Your Guide To The 20 Best Inner Loop Neighborhoods

From upscale River Oaks to trendy Montrose, here's a virtual tour of the best areas inside The Loop.

Your Guide To The 20 Best Inner Loop Neighborhoods

The Inner Loop has seen a decade's worth of positive real estate growth.

However, rising interest rates are impacting current market trends in the area. As of writing, mortgage rates are at their highest since 2008.

To make sense of all these, we reviewed 200,000+ home sales since 2000 and ranked Inner Loop's best neighborhoods.

Common themes include:

Many of the most popular and exciting Inner Loop neighborhoods are also the best performers in real estate appreciation. Contact us for a custom list of inner loop Houston homes for sale.

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Table of Contents

  1. By The Numbers: Inner Loop Houston Neighborhoods
  2. Inner Loop Neighborhoods: 10-Year Real Estate Appreciation
  3. Inner Loop Houston Homes For Sale: Median Sales Price Per Square Foot
  4. Inner Loop: Median Sales Price
  5. Expert’s Guide To The 20 Best Neighborhoods Inside The Loop
  6. Methodology For Ranking
  7. The Best Inner Loop Houston Realtors to Sell Your Home

By The Numbers: Inner Loop Houston Neighborhoods

By The Numbers: Inner Loop Houston Neighborhoods

We've included the summary real estate statistics for Houston's Best Inner Loop Neighborhoods. Please contact us for more data or an analysis of which areas may be best for you.

Neighborhood Median Home Price Home Price / Sq Ft 10-Yr Apprec. %
1. Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks $1,098,000 $369 38%
2. Bellaire Area $1,160,000 $297 25%
3. Braeswood Place $1,325,000 $340 76%
4. Briar Hollow* $585,500 $250 4%
5. Cottage Grove $510,000 $219 30%
6. Downtown Houston* $292,500 $252 12%
7. East End Revitalized* $355,575 $206 27%
8. Heights/Greater Heights $680,575 $311 52%
9. Greenway Plaza $545,000 $267 3%
10. Timbergrove/Lazybrook $577,267 $288 43%
11. Medical Center Area* $212,500 $170 -21%
12. Memorial Park $1,801,000 $395 41%
13. Midtown Houston* $370,000 $212 15%
14. Montrose $735,000 $271 20%
15. Rice Military/Washington Corridor $562,500 $235 21%
16. Rice / Museum District $1,050,000 $338 39%
17. River Oaks Area $2,699,000 $610 42%
18. River Oaks Shopping Area $949,000 $313 29%
19. Upper Kirby $1,100,000 $330 32%
20. West University/Southside Area $1,720,000 $465 49%

The list above is in alphabetical order. It also follows the order in which they appear on the Inner Loop Houston map.
*Default median sales values are from single-family homes except these neighborhoods, which have an above-average # of condos and townhomes.


Inner Loop Neighborhoods: 10-Year Real Estate Appreciation

Houston real estate is hyper-local. Don't rely on raw averages. Contact us for a more meaningful analysis of how specific sub-sections are doing compared to the area's raw averages.

Neighborhood 10-Year Appreciation %
1. Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks 38%
2. Bellaire Area 25%
3. Braeswood Place 76%
4. Briar Hollow* 4%
5. Cottage Grove 30%
6. Downtown Houston* 12%
7. East End Revitalized* 27%
8. Heights/Greater Heights 52%
9. Greenway Plaza 3%
10. Timbergrove/Lazybrook 43%
11. Medical Center Area* -21%
12. Memorial Park 41%
13. Midtown Houston* 15%
14. Montrose 20%
15. Rice Military/Washington Corridor 21%
16. Rice / Museum District 39%
17. River Oaks Area 42%
18. River Oaks Shopping Area 29%
19. Upper Kirby 32%
20. West University/Southside Area 49%

The list above is in alphabetical order. It also follows the order in which they appear on the Inner Loop Houston map.
*Default median sales values are from single-family homes except these neighborhoods, which have an above-average # of condos and townhomes.


