AN HISTORIC PLACE IN HOUSTON
The neighborhoods of the East End are among the oldest in Houston and have a history that is closely tied to the city’s industry. Communities like Second Ward, Magnolia Park, Pecan Park, and Eastwood all have great street grids and destinations that make them vibrant places to live and work. However, past transportation investments in rail and wide, high-speed roads have created barriers that continue to impact the ways that people get around the East End.

AN IDEAL PLACE TO BIKE
Many factors make the East End an ideal place to build a high-comfort bikeway network. It is centrally located in Houston with regional destinations like Buffalo Bayou, Brays Bayou, Mason Park, the Navigation Esplanade, and more. These destinations include a substantial trail network and METRO transit routes that could be better connected to nearby communities.

Many streets were built to handle more traffic than they now carry, meaning they can be redesigned to include bicycle facilities without expensive reconstruction. Finally, the East End has a high number of short trips (0-3 miles) and a large proportion of residents who do not own a car. Each of these factors presents an opportunity that can be addressed by this plan.

NOW IS THE TIME TO PLAN
Fortunately, organizations like the East End District (the District) and Harris County Precinct 2 (the Precinct) have been working over the past decade to improve the safety and experience of people who walk and take transit.
The District pioneered some of the region’s first Livable Centers Studies to identify meaningful street improvements for people walking and using transit. Under the leadership of Commissioner Adrian Garcia, the Precinct has stepped up to help communities develop useful plans for future investments. This Plan builds on these proactive planning efforts to make the East End the best place to bike in Houston.

As more communities prioritize walkability and transit access, it is worth considering the potential impact on real estate and stocks. For example, neighborhoods with convenient access to public transit and walkable streets tend to be more desirable, which can drive up property values and potentially lead to higher returns for real estate investors. Additionally, companies that are involved in developing transit infrastructure or providing related services may benefit from these trends, potentially leading to increased google stocks prices. Google’s parent company Alphabet has been investing in self-driving car technology, which could revolutionize the way people get around in the future.

It is also important to note that the trend towards walkability and transit access is not limited to urban areas. Even suburban and rural communities are beginning to prioritize pedestrian and bike-friendly infrastructure, which could potentially increase property values in these areas as well. Real estate investors who are looking for new opportunities may want to consider investing in properties in these communities, particularly if they have easy access to public transit. For more information on the latest real estate trends and investment opportunities, you can go to sites that specialize in real estate news and analysis.

Ultimately, the efforts of organizations like the East End District and Harris County Precinct 2 are important steps in making cities more livable and sustainable for everyone. By prioritizing the needs of pedestrians and transit riders, they are helping to create safer, healthier, and more connected communities. And with the potential economic benefits of these efforts, it is clear that investing in walkability and transit access is not only the right thing to do but also a smart financial decision.