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.
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.
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
Highlights
As reflected in the data below, homebuyers are spending more in monthly payments than they would two years ago on a similar property given increased prices.
Homeowners who benefited from lower mortgage rates are less motivated to move (and sell).
The new mortgage rates have impacted the real estate market. The data below shows the home price range in Houston's top neighborhoods with today's mortgage rate.
As always, real estate is hyper-local. See how your neighborhood and the home affordability are doing.
Data Summary
The neighborhoods we selected came from our lists of:
Our estimates of Houston home salary requirements used a 20% down payment. However, some lenders have special 0% or 5% down loans. Contact me for a list of recommended mortgage providers and who to avoid.
Houston median home prices below 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 [email protected]
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 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crosby Area | $245,990 | $80,000 | 23% |
| Denver Harbor | $264,500 | $80,000 | -10% |
| Stafford Area | $270,500 | $80,000 | 51% |
| Southbelt / Ellington | $265,100 | $80,000 | 43% |
| Huffman Area | $237,990 | $80,000 | -17% |
| Conroe Northeast | $257,000 | $79,000 | 41% |
| 1960/Cypress Creek South | $255,000 | $78,000 | 50% |
| Humble Area South | $255,000 | $78,000 | 37% |
| La Marque | $250,000 | $77,000 | 28% |
| Willowbrook South | $253,500 | $76,000 | 49% |
| Spring East | $245,000 | $76,000 | 42% |
| Humble Area East | $247,750 | $75,000 | 41% |
| Northside | $245,500 | $75,000 | -1% |
| Humble Area West | $247,750 | $75,000 | 41% |
| Five Corners | $250,000 | $75,000 | 47% |
| Medical Center South | $250,000 | $74,000 | 46% |
| Bacliff/San Leon | $252,000 | $74,000 | 18% |
| Alief | $250,000 | $74,000 | 40% |
| Sharpstown Area | $250,000 | $73,000 | 28% |
| Pasadena | $245,000 | $73,000 | 36% |
| Aldine Area | $230,000 | $70,000 | 50% |
| South Houston | $225,000 | $67,000 | 33% |
| Northeast Houston | $230,000 | $67,000 | 41% |
| Hobby Area | $220,000 | $65,000 | 39% |
| Willis/New Waverly | $209,745 | $59,000 | 11% |
Crosby Area
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crosby Area | $245,990 | $80,000 | 23% |
Crosby Area is known as a small, rural town east of Houston. The neighborhood is perfect for a tranquil, nature-centric lifestyle.
Crosby Area is famous for its:
ACCESSIBILITY: Crosby Area is conveniently located near several major roads and freeways. US-90, also known as the Crosby Freeway, is a major east-west highway that runs through the Crosby Area. Beltway 8 is also nearby. These roads offer convenient access to Downtown Houston and other nearby cities.
UNITED COMMUNITY: Crosby Area, being a small rural town, fosters a strong sense of community and close-knit bonds among its residents.
MANY RETAIL AND DINING OPTIONS: The Crosby Area has a wide range of restaurants and stores. These cater to the needs of residents, ensuring convenience and accessibility. The nearby Lake Houston further serves the residents' needs.
Living in the Crosby Area allows individuals to embrace a more relaxed and unhurried lifestyle. A lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle commonly associated with larger cities. To discover more about the Crosby area and others, read this guide.
Denver Harbor
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Harbor | $264,500 | $80,000 | -10% |
Denver Harbor is located north of The Houston Ship Channel turning basin. Although physically divided by Interstate Highway 10, the neighborhood’s local identity as a historic community remains strong.
Denver Harbor features:
GREAT LOCATION: Denver Harbor is close to Downtown and has great access to East Freeway and Interstate Highway 10. Public transportation, health facilities, supermarkets, and multi-service centers are readily available to residents.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES: The neighborhood offers excellent recreational facilities with swimming pools, indoor gymnasiums, parks, playgrounds, open sports fields, and hike and bike trails. Some of these facilities include Selena Quintanilla Perez-Denver Harbor Park, Cliff Tuttle Park, and Nieto Park.
GREAT SCHOOLS: Denver Harbor has great choices of public and private schools like Eliot Elementary School and Pugh Elementary School. Specialized educational programs in the maritime industry are also offered in schools like Seamen’s Church Institute and in Houston Maritime Center in the neighboring area of Second Ward/EaDo.
Denver Harbor is home to neighborhoods known for their mix of residential, industrial, and commercial uses. Although a predominantly residential area, the southern part along Clinton Drive is more industrial, while Lyons Avenue is the major commercial corridor.
