A New Kind of Neighborhood in Houston
A groundbreaking housing development in Houston is capturing national attention. It is the first residential community in the United States to be fully powered by Tesla technology. Despite recent controversy surrounding Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the homes are selling quickly.
Each of the 11 properties includes Tesla’s solar roof shingles, EV chargers, and Powerwall battery systems. These features offer a rare and highly desirable benefit in Texas: reliable, uninterrupted power. The state’s independent power grid has led to repeated outages, making energy security a top concern for many residents.
Strong Demand From Across the Country
Interest in the development extends far beyond Texas. Houston-based real estate broker Jamie Fallon says potential buyers have reached out from as far away as Washington state. Despite Tesla’s recent stock struggles and Musk’s political role under the Trump administration, Fallon says the controversy has not deterred buyers.
“We have not had any problems with people reacting negatively to Musk’s politics,” Fallon explains. “At my broker open house, over 150 people showed up. The response was overwhelming.”
Power Over Politics
Fallon believes the main draw is simple: consistent electricity. In a state known for oil, gas, and traditional generators, the idea of solar-powered homes available at similar price points has captured people’s attention.
“People care more about keeping the lights on than who is in the White House,” she says. “When we lose power in Houston, it’s not for an hour. It’s for days.”
Limited Availability and Rising Prices
Only four of the original 11 homes remain on the market. Two of the available homes are the larger model priced at $544,900, while the other two smaller homes are listed at $524,000. These prices sit well above Houston’s current median listing price of $365,000, but that hasn’t stopped the flow of interested buyers.
Fallon describes the buyers as “normal, everyday people.” Some have even traveled from other countries to secure one of these homes.
Setting a New Standard in Residential Energy
Built by Utopia Homes, the community is located in the Oaks of Shady Acres subdivision in Houston Heights. Fallon believes these homes could signal a shift in how Texans—and Americans more broadly—approach home energy.
She hopes other states will embrace the trend, although she acknowledges that national policies will likely influence how quickly that happens. “Legislation will play a role,” she says. “But there’s a mindset shift happening. People are waking up to the value of clean energy.”
A Personal Touch
Although Fallon doesn’t live in a Tesla-powered home herself, she plans to install Tesla roof shingles during her next roof replacement. “They look amazing,” she says. “You wouldn’t even know they were solar tiles.”
According to listings, the Tesla solar roof is made with corrosion- and weather-resistant steel tiles. The shingles typically cost between $50 and $88 per square foot.
Modern Design and Sustainability
One of the remaining homes features three bedrooms and three bathrooms, with 1,907 square feet of living space. The design emphasizes modern elegance, including floor-to-ceiling windows, Whirlpool appliances, Quartz countertops, under-cabinet lighting, and a spacious walk-in pantry.
The owner’s suite includes a spa-style ensuite with a soaking tub, oversized shower, double vanities, and a large walk-in closet. Outside, the private yard offers space for entertaining or quiet relaxation. The property is also conveniently located near Heights Hike and Bike Trails and local shopping destinations.
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Article Credit: Realtor.com
