Houston recently added four more points to its walkability score, a rating system developed by Redfin company WalkScore. Although it didn’t quite place in the top ten list for most walkable cities, it did improve its score from 76 to 80. This could be because places like Parc at Midtown are recognizing the millennial demand for comfort close to home.
Aerial view of Midtown location.
Despite Houston not making the national list, Parc at Midtown is located in a top ten neighborhoods in Texas for walkability: Midtown. When Inman last profiled Parc at Midtown, we spoke with Surge Homes, the developer responsible for the property, about why there was such success and buzz around the apartments. Surge Homes co-owner Louis Conrad talked about the way they were able to generate buzz around their properties through a strong social media presence and face-to-face interaction.
[Tweet “Surge Homes has two properties in “very walkable” neighborhoods”]
It seems to have worked quite well for the Midtown residences. Located within a few blocks (considered walking distance) to METROrail, as well as a host of restaurants, parks and lounges, Midtown is a great option for first-time buyers and those looking to infiltrate the downtown lifestyle without moving to the heart of Houston.
“Midtown is the epicenter of Houston’s most exciting lifestyle for the young and young-at-heart,” Co-owner of Surge Homes Ben Lemieux said in a press release.
Units in Parc at Midtown range from $154,760 to $430,260.
Aerial view of Upper Richton location.
Another Surge Homes development is Upper Richton, which also sits in a very walkable neighborhood: Upper Kirby. Although the Upper Richton properties are a bit more expensive (single-family homes range from $573,000 to $671,000), the walkability is still very attractive to buyers. According to a Kinder Houston Area Survey conducted this year by the Kinder Institute for Urban Research, 50 percent of residents prefer “a more urbanized area within walking distance of shops and workplaces,” along with a smaller home.
For Parc at Midtown, it’s obvious there are perks for new buyers, especially with the affordable price options. Either way, the city that gasps with the drop in oil prices seems to be steering more in the direction of foot traffic.
