How Much Salary Do You Need To Buy A Home In Houston's Top Neighborhoods
Find out the best places to live for your budget in Houston.
Forbes, Money Magazine, and the US Census Bureau, all list Houston as one of the most affordable cities in the country (1).
The cost of living in Houston ranks third lowest among the nation’s top 20 most populous US metros. Based on Houston cost of living comparison, it's 26% cheaper to live here than in the 20 biggest cities in the US (2).
We analyzed median home prices & estimated salary requirements for the 52 best neighborhoods in the Houston area to help you decide where you can best afford to live.
We have great lenders. Contact Paige Martin at Paige@HoustonProperties.com 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
- Houston Home Salary Requirements Highlights & Data
- Annual Salary & Houston Neighborhoods Matrix
- Under $80,000: Where can I Afford to Live in Houston?
- $80,000 to $150,000: Best Neighborhoods
- $150,000 to $250,000: Cost of Luxury Homes
- Over $250,000: Most Expensive Areas
- Sources, Methodology & Disclosures
- The Best Houston Realtor to Sell Your Home
Houston Home Salary Requirements Highlights & Data
“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
2022 Highlights
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The areas where it is now cheaper to buy a house in Houston are neighborhoods that have flooding history.
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Home sales are up 13% and total dollar volume is up 28%. Last year’s euphoria led to some really risky deals that violated the 9 Kisses of Death. It is a 20-year research study on pitfalls in buying a house in Houston.
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We're also seeing tremendous growth in the wealthiest suburbs in Texas zoned to top-ranked schools including:
As always, real estate is hyper-local. See how your neighborhood and the home affordability are doing.
Data Summary
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The neighborhoods we selected came from our lists of:
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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 who to avoid.
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Houston median home prices above include only single-family homes unless otherwise stated. Methods and calculations for the salary needed to live comfortably in Houston are listed at the bottom of this article(1).
Annual Salary & Houston Neighborhoods Matrix
If you’d like to see any specific single-family homes, please contact Paige Martin at PMartin@HoustonProperties.com
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: Where can I Afford to Live in Houston?
"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 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conroe Northeast | $285,000 | $80,000 | 55% |
| Dickinson | $277,400 | $80,000 | 49% |
| Five Corners | $260,000 | $79,000 | 56% |
| La Porte/Shoreacres | $268,500 | $79,000 | 59% |
| Southbelt / Ellington | $265,000 | $78,000 | 54% |
| 1960/Cypress Creek South | $258,000 | $77,000 | 68% |
| Bacliff/San Leon | $262,500 | $76,000 | N/A |
| Atascocita North | $259,495 | $76,000 | 49% |
| Northwest Houston | $263,000 | $76,000 | 46% |
| Stafford Area | $264,500 | $76,000 | 45% |
| Humble Area East | $255,000 | $76,000 | 40% |
| Kingwood West | $255,000 | $75,000 | 45% |
| Northside | $250,000 | $73,000 | 35% |
| Alief | $253,500 | $73,000 | 37% |
| La Marque | $240,000 | $71,000 | 62% |
| Briarmeadow/Tanglewilde | $225,000 | $71,000 | 2% |
| Aldine Area | $237,000 | $70,000 | 55% |
| Pasadena | $237,000 | $69,000 | -15% |
| Medical Center South | $238,195 | $69,000 | 52% |
| Willis/New Waverly | $249,995 | $67,000 | N/A |
| Humble Area South | $220,000 | $67,000 | 15% |
| South Houston | $227,000 | $67,000 | N/A |
| Spring East | $220,000 | $66,000 | 33% |
| Willowbrook South | $225,000 | $66,000 | 43% |
| Hempstead | $224,500 | $64,000 | N/A |
| Humble Area West | $215,000 | $64,000 | 19% |
| Sugar Land South | $215,000 | $63,000 | -31% |
| Hobby Area | $217,500 | $63,000 | 20% |
| Bear Creek South | $205,000 | $62,000 | 20% |
| Sugar Land North | $218,000 | $61,000 | 3% |
| Northeast Houston | $210,000 | $60,000 | 40% |
| Winrock | $136,881 | $55,000 | -19% |
| Sharpstown Area | $169,950 | $48,000 | 3% |
Five Corners
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Five Corners | $260,000 | $79,000 | 56% |
With over 480 acres of open spaces, Five Corners offers a wide variety of biking & walking trails and many entertainment options. Five Corners is known for its:
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RECREATIONAL SPACES: The community has miles of walking, hike-and-bike trails, and golf courses. This includes the Memorial Park Hike and Bike Trailhead, Cullen Running Trails Center, and Victory Disk Golf Course.
