The Salary You Need To Buy A Home In Houston’s Best Neighborhoods
Houston’s Best Neighborhoods:
According to Forbes, Money Magazine and the US Census Bureau, Houston is one of the most affordable major cities in the United States.
Of the 20 Most Populous US Metros, Houston ranks as the 6th city with the most attractive Cost Of Living Index.(1)
Even with fluctuations in the oil & gas market, both the Houston population and median salary are still increasing thanks to a diverse economy and growth in healthcare, services and transportation.(2)
We estimated a 20% down payment. However, many lenders are providing loans with 5% (and in some cases 0%) down.
We analyzed median home prices for 52 Houston neighborhoods, and estimated salary requirements to live in each. Notable highlights:
- The neighborhoods we selected came from our lists of: Best Houston Neighborhood Guide, Top Houston School Rankings, Most Accessible Neighborhoods, Best Real Estate Investments and Best Houston Suburbs.
- Our estimates below used a 20% down payment, but many lenders are providing loans with as little as 5% down. We’re also seeing 0% down loans for professionals (doctors, lawyers, accountants). Contact me for a list of recommended mortgage providers and what (who) to avoid.
- Median prices below include only single family homes unless otherwise stated. Specific methodology and calculations are listed at the bottom of this article.
“Paige Martin is the 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.”
Here are the most notable updates compared to last year’s study:
- 3.7% was the average appreciation rate for these 52 neighborhoods over the past 12 months.
- Neighborhoods with the largest median price increases:
- *26% Memorial Park ($1.4M)
- *19% Highland Village / Mid Lane ($900k)
- 13% Memorial West ($550k)
- 11% Bellaire ($1.1M)
- 10% West University ($1.3M)
- 9% Montrose ($600k)
- 9% Memorial Close In ($375k)
- 8% Energy Corridor ($350k)
- NOTE 1: Areas with less than 40 YTD sales have an * (since a few sales can have a large impact).
- NOTE 2: Much of the growth came from more new construction homes being sold in the area.
- Neighborhoods with the largest median price decreases:
- -9% Garden Oaks ($400k)
- -6% Sienna Area ($300k)
- -5% Champions Area ($225k)
- -4% University / Riverside ($275k)
- -3% Northwest Houston ($175k)
As always, real estate is hyper local. See how your neighborhood is doing.
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We have great lenders. Contact Paige Martin at Paige@HoustonProperties.com for great mortgage banking recommendations.
SUMMARY: ANNUAL SALARY & HOUSTON NEIGHBORHOODS MATRIX
How Much Do I Need To Earn To Live Comfortably In Houston’s Best Neighborhoods
Under $80,000 – Top Houston Neighborhoods
| Area | Median Home Price | Estimated Salary* | Notes |
| *EaDo | $301,000 | $79,595 | Most Accessible |
| Galleria | $293,500 | $77,611 | Most Accessible |
| Katy | $271,685 | $71,843 | Top Ranked Schools |
| Friendswood | $268,000 | $70,868 | Best Golf Courses |
| Pearland | $263,000 | $69,546 | Top Ranked Schools |
| League City | $261,000 | $69,017 | Best Suburbs |
| Cypress | $259,375 | $68,588 | Best Suburbs |
| *Downtown | $255,000 | $67,431 | Most Accessible |
| Clear Lake | $248,320 | $65,664 | Top Ranked Schools |
| Kingwood | $245,000 | $64,786 | Top Ranked Schools |
| University Area / Riverside | $245,000 | $64,786 | MetroRail Access |
| *Medical Center | $237,900 | $62,909 | MetroRail Access |
| Champions Area | $225,000 | $59,498 | Top Ranked Schools |
| Jersey Village | $224,000 | $59,233 | Best Suburbs |
| Eldridge North | $221,250 | $58,506 | Top Ranked Schools |
| Spring / Klein | $221,000 | $58,440 | Best Suburbs |
| Copperfield Area | $211,000 | $55,796 | Top Ranked Schools |
| Northwest Houston | $177,750 | $47,003 | Top Ranked Schools |
Under $80,000 – EaDo / East Downtown
EaDo is one of the Houston’s top up-and-coming neighborhoods.
Located adjacent to Downtown Houston (hence the name East Downtown), this area was a graveyard of abandoned supermarkets and restaurants until about 10 years ago.
