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

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

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

Forbes, Money Magazine, and the US Census Bureau, all list Houston as one of the most affordable cities in the country (1).

The cost of living in Houston ranks second lowest among the top 20 most populous US metros. Based on the cost of living data, it's 36% cheaper to live here than in the 20 biggest cities in the country (2).

We analyzed median home prices & estimated salary requirements for the 52 best neighborhoods in the Houston area to help you decide where you can best afford to live.

We have great lenders. Contact Paige Martin at [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.

FREE GUIDE TO HOUSTON'S BEST NEIGHBORHOODS
Get your free PDF of Houston's top neighborhoods (based on flooding, schools, appreciation rates, accessibility & more.)
Houston's Best Neighborhoods

Table of Contents

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

Houston Home Salary Requirements Highlights & Data

“Paige Martin is Houston's best Realtor. She is highly experienced and very knowledgeable. She made our buying experience an enjoyable one, not only for us, but for our daughter, son-in-law and several of our friends. We have bought and sold many houses, and Paige has been the best realtor we have ever worked with. We highly recommend her and The Houston Properties Team.” Jeremy & Lynn Greene

Highlights

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

Data Summary


Annual Salary & Houston Neighborhoods Matrix

Annual Salary & Houston Neighborhoods Matrix

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

Salary Range Central Houston Suburbs
Under $80k Medical Center South, Sharpstown Area, Winrock Aldine Area, Bacliff/San Leon, Hempstead, Hobby Area, La Marque, Northeast Houston, Pasadena, South Houston, Willis/New Waverly
$80k-$150k Brays Oaks, Downtown Houston, East End Revitalized, Galleria, Medical Center Area, Meyerland Area, Midtown Houston, Shepherd Park Plaza Area, Spring Branch, University Area Clear Lake Area, Cypress North, Cypress South, Friendswood, Katy North, League City, Missouri City Area, Pearland, Stafford Area, Sugar Land East
$150k-$250k Briargrove Park/Walnutbend, Cottage Grove, Garden Oaks, Heights/Greater Heights, Knollwood/Woodside, Montrose, Oak Forest East, Rice Military/Washington Corridor, Timbergrove/Lazybrook, Washington East/Sabine
$250k+ Bellaire Area, Highland Village / Midlane, Memorial Close In, Memorial Park, Memorial Villages, Rice / Museum District, River Oaks Area, River Oaks Shopping Area, Tanglewood Area, West University/Southside Area

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 %
Sharpstown Area $225,000 $79,000 25%
Pasadena $240,000 $77,000 26%
Aldine Area $238,272 $77,000 49%
Bacliff/San Leon $240,000 $76,000 N/A
Hobby Area $240,000 $76,000 45%
Medical Center South $239,900 $76,000 45%
La Marque $235,000 $75,000 54%
Northeast Houston $232,300 $74,000 54%
Willis/New Waverly $247,500 $74,000 13%
Winrock $170,000 $73,000 -9%
South Houston $210,500 $67,000 23%
Hempstead $210,000 $66,000 -24%

Sharpstown Area

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Sharpstown Area $225,000 $79,000 25%

Sharpstown Area Map

Developed in the 1950s, Sharpstown is one of the most historic master-planned neighborhoods in Houston. The community lies between Houston Parkway and Westpark Tollway.

Sharpstown’s appeal includes:

Sharpstown area has approximately 7000 homes. The neighborhood has many subdivisions. These are Sections 1–5, Country Club Estates 1-3, and Country Club Terraces 1-3.

Map of Sharpstown Area

Sharpstown Area Real Estate Trends


Pasadena

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Pasadena $240,000 $77,000 26%

Pasadena Map

Located southeast of downtown Houston, Pasadena is the second largest city in Harris County. Covering a 44.5 square mile area south of the Houston Ship Channel, the city is made up of several neighborhoods.

