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 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.
Table of Contents
- Houston Home Salary Requirements Highlights & Data
- Annual Salary & Houston Neighborhoods Matrix
- Under $80,000: Where can I Afford to Live in Houston?
- $80,000 to $150,000: Best Neighborhoods
- $150,000 to $250,000: Cost of Luxury Homes
- Over $250,000: Most Expensive Areas
- Sources, Methodology & Disclosures
- The Best Houston Realtor to Sell Your Home
Houston Home Salary Requirements Highlights & Data
“Paige Martin is Houston's best Realtor. She is highly experienced and very knowledgeable. She made our buying experience an enjoyable one, not only for us, but for our daughter, son-in-law and several of our friends. We have bought and sold many houses, and Paige has been the best realtor we have ever worked with. We highly recommend her and The Houston Properties Team.” Jeremy & Lynn Greene
2022 Highlights
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The mortgage rate (6.29%) is at its highest since 2008. We're seeing the market slow down as homebuyers and home sellers review their options.
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As reflected in the data below, homebuyers would be spending a lot more in monthly payments than they would this time last year on a similar property.
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Homeowners who benefited from lower mortgage rates are less motivated to move (and sell).
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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
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The neighborhoods we selected came from our lists of:
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Our estimates of Houston home salary requirements used a 20% down payment. However, some lenders have special 0% or 5% down loans. Contact me for a list of recommended mortgage providers and who to avoid.
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Houston median home prices above include only single-family homes unless otherwise stated. Methods and calculations for the salary needed to live comfortably in Houston are listed at the bottom of this article (1).
Annual Salary & Houston Neighborhoods Matrix
If you’d like to see any specific single-family homes, please contact Paige Martin at PMartin@HoustonProperties.com
Note: We're only displaying the first ten neighborhoods per section here. For the full list, please refer to the tables under each respective salary range below.
Under $80,000: Where can I Afford to Live in Houston?
"The Houston Properties Team was absolutely amazing. I had initially listed with a different realtor that was recommended by a neighbor with very poor results. It was even more difficult because I was no longer in Houston and the trust I had put in the other agent was definitely taken advantage of. However, when I found Kim with the Houston Properties Team, all that changed. I was informed throughout the process and when she promised something would be done, it was. Before the experience with her, I swore off ever even considering purchasing a home again. She restored my faith in the real estate world." – Jeanette (Google Review)
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stafford Area | $260,000 | $80,000 | 40% |
| Conroe Northeast | $265,495 | $79,000 | 58% |
| Kingwood West | $250,000 | $78,000 | 47% |
| Humble Area East | $245,000 | $78,000 | 44% |
| 1960/Cypress Creek South | $245,000 | $78,000 | 55% |
| Alief | $250,000 | $77,000 | 39% |
| Bacliff/San Leon | $249,450 | $76,000 | N/A |
| Katy Southeast | $241,250 | $75,000 | 15% |
| Pasadena | $239,500 | $75,000 | 26% |
| Five Corners | $245,000 | $75,000 | 40% |
| Medical Center South | $243,000 | $75,000 | 47% |
| Northside | $236,000 | $74,000 | 17% |
| Charnwood/Briarbend | $195,750 | $73,000 | -26% |
| La Marque | $230,000 | $73,000 | 50% |
| Northeast Houston | $237,062 | $73,000 | 58% |
| Aldine Area | $230,000 | $73,000 | 44% |
| Willis/New Waverly | $245,500 | $71,000 | 12% |
| Hempstead | $214,500 | $68,000 | -22% |
| South Houston | $211,000 | $65,000 | 24% |
| Atascocita North | $205,000 | $64,000 | 14% |
| Hobby Area | $204,000 | $63,000 | 30% |
| Winrock | $140,000 | $62,000 | -25% |
| Spring East | $194,950 | $62,000 | 23% |
| Humble Area West | $169,550 | $54,000 | 4% |
| Humble Area South | $144,900 | $47,000 | -12% |
| Briarmeadow/Tanglewilde | $120,000 | $46,000 | -46% |
| Sugar Land South | $4,100 | $5,000 | -98% |
| Sharpstown Area | $2,150 | $4,000 | -98% |
| Sugar Land North | $3,500 | $3,000 | -98% |
| Bear Creek South | $2,100 | $2,000 | -98% |
| Oak Forest West | $2,900 | $2,000 | -98% |
| Willowbrook South | $2,475 | $2,000 | -98% |
Stafford Area
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stafford Area | $260,000 | $80,000 | 40% |
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:
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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.
