What is the best place for DINKS to live besides inside the Loop?

[EasilyAmused]

The area of Spring Branch has some great properties, and I think the whole dynamic of the area will change within the next 5 years. It's already started and is moving west and north. Spring Shadows is one of my favorites for your low 200 range. Older homes, but they are so much fun and usually see the most appreciation in Houston.

[modster]

Royal Oaks in Spring Branch has some good housing stock, and decent curb appeal. It has been on my radar because of a few good mid-century moderns that have come up in there. It also has really nice mature trees. I don't think you would be unhappy there.

Braeburn Valley is another area that has a lot of more custom built homes. Many of the houses have alley access also and the curb appeal in there is very nice. The place is well maintained IMO. Despite relative close proximity to the apartments of Fondren SW, I think that area will continue to do well because of being right on Braeswood & getting people priced out of Meyerland.

Houston Mod just did an open house thing in Braeburn Valley this past weekend, but I didn't go.

I may be repeating myself (there's a first) but if you are looking for what you would loosely define as "in town" for the low $200's, but with a little space, you will be looking at 50's era homes pretty much exclusively. In more established sought after areas you will be looking at fixer uppers, in less main-stream choices you can get something that may be completely redone.

For what you are looking for, I would vote to keep Royal Oaks on the list in that direction, Braeburn Valley, Barkely Square & Maplewood going out Braeswood, and Glenbrook and Meadowcreek Village on the SE side of the loop. I think you can find what you are looking for in these areas.

You might also peruse 77023 on HAR and see if anything pops up that would work as well.