Life Around Space Center Houston at University Trace Condominiums
About University Trace Condominiums
University Trace Condominiums sits in the 77058 pocket where Clear Lake’s day-to-day rhythm is shaped by Space Center Houston and the steady flow of students and professionals around UHCL Neumann Library. It’s the kind of area where a quick coffee run can mean CANA Tea & Coffee one morning and Art of Coffee the next, and where weekend plans often start with a browse at the Clear Lake City-County Freeman Branch Library before heading out toward the water.
The feel here is distinctly condo-forward and renter-heavy, which shows up in the numbers as much as it does in the streetscape. With a homeownership rate around 31.2% and a median gross rent of $1,409 a month in the surrounding ZIP, University Trace tends to attract people who want a low-maintenance home base near the Clear Lake employment centers. At the same time, values have a real foothold, with the average home value in the area landing at $254,900, keeping ownership within reach for buyers who’d rather put money into lifestyle and location than yard work.
This is one of those Houston-area neighborhoods where evenings have a familiar pattern. Residents meet friends for a casual pint at Molly’s Pub, catch live music energy at Scout Bar, or keep it simple with a patio drink at places like Nobi Public House. When the mood is more “date night,” the nearby lounge mix—Allegria Wine & Cocktail Lounge, Rosewater, and even Whiskey Cake—makes it easy to stay close to home without repeating the same spot every weekend.
Daily needs are equally close. ALDI and Kroger are under a mile away for routine grocery runs, while H-E-B sits just a little farther out when you want a bigger haul or specialty items. That convenience, paired with the area’s educated workforce—about 43.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher—creates a practical, plugged-in community vibe.
University Trace Condominiums fits into the wider Clear Lake scene as a compact, connected place to live: close to culture at Space Center Houston, surrounded by coffee shops and grocery options, and naturally suited to residents who keep their schedule moving between work, classes, and the Bay Area’s after-hours hangouts.
Living at University Trace Condominiums in Clear Lake’s 77058
Living at University Trace Condominiums is about having Clear Lake’s essentials and entertainment within an easy radius while keeping home life simple. The neighborhood’s housing profile leans toward condos and rentals, and that matches the broader 77058 housing mix where 61.2% of households rent and only about 27.7% of units are owner-occupied. For buyers, the local pricing context matters: the area’s home values center around $254,900, which often appeals to people who want an ownership option close to major Bay Area employers without jumping into higher-maintenance property types.
Day-to-day errands are straightforward. Many residents default to ALDI for quick groceries and then swing by Kroger when they need a bigger cart, with both options roughly a mile away. Coffee routines are part of the neighborhood’s cadence too, whether that’s CANA Tea & Coffee, Art of Coffee, or a familiar Starbucks stop on the way to class or the office. Because the community skews toward working adults—median age about 38.5—weekdays tend to feel efficient, with people squeezing in workouts and errands between meetings.
For fitness and recreation, the area offers a mix of practical and uniquely local options. Building 207 - Gilruth Center is a recognizable spot in the Clear Lake landscape, and residents also use nearby pools like Havenpark Pool or Mabry Mill Pool for a quick lap swim when Houston summers crank up. If you like a more structured gym routine, Fitness Connection and Life Time are both close enough to feel like part of the weekly routine rather than a special trip.
Schools are a frequent topic for condo buyers thinking ahead, even if they don’t have kids yet. While the neighborhood is in Houston ISD, families also look closely at nearby Clear Creek ISD campuses within a short drive, including CLEAR LAKE CITY EL and CLEAR LAKE H S, both rated A. That proximity to highly rated options is one reason the area holds attention for households planning their next phase.
Commute patterns reflect the broader Clear Lake reality: most residents drive, with about 76.8% commuting solo by car, and a meaningful share—around 13.1%—working from home. On weekends, the neighborhood relaxes into its local circuit: a morning library run at Freeman Branch, an afternoon stop at Space Center Houston when friends or family visit, and an easy night out close by at spots like Brewingz, Bar Louie, or Preamble Craft Cocktail Lounge.