East Downtown (EaDo) is a vibrant Houston neighborhood near the major business districts of Downtown Houston, the Texas Medical Center, and the Houston Ship Channel.
EaDo is located north of Interstate 45, and between the George R. Brown Convention Center and the East End district.
EaDoHouston.com dubbed the neighborhood as the “Art & Soul of Houston.” Formerly referred to as “Houston Chinatown,” EaDo was filled with inexpensive land.
Over the past few years, this community has seen one of the largest investments in capital projects of any part of Houston.
EaDo benefits from the new BBVA Soccer stadium, MetroRail expansion, multiple new apartment and townhome complexes and an explosion of (highly rated) new restaurants and bars.
The reinvention of the EaDo area has propelled it among Houston Neighborhoods With Best Land Value Appreciation.
See All East Downtown Homes For Sale
Under $80,000 – Galleria / Uptown Park
Located just outside the Inner Loop, The Galleria is one of Houston’s busiest and most exciting districts.
Nestled at the corner of Southwest Freeway, Galleria is one of Houston’s most accessible districts. It is in close proximity to Memorial Park, one of the country’s largest urban park. Downtown Houston, Medical Center and the West University area are about 15 to 20 minutes away from the area as well.
Most of the people who live in the Galleria / Uptown park area live in condo and highrises. (Compare Galleria Condos), as land values are quite high.
Highrise living allows residents to reside just a few blocks from numerous entertainment hubs like The Galleria mall and Uptown Park, as well as several hundred restaurants, parks, and shops.
Galleria highrises also offer great amenities: tennis courts, pools, saunas, fitness rooms, well-kept grounds, roof top decks, and more. Porters, valet, building managers, concierges, trash & dry cleaning pickup are also available at many luxury buildings.
The most popular real estate in Galleria are condos. Most of the Best Houston Condo Investments are within luxury highrises within the Galleria area.
See All Galleria Homes For Sale
Under $80,000 – Medical Center
The Texas Medical Center is the largest medical center in the world. The area also has one of the highest concentrations of clinical facilities for patient care, basic science, and translational research.
Living in the medical center affords a fantastic commute to anyone working in the complex. In addition, the Medical Center is a few minutes away from Downtown Houston. Other Loop 610 neighborhoods are conveniently accessible from the district, including Rice University, Museum District, and West University.
The Medical Center features a wide selection of homes including single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. Fannin Station, one of Houston’s Best Gated Communities, is also located with the neighborhood. Several of Houston’s Newest Condo Buildings are coming up in the area too.
According to Houston’s Best Public Schools, many of public schools within the Medical Center are ranked amongst the top in the state of Texas. Roberts Elementary, Poe Elementary, Pershing Middle and Lamar High School are among the highly rated public schools zoned to the neighborhood.
Medical Center’s real estate market has been one of the best performing suburban Houston neighborhoods over the past one, five and ten-year periods.
See All Medical Center Homes For Sale
Under $80,000 – Katy
Katy is one of Houston’s top ranked suburbs and many of Katy’s public schools are ranked amongst the top in the state of Texas according to the Houston’s Best Public Schools guide.
Katy rates well among the best suburbs in Texas based upon community ratings for public schools, affordability, commute time, livability and amenities.
The neighborhood is 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.
Katy is also 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.
Located about 29 miles west of Downtown Houston, the city of Katy covers a 10.7-square mile area.
Known as Old Katy or “Katy – Old Towne”, the city is west of Grand Parkway, bisected by Interstate 10 (Katy Freeway).
Greater Katy spans a much larger 181-square mile area, covering unincorporated neighborhoods and communities within Harris, Waller, and Fort Bend counties. The area’s boundaries are based from the KISD’s, with the city of Katy serving as its anchor.
See All Katy Homes For Sale
Under $80,000 – Pearland
Pearland made it into this list due to the number of highly rated schools zoned to its homes. The city also offers a relatively shorter commute to key Houston areas like the Medical Center and Downtown.
More than 80% of Pearland is residential, and like most Houston suburbs that made this list, it is home to several master-planned communities. Silverlake, Silvercreek, Green Tee Terrace, Sunrise Lakes, Shadow Creek Ranch, and Southern Trails are just some of the communities within the city.
