A historic, affordable east-Houston neighborhood with strong community roots, accessible transit, and evolving home prices for buyers and renters.
Meta description: A historic, affordable east-Houston neighborhood with strong community roots, accessible transit, and evolving home prices for buyers and renters.
Pleasantville sits just east of the 610 Loop and south of Interstate 10 (the East Freeway), occupying part of Houston’s Super Neighborhood 57. (City of Houston) Once developed after World War II, Pleasantville holds a legacy as one of the first master-planned subdivisions for middle-class Black residents. (DefenderNetwork.com)
Its boundaries bleed into industrial and warehouse zones, giving a mixed feel: quiet residential blocks punctuated by proximity to freight corridors and distribution centers. (City of Houston) The presence of I-10 and I-610 both hem in and connect the neighborhood, making Pleasantville both buffered and linked to greater Houston. (Homes)
As of 2024, Houston’s Super Neighborhood profile reports 3,237 residents in Pleasantville Area, with a density near 914 people per square mile. (City of Houston) The racial and ethnic mix includes ~1,533 Black (non-Hispanic) and ~1,694 Hispanic or Latino residents, with just a handful identifying as non-Hispanic White. (City of Houston) Niche lists ~3,077 population, 77 % homeownership, and a median home value near $114,859 as of its last estimate. (Niche)
Recent market data, however, shows that home valuations there are rising: the median home sale price in Pleasantville in mid-2025 was around $179,500, with $138 per square foot—down just 0.3 % year over year. (Rocket Mortgage) Meanwhile, listings on Realtor.com cluster in the $150,000–$250,000 range. (Realtor)
Because many homes were built in the 1950s and 1960s, housing stock is dominated by modest brick or wood ranch-style single-family homes. (Homes) The pattern is of long-term occupancy: multi-generational households, strong ties to property, and fewer high-rise or luxury new builds. (Homes)
Typical price and housing features (estimates as of 2025):
Pleasantville is modest in retail and entertainment within its core, but it does offer some green space and access to nearby nature:
Groceries and healthcare are relatively distant: the nearest Kroger is about 6 miles out, and Azteca Farmers Market (on Lyons) serves as a local fresh-produce option. (Homes) Harris Health’s Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital lies roughly 5 miles west via Kelley Street. (Homes)
Community organizations are active: the Pleasantville Civic League, Super Neighborhood Council, and Garden Club all engage in cleanup and beautification efforts. (Homes)
Pleasantville falls under the Houston Independent School District (HISD). (Homes) Public schools serving the area include:
While ratings are average, many families stay in Pleasantville across generations. Safety is a concern in some parts, particularly near industrial zones and rail lines; local police beats like 9C10 publish crime stats for awareness. (City of Houston) Green spaces mentioned earlier afford nearby recreation for youth.
Because walkability in the heart of Pleasantville is modest, families often rely on car trips or school buses to access shopping and extracurricular activities. Some neighbors report the area is “considered walkable.” (nextdoor.com)
Pleasantville itself doesn’t boast major nightlife or fine-dining, but the surrounding corridors bring some flavor. Locally, you’ll find taquerias and Mexican eateries along Wallisville Road and Norvic Street, including Taqueria El Sol de Mexico and El Patron. (Homes) A bit farther, Triple J’s Smokehouse (on Homestead Road) is a popular regional BBQ destination. (Homes)
Because the neighborhood borders industrial stretches and transit corridors, many residents drive to nearby clusters in Northshore, Eastwood, or downtown areas for more diverse restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.
The neighborhood is crisscrossed by major highways: I-10 runs through its edge, I-610 lies immediately north, and these freeways form both barrier and conduit to the rest of Houston. (Homes)
Public transit is serviced by METRO, with stops along Gellhorn Drive, Demaree Lane, and Pleasantville Drive. (Homes) Many residents’ commutes fall in the 15–30 minute range—around 41.9 % according to NeighborhoodScout. (NeighborhoodScout) Commuting downtown is viable: Trulia lists about 13 minutes to downtown under favorable traffic. (Trulia Real Estate Search)
As for walkability, the interior blocks are modestly pedestrian-friendly, but street conditions, sidewalks, and connectivity vary. Some sources say residents consider Pleasantville walkable in parts. (nextdoor.com) Because many errands require driving, having a car is practically necessary. Parking is generally available on residential streets but limited in denser clusters.
Pleasantville is not a polished, high-amenity suburb—but that’s part of its identity. Its greatest strength lies in its history, affordability, and community tenacity. The fact it was among the first planned Black subdivisions gives it cultural weight and a tight local identity. (DefenderNetwork.com)
If you’re a buyer or renter seeking value in Houston, Pleasantville offers a rare entry point in the 77029 corridor with mid-century character. The median sale price in 2025 around $179,500 is significantly lower than many Houston neighborhoods, making it appealing to first-time buyers or those on tighter budgets. (Rocket Mortgage)
You will, however, trade off convenience: fewer walkable amenities, industrial adjacency, and reliance on highways. For families comfortable driving and wanting strong ties, Pleasantville is a neighborhood of stability, community, and potential growth.
If you like neighborhoods with honest prices, strong roots, and the chance to commit to improving your surroundings—and don’t need immediate trendy cafés on your block—Pleasantville may be one of Houston’s hidden possibilities.
Sources:
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