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CONVENIENT DINING LOCATIONS: Residents enjoy easy access to a diverse option of dining establishments.
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UNIQUE AMENITIES: Residents enjoy a myriad of entertainment venues including Cinemark Tinseltown 290 and AMC Willowbrook.
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WIDE RETAIL OPTIONS: Shopping and retail havens like The Galleria, Memorial City Mall, and the River Oaks Shopping Center are minutes from the neighborhood.
Homes in Five Corners range from patio homes to large estate-style homes.
La Porte/Shoreacres
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Porte/Shoreacres | $268,500 | $79,000 | 59% |
La Porte is the fourth-largest incorporated city in Harris County. It is located along the scenic Galveston Bay and near some of Houston’s best suburbs. It is also about a 30-minute drive from the best neighborhoods in the Inner Loop area.
La Porte is one of Houston’s most interesting neighborhoods, thanks to its:
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SCENIC WATERFRONT LOCATION: The city enjoys a waterfront location along Galveston Bay. This affords residents beautiful sunset and sunrise views. Many homes in La Porte are just a stone’s throw away from the bay.
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ACCESSIBILITY: La Porte homes have easy access to the main roads of Texas Highway 146 and Pasadena Freeway. It is only 30 minutes from Downtown Houston, Texas Medical Center, and Museum District.
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EXCELLENT GOLF COURSES: The city is home to the 18-hole championship golf course of Bay Forest. Bay Oaks Country Club, one of Houston’s Best Golf Course Communities, is just 13 miles from La Porte.
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EXCITING ACTIVITIES: La Porte is minutes from local parks including Fairmont Park, Sylvan Beach Park, and Little Cedar Bayou Park. The Armand Bayou Nature Center is less than 10 miles from the city.
The city is home to many quality single-family homes on large lots. There are several subdivisions and home builders in La Porte that offer a variety of options. The neighborhood features bungalows and small frame houses from the 1940s. There are also estates and mansions within the community.
Atascocita North
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atascocita North | $259,495 | $76,000 | 49% |
One of the fastest-growing communities in Humble, Atascocita North is within one of Houston's best suburbs. The neighborhood features excellent schools, parks, country clubs, and golf courses.
Atascocita North is known for its:
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GOLF CLUBS: The Atascocita Country Club and Walden on Lake Houston Golf and Country Club are in the affluent neighborhood. These come with tennis courts, fitness centers, swimming pools, and dining and lounge areas for exclusive membership. (See Best Golf Course Communities).
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OUTDOOR RECREATION: Atascocita homes are minutes away from several outdoor recreation facilities. Residents can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and skiing on Lake Houston. In addition, canoes and kayaks are available to navigate through the scenery and wildlife of Lake Houston.
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EXCELLENT SCHOOLS: According to Houston's Best Schools guide, Atascocita is zoned to some of the best schools in North Houston. The list includes Deerwood Elementary. Other public schools near this neighborhood are Oaks Elementary School and Timberwood Middle School.
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PARK & POOL: Atascocita North Park can be found in the neighborhood. It comes with a swimming pool, a walking track, and a kid-friendly playground.
Built in 1980, Atascocita North has 749 single-family properties in the area. The neighborhood has homes with prices ranging from $125,000 to $180,000.
