Braeswood Place, Houston, Texas

Nestled within the outstretched arms of Houston’s 610 loop lies the Super Neighborhood of Braeswood Place containing the subdivisions of Ayrshire, Braes Heights, Braes Manor, Braes Oaks, Braes Terrace, Emerald Forest and Southern Oaks. Developed after World War II, the subdivisions were united under a neighborhood association chartered in 1951.

In 1988, a Braeswood Place resident was murdered in her home by a group of robbers from nearby Link Valley, a crime-riddled area filled with drug dealers and prostitution. This led to the Braeswood community banding together to pressure local government to clean up Link Valley which was accomplished in 1989. In the 1990s, a group of residents initiated the purchase of the dilapidated buildings in Link Valley and formed the Stella Link Redevelopment Association. The old buildings were torn down and the Stella Link Park community service corridor was created. Contained within the corridor are a community center, a public park, a public library, a YMCA and a senior citizens facility.

Braeswood residents continue to foster a sense of community with the formation of neighborhood groups that appeal to various interests. There is a Home and Garden Club, a Book Club, a Wellness Club, a Mom’s Club, a community garden and several scout troops.

The McGovern-Stella Link Branch of the The Houston Public Library system is conveniently located on Stella Link Road and serves the Braeswood Place community. Aside from lending books, the library offers a variety of classes and hosts events for all ages.

Houston Independent School District serves the subdivisions of Braeswood Park. Elementary school students north of Brays Bayou are zoned to Twain Elementary School while those south of the bayou are zoned to Longfellow Elementary School. All middle school students are zoned to Pershing Middle School but may apply to Pin Oak Middle School. High School students who reside east of Stella Link are zoned to Lamar High School. Those who live west of Stella Link or south of Brays Bayou are zoned to Bellaire High School. Students in K-8 who are interested in STEM curriculum and/or Spanish language classes may enroll in The Rice School which specializes in those subjects.

Braeswood Place enjoys easy access to shopping. Braes Heights Shopping Center offers shops for everyday purchases: a pharmacy, grocery store, pet supply store and jewelry store, as well as services such as a gym, salon and barbershop. There are also restaurants featuring, Chinese food, Mexican food, sandwiches and sushi.

Vanderbilt Square also offers shops and services for everyday needs, including a clinic, grocery store, bookstore and dog bakery, as well as restaurants.

 Three parks are located within Braeswood. Karl Young Park is a small neighborhood park with a pavilion that can be rented, a large children’s playground, tennis courts, and walking/running track among other amenities. Helen’s Park offers quiet paths and serene landscaping to encourage thoughtful reflection.  John P. McGovern Campus Park provides a large, new playground for children, expanded bathrooms, shade trees for daytime play and ample lighting for evening events.