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 second lowest among the top 20 most populous US metros. Based on the cost of living data, it's 36% 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 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.

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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

2022 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 PMartin@HoustonProperties.com

Salary Range Central Houston Suburbs
Under $80k Briarmeadow/Tanglewilde, Five Corners, Medical Center South, Northside, Sharpstown Area Aldine Area, Alief, Bacliff/San Leon, Hobby Area, Humble Area South, Kingwood West, La Marque, Pasadena, Spring East, Willis/New Waverly
$80k-$150k Brays Oaks, Downtown Houston, East End Revitalized, Galleria, Knollwood/Woodside, Medical Center Area, Meyerland Area, Midtown Houston, Oak Forest East, Spring Branch Clear Lake Area, Cypress North, Friendswood, Katy North, League City, Missouri City Area, Pearland, Sienna Area, Stafford Area, Sugar Land East
$150k-$250k Briar Hollow, Briargrove Park/Walnutbend, Cottage Grove, Garden Oaks, Heights/Greater Heights, Montrose, Rice Military/Washington Corridor, Timbergrove/Lazybrook, Washington East/Sabine, Westchase Area
$250k+ Bellaire Area, Highland Village / Midlane, Memorial Close In, Memorial Park, Memorial Villages, Rice / Museum District, River Oaks Area, River Oaks Shopping Area, 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 %
Atascocita North $254,750 $80,000 46%
Bacliff/San Leon $255,000 $79,000 N/A
Five Corners $252,104 $79,000 52%
Kingwood West $249,700 $78,000 42%
Alief $250,800 $77,000 35%
La Marque $239,999 $76,000 62%
Northside $248,375 $75,000 34%
Aldine Area $236,900 $75,000 55%
Medical Center South $238,490 $74,000 52%
Pasadena $237,000 $74,000 -15%
Willis/New Waverly $250,000 $72,000 N/A
Humble Area South $219,400 $71,000 15%
Spring East $218,000 $70,000 32%
Willowbrook South $220,000 $69,000 39%
South Houston $220,000 $69,000 N/A
Briarmeadow/Tanglewilde $205,000 $69,000 -6%
Hempstead $224,000 $68,000 N/A
Humble Area West $210,000 $67,000 16%
Sugar Land North $222,250 $66,000 5%
Northeast Houston $211,250 $65,000 40%
Hobby Area $205,000 $63,000 13%
Sugar Land South $201,500 $63,000 -35%
Bear Creek South $191,750 $62,000 12%
Sharpstown Area $160,000 $49,000 -3%

Atascocita North

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Atascocita North $254,750 $80,000 46%

Atascocita North Map

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:

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.

Map of Atascocita North

Atascocita North Real Estate Trends


Five Corners

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Five Corners $252,104 $79,000 52%

Five Corners Map

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:

Homes in Five Corners range from patio homes to large estate-style homes.

Map of Five Corners

Five Corners Real Estate Trends


Alief

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Alief $250,800 $77,000 35%

Alief Map

Alief is a historic community in Southwest Houston. This community is 15 minutes away from business centers of Westchase and Sugar Land.

The neighborhood is popular thanks to its:

When considering Alief real estate, reviewing the floodplains is a must. Its proximity to the Addicks and Barker Reservoir could lead to flooding in some parts of the community.

