West University Place: The perfect area to live, play and build community

There are so many great places to live in Houston, it pays to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty gives you access to insider information from agents who live and work there, providing information about your potential new community.

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Castina Baric He has been the highest producing real estate agent since 2007 and is currently ranked #10 as a luxury agent in Houston by the Houston Business Journal. It ranked second in West University Place based on 2022 sales volume.

Not only that, but Kasteena and her family have resided at “West U” for over 25 years.

“The small-town feel and city services attracted me to the area,” she says. “We have our own police and fire departments. I know the mayor and city manager. The beauty, safe community, central location, elementary school, parks and green space make West University Place unique.”

Kasteena also points out that the location can’t be beat. She can drive to a Rockets game at Toyota Center, a Texans football game at NRG Stadium, and go watch an Astros baseball game at Minute Maid Park — all without having to get on the highway.

Kasteena shared some of her personal favorites about life at West University Place. Here is her guide:

Where to eat and drink
“Tiny No. 5 “It’s one of my favorite breakfast, lunch and dinner places,” she says. “The food is delicious and the atmosphere is relaxed. It’s a lovely place to catch up with family and friends. Make sure you get the chocolate cake!”

But by far the most popular coffee spot at West U is the eponymous café and bakery Milk and cookies. “I love matcha with homemade almond milk,” Castina says.

Another favorite is the French restaurant Water tower In the village of rice. It’s an open yet intimate ‘community bistro’ with a classy but not too serious dinner party atmosphere, with food meant to be shared accompanied by fun music. The most popular cocktail comes in a fish-shaped glass: the “Left Hook” contains rum, chartreuse, coconut, pineapple, and lime.

She also notes that residents are looking forward to its opening Tichicaa collaboration between Chef Tony Luhrmann and restaurateur Benji Levitt, owner of Local Foods and Eau Tour.

where do you play
“Colonial pool “It’s a favorite neighborhood water park for young kids and teens,” Castina says. For little kids with water guns, slides, and a jungle gym.”

“Don’t ignore the concession stand that has everything kids and adults want,” she says.

“Another hidden gem in our community is the year-round heated pool at the West University Recreation Center,” says Castina.

Colonial ParkAdjacent to the pool there are shaded play areas, tennis and sand volleyball courts, playgrounds, a walking path and an open playground.

West University Place is also known for hosting many community events, which include festivals, concerts, and holiday celebrations such as the annual tree lighting ceremony on the first Monday in December.

what do you see
“We are close to many Houston attractions – you can explore Museum areahome to Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Natural Sciencesand the Children museum“Or explore,” she says Cedar Village“An eclectic mix of national brand names, unique boutiques, and award-winning restaurants.”

As locals know, the Village has been one of Houston’s oldest and favorite shopping destinations since the 1930s. It includes more than 300 shops in an area consisting of 16 buildings.

Just a quick bike ride from West U Herman Parkwas recently named one of America’s Greatest Public Spaces by the American Planning Association.

Where do you live
West University Place is known for its diverse range of architectural styles. “We have tree-lined streets with cottages, remodeled homes, and a lot of beautiful new, modern buildings,” Castina says. “Contemporary, Tudor, Georgian, New Orleans and French-style homes blend harmoniously in the neighborhood.”

Kasteena has represented numerous award-winning builders, including Covington Builders, Frankel Design Build, Brookstone Homes, Kamran Custom Homes, and Roberson Building Group.

Kasteena was lucky enough to be NFL player Randall Cobb when he sold his residence at West University in 2615 Barbara Lane.

“This custom home was featured on Architectural digest “It was built by Covington Builders,” she says. “It is an excellent example of a home located on a spacious plot of land that has stunning indoor and outdoor living space, an open plan kitchen with a bar, a pool room, and a first great room – a guest suite on the floor that can serve as a multi-use space.

Located just blocks from Rice Village, the home features an elegant, timeless white brick facade that provides a contemporary touch.

“Castina was very professional and provided me with all the necessary information we needed to make the best choices,” says Cobb. “She was responsive and communicated with me through every show until the closing. I highly recommend her.”

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Kasteena Parikh works and plays at West University Place. For more information about buying and selling a home in the area, click here, e-mail castina@livewestu.com, Or call 281-772-5224.