How Much Salary Do You Need To Buy A Home In Houston's Top Neighborhoods

Find the best places to live in Houston for your budget.

How Much Salary Do You Need To Buy A Home In Houston's Top Neighborhoods

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 top 20 most populous US metros. Based on the cost of living data, it's 29.2% cheaper to live here than in the 20 biggest cities in the country (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 [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.

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Houston's Best Neighborhoods Guide

Table of Contents

  1. Houston Home Salary Requirements Highlights & Data
  2. Annual Salary & Houston Neighborhoods Matrix
  3. Under $80,000: Where can I Afford to Live in Houston?
  4. $80,000 to $150,000: Best Neighborhoods
  5. $150,000 to $250,000: Cost of Luxury Homes
  6. Over $250,000: Most Expensive Areas
  7. Sources, Methodology & Disclosures
  8. 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

Highlights

As always, real estate is hyper-local. See how your neighborhood and the home affordability are doing.

Data Summary


Annual Salary & Houston Neighborhoods Matrix

Annual Salary & Houston Neighborhoods Matrix

If you’d like to see any specific single-family homes, please contact Paige Martin at [email protected]

Salary Range Central Houston Suburbs
Under $80k Five Corners, Medical Center South, Sharpstown Area, Winrock Aldine Area, Bacliff/San Leon, Hempstead, Hobby Area, La Marque, Northeast Houston, Pasadena, South Houston, Willis/New Waverly
$80k-$150k Brays Oaks, Briarmeadow/Tanglewilde, Downtown Houston, East End Revitalized, Galleria, Medical Center Area, Midtown Houston, Oak Forest East, Shepherd Park Plaza Area, Spring Branch Cypress North, Cypress South, Fort Bend County North / Richmond, Friendswood, Katy North, Katy Old Towne, Katy Southeast, Pearland, Sugar Land East, Sugar Land West
$150k-$250k Briargrove Park/Walnutbend, Cottage Grove, Greenway Plaza, Heights/Greater Heights, Knollwood/Woodside, Meyerland Area, Montrose, Rice Military/Washington Corridor, Timbergrove/Lazybrook, Washington East/Sabine
$250k+ Bellaire Area, Highland Village / Midlane, Memorial Park, Memorial Villages, Rice / Museum District, River Oaks Area, River Oaks Shopping Area, Rivercrest, Tanglewood Area, West University/Southside Area Tiki Island

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 %
Five Corners $249,700 $80,000 52%
Alief $255,000 $80,000 47%
Winrock $189,000 $79,000 -14%
Medical Center South $245,500 $77,000 47%
Pasadena $245,000 $77,000 27%
Sharpstown Area $250,000 $77,000 35%
Hempstead $245,000 $76,000 16%
Aldine Area $235,000 $76,000 51%
Willis/New Waverly $252,500 $75,000 17%
Bacliff/San Leon $240,000 $75,000 N/A
Northeast Houston $235,000 $74,000 56%
Hobby Area $235,000 $73,000 41%
La Marque $225,000 $73,000 40%
South Houston $232,500 $72,000 35%

Five Corners

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Five Corners $249,700 $80,000 52%

Five Corners Map

Located just south of the Medical Center Area, Five Corners is a large neighborhood just inside Beltway 8.

The area is popular for its:

Five Corners homes come in a wide variety of architectural styles, including traditional, modern, colonial, and English styles. Price points are similar to neighboring Brays Oaks, starting at around $120,000.

Map of Five Corners

Five Corners Real Estate Trends


Alief

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Alief $255,000 $80,000 47%

Alief Map

Alief is a neighborhood located in southwest Houston. It’s known for its proximity to major highways, top-notch schools, and recreational parks.

Several factors make this neighborhood appealing, including:

Alief is close to Sugar Land Business Park, home to several businesses. These include Tramontina, Shell, Chevron, and BMC Software.

Map of Alief

Alief Real Estate Trends


Medical Center South

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Medical Center South $245,500 $77,000 47%

Medical Center South Map

Medical Center South is in the southern part of Houston, Texas. It is home to a variety of businesses, including medical offices and hospitals.

Medical Center South is famous for its:

Medical Center South is near the Texas Medical Center. It is one of the largest medical centers in the world.

