Your Guide To The 20 Best Inner Loop Neighborhoods

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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.

The Inner Loop has seen tremendous real estate growth over the last ten years. However, COVID-19 continues to leave a mark on how the market is trending.

We are also witnessing a very unique “tale of two cities” situation both locally and nationally. This stems from the financial trends and behavioral changes post-global lockdown.

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

Common themes include:

Inner Loop areas with good appreciation rates also ranked well in:
Salary requirements to live comfortably inside The Loop is <$80k. (See Salary Requirements To Own A Home In Houston’s Top Neighborhoods.)
The top neighborhoods of the past decade tend to be those within, or with good access to Downtown Houston and The Medical Center, The Galleria and Energy Corridor. Collectively, these districts house over 600,000 jobs.

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.

By The Numbers: Best Neighborhoods Inside The Loop
Inner Loop Neighborhoods: 10-Year Real Estate Appreciation
Inner Loop: Median Sales Price Per Square Foot
Inner Loop: Median Sales Price
Expert’s Guide To The 20 Best Neighborhoods Inside The Loop
Methodology For Ranking
The Best Houston Realtor to Sell Your Home

By The Numbers: Best Neighborhoods Inside The Loop

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 / Afton Oaks	$810,000	$350	17%
2. Bellaire	$1,069,100	$273	27%
3. Braeswood Place	$832,450	$276	49%
4. Briar Hollow*	$563,500	$318	7%
5. Cottage Grove	$460,000	$205	41%
6. Downtown*	$270,000	$249	21%
7. EaDo*	$335,000	$195	30%
8. Houston Heights	$609,900	$282	60%
9. Greenway Plaza	$380,000	$234	-11%
10. Timbergrove / Lazybrook	$620,000	$275	76%
11. Medical Center*	$294,900	$178	33%
12. Memorial Park	$1,645,000	$371	21%
13. Midtown*	$351,000	$197	25%
14. Montrose	$709,000	$261	37%
15. Rice Military	$527,000	$219	25%
16. Rice / Museum District	$838,817	$322	24%
17. River Oaks	$2,487,985	$549	57%
18. River Oaks Shopping Area	$829,900	$285	31%
19. Upper Kirby	$1,189,500	$367	57%
20. West University	$1,545,000	$426	56%

_{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 compares to the area's raw averages.

Neighborhood	10-Year Appreciation %
1. Royden / Afton Oaks	17%
2. Bellaire	27%
3. Braeswood Place	49%
4. Briar Hollow*	7%
5. Cottage Grove	41%
6. Downtown*	21%
7. EaDo*	30%
8. Houston Heights	60%
9. Greenway Plaza	-11%
10. Timbergrove / Lazybrook	76%
11. Medical Center*	33%
12. Memorial Park	21%
13. Midtown*	25%
14. Montrose	37%
15. Rice Military	25%
16. Rice / Museum District	24%
17. River Oaks	57%
18. River Oaks Shopping Area	31%
19. Upper Kirby	57%
20. West University	56%

Inner Loop: 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 / Afton Oaks	$350
2. Bellaire	$273
3. Braeswood Place	$276
4. Briar Hollow*	$318
5. Cottage Grove	$205
6. Downtown*	$249
7. EaDo*	$195
8. Houston Heights	$282
9. Greenway Plaza	$234
10. Timbergrove / Lazybrook	$275
11. Medical Center*	$178
12. Memorial Park	$371
13. Midtown*	$197
14. Montrose	$261
15. Rice Military	$219
16. Rice / Museum District	$322
17. River Oaks	$549
18. River Oaks Shopping Area	$285
19. Upper Kirby	$367
20. West University	$426

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 / Afton Oaks	$810,000
2. Bellaire	$1,069,100
3. Braeswood Place	$832,450
4. Briar Hollow*	$563,500
5. Cottage Grove	$460,000
6. Downtown*	$270,000
7. EaDo*	$335,000
8. Houston Heights	$609,900
9. Greenway Plaza	$380,000
10. Timbergrove / Lazybrook	$620,000
11. Medical Center*	$294,900
12. Memorial Park	$1,645,000
13. Midtown*	$351,000
14. Montrose	$709,000
15. Rice Military	$527,000
16. Rice / Museum District	$838,817
17. River Oaks	$2,487,985
18. River Oaks Shopping Area	$829,900
19. Upper Kirby	$1,189,500
20. West University	$1,545,000

