Moving to the Spring Branch – Memorial Area of Houston
Paralleling the westward spine of the Katy Freeway (I-10) are two very different areas – modest mid-century Spring Branch and the upscale Memorial area.
Spring Branch, which spreads along the north side of I-10 from about the 610 Loop to Beltway 8 (Sam Houston Tollway), maintains a suburban character with post-World War II homes, 1950s era shopping plazas and tall trees. Starting in the 1970s, apartment complexes began rising in the area, leading to its eventual decline.
Spring Branch is coming back, however, with young homeowners moving in to restore and expand existing homes, and homebuilders redeveloping large tracts formerly occupied by apartments and shopping centers.
Popular Communities in Spring Branch and Memorial
With names such as Bunker Hill Village and Hedwig Village, the Memorial Villages are nestled in a woody area along Memorial Drive, mostly south of I-10. Home to some of the wealthiest ZIP codes in Houston and the nation, these villages maintain a rural character with winding tree-filled lanes, huge lots and gated enclaves. Styles range from rambling brick ranch houses to Georgian-style mansions. Many well-kept townhome and condo complexes are also in the area.
Stretching to the Beltway and beyond, the greater Memorial area is also heavily wooded and highly desired, with mature trees, well-preserved original homes and new construction.
The entire area is well-served by Memorial City Mall and the CityCentre urban-style mixed-use center. Brand new is Republic Square, 35 acres of lush grounds, an 11- acre lake, a field ripe for festivals, and a stunning meeting and events center.
