How Much Salary You Need To Buy A Home In Houston’s Top Neighborhoods
How Much Salary You Need To Buy A Home In Houston's Top Neighborhoods
Find out where you can afford to live in Houston.
According to Forbes, Money Magazine, and the US Census Bureau, Houston is one of the most affordable major cities in the country(1).
Our cost of living ranks third lowest among the nation’s top 20 most populous US metropolitan areas. It’s 26% cheaper to live here compared to the 20 biggest cities in the US(2).
However, the inflation rate is at a 40-year high and is still trending upwards. COVID-19 and the ongoing Eastern European conflict will continue to have an impact.
To help you answer the question “where can I afford to live in Houston?”, we analyzed median home prices and estimated salary requirements for 52 top neighborhoods.
2022 Summary
- The global economy, our anemic spending habits during the lockdown (Americans are sitting on $2 trillion in savings since the onset of Covid-19), and now our fast-paced return to normal life is creating an inflation spike.
- See our biggest concerns coming from the frantic pace of the market last year.
- Appreciation was generally offset by the record-low interest rates.
- There were some definite winners and losers.
2022 Highlights
- The areas where it is now cheaper to buy a house are neighborhoods that have flooding history.
- Last year’s euphoria (home sales are up 13% and total dollar volume is up 28%) led to some really risky deals that violated the 9 Kisses of Death – the 20-year research study of what NOT to buy in Houston.
- Investors and homebuyers are starting to view real estate as a good hedge against inflation because of its “deflating effect” on debt.
- We’re also seeing tremendous growth on well-established suburban areas zoned to top ranked schools including:
— Katy
— Fulshear
— The Woodlands
— Pearland
— Spring
— Sugar Land
As always, real estate is hyper local. See how your neighborhood is doing.
Data Summary
- The neighborhoods we selected came from our lists of:
- Our estimates of Houston home salary requirements used a 20% down payment. However, some lenders have special 0% or 5% down loans. Contact me for a list of recommended mortgage providers and what (who) to avoid.
- Houston median home prices below include only single-family homes unless otherwise stated. Specific methodology and calculations are listed at the bottom of this article(1).
We have great lenders. Contact Paige Martin at [email protected] for great mortgage banking recommendations. Paige Martin is ranked as the #1 Keller Williams Realtor in Houston and #5 Keller Williams Realtor in the United States.
Table of Contents
- Summary: Annual Salary & Houston Neighborhoods Matrix
- Under $80,000: Best Neighborhoods
- $80,000 To $150,000: Where Can I Afford To Live?
- $150,000 To $250,000: Cost Of Luxury Homes
- Over $250,000: Most Expensive Areas
- Sources, Methodology & Disclosures
- Top Ranked Realtors: Paige Martin & The Houston Properties Team
Summary: Annual Salary & Houston Neighborhoods Matrix
“Paige Martin is Houston's best Realtor. She is highly experienced and very knowledgeable. She made our buying experience an enjoyable one, not only for us, but for our daughter, son-in-law and several of our friends. We have bought and sold many houses, and Paige has been the best realtor we have ever worked with. We highly recommend her and The Houston Properties Team.” Jeremy & Lynn Greene
| Salary Range | Central Houston | Suburbs |
|---|---|---|
| Under $80k | Brays Oaks, Denver Harbor, Five Corners, Gulfton, Medical Center, Medical Center South, Northside, Northwest Houston, University Area, Willow Meadows | Clear Lake, Copperfield, Friendswood, Humble, Jersey Village, Kingwood, Missouri City, Spring/Klein, Stafford, Waller |
| $80k-$150k | Briargrove Park, Downtown, Galleria, Garden Oaks, Houston Heights, Oak Forest, Rice Military, Spring Branch, Timbergrove / Lazybrook, Washington East/Sabine | Cypress, Fulshear, Galveston, Katy, League City, Manvel, Pearland, Richmond, Sugar Land, The Woodlands |
| $150k-$250k | Bellaire, Braeswood Place, Briar Hollow, Briargrove, Montrose, Rice / Museum District, River Oaks Shopping Area, Upper Kirby | |
| $250k+ | Frostwood, Highland Village / Midlane, Memorial Forest, Memorial Park, Memorial Villages, River Oaks, Royden / Afton Oaks, Tanglewood, West University |
Note: We’re only displaying the first ten neighborhoods per section here. For the full list, please refer to the tables under each respective salary range below.
