Spring Branch Homes
Spring Branch Homes
Spring Branch homes in general are simple to describe: mainly ranch style 1940′ and 1950′s homes. Spring Branch itself though is a complex area to describe; even the location is tough to define. Spring Branch is just west of the 610 Loop, and north of I-10 (except for the villages of Spring Valley and Hilshire Village); between Beltway 8 on the west; 290 on the east. Clay Rd forms the northern boundary.
Spring Branch history is older than Houston itself. There are also multiple Spring Branch Civic Associations.
Ranch Style-Typical of Spring Branch Homes
The east end (near Hiway 290) of Spring Branch is really Langwood, Binglewood. The western end is Spring Shadows. The vast majority of homes are 1950’s ranch style homes. Some updated, mostly not. Big, new homes are popping up everywhere though. This is once again a hot area.
I can’t write a simple description of Spring Branch. There are too many disparate areas, disparate populations. I’ll just list some thoughts/features in random order. I can say however, that I love the area and it’s ranch style homes. If you want to be close-in and are looking for a modest house already remodeled or one you can renovate yourself, this is a great place to look.
- Longpoint Rd; the main east-west street through Spring Branch. Strictly business: Taquerias and Asian Bistros, heavy Hispanic and Korean populations. Not exactly high-end shops
- Westview Drive, just south of Longpoint, but a different world. Big, new expensive homes on big lots. This street touches or goes through Spring Valley, Hillshire Village.
- Gessner is on the west side. Because of the nearby Energy Corridor, Gessner/I-10 (Memorial City Mall, Memorial Hospital Center) is now the population center of Houston. It is not the outskirts of town anymore. The Med Center is booming. Spring Branch is an ideal place for all these employees to live.
- Clay Rd is roughly the northern boundary. You still see horse stalls hidden in odd locations. I love that these rustic old places still hang on.
- Several minor bayous run through the community, including Brickhouse Gully, Spring Branch (the neighborhood namesake), and Briar Branch, which drain into Buffalo Bayou in central Houston. This makes showing houses difficult for a realtor. Many streets are chopped up into odd pieces.
- The soil is horrible (actually true for most of Houston). Clay soils swell and contract depending on rain. Moving slab foundations are never good. Repaired foundations are the norm I always point out the holes drilled around foundations (typically seen at front porch and in the garage) where piers have been placed.
- Fault Lines. Not the kind you find in California; these don’t cause earthquakes. They do cause movement though. I’ve seen a lot of homes where there’s a foot or so difference in elevation on either side of the fault. A lot of roads make a sudden drop for no apparent reason. A few driveways have major bumps.
- Demographics? A mix…A Walmart with signs in Spanish; Korean street signs; hidden, gated communities. Whatever you want.
- Apartments; these run the gamut from high-end to slightly scary.
- Spring Branch home styles: predominantly ranch style 1950’s. Some lovingly restored; others rented out, waiting for better owners. Lots of brick homes on big lots; lots of not so well cared for wood frame homes on the fringes.
So, not a good description, but that’s the best I can do in a few sentences. Just drive around, you’ll find pockets you love; pockets too commercialized; pockets with too many rentals or apartments; pockets too expensive; too exclusive. Form your own opinion. I like the area and recommend it to buyers. Another close-in place to look for ranch style homes are the Oak Forest Homes, just north of the 610 loop; and Timbergrove Manor homes . Both of these are similar to Spring Branch homes, but more uniform neighborhoods.
If you are currently thinking of buying or selling a Spring Branch home or if you just would like more information on the area call Houston Heights Realtor Rich Martin today. I specialize in Houston Heights homes and the surrounding inner-loop areas. Call today: 713 868-9008
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