There are affordable options close in

I don't think it's news to anybody that finding an interesting house "in town" on a first-time homebuyer's budget is a bigger challenge in Houston than it was in years past. I do think, however, there are options that can greatly increase a buyer's chance of landing a home they can get excited about at a price they can afford.

Houston has long been touted as a more affordable big city and yes, compared to places like New York, L.A., etc., it still is, but it certainly isn't the affordable place it once was. I know this well because when I was a first time buyer back in the 90's I could afford Montrose, Garden Oaks, Heights & the assorted Norhills all day long. I could get into all these areas despite being in the apartment business at the time and not making a lot of money. Here's the thing though, those neighborhoods were NOT the Montrose, Heights, Garden Oaks you know today.

Back then these neighborhoods were definitely transitional, which is a nice way of saying they had their share of sketch factor. One of the radio stations that was based in Montrose would sarcastically use the tagline "broadcasting from the crime-free Montrose!" Heights was basically the consolation prize when you couldn't afford Montrose and when I told people I was looking at Garden Oaks, they'd wrinkle their nose in disapproval. "Why are you looking out there? It's (gasp) outside the loop! And it's next to that run-down area, Oak Forest."

That may bring a chuckle today since obviously times have changed, but there is a lesson in there that is relevant for today's home buyers. Transitional neighborhoods were just what you did if you wanted to live "in town" and needed something affordable, and they still are. Yes, you want to be comfortable with where you are living, but I think some people have become too narrowly focused on only the most prime parts of the inner-loop when considering areas "worthy" of consideration. If you are a first time buyer and want to be close in, transitional neighborhoods have always been the answer and that has never changed. The only thing that's changed is what constitutes the transitional neighborhoods that may hold some promise.

The new crop of up & coming areas is where Houston remains affordable, because while there was a time when you could find deals in more established and desirable areas, the reality is that ship seems to have sailed. Houston is not some second or third tier city that is slapping a casino "down by the river" to try to revitalize its economy. It's a big, growing city. If you were moving to Chicago or Philadelphia, the two cities that flank Houston's population size, would you expect to find an entry-level, first-time buyer type deal in the most geographically blessed, amenity-laden, sought after and prestige locations in those cities on a first time buyer's budget? Probably not. Then why would you expect to find it in Houston? In places like Montrose, Rice U area, upper Kirby, or the Heights?

You can, however, still find great options on architecturally interesting homes in areas where prices have not escalated to the levels of the more established (gentrified?) areas.

Lindale Park is one, just east of 45 across from the Heights, although builders have descended upon it and entry level prices are getting rarer. It has the metro rail running down the side of the neighborhood and is home to some politicos like Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia and Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia. Housing stock ranges from very modest bungalows to some early 50's ranches, with many cottage style brick homes.

Westbury on the southwest side, just outside the loop has attracted a lot of buyers priced out of places like the Heights and still gets you quick access to the Galleria area, Greenway, the Medical Center & downtown. Mid-century ranches can still be obtained at first time buyer prices and many have had renovations done.

Greater Eastwood is another increasingly popular choice. Developed by the same person who built the Woodland Heights, there are arts and crafts style bungalows throughout the area at still attainable prices. Restaurants & night life continues to come into adjacent EaDo bringing more interesting options to the area.

Just beyond Eastwood, one exit outside the loop, is Glenbrook Valley, another good first time buyer option. Many of these homes sit on larger lots and many were custom built in the 1950's, giving swankier options in the mid-century genre, but still at affordable prices. The area has received a lot of good press and has been seeing people dust off estate sales and other deals that still get you within 8 miles of downtown.

These options may not be for everyone, but if you've despaired at finding something affordable close in, it may be time to broaden your horizons and try to get more comfortable with areas that maybe aren't as pristine as the more established west side counterparts.