Inner Loop Houston Homes For Sale: Median Sales Price Per Square Foot

Buying or selling a home inside The Loop can be very tricky. With over $500M real estate sales, The Houston Properties Team is the #1 Boutique Real Estate Team in Houston.

Neighborhood Home Price / Sq Ft
1. Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks $369
2. Bellaire Area $297
3. Braeswood Place $340
4. Briar Hollow* $250
5. Cottage Grove $219
6. Downtown Houston* $252
7. East End Revitalized* $206
8. Heights/Greater Heights $311
9. Greenway Plaza $267
10. Timbergrove/Lazybrook $288
11. Medical Center Area* $170
12. Memorial Park $395
13. Midtown Houston* $212
14. Montrose $271
15. Rice Military/Washington Corridor $235
16. Rice / Museum District $338
17. River Oaks Area $610
18. River Oaks Shopping Area $313
19. Upper Kirby $330
20. West University/Southside Area $465

The list above is in alphabetical order. It also follows the order in which they appear on the Inner Loop Houston map.
*Default median sales values are from single-family homes except these neighborhoods, which have an above-average # of condos and townhomes.


Inner Loop: Median Sales Price

We analyzed 641,342 Houston home sales since 2000, zoned to 275 different public elementary, middle & high schools. Contact us for a custom list of homes zoned to specific top-ranked Houston schools.

Neighborhood Home Price / Sq Ft
1. Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks $1,098,000
2. Bellaire Area $1,160,000
3. Braeswood Place $1,325,000
4. Briar Hollow* $585,500
5. Cottage Grove $510,000
6. Downtown Houston* $292,500
7. East End Revitalized* $355,575
8. Heights/Greater Heights $680,575
9. Greenway Plaza $545,000
10. Timbergrove/Lazybrook $577,267
11. Medical Center Area* $212,500
12. Memorial Park $1,801,000
13. Midtown Houston* $370,000
14. Montrose $735,000
15. Rice Military/Washington Corridor $562,500
16. Rice / Museum District $1,050,000
17. River Oaks Area $2,699,000
18. River Oaks Shopping Area $949,000
19. Upper Kirby $1,100,000
20. West University/Southside Area $1,720,000

The list above is in alphabetical order. It also follows the order in which they appear on the Inner Loop Houston map.
*Default median sales values are from single-family homes except these neighborhoods, which have an above average # of condos and townhomes.


Expert’s Guide To The 20 Best Neighborhoods Inside The Loop

Expert’s Guide To The 20 Best Neighborhoods Inside The Loop

Buying a home inside The Loop can be challenging. Contact us today for a custom list of properties zoned to top-ranked schools, close to major job centers, and with above-average lot sizes.

1. Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks

Neighborhood Median Home Price Home Price / Sq Ft 10-Yr Apprec. %
Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks $1,098,000 $369 38%

Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks Map

Royden / Afton Oaks is an upscale and premier community located inside the loop.

The Royden / Afton Oaks neighborhood is known for its:

The Royden / Afton Oaks area has over 500 homes. These neighborhoods are largely residential, featuring single-family homes with generous lot sizes between 7,000 to over 12,000 sq. ft.

Map of Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks

Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks Real Estate Trends


2. Bellaire Area

Neighborhood Median Home Price Home Price / Sq Ft 10-Yr Apprec. %
Bellaire Area $1,160,000 $297 25%

Bellaire Area Map

Bellaire, one of Houston's most popular neighborhoods, has a small-town vibe that blends nicely with its proximity to big-city comforts.

Bellaire is very popular for its:

Bellaire real estate can be tricky to navigate given the area's different school zoning maps, some homes' proximity to railroad tracks and major thoroughfares, and diversity of builders.

