The area that is now known as East Downtown, or affectionately EaDo, began to be populated in the 1930s by immigrants seeking more inexpensive land than the surrounding up-and-coming neighborhoods. In the late 2000s, the neighborhood received its current name, and rebranding efforts in 2010 led to artists beginning to form a new community in EaDo. With stadium venues like the BBVA Compass Stadium, a historic Chinatown, and new retail construction plans underway, EaDo is estimated to be a booming neighborhood of Houston within the coming years, which makes current and prospective residents pioneers. The Houston Independent School District services the younger residents of EaDo. Transportation by car is made simple with nearby major Houston roadways and the newly-completed METRORail that runs through the EaDo and surrounding areas. With a large population being immigrants, EaDo’s residents are a diverse group of individuals all dedicated to seeing their households and neighborhood thrive and prosper.
EaDo’s population ranges around 107,000, with around 56,000 being male and 51,000 or so being female. Demographics within the past three years show that an average of 63% are American born citizens, while 37% are immigrants. Private companies employ a third of the population, while 25% are white-collar workers and 18% are blue collar employees. Of the 35,000 households in EaDo, non-family households make up the large majority, while a smaller percentage are family households. A portion of residences are owner occupied, but a larger percentage are renter occupied. The education level of residents varies between some high school and some college experience, while only 10% hold a college degree or higher.
East Downtown is served by the Houston Independent School District, which currently is Texas’s largest public school system and ranks as the 7th largest school district in the United States of America. With a history stretching back to the early 1900s, Houston Independent School District has always sought to expand infrastructure to accommodate all students aged K-12 in the Houston area. The neighborhood of East Downtown is home to a few specialty schools and within a 5-10 minute morning commute distance to nearby campuses. Reflecting the diverse residents of EaDo, elementary, middle, and high schools serve a range of students from multiple ethnicities. Because Houston has such a rich history, the schools in the EaDo area often have reputations stretching back decades, if not a hundred years. While buildings may be dated, Houston public schools offer students modern education, updated facilities, qualified teachers, and diverse learning options to launch happy, successful lives.
Right next to Downtown, which is ranked as one of Houston’s Most Walkable Neighborhoods, EaDo is right next to highly rated restaurants, breweries, gyms, and bars. With ample things to do and places to be in and around the EaDo area, housing options in this neighborhood rank highly among Houston’s neighborhoods in terms of land value appreciation. The residential properties in EaDo enjoy a reputation of being more affordable than other communities in the Houston area including Rice Military, Montrose, and Midtown. The majority of EaDo residential properties consist of townhomes and condominium units. Single family homes can also be found. As a neighborhood currently in the process of gentrification, EaDo residents reap the benefits of being close to the downtown area while they enjoy a lower cost of living. New construction means the housing market for EaDo features modern layouts for the best of urban living.
For the past one, five, and ten-year periods, EaDo’s real estate market has been ranked as one of the best performing Houston neighborhoods in terms of real estate market. Due to the neighborhood’s proximity to Downtown Houston, EaDo is one of the most accessible districts in the city. Through January-December 2014, the median sales price of a property averaged around $275,000, and on average saw an increase of $25,000 through until January 2018, where the median sales price came in at $325,000 over the next eleven months. Over five years, the median sales price has increased at 11%, with an overall increase of 38% over the last ten years. Over the same period of time, the price per square foot also showed an increase of 149%, which is an impressive statistic. The median rent price has fluctuated from March 2018-August 2018, but has shown a steady increase since September 2018 to its peak number of $2,500 per month in January 2019.
EaDo’s location means residents and visitors are never far from attractive restaurants, modern retail options, fun attractions, and memorable times. While Downtown Houston is only a hop, skip, and a jump away from EaDo’s western border, EaDo itself features destinations like Old Chinatown, the BBVA Compass Stadium, the George R. Brown Convention Center, the Giant Beatles Statues, and more. For arts and photography enthusiasts, there are a range of options that include the We Love Houston sign, Graffiti Park, Houston Graffiti, and more spaces for creative expression. Shopping fans rejoice at the short drive to the Galleria, Houston’s most well-known shopping center, while the whole family can enjoy themselves and furry friends at the nationally-ranked Houston Zoo. For nightlife, the 8th Wonder Brewery’s long history and current featured beverages are sure to entertain both young and experienced adults. The residents of EaDo enjoy being at the center of Houston’s goings-on by having ready access to amazing adventures.