Heights - River Oaks - Montrose | May 2026

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Heights River Oaks

Montrose Edition VOLUME 8, ISSUE 2 MAY 9JUNE 8, 2026

Brought to you by our premium gold sponsor: 2026 Home Edition World Cup lands in Houston By Cassandra Jenkins 10 Tournament to bring $1.5 billion in economic activity

Houston will see at least nine dierent teams playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer. The seven matches at Houston Stadium will kick o June 14 with Germany vs. Curacao. (Courtesy Gray Moore/Harris County-Houston Sports Authority)

Real estate: See why more buyers are leaning toward designing energy-ecient homes

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HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

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Market leaders & metro team

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HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

Impacts

W. 34TH ST.

mobile cafe that will oer its signature espresso beverages across the region for events and catering. • Opened April 11 • www.coffeefellows.com/mobile-biz

290

610

20TH ST.

W. 34TH ST.

N. SHEPHERD DR.

W. 18TH ST.

610

N. DURHAM DR.

Coming soon

T. C. JESTER BLVD.

7 Burger-chan Serving up smash burgers made fresh and built to order, ocials with this burger joint said they are expanding to the Heights. The new space will have a full bar and oer

W. 11TH ST.

2 5

WHITE OAK DR.

WHITE OAK PARK

its fan favorite menu. • Opening early May • 506 Yale St., Houston • www.burgerchanhtx.com

WASHINGTON AVE.

7 16

TAYLOR ST.

WESTCOTT ST.

MEMORIAL PARK

SAWYER ST.

W A

8 Aloha Auto Spa The hand car wash and detailing shop is planning a second location in Montrose. It will oer services from quick washes to interior detailing. • Opening spring 2026 • 2620 W. Dallas St., Houston • www.alohahtx.com 9 KA Residences The new wellness-focused luxury brand will oer 28 ultra-private residences. Amenities will include a custom meditation pod, oxygen chamber and sauna, as well as a private padel club, tness studio and lap pool. • Opening by 2028 • 55 Briar Hollow Lane, Houston • www.liveka.com/houston 10 2811 Kirby Southern Land Company broke ground in April on a new development that will feature a tower with 331 luxury residences and 15,000 square feet of ground-level

SHEPHERD DR.

BUFFALO BAYOU PARK

BUFFALO BAYOU

P K

610

W. GRAY ST.

BRIAR HOLLOW LN.

527

W. ALABAMA ST.

RICHMOND AVE.

288

4 Fountain Life This company detects health issues early through AI-guided diagnostics to help catch diseases, cancer diagnoses and aneurysms. The new center is the second location in Texas and the rst in Houston. • Opened April 14 • 4411 San Felipe St., Houston • www.fountainlife.com 5 Tutu School Heights Bringing music and whimsy to the M-K-T shopping center, the boutique ballet school is now oering classes to children six months to 8 years old. Classes are broken down by age and skill level. • Opened March 16 • 600 N. Shepherd Drive, Ste. 454, Houston • www.tutuschoolheights.com 6 Genesis Back & Neck Founded by Dr. Caleb Braddock and Chad Gaines, the clinic is known for its non-surgical treatment of bulging and herniated discs. • Opened in April • 4120 Southwest Fwy., Ste. 130, Houston • www.genesisback.com Coee Fellows A European brand with four brick-and-mortar locations across Houston recently debuted a new all-electric

Now open

restaurant space. • Opening by 2028

1 The Galleria Four new stores opened inside the mall recently, including athleisure brand Vuori, Italian luxury brand Elisabetta Franchi, Japanese toy store Gashapon Bandai and premium apparel brand BYLT Basics. • Opened in early 2026 2 Lululemon Known for its high-end activewear and popular yoga pants, the apparel store held a grand opening in March to celebrate the new 5,700 square-foot shop inside the M-K-T shopping center. • Opened in March • 600 N. Shepherd Drive, Ste. 400, Houston • https://shop.lululemon.com • 5085 Westheimer Road, Houston • www.simon.com/mall/the-galleria 3 Blushington A new beauty lounge oering blowouts, makeup and skincare services opened as the brand’s rst Houston location and third in the United States. Artists are available for on-site or at-home services, as well as bridal appointments. • Opened April 9 • 3601 Westheimer Road, Ste. D, Houston • www.blushington.com

