Overview

Inside the 610 Loop, just east of Bellaire and south of West U near NRG Stadium, lies Braeswood Place, a collection of over 2,000 homes. The community is broken up into seven distinct subdivisions: Ayrshire, Braes Heights, Braes Oaks, Braes Manor, Braes Terrace, Emerald Forest, and Southern Oaks.

History

Est. 1951

Originally overshadowed by adjacent neighborhoods, the area was first populated with ranch-style homes largely built in the style of the 1950s and 1960s following the Homeowners Association for Braeswood Place’s creation in 1951. In the 1990s, the community banded together to adrenalize a restoration process, successfully raising the funds to tear down older, crumbling buildings. Today, Braeswood Place proudly touts its close proximity to Rice Village and the Texas Medical Center (TMC), benefitting from fantastic schools and beautiful, modern housing options.

Schools

Residents of Braeswood Place fall within the Houston Independent School District (HISD). Children are zoned to either Mark Twain Elementary School if north of Brays Bayou or Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Elementary School if south of Brays Bayou, while kids in grades 6 through 8 are zoned to John J. Pershing Middle School.

For high schools, residents are split between rivals Bellaire High School and Lamar High School, which was used as a filming location in the Wes Anderson movie Rushmore as well as the movie Sidekicks starring Chuck Norris. Check HISD zone maps for specifc zone boundaries.

Notable alumni include novelist James Lee Burke, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Robert Woodrow Wilson, Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Richard Linklater and current NFL players such as Brandon LaFelle and former NFL players such as Brian Orakpo.  

Shopping

Braes Heights Shopping Center

This shopping center in the Braes Heights area includes CVS, dry cleaners, and local gems such as the famous Mexican restaurant, Molina’s Cantina, loved by Houstonians.

Vanderbilt Square

Kentucky fans shouldn’t let the name fool them. Vanderbilt Square is another central location perfect for shopping. On the corner of W Holcombe Blvd and Buffalo Speedway, the center provides Braeswood residents with their neighborhood Randall’s for groceries, Chick-fil-a, Barnes & Noble, Panera Bread, and Wells Fargo Bank round out the niceties.

Recreation

Active Lifestyle Hub

At Karl Young Park, sports enthusiasts have more to celebrate than just nature. In addition to the walking trail, playgrounds, and picnic area, visitors can enjoy leisurely games on the basketball and tennis courts or take advantage of the soccer and baseball fields.

Helen’s Park

For a different experience, Helen’s Park remains a popular locale as a tranquil park. Featuring palm trees, a mosaic fountain, and stunningly maintained landscaping, this pillar of the community continues to attract locals every time the sun is shining. McGovern Park is right next door, featuring softball, football and soccer fields plus playground equipment.