Under $80,000: Best Neighborhoods
"The Houston Properties Team was absolutely amazing. I had initially listed with a different realtor that was recommended by a neighbor with very poor results. It was even more difficult because I was no longer in Houston and the trust I had put in the other agent was definitely taken advantage of. However, when I found Kim with the Houston Properties Team, all that changed. I was informed throughout the process and when she promised something would be done, it was. Before the experience with her, I swore off ever even considering purchasing a home again. She restored my faith in the real estate world." – Jeanette (Google Review)
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear Lake | $317,000 | $78,000 | 58% |
| Friendswood | $332,500 | $78,000 | 30% |
| Willow Meadows | $319,000 | $75,000 | 37% |
| Jersey Village | $300,000 | $74,000 | 55% |
| Spring/Klein | $298,950 | $74,000 | 42% |
| *Medical Center | $255,000 | $73,000 | 21% |
| Copperfield | $287,000 | $71,000 | 64% |
| Kingwood | $289,450 | $71,000 | 34% |
| Denver Harbor | $285,000 | $70,000 | 46% |
| University Area | $287,000 | $68,000 | 15% |
| Waller | $287,000 | $65,000 | N/A |
| Brays Oaks | $270,000 | $65,000 | 33% |
| Mission Bend | $266,000 | $64,000 | 68% |
| Missouri City | $260,000 | $64,000 | 36% |
| Gulfton | $220,000 | $59,000 | -26% |
| Northwest Houston | $240,000 | $58,000 | 39% |
| Humble | $229,000 | $58,000 | 20% |
| Brookshire | $223,900 | $57,000 | N/A |
| Northside | $235,000 | $56,000 | 40% |
| Stafford | $227,000 | $54,000 | 27% |
| Alief | $226,100 | $54,000 | 17% |
| Medical Center South | $217,995 | $53,000 | 44% |
| Five Corners | $215,000 | $53,000 | 34% |
Clear Lake
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear Lake | $317,000 | $78,000 | 58% |
Situated approximately 20 miles southeast of downtown Houston, Clear Lake includes several neighborhoods and communities spanning from the Greater Houston Bay Area to Gulf Freeway.
Clear Lake is popular for its:
-
Master-planned Communities: Clear Lake has plenty of home options in its luxury home neighborhoods. Among its most notable communities are Bay Oaks, Bay Forest, and The Reserve at Clear Lake.
-
Proximity to Employment Hubs: Clear Lake is home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin. Biochemical, biotechnology, and petrochemical companies put up base in the area.
-
Outdoor Recreational Areas: The area offers access to waterfront restaurants, attractions, and activities. Marinas line the Bay Area, including the Watergate Yachting Center.
- Green Spaces: Clear Lake City boasts amenities like parks, picnic areas, and recreation areas. The Armand Bayou Nature Center and the Sylvan Rodriguez Park are top choices for outdoor activities.
Clear Lake is the second-largest master-planned community in Houston with plenty to offer. It features a great mix of communities, recreational areas, and commercial centers. The Clear Creek Independent School District, considered one of Texas’s highest performing large school districts, serves most of the neighborhood.
Friendswood
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friendswood | $332,500 | $78,000 | 30% |
Friendswood is an independent city covering a 20-square mile area just south of Beltway 8. Located 22 miles south of downtown Houston, it has been recognized twice in CNN’s “100 America’s Best Places to Live” list.
Friendswood is known for its:
- Gated and Master-Planned Communities: Friendswood is home to several master-planned communities. These include West Ranch, Friendswood Trails, The Forest, and Creekwood Estates.
- Top-Rated Schools: The city is zoned to both Friendswood and Clear Creek ISDs. Residents can attend highly-rated schools like Cline Elementary, Friendswood Jr High, and Friendswood High School.
- Variety of Home Options: West Ranch features around 1,300 homes from Village Builders, Partners In Building, and Perry Homes. The Forest, on the other hand, features slightly older homes on large, expansive lots.
- Great Accessibility: Residents have easy access to key employment centers like downtown Houston, the Texas Medical Center, and Greenway Plaza.
Friendswood has ten city parks complete with sports fields and amenities for hiking, jogging, biking, and fishing. The city is also mixed-use and features commercial areas with plenty of dining, retail, and entertainment options.
Jersey Village
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jersey Village | $300,000 | $74,000 | 55% |
Jersey Village is one of the better golf course communities in Houston. This suburban neighborhood provides residents several recreational activities and great accessibility to business and commercial hotspots.