Map of Bellaire Area

Bellaire Area Real Estate Trends


3. Braeswood Place

Neighborhood Median Home Price Home Price / Sq Ft 10-Yr Apprec. %
Braeswood Place $1,325,000 $340 76%

Braeswood Place Map

Braeswood Place is located 6 miles from Downtown Houston. Homes in the neighborhood sit on large lots, ranging from 7,000 to more than 20,000 square feet.

Residents enjoy:

Due to the neighborhood's deed restrictions, Braeswood Place is mainly made up of detached single-family homes. Some townhomes in the area feature smaller floor areas, around 1,500 to 2,000 square feet.

Map of Braeswood Place

Braeswood Place Real Estate Trends


4. Briar Hollow

Neighborhood Median Home Price Home Price / Sq Ft 10-Yr Apprec. %
Briar Hollow $585,500 $250 4%

Briar Hollow Map

Located south of Buffalo Bayou and Memorial Park, Briar Hollow is home to numerous upscale gated communities, luxury high-rise condominiums, and world-class retail centers. The neighborhood is nestled between the Galleria and River Oaks, one of Houston’s most expensive neighborhoods.

The community is known for its:

The Wilshire and the Arabella are two new upscale high-rise developments with lavish amenities located within Briar Hollow. Audubon Hollow, Eaton Square, and River Hollow are among the best-gated communities in Houston.

Map of Briar Hollow

Briar Hollow Real Estate Trends


5. Cottage Grove

Neighborhood Median Home Price Home Price / Sq Ft 10-Yr Apprec. %
Cottage Grove $510,000 $219 30%

Cottage Grove Map

Located just south of The Heights, Cottage Grove is one of the Best Houston Neighborhoods in Land Value Appreciation. This neighborhood offers exclusive gated communities, top schools, and multiple outdoor activity hubs.

Cottage Grove is popular thanks to its:

Residents have plenty of restaurants, bars, cafes, lounges, and retail centers nearby. Cottage Grove is located near the Heights and Rice Military, both of which offer great entertainment options.

Map of Cottage Grove

Cottage Grove Real Estate Trends


6. Downtown Houston

Neighborhood Median Home Price Home Price / Sq Ft 10-Yr Apprec. %
Downtown Houston $292,500 $252 12%

Downtown Houston Map

Downtown Houston is a 1,178-acre area strategically located south of I-10 (Katy Freeway), west of I-45 (Eastex Freeway), and north of I-69 (Gulf Freeway).

The residential market in downtown Houston has grown in recent years as a result of:

The Downtown Houston real estate market can be tricky to navigate due to some buildings having very poor resale rates (due to low-quality construction, HOA, parking, or general design problems). In addition, specific units within many buildings have resale issues due to views, noise, or individual parking spot problems.

Map of Downtown Houston

Downtown Houston Real Estate Trends


7. East End Revitalized

Neighborhood Median Home Price Home Price / Sq Ft 10-Yr Apprec. %
East End Revitalized $355,575 $206 27%

East End Revitalized Map

East End Revitalized is one of Houston's most vibrant and rapidly growing neighborhoods. This inner-city community, once considered to be on the outskirts of town, has changed dramatically over the last five years.

Top reasons why East End Revitalized is an interesting neighborhood:

If you're thinking of relocating to Houston, East End Revitalized is a great neighborhood to consider. It's centrally located, making it easy to get around, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars in the area.

Map of East End Revitalized

East End Revitalized Real Estate Trends


8. Heights / Greater Heights

Neighborhood Median Home Price Home Price / Sq Ft 10-Yr Apprec. %
Heights/Greater Heights $680,575 $311 52%

Heights/Greater Heights Map

Houston Heights is a well-known historic district and one of Houston's first planned communities. It is a short commute to Downtown, Galleria, and Medical Center, Houston’s major business and retail hubs.

Houston Heights’ appeal includes:

Houston Heights has enjoyed rising property values. It has performed well over the past one, five, and ten years compared to other Houston neighborhoods.

