Your Guide to the Second Ward of Houston

Second Ward is located just outside Downtown Houston, making it a convenient location for young professionals who want to live outside the city, but close to work. 

Houston’s Second Ward is an old Texas neighborhood with many Hispanic influences and things to explore. But first, it’s essential to understand the history behind the Second Ward. 

History of Second Ward

The Second Ward’s history began in 1839 when it was established as one of the city’s original four wards. 

For a long time, Buffalo Bayou, Congress, and Main Street were the de facto limits of the Second Ward. White and blue-collar workers were attracted to different parts of Second Ward in those early days because of the courtroom and warehouses. 

Although the city’s industrial sector experienced rapid growth in the twentieth century, this created a critical shortage of workers. 

As they have so often throughout history, immigrants rose to the challenge. They helped make Second Ward home to people from 18 different nations. 

At first, most residents were German immigrants, bringing with them a strong sense of culture and community. Canal Street is now one of the main thoroughfares in Second Ward, and it passes by many great restaurants and charming residences. 

However, Canal Street was known as German Street before the middle of the twentieth century. Since then, the area’s large Hispanic population has left a legacy in the form of the Our Lady of Guadeloupe Church on Navigation Boulevard. 

Second Ward’s economy, which had been hit hard by the Great Recession of 2008, is slowly but surely coming back. Those who come to Houston today can see a neighborhood in flux by visiting Second Ward.

Housing and Apartments in Second Ward 

The Second Ward housing market is somewhat competitive. The average sale price of a home in Second Ward is $395,000. 

The average rent for a one bedroom apartment in Second Ward is $987. Of course, apartments that are fully furnished may be more expensive. 

Here are a few apartment complexes in Second Ward if you are considering making the move to Second Ward.

Forth At Navigation 

In the heart of Houston’s east-end district, Forth at Navigation offers stylish apartments perfect for anyone looking for comfort and convenience.

Additionally, Forth at Navigation apartment complex contains thoughtful facilities and contemporary designs. By the way, from the rooftop and balconies, you can have a view of the city’s bright lights. 

Amenities

• Polished quartz surfaces 
• In-house bathroom mirrors with front lighting and dimmable options 
• Rainfall shower head 
• High-end, soft-close cabinets with concealed lighting 
• A deep kohler bathtub 
• Modern GE stainless steel appliances 
• Gas range 
• Floating sinks 
• USB ports 
• French door refrigerator 
• Convection microwave oven 
• Custom white oak 5″ plank rigid core flooring 
• Custom Designed Closets 
• Apartments completely furnished 
• Washing and drying machines 

Sampson Lofts

Sampson Lofts are located in a structure that has been designated as a City of Houston Historic Preservation building due to its original brick walls, windows, and wood beams. 

Most units also include attractive steel architecture, which serves both as an aesthetic and practical enhancement. The condos on the west side of the building benefit from a clear panorama of Houston’s central business district. 

All kinds of people can find what they’re looking for at Sampson Lofts. A mini-dog park, a gazebo for summer barbecues, a business center, and more are all at your disposal. 

Amenities

• Walk-in closets
• A sweeping panorama 
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Air conditioning

Campanile on Commerce 

The modern, high-end apartments at Campanile on Commerce are roomy and have numerous features and facilities. They are constructed for residents’ comfort and convenience and are elegantly outfitted with high-end materials and fittings. 

Those who choose to make Campanile on Commerce their home will find themselves in the heart of the action, only minutes from the city’s best shopping, dining, and entertainment. There is something for everyone in this location, no matter their passions. 

Amenities

• Lounge with catering facilities 
• Poolside grill & bar 
• Exercise facility 
• Package service
• Business center
• Activity room 
• Access controlled gates and elevators

Public Schools in Second Ward 

If you have a family, here are a few public schools in Second Ward under the Houston Independent School District for your consideration. 

East Early College High School 

East Early College High School gives kids who aren’t likely to go to college the chance to graduate high school with a diploma and 60 hours of college credit.  

David G Burnet Elementary 

Burnet Elementary offers Dual Language Classes. For your kid, these classes mean the universe of possibilities is open. Your child can benefit from demanding academics while working toward high school graduation and college credit.