This Northwest Houston neighborhood is one of the best suburbs to live in in Houston for its:
-
Fun Outdoor Activities: Jersey Village is home to the Jersey Meadow Golf Course and other recreational amenities. Residents have access to a small lake, a park with playground facilities, and a swimming pool.
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Central Location: Houston’s key districts are close and nearby. CityCentre Plaza and Memorial City Mall are accessible within 15 minutes, while Energy Corridor and Downtown Houston are less than 30 minutes from the neighborhood.
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Easy Commute: The community conveniently stands at the junction of Beltway 8 and US 290. Homeowners have quick access to nearby major roads, including N Eldridge Parkway, Jones Road, and West Road.
Jersey Village offers a quiet, peaceful community vibe. This up-and-coming community features a mix of modern custom-built homes and upgraded vintage properties. Rapid developments are also happening in the commercial and real estate front of the area.
$80,000 To $150,000: Where Can I Afford To Live?
Many of Houston’s most popular neighborhoods are also, historically, the best performers in real estate appreciation. Contact us for a custom list of homes in these areas.
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| *Galleria | $285,000 | $82,000 | 13% |
| Pearland | $324,000 | $82,000 | 65% |
| Eldridge North | $340,000 | $83,000 | -1% |
| *EaDo | $335,000 | $86,000 | 53% |
| Shepherd Park Plaza | $350,833 | $87,000 | 17% |
| Katy | $349,900 | $88,000 | 33% |
| Tomball | $350,000 | $89,000 | 75% |
| Energy Corridor | $382,000 | $91,000 | 37% |
| Cypress | $355,000 | $91,000 | 47% |
| *Downtown | $253,500 | $93,000 | 20% |
| Spring Branch | $375,000 | $93,000 | 76% |
| Sugar Land | $400,000 | $96,000 | 50% |
| Oak Forest | $415,000 | $97,000 | 82% |
| *Midtown | $335,000 | $98,000 | 37% |
| Meyerland | $422,000 | $99,000 | 34% |
| Sienna (Area) | $371,250 | $99,000 | 36% |
| Fulshear | $380,000 | $101,000 | 9% |
| Riverside | $413,000 | $104,000 | 45% |
| Knollwood/Woodside | $442,500 | $104,000 | 36% |
| League City | $395,000 | $104,000 | 64% |
| Cottage Grove | $427,000 | $106,000 | 46% |
| Manvel | $387,620 | $108,000 | 71% |
| Washington East/Sabine | $457,400 | $110,000 | 55% |
| The Woodlands | $480,000 | $115,000 | 60% |
| Rice Military | $487,500 | $118,000 | 27% |
| Briargrove Park | $518,500 | $123,000 | 57% |
| Timbergrove / Lazybrook | $545,000 | $133,000 | 88% |
| Houston Heights | $559,000 | $134,000 | 68% |
| Garden Oaks | $625,000 | $145,000 | 98% |
| *Greenway Plaza | $535,000 | $149,000 | 45% |
Pearland
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pearland | $324,000 | $82,000 | 65% |
Pearland is a 47.5-square mile city that is located south of Houston. It borders Brookside Village (north east) and Manvel (south west). The city is also on the list of “Top 50 Most Livable Mid-Sized Cities in the US”.
Pearland is known for its:
- Strategic Location: Pearland has convenient access to the Texas Medical Center and the Hobby Airport. Hwy 288, Beltway 8, and I-45 are minutes away.
- Master-Planned Communities: Pearland is home to several planned communities, including Silverlake, Silvercreek, Green Tee Terrace, and Shadow Creek Ranch.
- Outstanding Schools: Pearland homes are zoned to some of best schools in Houston. Several school districts serve the city, including Pearland, Alvin, Fort Bend, Pasadena, Clear Creek, and Houston ISDs.
- Golf Courses: Residents are minutes away from Southwyck Golf Club, Pearland Golf Club, Clear Creek Golf Club, and Golf Crest Country Club.
Homes in Pearland range from traditional to luxury homes in gated communities, from waterfront estates to homes in golf courses. The east section of Pearland is made up of established neighborhoods while the west section features newer master-planned communities.
Katy
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Katy | $349,900 | $88,000 | 33% |
Katy is one of Houston’s top-ranked suburbs. Katy homes are popular thanks to:
- Top-ranked schools. According to Houston’s Best Public Schools, many of Katy’s public schools are ranked amongst the top in the state of Texas.