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BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT NEARBY: The city has 15 business parks and is home to companies from various industries. Big companies like UPS and Seamar Divers are situated in the city.
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GREEN SPACES: The city has over 35 acres of green space. Popular destinations include Gordon Fountain Lake Park, Vaccaro Manor Park, and Stafford Centre.
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RETAIL AND DINING OPTIONS: Stafford homes are just minutes away from restaurants, cafes, bars, and shopping centers. The Fountains Shopping Center, located along I-59, features several restaurants and stores.
Notably, Stafford is the “Island of Business Opportunity.”
Humble Area East
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humble Area East | $245,000 | $78,000 | 44% |
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:
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VIBRANT RETAIL AND DINING: Deerbrook Mall offers urban conveniences to residents of Humble. The mall features 140+ shops that cater to varied interests.
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GOLF CLUB OF HOUSTON: This club offers public and members-only golf courses. It is located in Fall Creek, which was named one of Best Golf Course Communities in Houston.
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TOP-RATED SCHOOLS: The city is zoned to top-ranking Humble ISD. The district has a "Recognized" rating from the Texas Education Agency.
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.
Alief
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alief | $250,000 | $77,000 | 39% |
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:
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EXCELLENT ACCESSIBILITY: Alief has easy access to several retail stores and restaurants. Meyerland Plaza, Hong Kong City Mall, and the Galleria are also a short drive away.
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GREAT LOCATION: Alief is located on major roads and thoroughfares. It is near Westpark Tollway, Beltway 8 to its east, Interstate 69 and U.S. 90 to its south, and Highway 6 to its west. Bus terminals in the area make commuting to Houston's hubs easy.
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DIVERSE REAL ESTATE OPTIONS: Alief features several subdivisions, townhomes, and apartments. Architectural styles vary from traditional to modern.
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.
$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 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atascocita South | $258,500 | $82,000 | 46% |
| Medical Center Area | $215,000 | $82,000 | -20% |
| Southbelt / Ellington | $262,500 | $83,000 | 49% |
| Spring Northeast | $259,000 | $83,000 | 60% |
| Spring/Klein/Tomball | $265,375 | $84,000 | 47% |
| Dickinson | $280,000 | $86,000 | 45% |
| Huffman Area | $279,990 | $86,000 | -8% |
| Crosby Area | $270,000 | $86,000 | 44% |
| Alvin South | $271,680 | $86,000 | 55% |
| Brays Oaks | $286,187 | $87,000 | 19% |
| Mission Bend Area | $285,560 | $88,000 | 70% |
| Fort Bend South / Richmond | $275,550 | $89,000 | 40% |
| Northwest Houston | $289,900 | $89,000 | 64% |
| Conroe Southeast | $281,000 | $90,000 | 36% |
| Brookshire | $284,900 | $90,000 | 17% |
| Waller | $311,000 | $91,000 | 15% |
| La Porte/Shoreacres | $289,000 | $91,000 | 57% |
| 1960/Cypress Creek North | $305,000 | $93,000 | 74% |
| Hockley | $270,000 | $93,000 | 20% |
| Kingwood South | $304,000 | $94,000 | 52% |
| Katy North | $300,000 | $94,000 | 71% |
| 1960/Cypress | $311,000 | $95,000 | 72% |