• 2811 Kirby Drive, Houston • www.southernland.com

What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

11 Dutch Bros A second location of the popular coee chain will open inside Houston’s inner loop next year. A TDLR ling shows construction will start at the end of 2026 and last through May 2027. The spot serves specialty coee- based drinks, smoothies and light breakfast items. • 5005 Richmond Ave., Houston • www.dutchbros.com 12 7 Brew This drive-thru coee franchise is preparing to open its rst location near Houston’s inner loop. According to a TDLR ling, the spot will replace the former Salad and Go space on North Durham Drive. Construction on the project is slated for July through September. • 3000 N. Durham Drive, Houston • www.7brew.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

In the news

Worth the trip

Now open

13 Kirby Ice House Known for its expansive patios and for holding the title of the longest bar in Texas, the Ice House celebrated ten years of business in April. The bar sells specialty cocktails, beer and wine.

Trung Nguyen Legend Coee World The traditional Vietnamese coee shop is the rst of its kind to open in Texas. The shop uses unique brewing methods to create its specialty Zen coee. • Opened March 21 • 11754 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. 100, Houston • www.trungnguyenlegendcoffeeworldhouston.com

• 3333 Eastside St., Houston • www.kirbyicehouse.com

14 Local Table The Houston area family-owned concept celebrated 10 years of business in April. The restaurant oers brunch, lunch and dinner and serves hand-crafted recipes made with fresh ingredients.

Closings

16 Be More Pacic Ocials with the Filipino kitchen and bar in the Heights announced March 31 the restaurant’s immediate closure. • Closed March 30 • 506 Yale St., Ste. E., Houston • Instagram: bemorepaciic 17 Picos Restaurant Arnaldo Richards announced in late April that his authentic Mexican restaurant will close at its current location August 30, with future plans to relocate. • Closing Aug. 30 • 3601 Kirby Drive, Houston • www.picos.net

18 Atlantic Ocean The new seafood concept by restaurateur and chef Virgil Harper opened on Washington Avenue and is serving dishes described as “coastal seafood diaspora” that represent diverse regions and culinary traditions. The menu features premium seafood, Moroccan lamb chops, grilled branzino and lobster pasta. • Opened April 1 • 6011 Washington Ave., Houston • www.atlanticoceanhtx.com

• 2003 W. 34th St., Houston • www.eatatlocaltable.com

15 Houston TranStar Leveraging the resources of multiple agencies and partnerships, the transportation entity celebrated 30 years in April. TranStar helps mitigate congestion on roadways and assists with trac management.

• 6922 Katy Road, Houston • www.houstontranstar.org

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HEIGHTS RIVER OAKS MONTROSE EDITION

Government

BY ARIEL WORTHY

Houston’s new firearm injury dashboard reports first findings City officials, in partnership with the Houston Health Department and Texas Medical Center partners, released the first four months of data from a new firearm-injury tracking dashboard, the first of its kind in the U.S. What is it? SafeWatch dashboard reports number of firearm-related injuries 2020 2022 2021 2023 2024 2025 4K 3K

Using Level 1 trauma center clinical data and city- wide emergency response systems, the SafeWatch dashboard breaks down firearm injuries by age, race, sex, intent, outcome, location and risk factors. The dashboard, which launched in December 2025, also breaks down whether the incidents were fatal or not, and if they resulted in an emer- gency department visit or a Level 1 trauma center visit. It is updated quarterly, city officials said. More information In 2025, there were 194 trauma center visits for unintentional incidents. Of those, nearly half were people 24 years old or younger. District C council

Emergency department visits

Level 1 trauma center visits

EMS calls

Police-reported non-fatal injuries

Deaths

SOURCES: CITY OF HOUSTON, HOUSTON HEALTH DEPARTMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

member Abbie Kamin said they hope to use the dashboard to help find ways to prevent those incidents. During the public speaking portion of the meet- ing, several doctors and health care professionals spoke in support of the dashboard and furthering its functions.

Next steps Officials said they are next hoping to integrate Level 2 and 3 trauma center data, add enhance- ments for a deeper dive into the data and have regular task force meetings with partners at the Texas Medical Center to discuss trends found in the data.