Map of Medical Center South

Medical Center South Real Estate Trends


$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 $262,645 $81,000 -15%
Stafford Area $270,000 $83,000 45%
Humble Area West $260,000 $84,000 52%
Conroe Northeast $254,970 $84,000 45%
1960/Cypress Creek South $257,495 $84,000 55%
Humble Area East $260,000 $84,000 52%
Spring East $258,990 $84,000 48%
Southbelt / Ellington $270,000 $85,000 56%
Humble Area South $265,500 $86,000 47%
Willowbrook South $270,000 $86,000 61%
Northside $275,000 $88,000 31%
Porter / New Caney West $255,000 $89,000 23%
Bear Creek South $280,000 $89,000 64%
La Porte/Shoreacres $275,000 $89,000 49%
Crosby Area $277,995 $91,000 52%
Deer Park $285,000 $91,000 54%
1960/Cypress $299,000 $93,000 60%
Mission Bend Area $300,000 $93,000 73%
Alvin South $289,950 $93,000 62%
Conroe Southeast $288,000 $94,000 40%
Dickinson $295,000 $94,000 43%
Northwest Houston $299,900 $94,000 65%
Missouri City Area $295,000 $94,000 38%
Atascocita North $300,000 $95,000 47%
Medical Center Area $254,500 $95,000 15%
1960/Cypress Creek North $305,000 $95,000 64%
Katy North $301,000 $96,000 65%
Brays Oaks $310,000 $96,000 29%
Kingwood West $308,500 $98,000 57%
Atascocita South $310,000 $99,000 47%
Conroe Southwest $310,000 $101,000 14%
Sugar Land North $340,000 $103,000 27%
Magnolia/1488 West $310,000 $104,000 24%
Hockley $302,762 $104,000 43%
Lake Conroe Area $333,840 $104,000 37%
Kingwood NW/Oakhurst $304,922 $105,000 14%
Porter / New Caney East $310,000 $105,000 20%
Copperfield Area $335,000 $105,000 65%
Denver Harbor $330,000 $105,000 22%
Spring/Klein $335,000 $106,000 52%
University Area $331,500 $106,000 27%
Willow Meadows Area $350,000 $106,000 9%
Spring/Klein/Tomball $334,425 $107,000 55%
Jersey Village $352,000 $110,000 53%
Oak Forest West $362,500 $110,000 41%
Santa Fe $354,320 $110,000 86%
Brookshire $316,995 $111,000 4%
Champions Area $356,000 $111,000 52%
East End Revitalized $355,000 $114,000 21%
Fort Bend South / Richmond $340,000 $114,000 61%
Kingwood South $375,000 $116,000 67%
Clear Lake Area $369,950 $116,000 55%
Eldridge North $372,725 $117,000 31%
Magnolia/1488 East $377,954 $118,000 34%
Galleria $310,000 $118,000 4%
League City $379,682 $119,000 58%
Waller $361,425 $120,000 56%
Cypress North $380,000 $121,000 60%
Friendswood $395,000 $121,000 65%
Pearland $379,000 $121,000 54%
Tomball $375,000 $123,000 47%
Downtown Houston $277,500 $123,000 3%
Summerwood / Lakeshore $378,237 $129,000 40%
Tomball South/Lakewood $399,000 $129,000 58%
Riverside $399,000 $131,000 15%
Kingwood East $422,500 $132,000 45%
Spring Northeast $410,000 $134,000 74%
Katy Old Towne $386,600 $135,000 61%
Fort Bend County North / Richmond $412,000 $135,000 64%
Shepherd Park Plaza Area $429,900 $135,000 0%
Katy Southeast $435,000 $135,000 50%
Spring Branch $430,000 $136,000 30%
Briarmeadow/Tanglewilde $410,000 $136,000 39%
Midtown Houston $388,950 $138,000 11%
Energy Corridor $455,000 $140,000 32%
Alvin North $407,574 $141,000 72%
Sienna Area $420,500 $142,000 15%
Sugar Land East $474,000 $144,000 50%
Sugar Land West $455,900 $145,000 44%
Tomball Southwest $430,000 $146,000 3%
Oak Forest East $490,000 $148,000 42%
Fulshear/South Brookshire $446,995 $150,000 7%
Cypress South $435,000 $150,000 48%
Charnwood/Briarbend $432,500 $150,000 -2%
Rosharon $509,500 $150,000 N/A
Fort Bend Southeast $499,450 $150,000 11%

Huffman Area

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Huffman Area $262,645 $81,000 -15%

Huffman Area Map

Huffman Area is a 35-minute drive from the northeastern outskirts of Houston. This makes accessing the Medical Center, Downtown, and local shops in Huffman easy.

Huffman Area’s commendable aspects include:

Huffman Area boasts a lower population density. This fosters a closer-knit community atmosphere compared to some other Houston neighborhoods.

Map of Huffman Area

Huffman Area Real Estate Trends


Stafford Area

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Stafford Area $270,000 $83,000 45%

Stafford Area Map

Stafford is a 7-square-mile city about 18 miles southwest of Downtown Houston. It is bound by Houston (north), Sugar Land (west), and Missouri City (southeast). The city is popular for its business-friendliness and close-knit communities and features convenient travel, nearby employment centers, and outdoor spaces.