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. Afton Oaks

Neighborhood	Median Home Price	Home Price / Sq Ft	10-Yr Apprec. %
Royden / Afton Oaks	$810,000	$350	17%

The Royden/Afton Oaks area comprises two upscale deed-restricted communities nestled east of Loop 610 and north of Southwest Freeway. The Royden Oaks area, in particular, is right next to the River Oaks neighborhood.

The Royden/Afton Oaks neighborhoods are known for their:

SHORT COMMUTE TO KEY NEIGHBORHOODS: Afton Oaks is only a 6-minute drive away from Uptown District, home to over 2,000 businesses. Aside from that, it is also close to other upscale neighborhoods such as River Oaks District and Highland Village.
PROXIMITY TO HOUSTON’S BEST RETAIL: Afton Oaks is just across The Galleria, which has over 350 retail stores and establishments.
WELL-MAINTAINED COMMUNITY: The Afton Oaks Civic Club handles common area maintenance, deed restriction enforcement, and other services like the additional security. This allows residents to have pleasant and tranquil surroundings.
EXCLUSIVITY: The Afton Oaks Neighborhood is among the most expensive properties in Houston. This is mostly because of its convenient location, accessibility, and atmosphere.

The Royden/Afton Oaks area has approximately 700 homes. These neighborhoods are largely residential, featuring single-family homes with generous lot sizes between 8,000 to 10,000 square feet.

2. Bellaire

Neighborhood	Median Home Price	Home Price / Sq Ft	10-Yr Apprec. %
Bellaire	$1,069,100	$273	27%

Bellaire, one of Houston’s most popular neighborhoods, features a small-town vibe that blends nicely with its easy access to big city comforts. Located south of the Southwest Fwy, West Loop South runs through the city and leads to Uptown Houston, making it a popular bedroom community.

Bellaire is very popular for its:

GREAT ACCESSIBILITY: Bellaire homes are near main roads and freeways including Loop 610, Southwest Freeway, Bissonnet Street, and Bellaire Boulevard. (See Houston’s Best Inner Loop Neighborhoods).
SUPERIOR LOCATION: Bordered by Houston and West University, Bellaire enjoys a central location and a good commute to the Texas Medical Center, Galleria, Downtown, and Energy Corridor.
EXPANSIVE LOTS: Bellaire’s lot sizes vary widely, though the standard 75 feet by 130 feet lot parcels are more spacious than West University’s 50 by 120 foot lots.
TOP-RANKED SCHOOLS: According to Houston’s Best Public Schools, schools located near Bellaire rank among the top in the state of Texas.

Bellaire’s neighborhood can be tricky to navigate given the area’s different school zoning maps, proximity to railroad tracks, being on a major thoroughfare, and diversity of builders.

3. Braeswood Place

Neighborhood	Median Home Price	Home Price / Sq Ft	10-Yr Apprec. %
Braeswood Place	$832,450	$276	49%

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:

PROXIMITY TO THE MED CENTER: Braeswood is minutes away from the Texas Medical Center, one of Houston’s leading employment centers. It is home to several medical-related institutions, organizations, schools, and hospitals.
EXCELLENT ACCESSIBILITY: Braeswood has immediate access to and from multiple Houston hubs like the Galleria and Downtown. Loop 610, Buffalo Speedway, Braeswood Boulevard, and Main Street are only minutes away.
TOP-RATED SCHOOLS: Braeswood is zoned to some of Houston ISD’s best schools, including Twain Elementary, Pershing Middle School, Bellaire High School, and Lamar High School.
MULTIPLE PARKS: Braeswood is home to several parks and outdoor entertainment areas. Hermann Park, located just a short drive away, offers more options.

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.

