Fondren Southwest Northfield neighborhood (Houston, Meadow: apartments, new home, neighborhoods)

[Moosh18]

We are moving to Houston in a few months. We want to buy a house for up to $650-700K. We are considering two neighborhoods-Northfield in Fondren Southwest or Meyerland. Flooding in Meyerland is a major concern and it looks like raised homes there are $1million and above. So we will probably look into buying in Northfield, which is much more affordable. The Bellfort and Fondren area looks terrible but when you go inside the area where the houses are, the neighborhood is completely different. Any thoughts about this area?

[Texas Ag 93]

I grew up in Fondren Southwest in the 80s, and sadly, watched the neighborhood starting to deteriorate by the end of that decade. Yes, there are still neighborhoods and pockets with good homes, but it's my understanding they appeal to a very narrow type of buyer, specifically, Orthodox Jews that need to be close enough to walk to shul. I'm Jewish, so I can understand if that's something that's important to you, but personally, I would not buy in that area. I would look at Meyerland, Braes Heights, and Westbury maybe, but I would not live in Fondren Southwest. Just my $02.

[txdemo]

Originally Posted by Texas Ag 93

I grew up in Fondren Southwest in the 80s, and sadly, watched the neighborhood starting to deteriorate by the end of that decade. Yes, there are still neighborhoods and pockets with good homes, but it's my understanding they appeal to a very narrow type of buyer, specifically, Orthodox Jews that need to be close enough to walk to shul. I'm Jewish, so I can understand if that's something that's important to you, but personally, I would not buy in that area. I would look at Meyerland, Braes Heights, and Westbury maybe, but I would not live in Fondren Southwest. Just my $02.

Agree. Also look in Maplewood North which is roughly bounded by Hillcroft, N Braeswood, Beechnut and Renwick. Many of those homes did not flood and especially with the completion of Project Brays should be "safe" from a Harvey sized storm. Project Brays is supposed to lower the flood level by 1.5 feet in the area.

[Moosh18]

Originally Posted by Texas Ag 93

I grew up in Fondren Southwest in the 80s, and sadly, watched the neighborhood starting to deteriorate by the end of that decade. Yes, there are still neighborhoods and pockets with good homes, but it's my understanding they appeal to a very narrow type of buyer, specifically, Orthodox Jews that need to be close enough to walk to shul. I'm Jewish, so I can understand if that's something that's important to you, but personally, I would not buy in that area. I would look at Meyerland, Braes Heights, and Westbury maybe, but I would not live in Fondren Southwest. Just my $02.

We are looking to live within walking distance to one of the Orthodox synagogues. We don’t know Houston much but Meyerland looked like a really nice area. But Harvey devastated that community. How reasonable is it to buy a home that’s not raised in a flood prone area? Raised homes are beyond our price range unfortunately.

[txdemo]

Originally Posted by Moosh18

We are looking to live within walking distance to one of the Orthodox synagogues. We don’t know Houston much but Meyerland looked like a really nice area. But Harvey devastated that community. How reasonable is it to buy a home that’s not raised in a flood prone area? Raised homes are beyond our price range unfortunately.

As I noted above, check out Maplewood North. It's literally behind this (not orthodox) synagogue. https://www.beth-israel.org/

[travelguy_73]

Originally Posted by Moosh18

We are looking to live within walking distance to one of the Orthodox synagogues. We don’t know Houston much but Meyerland looked like a really nice area. But Harvey devastated that community. How reasonable is it to buy a home that’s not raised in a flood prone area? Raised homes are beyond our price range unfortunately.

Not all raised homes, just NEW ones. So the hard part at this point is that the original homes that are being raised are mostly being held on to (so not coming on the market, though this is probably just a short-term issue), but there are a number of amazing lot-value homes on the market that can easily be raised, if you have the stomach for renovation. If you are planning to stay for a while, this can be a great way to get into the area you want. For this route, I would focus on two story homes (gets you the size, but without the footprint). House raising is about $75/sq ft for the ground level, and then the renovation adds to it. But the homes on the market are at a depressed lot value. It's something to consider. There's financing options available (you are welcome to PM me for the name of the guy at Regions Bank who does a lot of construction lending in the area (it isn't me ).

I live in Meyerland, but higher up and never flooded. I have also lived in Westbury, and so know Fondren SW relatively well. It's not a place I would buy, especially in your price range. There's also Willow Meadows, but the section right by the synagogue (at Braeswood and Greenwillow) was probably the hardest hit of any neighborhood in the area.

[hbcu]

Their building new homes in northfield as the developer is catering to Jewish families in terms of how the floor plans are developed.

People talk down on the area but it’s close to the city and other areas that are desired for half the cost.

[ilikeme]

I’d recommend Northfield. Values in the area are starting to rise dramatically and it is right next door to Maplewood and down the road from Meyerland where values have skyrocketed due to location. The neighborhood it’s self is fine, but there are apartments around W Bellfort and Fondren that are still sketchy.

There is still new construction going on in Northfield to the south of W Bellfort. I have driven through there and the houses look extremely nice.

[Failed Engineer]

I'll third buying into this area. We are going to look back on it in 10 years as a screaming bargain. The original housing stock has great bones if you are into a remodeled home and there is new construction as well.

But probably spend half of your budgeted money in Northfield.

[Texas Ag 93]

For those of you saying this area will bounce back strong, I would be delighted if you are right and I am wrong. It would be great to see Fondren Southwest as desirable again.