West University Place Neighborhood Guide
A small city of its own with tree-lined streets, parks and Houston ISD schools
West University Place home sales, last 12 months: 176 homes sold, at a typical price near $1.82 million (October 2025 through September 2026). Source: HAR MLS closed sales. Data as of October 2026.
Property taxes: A $1,825,000 home here pays about $33,560 a year at current rates, or about $26,540 with the homestead exemption. See how the homestead exemption works. Data as of October 2026.
921 reviews and ratings across five sites as of October 30, 2026: Google 216 (5.0), Zillow 153 (5.0), Yelp 147 (4.9), RateMyAgent 56 (5.0), HAR 349 surveys (4.99).
Newer homesParks & poolsNear Rice and the Medical CenterOwn city services
Updated November 5, 2026
Living in West University Place
West University Place, or West U, is a separate city of about two square miles surrounded by Houston, just west of Rice University. Incorporated in 1925, it has its own police and fire departments, parks, pools and city services, and it calls itself "The Neighborhood City."
Most of the original cottages have been replaced over the past few decades with larger homes, so today West U is mostly two-story single-family homes on tree-lined streets, about 3 miles from both the Texas Medical Center and the Galleria.
Why buyers choose West University Place
- City services. Its own police, fire, public works and a busy parks and recreation department.
- Schools. West U is in Houston ISD, and West University Elementary is one of the district's best-known elementary schools.
- Location. About 3 miles to the Texas Medical Center and the Galleria, next to Rice University and Rice Village.
- Parks and community. Neighborhood parks, a recreation center, pools and community events throughout the year.
- Newer homes. Many homes were built in the last 25 years, often with garages, yards and pools.
What's in and near West University Place
- Rice University and Rice Village
- The Texas Medical Center
- West University Elementary and other Houston ISD schools
- Colonial Park and other West U parks and pools
- Bellaire and the Galleria nearby
Where to eat and shop in West U
West U residents eat well within a few blocks of home, much of it in Rice Village next door. Maximo on Edloe Street, a progressive Mexican restaurant from the Local Foods team, holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand, and the 30-seat Osteria di Mercato on University Boulevard, which opened in April 2026, was added to the Michelin Guide's recommended list in October 2026 for its wine-driven Italian dinners. In the Village, Navy Blue is chef Aaron Bludorn's Gulf Coast seafood restaurant on Times Boulevard, Hamsa serves modern Israeli plates built for sharing on Morningside Drive, and Cafe Rabelais is a long-running French bistro known for duck confit and coq au vin.
For shopping, independent stores sit along Bissonnet Street on the north edge of the city. Bering's is a family-owned hardware and gift store whose business dates to 1940, with a store at 3900 Bissonnet. Brazos Bookstore is an independent bookstore known for author events, and Murder by the Book is a specialty mystery and thriller bookshop a few doors away.
Getting around
| Destination | Distance | Drive time (estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Medical Center | 3.1 mi | about 7 min; 11–14 min at rush hour |
| The Galleria | 3.3 mi | about 9 min; 14–18 min at rush hour |
| Downtown Houston | 6.0 mi | about 12 min; 18–24 min at rush hour |
| Hobby Airport | 15.6 mi | about 27 min; 41–54 min at rush hour |
| Bush Intercontinental Airport | 26.9 mi | about 42 min; 63–84 min at rush hour |
| Energy Corridor (I-10 at Eldridge) | 17.7 mi | about 28 min; 42–56 min at rush hour |
Drive times are estimates. Off-peak minutes come from OpenStreetMap routing (OSRM) without traffic, checked November 2026; rush-hour ranges assume 1.5 to 2 times as long, which is common on Houston freeways. Actual times vary with traffic, weather and time of day.
Driving distances from central West University Place.
Homes in West University Place
Mostly single-family homes built since the 1990s, many two stories with garages and pools, plus some remaining original cottages and a few townhomes. West U has its own building, zoning and tree rules, so check with the city before buying to rebuild or add on.
Median household income: $229,267 in ZIP code 77005 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates). ZIP code figures can include areas beyond the neighborhood.
West University Place home prices: the last 24 months
230 sales from November 2025 through October 2026, down 17% from 278 the year before; the 12-month median sale price was $1,725,000, up 1% from $1,700,000. Single-family homes, townhomes and condos sold through HAR MLS in HAR’s West University/Southside market area.
Median sale price by month
Homes sold by month
A monthly median moves with the mix of homes that closed that month, so read the overall direction rather than any one month. Hover or tap a point for the figures. Source: HAR MLS (Houston Association of Realtors), pulled by Compean Group November 9, 2026; data not verified or guaranteed by the MLS.