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Education

BY EMILY LINCKE

HISD allows autonomy at 4 more high schools Four Houston ISD high schools and a prekinder- garten program are one step closer to gaining more control over curriculum, hiring, assessments and calendars after the district’s board of managers approved a state-funded partnership initiative during a special meeting March 26. The gist During the meeting, HISD’s board of managers unanimously approved Senate Bill 1882 partnerships between ve nonprots, four high-performing high schools and a district pre-K program. The partner- ships are slated to launch for the 2026-27 school year, but still need Texas Education Agency approval, according to a March 27 news release. If approved, the schools would gain increased autonomy over curriculum, assessments, calendars, stang, hiring and evaluation, as well as potentially receive $1,200-$1,400 more state funding per student. 69

Leaders granted power to cut stang HISD administrators and campus leaders were granted authority to consider cutting or reorganizing teacher and other employee positions for the 2026-27 school year during the district’s board of managers’ regular April 9 meeting. Current situation The board of managers unanimously approved two “Reduction In Force” initia- tives that will allow district and campus leaders to work toward a budget reduction via multiple stang avenues. However, district ocials said the move does not mean layos will happen imme- diately, but that it is a required step under board policy in case cuts become necessary. The initiative is brought to the board for consideration annually.

290 HISD approved four schools and a pre-K program with nonprot partnerships to gain autonomy. Schools granted autonomy 1 Challenge Early College High School 2 Energy Institute High School 3 Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts 4 Houston Academy for International Studies Early College High School 45

610

Montrose

288

610 Partners include: • Friends of Challenge Early College High School • Friends of Energy Institute • HSPVA Friends • Friends of the Houston Academy for International Studies • Pre-K programs operated by the nonproit Collaborative for Children

SOURCE: HOUSTON ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

FOR GOOD HEALTH YOUR HOME

Primary care locations near you. Most insurance accepted. Call 713-526-4243 to make an appointment.

harrishealth.org

HEIGHTS RIVER OAKS MONTROSE EDITION

World Cup lands in Houston From the cover

Tournament schedule

How it works

The big picture

June 14

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams playing 104 matches across the three host coun- tries, including Canada, Mexico and the U.S. The format consists of 12 groups of four teams, with the top two teams and the eight best third-place finishers advancing to a new Round of 32. Houston was selected to host seven matches of the tournament, including five group stages and two knockout rounds with the Round of 32 and the Round of 16. Some of the teams that will play in Houston include Germany, the Netherlands and Saudi Ara- bia, along with the Portugal team, whose captain is fan favorite and soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo. The Democratic Republic of Congo will also play in Houston and utilize the city as a base camp to train and operate throughout the tournament. Teams will begin to arrive in Houston around early June, ahead of the first match June 14.

Germany

Curacao

Houston is set to see the first of seven matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, along with 500,000 visitors from around the world, in less than 40 days. “This is a huge opportunity for Houston to build its brand globally,” said Chris Canetti, president of the FIFA World Cup 26 Houston Host Committee. “But more than that, it’s a chance for us to tell our story. It’s an opportunity to show visitors what kind of city we are and what makes us great.” The FIFA World Cup is considered the world’s most-watched sporting event, outpacing the Super Bowl and the Olympic Games by viewership. The most recent tournament in 2022 reached roughly 5 billion viewers globally and saw over 3.4 million spectators across all matches, according to the FIFA website. In comparison, the Super Bowl in 2026 had roughly 125.6 million viewers, according to Nielsen, an audience measurement company. On the other hand, the 2020-21 Olympic Games had approximately 3 billion total viewers, according to the International Olympic Committee. “It’s hard to compare anything to the World Cup,” said Ryan Walsh, CEO of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority. “This is the largest sporting event in the world, not only by viewership and participation, but certainly for Houston. This is the largest event the city’s ever seen in its history.”

June 17

Portugal

Congo DR

June 20

Netherlands

Sweden

June 23

Portugal

Uzbekistan

June 26

Cabo Verde

Saudi Arabia

June 29 - Round of 32 Teams to be determined

Teams to be determined July 4 - Round of 16

SOURCES: FIFA, HOUSTON HOST COMMITTEE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

FIFA Fan Festival

Get involved

The free 39-day festival in East Downtown will occur June 11-July 19, covering all 34 match days.

