Why We Love Houston’s East End

If you’re a Houstonian, you’ve heard the term “EaDo,” a nickname dubbed by locals for the East Downtown neighborhood of Houston. But if you take a quick stride north towards I-10, you’ll step foot into the culturally-immersed area called East End. This residential area has made a name for itself, the Cultural District, by offering both locals and visitors a taste of the generations who have planted roots here years ago.

1 // Culture

“Houston is wonderfully diverse, and the East End is all about that diversity.”

For years, the different generations of East End’s residents have shared traditions amongst one another, creating a mixed culture for both neighbors and frequent visitors to celebrate. From events like the annual Dragon Boat Festival and the colorful Piñatafest, to the impressive food scene filled with renowned eateries like The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation serving their famous Tex-Mex dishes and Andes Cafe offering various South American cuisines, you can appreciate and learn from the different cultures of your fellow neighbors.

2 // Art

Graffiti artist at work

“The Texas Commission on the Arts describes cultural districts as ‘special zones that harness the power of cultural resources to stimulate economic development and community revitalization. These districts can become focal points for generating businesses, attracting tourists, stimulating cultural development and fostering civic pride.’ In 2014, TCA officially designated Houston’s East End as a Texas cultural district. This designation means more opportunities for tourists and local residents to know the artistic value present in the East End community.”

– East End Foundation

With many art studios and work spaces available, artists have set up shop in East End, while art enthusiasts and admirers visit the neighborhood to see the artists’ work, from murals to markets. Explore East End’s art murals with this interactive map.

3 // East River

From the developers of Houston’s popular CITYCENTRE, Midway is seeking to bring a new development, called East River, filled with shopping, restaurants, bars, offices and residencies to East End, attracting tourists and locals alike.

“East River is one of the most important urban redevelopment sites for a generation, where 150 acres of carefully designed, multi-phase mixed-use development will transform Houston’s waterfront east of downtown.”

– Midway

East River is located just across the Buffalo Bayou from Urban Lofts Townhomes’ Middle Street Lofts on the Bayou community, making it only less than a 10-minute walk for homeowners to enjoy all of the future entertainment and even their investment.