4. Briar Hollow

Neighborhood	Median Home Price	Home Price / Sq Ft	10-Yr Apprec. %
Briar Hollow	$563,500	$318	7%

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:

PROXIMITY TO GALLERIA: Briar Hollow provides quick access to the Galleria, one of the city’s most vibrant retail and business districts. The area is home to over 23 million square feet of office space and around 5 million square feet of retail spots.
HIGHLAND VILLAGE & RIVER OAKS DISTRICT: The neighborhood is located near the River Oaks District and Highland Village, which offer a mix of premier boutiques and high-end dining. Other exciting retail centers nearby are Uptown Park and Post Oak Plaza.
MEMORIAL PARK: Residents can enjoy miles of hike and bike trails, the Memorial Park Golf Course, and the Seymour Lieberman Exer-trail. The 1500-acre Memorial park has facilities for croquet, volleyball, skating, swimming, and tennis, along with playgrounds and picnic spots.
IB WORLD SCHOOLS: Briar Hollow is zoned to the Houston Independent School District. Three IB World Schools serve the area: the School at St. George Place, Lanier Middle School, and Lamar High School.

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.

5. Cottage Grove

Neighborhood	Median Home Price	Home Price / Sq Ft	10-Yr Apprec. %
Cottage Grove	$460,000	$205	41%

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:

LUXURY COMMUNITIES: The neighborhood’s reemergence brought luxury development like Larkin at Cottage Grove, Patterson Heights, Reserve on Kansas, and Reserve at Washington. These exclusive gated communities offer new construction homes, luxury amenities, and secure access.
TOP SCHOOLS: Lamar High School, an IB World School and one of Houston’s Best Schools serves a portion of Cottage Grove. Hogg Middle School, serving the IB Middle Years Programme, is also zoned to the neighborhood.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITY HUBS: Memorial Park, Houston’s largest urban park, is minutes away from Cottage Grove. Residents have plenty of outdoor activity options: Memorial Park Golf Course, miles of multi-use trails, picnic areas, tennis courts, and other facilities.

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.

6. Downtown Houston

Neighborhood	Median Home Price	Home Price / Sq Ft	10-Yr Apprec. %
Downtown	$270,000	$249	21%

Located at the heart of Houston’s Inner Loop, Downtown is bordered by I-10 (North), 59 (East), and I-45 (South & West),

Downtown Houston’s residential market has doubled in the last few years, thanks to:

EXCELLENT COMMUTE: While there are over 200,000 employees downtown, there are only about 6,000 residences (up from about 3,000 in 2014). Many people who live downtown also work there.
HIGHLY ACCESSIBLE: Getting around Downtown is easy, thanks to a network of skywalks and tunnels. The Medical Center, EaDo, and Museum District are also highly accessible via
METRORail, bus system, Houston B-Cycle, and Greenlink. In addition, most Downtown Condos are near the METRORail.
GREAT DINING & CULTURAL OPTIONS: In addition to the 400+ Yelp-rated dining and retail establishments, Houston is home to the second largest theatre community in the US.
CONDO LIVING: The majority of Downtown’s residential options are Historic Houston Lofts and Downtown Houston Condos which offer great “lock and leave” benefits.
LUXURY AMENITIES: Building amenities vary, though most Downtown Houston condos offer rooftop terraces, conference rooms, fitness centers, and pools. Some feature 24-hour concierge and valet services.

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

7. East Downtown / EaDo

Neighborhood	Median Home Price	Home Price / Sq Ft	10-Yr Apprec. %
EaDo	$335,000	$195	30%

The East Downtown Neighborhood

East Downtown is one of Houston’s most vibrant and rapidly growing neighborhoods. It is home to a 107,000 population. Located in what was once regarded as the outskirts of town, this inner-city community has dramatically turned over the past five years. Nowadays, EaDo, as they call it, is quickly becoming a hot spot for new home builders and developers while also attracting investors and landlords who are looking to acquire income-producing properties. Several reasons for choosing this neighborhood are the area’s walkability and proximity to downtown, major employers, and shipping and industrial centers which make it highly sought after.

In addition to that, according to Houston Properties Team, there are six reasons why EaDo makes an interesting neighborhood;

1.) New Developments: New infrastructures and road projects for the redevelopment projects. Major freeways and thoroughfares are easily accessible from the neighborhood. With the building of MetroRail stations at the East End Corridor and Southeast Corridor, the district will soon be accessible.