In addition to the seven matches held at NRG Stadium, which will be called Houston Stadium during the tournament, a 39-day FIFA Fan Festival is also set to take place in East Downtown. The event will take over approximately four blocks near Dallas and Lamar streets and can host around 15,000 fans per day. Admission is free. “Our overarching genesis and premises of Fan Fest is to be a giant watch party,” festival director Patti Smith said. “But it’s more than that. … Our goal for the entire festival is to tell the story of who Houston is as a city, and to do that through our food options, our entertainment and visuals.” Smith said the FIFA Fan Festival is set to include a main viewing area with several giant screens where fans can watch all matches livestreamed, a food and beverage zone, daily entertainment, activ- ities, a beer garden and unique exhibits, including a 44-foot soccer-shaped dome with a 4D experience inside, an Aramco pitch where youth tournaments and free play will happen and a hall dedicated to showcasing Houston’s culture and community. “We know that not everyone can afford to go to a match, but everyone can be a part of the World Cup by going to the Fan Festival,” Smith said. “Get out of your comfort zone and do it because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” The Fan Festival will be open for a total of 34 days, excluding rest days July 8, 12, 13, 16 and 17.

18 Go Tejano Day 19 H-Town Day

03 Teacher Appreciation Day 20 Space City Houston Day 25 Military Appreciation Day 29 Rodeo & Western Heritage

The road to a World Cup

NOTE: NOT ALL THEME DAYS ARE MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE. TO SEE A FULL LIST, VISIT THE FIFA FAN FESTIVAL HOUSTON WEBSITE. 04 Michelob Ultra Fourth of July takeover

Bidding for the FIFA World Cup to come to Houston started almost a decade ago.

Key attractions include:

2017 2018

January: Bidding process starts June: USA, Canada and Mexico selected as host countries

Esphera: A 44-foot dome with a 4D experience inside

Houston Hall: A gathering space that will showcase the city with different exhibitions

June: Host cities selected

Daily entertainment

Food & beverage area

February: Matches revealed for each host city

Location: 2301 Dallas St., Houston

2022

SOURCES: FIFA FAN FESTIVAL, FIFA WORLD CUP HOUSTON HOST COMMITTEE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

RENDERING COURTESY FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 HOUSTON HOST COMMITTEE

March: Tickets go on sale

2024

June 14: Houston kicks off the first of seven matches June 11: FIFA Fan Festival opens to the public in Houston

2026

SOURCES: FIFA, HOUSTON HOST COMMITTEE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Fans will be able to watch all matches of the tournament livestreamed at the Fan Festival’s main viewing stage.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

Staying prepared

What residents need to know

As Houston prepares to see a large influx of visitors, John Coppins, vice president of operations for the FIFA World Cup 26 Hous- ton Host Committee, said preparations are underway to help the event go as smoothly as possible, including safety and security. Houston secured a $64.6 million grant in February to enhance security at official World Cup venues, which will fund over- time pay and costs for more than 1,000 law enforcement officers and public safety per- sonnel. It will also fund essential equipment such as trucks, drones and medical supplies.

Transportation options

610

Experts suggest using alternative transit methods to reach the stadium.

Key:

Park and ride locations

DOWNTOWN HOUSTON

Key areas

METRO Red Line Rail

FIFA FAN FESTIVAL

The Commute Game Plan website will help residents plan around traffic hurdles.

288

HOUSTON STADIUM

610

SOURCES: H-GAC, METRO/COMMUNITY IMPACT

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

Public safety

by 20%-40% around key corridors, including Loop 610, Highway 45 and near the stadium. However, transportation entities across the city are preparing for the influx with new resources and expanded services. H-GAC launched a website that includes a calendar to highlight high-traffic days and show park-and-ride options. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County will also expand services to include more buses and trains with increased frequency.

Coppins said, aside from public safety, transpor- tation is another large factor to prepare for. Downtown Houston to the stadium is roughly an 8-mile radius and, in addition to the tournament and Fan Festival, the city will also see Astros home games, concerts, conventions and a Fourth of July celebration during the same timeframe. Robyn Egbert, principal program coordinator at Houston-Galveston Area Council, said current pro- jections show that traffic is expected to increase

Houston secured roughly $65 million in federal grants to fund public safety needs and initiatives during the tournament.

Key:

Personnel: 90% Equipment: 10%

total $64.6M

SOURCES: CITY OF HOUSTON, FIFA WORLD CUP HOUSTON

HOST COMMITTEE/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

The local impact

One more thing

an estimated $1.5 billion, which will help boost local businesses, retail and hospitality, increase tax revenue for city projects and support job creation. “Beyond civic pride ... these events have real value to the residents,” Walsh said.

