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 | $245,900 | $80,000 | 23% |
| Huffman Area | $238,942 | $80,000 | -16% |
| Humble Area South | $259,000 | $79,000 | 40% |
| Conroe Northeast | $258,450 | $79,000 | 42% |
| Northside | $260,000 | $79,000 | 4% |
| 1960/Cypress Creek South | $255,500 | $78,000 | 50% |
| La Marque | $249,950 | $78,000 | 28% |
| Humble Area West | $249,950 | $76,000 | 42% |
| Willowbrook South | $255,000 | $76,000 | 50% |
| Spring East | $247,500 | $76,000 | 43% |
| Humble Area East | $249,950 | $76,000 | 42% |
| Five Corners | $250,000 | $75,000 | 47% |
| Bacliff/San Leon | $252,600 | $74,000 | 18% |
| Alief | $250,000 | $74,000 | 40% |
| Medical Center South | $250,000 | $74,000 | 46% |
| Pasadena | $245,000 | $73,000 | 36% |
| Sharpstown Area | $250,000 | $73,000 | 28% |
| Aldine Area | $230,000 | $70,000 | 50% |
| South Houston | $228,250 | $68,000 | 35% |
| Northeast Houston | $233,500 | $68,000 | 44% |
| Hobby Area | $220,000 | $65,000 | 39% |
| Willis/New Waverly | $215,000 | $61,000 | 14% |
Crosby Area
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crosby Area | $245,900 | $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.
Huffman Area
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huffman Area | $238,942 | $80,000 | -16% |
Huffman Area is a 35-minute drive from the northeastern outskirts of Houston. This makes accessing the Medical Center, Downtown, and local shops in Huffman easy.
Huffman Area’s commendable aspects include:
SUPERB ARCHITECTURE: Homes in the area feature a mix of traditional and ranch styles. Huffman Area’s properties offer spacious yards and increased privacy for residents.
PARKS AND TRAILS: Picturesque trails wind through Huffman Area’s lush landscapes. Huffman Area has vast green space making it great for hike and bike trail adventures. IT May Park is only a few minutes away.
PROXIMITY TO MAJOR ROADS: Huffman Area is near major roadways like FM 1960 and the Eastex Freeway. This offers residents easy access to neighboring areas and Houston.
Huffman Area boasts a lower population density. This fosters a closer-knit community atmosphere compared to some other Houston neighborhoods.
Humble Area South
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humble Area South | $259,000 | $79,000 | 40% |
Humble Area South offers a great mix of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility. It is part of the larger Humble Area in the northeast of Downtown Houston.
Humble Area South is known for its:
PROXIMITY TO LAKE HOUSTON: Humble Area South is a 20-minute drive from Lake Houston. Its residents can enjoy different activities in and around the lake. These activities include swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking, and skiing.
OUTDOOR RECREATION: The Golf Club of Houston is near the area. This place offers courses open to the public. It also has some exclusive to its members. Other parks like Schott Park and Rosewood Memorial are accessible to the neighborhood.
ACCESSIBILITY: Humble Area South has easy access to big roads to reach different parts of the city and nearby areas. Major highways like Interstate 69 (US Highway 59) and Beltway 8 are easy to use from Humble Area South.
Residents of the neighborhood can also enjoy an array of shopping centers, restaurants, and malls.
$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 | $269,500 | $81,000 | 50% |
| Southbelt / Ellington | $268,304 | $81,000 | 45% |
| Northwest Houston | $275,000 | $82,000 | 57% |
| Hempstead | $275,000 | $82,000 | 11% |
| Stafford Area | $276,750 | $82,000 | 55% |
| Denver Harbor | $276,250 | $83,000 | -6% |
| Mission Bend Area | $283,950 | $83,000 | 54% |
| La Porte/Shoreacres | $280,000 | $84,000 | 51% |
| 1960/Cypress | $287,500 | $84,000 | 52% |
| Brays Oaks | $289,950 | $85,000 | 27% |
| Katy North | $290,000 | $86,000 | 54% |
| Deer Park | $283,500 | $86,000 | 44% |
| Atascocita South | $289,500 | $88,000 | 36% |
| Missouri City Area | $300,000 | $89,000 | 45% |
| Atascocita North | $299,165 | $89,000 | 44% |
| Conroe Southeast | $290,000 | $90,000 | 43% |
| Winrock | $238,900 | $90,000 | 11% |
| 1960/Cypress Creek North | $307,500 | $91,000 | 64% |
| Dickinson | $308,000 | $92,000 | 50% |
| Porter / New Caney East | $285,500 | $92,000 | 11% |
| Kingwood West | $311,250 | $93,000 | 53% |
| Medical Center Area | $290,000 | $95,000 | 21% |
| Waller | $292,740 | $95,000 | 30% |
| Copperfield Area | $320,000 | $95,000 | 50% |
| Porter / New Caney West | $297,776 | $96,000 | 35% |
| Sugar Land North | $339,000 | $97,000 | 30% |
| Conroe Southwest | $315,000 | $97,000 | 23% |