The neighborhood is famous for its:

Notably, Stafford is the “Island of Business Opportunity.”

Map of Stafford Area

Stafford Area Real Estate Trends


Humble Area West

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Humble Area West $260,000 $84,000 52%

Humble Area West Map

Nestled west of I-69, Humble Area West is made up of smaller communities near the George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Humble Area West residents enjoy:

Humble Area West features a great mix of residential communities, commercial areas, and green spaces. Golf courses, job centers, and parks are highly accessible from the area.

Map of Humble Area West

Humble Area West Real Estate Trends


$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 %
Meyerland Area $516,500 $157,000 18%
Cottage Grove $516,500 $164,000 27%
Washington East/Sabine $540,250 $167,000 29%
Knollwood/Woodside $555,600 $168,000 16%
Katy Southwest $516,000 $169,000 47%
Rice Military/Washington Corridor $560,000 $173,000 18%
The Woodlands $630,000 $191,000 65%
Sugar Land South $625,000 $192,000 37%
Timbergrove/Lazybrook $620,000 $193,000 51%
Greenway Plaza $499,500 $196,000 12%
Briargrove Park/Walnutbend $650,000 $198,000 50%
Heights/Greater Heights $675,000 $208,000 43%
Memorial West $734,500 $228,000 42%
Montrose $772,500 $234,000 18%

Meyerland Area

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Meyerland Area $516,500 $157,000 18%

Meyerland Area Map

Nestled just outside Loop 610, Meyerland offers easy access to urban conveniences. Work, entertainment, dining, and shopping are at hand in this neighborhood.

Meyerland gained its popularity, thanks to its:

Meyerland is a deed-restricted neighborhood. It is primarily a residential community with single-family homes.

Map of Meyerland Area

Meyerland Area Real Estate Trends


Cottage Grove

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Cottage Grove $516,500 $164,000 27%

Cottage Grove Map

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

Cottage Grove is popular thanks to its:

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

Map of Cottage Grove

Cottage Grove Real Estate Trends


Washington East/Sabine

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Washington East/Sabine $540,250 $167,000 29%

Washington East/Sabine Map

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:

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.

Map of Washington East/Sabine

Washington East/Sabine Real Estate Trends


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 %
Westchase Area $785,000 $253,000 11%
Garden Oaks $845,000 $255,000 89%
Tiki Island $874,500 $273,000 92%
River Oaks Shopping Area $974,950 $294,000 30%
Briar Hollow $775,000 $303,000 52%
Rice / Museum District $1,027,500 $314,000 37%
Briargrove $1,095,000 $335,000 35%
Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks $1,137,500 $346,000 37%
Upper Kirby $1,142,930 $347,000 46%
Bellaire Area $1,217,000 $369,000 27%
Highland Village / Midlane $1,247,500 $378,000 56%
Braeswood Place $1,348,875 $408,000 76%
Memorial Park $1,475,000 $462,000 -1%
West University/Southside Area $1,850,000 $546,000 47%
Memorial Villages $2,093,304 $631,000 23%
Memorial Close In $2,235,000 $686,000 19%
Tanglewood Area $2,287,500 $705,000 43%
River Oaks Area $3,175,000 $965,000 51%
Rivercrest $5,226,100 $1,614,000 89%

Westchase Area

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Westchase Area $785,000 $253,000 11%

Westchase Area Map

Located southeast of the Energy Corridor, Westchase covers over 4 square miles of land.

Westchase area is well-known due to its:

The Westchase area offers an array of housing options spanning from single-family homes to townhomes, ranging from $300,000 to over $3,000,000.

Map of Westchase Area

Westchase Area Real Estate Trends


Garden Oaks

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Garden Oaks $845,000 $255,000 89%

Garden Oaks Map

With about 1,400 homesites, Garden Oaks showcases a variety of traditional and new construction homes. Located just off Loop 610, this largely residential neighborhood has some of the Best Land Value Appreciation Rates in Houston.

Garden Oaks features:

The Garden Oaks community continues to grow as developers buy up land in the area.

Map of Garden Oaks

Garden Oaks Real Estate Trends


Tiki Island

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Tiki Island $874,500 $273,000 92%

Tiki Island Map

Tiki Island is a lovely neighborhood situated on a small man-made island with a unique island vibe and beautiful coastal sights in Galveston Bay. It is also close to Houston and Galveston.

Tiki Island is known for its:

Tiki Island has had a stable appreciation of property values. The community compares well with the best Houston neighborhoods in land value appreciation.

Map of Tiki Island

Tiki Island Real Estate Trends


Sources, Methodology & Disclosures

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.


The Best Houston Realtor to Sell Your Home

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.

Houston Properties Team awards

Recent awards include:

. . . 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

best realtors in Houston

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

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

The benefits of working with a team include:

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


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