| Santa Fe | $315,000 | $95,000 | 53% |
| Missouri City Area | $305,995 | $97,000 | 40% |
| Magnolia/1488 West | $295,000 | $97,000 | 11% |
| Porter / New Caney East | $286,500 | $98,000 | 17% |
| Eldridge North | $325,000 | $100,000 | 18% |
| Tomball South/Lakewood | $316,000 | $101,000 | 44% |
| Conroe Southwest | $320,000 | $101,000 | 30% |
| Champions Area | $332,500 | $102,000 | 41% |
| Tomball Southwest | $327,980 | $102,000 | 64% |
| Spring/Klein | $325,000 | $102,000 | 42% |
| Magnolia/1488 East | $350,000 | $102,000 | 36% |
| Copperfield Area | $331,750 | $103,000 | 68% |
| Lake Conroe Area | $338,685 | $103,000 | 30% |
| Porter / New Caney West | $309,990 | $104,000 | 22% |
| Clear Lake Area | $341,700 | $105,000 | 58% |
| Katy Old Towne | $310,000 | $107,000 | 39% |
| Jersey Village | $342,750 | $108,000 | 56% |
| University Area | $359,950 | $109,000 | 38% |
| Denver Harbor | $352,375 | $110,000 | 49% |
| Galleria | $303,000 | $112,000 | -8% |
| Willow Meadows Area | $372,500 | $113,000 | 26% |
| Kingwood NW/Oakhurst | $355,000 | $114,000 | 42% |
| Pearland | $362,675 | $115,000 | 60% |
| Kingwood East | $375,000 | $117,000 | 33% |
| Riverside | $400,000 | $120,000 | 14% |
| Summerwood / Lakeshore | $355,625 | $121,000 | 34% |
| East End Revitalized | $351,750 | $121,000 | 26% |
| Friendswood | $410,000 | $122,000 | 49% |
| Sugar Land East | $410,000 | $122,000 | 42% |
| Tomball | $391,000 | $125,000 | 64% |
| Energy Corridor | $411,775 | $126,000 | 27% |
| Fort Bend Country North / Richmond | $395,000 | $126,000 | 65% |
| Sienna Area | $384,990 | $129,000 | 13% |
| Alvin North | $372,990 | $129,000 | 69% |
| Fulshear/South Brookshire | $400,000 | $134,000 | -1% |
| Shepherd Park Plaza Area | $446,950 | $134,000 | 11% |
| Cypress North | $409,995 | $135,000 | 61% |
| Spring Branch | $442,965 | $138,000 | 52% |
| Sugar Land West | $449,999 | $140,000 | 45% |
| Midtown Houston | $369,500 | $140,000 | 15% |
| Meyerland Area | $465,000 | $141,000 | 10% |
| Downtown Houston | $337,500 | $142,000 | 30% |
| League City | $449,995 | $144,000 | 64% |
| Oak Forest East | $479,900 | $144,000 | 45% |
| Cypress South | $423,204 | $145,000 | 51% |
| Katy Southwest | $460,125 | $150,000 | 37% |
Atascocita South
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atascocita South | $258,500 | $82,000 | 46% |
Atascocita South is one of the 15 subdivisions in the lakeside community of Atascocita CDP. This neighborhood sits east of Humble, one of the Best Houston Suburbs.
Atascocita South features:
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WORLD-CLASS AMENITIES: The community is home to golf and country clubs like the Atascocita Country Club and Walden Country Club. Other amenities include tennis courts, fitness centers, pools, and dining and lounge venues.
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EASE OF ACCESS: The Farm to Market 1960 road leads Atascocita residents to nearby grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants, gas stations, and pharmacies. The community also connects to nearby neighborhoods and major hubs via Beltway 8, Interstate 69, and Eastex Freeway.
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NEXT-DOOR ATTRACTIONS: Atascocita South is around 30 minutes from the business district of Downtown Houston. Home to major attractions like Houston Aquarium, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, and Toyota Center.
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OUTDOOR RECREATIONS: A few minutes east of Atascocita South is the 12,000-acre Lake Houston. Residents can enjoy outdoor recreational activities like swimming, fishing, skiing, and boating.