Pearland features a number of shopping and entertainment centers, including the Pearland Town Center, Shadow Creek Town Center, and Silverlake Village Shopping Center. Golf courses like Clear Creek Golf Club, Southwyck Golf Club, and Golfcrest Country Club are all within Pearland.
Most Pearland homes are zoned to the Pearland ISD, though small portions of the city are under Fort Bend, Alvin, Clear Creek, Houston, and Pasadena ISDs.
See All Pearland Homes For Sale
$80,000 to $150,000 – Top Houston Neighborhoods
$80,000 – $150,000 – Memorial Close-In
Located west of Downtown Houston, the Memorial area lies just outside Loop 610.
The vast Memorial area is made up of several neighborhoods, independent cities, and smaller gated communities.
The area is zoned to some of the top ranked schools in Texas including Memorial Drive Elementary, Frostwood Elementary, Wilchester Elementary, Bunker Hill Elementary, Memorial Middle and Memorial High.
Land value in Memorial is typically lower than neighborhoods like Tanglewood, West University, or River Oaks, and many Memorial homes for sale have large, wooded lots. A large number of Memorial home buyers choose the area because they want more land than inner loop neighborhoods provide.
Memorial homes enjoy easy access to schools, stores, restaurants, entertainment centers, and parks. The Galleria/Uptown area and the Energy Corridor, two of Houston’s largest employment centers, are easily accessible from Memorial.
Note: The following communities have been included in the Memorial Close In area: Sherwood Forest, Winston Wood, Pinewood Estates, Bayou Woods, Stablewood, Longwoods, Oak Hill, Park Laureate Place, Park at Saddlebrook.
See All Memorial Close-In Homes For Sale
$80,000 to $150,000 – Cottage Grove
Cottage Grove is centrally located within the Inner Loop, near entertainment, dining, and retail hubs, as well as job centers and cultural hotspots.
Conveniently located along the Katy Freeway, the neighborhood is about 10 minutes away from the Galleria and Downtown Houston.
There are plenty of housing options in the neighborhood, ranging from vintage cottages and townhomes. Increased demand for Cottage Grove homes has sparked a surge of new development in the area.
Cottage Grove is one of Houston’s burgeoning neighborhoods. With new construction custom-built homes, townhomes in gated communities, and old single-family homes, homebuyers have a bevy of options.
See All Cottage Grove Homes For Sale
$80,000 to $150,000 – Houston Heights
One of the first “master-planned” communities in the city, Houston Heights is an exciting neighborhood of 3,700 homes located north of I-10 highway, south of Loop 610 and west of Highway 45.
Homes for sale in the Heights appreciated by 14% last year. Homes sold in 2004 have risen by more than half of its value in just 10 years.
Ranked #4 in CNN Money’s Top 10 Big City Neighborhoods, The Heights offers charm and a small-town feel; along with a fantastic collection of restaurants, coffee bars, antique shops, parks, and running trails.
The Hike & Bike Trail in the Heights recently opened with several new bridges. It connects the north side of Houston’s Inner loop with soon-to-be over hundred miles of city trails.
See All Houston Heights Homes For Sale
$80,000 to $150,000 – Oak Forest
Made up of more than 5,500 homes, Oak Forest is a quaint neighborhood located just outside the Loop.
Oak Forest real estate have remained popular over the years due to several factors, including the neighborhood’s location, large lots, and relatively affordable home prices.
Homes in the area enjoy convenient access to schools, stores, restaurants, entertainment centers, and parks.
Business and employment hubs in the Galleria and Downtown Houston are easily accessible from the neighborhood.
Apart from relatively easy commutes and the neighborhood’s quiet suburban feel, Oak Forest’s schools are also a great draw for homebuyers.
View All Oak Forest Homes For Sale
$80,000 to $150,000 – Timbergrove / Lazybrook
Timbergrove is a quaint neighborhood that features rolling terrains, large lots and tree-lined winding streets.
The residential area lies west of the Houston Heights and along the wooded banks of White Oak Bayou.
Timbergrove homes for sale are mostly mid-century, one-story ranch style brick homes.
It is also among the approximately 60 Houston neighborhoods carrying the “Super Neighborhood” recognition.