$80,000 to $150,000: Best Neighborhoods
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 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huffman Area | $282,692 | $81,000 | 0% |
| Spring Northeast | $265,000 | $81,000 | 66% |
| Crosby Area | $280,000 | $82,000 | N/A |
| Atascocita South | $273,254 | $82,000 | 43% |
| Conroe Southeast | $280,000 | $83,000 | 40% |
| Waller | $302,500 | $83,000 | N/A |
| Brays Oaks | $295,000 | $84,000 | 34% |
| Fort Bend South / Richmond | $276,000 | $84,000 | 38% |
| 1960/Cypress | $292,350 | $84,000 | 67% |
| Spring/Klein/Tomball | $285,000 | $85,000 | 48% |
| Alvin South | $284,750 | $85,000 | 59% |
| Oak Forest West | $292,000 | $85,000 | 57% |
| Magnolia/1488 West | $315,000 | $87,000 | N/A |
| Charnwood/Briarbend | $289,000 | $88,000 | -17% |
| Mission Bend Area | $305,000 | $88,000 | 84% |
| Katy Southeast | $300,000 | $88,000 | 30% |
| 1960/Cypress Creek North | $308,000 | $88,000 | 82% |
| Missouri City Area | $300,000 | $89,000 | 44% |
| Santa Fe | $309,000 | $90,000 | 61% |
| Brookshire | $301,900 | $90,000 | N/A |
| Katy North | $313,695 | $92,000 | 88% |
| Medical Center Area | $282,450 | $93,000 | 27% |
| Denver Harbor | $319,900 | $94,000 | 52% |
| Porter / New Caney West | $298,740 | $94,000 | 11% |
| Hockley | $305,000 | $96,000 | 29% |
| Copperfield Area | $330,250 | $97,000 | 78% |
| Lake Conroe Area | $338,490 | $97,000 | 13% |
| Galleria | $286,250 | $97,000 | 0% |
| Porter / New Caney East | $302,990 | $97,000 | 30% |
| Kingwood South | $335,500 | $97,000 | 76% |
| Kingwood NW/Oakhurst | $315,000 | $97,000 | 29% |
| Friendswood | $350,000 | $99,000 | 30% |
| Spring/Klein | $335,000 | $99,000 | 59% |
| Jersey Village | $338,500 | $99,000 | 70% |
| Eldridge North | $350,000 | $101,000 | 9% |
| Clear Lake Area | $349,700 | $102,000 | 73% |
| Willow Meadows Area | $365,000 | $103,000 | 32% |
| Tomball Southwest | $354,355 | $103,000 | 50% |
| Conroe Southwest | $350,000 | $104,000 | 60% |
| Champions Area | $360,000 | $105,000 | 63% |
| Tomball South/Lakewood | $350,000 | $106,000 | 70% |
| University Area | $361,000 | $107,000 | 54% |
| East End Revitalized | $349,900 | $107,000 | 36% |
| Riverside | $375,000 | $110,000 | 39% |
| Downtown Houston | $270,000 | $110,000 | 17% |
| Pearland | $374,197 | $112,000 | 82% |
| Summerwood / Lakeshore | $363,027 | $113,000 | 51% |
| Katy Old Towne | $354,857 | $114,000 | 41% |
| Kingwood East | $403,000 | $117,000 | 56% |
| Fort Bend Country North / Richmond | $395,000 | $118,000 | 83% |
| Spring Branch | $400,000 | $118,000 | 56% |
| Midtown Houston | $350,500 | $119,000 | 25% |
| Sugar Land East | $425,000 | $119,000 | 61% |
| Energy Corridor | $421,459 | $121,000 | 48% |
| Fulshear/South Brookshire | $396,500 | $124,000 | 5% |
| Alvin North | $382,040 | $124,000 | 91% |
| Tomball | $414,092 | $124,000 | 89% |
| Magnolia/1488 East | $469,000 | $128,000 | N/A |
| Cypress North | $425,000 | $129,000 | 74% |
| Oak Forest East | $450,000 | $130,000 | 60% |
| Sugar Land West | $450,000 | $133,000 | 56% |
| Meyerland Area | $471,250 | $133,000 | 26% |
| League City | $432,220 | $135,000 | 54% |
| Shepherd Park Plaza Area | $481,950 | $135,000 | 36% |
| Greenway Plaza | $396,000 | $136,000 | -7% |
| Sienna Area | $442,751 | $138,000 | 51% |
| Cottage Grove | $475,250 | $140,000 | 46% |
| Knollwood/Woodside | $500,000 | $141,000 | 33% |
| Cypress South | $457,150 | $142,000 | 68% |
| Memorial West | $470,000 | $145,000 | -6% |
Spring Northeast
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Northeast | $265,000 | $81,000 | 66% |
Spring is an area mostly located within Harris County. It is also located near Downtown Houston. It is definitely perfect for those who want to live far from the busy city.
