Medical Center Area Neighborhood Guide

Researching Medical Center Area neighborhood in Houston Texas? Here is a complete guide with the most up to date information about Medical Center Area neighborhood!

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Overview

ABOUT Medical Center Area

The Medical Center is a neighborhood located within south-central Houston and is among the world’s power houses when it comes to healthcare.

The neighborhood is the world’s largest life sciences destination – featuring over 61 leading institutions and thousands of pioneering physicians, researchers, technicians, and healthcare providers.

The Medical Center has grown into so much more than just a medical destination – it’s strategic and accessible location and elegant home choices make it one of Houston’s most desirable places to live in.

The neighborhood showcases a wide variety of housing styles and sizes – from traditional vintage and patio homes that date back to the 1940s to upscale and newly constructed two-story homes, luxury townhomes, and condominiums.

Home to nearly 4,000 people, the Medical Center gives its residents the suburban feel and the convenience of living near premier shopping, dining, and entertainment centers. The neighborhood’s streets feature unique restaurants, trendy shops, and chic boutiques.

The area is also well-known for its award-winning schools that are under the Houston Independent School District.

As the largest medical center in the world, the TMC employs about 106,000 people. 98% of the neighborhood’s employees work in white-collar jobs.

About 60% work in private companies while about 9% work in government.

The neighborhood is home to a growing number of young professionals and has a median age of 31.

About 43% of adults in the area have a bachelor’s degree, while about 38% have a master’s degree or higher. The median household income in the area is $86,247.

White residents make up about 55% of the area’s total population. This is followed by Asian residents accounting for 17%, and African American residents accounting for about 14%.

TOP Medical Center Area HIGHLIGHTS

Highly-rated schools
Major employment hubs
Great dining options
Good shopping
Family-friendly recreation
Beautiful parks and trails
Art and entertainment
Diverse population

Natural Disasters

Medical Center, home of the world’s largest medical research complex, has had its share of major damage from a spate of hurricanes that tore through Houston.

The neighborhood was among those badly-hit when tropical storm Allison swept through the southern U.S. in 2001. The tropical storm dumped anywhere between two to 36 inches of rain and caused extensive flooding that damaged homes, properties, equipment, and public utilities.

High levels of flood waters also caused multiple electrical feeds to fail and power outages were reported in most parts of the neighborhood.

Medical Center has been beefing up its disaster response mechanisms by improving its infrastructure and drainage systems.

Commute

The majority of residents in the Medical Center drive their own cars to get to their offices. Others take the bus, ride a train, ride a bicycle, or walk to work.

The neighborhood is conveniently located near three major roadways: the South Freeway, the Southwest Freeway, and Loop 610.

Medical Center is just about five minutes away from Downtown Houston, Rice University, Museum District, and West University. Bus rides for these routes may take about 12 minutes.

Residents also have easy access to the METRORail Red Line which has three stations in and around the Medical Center.

Crime Rate

Medical Center is among the neighborhoods in Houston with crime rates that are significantly lower than the state and national averages.

Overall, the crime rate in the area is about 1,200 per 100,000 residents. This rate is about 44% lower than the national average. Medical Center is safer than about 67% of communities in the U.S.

Violent crime rate in the area is about 120 per 100,000 residents. This rate is about 68% lower than the national average.

Property crime rate, meanwhile, is about 1,180 per 100,000 residents. This rate is about 40% lower than the national average.

One’s chances of becoming a victim of crime in Medical Center is 1 in 69.

Education

SCHOOLS IN Medical Center Area

The Medical Center is home to multi-award winning and National Blue Ribbon Schools that are under the jurisdiction of the Houston Independent School District.

The largest school district in Texas manages 283 schools serving about 213,000 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

The HISD is well-known for prioritizing equitable opportunities and personalized learning approaches to help students hone their academic and athletic skills while also striving to gain a deeper understanding of global contexts.

The district is home to a diverse student population, with over 100 languages spoken. Hispanic students make up about 62% of the total student body. African American students account for about 24%, while White Students account for about 9%.

The HISD has received a Met Standard Rating from the Texas Education Agency. It is also a two-time winner of the Broad Prize – an award that recognizes public school systems with significant gains in student achievement and success. In 2018, the district had a graduation rate of 80.9%.