Since 2004, Walsh said, Houston has hosted more major events than any other city in the country. Just since 2019, the city has garnered almost $1.2 million in economic activity, he said. However, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to bring in the largest economic impact in history at

In addition to the economic value, Houston will also see many long-term benefits through what is known as the Impact Houston 26 program. Two initiatives that have already been announced include the Freekicks Soccer program and The Green Corridor. Freekicks is a program that will help construct and refurbish 23 soccer fields across six parks in Harris County, as well as bring organized club soccer to underserved youth free of charge. The Green Corridor is a project that includes creating a 14-mile loop that connects key FIFA World Cup 26 venues and local neighborhoods together. The project will enhance walkability, provide heat relief and expand tree canopy coverage. “This event is special, and it brings a certain type of feeling to a city when it’s here,” Canetti said. “I’m ready for Houston and its people to feel that, but I’m also excited for all the benefits it will bring with it.”

Houston is expected to see around 500,000 visitors throughout the tournament. Economic estimations Compared to last year:

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to bring in four times the economic impact of the 2017 Super Bowl.

$347M

FIFA World Cup (2026) CFP National Championship (2024) Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (2025) NCAA Final Four (2023) MLB World Series (2021) Super Bowl LI (2017)

$25M

30% more hotel rooms are booked for this June

$270M

NOTE: THIS IS A PRELIMINARY ESTIMATION AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

$326M

Air bookings for June are up 32.7%

$200M

Bookings at short-term rentals are up 76% for mid-June to mid-July

$1.5B

Texas is the top domestic market for total hotel room nights in June and July

SOURCES: HOUSTON SUPER BOWL HOST COMMITTEE, HOUSTON FIRST CORPORATION, HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO, HARRIS COUNTY-HOUSTON SPORTS AUTHORITY, FIFA WORLD CUP HOUSTON HOST COMMITTEE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

Transportation

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

Check out 3 updates on transportation projects in Houston

Upcoming project

Ongoing project

Completed project

S A N F E L I P E S T .

610

RICHMOND AVE.

ELLA BLVD.

MONTROSE BLVD.

527

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY

610

OAKLEY ST.

WOODROW ST.

MEMORIAL DR. WESTCOTT ST.

District C road improvements Project: This project includes bringing pavement, storm sewer and waterline improvements to the Roseland community, as well as the reconstruction of roads that involve removing and replacing pavements, curbs and driveways, installing wheelchair ramps, utilities and traffic control devices. Update: Houston City Council approved a contract for $9.1 million on April 8 to fund the project. • Timeline: TBD • Cost: $9.1 million • Funding source: city of Houston

Greater Heights Strategic Plan Project: This transportation plan aims to identify key infrastructure improvements that will expand access for individuals and families moving through the Greater Heights area. Update: The final round of resident feedback ended in March, resulting in 52.5 miles of project recommendations that include new bayou bridges, neighborhood streets, trails and activity loops. The next step includes outlining a strategy for implementation. This project does not have a timeline or cost projection.

82 BOOST Westheimer Project: This 19-mile project from Loop 610 to Buffalo Speedway by the Metropolitan Authority of Harris County included making improvements to one of the city’s busiest bus routes. Upgrades included repaired roadways, improved sidewalks, safer crossings and enhanced bus shelters. Update: Construction was completed on April 3. • Timeline: Mid-2024-April 2026 • Cost: $12.2 million • Funding source: METRO

Events

BY ROO MOODY

The Market at River Oaks District The River Oaks District unveiled a new farmers market in April that offers artisan and specialty finds from local vendors twice a month. • May 24, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. • Free (admission) • 4444 Westheimer Road, Houston • www.riveroaksdistrict.com/events/the-market Memorial Day Run The 10K and 5K run along Buffalo Bayou honors the men and women who gave their lives serving in the U.S. military. • May 25, 7 a.m. • $25-$55 (per person) • St. Thomas High School, 4500 Memorial Drive, Houston • www.runsignup.com/Race/TX/Houston/ MemorialDayHouston Baddlands Fest Enjoy live DJ sets, house music, artwork, a vendor market and performances at the Sawyer Yards festival celebrating Houston’s creative community. • May 30, 2-9 p.m.