Pasadena is known for its:

Pasadena is around 20 minutes away from the Armand Bayou Center, one of the country’s largest urban wilderness preserves. Visitors can explore walking trails, engage in bird-watching, and participate in educational programs.

Map of Pasadena

Pasadena Real Estate Trends


Aldine Area

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Aldine Area $238,272 $77,000 49%

Aldine Area Map

Nestled just north of Houston, Aldine spans 7.92 square miles and is home to several communities.

The Aldine area is very popular due to its:

The Aldine real estate market has had impressive appreciation rates over the last decade. Homes in the area come in varied styles, including traditional, modern, ranch, and Spanish styles.

Map of Aldine Area

Aldine Area Real Estate Trends


$80,000 to $150,000: Best Neighborhoods

Many of Houston’s most popular neighborhoods are also, historically, the best performers in real estate appreciation. Contact us for a custom list of homes in these areas.

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Humble Area East $250,000 $81,000 47%
Humble Area West $250,000 $81,000 47%
Alief $255,000 $81,000 42%
Conroe Northeast $262,000 $81,000 55%
Five Corners $255,000 $81,000 46%
Willowbrook South $255,000 $82,000 50%
Northside $255,000 $82,000 27%
1960/Cypress Creek South $254,000 $83,000 60%
Medical Center Area $212,500 $83,000 -21%
Huffman Area $269,995 $84,000 -12%
Spring East $255,000 $84,000 52%
Humble Area South $259,000 $85,000 37%
Stafford Area $270,000 $85,000 45%
Southbelt / Ellington $267,900 $86,000 52%
Dickinson $269,450 $86,000 39%
Spring Northeast $259,000 $86,000 60%
Crosby Area $267,340 $88,000 43%
Alvin South $274,995 $90,000 57%
Brays Oaks $290,000 $91,000 20%
Deer Park $280,000 $91,000 N/A
Fort Bend South / Richmond $275,000 $92,000 40%
Bear Creek South $281,500 $92,000 66%
La Porte/Shoreacres $285,000 $92,000 55%
Conroe Southeast $279,000 $92,000 35%
Mission Bend Area $291,111 $92,000 74%
1960/Cypress $295,000 $93,000 63%
Brookshire $285,950 $94,000 18%
Atascocita North $291,400 $94,000 55%
Northwest Houston $299,250 $95,000 69%
1960/Cypress Creek North $305,000 $96,000 74%
Sugar Land North $315,000 $96,000 31%
Kingwood West $305,000 $97,000 66%
Katy North $300,700 $97,000 71%
Porter / New Caney East $280,000 $98,000 14%
Missouri City Area $305,000 $99,000 39%
Atascocita South $305,000 $99,000 49%
Santa Fe $319,532 $101,000 55%
Waller $336,000 $103,000 24%
Porter / New Caney West $300,995 $104,000 19%
Spring/Klein $325,000 $104,000 42%
Magnolia/1488 West $309,990 $105,000 17%
Lake Conroe Area $333,085 $105,000 28%
Hockley $296,195 $105,000 31%
Copperfield Area $330,000 $106,000 67%
Denver Harbor $332,500 $106,000 41%
Conroe Southwest $325,000 $106,000 32%
Eldridge North $336,500 $107,000 22%
Kingwood NW/Oakhurst $325,000 $109,000 27%
Champions Area $342,000 $109,000 45%
Spring/Klein/Tomball $335,000 $109,000 64%
Magnolia/1488 East $365,500 $110,000 42%
Willow Meadows Area $358,000 $110,000 21%
Jersey Village $347,500 $111,000 58%
University Area $350,000 $112,000 34%
Galleria $302,500 $112,000 -8%
Clear Lake Area $355,000 $113,000 65%
Oak Forest West $375,000 $116,000 66%
Kingwood South $375,000 $118,000 74%
East End Revitalized $355,575 $119,000 27%
Pearland $365,000 $119,000 61%
Kingwood East $375,000 $120,000 33%
Briarmeadow/Tanglewilde $367,595 $123,000 44%
Riverside $397,500 $123,000 13%
Summerwood / Lakeshore $350,000 $123,000 32%
Sugar Land East $410,000 $126,000 42%
Tomball $381,830 $126,000 60%
Tomball South/Lakewood $390,000 $128,000 65%
Katy Old Towne $363,990 $128,000 50%
Downtown Houston $292,500 $128,000 12%
Shepherd Park Plaza Area $419,900 $129,000 4%
Katy Southeast $415,000 $131,000 48%
Sienna Area $389,500 $134,000 14%
Fort Bend County North / Richmond $409,385 $135,000 71%
Energy Corridor $430,000 $135,000 33%
Friendswood $436,500 $135,000 58%
Midtown Houston $370,000 $138,000 15%
Alvin North $389,990 $138,000 77%
Cypress North $420,000 $141,000 65%
Spring Branch $439,000 $141,000 51%
Fulshear/South Brookshire $420,000 $144,000 3%
League City $438,500 $146,000 60%
Meyerland Area $475,000 $147,000 13%
Cypress South $428,135 $150,000 52%