Some of the notable and enjoyable places to go to are:
Memorial Park: This is where the residents go to enjoy the outdoors. They have numerous activities that people enjoy such as croquet, indoor swimming, mountain biking, tennis, cycling, and many more.
Memorial City Hall: This caters to those who enjoy shopping and dining out.
iFLY Houston: This is where the thrill seekers love to go, for they offer indoor flying and skydiving experience.
Speedy’s Fast Track: They provide a place for fun activities such as go-karts, mini-golf courses, and laser tag.
Spring has a population of 60,976. Since there are a lot of parks, it gives off the calm feeling of living in a rural-like area. According to Niche, it is ranked number 18 in Most Diverse Suburbs in Texas. Aside from it being a very diverse place to live in, they also have a warm and friendly community, making it a safe place to reside in. Moreover, the cost of living in Spring is also less than the US average.
Atascocita South
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atascocita South | $273,254 | $82,000 | 43% |
Atascocita South is one of the 15 subdivisions in the lakeside community of Atascocita CDP. It is located east of Humble and within one of the Best Houston Suburbs.
Atascocita South features:
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WORLD-CLASS AMENITIES: The community is home to golf and country clubs like the Atascocita Country Club and Walden Country Club. Amenities include tennis courts, fitness centers, pools, and dining and lounge venues.
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EASY ACCESSIBILITY: The Farm to Market 1960 road leads Atascocita residents to nearby grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants, gas stations, and pharmacies. The community also connects to neighboring communities and major hubs via Beltway 8, Interstate 69, and Eastex Freeway.
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NEXT-DOOR ATTRACTIONS: Atascocita South is around 30 minutes from the vibrant business district of Downtown Houston. It is home to major attractions like Houston Aquarium, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, and Toyota Center.
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OUTDOOR RECREATIONS: The 12,000-acre Lake Houston is nearby, just a few minutes east of Atascocita South. Residents can enjoy outdoor recreational activities like swimming, fishing, skiing, and boating. Other neighboring districts include Kingwood and Humble, two of the best golf-course communities in Houston.
Properties in Atascocita South have 1,488 single-family homes with a median build year of 1992 and a median size of 2,002 Sqft. Buying homes from Atascocita can be tricky due to the number of subdivisions within the area. Buyers will benefit from consulting with the best Atascocita realtor.
To get personal advice on buying or selling a unit, contact Paige Martin, one of Houston's best condo realtors and one of the top ranked Realtors in the United States.
Conroe Southeast
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conroe Southeast | $280,000 | $83,000 | 40% |
Conroe Southeast is close to River Plantation Golf Club and Conroe Country Club. Located about 15 minutes north of The Woodlands, Conroe Southeast is known for its amenities and great green spaces.
The Conroe Southeast features:
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TOP-RATED SCHOOLS: Armstrong Elementary School, Austin Elementary School, and Gerald D. Irons, Sr. Junior High School are listed in Top-Ranked Schools of Houston. These high-rated schools are part of CONROE ISD.
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ACCESS TO PARKS: The neighborhood is home to popular parks around the area including Kasmiersky Park, Carl Barton Jr Park, Trillium Park, Wiggins Village Park, and Lions Park.