May

Mother’s Day at Bayou Bend Celebrate Mother’s Day at Bayou Bend with nature, art, refreshments and live musical performances. • May 10, 1-5 p.m. • $14 (adults), free (children) • 6003 Memorial Drive, Houston • www.mfah.org Runway to Asia The luncheon and fashion experience will benefit Asia Society Texas’s performing arts initiatives that showcase the vibrant diversity of Asia. • May 14, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. • $500 (per seat) • 1600 W. Loop S., Houston • www.asiasociety.org/texas/events/runway-asia-2026 New Orleans Night Listen to timeless classics with fresh, modern twists as Doc’s Jazz Club celebrates the birthplace of jazz. • May 15, 7 p.m., 9:30 p.m. • $38.49 (per person) • 1201 Westheimer Road, Houston • www.docsjazzclub.com

Panda Fest The Asian food festival at Buffalo Bayou Park will feature more than 100 Asian street food vendors as well as panda merchandise and cultural performances. • May 10, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. • $14 (general admission), $25 (VIP) • 105-B Sabine St., Houston • www.pandafests.com

• $30.78 (general admission) • 2000 Edwards St., Houston • www.posh.vip/e/baddlands-fest-htx-1

Real estate Home Edition

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

2026

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Home Edition! This annual guide explores what it means to live and invest across the Heights, River Oaks and Montrose. As these neighborhoods continue to evolve, housing trends reect a shift in how residents are approaching homeownership, renting and long-term investment. In this edition, readers will nd coverage examining how aordability challenges and rising home prices are inuencing demand across the market. From increased interest in single-family rentals to shifting buyer behavior, this guide highlights how residents are adapting to a changing housing landscape. The data tells a clear story. As home prices continue to climb, more residents are turning to rental options, driving increased demand for single-family homes across Houston. At the same time, developers and investors are responding, creating new opportunities while reshaping the local housing mix. Even as trends shift, the appeal of these neighborhoods remains strong. Their proximity to Houston’s urban core, walkability and distinct character continue to attract residents seeking both convenience and community. Finally, this edition reects the idea that where people live is closely tied to how they live.

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Energy costs shift home design trends

Measuring the impact

Homeowners can save roughly $1,000 per household on energy costs There is a 2.7% average sales price premium for rated energy-ecient homes

and renewable energy systems, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. They also take advan- tage of local climate and site conditions, such as natural shade and landscaping. Luna said homeowners with more energy- ecient houses save anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 per year on their electric bill. In Texas, CenterPoint Energy shows that a monthly bill for a 2,000-square-foot home could drop from $170 to below $100 per month. The cost Energy-conscious homes do often require 2% to 10% higher upfront costs than a standard home build, according to the Department of Energy. However, despite higher upfront costs, ener- gy-ecient homes often sell faster and at a higher price point, with an additional value of around $5,000 more than a standard home, according to the National Association of Builders.

As energy costs across Houston have begun to skyrocket amid a changing climate that has led to multiple extreme weather events, many home- owners and developers are looking to build more energy-ecient and sustainable homes. What the experts say Sam Luna, director of product sales at BKV Energy, an electric utility company in Houston, said while sustainability is still more of a luxury, he has seen developers start to create new homes with energy-ecient features in mind. According to a recent report by the National Association of Builders, nearly 80% of home buyers consider sustainability when purchasing. “New buyers do expect it,” Luna said. “They are pushing for it… and these additional features may not always add revenue dollars, but buyers are asking for it and builders are accommodating it.” Features of the most ecient homes combine energy-ecient construction, appliances, lighting

Nearly 80% of homeowners consider sustainability when buying

Eco-friendly properties tend to sell about 10 days faster than standard homes

SOURCES: HAR, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BUILDERS, ENERGY STARCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Final takeaways Current homeowners can also take measures towards creating a more energy-ecient home, including upgrading the HVAC system, sealing the roof and checking doors and windows for weatherstripping. “Don’t let this sound so scary,” Luna said. “Take it in chunks. You can make little changes with little costs rst.” COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Real estate

BY ARIEL WORTHY

Demand for single-family rental homes climb as homeownership slows

By the numbers

The cost of renting has also proven to be more stable over the last several years when compared to the rising price of homeownership. From 2023 to 2025, the average monthly rent in Houston only increased by roughly 4%, rising from $2,236 per month in 2023 to $2,319 in 2025, according to data from HAR.

lawn, and how you’re incorporating taking care of that extra square footage in your day-to- day,” she said. “It’s good practice.” In 2023, the average number of single-family rentals that were leased per month in Houston was 3,592. In 2024, it rose to 3,710, and up again in 2025 to 3,945, according to HAR. “With economic uncertainty shaping consumer decisions, some are choosing to rent in the near term,” said HAR Chair Theresa Hill. “That dynamic is driving strong demand and record leasing levels.” From 2023 to 2025, there has been a 10% increase in leased listings in Houston, while single-family home sales have slowed to see only a 5% increase.

