Alto started driving in Houston in late 2020, and it has quickly become a favorite way to get around. The experience is unparalleled. Think luxury SUVs with leather captain chairs, thoughtful amenities like complimentary water and umbrellas, and even curated playlists to choose from in the Alto app. Those who have ridden know that Alto is more than a ride from point A to B, but a journey to be enjoyed — because the recap of every dish on the ride home should be just as good as the dinner.
Community is at the heart of Alto. Rather than hiring independent contractors, Alto has hired W-2 employee drivers who are trained and supported by a local Houston team. The service also offers a Membership that unlocks Alto benefits as well as unique offers from Houston partners. Those who join Alto’s exclusive Membership gain full access to the Alto fleet during the busiest "Members Only" hours, savings on every ride, and Alto’s prescheduling feature for booking rides in advance (Pro tip: Lock in your ride when you lock in your dinner reservation!). Join a community of adventurous, in-the-know Houstonians, at only $12.95 a month.
Alto shared the top pick-up and drop-offs that make up their Members most recommended spots — and also happen to be celebrating Houston Restaurant Week! — so you can plan the perfect night out.
Trattoria Sofia A top drop-off among Alto Members, we recommend Trattoria Sofia for authentic Italian with the perfect atmosphere.
The Annie Cafe Another frequent destination, The Annie Cafe and Bar serves classics, totally reimagined.
MAD Houston A spot as innovative as your Alto. Book a ride to MAD for a night of tapas with a twist that are sure to be a new adventure.
Ouzo Bay The Alto team’s go-to modern Mediterranean spot for a perfect night out.
B&B Butchers and Restaurant This upscale steakhouse and traditional butcher shop is a classic Alto favorite.
FLORA A must try this month — FLORA is a culinary journey through the small towns of Mexico with a Texas touch.
Listed by Kim Perdomo with the Perdomo Group, 290 Knipp was under contract after just five days.
Modernized older homes on large lots, like this recently sold home at 6266 Cedar Creek, draw buyers.
Family-friendly and boasting a prime location just west of the Galleria, Briargrove is having a moment: The average sales price of a single-family home here during the 12 months ending in July 2024 was $1.23 million — a whopping 20 percent increase over the previous year. Homes are selling faster, too, averaging just 25 days on the market.
Suburban Sprawl
23454 Millbrook Dr. in New Caney is listed for $416K.
With a mix of “affordability, modern amenities and customizable options,” new-construction homes in suburban areas like New Caney, due east of The Woodlands, are in high demand. The Montgomery County community — twice ranked No. 1 by HAR in its quarterly list of Hottest Communities — boasts an average sales price of around $240K, and sold 140 percent more homes during the second quarter of 2024 compared to that of 2023.
Oaks With The Most
Listed for $998K, 1054 Gardenia in Garden Oaks sold in July after just seven days on the market.
Beloved for its Heights-adjacent location and charm, Garden Oaks is movin’ on up ... almost to the million-dollar mark. The average sales price of a single-family home here is more than $925K — and the number of transactions over the past 12 months ending in June increased by around 50 percent compared to the year prior. In neighboring Oak Forest, home prices jumped 20 percent, to an impressive $811K. Meanwhile, in the Heights proper, both sales price and the number of transactions remain relatively flat year-over-year.
Land Down Under?
Brian Spack lists 4934 Dumfries Dr. for $1.3M.
It seems like flood-prone Meyerland has learned a thing or two after all these years — and now it’s the rest of Houston that’s reeling from natural disasters. So while home prices across the city remain relatively flat, those in Meyerland are up 10 percent year-over-year, and houses — like this raised new build complete with a car lift in the garage — are sitting on the market for 25 percent fewer days.
West Side Story
Listed by Kim Perdomo with the Perdomo Group, 290 Knipp was under contract after just five days.
The Memorial area is often thought to primarily consist of the Villages. But go toward and beyond the Beltway and you’ll find scores of tight-knit comunities that make up the Memorial West market area — where home prices are up by 7 percent and days-on-market is down by about the same. It was named HAR’s Hottest Luxury Community of Q1 2024, with transactions up 33.3% year over year.
Explore the real estate report by-the-numbers here or the top real estate trends here.
Michelle Vo; Carla Bisong and Michelle Burgess
The Health Museum launched its new Healing Arts program to "bridge the gap between the arts and health sectors," and showcase ways in which art can be integrated into health education and practice. Rose Tylinski has been named the museum's Healing Arts Manager, and will spearhead initiatives such as Paint & Process workshops for those interested in blending creativity with psychological and medical insights; and Hearts of Hope, to support those struggling with mental health challenges.
Healing Hands is also new, a space within the museum to display works by community members who are caregivers. Through Feb. 2025, the gallery will feature art that tells stories about what it means to care for others, and the various pathways to healing.
The museum hosted a private opening reception for Healing Hands, attended by gallerists, artists and health advocates including Mathieu JN Baptiste, Carla Bisong and Anson Koshy.
Anson Koshy, Lori Raijman and Nader Adeeb
Ashura Bayya Lovelady
Carla Bisong, Crsytal Baptiste
Anson Koshy, Katie Scott, Mathieu JN Baptiste, Rose Tylinski, Gabriela Magana.
Michelle Vo
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