Stafford Area
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stafford Area | $270,500 | $80,000 | 51% |
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:
ACCESSIBILITY: The primary Street in the city is the US Highway 90 Alternate. Main roads and thoroughfares (Beltway 8, I-69, Highway 6) are just minutes away from Stafford homes. Connecting Rosenberg and Richmond and to downtown Houston.
BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT NEARBY: The city has 15 business parks and is home to companies from various industries. Big companies like Cooper Valves, Fiserv Inc., and Flextronics International are situated in the city.
GREEN SPACES: The city has over 35 acres of green space. Popular destinations include Gordon Fountain Lake Park, Vaccaro Manor Park, and Stafford Centre.
RETAIL AND DINING OPTIONS: Stafford homes are just minutes away from restaurants, cafes, bars, and shopping centers. The Fountains Shopping Center, located along I-69, features several restaurants and stores.
Notably, Stafford is the “Island of Business Opportunity.”
$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 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Creek South | $268,000 | $81,000 | 50% |
| Hempstead | $275,000 | $82,000 | 11% |
| Northwest Houston | $275,000 | $82,000 | 57% |
| Mission Bend Area | $282,950 | $83,000 | 53% |
| La Porte/Shoreacres | $280,000 | $84,000 | 51% |
| 1960/Cypress | $287,250 | $84,000 | 52% |
| Brays Oaks | $290,000 | $85,000 | 27% |
| Katy North | $290,000 | $87,000 | 54% |
| Winrock | $227,000 | $87,000 | 5% |
| Deer Park | $287,000 | $87,000 | 46% |
| Atascocita South | $289,000 | $88,000 | 36% |
| Missouri City Area | $299,790 | $89,000 | 45% |
| Conroe Southeast | $287,990 | $89,000 | 42% |
| Atascocita North | $298,840 | $89,000 | 44% |
| 1960/Cypress Creek North | $307,393 | $91,000 | 63% |
| Kingwood West | $305,000 | $91,000 | 50% |
| Porter / New Caney East | $284,990 | $92,000 | 11% |
| Dickinson | $306,500 | $92,000 | 49% |
| Sugar Land North | $330,000 | $94,000 | 26% |
| Copperfield Area | $315,000 | $94,000 | 48% |
| Porter / New Caney West | $295,945 | $95,000 | 34% |
| Waller | $296,719 | $96,000 | 32% |
| Conroe Southwest | $310,995 | $96,000 | 21% |
| Medical Center Area | $290,000 | $96,000 | 21% |
| Brookshire | $289,990 | $97,000 | 0% |
| East End Revitalized | $312,750 | $97,000 | 4% |
| University Area | $315,000 | $97,000 | 26% |
| Santa Fe | $335,000 | $98,000 | 48% |
| Lake Conroe Area | $330,000 | $98,000 | 36% |
| Oak Forest West | $337,500 | $98,000 | 29% |
| Spring/Klein | $329,500 | $98,000 | 47% |
| Hockley | $300,000 | $100,000 | 45% |
| Eldridge North | $345,000 | $102,000 | 63% |
| Jersey Village | $350,000 | $104,000 | 56% |
| Clear Lake Area | $350,000 | $104,000 | 40% |
| Champions Area | $357,425 | $106,000 | 58% |
| Magnolia/1488 West | $334,900 | $106,000 | 26% |
| Spring/Klein/Tomball | $355,025 | $107,000 | 57% |
| Kingwood South | $365,000 | $108,000 | 49% |
| Fort Bend South / Richmond | $345,210 | $108,000 | 60% |
| Midtown Houston | $349,950 | $111,000 | 9% |
| Cypress North | $380,000 | $113,000 | 55% |
| Tomball | $370,000 | $114,000 | 42% |
| Pearland | $380,000 | $114,000 | 46% |
| League City | $390,000 | $114,000 | 47% |
| Summerwood / Lakeshore | $375,000 | $116,000 | 31% |
| Galleria | $323,750 | $116,000 | 11% |
| Katy Old Towne | $350,545 | $117,000 | 21% |
| Willow Meadows Area | $405,700 | $118,000 | 38% |
| Tomball South/Lakewood | $389,500 | $119,000 | 46% |
| Magnolia/1488 East | $385,000 | $119,000 | 18% |
| Kingwood NW/Oakhurst | $395,000 | $120,000 | 37% |
| Fort Bend County North / Richmond | $395,000 | $121,000 | 51% |
| Downtown Houston | $277,500 | $121,000 | 11% |
| Spring Northeast | $415,000 | $126,000 | 62% |
| Friendswood | $440,000 | $126,000 | 64% |
| Katy Southeast | $430,000 | $127,000 | 56% |
| Kingwood East | $425,000 | $127,000 | 44% |
| Riverside | $425,000 | $128,000 | 37% |
| Briarmeadow/Tanglewilde | $435,000 | $128,000 | 47% |