2.) High Accessibility: There are a lot of accessible neighborhoods in Houston, but Eado’s boundary lies with other small neighborhoods making it much accessible to other attractions such as restaurants, bars, breweries, and gyms.

3.) Strong Real Estate Market: Competing offers on properties continue to drive prices into record territory, solidifying Houston’s reputation as a sellers’ market. Mirroring the redevelopment efforts, property values have appreciated over the past decade. Median sales prices have increased by 23%, while prices per square foot have risen by $149%.

4.) Affordability: Despite being a reputable neighborhood, land value is half the cost compared to Downtown. EaDo homes for sale have price ranges between $200,000 to over $500,000.

5.) Proximity to Job Centers: Close to Downtown where commercial centers, Texas Medical Center, Houston Ship Channel, and Greenway Plaza are located.

6.) Broad Ranges of Housing Options: Eado offers various units such as townhouses, condominiums, and single-family homes.

Finding the right neighborhood certainly takes time and effort. If you’re thinking of relocating to Houston, East Downtown 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. With numerous developments throughout the district, new construction homes that sold before they are even listed, and school zoning changes, homebuyers may benefit from consulting with the best EaDo Houston realtor.

8. Heights / Greater Heights

Neighborhood	Median Home Price	Home Price / Sq Ft	10-Yr Apprec. %
Houston Heights	$609,900	$282	60%

As Houston’s oldest master-planned community, Houston Heights is a popular historic district. It is a short commute to Downtown, Galleria, and Medical Center, Houston’s major business and retail hubs.

Houston Heights’ appeal includes:

Fascinating Architecture: Well-preserved Victorian homes and turn-of-the-century architecture add charm, character, and value to this neighborhood.
Accessibility: With a high walk score, communities have convenient access to 450 Yelp-rated establishments. Schools and parks are a few minutes from residences.
Parks and Trails: Heights Hike and Bike Trail and White Oak Bayou Trail cover several parks in the Heights. The parks host “Family Fun Activities” and other riveting adventures with nature.

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

9. Greenway Plaza Area

Neighborhood	Median Home Price	Home Price / Sq Ft	10-Yr Apprec. %
Greenway Plaza	$380,000	$234	-11%

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TOPIC ID 532 HAS NO SPECIFIC MAP

10. Timbergrove / Lazybrook

Neighborhood	Median Home Price	Home Price / Sq Ft	10-Yr Apprec. %
Timbergrove / Lazybrook	$620,000	$275	76%

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

Timbergrove homes are popular for their:

IMPRESSIVE REAL ESTATE APPRECIATION: Timbergrove is one of the best investments over the last decade in terms of land and real estate value appreciation.
ACCESSIBILITY TO BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT DISTRICTS: Timbergrove is just minutes away from Houston’s major job centers, Downtown Houston and Texas Medical Center.
OPTIONS FOR RETAIL AND ENTERTAINMENT: Timbergrove homes are convenient to parks, golf, top-rated restaurants, and great shopping, including Memorial Park, Galleria, Heights, and Rice Military.
LARGE LOTS: Timbergrove homes feature mid-to-large lots by Houston standards ranging from 7,000 to over 20,000 square feet, providing plenty of greenery.

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

11. Medical Center

Neighborhood	Median Home Price	Home Price / Sq Ft	10-Yr Apprec. %
Medical Center	$294,900	$178	33%

The Texas Medical Center offers so much more than its reputation for world-class healthcare centers. Due to its excellent accessibility, great location, and multi-award-winning schools, it’s become one of the most desirable places to live in Houston.

The Texas Medical Center area remains to be sought after thanks to:

VARIETY OF HOMES: Homes have become quite popular in the Medical Center with varying architectural styles. There’s a wide selection available including single-family homes, patio homes, townhomes, and condos some of which date back to the 1940s.
CENTRAL LOCATION: The medical Center is centrally located within the Inner Loop. The area is an ideal location for residents because of its easy access to everything Houston has to offer.
GREAT ACCESSIBILITY: Easy access to the state’s largest medical complex is one of the benefits that residents have. The neighborhood has direct access to three major freeways: South, Southwest, and Loop 610 as well as the three METRORail Red Line stations.
ACCESS TO ENTERTAINMENT: Residents in the Medical Center live minutes away from a wide variety of entertainment options. With its proximity to the Museum District, there’s convenient access to the city’s foremost arts and cultural centers like the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and Contemporary Arts Museum Houston.
STRONG APPRECIATION RATES: Medical Center’s real estate market has been one of the best performing suburban Houston neighborhoods over the last decade thanks to new developments in the area.

