There are so many great places to live in Houston that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community.
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Briargrove has a rich history of being a family-oriented neighborhood, dating back to its development in the 1950s.

“It’s not unusual to meet people who have lived in Briargrove their entire life,” says Lynn Zarr Jr., a fourth-generation Houstonian and second-generation real estate pro. “Like me, many of my childhood playmates and neighbors also moved back when it was time for them to purchase a home and raise their families. It’s so unique and speaks volumes for this neighborhood that creates cherished memories and lifelong friends and relationships.”

Briargrove is also a convenient location, surrounded by great schools, recreational hot spots, endless eateries and boutiques, and easy access to all the major freeways, downtown, and Memorial Park.

At the center of the subdivision is Briargrove’s crown jewel, its award-winning elementary school that has truly been a “neighborhood school” since 1958. It boasts tremendous parent and resident participation in its scholastic and social events like the Briargrove Elementary Carnival.

“It was such a blessing to have my children grow up in a similar environment and participate in many of the same nostalgic pastimes as I did — from attending the same school, participating in the same sporting activities and little leagues, and more,” says Zarr.

It’s really no surprise that Briargrove has maintained such popularity with young families and empty nesters alike.

When he’s not applying his creative eye and extensive market knowledge to meet each of his client’s unique needs, Zarr is highly involved in the community and has played an active role with Feed the Hunger, the Trotter Family YMCA, Briargrove Elementary, The Kinkaid School, Memorial High School, and many other organizations.

Or you may find him frequenting one of his favorites in the Briagrove area. Here’s what he recommends:

Where to eat & drink
“Like all great neighborhoods, Briargrove is surrounded by a multitude of eateries and haunts,” says Zarr.

Some of his staples include the “original” Carrabba’s on Voss, Palazzo’s for Italian, Del Vista for its awesome patio, French House, and Joyce’s Seafood & Steak.

For Tex-Mex, it’s Escalante’s, the “original” Molina’s Cantina, or El Patio, which has been a Houston tradition since 1964. Its famed Club No Minors is a must, too — mariachis get the party started there at least three nights a week.

Also check out Mezza Grille and Island Grill for Mediterranean faves, the dog-friendly Barnaby’s, and Ginza for sushi.

The neighborhood also has several popular watering holes, Zarr adds, such as Ron’s Pub, Fuad’s, and Cap’s Piano Bar.

Where to play
Zarr mentions there are lots of area parks, including the one at the elementary school, which boasts a wonderful playground that’s open to the neighborhood in the afternoons and weekends.

Briargrove Pool is the home of the fighting Barracudas and is an ideal place to beat the summer heat.

“Our long, connecting streets are popular for front-yard play, riding bikes, walking, and more,” adds Zarr. “It seems rare these days to have neighborhoods where kids still ride bikes to school or the neighborhood pool or parks.”

You’re also in close proximity to clubs, exercise venues, sports complexes, and more, including the Trotter Family YMCA, Houston Country Club, The Houstonian, 24 Hour Fitness, Post Oak Little League, and more.

What to see
“The Galleria is a stone’s throw away, along with the picturesque Waterwall Park,” says Zarr. “If you aren’t familiar with Memorial Park, it’s currently undergoing a multi-million dollar enhancement and Uptown/Post Oak Boulevard has recently completed its massive redevelopment, too.”

Where to live
Briargrove is a neighborhood of nearly 1,000 homes — and Zarr has literally sold hundreds of them over the course of his career.

“We’re known for our spacious lots here, typically between 7,500 to 11,000 square feet,” says Zarr. “Original ranch-style homes in the area were primarily simple three- and four-bedroom homes, but families started adding on lavish primary suites, game rooms, and more.”

Fast forward to today and there is a large variety of home styles, from 1,700 square feet to more than 4,000 square feet with prices ranging from $650,000 to $2.5 million.

One example of a new family finding their dream home in the area is 6135 Olympia, where Zarr found his clients a timeless one-story house that was still owned by the original owner.

“We were able to purchase it at a price that allowed them to make it their own by customizing the updates and improvements to their tastes”, says Zarr. He is a big believer in buying real estate this way, so that at the end of any/all renovation you’re still under or at market value. Stay tuned for some before and after pictures of this most recent timeless transformation.

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Lynn Zarr Jr. works and plays in Briargrove. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email lynn.zarr@sothebys.realty, or call 713-502-9996.