Rents Grow Fastest in Houston's Opportunity Zones

Rents have grown as much as 28 percent in the last year over the past year in the neighborhood of Midtown in Houston.

1 minute read

December 18, 2019, 7:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Houston, Texas

Jez Campbell / Shutterstock

R.A. Schuetz reports from Houston, where Rent.com data shows rents rising fastest in parts of the city deemed in need of a federal tax break meant to create jobs and spur development in low-income neighborhoods.

"The Abbott administration designated the pricey neighborhood [of Midtown] as an Opportunity Zone, an area in need of revitalization, in 2018," according to R.A. Schuetz. But Midtown wasn't alone.

"Midtown and downtown, another Opportunity Zone where rents spiked in the past year, have gentrified so rapidly that had the government used 2017 Census estimates instead of 2015, the areas would not have qualified for the program," according to Schuetz.

Tuesday, December 17, 2019 in Houston Chronicle

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog