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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Located in northeast Houston, Kingwood offers a welcoming, suburban lifestyle with traditional homes that have been remodeled as well as new construction nearby.
Kingwood’s proximity to the airport and downtown appeals to commuters as well as frequent fliers, while outdoor enthusiasts gravitate to the area for its natural beauty, 75 miles of greenbelt trails, and its adjacency to Lake Houston for boating and fishing.
For real estate agent Michelle Star, the community feel and the highly rated schools were additional factors that drew her family to Kingwood when relocating from Austin about seven years ago.
“Also, having grown up in the Midwest, all of the trees in Kingwood made me feel more at home,” she says.
Indeed, when Kingwood was first developed in the '70s, it was dubbed the "Livable Forest" — and you’ll see that tagline all around town, adds Star.
As the wife of a U.S. Marine, Star lived in nine other states before calling Texas home and previously worked on Capitol Hill. So she is masterful at planning every step of a move — and is also an International Relocation Specialist. She is passionate about finding the perfect property (and deal!) for her clients.
Star offered up a few of her personal favorites about life in Kingwood. Here's her guide to the area:
Where to eat & drink
"For a celebration or a special night out, Chimichurri's is hands-down my top spot," says Star. "This South American grill has top-notch service and some of the best steaks I've had — and their chimichurri sauce is amazing! You'll be asking for extra. Their executive lunch is always a hit as well for client meetings or a nice lunch with friends."
If Star wants a little something sweet, she hits Taste of Gnome, a boutique bakery. "This place is so delicious; it's dangerous that it's right next to my office!"
Where to play
For Star, East End Park is one of her favorite places to relax and enjoy nature and wildlife. “You’ll often see deer and a variety of birds,” she says. “I have even seen an eagle on an early morning walk. The park is also a beautiful location for sunsets along Lake Houston and family photos.”
But there are so many other ways to enjoy the outdoors in Kingwood, too.
“We have neighborhood pools and parks and a weekly farmers market at Town Center,” Star adds. “There's also Dylan Duncan Memorial Skate Park to brush up on skateboarding skills with a mini half pipe, kicktail, and ramp.”
For those who like to golf, Clubs of Kingwood has five different courses along with recreational and workout facilities.
What to see
“You can't miss the The Bevil Jarrell Memorial Bridge, adjacent to U.S. Highway 59,” says Star. “It's the original bridge crossing the San Jacinto River and is another great spot for photos or just a scenic outlook point for the river.”
Where to live
“Kingwood is a wonderful place to establish a home,” says Star. “There's so much that our community offers.”
She believes that Kingwood homes also appeal to many people because there’s a mix of traditional styles that don’t feel "cookie cutter."
“Many of the homes from the ’70s have been updated inside to showcase their character, and others are ready for a buyer's personal touch,” she adds. “As you travel through Kingwood toward Lake Houston, you'll find homes built throughout the 2000s as well as newer construction in Royal Brook and Royal Shores. Kingwood offers a little bit of something for almost everyone's architectural style.”
Star recently sold a six-bedroom home at 5503 Valley Lark Court that exemplifies all that Kingwood offers.
“This gorgeous property is within close proximity to the lake, trails, and excellent schools,” she says. “It also features a custom-remodeled interior by local Kingwood builder Framestead.”
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Michelle Star works and plays in Kingwood. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email michelle.star@sothebys.realty or call 832-779-7827.
The spacious home is more than 5,500 square feet.
