EaDo is poised for a breakout season. Led by the Dynamo Stadium opening in 2012, development has been steady, and the 213-acre area has a lot to offer both hipsters and yuppies alike.
1. Proximity to Downtown
Over 20% of EaDo residents work in downtown Houston, which is not surprising given that a short jaunt across I-45 is all it takes to reach Houston’s commercial hub. EaDo residents can easily access the Green Street mixed-use complex, the Astros' Minute Maid Ballpark, the Houston Rockets' Toyota Center, The George R. Brown Convention Center and Discovery Green Park. Griffin Partners and Wulfe & Co are teaming up to revitalize the convention district, including renovating the Convention Center’s facade, adding retail, restaurant and entertainment venues, and making the area more walkable.
2. 10-Mile Hike & Bike Trail System
While the Heights is touted for its expansive trails, EaDo is providing some competition with a 10-mile hike and bike system of its own. Both off-street and on-street trails link riders to Discovery Green Park, Hermann Park and the Museum District. The Columbia Tap Trail runs continuously from Dynamo Stadium to the Med Center and provides a route for children commuting to nearby elementary and middle schools and to DeBakey High School for Medical Professions.
3. East End Metro Line
The East End Line is approximately four miles long, travels along Harrisburg, and links the Magnolia Transit Center to Downtown Houston. It’s under construction and the last portion of the track, the Metro Harrisburg Overpass, is slated for completion in Q2 2016. Metro CEO Thomas Lambert says the bridge will give EaDo residents more travel options and connect them to the broader Metro network. The line will allow passengers to transfer and travel all the way to the University of Houston’s main campus, or transfer to METRORail’s existing Red Line on Main Street.
4. Bar & Restaurant Scene
EaDo can hold its own in the saturated Houston bar and restaurant scene. Huynh, a family-owned Vietnamese restaurant, has been a staple in the community for over 10 years (we can personally vouch for the soft spring rolls). Named one of Houston’s Top 100 Restaurants by the Houston Chronicle the past four years, it doesn’t disappoint. Other noteworthy spots include Charlie’s BBQ, known for its brisket, and Neil’s Bar, a unique nerd-haven with cult classic trivia and plenty of Star Wars memorabilia. New bar and restaurant concept EaDo’s opened over the summer, providing a classy bar scene and Tex-Mex-infused menu.
5. Bang for the Buck
Rice University released its 5th Annual Houston Sustainability Report, detailing how affordable different parts of the city are and EaDO had a strong showing. Housing costs as a percentage of income throughout EaDo fall within the affordable range at 8% to 30%. In contrast, large portions of the Heights, Montrose and Downtown are no longer considered affordable with residents having to spend 46% to 70% of their income to pay for housing.
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