- Affordability. Katy is ranked as one of Houston’s Best Suburbs based upon community ratings for public schools, affordability, commute time, livability, and amenities.
- Real estate appreciation. Katy’s real estate market has been one of the best performing Houston neighborhoods over the past one-, five-, and ten-year periods.
- Activities. Katy is ranked as one of the top communities in the state for “Fun Family Activities” with shopping and entertainment venues like Katy Mills Mall, LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, and Typhoon Texas Water Park.
- Master-planned communities. Katy is home to some of the top-ranked master-planned communities in the Houston area, including Cinco Ranch, Falls at Green Meadows, Firethorne, Grand Lakes, Seven Meadows, and over a dozen more.
- Golf courses. Katy has some of Houston’s Best Golf Courses & Golf Communities, including Cinco Ranch (public course), Meadowbrook Farm (public), Falcon Point (private), and Willow Fork (private).
Due to the Greater Katy area’s size and number of communities, its real estate market can be tricky to navigate. Consulting with the best Katy realtor can greatly benefit homebuyers.
Tomball
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomball | $350,000 | $89,000 | 75% |
Tomball is a 12-square mile incorporated city located miles northwest of Houston. It borders Hockley (west), Magnolia (north), Spring/Klein (east), and The Woodlands (northeast).
Tomball is known for its:
- Luxury Gated Communities. Several luxury gated communities with wide estates can be found in Tomball. Some of its master-planned communities are Saddlebrook Estates, Huntington Woods, and Haven Lake Estates.
- Top Ranked Schools: Tomball students may attend highly ranked Doerre Intermediate, Rosehill Elementary, and Tomball Memorial High School.
- Lush Wooden Lots: Homes are built on wide acres of land. These areas range from 9,000 to more than 500,000 square feet, with lush greenery and fully-developed trees.
- Easy Accessibility: Residents have convenient access to The Woodlands, Energy Corridor, and Grand Parkway 99.
Tomball is home to parks, sports arenas, and nature reserves. They feature amenities such as pools, ponds, and walking trails. The Tomball Country Club also features an 18-hole golf course.
$150,000 To $250,000: Cost Of Luxury Homes
Buying or selling a home within the best neighborhoods in Houston can be very tricky. With over $1B real estate sales, the Houston Properties Team is the #1 Boutique Real Estate Team in Houston. Contact us for a custom Houston cost of living calculator, and we can review your options.
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montrose | $679,900 | $162,000 | 55% |
| River Oaks Shopping Area | $770,000 | $182,000 | 63% |
| *Briar Hollow | $601,500 | $186,000 | 22% |
| Upper Kirby | $837,500 | $195,000 | 40% |
| Memorial West | $837,000 | $198,000 | 60% |
| *Braeswood Place | $871,321 | $203,000 | 83% |
| Rice / Museum District | $875,000 | $204,000 | 37% |
| Bellaire | $940,000 | $216,000 | 25% |
| Briargrove | $950,000 | $224,000 | 49% |
Montrose
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montrose | $679,900 | $162,000 | 55% |
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.
River Oaks Shopping Area
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| River Oaks Shopping Area | $770,000 | $182,000 | 63% |
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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
Briar Hollow
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| *Briar Hollow | $601,500 | $186,000 | 22% |
Located south of Buffalo Bayou and Memorial Park, Briar Hollow is home to 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 vibrant retail and business districts. The area is home to over 23 million sq ft office space and around 5 million sq ft of retail spots.
- Highland Village & River Oaks District: The neighborhood is blocks away from River Oaks District and Highland Village, offering 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 Exertrail. 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.
Over $250,000: Most Expensive Areas
Whether you buy or sell first depends on the current market and your unique situation. Both options come with an element of risk. Our experience taught us to make the proper assessment out of the overall scenario every homeowner is in. Contact us to help you make the most viable decision.
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royden / Afton Oaks | $1,090,000 | $256,000 | 98% |
| Highland Village / Midlane | $1,098,935 | $256,000 | 57% |
| West University | $1,395,000 | $317,000 | 69% |
| Memorial Park | $1,367,000 | $321,000 | 32% |
| Memorial Villages | $1,675,500 | $381,000 | 43% |
| Tanglewood | $1,725,000 | $405,000 | 45% |
| River Oaks | $2,365,000 | $556,000 | 61% |
Royden / Afton Oaks
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royden / Afton Oaks | $1,090,000 | $256,000 | 98% |
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:
- Exclusivity: Royden and Afton Oaks real estate are among the most expensive in Houston. They continue to enjoy strong appreciation rates year after year.