Atascocita South is among the most liveable neighborhoods in Houston. Primarily because of its convenient location and accessibility to nearby lifestyle and entertainment establishments.
Medical Center Area
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Center Area | $215,000 | $82,000 | -20% |
The Medical Center area is known for its world-class health facilities. Due to this, the demand for homes in the area is increasing over time.
The Texas Medical Center features:
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GREAT ACCESSIBILITY: The neighborhood is along the METRORail Red Line stations and freeways. Some of the best communities around Houston are also accessible including Downtown.
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TOP-RANKED SCHOOLS: Medical Center is zoned to Houston ISD, which is home to many of Houston's top-ranked schools. Roberts Elem, Pershing Middle, and Lamar High are some of the best schools that serve the area.
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WIDE VARIETY OF AMENITIES: Several local amenities are available due to the area's location within the Inner Loop. Museums, restaurants, and retail centers are located around the area. Residents also have easy access to the state's largest medical district.
The Texas Medical Center was founded in the mid-1940s. Over time, new construction townhomes emerged in the area to replace the old ones. Recent developments have also resulted in good appreciation rates over the last decade.
Southbelt / Ellington
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southbelt / Ellington | $262,500 | $83,000 | 49% |
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:
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TOP-RANKED SCHOOLS: Southbelt / Ellington is zoned to the Clear Creek Independent School District. It is home to some of the top schools in Houston. This includes North Pointe Elementary, Clear Lake Intermediate, and Westbrook Intermediate.
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ACCESSIBILITY: Residents living in this neighborhood can enjoy easy access to some of the major hotspots in Houston. Interstate 45, Beltway 8, and Texas State Highway 3 run along Southbelt.
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NEARBY BUSINESS CENTERS: This community is also near major business centers. Some of the top employers near the area are NuGen Automation and Midwest Steel Co., Inc.
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.
$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 | $495,000 | $156,000 | 26% |
| Knollwood/Woodside | $505,000 | $160,000 | 15% |
| Fort Bend Southeast | $495,500 | $163,000 | 56% |
| The Woodlands | $550,000 | $165,000 | 52% |
| Washington East/Sabine | $547,500 | $166,000 | 33% |
| Greenway Plaza | $416,500 | $168,000 | -20% |
| Rice Military/Washington Corridor | $555,000 | $171,000 | 19% |
| Briargrove Park/Walnutbend | $577,500 | $176,000 | 51% |
| Timbergrove/Lazybrook | $575,000 | $177,000 | 42% |
| Memorial West | $580,000 | $184,000 | 9% |
| Rosharon | $628,500 | $184,000 | N/A |
| Heights/Greater Heights | $685,000 | $209,000 | 53% |
| Garden Oaks | $707,750 | $212,000 | 77% |
| Westchase Area | $706,500 | $226,000 | 0% |
| Briar Hollow | $571,000 | $230,000 | 1% |
| Montrose | $754,999 | $230,000 | 24% |
| Tiki Island | $802,500 | $244,000 | 104% |
Cottage Grove
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cottage Grove | $495,000 | $156,000 | 26% |
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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
Knollwood/Woodside
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knollwood/Woodside | $505,000 | $160,000 | 15% |
Knollwood / Woodside is a residential area split into 11 deed-restricted sections. The neighborhood is of its tree-lined streets and homes with manicured lawns.
Knollwood / Woodside is popular due to its:
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ACCESSIBILITY: It is near main roads like Buffalo Speedway, and Braeswood Boulevard. Major job spots like Texas Medical Center and The Galleria are only a short distance from the area.
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ACTIVE CIVIC CLUB: The Knollwood Village Civic Club actively enforces deed restrictions. It manages the neighborhood’s security as well.
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NEARNESS TO AMENITIES: Moreover, Knollwood / Woodside is close to several retail and dining spots. It is only a few minutes away from Vanderbilt Square and Meyerland.
Homes in Knollwood / Woodside have traditional and ranch-style designs. They also come in big lot sizes, ranging from 6,000 to 10,000 square feet.