| Sugar Land East | $458,500 | $131,000 | 44% |
| Shepherd Park Plaza Area | $450,000 | $133,000 | 2% |
| Fulshear/South Brookshire | $429,604 | $136,000 | 12% |
| Rosharon | $494,950 | $137,000 | N/A |
| Tomball Southwest | $423,000 | $138,000 | 12% |
| Energy Corridor | $470,000 | $138,000 | 32% |
| Cypress South | $436,000 | $142,000 | 51% |
| Spring Branch | $475,000 | $142,000 | 40% |
| Sugar Land West | $475,500 | $144,000 | 47% |
| Sienna Area | $457,000 | $146,000 | 38% |
| Katy Southwest | $485,000 | $147,000 | 44% |
| Washington East/Sabine | $489,000 | $148,000 | 14% |
Bear Creek South
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Creek South | $268,000 | $81,000 | 50% |
Bear Creek Village is a well-established suburb located north of the Energy Corridor. It is also nearby various amenities and must-visit attractions.
Bear Creek South is popular thanks to its:
FASCINATING ARCHITECTURE: The neighborhood boasts traditional and English-style homes. There are also a few homes that feature modern and futuristic designs.
PRIME LOCATION: The community is near major thoroughfares and freeways. It is also only a few minutes and miles away from Downtown Houston and the Memorial area.
PARKS AND TRAILS: It is next to Bear Creek Pioneers Park, the place for outdoor activities. Other parks and trails nearby also feature sports fields and picnic areas.
A civic club enforces deed restrictions across the community's 13 sections. Based on neighborhood evaluations, it is among Houston's Top Suburban Neighborhoods.
Hempstead
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hempstead | $275,000 | $82,000 | 11% |
Located at the junction of roads Highway 290, and Texas State Highways 6 and 159, Hempstead is just 50 miles west of Downtown Texas.
Hempstead is well-known for its:
ACCESSIBILITY: Hempstead neighborhood is situated near academic schools and universities. It is a 5-minute good commute to schools like Blinn College, Texas A&M University, and Prairie View A&M University.
RETAIL: Nearby grocery stores include Dollar Tree, Walmart, and Brookshire Brothers. Some fresh fruits and vegetable markets where you can shop for produce and juicy watermelons are El Puas, Gurrola Produce, and Dilorio Farms.
DINING OPTIONS: Residents of Hempstead enjoy a variety of restaurant options in the neighborhood. Dining restaurants with 4 to 5-star ratings are Hempstead Steak & Seafood, Breakfast Paradise, and Hill Country BBQ.
GREEN SPACE: Hempstead is rich in vegetation and there is a lot of green space perfect for farming or gardening and even raising farm animals like chickens. Sceneries are green hills and beautiful oak trees which makes the neighborhood a haven for relaxation.
The residents enjoy hanging out at Hempstead City Park nearby which is pet-friendly. The park amenities include a playground and pavilions for children and adult outdoor activities.
Northwest Houston
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Houston | $275,000 | $82,000 | 57% |
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:
TOP PERFORMING SCHOOLS: Zoned to several school districts namely Aldine, Houston, Klein, and Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District. The community houses some of Houston’s Best Public Schools including Joe E Moreno Elementary and Burbank Middle.
AFFORDABILITY: Northwest Houston has some of the Best Suburbs in Houston based on community ratings for affordability, amenities, commute time, public schools, and livability. Woodwind Lakes, a Top-Rated Houston Gated Community, is also located in the area.
WIDE RANGE OF HOME OPTIONS: Northwest Houston features established subdivisions and master-planned communities, with vintage homes and new construction abodes. Traditional-style single-family homes and large estates can be found in the area.
STRONG REAL ESTATE MARKET: The Northwest Houston neighborhood area is one of the Best in Land Appreciation with strong results in 5 and 10-year valuations.
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.