- Convenient Location: Residents are minutes away from Downtown Houston, Uptown, Greenway Plaza, and Texas Medical Center. A few blocks away is the Galleria area, an upscale shopping district with a variety of retail stores and establishments.
- Top Ranked Schools: The Royden/Afton Oaks area is zoned to River Oaks Elementary, Laniel Middle, and Lamar High School.
- Easy Accessibility: These neighborhoods are located near two major freeways, providing excellent access to other key districts.
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.
Highland Village / Midlane
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highland Village / Midlane | $1,098,935 | $256,000 | 57% |
Highland Village is a small neighborhood located near the Galleria/Uptown area and River Oaks. Due to its central location, Highland Village homes are highly sought after.
Highland Village is known for its:
- Rising Land Values: Land value appreciation in this neighborhood is among the best in Houston. Its HOA (Highland Village Civic Club) has helped maintain an exciting yet private atmosphere, further adding to its exclusivity and appeal.
- Top Schools: Students are able to attend Lamar High, Lanier Middle, and St. George Place Elementary School. These are among Inner Loop’s best schools.
- Close Proximity to Business: Residents are minutes away from the Galleria/Uptown area and Upper Kirby/Greenway Plaza. Downtown Houston and the Texas Medical Center are also easily accessible from the neighborhood.
- Luxury Retail and Shopping: Highland Village homes are mere blocks away from the Highland Village Shopping Center. The shopping center is home to more than 60 luxury boutiques, dining, and entertainment options.
Highland Village is deed-restricted, allowing for residents to enjoy a consistent look and feel in the village. Luxury homes are typically well maintained with manicured lots.
West University
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| West University | $1,395,000 | $317,000 | 69% |
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.
Sources, Methodology & Disclosures
With all the available information out there about Houston's top areas, it can be confusing when finally making a decision on which neighborhood to choose. Get the advice of the best Houston Realtors and remove the guesswork when looking for one of the best homes in Houston to live in.
- https://www.houston.org/living/
- *Default median housing price values are from single-family homes, except these neighborhoods (where condos, townhomes and single-family homes are considered due to the fact that there’s an above average of condos/townhomes in these market areas).
- We used the following assumptions for calculating monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes and insurance) using data from http://www.mortgagecalculator.org:
- 20% down payment
- 3.05% interest rate with a 30 year mortgage with no PMI
- The neighborhood tax rate, per HAR MLS data, per area
- A 20% average Texas Homestead discount (per HCAD.org, fbcad.org & https://mcad-tx.org)
- The neighborhood median HOA fee (If applicable. This mostly applies to * communities where condos or townhomes are included like Downtown Houston.)
- 0.5% annual insurance costs
- Annual home prices are based on HAR MLS reported sales for the prior year during January 1 and May 31. Starting on June 1, current year HAR MLS sales data is used.
- For annual appreciation or depreciation salary requirement rates, we did not make any modifications based on the most recent tax reform act. We assumed taxes rates were constant in our calculations between monthly PITI costs and salary requirements.
- For “can comfortably afford” salary assumptions, we used that 28% of gross income could be used toward monthly PITI costs because financial planners often say that 25-33% of income can be used toward monthly PITI payments. For qualification purposes underwriters typically defer to their “back end” ratio which includes liabilities on credit reports (all revolving, installment, and mortgage liabilities). For this ratio 36% is normally used in planning and around 43% is around the maximum allowed.
- Reporters or news outlets, please contact [email protected] for an Excel export of every neighborhood’s associated data and calculations.
- Data is deemed accurate, but is not guaranteed. Information is provided for informational purposes only.
Top Ranked Realtors: Paige Martin & The Houston Properties Team
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 amongst 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, and has completed over $1,000,000,000 in Houston residential real estate sales.
Recent awards include:
- 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: 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 Realtor 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 Realtor 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 Realtor 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 Realtor 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, civic and community boards and was appointed by Houston’s Mayor 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 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:
- 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 advise and marketing of agent expert in your area
- competitive advantage by simply having more resources, 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/or repair work, while another agent is focused 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.
To meet all the award-winning members of The Houston Properties Team, please go here.
