Houston, Texas: Take a Tour of the Energy Capital of the World

Home to the Johnson Space Center, NASA’s center for training, research, and space flight, as well as the world’s largest medical complex, Houston is known as a city of science and progress. Cowboy culture remains alive and well here, however, existing alongside the high-powered energy and finance hub’s businessmen and women. A tropical climate, a vibrant arts and cultural scene, and a culinary offering that includes some of the Lone Star State’s best barbecue joints, along with Mexican and Asian influences, make Houston a city that many want to call home.

“Houston has everything,” says Andrew Lin, agent at Nan and Company Properties, the exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate in the city. “Uptown and Downtown (known locally as the Inner Loop) have fantastic cultural and culinary offerings, and then when you want to get out of the city and into nature you can escape to Galveston Beach on the Gulf of Mexico, or to Lake Conroe, both less than an hour away. Even closer to home is the newly reopened Buffalo Bayou Park, which combines running paths, bike trails, and playgrounds inside Inner Loop.”

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A network of creeks and bayous—the largest of which are Buffalo Bayou and Brays Bayou—spread like ivy through the city, separating the diverse neighborhoods of Inner Loop, and providing plenty of green space and waterside walks. “Uptown is a very casual neighborhood; the sort of place you’re likely to find young professionals and hip restaurants and bars, while Downtown is home to the city’s central business district, where banking and energy companies such Deloitte LLP, KPMG, Wells Fargo, and NRG Energy have high-rise offices,” says Lin.

The market in Houston continues to show sales growth with a 3.1 percent increase in single family home sales year to date for 2019 and a strong 7.4 percent growth in homes with a value of over $1m—Andrew Lin

Arts and Culture

Houston’s Museum District is a telling example of how much the city and its residents value art and history. Comprised of 19 museums and galleries in the area in and around Hermann Park, it includes among others The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and the associated Glassell School of Art, the Contemporary Arts Museum designed by award-winning architect Gunnar Birkerts, the Menil Collection—known as one of the world’s foremost surrealist collections housed in a building by Renzo Piano—and the Barbara Davis Gallery, whose founder is a pioneer of the city’s contemporary art scene.

Theater and Performing Arts

If you’re hoping to catch an international show while you’re in town then Downtown Houston should be your first port of call. The Theater District in north Downtown is the second largest performing arts district in the United States behind New York City. Home to eight performing arts venues, including the world-renowned Houston Symphony and Houston Ballet. 

Culinary Happenings

Many of Houston’s finest dining spots can be found in Uptown, or nearby in the exclusive residential enclave of River Oaks. At Japanese institution Roka Akor prime cuts of Wagyu beef and seafood are cooked over a yakitori grill, and you’ll find excellent dim sum at Yauatcha. The oyster bar at star chef Ford Fry’s State of Grace restaurant might be one of the city’s most beautiful places at which to linger, with half a dozen plump appetizers on the menu from the Gulf of Mexico and beyond. Houston institution Masraff’s serves an elegant American-European menu and a large wine list that favors the Old World. And if it’s steak you seek then Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse has it covered.

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A Place to Stay

The city’s most hotly anticipated opening of 2019 was most certainly the Post Oak at Uptown Houston hotel. The vision of local businessman and owner of the NBA Houston Rockets, Tilman Fertitta, the 38-floor 250-room hotel is something to behold. Sumptuously designed interiors are adorned with artworks from Fertitta’s own personal collection, while the restaurants include health food eatery Bloom & Bee, which has become a destination in its own right. The gorgeous outdoor pool, two-story Rolls-Royce showroom and in-house Bentley and Bugatti dealerships add something a little extra to the offering. Post Oak is the location of the 2019 Luxury Specialist Conference, which takes place from November 11-13.

A Healthy Property Market

“The market in Houston continues to show sales growth with a 3.1 percent increase in single family home sales year to date for 2019 and a strong 7.4 percent growth in homes with a value of over $1m,” says Lin. “Overall, I believe the health of the local economy will continue to support a steady environment for Houston real estate.”

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Along with River Oaks, Memorial Villages is the most prestigious neighborhood in the city, made up of six independent villages; Hunters Creek, Piney Point, Bunker Hill, Hedwig, Spring Valley, and Hilshire. The homes in this area offer seclusion and independent fire and police departments. The styles range from retro ranch style to custom-built homes that span 10,000-plus square feet (929 sq m).

“This neighborhood is one of the most exclusive areas in Houston with some of the largest lots offered. Memorial Villages serves as Houston’s home for the most influential families and entrepreneurs and, while it’s located outside Inner Loop, residents still have direct access to large freeway and most properties boast mature trees, giving every home a serene and private ambiance,” says Casey Babin, agent at Nan and Company Properties.

On the Market

Stunning Hunters Creek Estate with Lush Grounds

Sitting on nearly an acre (0.4 ha) of landscaped gardens, this Hunters Creek estate benefits from high ceilings and custom finishes throughout, and four guest bedrooms and one master suite, and seven full baths. Ideal for entertaining, the property also comes with a full butler’s kitchen and bar, a formal dining room, and a temperature-controlled wine room.

Elegant River Oaks Manor House

Characterized by clean lines and abundant light, this thoughtfully designed five-bedroom, six-bath residence is less than a mile (1.6 km) from the exclusive River Oaks Country Club. A chef’s kitchen, home theater, and juice bar are some of the highlights, and interiors include semi-polished Italian marble floors, spectacular chandeliers, and smart home systems throughout.