$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 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Bend Southeast | $524,900 | $152,000 | 50% |
| Cottage Grove | $509,500 | $155,000 | 27% |
| Oak Forest East | $536,000 | $156,000 | 49% |
| Meyerland Area | $549,000 | $159,000 | 32% |
| Charnwood/Briarbend | $544,000 | $160,000 | 22% |
| Rice Military/Washington Corridor | $550,000 | $164,000 | 23% |
| Knollwood/Woodside | $575,000 | $166,000 | 22% |
| Sugar Land South | $610,000 | $175,000 | 38% |
| Briargrove Park/Walnutbend | $650,000 | $189,000 | 47% |
| The Woodlands | $646,000 | $189,000 | 80% |
| Greenway Plaza | $550,000 | $190,000 | 8% |
| Timbergrove/Lazybrook | $665,000 | $199,000 | 52% |
| Tiki Island | $685,000 | $200,000 | 42% |
| Heights/Greater Heights | $747,000 | $219,000 | 57% |
| Memorial West | $757,500 | $222,000 | 52% |
| Montrose | $850,000 | $249,000 | 32% |
Fort Bend Southeast
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Bend Southeast | $524,900 | $152,000 | 50% |
Fort Bend Southeast is within the well-known Fort Bend County. It features nearby several luxurious neighborhoods and master-planned communities. This includes the cities of Sugar Land, Missouri, and Richmond.
Fort Bend Southeast community is famous for its:
EXCLUSIVE PRIME LOCATION: Fort Bend is nearby Sugar Land and Pearland master-planned communities. It is close to several retail hubs and business districts. Its proximity to the Southwest Freeway and FM 762 makes the commute easier.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: The neighborhood enjoys several parks and trails. There are courts, sports fields and swimming pools for the community's use.
EXEMPLARY SCHOOLS: Fort Bend is zoned to some of Houston's Best Schools. Reading Jr High and George Ranch High School are National Blue Ribbon awardees. These schools serve the area.
Fort Bend Southeast has several retail and entertainment hubs. Residents can enjoy excellent dining and shopping options at Greatwood and Sienna.
Cottage Grove
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cottage Grove | $509,500 | $155,000 | 27% |
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:
LUXURY COMMUNITIES: The neighborhood’s reemergence brought luxury development like Larkin at Cottage Grove, Patterson Heights, Reserve on Kansas, and Reserve at Washington. These exclusive gated communities offer new construction homes, luxury amenities, and secure access.
TOP SCHOOLS: Lamar High School, an IB World School and one of Houston’s Best Schools, serves a portion of Cottage Grove. Hogg Middle School, serving the IB Middle Years Programme, is also zoned to the neighborhood.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITY HUBS: Memorial Park, Houston’s largest urban park, is minutes away from Cottage Grove. Residents have plenty of outdoor activity options: Memorial Park Golf Course, miles of multi-use trails, picnic areas, tennis courts, and other facilities.
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.
Oak Forest East
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Forest East | $536,000 | $156,000 | 49% |
Located about 10 miles from downtown Houston, Oak Forest East is one of Houston’s best neighborhoods in land value appreciation.
Oak Forest East is known for its:
IDEAL LOCATION & ACCESSIBILITY: Oak Forest East is located just minutes from downtown Houston and the Galleria. Major roads and freeways are highly accessible from the neighborhood, including Loop 610, US 290, Ella Blvd, and TC Jester Blvd.
NOTABLE SCHOOLS: Oak Forest Elementary is one of the best schools in the city and in the State of Texas.
LARGE LOTS: Oak Forest East is known for its spacious lots ranging from 6,000 to over 17,000 sq. ft.
One of Houston’s older neighborhoods, Oak Forest features a mix of older ranch-style homes from the 1950s and 1960s and newer custom-built homes. The neighborhood also has an HOA that enforces deed restrictions.
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 | $902,500 | $259,000 | 31% |
| Briar Hollow | $750,750 | $260,000 | 36% |
| Westchase Area | $860,000 | $264,000 | 34% |
| Garden Oaks | $969,500 | $278,000 | 118% |
| Upper Kirby | $1,141,262 | $359,000 | 47% |
| Braeswood Place | $1,350,000 | $388,000 | 32% |
| Bellaire Area | $1,322,500 | $392,000 | 27% |
| Briargrove | $1,400,000 | $407,000 | 76% |
| Rice / Museum District | $1,480,000 | $425,000 | 79% |
| Memorial Park | $1,600,000 | $476,000 | 4% |
| Highland Village / Midlane | $1,670,000 | $483,000 | 78% |
| Tanglewood Area | $1,877,500 | $549,000 | 27% |
| West University/Southside Area | $2,002,500 | $564,000 | 57% |
| Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks | $1,965,000 | $567,000 | 124% |
| Memorial Close In | $1,996,498 | $588,000 | 70% |
| Memorial Villages | $2,800,000 | $791,000 | 77% |
| River Oaks Area | $3,200,000 | $926,000 | 65% |
| Rivercrest | $4,337,500 | $1,251,000 | 12% |
River Oaks Shopping Area
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| River Oaks Shopping Area | $902,500 | $259,000 | 31% |
River Oaks Shopping Area is nestled between River Oaks and 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:
EXCELLENT LOCATION: River Oaks Shopping Area boasts an excellent location within the Inner Loop and provides easy access to Downtown, Galleria, and the Medical Center. Along with the Highland Village, boutiques and restaurants in Westheimer and San Felipe are minutes away.