Homeownership is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve as interest rates and sale prices continue to rise across the nation. These hardships are pushing many residents in Houston toward renting single-family homes, creating a rise in demand. Home prices in Houston have increased since 2020, with the median home price shooting up from $252,500 in 2020 to $337,000 in 2025, a 33% increase, according to data from the Houston Association of Realtors. HAR Chair-Elect Kat Robinson said the cost factor has made it difficult for many to afford a home and is resulting in more residents renting single-family properties instead. “It gives you the experience of cutting the

Single-family rental trends, 2023-2025 New listings

4,829

2023 2024 2025

5,433

6,418

Average lease price

$2,236

2023 2024 2025

$2,300

$2,319

Houston home sales compared to leased listings

SOURCE: HOUSTON ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Single-family home sales In recent years, rental listings have increased by a higher percentage than home sales in Houston. Leased listings

100K

88.63K

Another point of view

85.16K

84.04K

3.95K

3.71K

80K

3.59K

Robinson said developers have also started to adhere to the rising demand for rental homes as more developers are creating communities that have single-family rentals built into the neighborhood. According to data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, roughly 6,350 build-to-rent single-family homes have been permitted in Houston since 2020.

60K

40K

+5%

+10%

20K

2023

2024

2025

2023

2024

2025

SOURCE: HOUSTON ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Real estate

BY ROO MOODY

Luxury senior housing market hits record high as Houston boomers age

Why now?

Seniors are also gravitating towards luxury senior living as companies show what resident living really looks like through tours and events, said Heather Tussing, president of The Aspenwood Company, a senior living hospitality rm. “It couldn’t be more dierent than a nursing home,” Tussing said.

management company called Brazos Presbyterian Homes, said the marketplace is mainly reacting to baby boomers reaching retirement age. Kinsey also said her own properties are mirroring that rise in demand. The Hallmark is expanding its River Oaks campus to include a new 21-story high-rise for residents ages 65 and older. “With the baby boomers having entered what they call the ‘silver tsunami’ that’s coming here in 2030, we thought it was a great opportunity to really build on what we have there in [The Hallmark] community,” Kinsey said.

Speculated by industry professionals to be driven by an aging generation, Houston has experienced a sharp increase in demand for luxury senior living in the past two years. In 2025 alone, Texas’s seniors housing sector saw $2.9 billion in transactions, an all-time high in rolling four-quarter volume, according to a report by Collier’s, an investment management company. A rental study by Point2Homes also found that the Greater Houston metro ranked in the top 10 areas with the highest growth, showing a 60.3% increase in senior renters since 2013. Deidre Kinsey, CEO of a senior living

The Village of River Oaks Care type

Starting prices*

$4,785 $6,070 $7,755 $10,705

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Memory Care

Optimized Care

SOURCE: THE VILLAGE OF RIVER OAKSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

*PER MONTH

Demand for senior housing Texas’s seniors housing sector experienced a substantial increase in sales volume in 2025. $1B

A dierent angle

One of the main selling points of both The Village of River Oaks and The Hallmark is a long list of activities and amenities, property owners said. Once completed in 2030, The Hallmark’s building expansion will feature amenities such as a yoga studio, a massage area, an upscale dining venue, an art studio, a movie theater and a swimming pool. Tussing said The Aspenwood Company is also seeing residents entering properties at younger ages so they can truly enjoy the services available.