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EXCELLENT COMMUNITY AMENITIES: The community is also home to great amenities, including recreational centers, retail centers, and a convention center. There are Ladera Creek & Ladera Trails and Oscar Johnson, Jr Community Center, just to name a few.
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GREAT ACCESSIBILITY: Located along Interstate 45 or North Freeway, providing residents easy access to nearby communities like The Woodlands. It is also around 20 minutes away from Lake Conroe.
Conroe Southeast is close to River Plantation Golf Club and Conroe Country Club. The Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Park, Heritage Museum of Montgomery County, Isaac Conroe Homestead, Conroe Center, and Towne Center are all minutes away from the neighborhood.
$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 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington East/Sabine | $513,750 | $151,000 | 52% |
| Katy Southwest | $503,500 | $152,000 | 65% |
| Rice Military/Washington Corridor | $533,200 | $154,000 | 26% |
| Fort Bend Southeast | $580,885 | $155,000 | 116% |
| Rosharon | $564,995 | $155,000 | N/A |
| Briargrove Park/Walnutbend | $549,500 | $156,000 | 62% |
| The Woodlands | $575,000 | $162,000 | 74% |
| Heights/Greater Heights | $610,000 | $175,000 | 60% |
| Timbergrove/Lazybrook | $620,650 | $180,000 | 76% |
| Garden Oaks | $718,000 | $201,000 | 81% |
| Montrose | $715,000 | $204,000 | 38% |
| Briar Hollow | $605,570 | $208,000 | 15% |
| Westchase Area | $689,000 | $209,000 | 4% |
| Rice / Museum District | $860,000 | $242,000 | 27% |
Washington East/Sabine
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington East/Sabine | $513,750 | $151,000 | 52% |
Located at the center of Houston is Washington East/Sabine. It's nestled within the Inner Loop neighborhood.
Washington East/Sabine is famous for its:
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ACCESSIBILITY: I-10 and I-45 is a short distance from Washington East/Sabine residents. Using the interstates, The Galleria is 10 minutes away from the residents.
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NEARBY ACTIVITIES: Residents are a short distance from Memorial Park and Museum District. Memorial park features courts, pools, and trails. Museum District features 19 cultural centers for arts, sciences, maths, and others.
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CENTRAL LOCATION: Residents enjoy a short commute to Houston's Central Business hubs. Residents are only 5 minutes from Downtown and 10 minutes from Texas Medical center. They are the two major employment hubs in Houston.
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PARKS AND TRAILS Residents are minutes from multi-use green spaces surrounding the neighborhood. Crowd favorites are Memorial Park, Buffalo Bayou, and White Oak Bayou.
Zoned to Washington East/Sabine is The Houston Independent School District. Students in the area can attend Crockett elementary school, Marshall Middle School, and Heights High School.
Katy Southwest
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Katy Southwest | $503,500 | $152,000 | 65% |
Katy Southwest is nestled in one of Houston's Best Suburbs. Several master-planned communities like Cross Creek Ranch and Falcon Point make up the area.
It is a location of choice due to its:
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EASY COMMUTE TO WORK: Plenty of headquarters sit in/around the area such as Shell Exploration, Wood Group, and BP North America. Energy Corridor is just a short drive from Katy Southwest.
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SOUGHT AFTER AMENITIES: The area offers varied options in pursuit of an active lifestyle. Water parks, golf courses, and resort-style pools are just a few of its several top-notch amenities.
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EXEMPLARY SCHOOLS: Award-winning Katy ISD served the neighborhood. Stanley Elementary, Beckendorff Jr High, and Seven Lakes High are just three of its several top schools.
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GREEN SPACE: Parks and green spaces dotted the area where one can run, hike, or bike. Scenic lakes and creeks are accessible for hosting outdoor activities.
Residents of Katy Southwest enjoy convenient access to dozens of retail shops and restaurants.
