Participating in a national trend, more and more people are choosing to live in downtown Houston or in the immediate downtown area. While 1,200 and 1,400 people lived in downtown in 1980 and 1990 (respectively), almost 4,000 people now live here.

The types of residents attracted to downtown living tend to be young urban professionals working downtown, empty nesters, and reverse commuters. Residential units tend to be in the mid to upper income level range. On a per square foot basis, housing prices are within $200 to $270 per square foot at the lower to mid-rise levels. Rents generally vary from $1.25 to $2.00 per square foot per month.

Downtown Residential Development List  (includes name, address, number of units and estimated number of residents) and map identifying residential developments.

One Park Place, Houston’s first, new downtown, high-rise luxury apartment residences in over 40 years, is centered on the west side of the future Discovery Green park (under construction), and is bounded by La Branch, Lamar, Austin and McKinney Streets. The 37-story property is being developed by Houston-based developer Marvy Finger. With 346 units, there will be 28 typical residential levels with penthouses on the upper level. Levels 2 through 7 will be used for parking and over 20,000 sf of retail space will be on the pedestrian level. The project will be open in February 2009.