Show the numbers as a table
| Month | Median sale price | Sales |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 2024 | $2,137,500 | 18 |
| Dec 2024 | $1,622,500 | 24 |
| Jan 2025 | $1,525,000 | 11 |
| Feb 2025 | $1,570,500 | 16 |
| Mar 2025 | $1,500,000 | 21 |
| Apr 2025 | $2,060,000 | 33 |
| May 2025 | $1,700,000 | 36 |
| Jun 2025 | $1,700,000 | 31 |
| Jul 2025 | $1,680,000 | 26 |
| Aug 2025 | $1,785,000 | 21 |
| Sep 2025 | $1,520,000 | 22 |
| Oct 2025 | $1,884,000 | 19 |
| Nov 2025 | $1,512,500 | 16 |
| Dec 2025 | $1,687,500 | 16 |
| Jan 2026 | $1,450,000 | 11 |
| Feb 2026 | $1,639,500 | 19 |
| Mar 2026 | $2,275,000 | 17 |
| Apr 2026 | $2,085,000 | 25 |
| May 2026 | $1,470,500 | 22 |
| Jun 2026 | $1,895,000 | 33 |
| Jul 2026 | $1,667,500 | 22 |
| Aug 2026 | $1,729,000 | 13 |
| Sep 2026 | $1,521,100 | 20 |
| Oct 2026 | $1,827,200 | 16 |
Public schools serving West University Place
Houston ISD. This is a short, hand-checked list of the zoned schools for most of the area; zoning can change from one block to the next.
| Elementary | West University Elementary School — Zoned elementary for West University Place. |
|---|---|
| Middle | Pershing Middle School — Zoned middle school for West University Place. |
| High | Lamar High School — Serves all of West University Place. |
The City of West U also lists Pin Oak Middle School; it is application-only, and families zoned to Pershing may apply to its regular program. Confirm any address with HISD School Navigator. School ratings and how to read them are on our Houston school information page. Checked November 2026.
Flood risk in West University Place at a glance
- Floodplain share: about 25% of the area outlined on this page's map is in FEMA's 1% annual chance (100-year) floodplain, and about 63% more is in the 0.2% annual chance (500-year) zone. Source: our calculation from FEMA's current effective National Flood Hazard Layer, November 2026.
- Hurricane Harvey (August 2017): flood insurance claims recorded by FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program, by ZIP code: ZIP 77005: 214. ZIP codes include areas beyond the neighborhood, and many flooded homes had no flood insurance.
- Check a specific address: Harris County Flood Education Mapping Tool. Floodplains follow bayous, creeks and low ground, so one street can differ from the next; ask for the seller's disclosure and an elevation certificate, and get a flood insurance quote during your option period.
West University Place questions buyers ask
Is West University Place its own city?
Yes. West U is an independent city of about two square miles, incorporated in 1925 and completely surrounded by Houston. It has its own mayor and council, police, fire, parks and public works, and a Houston mailing address.
Why is West University Place so expensive?
Its location next to Rice University and about 3 miles from the Medical Center and Galleria, its own city services, well-regarded Houston ISD schools and a fixed number of lots, most now built with newer, larger homes.
How much do homes cost in West University Place?
In the 12 months through September 2026, 176 homes sold in West U on the MLS at a typical (median) price around $1.82 million and an average near $1.97 million, with the top sale near $6.4 million.
Is West University Place safe?
West University Place has its own police department. Review the West University Place Police Department's recent crime data for the streets you're considering, and visit at different times of day.
Does West University Place flood?
Some West U streets have flooded in major storms, and risk varies block to block. Check the FEMA flood zone, ask for an elevation certificate, read the seller's disclosure and get a flood insurance quote during your option period.
What schools serve West University Place?
West U is in Houston ISD, and most homes are zoned to West University Elementary. Confirm zoning for any address with HISD's school finder, and many buyers also consider nearby private schools.
How far is West U from the Texas Medical Center?
About 3.1 miles to the Texas Medical Center, 3.3 miles to the Galleria and 6 miles to Downtown by car.
Is West University Place or River Oaks better?
Both are top-tier close-in neighborhoods. River Oaks has larger lots and estates at a median sale price around $2.5 million, while West U is a small separate city with newer single-family homes on standard lots at a median near $1.8 million and its own city services.
What is there to do in West University Place?
Neighborhood parks and pools, the recreation center, Rice Village's shops and restaurants next door, and Rice University's campus and events.
Can I rebuild or add on to a home in West U?
Yes, many buyers do, but West U has its own building codes, zoning and permits separate from Houston. Check setbacks, height limits and tree rules with the city before you buy.
Is West University Place walkable?