Rice Military/Washington Corridor
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rice Military/Washington Corridor | $533,200 | $154,000 | 26% |
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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| River Oaks Shopping Area | $909,900 | $254,000 | 44% |
| Briargrove | $910,000 | $259,000 | 31% |
| Bellaire Area | $1,038,937 | $290,000 | 24% |
| Upper Kirby | $1,077,000 | $302,000 | 42% |
| Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks | $1,137,500 | $321,000 | 64% |
| Highland Village / Midlane | $1,149,000 | $324,000 | 50% |
| Braeswood Place | $1,163,750 | $327,000 | 66% |
| Memorial Close In | $1,450,000 | $422,000 | 32% |
| West University/Southside Area | $1,593,112 | $439,000 | 61% |
| Memorial Villages | $1,789,000 | $494,000 | 41% |
| Tanglewood Area | $1,821,000 | $518,000 | 40% |
| Memorial Park | $1,800,000 | $519,000 | 32% |
| Rivercrest | $2,450,000 | $701,000 | -58% |
| River Oaks Area | $2,487,985 | $708,000 | 57% |
River Oaks Shopping Area
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| River Oaks Shopping Area | $909,900 | $254,000 | 44% |
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).
Briargrove
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Briargrove | $910,000 | $259,000 | 31% |
Briargrove is a deed-restricted community located about 12 miles from Downtown Houston. It is a tight-knit neighborhood known for its mid-to-large-sized lots.
Briargrove is famous due to its:
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SPACIOUS LOTS: Briargrove homes sit on mid-to-large-sized lots by Houston standards. The sizes range from 7,000 to 10,000 square feet. There are large wooded grounds and well-kept front/backyards in the neighborhood.
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GREAT LOCATION: Briargrove has the Galleria/Uptown area to the east. It has Tanglewood northeast. The Memorial Villages (Piney Point and Hunters Creek) are north of Briargrove. Other nearby communities include Lamar Terrace and Briarmeadow (Woodlake).
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TOP-RATED SCHOOLS: Briargrove is zoned to the Houston Independent School District (HISD). T H Rogers School has 10 out of 10 great school ratings. Other nearby schools are Briargrove Elementary School and Tanglewood Middle. There are several notable private schools nearby as well.
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ACTIVE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION: Briargrove's HOA enforces the community's deed restrictions. They provide 24-hour security. The HOA is dedicated to preserving the neighborhood's atmosphere, look, and feel.
Briargrove is known for its ranch-style homes on large wooded lots. Briargrove has around 900 homes. Like nearby Memorial area communities, Briargrove features updated/remodeled houses. Newly constructed custom-built homes are available as well.
Bellaire Area
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellaire Area | $1,038,937 | $290,000 | 24% |
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:
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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*Default median housing price values are from single-family homes. Neighborhoods with * are exceptions. Condos, townhomes, and single family homes are considered. This is due to the above-average number of condos/townhomes in these market areas.
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We used the following assumptions for calculating monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) using data from https://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)
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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
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Annual home prices are based on HAR MLS reported sales for the prior year between January 1 and May 31. Starting on June 1, the current year HAR MLS sales data is used.
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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.
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For “can comfortably afford” salary assumptions, we used that 28% of gross income could be used toward monthly PITI costs. 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. These include all revolving, installment, and mortgage liabilities. For this ratio, 36% is normally used in planning and around 43% is the maximum allowed.
- Reporters or news outlets, please contact Paige@HoustonProperties.com for an Excel export of every neighborhood’s associated data and calculations.
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Data is deemed accurate but is not guaranteed. Information is provided for informational purposes only.
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 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.
Best Houston Real Estate Resources
- 2022 Update: Houston Texas Zip Code Map | HoustonProperties
- How To Avoid Buying In Houston's Flooded Zones
- 2022 Update: Houston Neighborhoods | Houston Map, Real Estate, Homes
- Best Neighborhoods in Houston to Buy a House
- Preston Place Homes For Sale & Real Estate Trends
