Inwood Forest- What would it take to bring it back (Houston: sales, apartment)

[modster]

I think the combination of too nice of existing housing stock and a market not ready to support high-end new construction, both keeps Inwood from being a candidate for the kind of new construction activity that is currently building in Oak Forest.

The fate of the golf course, IMO, could have a lot to do with Inwood's future.

As for Sharpstown, I have thought that when gentrification comes there, it will come initially through the stock of mid-century moderns. That's what happened in Glenbrook. This restored MCM on Craigslist has already gotten some buzz on one of the architecture forums.

Cool little Mid-Century Modern for sale (broken link)

Its a good, tasteful modernist house. It would not appeal to those that like the more common current offerings of Tuscan, etc., but there is a strong audience for that type of house. People that flip over something like that. It will probably lure a creative class type out there. It is an example to me of how there is hope for these areas, and how some level of increased interest/values could arrive sooner than you might expect, if we could see more of this type of thing.

[texas7]

How is Garden Villas (between Telephone/Mykawa) holding out?

[modster]

Originally Posted by texas7

How is Garden Villas (between Telephone/Mykawa) holding out?

Actually fairly well I think. City Councilman James Rodriguez lives there, on Sante Fe. I almost bought a house on that block. A 1928 era Cypress Clad Georgian on a 50,000 sq ft lot. There are some neat houses back there.

They still have the airport noise to contend with, but the neighborhood is so unique the people that live there seem to love it. There aren't many places where you can be however long you think it is from Hobby to downtown, 15 minutes maybe? (I drive fast though), and get a home on a half to over a full acre.

[texas7]

Cool - I was wondering how it was doing back there. Haven't driven through in years. A co-worker lived there for a while - her husband was a pilot.

[llyons]

I am researching to buy a place. I would like to buy near downtown becasue I believe property values are going to go up as gas prices go up and investment in these properties will be outstanding.
However, my elderly mother lives with me and I want her to be safe. I have been looking at some foreclosures in Inwood Forest. I read someone speak of the hood being on the edge of this area. The home itself looks nice and well kept up, the neighbors seem to have an average income of middle class. Please provide feedback if this area would be worth investng in and safe to live in for the time being.

Thanks so much.
L

[t-a-k]

Originally Posted by Texas Mack

Where do you guys in IF go grocery shopping? Do you go to the Kroger on 249 or do you go to the Food-A-Rama on Victory? Just curious, as grocery store patronage is one indicator of how strongly people feel about their neighborhood.

I try to go to Food-A-Rama, but their selection is limited. It was much better as Randall's. I also go to the Kroger on Antoine and Tidwell. I also go to the Foodland (or whatever it is now) on Little York and Bingle. If I'm going to really shop, I (or my wife) will go to Kroger on 249. Not because of where it is, but because of selection.

I PREFER the Kroger on Antoine and Tidwell, because it's my neighborhood Kroger.

[t-a-k]

Originally Posted by llyons

I am researching to buy a place. I would like to buy near downtown becasue I believe property values are going to go up as gas prices go up and investment in these properties will be outstanding.
However, my elderly mother lives with me and I want her to be safe. I have been looking at some foreclosures in Inwood Forest. I read someone speak of the hood being on the edge of this area. The home itself looks nice and well kept up, the neighbors seem to have an average income of middle class. Please provide feedback if this area would be worth investng in and safe to live in for the time being.

Thanks so much.
L

I live in the area. If you live in a house, you'll be as safe in IF as you would in just about any other area in Houston (for under $300k dollars!!!). The "hood" is the apartments that surround IF... and I do mean surround... followed by Acres Homes to the east. But you will seldom, if ever, see someone randomly walking down your street who doesn't belong there. My street is great. My neighbors are great. There are retired millionaires (with money that doesn't show up as 'income') and there are new families with kids (like mine). Regular, nice, people.

I'm not a fan of the Aldine ISD, but if you don't have kids, or wouldn't put kids in a city public school anyway, that's not an issue. If you have kids, do some research.

As for investment, it depends. I own a home here and I'm trying to buy more homes here. Some people can deal with "urban" (ie, average incomes, blue collar and white collar families, mixed ethnicities, etc.) and some can't.

I should join the homeowner's association or something. This place could use some marketing and some youth.

[EasilyAmused]

I always think people should park their cars and walk a neighborhood. You meet and talk to the neighbors and figure out if you feel safe there.

A publicized walking tour of any transitional neighborhood could spur a turnover faster.

[Monk381]

I've just recently moved to Inwood Forest from the Garden Oaks area. I really enjoy the street I'm on...Its been turned into a dead end and the quietness of the evenings are great...Has anyone heard what the latest is on the golf course going or staying?

[crbcrbrgv]

Aldine ISD is one reason Inwood Forest will struggle to come back. Aldine is like Alief, a big albatross for a school district that will forever drag down real estate values.