SHOPPING, DINING, AND ENTERTAINMENT: The area is home to the River Oaks Shopping Center which has 100+ retail shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The River Oaks Theater, Houston's premier art house cinema, is within the shopping center.
TOP-RANKED SCHOOLS: The neighborhood is zoned to top-ranked schools such as Lanier Middle and Lamar High School. Both are IB World Schools.
PARKS & RECREATION: The neighborhood is a few minutes away from River Oaks Park. Memorial Park, one of Houston's largest urban parks, is just a short drive away. The park features a golf course, tennis courts, trails, and picnic areas.
River Oaks Shopping Area is near major thoroughfares, including Katy Freeway (I-10), Loop 610, and Southwest Freeway (US 59).
Briar Hollow
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Briar Hollow | $750,750 | $260,000 | 36% |
Located south of Buffalo Bayou and Memorial Park, Briar Hollow is home to numerous upscale gated communities, luxury high-rise condominiums, and world-class retail centers. The neighborhood is nestled between the Galleria and River Oaks, one of Houston’s most expensive neighborhoods.
The community is known for its:
PROXIMITY TO GALLERIA: Briar Hollow provides quick access to the Galleria, one of the city’s most vibrant retail and business districts. The area is home to over 23 million square feet of office space and around 5 million square feet of retail spots.
HIGHLAND VILLAGE & RIVER OAKS DISTRICT: The neighborhood is located near the River Oaks District and Highland Village, which offer a mix of premier boutiques and high-end dining. Other exciting retail centers nearby are Uptown Park and Post Oak Plaza.
MEMORIAL PARK: Residents can enjoy miles of hike and bike trails, the Memorial Park Golf Course, and the Seymour Lieberman Exer-trail. The 1500-acre Memorial park has croquet, volleyball, skating, swimming, and tennis facilities, along with playgrounds and picnic spots.
The Wilshire and the Arabella are two new upscale high-rise developments with lavish amenities located within Briar Hollow. Audubon Hollow, Eaton Square, and River Hollow are among the best-gated communities in Houston.
Westchase Area
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westchase Area | $860,000 | $264,000 | 34% |
Located southeast of the Energy Corridor, Westchase covers over 4 square miles of land.
Westchase area is well-known due to its:
ACCESSIBILITY: Residents have access to several major thoroughfares, including State Highway 6, Beltway 8, and Westheimer Road, offering short commutes to key districts like the Galleria and Downtown.
PROXIMITY TO ENERGY CORRIDOR: The Energy Corridor is one of the largest employment centers in Houston. Several energy companies have offices in the area.
OUTDOOR RECREATION OPTIONS: Royal Oaks Country Club is one of Houston's best golf course communities. In addition, residents enjoy Woodchase Park which features a dog park, a water misting feature, and a multi-purpose pavilion.
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.
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.
Houston.org
*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.
We used the following assumptions for calculating monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) using data from https://www.mortgagecalculator.org/:
- 20% down payment
- 6.69% 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 & mcad-tx.org)
The neighborhood median HOA fee if applicable. This mostly applies to * communities where condos or townhomes are included like Downtown Houston.
- 0.5% annual insurance costs
Annual home prices are based on HAR MLS reported sales for the prior year between January 1 and May 31. Starting on June 1, the current year HAR MLS sales data is used.
For annual appreciation or depreciation salary requirement rates, we did not make any modifications based on the most recent tax reform act. We assumed taxes rates were constant in our calculations between monthly PITI costs and salary requirements.
For “can comfortably afford” salary assumptions, we used that 28% of gross income could be used toward monthly PITI costs. 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 [email protected] for an Excel export of every neighborhood’s associated data and calculations.
Data is deemed accurate but is not guaranteed. Information is provided for informational purposes only.
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 Real Brokerage, 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 ranked the #5 Keller Williams agent worldwide in 2018. Her team has closed more than $2 billion in Houston residential real estate sales.
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.