Fort Bend Southeast
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Bend Southeast | $495,500 | $163,000 | 56% |
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:
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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.
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OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: The neighborhood enjoys several parks and trails. There are courts, sports fields and swimming pools for the community's use.
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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 Plantation.
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 | $872,500 | $264,000 | 19% |
| Briargrove | $870,000 | $265,000 | 11% |
| Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks | $878,000 | $266,000 | 11% |
| Bellaire Area | $1,065,000 | $321,000 | 14% |
| Rice / Museum District | $1,100,000 | $331,000 | 45% |
| Highland Village / Midlane | $1,150,000 | $343,000 | 60% |
| Braeswood Place | $1,325,000 | $393,000 | 76% |
| Upper Kirby | $1,507,500 | $452,000 | 81% |
| West University/Southside Area | $1,650,000 | $484,000 | 43% |
| Memorial Villages | $1,801,000 | $532,000 | 16% |
| Memorial Park | $1,790,000 | $541,000 | 40% |
| Memorial Close In | $1,962,500 | $610,000 | -10% |
| Tanglewood Area | $2,065,000 | $624,000 | 18% |
| River Oaks Area | $2,698,000 | $817,000 | 42% |
River Oaks Shopping Area
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| River Oaks Shopping Area | $872,500 | $264,000 | 19% |
River Oaks Shopping Area is nestled between the luxurious neighborhood of River Oaks and the vibrant community of Montrose. Rice Military borders the north side, while Upper Kirby is on the southwest of the neighborhood.
The district is highly in-demand thanks to its:
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EXCELLENT LOCATION: Centrally located within the Inner Loop, River Oaks Shopping Area has easy access to all major job centers, including Downtown, Galleria, and The Medical Center. Along with the Highland Village, boutiques and restaurants in Westheimer and San Felipe are minutes away.
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SHOPPING, DINING & ENTERTAINMENT: With the River Oaks Shopping Center at its heart, the area boasts convenient access to retail shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The River Oaks Theater is one of the shopping center’s most defining markers.
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TOP-RANKED SCHOOLS: The neighborhood boasts access to River Oaks Elementary and premier private schools. It is zoned to IB World Schools, including Lanier Middle and Lamar High.
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PARKS & RECREATION Located in the heart of Buffalo Bayou, the River Oaks Shopping Area allows residents to enjoy the various hiking, walking, and bike trails in the vicinity. The River Oaks Country Club is approximately one mile away from the neighborhood.
River Oaks Shopping Area stands nearby major thoroughfares, including Katy Freeway (I-10), Loop 610, and Southwest Freeway (US 59).
Briargrove
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Briargrove | $870,000 | $265,000 | 11% |
Briargrove is a deed-restricted community located about 12 miles from Downtown Houston. It is a tight-knit neighborhood known for its mid-to-large-sized lots.
Briargrove is famous due to its:
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SPACIOUS LOTS: Briargrove homes sit on mid-to-large-sized lots by Houston standards. The sizes range from 7,000 to 10,000 square feet. There are large wooded grounds and well-kept front/backyards in the neighborhood.
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GREAT LOCATION: Briargrove has the Galleria/Uptown area to the east. It has Tanglewood northeast. The Memorial Villages (Piney Point and Hunters Creek) are north of Briargrove. Other nearby communities include Lamar Terrace and Briarmeadow (Woodlake).
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TOP-RATED SCHOOLS: Briargrove is zoned to the Houston Independent School District (HISD). T H Rogers School has 10 out of 10 great school ratings. Other nearby schools are Briargrove Elementary School and Tanglewood Middle. There are several notable private schools nearby as well.
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ACTIVE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION: Briargrove's HOA enforces the community's deed restrictions. They provide 24-hour security. The HOA is dedicated to preserving the neighborhood's atmosphere, look, and feel.
Briargrove is known for its ranch-style homes on large wooded lots. Briargrove has around 900 homes. Like nearby Memorial area communities, Briargrove features updated/remodeled houses. Newly constructed custom-built homes are available as well.
Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks | $878,000 | $266,000 | 11% |
The Royden/Afton Oaks area comprises two upscale deed-restricted communities nestled east of Loop 610 and north of Southwest Freeway. The Royden Oaks area, in particular, is right next to the River Oaks neighborhood.
The Royden/Afton Oaks neighborhoods are known for their:
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SHORT COMMUTE TO KEY NEIGHBORHOODS: Afton Oaks is only a 6-minute drive away from Uptown District, home to over 2,000 businesses. It is also close to other upscale neighborhoods, such as River Oaks District and Highland Village.
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PROXIMITY TO HOUSTON’S BEST RETAIL: Afton Oaks is just across from The Galleria, which has over 350 retail stores and establishments.
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WELL-MAINTAINED COMMUNITY: The Afton Oaks Civic Club handles common area maintenance, deed restriction enforcement, and other services like additional security. This allows residents to have pleasant and tranquil surroundings.
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EXCLUSIVITY: The Afton Oaks Neighborhood is home to some of Houston's most expensive properties in Houston. This is mostly because of its convenient location, accessibility, and atmosphere.
The Royden/Afton Oaks area has approximately 700 homes. These neighborhoods are largely residential, featuring single-family homes with generous lot sizes between 8,000 to 10,000 square feet.
Sources, Methodology & Disclosures
With all the available information out there about Houston's top areas, it can be confusing when finally making a decision on which neighborhood to choose. Get the advice of the best Houston Realtors and remove the guesswork when looking for one of the best homes in Houston to live in.
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*Default median housing price values are from single-family homes. Neighborhoods with * are exceptions. Condos, townhomes, and single family homes are considered. This is due to the above-average number of condos/townhomes in these market areas.
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We used the following assumptions for calculating monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) using data from https://www.mortgagecalculator.org/:
- 20% down payment
- 6.43% interest rate with a 30-year mortgage with no PMI
- The neighborhood tax rate, per HAR MLS data, per area
- A 20% average Texas Homestead discount (per HCAD.org, fbcad.org & https://mcad-tx.org)
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The neighborhood median HOA fee if applicable. This mostly applies to * communities where condos or townhomes are included like Downtown Houston.
- 0.5% annual insurance costs
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Annual home prices are based on HAR MLS reported sales for the prior year between January 1 and May 31. Starting on June 1, the current year HAR MLS sales data is used.
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For annual appreciation or depreciation salary requirement rates, we did not make any modifications based on the most recent tax reform act. We assumed taxes rates were constant in our calculations between monthly PITI costs and salary requirements.
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For “can comfortably afford” salary assumptions, we used that 28% of gross income could be used toward monthly PITI costs. Financial planners often say that 25-33% of income can be used toward monthly PITI payments. For qualification purposes, underwriters typically defer to their “back end” ratio which includes liabilities on credit reports. These include all revolving, installment, and mortgage liabilities. For this ratio, 36% is normally used in planning and around 43% is the maximum allowed.
- Reporters or news outlets, please contact Paige@HoustonProperties.com for an Excel export of every neighborhood’s associated data and calculations.
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Data is deemed accurate but is not guaranteed. Information is provided for informational purposes only.
The Best Houston Realtor to Sell Your Home
The Houston Properties Team has a well-defined structure based on the individual strengths of each member. Each member is a specialist in their role – which is why our homes sell faster and for more money than average.
Paige Martin, Broker Associate with Keller Williams Realty, and the Houston Properties Team are ranked amongst the top residential Realtors in the world.
They have been featured on TV and in dozens of publications including: The Wall Street Journal, Fortune Magazine, Reuters, Fox News in the Morning, Money Magazine, Houston Business Journal, Houstonia, and Houston Chronicle.
Paige Martin was just ranked as the #5 agent in the world with Keller Williams, and has completed over $1,000,000,000 in Houston residential real estate sales.
