You can tell a lot about a neighborhood by its homes—but sometimes, the street names tell an even richer story. In Houston, street signs aren’t just practical markers; they’re carefully chosen to reflect the character and history of each community. From the scholarly streets of West University to the storybook-inspired lanes of Memorial, these names set the tone for what you can expect inside the
neighborhood—each one offering a glimpse into its unique personality and charm.

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West University: Where the Streets Did Their Homework
West U is known for its family-friendly charm, walkable blocks, and subtle sophistication. And if you have ever walked or biked through the neighborhood, you probably noticed that the street names read like a college course catalog. That’s because they were inspired by one.

In the 1920s, developer Lillian Nicholson, a Rice Institute English major, helped shape the neighborhood’s identity. Streets were named after classic authors like Shakespeare and Auden and elite universities such as Rice, Amherst, and Oberlin. West U was built on intention—a neighborhood designed by the educated, for the educated. That identity didn’t happen by chance. Over time, its
intellectual roots and proximity to the Medical Center made it a magnet for doctors and academics alike.

In West U, your address isn’t just an address. It’s a quiet nod to tradition, culture, and a well-read bookshelf.

River Oaks: It’s All in The Name
When River Oaks was developed in the 1920s, it wasn’t simply another neighborhood—it was Houston’s vision of elegance. Built around a country club and lined with majestic live oaks along Buffalo Bayou, it was designed to exude luxury from the ground up.

The street names reflect that. Think Inverness, Pinehill, and Del Monte—names that sound like they were plucked from an estate in the English countryside. Even “River Oaks” itself suggests serene natural beauty mixed with prestige.

Nothing here is accidental—not the landscaping, not the architecture, and certainly not the address itself.

Memorial: Where History and Imagination Cross Paths
Memorial blends established prestige with energetic, family-focused living—and in true Texas fashion, this neighborhood does it big. But its name has roots in something much deeper. Memorial Drive was established to honor the soldiers of World War I—many of whom trained at Camp Logan (now Memorial Park).

As the neighborhood grew, its character expanded beyond solemn remembrance to embrace a vibrant, imaginative spirit, which is reflected in the diverse street names. Subdivisions like Sherwood Forest feature Robin Hood-themed streets: Friar Tuck, Nottingham, and yes—Little John Lane.

In fact, I’m currently listing a stunning property at 608 Little John Lane—a $3.7 million estate with five bedrooms, six full baths, and one half bath. And despite the name, there’s actually nothing little about this home—it sits on over 7,200 square feet! The property is every bit as impressive as its name, blending timeless sophistication with modern comfort, right in the heart of one of Memorial’s most character-rich enclaves.

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It’s not just a neighborhood—Memorial is where memory and make-believe meet.

Tanglewood: A Book-Inspired Dream Come True
Tanglewood has an almost cinematic charm, and that’s no accident. In 1949, developer William Farrington named the neighborhood after Tanglewood Tales, a children’s book his daughter loved. From there, a soft, lyrical naming theme took off.

Street names like Rocky River, Shadywood, and Sugar Hill evoke warmth, nature, mystery, and a quiet kind of beauty. The homes are luxurious, yes—but the names make them feel like they wandered out of a fairytale and decided to stay beneath the trees.

Tanglewood is proof that a great name doesn’t just sell a home—it defines a lifestyle.

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We all want to fall in love with where we live. But sometimes, that connection starts earlier than we realize—right at the street sign. Whether you’re drawn to prestige, storybook charm, quiet grace, or cultural depth, Houston has a neighborhood—and a name—that speaks your language.

Because the right street doesn’t just guide you—it gets you. Let me help you find the street that’s already calling your name.

Until next time,
Dee Dee Guggenheim Howes