Map of Alief

Alief 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 %
Humble Area East $254,000 $81,000 39%
1960/Cypress Creek South $255,000 $82,000 66%
Southbelt / Ellington $260,000 $82,000 51%
Northwest Houston $269,900 $83,000 50%
Winrock $220,000 $84,000 22%
La Porte/Shoreacres $270,000 $84,000 60%
Oak Forest West $270,000 $85,000 45%
Conroe Northeast $282,900 $85,000 54%
Dickinson $277,000 $86,000 49%
Stafford Area $280,000 $86,000 54%
Atascocita South $270,000 $86,000 42%
Spring Northeast $265,000 $86,000 66%
Crosby Area $280,000 $88,000 N/A
1960/Cypress $288,700 $89,000 65%
Huffman Area $288,890 $89,000 1%
Fort Bend South / Richmond $275,100 $89,000 38%
Spring/Klein/Tomball $280,000 $89,000 46%
Conroe Southeast $285,000 $90,000 42%
Alvin South $280,000 $90,000 56%
Brays Oaks $295,000 $90,000 34%
Katy Southeast $289,900 $91,000 26%
Waller $313,005 $93,000 N/A
1960/Cypress Creek North $306,500 $94,000 81%
Magnolia/1488 West $308,671 $95,000 N/A
Missouri City Area $300,000 $95,000 44%
Santa Fe $310,000 $96,000 61%
Mission Bend Area $310,000 $96,000 87%
Brookshire $301,900 $96,000 N/A
Katy North $310,000 $97,000 86%
Medical Center Area $280,000 $98,000 26%
Porter / New Caney West $296,740 $100,000 10%
Hockley $295,900 $101,000 25%
Porter / New Caney East $300,000 $102,000 29%
Denver Harbor $324,945 $102,000 54%
Copperfield Area $330,000 $103,000 78%
Kingwood South $335,500 $103,000 76%
Galleria $285,000 $103,000 0%
Lake Conroe Area $338,950 $104,000 14%
Kingwood NW/Oakhurst $318,000 $104,000 31%
Eldridge North $338,750 $105,000 5%
Charnwood/Briarbend $312,000 $105,000 -10%
Jersey Village $339,250 $106,000 70%
Spring/Klein $335,000 $106,000 59%
Willow Meadows Area $357,500 $108,000 30%
Friendswood $359,950 $109,000 34%
Clear Lake Area $350,000 $109,000 73%
Tomball Southwest $354,355 $110,000 50%
Tomball South/Lakewood $346,500 $111,000 69%
Conroe Southwest $355,000 $112,000 63%
Champions Area $360,000 $112,000 63%
University Area $359,995 $113,000 53%
East End Revitalized $349,960 $113,000 36%
Downtown Houston $271,000 $116,000 18%
Katy Old Towne $341,263 $117,000 36%
Pearland $372,000 $119,000 81%
Riverside $376,750 $119,000 40%
Summerwood / Lakeshore $360,844 $120,000 50%
Kingwood East $393,000 $122,000 52%
Sugar Land East $410,000 $123,000 55%
Fort Bend Country North / Richmond $395,000 $126,000 83%
Spring Branch $399,994 $126,000 56%
Midtown Houston $351,000 $128,000 25%
Tomball $403,000 $129,000 84%
Energy Corridor $420,359 $129,000 48%
Shepherd Park Plaza Area $443,004 $133,000 25%
Magnolia/1488 East $457,500 $134,000 N/A
Alvin North $388,245 $134,000 94%
Fulshear/South Brookshire $410,000 $136,000 9%
Cypress North $420,990 $138,000 72%
Meyerland Area $459,950 $139,000 22%
Sugar Land West $440,000 $139,000 53%
Oak Forest East $455,450 $140,000 62%
Greenway Plaza $397,500 $143,000 -7%
Sienna Area $430,000 $143,000 47%
League City $434,990 $144,000 55%
Knollwood/Woodside $490,000 $148,000 30%

Humble Area East

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Humble Area East $254,000 $81,000 39%

Humble Area East Map

Humble is an independent city located just outside of Beltway 8. This city belongs to the list of Top Suburban Neighborhoods in Houston.

Humble is a go-to choice for the neighborhood because of its:

The city also offers numerous outdoor activity venues, such as Schott, Hirsch, and Timberwood Park. Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center is a popular destination in the area for nature-centric events.

Map of Humble Area East

Humble Area East Real Estate Trends


Southbelt / Ellington

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Southbelt / Ellington $260,000 $82,000 51%

Southbelt / Ellington Map

Southbelt / Ellington is a historic neighborhood near Downtown Houston. It is also near various business and entertainment centers.