Recent awards include:
- 2021: America’s Top 100 Real Estate Agents
- 2021: Top Real Estate Team (Houston Properties Team), Houston Business Journal
- 2021: Best Houston Real Estate Team, Best of Reader’s Choice
- 2021: Top Real Estate Team (Houston Properties Team), Houston Business Journal
- 2021: #1 Real Estate Team, Keller Williams Memorial
- 2020: Top Real Estate Team (Houston Properties Team), Houston Business Journal
- 2020: #6 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Worldwide
- 2020: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Texas (Top Keller Williams Realtor)
- 2020: #1 Real Estate Team, Keller Williams Memorial
- 2019: Top Residential Realtors in Houston, Houston Business Journal
- 2019: America’s Best Real Estate Agents, RealTrends.com
- 2019: #5 Individual Agent, KW Worldwide
- 2019: #1 Individual Agent, KW Texas
- 2018: #5 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Worldwide
- 2018: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Texas
- 2018: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Houston
- 2018: America’s Best Real Estate Agents, RealTrends.com
- 2018: Top 25 Residential Realtor in Houston, Houston Business Journal
- 2018: Texas’ Most Influential Realtors
- 2017: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Texas
- 2017: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Houston
- 2017: #10 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Worldwide
- 2017: America’s Best Real Estate Agents, RealTrends.com
- 2017: Top 25 Residential Realtor in Houston, Houston Business Journal
- 2017: Texas’ Most Influential Realtors
- 2016: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Texas
- 2016: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Houston
- 2016: #20 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Worldwide
- 2016: Texas’ Most Influential Realtors
- 2016: Top 25 Residential Realtor in Houston, HBJ
- 2016: Five Star Realtor, Featured in Texas Monthly
- 2016: America’s Best Real Estate Agents, RealTrends.com
- 2015: #9 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, United States
- 2015: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Texas
- 2015: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Houston
- 2015: America’s Best Real Estate Agents, RealTrends.com
- 2015: Top 25 Residential Realtor in Houston, HBJ
- 2015: Five Star Realtor, Texas Monthly Magazine
- 2014: America’s Best Real Estate Agents, RealTrends.com
- 2014: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams Memorial
. . . in addition to over 318 additional awards.
Paige also serves a variety of non-profits, civic and community boards and was appointed by Houston’s Mayor to be on the downtown TIRZ board.
Benefits Of Working With The Houston Properties Team
Our Team, composed of distinguished and competent Houston luxury realtors, has a well-defined structure based on the individual strengths of each member.
We find team approach as the most effective way to sell homes. We have dedicated people doing staging, marketing, social media, open houses and showings. Each Houston Properties Team member is a specialist in their role – which is why our homes sell faster and for more money than average.
The benefits of working with a team include:
- ability to be in two or three places at one time: a member can handle showings, while another answer calls
- collective time and experience of members
- targeted advise and marketing of agent expert in your area
- competitive advantage by simply having more resources, ideas, and more perspectives
- a “Checks and Balances” system. Selling and buying a home in Houston is an intensely complex process
- more people addressing field calls and questions from buyers and agents to facilitate a faster successful sale
- efficient multi-tasking: One agent takes care of inspections and/or repair work, while another agent is focused on administrative details
- multiple marketing channels using members’ networks
- constant attention: guaranteed focus on your home and your transaction
- lower risk for mistakes. Multiple moving parts increase oversights. A team approach handles these “parts” separately
- flexibility in negotiation and marketing
- better management of document flow
- increased foot traffic through more timely and effective showing schedule coordination; and
- increased Sphere of Influence and exposure to more potential buyers.
To meet all the award-winning members of The Houston Properties Team, please go here.
Best Houston Real Estate Resources
- Houston Texas Zip Code Map | HoustonProperties
- How To Avoid Buying In Houston's Flooded Zones
- Houston Neighborhoods | Houston Map, Real Estate, Homes
- 2120 Kipling Condo Houston | 2120 Kipling Street
- The Westmore Condo Houston | 2323 W. Main Street