The demand for homes in the Medial Center area is on a steadily increasing pace thanks to the healthcare industry boom. The different school zoning maps and the proximity to major roads should be two considerations in home buying.

To get personal advice on buying or selling in the Texas Medical Center area, contact Paige Martin, one of Houston’s best condo realtors and one of the top-ranked Realtors in the United States.

12. Memorial Park

Neighborhood	Median Home Price	Home Price / Sq Ft	10-Yr Apprec. %
Memorial Park	$1,645,000	$371	21%

The Memorial Park Area is one of the most renowned neighborhoods within the Inner Loop. It is located south of I-10 and east of Loop 610. Its many features and amenities include:

MEMORIAL PARK GOLF COURSE AND OTHER SPORTS FACILITIES: The John Bredemus-designed course with a 73-course rating and a 122 slope rating was first opened in the 1920s. It now welcomes more than 60,000 visitors annually. Aside from golf, residents can also enjoy playing tennis, croquet, volleyball, flag football, and baseball, to name a few. The Fitness Center offers indoor swimming and exercise equipment.
OUTDOOR RECREATION: Most Memorial Park neighborhoods can easily access the many trails in the area including the Seymour Lieberman Exertrail, the Picnic Loop as well as other parks along the bayou through The Buffalo Bayou and Beyond initiative.
ACCESSIBILITY: Residents have easy access to main roads such as I-10, Memorial Drive, Loop 610, Washington Avenue, and Allen Parkway. Downtown Houston is only 4 miles away, while the Galleria is less than 5 miles away.
EXCLUSIVITY: Some of Houston’s most expensive real estate can be found in the neighborhoods of Glen Clove and Crestwood with median sale prices of over $1,500,000. The upscale Houston gated community of Caceres is also just a few minutes from Memorial Park.

Buying or selling a home in this area might feel overwhelming because of its many neighborhoods, communities, and residential buildings. Depending on your long-term goals, the deed restrictions in the Crestwood and Glen Clove neighborhoods might be beneficial or problematic. There are a few older homes that need to be updated while some homes are located near freeways and main roads.

13. Midtown

Neighborhood	Median Home Price	Home Price / Sq Ft	10-Yr Apprec. %
Midtown	$351,000	$197	25%

Flooding Info: Midtown is not located on a floodplain and is also tagged as “Zone X” or low-risk in FEMA’s interactive flood 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 is beside major thoroughfares (Main Street, Fannin Street, and Alabama Street).

The Red Line Cuts through the neighborhood, offering easy METRORail access to key neighborhoods south and north of the community. Residents are also in close proximity to Downtown Houston and Texas Medical center, which are accessible via a 5-minute MetroRail ride, bike, or Uber.

Around 340 Yelp-rated establishments consider Midtown their home creating a vibrant street scene. Residents are minutes away from bars, coffee shops, retail stores, restaurants, lounges, and boutiques.

The neighborhood features a variety of affordable residential options, including condos, townhomes, patio homes, lofts, and single-family dwellings. Townhomes are the most common residential option in the neighborhood. They typically come with 2- to 4-story floor plans with options for 3 or 4 bedrooms.

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.

14. Montrose

Neighborhood	Median Home Price	Home Price / Sq Ft	10-Yr Apprec. %
Montrose	$709,000	$261	37%

Known for its Bohemian and diverse culture, Montrose is a vibrant neighborhood offering hip and stellar stellar restaurants, lounges, bars, art museums, 1920s mansions, new homes, and upscale condos. It competes with The Heights for the #1 highest Walk Score in Houston.