$800M

$600M

$400M

$200M

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2021

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2022

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2023

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2024

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2025

SOURCE: COLLIERSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

HEIGHTS RIVER OAKS MONTROSE EDITION

Real estate

BY ROO MOODY

Beat the heat: 6 plants that flourish in Texas summers While Texas is known for its high summer tem- peratures, industry professionals say the region’s climate also comes with an extended growing season. Jennifer Hatalski, a Texas-certified nursery professional and vice president of marketing at Cornelius Nursery, said the extended season pro- vides more planting windows and harvest cycles if residents choose plants suited to local conditions. “With months of vibrant warmth and color,

gardeners can plant earlier, grow longer and enjoy continuous successions of blooms and edibles,” Hatalski said. “Planning with Texas-specific weather in mind helps ensure strong roots and vibrant plants all season.” With spring in full bloom and summer quickly approaching, here are six plants that don’t just survive but thrive in the Texas sun.

Cora XDR Vinca Available in shades of pink, red, white and lavender, the flower is known for its disease resistance and heat tolerance. Tip: Plant the flower in full sun with well-drained soil and water consistently.

Bougainvillea The heat-loving vine flourishes in the sun and requires minimal watering. It can be planted in containers, trained along trellises or grown across fences for a vibrant pop of color. Tip: Prune the plant after heavy blooming periods.

Mandevilla The tropical vine can grow up to 10 feet tall at maturity and has large, trumpet-shaped blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Tip: Mandevilla thrives in full sunlight and prefers evenly moist soil with regular watering.

Abelia The versatile and low-maintenance shrub offers colorful foliage from spring to fall. Tip: It grows best in full sun to partial shade and needs to be watered consistently for at least six months before gradually reducing.

Drift Roses The sun-loving roses come in a variety of eye- catching colors and tend to be compact and low- growing. They typically need 6-8 hours of sunlight. Tip: Water thoroughly and frequently after planting to establish roots.

Oleander The tough evergreen shrub grows best in full sun and produces colorful flowers in May, as well as additional blooms throughout the summer. Tip: Water Oleander whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to keep it healthy and vibrant.

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BY ROO MOODY

Bree Clarke grows plants, community in Houston Bree Clarke, founder of The Plant Project, learned everything she knows from gardening with her grandmother and mother, yet she was the rst one to open her own plant shop after realizing there were no Black-owned plant stores in Houston. “I feel like our generation is the one that breaks those generational curses and cycles,” Clarke said. How it works Rooted in diversity, culture and community, The Plant Project features indoor plants that range from $4 to $400 as well as workshops and free commu- nity events. Clarke said she believes there is a plant for every lifestyle—even for individuals who claim to kill everything they buy. To prove her point, Clarke plays matchmaker at the store, pairing individuals with plants based on lifestyle choices, such as travel tendencies and sun exposure. She said plants and people are more similar than people realize. The local impact While the store’s main attraction may be plants, Clarke said her workshops are purposeful and intentionally designed. In the past, she’s done workshops on topics such as succulents, planting and gardening, all to “create a place that, no matter your background, race, religion, style, shape [or] age, you feel as though you belong,” she said. “I think that’s why The Plant Project has done so well, because it’s something dierent to so many dierent people,” she said. “That’s really important.”

The Plant Project was founded in 2020 and recently celebrated its sixth anniversary.

PHOTOS BY ROO MOODYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Clarke founded The Plant Project after realizing there were no Black-owned plant shops in the area.

W. 7TH ST.

W.6THST.

600 N. Shepherd Drive, Ste. 117, Houston www.the-plantproject.com

Clarke said The Plant Project is intergenerational.

HEIGHTS RIVER OAKS MONTROSE EDITION

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Real estate

The number of homes sold was down in March for four major neighborhoods in Houston, including Upper Kirby, the Washington Avenue corridor, the Heights and Montrose. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

March 2025

March 2026

-5.9%

+8.33%

-9.88%

-19.23%

-40.91%

610

77006

77007

77008

77019

77098

77008

77007

Median home sales price

77019

March

2025

2026

77006

$569,500 $568,000 $670,000 $834,000 $813,750

$637,000 $569,000 $634,400 $485,000 $825,000

77006

77098

77007

288

77008

Homes sold by price point

77019

March 2026

77098

$1,000,000+

$750,00-$999,999

Average days on market

$500,000-$749,999

+37.6%

+49.37%

+2.7%

+1.18%

+63.51%

$250,000-$499,999

<$250,000

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY CB&A REALTORS 8326784770 • WWW.CBAREALTORS.COM

77006

77007

77008

77019

77098

HEIGHTS RIVER OAKS MONTROSE EDITION

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