Things to Do Near University Trace Condominiums
University Trace puts you close to the kind of Clear Lake destinations locals actually use. Space Center Houston is about 1.3 miles away, making it an easy “out-of-town guests are here” plan without turning the day into a long drive. For quieter culture and a local-history feel, Bay Area Museum sits nearby as well, and the UHCL Neumann Library gives the area a collegiate, study-friendly backdrop.
Food and drink options are built into the weekly rhythm. Molly’s Pub is a go-to for a straightforward neighborhood hang, while Scout Bar adds live-music energy when you want a louder night out. When you want a cocktail-forward place, Allegria Wine & Cocktail Lounge, Rosewater, and Preamble Craft Cocktail Lounge are all within a short ride, and coffee staples like CANA Tea & Coffee, Java Owl Coffee House, and Cafe Dew keep mornings convenient.
Errands don’t require a big loop around town. ALDI and Kroger are both under a mile for quick grocery runs, and H-E-B is close enough for bigger shopping trips when you’re stocking up for the week.
Neighborhoods Near University Trace Condominiums
Right around University Trace, the immediate surroundings are distinctly residential and multifamily, with neighbors like University Green Apartments, University Green, and University Place Townhomes creating an active, come-and-go pace. Nearby condo communities such as Baywind Condominiums and Taylorcrest Condominiums add to the same low-maintenance living style, which is one reason this part of 77058 often feels busy even outside of typical rush hours.
A little farther out, Clear Lake City and Clear Lake broaden the feel with more of the classic Clear Lake footprint—more campuses, more everyday retail, and more options for routines like gym memberships and grocery runs. Nassau Bay brings a different flavor thanks to waterfront energy and places like Nassau Bay Yacht Club, while Webster tends to be where residents head when they want more clustered shopping and dining.
If you’re comparing lifestyle, Taylor Lake Village and South Shore Harbour (League City) offer a shift toward a more separated, residential atmosphere, which can feel like a change of pace from the tighter, condo-centered pattern around University Trace.
Local Resources Near University Trace Condominiums
For day-to-day services and community anchors, the Clear Lake City-County Freeman Branch Library is close enough to become part of your regular routine, whether that’s picking up holds or finding a quiet place to work outside the house. The UHCL Neumann Library nearby also matters in this part of Clear Lake, especially for residents balancing coursework, certifications, or remote-work days.
School conversations often start with the neighborhood’s assigned district, Houston ISD, but many residents keep a close eye on nearby Clear Creek ISD campuses within a short drive. Schools like CLEAR LAKE CITY EL and CLEAR LAKE H S, both rated A, are frequently referenced when buyers are weighing long-term flexibility in the Clear Lake area.
For regional services beyond the immediate neighborhood, Galveston County Commissioner (Galveston County North Courthouse) is a nearby government hub, and League City of and League City Library (League City Public Library) are useful civic touchpoints a few miles away. On the utilities side, First Choice Power (Texas-New Mexico Power Company) is a recognizable provider in the area, and fire protection resources include nearby stations like Fire Station #1 - Arthur Hewitt Station and the League City Fire Department Drill Field.
Frequently Asked Questions About University Trace Condominiums
Is University Trace Condominiums a good place to live?
University Trace Condominiums can be a strong fit if you like a low-maintenance home base in Clear Lake with everyday conveniences close by. The surrounding 77058 area supports that lifestyle with quick access to ALDI and Kroger for groceries, coffee stops like CANA Tea & Coffee, and major draw points such as Space Center Houston. The numbers also match the feel: a median age of 38.5 and a homeownership rate of about 31.2% signal an adult, schedule-driven community with lots of renters alongside owners. With home values around $254,900, many buyers focus on location and simplicity rather than taking on higher-upkeep property types.
Is University Trace Condominiums safe?
Safety can vary block by block in any part of Houston, and University Trace Condominiums is no exception. What tends to support peace of mind here is the lived-in, well-trafficked Clear Lake environment—near libraries like the Clear Lake City-County Freeman Branch Library and close to constant activity around Space Center Houston and nearby campuses. Condo communities also often benefit from neighbors being close by and noticing day-to-day patterns, which can reinforce an informal “eyes on the property” culture. If safety is a top priority, it’s smart to visit at different times of day, talk with residents, and review any community guidelines or security features specific to the building and parking areas.