Montrose homes are constantly in high demand thanks to its:

Vibrant Street Scene: A plethora of retail, dining, and nightlife hubs line the 1.7-mile stretch of Westheimer Road that runs through Montrose. Shepherd Drive, Montrose Boulevard, and West Alabama Street also offer hundreds of Yelp-ranked retail options.
Unique Atmosphere: Montrose is home to museums, parks, and historic neighborhoods. Often considered one of Houston’s cultural centers, the area also holds festivals and art exhibits.
Highly Regarded Schools: The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and Lanier Middle School have earned top public school rankings.
Strong Appreciation: Montrose has had one of Houston’s best real estate appreciation rates over the past decade.

Located south of the Buffalo Bayou and north of Southwest Freeway, Montrose is about 3 miles away from Downtown Houston. The area showcases several historic neighborhoods, including Courtlandt Place. Homes in these communities are beautifully restored and carefully maintained.

15. Rice Military

Neighborhood	Median Home Price	Home Price / Sq Ft	10-Yr Apprec. %
Rice Military	$527,000	$219	25%

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:

IDEAL LOCATION: Named as one of the Most Easily Accessible Communities in Houston. The community is 5 miles away from the Medical Center and less than 15 minutes short drive away from Downtown Houston and the Galleria.
NOTABLE SCHOOLS: Rice Military is served by two of Houston’s Best Schools, both of which are IB World Schools. Top-performing schools like the Hogg Middle School and Lamar High School serve the community.
UPSCALE GATED COMMUNITIES: Several gated communities comprise the Rice Military neighborhood. Caceres is one of Houston’s Best Gated Communities and is part of Rice Military.
EXCITING RETAIL AND ENTERTAINMENT: With proximity to Washington Avenue and Memorial Drive, the residents enjoy easy access to nearby restaurants, dining spaces, retail centers, lounges, cafes, and bars.

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

16. Museum District

Neighborhood	Median Home Price	Home Price / Sq Ft	10-Yr Apprec. %
Rice / Museum District	$838,817	$322	24%

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:

CULTURE AND ARTS CENTERS: True to its name, the Museum District is home to 19 culture, arts, and scientific institutions. It has the second largest number of museums in a contiguous area in the US.
ACCESSIBLE LOCATION AND EASY COMMUTE: The district is nestled between two major employment centers and allows easy access to I-45 and Highway 59. The MetroRAIL Red Line has three stops within the Museum District.
LUXURY CONDO LIVING: The Museum District has both established landmarks like the Warwick Towers and 1400 Hermann as well as newer condos like Oaks on Caroline and Museum Flats. Amenities may include private balconies, valet and concierge services, and reserved parking.

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.

17. River Oaks

Neighborhood	Median Home Price	Home Price / Sq Ft	10-Yr Apprec. %
River Oaks	$2,487,985	$549	57%

Located in the corner inner loop, River Oaks is a true enclave of luxury and prestige. With an estimated home price of $523 per square foot, it is considered as one of the Most Expensive Houston Neighborhoods.

Some of the features River Oaks takes pride in include:
–EXCLUSIVITY: The neighborhood houses only just about 7,700 residents within the stretch of 1,100 acres. River Oaks is a high-class community with a median sale price of $2.5 million.

–LUXURY SHOPPING EXPERIENCE: River Oaks is the home of many retail and entertainment venues, from the Highland Village to the River Oaks Shopping Center. It also has in its neighborhood The River Oaks Country Club where swimming and playing golf are possible.

–NOSTALGIC OLD-WORLD CHARM: River Oaks is a mix of structures, from traditional 1920s and 1930s homes and mansions to townhomes and luxury condos. The neighborhood exudes this old-world charm that transports you back in history with its stately manors and tree-lined streets.

18. River Oaks Shopping Area

Neighborhood	Median Home Price	Home Price / Sq Ft	10-Yr Apprec. %
River Oaks Shopping Area	$829,900	$285	31%

River Oaks Shopping Area is nestled between the luxurious neighborhood of River Oaks and the vibrant community of 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:

Excellent Location: Centrally located within the Inner Loop, River Oaks Shopping Area has easy access to all major job centers, including Downtown, Galleria, and The Medical Center. Along with the Highland Village, boutiques and restaurants in Westheimer and San Felipe are minutes away.
Shopping, Dining, & Entertainment: With the River Oaks Shopping Center at its heart, the area boasts convenient access to retail shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The River Oaks Theater is one of the shopping center’s most defining markers.
Top-ranked Schools: The neighborhood boasts access to River Oaks Elementary and premier private schools. It is zoned to IB World Schools, including Lanier Middle and Lamar High.
Parks & Recreation: Located in the heart of Buffalo Bayou, the River Oaks Shopping Area allows residents to enjoy the various hiking, walking, and bike trails in the vicinity. The River Oaks Country Club is approximately one mile away from the neighborhood.