Timbergrove is flanked by Katy Freeway, giving residents easy access to main Inner Loop hubs such as Memorial Park, Galleria, and Downtown Houston.
View All Timbergrove Homes For Sale
$150,000 to $250,000 – Top Houston Neighborhoods
| Area | Median Home Price | Estimated Salary* | Notes |
| *Rice / Museum District | $629,000 | $166,329 | Best Appreciation |
| Montrose | $630,000 | $166,593 | Most Accessible |
| River Oaks Shopping Area | $688,000 | $181,930 | Most Accessible |
| Royal Oaks | $700,000 | $185,104 | Best Gated Communities |
| *Braeswood Place | $800,000 | $211,547 | Most Expensive |
| Royden / Afton Oaks | $827,500 | $218,819 | Most Expensive |
| Briargrove | $859,950 | $227,400 | Top Ranked Schools |
| Highland Village / Midlane | $887,450 | $234,672 | Best Appreciation |
$150,000 to $250,000 – Royal Oaks Country Club
Royal Oaks Country Club is a luxurious enclave immediately west of the Westchase business district.
Royal Oaks offers a 24-hour, guard-gated entrance and is a fully gated community. Over 8 miles of masonry wall encompasses the borders of the subdivision.
The subdivision was developed by Las Vegas-based Sunrise Colony Company, one of the most renowned residential and country club community developers in the country.
Royal Oaks Country Club amenities include resort style pool, playground area, WiFi access in common areas, community media room, business center, community park, basketball court, and a courtyard.
The subdivision includes a 48,000 sq ft clubhouse with private locker rooms, fine dining, casual grill restaurant, private wine cellar, and a banquet space.
Royal Oaks Country Club homes for sale include luxury single-family homes and mansions with over 4 bedrooms and 4 baths.
Royal Oaks residents enjoy close proximity to hundreds of retail and shopping options in the Galleria and The Royal Oaks Village.
See All Royal Oaks Country Club Homes For Sale
$150,000 to $250,000 – Rice / Museum District
Houston’s Museum District is 2nd in the country (only to Manhattan, NY) with the largest number of museums in a contiguous area.
Within a 1.5 mile radius, the Museum District includes 19 museums that offers educational, artistic, and scientific resources. A dozen of the member museums have free admission each day.
The district also features Rice University, Houston Zoo, Hermann Park Golf Course, three running trails, Miller Outdoor Theatre and MetroRAIL access to The Medical Center and Downtown Houston.
There are multiple property types throughout the area, and Museum District condos and townhomes are certainly a popular choice.
Much of the newer construction is architecturally-inspired, allowing these Museum District homes to compliment the vibrant feel of the area.
See All Museum District Homes For Sale
$150,000 – $250,000 – Braeswood Place
Braeswood Place is an exclusive neighborhood with mostly luxury single-family homes. The neighborhood is surrounded by West University, Medical Center, Linkwood / Woodside, and Bellaire.
The neighborhood consists of 7 private subdivisions: Ayrshire, Braes Heights, Braes Oaks, Braes Manor, Braes Terrace, Emerald Forest, and Southern Oaks.
Braeswood had the 2nd highest 10-year appreciation rate within Inner Loop.
The neighborhood’s prime location, deed restrictions, and its gorgeous collection of new construction homes make it one of the most desirable communities in Houston.
See All Braeswood Place Homes For Sale
$150,000 to $250,000 – Royden Oaks / Afton Oaks
Royden Oaks is a quiet enclave of over 200 homes in the heart of Inner Loop.
The subdivision enjoys the same location benefits of its neighbor, River Oaks. While it has its own collection luxury homes for sale, Royden Oaks real estate are still less expensive compared to homes for sale in River Oaks.
Royden Oaks is located in the geographic center of Houston making it one of the most accessible Houston neighborhoods.
Home sizes range from 2,000 – 5,000 square feet and are at least 25 feet away from the front property line guaranteeing spacious front yards.
Posh new constructions have been changing the Royden Oaks real estate market for the past decade.
Despite being on relatively smaller lots, these new homes rival the grandeur of River Oaks homes for sale and sell in the neighborhood of $1 million. More than a third of the older homes have already been replaced with stunning 2-story homes.
