West University Place, known to locals as West U, is its own small city surrounded by Houston. It is a beloved address for families and professionals who want a close-in neighborhood with a hometown feel.
The feel
Streets are lined with mature trees and parks are woven through the community. Rice University and the shops and restaurants of Rice Village are nearby, and the Texas Medical Center and Uptown are within easy reach.
Homes you will find
West U is primarily single-family homes, with many older houses rebuilt as new traditional and contemporary residences. The mix of established homes and new construction gives buyers a range of styles and price points.
Good to know
- As an incorporated city, West U provides its own city services and sets its own building and permitting rules.
- The community’s public schools are part of Houston ISD, so confirm zoning for any address you are considering.
- Demand is strong for homes in this area, so being prepared with financing and a clear list of priorities helps.
Good to know: school zoning, flood zones and deed restrictions are specific to each address. Always verify them for any property you are considering.
Want to see what is on the market right now, or talk through whether this neighborhood fits you? Find an agent or contact our office and we will connect you with someone who knows the area.
Neighborhood data
ZIP codes do not follow neighborhood boundaries, so these figures describe the ZIP code area that cover this neighborhood, which can include nearby areas.
Who lives here
| Measure | ZIP 77005 |
|---|---|
| Population | 28,874 |
| Median age | 35.9 |
| Median household income | $229,267 |
| Per capita income | $123,333 |
| Median home value (owner-occupied) | $1,395,100 |
| Bachelor’s degree or higher | 87.9% |
| Average commute (minutes) | 19.4 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 5-year estimates, via Census Reporter (77005). Estimates have margins of error.
What is on the market
| Measure | ZIP 77005 |
|---|---|
| Homes for sale | 94 |
| Average asking price | $1,895,203 |
| Asking price per sq ft | $512 |
| Average home size (sq ft) | 3,440 |
| Average asking rent | $5,076 |
| As of | September 2026 |
Source: Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR) ZIP code pages (77005), checked October 13, 2026. These are asking prices of current listings and rentals, not sale prices.
Schools
This area is served by Houston ISD for most addresses, which received an overall B rating in the 2026 state ratings. Zoning depends on the exact address, so confirm the assigned campuses with the district before you decide. The Texas Education Agency released its 2026 accountability ratings on August 14, 2026, and you can look up any campus at TXschools.gov.
Getting around
Bellaire Boulevard, Kirby Drive, University Boulevard, US 59/I-69 and Loop 610 West are the main routes. Rice University, Rice Village and the Texas Medical Center are all close by.