Lantrip Elementary School 

Lantrip Elementary serves the local community by providing a program for the gifted and talented and serving as an Environmental Magnet School. 

Two scientific labs, two state-of-the-art computer labs, an outdoor learning greenhouse, and an outdoor classroom are available to the school’s 700 students. 

Accelerated Reader and Math Superstars are only two of the numerous enrichment initiatives open to kids. Dance, visual art, chess, and even robotics are some electives your child can take advantage of.

Restaurants & Bars in Second Ward

Here are top restaurants and bars Houstonians recommend to try in Second Ward. 

The Original Ninfa’s

The Original Ninfa’s serves authentic Mexican cuisine, such as grilled Texas redfish tacos on house-made corn tortillas with chipotle slaw and Del Mar enchiladas stuffed with gulf shrimp and lump crab meat and covered in chipotle sauce. 

Their pork tamales are prepared Oaxacan-style in banana leaves with beef gravy.

El Tiempo Cantina

In terms of similarities, the only thing that links El Tiempos to Ninfa’s is that they both serve Mexican cuisine. 

In this Spanish-speaking butcher shop, customers love to order their carnitas, barbacoa, and chicharrones by the pound. Despite the size, the prices at their market for their tacos and plate lunches are surprisingly low.

Equal Parts Brewing 

Enjoy a cold beer at Equal Parts Brewing. The taps in the roomy taproom feature beers made with a variety of hops and a high degree of thought, resulting in a menu that includes both familiar and novel beer styles and flavors.

Champ Burger

Champ Burger serves far more than just burgers and dogs. Breakfast items, such as breakfast tacos, are also available. You can wash down your dish with a milkshake, beer-battered onion rings, or chili cheese fries.

Voodoo Queen

Its exterior features an imposing and scary painting, yet past the walls is a welcoming tavern in the Second Ward. 

Sunday brunch has a big serving of chicken and waffles, while nighttime specials include fried oyster po-boys. Don’t spend all your money on their happy hour specials because you may want to try out their extensive jukebox. 

Moon Tower Inn

At Moon Tower Inn, you may choose from their extensive range of alcoholic beverages and a menu that includes deli meats, tacos, burgers, and specialty hot dogs. The Orgasmatron sandwich and the Willie burger are two examples of what you can eat here. 

Things to Do in Second Ward

Since Second Ward is a historical city in Houston, no trip to Second Ward would be complete without visiting the top sites. Here are some things you can do in Second Ward either solo or with a group of friends. 

Houston Maritime Center and Museum

Everything from clipper ships and ocean liners through World War II and the offshore oil industry that underpins Texas’ economy is on display, beginning with the ancient Romans and their maritime trade. 

The museum celebrates not just the history of Buffalo Bayou, the United States’ second-largest port, but also the USS Houston CA-30 and its crew. A larger lecture hall and a fantastic children’s nook are two more highlights of the renovated venue.

Marron Tony Park

The multi-use park features a baseball field, a soccer field, a playground, a walking route, and some gorgeous landscaping. There are also picnic tables, water fountains, and garbage cans for your use.

Harrisburg Art Museum

This museum is a vast warehouse that graffiti artist Daniel Anguilu and his associates have converted into a rotating display for street artists, with one painter occupying each loading-dock door.

Guadalupe Plaza Park 

Hispanic culture comes alive in the East End’s Second Ward in Guadalupe Plaza Park with performances of mariachi and salsa music, ballet folklorico, and a seasonal festival. 

The elaborate Azios family fountain has been renovated and relocated to a more prominent spot, so be sure to see it while you’re there. The park’s antique columns and the Ely Escobar memorial tree both harken back to the colonial Zocalo in Mexico City, so check them out too.

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The complex history of the Second Ward is woven into the very architecture and decor of the area. There are Texas flags proudly flying above workplaces, vibrant graffiti revealing the inner monologue of a local artist, and visually enticing eateries. 

Second Ward is also a good neighborhood for families looking for smaller schools and entertainment for their children, teaching them about the rich history behind the Second Ward.