See All Royden Oaks Homes For Sale
$150,000 to $250,000 – Highland Village / Midlane
Highland Village is a deed-restricted residential enclave located about 6 miles west of Downtown Houston.
Located along Westheimer and a stone’s throw away from Southwest Freeway and Loop 610, Highland Village has convenient access to key Houston areas like the Galleria, Museum District, Downtown, and the Medical Center.
The neighborhood has plenty of shopping options nearby: the Highland Village Shopping Center, Central Market, Galleria, Uptown Village, and Rice Village.
From vintage single-family homes from the early 50s to new construction custom-built homes, Highland Village offers a great selection. Surrounded by some of the most expensive neighborhoods in Houston, Highland real estate are slightly more affordable than those in River Oaks and Afton Oaks.
View All Highland Village Homes For Sale
Over $250,000 – Top Houston Neighborhoods
| Area | Median Home Price | Estimated Salary* | Notes |
| River Oaks | $2,050,000 | $542,089 | Most Expensive |
| Memorial Villages | $1,562,450 | $413,165 | Most Expensive |
| Memorial Park | $1,430,000 | $378,140 | Most Expensive |
| Tanglewood | $1,425,000 | $376,818 | Most Expensive |
| West University | $1,298,635 | $343,403 | Most Expensive |
| Bellaire | $1,085,625 | $287,076 | Most Expensive |
Over $250,000 – River Oaks
River Oaks is Houston’s most expensive and most exclusive neighborhood.
The grande dame of Houston’s luxury enclaves, River Oaks is a 1,100-acre enclave of mansions and estates found at the heart of Inner Loop Houston.
The neighborhood is north of the Upper Kirby district and is near many major thoroughfares such as Westheimer Road, Kirby Drive, and San Felipe Street.
Houston main districts Downtown, Galleria and Medical Center are within 15 to 20 minutes from River Oaks.
Parts of River Oaks have acre-plus lots and deed restrictions to keep out commercial establishments. Other parts of River Oaks (notably on the South and Eastern sides) border the River Oaks Shopping Center, Upper Kirby / Greenway Plaza and are home to a fabulous collection of shops and restaurants.
The entirety of River Oaks is a scenic view of towering trees that line streets coupled with intricately detailed bushes that lead to pocket gardens. There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, boutiques, and art galleries in the River Oaks Shopping Center and West Ave complexes.
See All River Oaks Homes For Sale
Over $250,000 – Tanglewood
Nestled just outside of Houston’s 610 Loop, north of the Galleria, and about 7 miles west of Downtown Houston, Tanglewood is one of Houston’s premier neighborhoods.
Apart from being one of Houston’s most expensive neighborhoods, Tanglewood is also among the Best Houston Neighborhoods for Land Value Appreciation.
Tanglewood offers a good commute to Houston’s major job centers including: Downtown, the Galleria and Energy Corridor. In addition, over 550 Yelp-ranked establishments are within 3 miles of the neighborhood.
The median home price in Tanglewood is approximately $1.75 million. When comparing with West University or River Oaks, the average Tanglewood home for sale is newer and has a larger lot (land prices are cheaper). Compared with homes in Memorial Villages, Tanglewood land values are more expensive and lots are smaller.
See All Tanglewood Homes For Sale
Over $250,000 – Memorial Villages
The Memorial Villages is a collection of six independent villages: Hunters Creek,Piney Point, Hedwig, Bunker Hill, Spring Valley, and Hilshire.
Memorial Villages, or simply the “Villages,” is located along Katy Freeway, west of Greater Houston.
Memorial Villages residents enjoy easy access to major roads leading to Downtown and Medical Center. Another major employment center, the Energy Corridor, is a short drive away.
With deed restrictions and its own governing bodies in place, the Memorial Villages maintain a quiet and private ambiance. Each city also operates its own police and fire departments.
See All Memorial Villages Homes For Sale
Over $250,000 – West University
West University is consistently ranked as one of Houston’s best communities.
West University has its own police force, which boasts that they have “one of the best crime rates in all of Houston.” Residents can sign up for text messages to be alerted to any community issues, in real time.
With a median home price over $1M (and new construction constantly selling over $2M), West University also has one of the best five and ten year appreciation rates of any neighborhood in Houston.
West University offers a premier commute to Houston’s major job hubs including: Downtown Houston, The Medical Center, The Galleria, Greenway Plaza, and all major highways.