Humble Area East

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Humble Area East $250,000 $81,000 47%

Humble Area East Map

Located just outside of Beltway 8, Humble Area East is an independent city and is considered one of the best suburbs in Houston.

Humble is a popular option because of its:

Humble Area East offers an array of options, including single-family homes, townhomes, and multi-family properties. Single-family homes sit on spacious lots ranging from 10,000 sq. ft. to over 40,000 sq. ft.

Map of Humble Area East

Humble Area East Real Estate Trends


Humble Area West

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Humble Area West $250,000 $81,000 47%

Humble Area West Map

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

Humble Area West residents enjoy:

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

Map of Humble Area West

Humble Area West Real Estate Trends


Alief

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Alief $255,000 $81,000 42%

Alief Map

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

Several factors make this neighborhood appealing, including:

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

Map of Alief

Alief Real Estate Trends


$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 %
Sugar Land West $475,000 $152,000 53%
Charnwood/Briarbend $448,000 $153,000 28%
Oak Forest East $499,900 $154,000 51%
Tomball Southwest $443,291 $154,000 22%
Knollwood/Woodside $502,500 $160,000 14%
Katy Southwest $475,000 $160,000 41%
Rosharon $531,000 $162,000 N/A
Cottage Grove $510,000 $163,000 30%
Fort Bend Southeast $500,000 $169,000 57%
Washington East/Sabine $532,500 $169,000 30%
The Woodlands $563,000 $173,000 55%
Rice Military/Washington Corridor $562,500 $177,000 21%
Timbergrove/Lazybrook $577,267 $181,000 43%
Briargrove Park/Walnutbend $602,500 $187,000 58%
Sugar Land South $623,837 $194,000 40%
Memorial West $595,000 $194,000 12%
Greenway Plaza $545,000 $208,000 3%
Heights/Greater Heights $680,575 $213,000 52%
Garden Oaks $726,250 $223,000 82%
Briar Hollow $585,500 $228,000 4%
Montrose $735,000 $231,000 20%
Tiki Island $785,000 $248,000 100%

Sugar Land West

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Sugar Land West $475,000 $152,000 53%

Sugar Land West Map

Part of the bigger Sugar Land area, Sugar Land West is made up of several neighborhoods and master-planned communities.

The area is in demand due to its:

Sugar Land West is made up of older 1950s homes to newer construction in the area’s newer developments. Prices of homes can start at around $150,000 up to $1,000,000.

Map of Sugar Land West

Sugar Land West Real Estate Trends


Charnwood/Briarbend

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Charnwood/Briarbend $448,000 $153,000 28%

Charnwood/Briarbend Map

Charnwood is in a tranquil setting nestled within the Western Houston area. An affluent neighborhood with solid real estate appreciation.