Schools

ELEMENTARY
Roberts Elementary School: Serving nearly 800 students in pre-kindergarten through 5th grade, Roberts Elementary is an IB World School for the Primary Years Programme that is committed to helping students nurture their curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking skills. The school also offers a fine arts magnet program that helps learners pursue aesthetic self-expression. Classes focus in general music, vocal and instrumental music, dance, and visual arts. Whidby Elementary School: The Whidby Elementary School serves more than 600 students in pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. As an elementary Health Science magnet school, Whidby Elementary is committed to help students gain leadership skills that will help them pursue career paths in the health sciences. The school also pioneers in the use of technology and a fully equipped hospital room to facilitate hands on instruction for students.
MIDDLE
Cullen Middle School: The Cullen Middle School serves about 436 students in grades 6 to 8. The school offers pre-advanced placement programs, gifted and talented programs, special education classes, bilingual programs, and classes in beginning and intermediate band. Students here also get to participate in rigorous sports classes that include volleyball, football, basketball, cross country, and track and field. Pershing Middle School: Serving about 1,700 students in grades 6 to 8, the Pershing Middle School is a magnet school for the fine arts that trains students to specialize in art, dance, orchestra, band, jazz, guitar, choir, theatre arts, and gymnastics. Students here benefit from student-centered learning approaches that prepare them to achieve success in high school and beyond. The school also offers gifted and talented programs for students.
HIGH
DeBakey High School for Health Professionals: The DeBakey High School for Health Professionals is a public, magnet school serving nearly 900 students in grades 9 to 12. The school is committed to a challenging and innovative curriculum that helps students have direct exposure to and deeper understanding of careers in medicine and sciences. It has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School and has earned the distinction of being the only high school in Houston to receive the TEA’s Exemplary School Award for 20 consecutive years. Lamar High School: Serving more than 3,300 students in grades 9 to 12, the Lamar High School is an IB World School that provides holistic education experiences to help students develop their critical thinking and problem solving skills. The school is famous for its rigorous athletics programs that challenge student-athletes to excel in football, basketball, baseball, football, golf, lacrosse, and many more.
PRIVATE
St. Nicholas School: St. Nicholas School is a private, Anglican school serving about 133 students in pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. The school is committed to providing an enriched learning environment where students can explore and practice their skills and talents and use them to contribute to their communities. The school also offers summer camps for students. Montessori School of Downtown: The Montessori School of Downtown is a private, co-educational school serving about 106 students in pre-kindergarten through 3rd grade. The school focuses on a rigorous curriculum that promotes child-led inquiry and helps students be independent learners who take ownership of their education. Outdoor learning experiences are also encouraged.

Real Estate

Medical Center Area Housing 2020

The real estate market in the Medical Center enjoys steady growth as the neighborhood features a wide variety of affordable and high-end housing options that are conveniently located near major employment hubs.

The median home value in the neighborhood is $447,995. This represents an increase of 22.4% from the median home value of $366,000 recorded in 2016. Between 2015 and 2016, the median home value in the area grew by 7.7%, from $392,000 to $422,000.

In 2019, the median sales price of homes in Medical Center was $268,500. This was a growth of 28% from the median sales price of $209,622 recorded in 2012. Between 2018 and 2019, the median sales price of homes in the area rose by 12.8%, from $238,000 to $268,500.

In 2019, the median sales price per square foot in the area was $170. This represented an increase of 38% from the median sales price per square foot of $123 recorded in 2010.

Medical Center Area Homes for Sale

Medical Center is a residential, suburban neighborhood that showcases a wide variety of housing types, styles and sizes.

The neighborhood is home to nearly 4,000 homes and apartments. About 70% of the properties in the area are renter-occupied.

The majority of housing units in the neighborhood were built between 1990 and 1999. There are also significant numbers of properties that were built from 2000 to 2009 and 2010 to the present.

The most sought after housing options in the neighborhood are newly constructed townhomes within gated communities and mid and high-rise condominiums.

Single-family homes remain a popular option, with a wide range of architectural styles and designs that range from traditional and vintage homes that date back to the 1940s to custom-built two-story homes.

Luxurious features include rooftop patios, hardwood flooring, high ceilings, spacious master suites, gathering room and cafe, and 2-car garages.

