Houston’s Expanding Public Transit Network: News Today

Houston, traditionally a car-centric city, is seeing big changes in its public transportation network.

These improvements are a hot topic among locals and city planners, and they might be the key to boosting property values.

If you're trying to sell your house fast in Houston, this expansion of public transit could play a role in speeding up the sale. Here's what you need to know about the city's public transportation developments and how they could impact real estate.

What’s new in Houston's Public Transit?

In the last few years, Houston has made major strides toward expanding and improving its public transit system.

One of the most significant changes has been the METRONext Moving Forward Plan, a $7.5 billion project aimed at modernizing the city’s transit system by 2040. This plan includes the addition of 75 miles of METRORail, 110 miles of new or improved bus service, and more than 20 new transit centers and park-and-ride locations.

Additionally, a focus on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems will make public transportation more efficient and quicker.

The BRT lines function like light rail but are more cost-effective, making them a cornerstone of Houston’s public transit expansion. These new transit options are set to open up previously hard-to-reach areas of the city, which could boost interest in neighborhoods currently underserved by public transportation.

The impact on Houston's Housing Market

For those who want to sell a house fast in Houston, these transit expansions are good news.

Areas with good public transportation access generally see higher property values because they appeal to a wider range of buyers. According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), properties near public transit systems are valued up to 24% higher than those that are not.

As Houston’s transit system improves, neighborhoods that previously had poor connections to the rest of the city will become more accessible. This means that homes in these areas could see increased demand, especially from first-time homebuyers or renters looking for affordable housing with easy access to work and amenities.

Public Transit and Housing Affordability

Houston’s growing public transit network could also help tackle one of the city’s biggest challenges: affordable housing.

As public transit expands, more affordable areas outside of the city center will become viable options for people who work in downtown Houston or other employment hubs.

This expansion could ease pressure on the housing market, making it easier to find affordable housing options without long, stressful commutes.

Below is a look at how transit expansion might affect different areas of Houston in terms of housing affordability and sale prices:

How sellers like you can benefit?

If you’re planning to sell your house fast in Houston, now might be the perfect time to take advantage of the public transit improvements.

Homes near these new transit hubs will likely attract buyers who are tired of long commutes and rising gas prices. Younger buyers, in particular, are increasingly looking for homes that offer easy access to public transportation.

Here’s what you can do to position your home to sell quickly:

Highlight Proximity to Public Transit: In your listing, make sure to mention any nearby bus stops, light rail stations, or upcoming transit projects. Buyers love convenience.

Focus on Walkability: Properties near public transit often have higher walkability scores, which can be a huge selling point for environmentally conscious buyers.

Consider upgrading your home before selling: Simple upgrades like energy-efficient appliances or eco-friendly landscaping can appeal to buyers who prioritize sustainability and the environment.

Conclusion

Houston’s public transit network is expanding, and it’s poised to change the city’s real estate landscape.

For sellers, this presents an exciting opportunity to leverage the growing demand for homes near public transportation.

Whether you're in an already accessible neighborhood or an area about to benefit from new transit projects, this could be your chance to sell your house fast in Houston.