Map of Heights/Greater Heights

Heights/Greater Heights Real Estate Trends


9. Greenway Plaza Area

Neighborhood Median Home Price Home Price / Sq Ft 10-Yr Apprec. %
Greenway Plaza $545,000 $267 3%

Greenway Plaza Map

Greenway Plaza is a commercial and residential district. It is located near Downtown Houston and the Galleria, and offers a variety of amenities.

Greenway Plaza is popular thanks to its:

Greenway Plaza is the first major mixed-use development in the US. The park was built on the site of an old shopping center, and it is now home to a variety of retail stores, restaurants, cafes, residences, and offices.

Map of Greenway Plaza

Greenway Plaza Real Estate Trends


10. Timbergrove / Lazybrook

Neighborhood Median Home Price Home Price / Sq Ft 10-Yr Apprec. %
Timbergrove/Lazybrook $577,267 $288 43%

Timbergrove/Lazybrook Map

Located 5 miles Northwest of Downtown Houston. Timbergrove is a deed-restricted residential neighborhood.

Timbergrove homes are popular for their:

Timbergrove homes are in high demand because it is one of the Inner Loop's fastest-growing real estate markets.

Map of Timbergrove/Lazybrook

Timbergrove/Lazybrook Real Estate Trends


11. Medical Center

Neighborhood Median Home Price Home Price / Sq Ft 10-Yr Apprec. %
Medical Center Area $212,500 $170 -21%

Medical Center Area Map

The Medical Center area is known for its world-class health facilities. Due to this, the demand for homes in the area is increasing over time.

The Texas Medical Center features:

The Texas Medical Center was founded in the mid-1940s. Over time, new construction townhomes emerged in the area to replace the old ones. Recent developments have also resulted in good appreciation rates over the last decade.

Map of Medical Center Area

Medical Center Area Real Estate Trends


12. Memorial Park

Neighborhood Median Home Price Home Price / Sq Ft 10-Yr Apprec. %
Memorial Park $1,801,000 $395 41%

Memorial Park Map

The area of Memorial Park is one of the most renowned neighborhoods within the Inner Loop. Located east of Loop 610 and south of I-10.

Its many features and amenities include:

The area of Memorial Park features a wide range of home options, such as upscale townhomes, mansions, and patio and ranch-style homes. Memorial Park is also zoned to the Houston Independent School District (HISD).

Map of Memorial Park

Memorial Park Real Estate Trends


13. Midtown

Neighborhood Median Home Price Home Price / Sq Ft 10-Yr Apprec. %
Midtown Houston $370,000 $212 15%

Midtown Houston Map

One of Houston’s Most Accessible Neighborhoods, Midtown claims to be “right in the middle of it all”. It sits along Houston’s major freeways (Southwest and Gulf) and major thoroughfares (Main Street, Fannin Street, and Alabama Street).

Midtown is in demand, thanks to its:

Midtown homes are zoned to the Houston ISD. Students in the area are served by the Baylor College of Medicine Academy, a top-rated school in Houston.

Map of Midtown Houston

Midtown Houston Real Estate Trends


14. Montrose

Neighborhood Median Home Price Home Price / Sq Ft 10-Yr Apprec. %
Montrose $735,000 $271 20%

Montrose Map

Known as a vibrant neighborhood, Montrose features a mix of historic homes, custom-built contemporary homes, and recent construction townhomes. It is one of the most accessible neighborhoods in Houston.

Montrose homes are in high demand, thanks to their:

Montrose is about 3 miles away from Downtown Houston. It is south of the Buffalo Bayou and north of Southwest Freeway. The area showcases several historic neighborhoods.

Map of Montrose

Montrose Real Estate Trends


15. Rice Military

Neighborhood Median Home Price Home Price / Sq Ft 10-Yr Apprec. %
Rice Military/Washington Corridor $562,500 $235 21%

Rice Military/Washington Corridor Map

Rice Military is located within the Inner Loop of Houston. The community features a mix of gated communities, residential neighborhoods, and excellent amenities.