Southbelt / Ellington is popular due to its:

Southbelt / Ellington is also home to many parks and trails. Southbelt Hike & Bike Trail and Clear Brook City Park are some of its notable parks.

Map of Southbelt / Ellington

Southbelt / Ellington Real Estate Trends


Northwest Houston

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Northwest Houston $269,900 $83,000 50%

Northwest Houston Map

Northwest Houston lies north of the Energy Corridor. The neighborhood features some of the Best Suburbs in Houston, vintage & recent properties, and housing options.

Northwest Houston remained popular thanks to its:

Northwest Houston homes range in size from 7,000 to more than 80,000 square feet and are spread out on large wooded lots along tree-lined streets.

Map of Northwest Houston

Northwest Houston 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 %
Cottage Grove $479,950 $151,000 47%
Cypress South $450,000 $153,000 65%
Memorial West $480,000 $157,000 -4%
Washington East/Sabine $500,000 $157,000 48%
Rosharon $536,930 $159,000 N/A
Katy Southwest $495,198 $161,000 62%
Fort Bend Southeast $557,536 $164,000 108%
Rice Military/Washington Corridor $531,900 $164,000 26%
Briargrove Park/Walnutbend $549,500 $167,000 62%
The Woodlands $567,000 $171,000 71%
Heights/Greater Heights $610,000 $187,000 60%
Timbergrove/Lazybrook $627,680 $196,000 78%
Briar Hollow $545,000 $204,000 3%
Garden Oaks $700,000 $210,000 77%
Montrose $720,000 $219,000 39%
Westchase Area $699,000 $226,000 6%

Cottage Grove

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Cottage Grove $479,950 $151,000 47%

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


Cypress South

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Cypress South $450,000 $153,000 65%

Cypress South Map

Cypress South is one of Texas’ older neighborhoods and is located 22 miles southwest of Downtown Houston. It features several master-planned communities, such as Ponderosa Forest, also known as the "River Oaks of North Houston."

Cypress South is popular for its:

With a healthy mix of high-end luxury homes and more affordable options, Cypress South rivals Houston’s Best Suburbs.

Map of Cypress South

Cypress South Real Estate Trends


Memorial West

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Memorial West $480,000 $157,000 -4%

Memorial West Map

Over two dozen zones make up the entirety of Memorial West. The properties in each zone attract people to live in Memorial, Houston.

Memorial West homes appeal to people looking for:

Residents of Memorial West enjoy different nearby leisure spots. These spots include malls like Town & Country Village.

Map of Memorial West

Memorial West 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 %
Tiki Island $837,500 $255,000 113%
Rice / Museum District $865,000 $260,000 28%
River Oaks Shopping Area $905,000 $271,000 43%
Briargrove $908,750 $277,000 30%
Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks $985,000 $298,000 42%
Bellaire Area $1,040,000 $311,000 24%
Upper Kirby $1,100,000 $333,000 45%
Braeswood Place $1,163,750 $350,000 66%
Highland Village / Midlane $1,295,000 $390,000 69%
West University/Southside Area $1,595,000 $470,000 61%
Memorial Park $1,650,000 $509,000 21%
Tanglewood Area $1,687,500 $511,000 30%
Memorial Villages $1,760,000 $521,000 39%
Memorial Close In $1,907,500 $590,000 74%
Rivercrest $2,450,000 $750,000 -58%
River Oaks Area $2,594,250 $785,000 64%

Rice / Museum District

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Rice / Museum District $865,000 $260,000 28%

Rice / Museum District Map

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

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

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

Map of Rice / Museum District

Rice / Museum District Real Estate Trends


River Oaks Shopping Area

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
River Oaks Shopping Area $905,000 $271,000 43%

River Oaks Shopping Area Map

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:

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

Map of River Oaks Shopping Area

River Oaks Shopping Area Real Estate Trends


Briargrove

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Briargrove $908,750 $277,000 30%

Briargrove Map

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:

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.

Map of Briargrove

Briargrove 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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