The neighborhood’s park system, baseball fields, recreation center, library, and Rice Village offer one of Houston’s most accessible communities.
See All West University Homes For Sale
Over $250,000 – Bellaire
Known locally as the “City of Homes”, Bellaire TX is a Houston neighborhood of mostly luxury 3-bedroom single-family homes priced between $400,000 to over $1,000,000.
Bordered by the cities of Houston and West University, Bellaire enjoys a central location within the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metropolitan area.
The name “Bellaire” originated from “good air” or “good breeze”, attributed to the neighborhoods small-town, family-friendly community.
Bellaire is also neighbors with West University, Braeswood, and Linkwood.
Texas Medical Center, Galleria, and Museum District are approximately 10 minutes away from Bellaire.
See All Bellaire Homes For Sale
More About Paige MartinTop Realtor In Houston
As featured on Fox News in the Morning, Houston Business Journal, and Houston Chronicle, Paige Martin, a consistent Top Producing Broker-Associate and the owner of HoustonProperties.com, is ranked amongst the top Keller Williams agents in the United States.
Paige Martin is ranked as one of the top residential real estate agents in the world.
A Houston-area native, Paige is an experienced, successful partner in any residential real estate transaction. Armed with a local perspective of the city & a deep knowledge of Houston real estate market, her skills have marked her as one of the most sought-after agents in Houston.
Upon graduation from Baylor University, Paige launched a career as a marketing consultant, developing customized marketing plans and strategies for her clients. She now uses those professional marketing skills to help her real estate clients find and sell their homes.
When working with home sellers, Paige employs individually-tailored, cutting-edge techniques to gain her clients the most value in the shortest time.
She is also an ideal partner for buyers, helping them make informed home-buying decisions with the least amount of stress.
Paige is passionate about her work, her clients and her city. Her attention to detail and excellent communication skills make her the perfect choice for those looking to buy or sell a home in Houston.
In addition to her robust real estate career, Paige was appointed by Houston’s Mayor Bill White to serve on the Board of Directors for the Downtown Redevelopment Authority and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #3 (TIRZ), where she volunteers her time as a Chairman of the Housing Committee, as well as a member the Budget & Finance Committee. Paige also serves a variety of non-profits, civic and community boards and has been recognized for fundraising by the Houston Police Foundation.
A member of the National Association of Realtors, Texas Association of Realtors and Houston Association of Realtors, Paige has served on the Houston Association of Realtors MLS Advisory Group, in which she volunteers on the TEMPO Task Force and the CMA Task Force. Paige is also the co-chair of the Keller Williams Realty – Memorial Office’s Luxury Homes Committee.
Paige Martin is a customer-focused Houston Realtor’ (member of the National Association of Realtors) dedicated to providing exceptional service. Paige and her team guides clients through all aspects of learning about Houston, relocating to Houston, buying a home, buying a highrise or condo, tips for selling your home and ensuring that your transaction goes as seamlessly as possible.
Email Paige at Paige@HoustonProperties.com or call 713-384-5177 today for personalized service.
Sources, Methodology & Disclosures
- http://www.houston.org/assets/pdf/economy/Houston_Facts_2017.pdf
- http://www.houston.org/newgen/10_Employment_and_Workforce/10B%20W001%20Employment%20by%20Industry.pdf
- Median home sale prices were calculated by HAR MLS Geo Market area or neighborhood based on data from YTD 2017.
- All median Houston home sale information was sourced by the HAR MLS system.
- *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.) Braeswood Place, Rice/Museum District, Memorial West, Midtown, Downtown, EaDo, Memorial Close In, Medical Center.
- For monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes and insurance) the following assumptions were used: 20% down payment, 3.8% interest rate, 30 year mortgage, 2.54% effective property tax rate, 0.5% annual insurance cost based on the median sale price, no PMI. Monthly PITI costs were generated, using those assumptions, using http://www.mortgagecalculator.org/
- 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 (all revolving, installment, and mortgage liabilities). For this ratio 36% is normally used in planning and around 43% is around the maximum allowed. Contact your mortgage provider for specifics, or contact me for recommendations.
- Data is deemed accurate, but is not guaranteed. Information is provided for informational purposes only.