The Rice Military is famous for its:

The neighborhood also features a wide range of housing options and architectural designs, from single-family homes to patio homes, and new-construction townhomes. Homes showcase traditional and modern styles. There are also condos in mid-rise residential buildings in the area.
Map of Rice Military/Washington Corridor

Rice Military/Washington Corridor Real Estate Trends


16. Museum District

Neighborhood Median Home Price Home Price / Sq Ft 10-Yr Apprec. %
Rice / Museum District $1,050,000 $338 39%

Rice / Museum District Map

Vibrant and highly accessible, the Museum District is one of Houston’s premier cultural and art centers. It is located just north of the Texas Medical Center.

The district’s appeal stems from several factors, including:

Aside from its lively arts and culture scene, the Museum District also offers a lot of outdoor entertainment and recreation options in Hermann Park. This includes the Houston Zoo, the Houston Garden Center, and a golf course.

Map of Rice / Museum District

Rice / Museum District Real Estate Trends


17. River Oaks

Neighborhood Median Home Price Home Price / Sq Ft 10-Yr Apprec. %
River Oaks Area $2,699,000 $610 42%

River Oaks Area Map

One of Houston’s most exclusive neighborhoods, River Oaks is centrally located within the Inner Loop. Deed-restricted and historic, the area features some of the most expensive homes in Bayou City.

River Oaks is well-known for its:

River Oaks is home to the River Oaks Country Club Estates, one of Houston’s most affluent golf communities. The country club features a golf course, tennis courts, swimming pools, and a fitness center.

Map of River Oaks Area

River Oaks Area Real Estate Trends


18. River Oaks Shopping Area

Neighborhood Median Home Price Home Price / Sq Ft 10-Yr Apprec. %
River Oaks Shopping Area $949,000 $313 29%

River Oaks Shopping Area Map

River Oaks Shopping Area is nestled between River Oaks and Montrose. Rice Military borders the north side, while Upper Kirby is on the southwest of the neighborhood.

The district is highly in demand thanks to its:

River Oaks Shopping Area is near major thoroughfares, including Katy Freeway (I-10), Loop 610, and Southwest Freeway (US 59).

Map of River Oaks Shopping Area

River Oaks Shopping Area Real Estate Trends


19. Upper Kirby

Neighborhood Median Home Price Home Price / Sq Ft 10-Yr Apprec. %
Upper Kirby $1,100,000 $330 32%

Upper Kirby Map

Upper Kirby is a vibrant mixed-use district located next to Greenway Plaza and Montrose. One of Houston’s most accessible neighborhoods, the area features plenty of bars, cafes, lounges, restaurants, and stores.

Upper Kirby neighborhood is highly sought after for its:

While Upper Kirby homes are more affordable than residences in the neighboring River Oaks, the district's land and real estate value have continued to grow over the past ten years.

Map of Upper Kirby

Upper Kirby Real Estate Trends


20. West University

Neighborhood Median Home Price Home Price / Sq Ft 10-Yr Apprec. %
West University/Southside Area $1,720,000 $465 49%

West University/Southside Area Map

West University Place is a city within a city, subdivided into 26 sections called blocks. It has Bellaire to the west, Southside Place to the south, and Houston to the east and north.

West University is known for its:

West University also goes by “The Neighborhood City” as it exudes a small-town look that makes West University homes for sale highly sought-after.

Map of West University/Southside Area

West University/Southside Area Real Estate Trends


The list above is on alphabetical order. It also follows the order in which they appear on the Inner Loop Houston map.
*Default median sales values are from single-family homes except these neighborhoods, which have an above average # of condos and townhomes.


Methodology For Ranking

Methodology For Ranking

With all the available information out there about Houston's top Inner Loop areas, it can be confusing when finally making a decision on which neighborhood to choose. Get the advice of the best Inner loop Houston realtors and remove the guesswork when shopping for the best home to live in.

This is a project of Paige Martin and The Houston Properties Team. The list of "20 Best Inner Loop Houston Neighborhoods" is updated twice a year.