These properties are strategically located near premier shopping, dining, and entertainment centers.

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Things to do

More than just a medical destination, the Medical Center has plenty to offer when it comes to recreation, exquisite dining spots, museums and exhibits, art galleries, shopping centers, and many more. The Hermann Park is one of the area’s must-visit attractions, as it features a zoo, beautiful gardens, and outdoor theatres. The neighborhood’s ideal location lets residents and guests easily head to popular museums and art galleries that cover space science, astronomy, native American culture, and many more. The neighborhood’s streets are also filled with a number of trendy cafes and restaurants that feature a wide range of delicious dishes - from comfort foods to unique fine dining experiences. Those who wish to deepen their love for the arts can easily head to the Museum District and explore a wide array of exhibits that showcase the best of traditional and contemporary art. Residents and guests can also take their passion for entertainment at a whole new level by going to the NRG stadium and enjoy concerts, carnivals, and many more exciting activities.
Hermann Park
This 445-acre urban park is for those who want to take their outdoor adventures to extreme heights. The lush landscapes are perfect for an afternoon of walking or biking while enjoying nature’s best. Residents and guests can also enjoy golfing, pedal boating, or riding the Hermann Park railroad. It is also home to a serene teahouse, picturesque waterfalls and beautiful gardens.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Aspiring scientists and life science enthusiasts can’t get enough of the shows and exhibits at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Here is where families and friends can enjoy bonding while exploring 3D shows, an expansive planetarium, and over a dozen exhibits that will help audiences better understand chemistry, wildlife and sea creatures, space, and many more. The museum also features two satellites and one of the largest telescopes in the US.
NRG Stadium
This hotspot in the sports world was the NFL’s first retractable-roof stadium. This multi-purpose entertainment center is where residents and guests get to enjoy the Rodeo and Houston Livestock Show. One can also catch exhibits, concerts, and carnivals here. Fans of the Texas Bowl and Houston Texans will not be disappointed at the exciting sporting events.
Houston Zoo
Children will love this 55-acre area that is home to about 6,000 exotic animals that represent about 800 species. Families and friends get to discover birds, reptiles, and mammals from all over the world through a one-of-a-kind zoological experience. The new African Forest exhibit is a must try for those who wish to learn more about chimpanzees, giraffes, and rhinos.
Miller Outdoor Theatre
Located within the Hermann Park, the Miller Outdoor Theatre showcases free outdoor performances for kids and adults alike. Families and friends should not miss more than 125 culturally diverse performances that include daytime shows for children, Shakespeare pieces, classical and jazz music, ballet and world dance, and many more. The shows are mounted by artists that include the University of Houston, Theatre Under the Stars, and the Houston Symphony.
Restaurants
Two Guys Pizzeria is a crowd favorite for those who love New York Style pizzas with toppings that range from pepperoni and classic cheese to Hawaiian and Buffalo chicken. Those who wish to unwind over sweets and coffee should head to the Glazed the Doughnut café. This hidden gem showcases scratch-made donuts in various flavors that include Death by Chocolate, Crème Brulee, and Macon.
Shopping
Medical Center’s ideal location near major roadways makes it very convenient for residents and guests to head to premier shopping centers that are located in Downtown, the Galleria, Rice University and West University Place. There are plenty of options for those looking for upscale specialty gifts, trendy clothes, home furniture, jewelry, and many more.
Museum of Fine Arts Houston
As one of the largest museums in the US, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston features more than 60,000 pieces of artwork made by renowned and up and coming artists from six continents. Its exquisite exhibits showcase antiquities, painting and sculpture, decorative arts, craft and design, and modern and contemporary art.
Holocaust Museum
Those who wish to have a deeper understanding of history and how it has shaped societies should not miss the Holocaust Museum. The museum’s galleries pay tribute to the legacy of Holocaust survivors and remember the lives of more than 6 million Jews and innocent victims of this genocide. The museum aims to educate the public about the dangers of apathy, hatred, and prejudice.
Rice University
This picturesque place is perfect for those who love to walk while marveling at beautiful huge trees and on-campus art installations. Notable is the Twilight Epiphany, a light and sound installation by James Turrell that features spectacular LED light sequences.

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