How are the schools in University Trace Condominiums?
University Trace Condominiums is in Houston ISD, but families looking in this part of 77058 often pay attention to the nearby Clear Creek ISD options within a short drive. Several of the closest campuses are rated A, including CLEAR LAKE CITY EL (about 0.5 miles away) and CLEAR LAKE H S (about 1.2 miles away). Other well-regarded nearby choices include WESTBROOK INT for grades 06-08 and high schools like CLEAR SPRINGS H S and CLEAR VIEW H S, both also rated A. That concentration of highly rated campuses nearby is a meaningful advantage for buyers comparing Clear Lake-area neighborhoods.
What is the cost of living in University Trace Condominiums?
University Trace Condominiums sits in an area where overall living costs run slightly below the national benchmark, with an all-items cost of living index of 98.6 when 100 equals the US average. Housing costs are the notable exception: the housing index is 104.5, which signals housing runs modestly higher than the national norm even as utilities trend lower, with an index of 95.3. Goods are close to average at 100.6, so day-to-day shopping is typically near national pricing. Property taxes are a major part of the monthly picture for owners. The city property tax rate is $0.5192 per $100 valuation, the county rate is $0.3810 per $100 valuation, and the Houston ISD school district rate is $0.8783 per $100 valuation; together they total a combined estimated property tax rate of $1.7784 per $100 valuation. On the upside, Texas has no state income tax, which many households factor in when comparing overall affordability to other states.
Is University Trace Condominiums good for families?
University Trace Condominiums can work for families who want convenience and access to well-rated schools nearby, especially if condo living fits their routine. Several Clear Creek ISD schools close to the neighborhood are rated A, including CLEAR LAKE CITY EL and CLEAR LAKE H S, which is reassuring for families thinking long-term. For day-to-day activities, the area’s swim and fitness options—like Havenpark Pool and Mabry Mill Pool—make it easier to stay active during long Houston summers. Because the broader area skews renter-heavy and the under-18 share is about 12.6%, it may feel more adult-oriented than some suburban enclaves, but families who value location and simplicity often feel at home.
What is University Trace Condominiums known for?
University Trace Condominiums is best known for being part of Clear Lake’s NASA-adjacent orbit, where Space Center Houston is close enough to feel like a neighborhood landmark rather than a once-a-year outing. The area’s identity also ties into nearby academic energy, with the UHCL Neumann Library shaping the feel of the surrounding streets. On a practical level, it’s recognized for condo and rental living that supports a flexible schedule—reflected in the local mix of renters and owners—and for having a strong lineup of everyday conveniences like ALDI, Kroger, and coffee shops such as CANA Tea & Coffee within a short drive.
What are things to do near University Trace Condominiums?
Close to University Trace, Space Center Houston is the signature nearby attraction and an easy go-to for weekend afternoons or visiting family. For a quieter cultural stop, Bay Area Museum adds a local-history option nearby. Nights out tend to cluster around familiar Clear Lake hangouts like Molly’s Pub or the live-music scene at Scout Bar, with cocktail-focused alternatives like Allegria Wine & Cocktail Lounge, Rosewater, and Preamble Craft Cocktail Lounge when you want a change of pace. Daytime routines often revolve around coffee runs to CANA Tea & Coffee, Java Owl Coffee House, or Cafe Dew, plus quick errands at ALDI or Kroger.
What ZIP code is University Trace Condominiums in?
University Trace Condominiums is in ZIP code 77058. This is the Clear Lake-area ZIP closely associated with Space Center Houston and nearby campus destinations.
Interested in a Condo at University Trace?
If you’re thinking about buying or selling in University Trace Condominiums, it helps to work with someone who knows the 77058 condo market and how Clear Lake pricing and rental demand move. Reach out for a personalized look at current listings, recent sales, and what to expect with taxes and monthly costs.
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