The Upper Kirby area of Houston is an interesting mix of new urban developments interspersed with a network of historic buildings. This area of the city is just a few minutes away from the city’s Greenway Plaza, The Galleria, and the Texas Medical Center is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in the region.

Upper Kirby has gone through a major redevelopment and has come out on the other end with a host of trendy boutiques, high end retail establishments, fine art, and some of the best places to eat right within a short walk from home. The city’s continuing efforts to push Upper Kirby further into the modern age is clearly reflected in their website,

“The Upper Kirby Management District and Upper Kirby Redevelopment Authority are pushing aggressive efforts forward in order to get in front of the growing density with needed infrastructure and pedestrian improvements that will allow Upper Kirby to grow smart without compromising the unique atmosphere, history and character that defines this remarkable place.”

This translates into great opportunities for their residents in both business, cultural, and socially.

Upper Kirby in Business

With the renovation, residents have seen a change in the business climate from times past. Each week it seems that a new restaurant is opening up as a result of revitalization. The commercial section of the city has been able to attract a mix of business interests that are now poised to serve the local population.

The Cool Factor

Residents say that since the transformation, Upper Kirby has picked up a “cool factor” where the new mixed-use environment now has a host of business and residential amenities they can take advantage of. According to an article in Chron.com,

“Among the biggest external changes to these few blocks over the past few years is a residential component … The street also has more retail, including high-end apparel and home furnishings stores either on Kirby or Just off.”

The city’s more urban flair can be seen in the improvements made to the infrastructure in just about everything from the landscaping to street widening and new sidewalks. Now with buried power lines, flood control measures and other changes, Upper Kirby not only can play the role of an upscale neighborhood but it can look the part too.

Upper Kirby Culture

The culture in Upper Kirby has also gone through a change. Today, you see the streets are lined with all sorts of public art that truly reflects their cultural background. Their goal is to expand and broaden their horizons when it comes to art in many directions. As the Upper Kirby District explains, it’s cultural diversity is picking up momentum as a result of their extensive planning, implementing, and maintaining public art in highly visible locations throughout the area.

Upper Kirby Social

There’s no question that Upper Kirby has plenty of places to sit down and enjoy a meal with friends and family. Because of its cultural diversity, you’ll have a pretty good choice of finding foods of all kinds for you to enjoy. However, their social atmosphere is not limited to places to eat. The area also has plenty of opportunities for recreation and other fun stuff to do when you’re not at work.

Residents describe it as a brilliant area that is centrally located in a part of the city that can be easily accessed to from other locations. As they point out in the Street Advisor,

“As the majority of the people living in this area are middle-aged, white, young professionals, nightlife is close at hand.”

So, whether you’re looking for a quiet evening in the comfort of your own home or you’re looking for a night on the town, if you live in Upper Kirby you will never be too far away from what you need to make your life rewarding. It can be quite exciting to live in an area where everything could easily be right at your fingertips. If that’s the kind of life you’re looking for, it could be well worth your while to find an apartment in this growing part of the city, such as Pearl Greenway Apartments. If you haven’t checked out Upper Kirby in the last few years, you’ll be surprised at the beautiful transformation and all the wonderful things the city has to offer.