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

19. Upper Kirby

Neighborhood	Median Home Price	Home Price / Sq Ft	10-Yr Apprec. %
Upper Kirby	$1,189,500	$367	57%

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.

A mix of townhomes, vintage homes, and residential condo buildings, the Upper Kirby neighborhood is highly sought after for its:

Prime Location: The district is less than 15 minutes away from the key business and commercial centers of Houston, namely Downtown Houston, Texas Medical Center, and The Galleria.
Shopping & Dining Hubs: Upper Kirby boasts more than 150 Yelp-rated retail, dining, and entertainment establishments. Most shops sit along Kirby Drive, Shepherd Drive, and Westheimer Road.
Access to Major Thoroughfares: The neighborhood is close to main streets and freeways, including Kirby Drive, Westheimer Road, Buffalo Speedway, Richmond Avenue, and W Alabama Street.

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.

20. West University

Neighborhood	Median Home Price	Home Price / Sq Ft	10-Yr Apprec. %
West University	$1,545,000	$426	56%

Covering a total area of 2 square miles, 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. It was also once named the “Number One Best City to Live In” by USA Today.

West University is known for its:

Security: The area has one of the lowest crime rates in Houston. The West University Police Department watches over their communities’ residents and their properties.
Community: Facilities such as libraries, recreation centers, and parks make for one of Houston’s most accessible communities.
Central Location: West University enjoys close proximity to Rice University, Texas Medical Center, the Galleria, Downtown Houston, and the Museum District.
Real Estate Appreciation Rates: Home prices are well over $1M, with one of the highest 10-year land value appreciation rates in Houston.

West University also goes by “The Neighborhood City” because of the above qualities, in addition to its family-friendly subdivisions. The neighborhood exudes a small-town look and feel that makes West University homes for sale highly desired.

_{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

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.

A project of Paige Martin and The Houston Properties Team, the list of “20 Best Inner Loop Houston Neighborhoods” is updated twice a year.

Median home sale prices are based on single-family home sales for 2021 YTD.
Median land value prices are based on both homes sold at lot value and lot sales.
10-year appreciation rates compare 2012 to 2021 YTD and are based on the median sales price.
All median Houston home sale information was sourced by the HAR MLS database.
Data is deemed accurate but is not guaranteed. Information is provided for informational purposes only.
If you’d like to see any neighborhoods, master-planned communities or subdivisions added to this bi-annually updated watch list, please let us know.
The list above is in alphabetical order. It also follows the order in which they appear on the Inner Loop Houston map.
*Default median housing price values are from single-family homes, except in these areas (condos, townhomes, and single-family homes are considered due to their above-average # of condos/townhomes).

The Best Houston Realtor 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.

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

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:

the ability to be in two or three places at one time; a member can handle showings, while another answer calls
collective time and experience of members
targeted advice and marketing of agent expert in your area
competitive advantage by simply having more resources, more ideas, and more perspectives
a “checks and balances” system; selling and buying a home in Houston is an intensely complex process
more people addressing field calls and questions from buyers and agents to facilitate a faster, successful sale
efficient multi-tasking; one agent takes care of inspections and repair work, while another agent focuses on administrative details
multiple marketing channels using members’ networks
constant attention: guaranteed focus on your home and your transaction
lower risk for mistakes. Multiple moving parts increase oversights. A team approach handles these “parts” separately
flexibility in negotiation and marketing
better management of document flow
increased foot traffic through more timely and effective showing schedule coordination; and
increased sphere of influence and exposure to more potential buyers.

https://docs.houstonproperties.com/link/1303#bkmrk-to-meet-all-the-awar

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