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Saturday, February 1, 2025 • Vol. 70 • No. 5
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Real Estate Wrap-Up 2024: Over 3,000 homes sold in The Leader’s coverage area
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By LISA MORALES The Leader News Contributor The Houston real estate market showed signs of recovery in 2024, experiencing modest growth after two years of decline. Across The Leader’s six zip codes, 3,080 homes were sold, reflecting steady demand and a competitive market. Here’s a closer look at how each zip code performed and insights into what 2025 may hold.
2024 Home Sales Breakdown • 77018: 640 homes sold, ranging in price from $120,000 to $2,581,859 in Garden Oaks. • 77092: 215 homes sold, ranging in price from $130,000 to $1,365,000 in Bay Ridge. • 77091: 396 homes sold, ranging in price from $74,000 to $2,200,000 in Highland Heights. • 77007: 556 homes sold, ranging in price from $260,000 to $3,441,000 in Crestwood Acres.
• 77008: 763 homes sold, ranging in price from $270,000 to $2,200,000 in Houston Heights. • 77009: 510 homes sold, ranging in price from $110,000 to $2,100,000 in Norhill.
Houston Real Estate Trends The Houston market saw steady price appreciation, strong demand, and a balanced inventory in 2024: Price: The median home price in December 2024 was $320,179, up
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INSIDE.
2.7% from 2023. Average prices hit a record high of $443,362 in July before settling at $425,150 by year-end. Sales: Single-family home sales increased by 1.3% to 85,163 compared to 2023. Luxury homes priced over $1 million saw a notable 21.4% sales increase. Inventory: The inventory held steady at a 4.4-month supply throughout most of 2024, keeping competition high and homes selling quickly. See REAL ESTATE P. 5
Love for Art: First Saturday Arts Market adds a Valentine’s Day twist By MITCH COHEN The Leader Arts Contributor
On the Menu: Area eateries celebrate the Big Game, Valentine's Day, and more
The First Saturday Arts Market, a mainstay of creativity in Houston, proudly marks its 21st year in March, kicking off the celebration with a Valentine’s twist. Since 2004, this market has been a cornerstone for local artists, offering a vibrant monthly showcase at 540 W. 19th St. in the Historic Houston Heights, from September to May. This February, the First Saturday Arts Market adds a Valentine’s Day twist to its celebrations, offering art lovers a special opportunity to find unique gifts for their loved ones while commemorating 21 years of artistic innovation.
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A Tradition of Excellence
Page 4 Photo Courtesy of Black Family Hospitality
Terry Black’s BBQ, a Central Texas gem, is coming to Houston; bringing with it a unique new concept and hospitality destination.
The Terry Black Family brings a new brand of hospitality to the Heights North Shepherd has been undergoing a gentrification-induced facelift since the end of 2021, in efforts to beautify and improve the neighborhood. It was also fueled by a growing initiative to brand the Heights as a more pedestrian-friendly neighborhood and render it a ‘walkable’ community, of sorts. With that crusade came great transformations to the existing business landscape to keep pace. For many years, the ShepherdDurham corridor was home to many commercial businesses (some rather transient in nature) that lacked aesthetic appeal and were unsightly blemishes on the face of a blossoming surrounding residential area that was both desperate and overdue for change. A large percentage of the real estate along both thoroughfares was home to literally dozens of used car dealerships and odd businesses that seemed to litter the corridor. The
Battle of the Boards: Who makes the best charcuterie board in the Heights?
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THORNWOOD GALLERY Thornwood Gallery: Opening reception for Brad Forsythe's "Double Vision" Feb. 7
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First Saturday Arts Market has transformed from a small gathering to Houston’s longest-running monthly outdoor art market, attracting art enthusiasts with its unique atmosphere. The market has evolved into a cultural hub where creativity flourishes, providing a platform for artists to display their work in mediums like pottery, photography, jewelry design, woodcraft, printmaking, and painting. Artists are selected through a meticulous process ensuring originality, quality, and relevance, maintaining the market’s reputation for hosting only the finest art.
This Month’s Event
WHEN: Feb. 1, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. WHERE: 540 W. 19th Street, Houston, TX 77008 INFO: www.firstsaturdayartsmarket.com See LOVE P. 6
Photo by Stephanie Shirley
The west side of the 1300 block of North Shepherd today. When the old businesses were razed, they left a very unattractive canvas for development.
1300 block was no exception. It was formerly home to one of those many used car sales lots and other affiliated businesses, including a signage and glass shop. It wasn’t until the buildings were cleared a few years after the last ownership change that it became obvious just how unattractive the land
beneath the improvement structures actually was. Also evident was how much would need to be invested to enhance the property, while maintaining and preserving the homogeneity and charm that characterizes the Heights. See BLACK P. 3
Submitted photo
Be Mine, a 12x 12 oil painting by Hannah Bladh
Affordable Sustainability: Once Upon A Child launches with grand opening celebration Calling all Lego enthusiasts: World's largest brick fest comes to NRG
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THE INDEX. Topics ........................................4 Classifieds .................................7 Local Culture .............................8
By LISA MORALES The Leader News Contributor Houston parents, get ready to shop and save sustainably! On Jan. 30, 2025, Once Upon A Child, a leading retail resale concept for children’s clothing, toys, and gear, will officially open its doors at 1102 Pinemont Dr. The grand opening weekend promises excitement, family fun, and incredible deals as the store invites the community to explore its unique offerings. The four-day celebration is packed with activities for kids and
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parents alike. • Thursday, Jan. 30: The first 25 customers will receive a $25 gift card. All day, guests can stop by the counter to receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a Parent Survival Kit, featuring a gift card to a local restaurant, a Lululemon crossbody bag and more. From 3-5 p.m., customers can spin the wheel for a chance to win a prize. • Friday, Jan. 31: From 10 a.m.noon, families can enjoy a Bluey Party featuring Bluey cutouts, prizes, and a special appearance by “Blue Dog.” All day, kids can
participate in a Treasure Hunt— if they find a gold coin, they can bring it to the counter to exchange it for a prize from the Treasure Box. • Saturday, Feb. 1: From 1011:30 a.m., children can meet Elsa (AKA “Ice Princess”) at a Princess Party, complete with princess decorations and stickers. From 3-4 p.m., Superhero Saturday brings an action-packed hour, including a meet-and-greet with Spiderman. See OUAC P. 5
Submitted photo
Once Upon A Child's storefront at 1102 Pinemont.
Allegiance Bank and CommunityBank of Texas have come together as Stellar Bank. While our name has changed, our commitment to serving our customers and supporting our local communities will stay the same. We look forward to a bright future together.
2222 North Durham | 281.517.8760 Margaret Vandever, Bank Office President Cecilia Rodriguez, Office Manager