Charnwood features:

Charnwood lot sizes range from 13,000 up to more than 15,000 square feet. Like most of Houston's affluent neighborhoods, deed restrictions are implemented in Charnwood to maintain the community's overall look and atmosphere.

Map of Charnwood/Briarbend

Charnwood/Briarbend Real Estate Trends


Oak Forest East

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Oak Forest East $499,900 $154,000 51%

Oak Forest East Map

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:

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.

Map of Oak Forest East

Oak Forest East Real Estate Trends


Over $250,000: Most Expensive Areas

Whether you buy or sell first depends on the current market and your unique situation. Both options come with an element of risk. Our experience taught us to make the proper assessment out of the overall scenario every homeowner is in. Contact us to help you make the most viable decision.

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Westchase Area $805,000 $265,000 14%
Briargrove $917,500 $286,000 17%
River Oaks Shopping Area $949,000 $294,000 29%
Rice / Museum District $1,050,000 $327,000 39%
Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks $1,098,000 $340,000 38%
Upper Kirby $1,100,000 $343,000 32%
Highland Village / Midlane $1,150,000 $355,000 60%
Bellaire Area $1,160,000 $358,000 25%
Braeswood Place $1,325,000 $407,000 76%
West University/Southside Area $1,720,000 $517,000 49%
Memorial Close In $1,732,500 $550,000 -21%
Memorial Villages $1,831,150 $561,000 18%
Memorial Park $1,801,000 $566,000 41%
Tanglewood Area $2,000,000 $619,000 14%
River Oaks Area $2,699,000 $836,000 42%
Rivercrest $3,100,000 $969,000 18%

Westchase Area

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Westchase Area $805,000 $265,000 14%

Westchase Area Map

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

Westchase area is well-known due to its:

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

Map of Westchase Area

Westchase Area Real Estate Trends


Briargrove

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Briargrove $917,500 $286,000 17%

Briargrove Map

Briargrove is a deed-restricted community located about 2 miles west of the Galleria and east of Memorial.

Briargrove is a popular option due to its:

Established in the 1950s, Briargrove is made up of around 900 homes. While the neighborhood is known for its traditional one-story houses on large lots, it also features updated homes and newer custom-built properties.

Map of Briargrove

Briargrove Real Estate Trends


River Oaks Shopping Area

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
River Oaks Shopping Area $949,000 $294,000 29%

River Oaks Shopping Area Map

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:

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

Map of River Oaks Shopping Area

River Oaks Shopping Area Real Estate Trends


Sources, Methodology & Disclosures

Sources, Methodology & Disclosures

With all the available information out there about Houston's top areas, it can be confusing when finally making a decision on which neighborhood to choose. Get the advice of the best Houston Realtors and remove the guesswork when looking for one of the best homes in Houston to live in.


The Best Houston Realtor to Sell Your Home

The Best Houston Realtor to Sell Your Home

The Houston Properties Team has a well-defined structure based on the individual strengths of each member. Each member is a specialist in their role – which is why our homes sell faster and for more money than average.

Paige Martin, Broker Associate with Keller Williams Realty, and the Houston Properties Team are ranked amongst the top residential Realtors in the world.

They have been featured on TV and in dozens of publications including: The Wall Street Journal, Fortune Magazine, Reuters, Fox News in the Morning, Money Magazine, Houston Business Journal, Houstonia, and Houston Chronicle.

Paige Martin was just ranked as the #5 agent in the world with Keller Williams, and has completed over $1,000,000,000 in Houston residential real estate sales.

Houston Properties Team awards

Recent awards include:

. . . in addition to over 318 additional awards.

Paige also serves a variety of non-profits, civic and community boards and was appointed by Houston’s Mayor to be on the downtown TIRZ board.

Benefits Of Working With The Houston Properties Team

best realtors in Houston

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

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

The benefits of working with a team include:

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


Best Houston Real Estate Resources


Sell

Buy

Learn

About

Keller Williams logo
Houston Properties Team logo

[email protected] © 2002 – 2024

Houston Properties Team