What it's Like Living in Upper Kirby, Houston
Located in Houston’s inner-loop, Upper Kirby is a busy area that’s both a bit under the radar and impossible to miss.
The neighborhood—positioned among artsy Montrose, ritzy River Oaks, and family favorite West University Place—had to carve a place for itself in order to stand out. Now, due to its one-of-a-kind landmarks, prime location, chic shopping districts, a variety of residential options, and endless urban amenities, Upper Kirby is as desired as its neighbors.
Houston’s Own U.K.
Authentic British phone booths stand sentry on Upper Kirby street corners, an homage to the neighborhood’s initials. Though now shuttered, the iconic red booths were operational for decades until cellphones deemed them obsolete. Now, they serve to welcome visitors to the neighborhood.
Thirty years ago, when Kirby Drive was just a commercial corridor between more established neighborhoods, Upper Kirby business owners banded together to give the area a new identity. People passed through the neighborhood frequently because of its central inner-loop location—why not give them a reason to stop? They settled on British novelty, capitalizing on America’s obsession with the English royal family and the quaint U.K. countrysides.
Along with the phone booths, a double-decker bus once ferried residents and tourists to local establishments. Plans are in the works to repurpose the bus into a concession stand serving coffee, snacks, beer, and wine at Levy Park. Though opened before Upper Kirby’s rebranding, The Hobbit Cafe, inspired by prominent English author J.R.R. Tolkien, also contributes to the neighborhood’s U.K.-inspired aesthetic.
Healthy Living
One of Houston’s best neighborhoods for healthy eating, Upper Kirby accommodates its active and health-focused residents in myriad ways. The neighborhood is home to outposts of two natural food store chains: Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s (cooly housed in an old movie theater) as well as plenty of more locally minded offerings.
The mobile market, Grit Grocery, wheels into Levy Park on Sundays delivering fresh produce and healthy meals to residents. Levy Park also offers free Zumba and yoga classes for fitness enthusiasts. Adjacent to Levy Park, the Urban Harvest Farmers Market hosts live musicians, food trucks, and artisans peddling farm-fresh goods year-round on Saturday mornings.
Many area restaurants are similarly health conscious. Acclaimed options include Bellagreen with an expansive menu accommodating a variety of diets; JuiceWell, an organic cold-pressed juicery; and Local Foods, serving gourmet sandwiches crafted with local ingredients.
Family Appeal
Upper Kirby has numerous family amenities. Schools in the area consistently achieve high rankings. Poe Elementary and Lanier Middle have a 9 and a 10 rating on GreatSchools, respectively.
Levy Park has a playground and splash pad for young children, and the park’s 22,000-square-foot activity lawn features a putting green, table tennis, foosball, and cornhole. Carts loaded with board games, arts and crafts, and books line the park’s perimeter. Levy also hosts family movie nights under the stars.
The Houston Zoo and Children’s Museum of Houston, located in the nearby Museum District, yield even more opportunities for family fun.
An All-Encompassing Real Estate Market
Neighborhoods.com currently has homes listed anywhere from $82,000 to $7.5 million, accommodating a wide spectrum of incomes. Home styles are just as varied, including a mix of luxury high-rises near business and commercial districts, midcentury ranch homes tucked away off of Wesleyan Street, and modern mansions in Highland Village.
What It’s Like to Live Here
View homes for sale in Upper Kirby
Upper Kirby is a dynamic neighborhood: a business district; a retail playground for dining, shopping, and entertainment; and a homey residential community all wrapped into one.
The neighborhood is one of the best in Houston for Sunday Funday activities thanks to weekends spent enjoying brunch, Levy Park, and the farmers market.
Kirby Ice House, a 23-and-up venue with an expansive patio, is a popular watering hole, and House of Pies, 24-hour diner, is a neighborhood institution that provides a safe and cozy hangout spot for area students.
UK’s cultural enrichment offerings include the Music Box Theater Houston, Houston’s only cabaret venue, and the A.D. Players Performing Arts Academy, a training program primarily serving artists ages 5-18. Also, Greenway Plaza—with 11 commercial buildings, 16 eateries, and countless clothing and furniture stores—and the nearby Galleria Mall make shopping a neighborhood pastime.