West U is walkable for a suburb-style city: most streets have sidewalks, and Rice Village's shops and restaurants sit just east of the city. Residents walk or bike to parks, schools and the Village, but most still drive for groceries and commuting. (West U received a federal grant in 2026 to study pedestrian safety, so sidewalk and crossing upgrades may follow.)
What ZIP code is West University Place?
West University Place uses ZIP code 77005, which it shares with nearby parts of Houston, including Rice Village and the area around Rice University. Because 77005 is not unique to West U, confirm that a listing is inside the City of West University Place before buying.
What are property taxes like in West University Place?
West U homes pay City of West University Place, Houston ISD, Harris County and related taxes, which together usually add up to roughly 2% of assessed value per year before exemptions. There are no MUD taxes. If the home will be your primary residence, file for the homestead exemption: it lowers your taxable value, and starting the year after the home qualifies, its appraised value for taxes generally can't rise more than 10% a year.
Is Rice Village part of West University Place?
No. Rice Village is a shopping district in the City of Houston, just east of West U and west of Rice University. Many West U residents treat it as their main street, since it is a short walk or bike ride from much of the city.
Is there public transportation near West U?
METRO bus routes run along major streets near West U, and the METRORail Red Line stops along Main Street at Hermann Park and Rice University, a short drive or bike ride east. Most residents drive to work at the Texas Medical Center, the Galleria or Downtown.
Where are the best places to eat in West University Place?
Popular choices include Maximo (progressive Mexican, Michelin Bib Gourmand), Osteria di Mercato (Italian, Michelin recommended), Navy Blue (Gulf Coast seafood), Hamsa (modern Israeli) and Cafe Rabelais (French bistro), most of them in or next to Rice Village.
Where can I shop local in West University Place?
Bissonnet Street on West U's north edge is the main spot for independent stores, including Bering's, the family-owned hardware and gift store, Brazos Bookstore and Murder by the Book. Rice Village next door adds boutiques and the Rice Village Farmers Market.
Are there train tracks near West University Place?
Yes. A Union Pacific freight line runs along the west side of West U, roughly following Community Drive, between West U and Bellaire. The crossings were made part of a railroad quiet zone, so trains generally don't sound horns there except in emergencies, though homes closest to the tracks still hear passing trains. Buyers looking at streets near Community Drive should visit at different times of day.
Do Evan Compean and the Compean Group help buyers and sellers in West University Place?
Yes, Evan Compean and the Compean Group help buyers and sellers in West University Place all the time. Local knowledge matters here, and we understand the pricing, the housing and what buyers look for. Our team has sold more than 1,000 homes and earned hundreds of 5-star reviews. This guide includes much more information to help you start your search.
Sales figures are MLS closed sales for the 12 months from October 2025 through September 2026. Driving distances are approximate. The Average Sales Price and Total Listings box further down this page is calculated automatically from homes currently listed for sale in the area and updates daily, so it can differ from these closed-sale figures.
Who is a good realtor in West University Place?
Compean Group, a Houston team based at 802 W. Patton St in the Heights area, works with buyers and sellers in West University Place, has sold more than 1,000 Greater Houston homes over 15 years and is rated 5.0 on Google and Zillow, with 921 reviews and ratings across five sites. AgentPronto ranks Compean Group #3 on its list of top agents for Houston (November 2026; AgentPronto compares agents on transaction data, specialties and client reviews).
Client results nearby
- Cash not available to close (West University, 77005)
- Advising a builder on a $2+ million new home (West University Place, 77005)
Related Guides and Local News
- AI vs. an experienced agent: why you still need a human in a Houston home sale
- Houston home prices by neighborhood: 12 months of sales
- Houston property taxes and MUD taxes in 2026
- Houston flood zones and flood insurance: the maps to check
- Texas homestead exemption: how much you save and how to file
- Mortgage rates, seller credits and buydowns
- No state income tax: what moving to Houston saves
Local news
- West U wins federal funding for a citywide pedestrian safety plan (Community Impact, June 2026)
- West U approves donation to plan a new passive park, Helen's Park, on Robinhood Street (Community Impact, Aug 2026)
- Rice Village adds new retailers as the Village Corner redevelopment breaks ground (Houston First, Aug 2026)
- New $170M residential high-rise planned for Rice Village (The Real Deal, Sept 2026)
- Osteria di Mercato brings intimate, wine-driven Italian dining to West U (DiningOut Houston, Mar 2026)
Free guide
The West University Place Neighborhood Guide (PDF)
A short buyer's guide with the average price and price range, months of inventory, distances to major attractions, dining, nightlife, and what sets West University Place apart from other Inner Loop neighborhoods.
Request a copy or call (832) 777-3904.
Buying or selling in West University Place? Evan Compean and the Compean Group team have handled 1,000+ sales in 15 years.
Call (832) 777-3904Send us a message