multi-Purpose Field
Third Ward Chess Park
Picnic Area
Zurrie Malone Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Transit
Airport
William P Hobby
20 min drive
Bus
Cullen Blvd & Holman St
Bus
Elgin St & E18 U Of H
Bus
Scott St & Elgin St
Bus
Scott St & Hadley St
Bus
Cleburne St & Tierwester St
Bus
Scott St & Drew
Bus
Alabama St & Canfield St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Third Ward
US
Homicide
8
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Third Ward, Houston sell after 55 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Third Ward, Houston over the last 12 months is $405,232, up 6% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Fully Renovated 3BD/2BA Near Texas Medical Center & Downtown!This beautifully updated home features all-new PEX plumbing, new electrical wiring, a brand-new 30-year roof, and a new HVAC system. Enjoy modern finishes throughout, along with new appliances for a move-in-ready experience. Located just minutes from the Medical Center and downtown Houston, this home offers easy access to top hospitals,
Open House Saturday 1-3pmWelcome to 3438 Simmons St, a tastefully renovated bungalow located in Houston's historic Third Ward, just a couple of blocks away from University of Houston's main campus. This home has been completely updated, but it also maintains the charm of a traditional bungalow. You will appreciate the open concept kitchen, dining, living room, the huge walk-in closet in the
Prime rental location! This move in ready property is ready for a new owner, featuring lots of updates including: Jacuzzi tub, granite counter tops, new AC, new water heater, new light fixtures. Could make for a great mid term rental, rent by the room investment opportunity, or even as a house hack scenario for a first time owner looking to rent the spare rooms. With it's close proximity to Texas
Unique gem in a very UP and COMING area of 3rd Ward Houston. Property is conveniently located minutes from HWY 288 and I45. House is located just blocks from the renewed Emancipation Park and minutes from the University of Houston. Tons of rehab and new build are going in the area! This home does need some TLC but has great bones and tons of potential! This is a great opportunity for rehab or new
Outstanding Turnkey Investment Property in a great location minutes from the University of Houston and Downtown area. Property is fully leased and consists of Five one bedroom One 1 bedroom, Two 3 bedroom and 2 studios. Units can be kept as shared rooms, or used as separate units. Fully furnished. Units include beds, couches, dining table, LG AC units, etc Stainless steel Whirlpool washer and
Welcome to Haven at Elgin: Your Dream Home AwaitsDiscover the lifestyle you’ve always wanted at Haven at Elgin, just 700 feet from the University of Houston. Our brand-new luxury student residences feature stunning views of the campus and the city. Choose from 1-, 2-, 4-, and 5-bedroom layouts designed for your comfort. Enjoy secure access, a resort-style saltwater infinity pool, and
Now leasing! Discover the perfect blend of style and convenience at 2602 Isabella, located just minutes from the Texas Medical Center, Midtown, EaDo, Montrose, and the University of Houston. This updated home features bright, modern interiors, a functional layout, in-unit laundry, and easy access to major highways, public transit, and Houston’s top dining and entertainment. Ideal for medical
Conveniently located in a vibrant area of Houston’s South Central neighborhood, The Gray features spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans serving our senior community with modest incomes. The Gray’s comfortable apartment homes are affordably priced and designed with you in mind. Make yourself at home in one of our city’s most vibrant and culturally dynamic neighborhoods — Live at The Gray.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Larry Krim,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
21,365
Median Age
29
Population Density
12 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
9.1%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$33,419
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$57,618
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
87.3%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
33.5%
Advanced Degrees
12.1%
% Population in Labor Force
47.7%
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
Bikeable
Bike Score®
63/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
56/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
60/ 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.