The Best Inner Loop Houston Realtors to Sell Your Home

The Best Inner Loop Houston Realtors to Sell Your Home

The Houston Properties Team has a well-defined structure based on the individual strengths of each member. Each member is a specialist in their role – which is why our homes sell faster and for more money than average.

Paige Martin, Broker Associate with Keller Williams Realty, and the Houston Properties Team are ranked among the top residential Realtors in the world.

They have been featured on TV and in dozens of publications including The Wall Street Journal, Fortune Magazine, Reuters, Fox News in the Morning, Money Magazine, Houston Business Journal, Houstonia, and Houston Chronicle.

Paige Martin was just ranked as the #5 agent in the world with Keller Williams, completing over $1 Billion in Houston residential real estate sales.

Houston Properties Team awards

Recent awards include:

– 2022: #1 Residential Real Estate Team by Sales Volume, Houston Business Journal
– 2021: Best Real Estate Teams in America, RealTrends.com
– 2021: Top 100 Women Leaders in Real Estate of 2021
– 2021: America’s Top 100 Real Estate Agents
– 2021: Top Real Estate Team (Houston Properties Team), Houston Business Journal
– 2021: Best Houston Real Estate Team, Best of Reader’s Choice
– 2021: Top Real Estate Team (Houston Properties Team), Houston Business Journal
– 2021: #1 Real Estate Team, Keller Williams Memorial
– 2020: America’s Best Real Estate Teams, Best of America Trends
– 2020: Best Houston Real Estate Team, Best of Reader’s Choice
– 2020: Top Real Estate Team (Houston Properties Team), Houston Business Journal
– 2020: #6 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Worldwide
– 2020: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Texas (Top Keller Williams Realtor)
– 2020: #1 Real Estate Team, Keller Williams Memorial
- 2019: Top Residential Realtors in Houston, Houston Business Journal
- 2019: America’s Best Real Estate Agents, RealTrends.com
- 2019: #5 Individual Agent, KW Worldwide
- 2019: #1 Individual Agent, KW Texas
- 2018: #5 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Worldwide
- 2018: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Texas
- 2018: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Houston
- 2018: America’s Best Real Estate Agents, RealTrends.com
- 2018: Top 25 Residential Realtors in Houston, Houston Business Journal
- 2018: Texas’ Most Influential Realtors
- 2017: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Texas
- 2017: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Houston
- 2017: #10 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Worldwide
- 2017: America’s Best Real Estate Agents, RealTrends.com
- 2017: Top 25 Residential Realtors in Houston, Houston Business Journal
- 2017: Texas’ Most Influential Realtors
- 2016: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Texas
- 2016: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Houston
- 2016: #20 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Worldwide
- 2016: Texas’ Most Influential Realtors
- 2016: Top 25 Residential Realtors in Houston, HBJ
- 2016: Five Star Realtor, Featured in Texas Monthly
- 2016: America’s Best Real Estate Agents, RealTrends.com
- 2015: #9 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, United States
- 2015: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Texas
- 2015: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Houston
- 2015: America’s Best Real Estate Agents, RealTrends.com
- 2015: Top 25 Residential Realtors in Houston, HBJ
- 2015: Five Star Realtor, Texas Monthly Magazine
- 2014: America’s Best Real Estate Agents, RealTrends.com
- 2014: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams Memorial

...in addition to over 318 additional awards.

Paige also serves a variety of non-profits, and civic and community boards. She was appointed by the mayor of Houston to be on the downtown TIRZ board.

Benefits Of Working With The Houston Properties Team

best realtors in Houston

Our team, composed of distinguished and competent Houston luxury realtors, has a well-defined structure based on the individual strengths of each member.

We find the team approach as the most effective way to sell homes. We have dedicated people doing staging, marketing, social media, open houses, and showings. Each Houston Properties Team member is a specialist in their role—which is why our homes sell faster and for more money than average.

The benefits of working with a team include:

To meet all the award-winning members of the Houston Properties Team, please go here.


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