| East End Revitalized | $311,500 | $97,000 | 3% |
| Brookshire | $289,990 | $97,000 | 0% |
| Lake Conroe Area | $330,535 | $98,000 | 37% |
| Santa Fe | $337,500 | $99,000 | 49% |
| Spring/Klein | $335,000 | $100,000 | 49% |
| Hockley | $300,000 | $100,000 | 45% |
| Oak Forest West | $347,700 | $100,000 | 33% |
| University Area | $333,000 | $103,000 | 33% |
| Jersey Village | $350,000 | $104,000 | 56% |
| Clear Lake Area | $354,000 | $105,000 | 42% |
| Spring/Klein/Tomball | $350,000 | $105,000 | 55% |
| Champions Area | $360,000 | $106,000 | 59% |
| Kingwood South | $360,000 | $106,000 | 47% |
| Eldridge North | $359,900 | $106,000 | 70% |
| Magnolia/1488 West | $338,990 | $108,000 | 27% |
| Fort Bend South / Richmond | $348,500 | $109,000 | 61% |
| Midtown Houston | $342,000 | $111,000 | 6% |
| Magnolia/1488 East | $365,000 | $113,000 | 12% |
| Tomball | $370,000 | $114,000 | 42% |
| Galleria | $317,750 | $114,000 | 9% |
| Cypress North | $382,000 | $114,000 | 55% |
| Pearland | $382,000 | $115,000 | 46% |
| League City | $393,255 | $115,000 | 48% |
| Summerwood / Lakeshore | $375,000 | $116,000 | 31% |
| Katy Old Towne | $355,000 | $118,000 | 22% |
| Willow Meadows Area | $410,000 | $119,000 | 40% |
| Tomball South/Lakewood | $388,000 | $119,000 | 46% |
| Kingwood NW/Oakhurst | $395,000 | $120,000 | 37% |
| Fort Bend County North / Richmond | $392,200 | $121,000 | 50% |
| Downtown Houston | $288,750 | $124,000 | 15% |
| Friendswood | $431,710 | $124,000 | 61% |
| Spring Northeast | $415,000 | $126,000 | 62% |
| Kingwood East | $429,000 | $128,000 | 45% |
| Sugar Land East | $448,000 | $128,000 | 41% |
| Katy Southeast | $440,000 | $129,000 | 60% |
| Shepherd Park Plaza Area | $450,000 | $133,000 | 2% |
| Rosharon | $489,950 | $135,000 | N/A |
| Riverside | $455,000 | $136,000 | 47% |
| Tomball Southwest | $423,000 | $138,000 | 12% |
| Fulshear/South Brookshire | $439,145 | $140,000 | 14% |
| Energy Corridor | $477,000 | $140,000 | 34% |
| Spring Branch | $470,000 | $141,000 | 39% |
| Briarmeadow/Tanglewilde | $486,000 | $142,000 | 65% |
| Cypress South | $440,000 | $143,000 | 52% |
| Sienna Area | $449,900 | $143,000 | 36% |
| Washington East/Sabine | $490,000 | $146,000 | 15% |
| Katy Southwest | $485,000 | $147,000 | 44% |
| Sugar Land West | $489,948 | $148,000 | 52% |
Bear Creek South
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Creek South | $269,500 | $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.
Southbelt / Ellington
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southbelt / Ellington | $268,304 | $81,000 | 45% |
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:
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.
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.
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.
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 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cottage Grove | $501,500 | $151,000 | 25% |
| Oak Forest East | $525,000 | $154,000 | 46% |
| Knollwood/Woodside | $540,000 | $157,000 | 15% |
| Charnwood/Briarbend | $544,000 | $159,000 | 22% |
| Rice Military/Washington Corridor | $550,000 | $163,000 | 23% |
| Meyerland Area | $561,250 | $163,000 | 35% |
| Fort Bend Southeast | $585,000 | $166,000 | 68% |
| Sugar Land South | $615,000 | $177,000 | 40% |
| Greenway Plaza | $537,500 | $186,000 | 5% |
| The Woodlands | $651,200 | $191,000 | 81% |
| Briargrove Park/Walnutbend | $665,000 | $194,000 | 51% |
| Tiki Island | $690,437 | $201,000 | 43% |
| Timbergrove/Lazybrook | $675,500 | $202,000 | 55% |
| Heights/Greater Heights | $749,900 | $220,000 | 57% |
| Memorial West | $810,000 | $237,000 | 63% |
| Westchase Area | $789,000 | $243,000 | 23% |
| Briar Hollow | $749,000 | $245,000 | 36% |
Cottage Grove
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cottage Grove | $501,500 | $151,000 | 25% |
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 | $525,000 | $154,000 | 46% |
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.
Knollwood/Woodside
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knollwood/Woodside | $540,000 | $157,000 | 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:
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.
ACTIVE CIVIC CLUB: The Knollwood Village Civic Club actively enforces deed restrictions. It manages the neighborhood’s security as well.
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.
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 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montrose | $861,000 | $254,000 | 34% |
| River Oaks Shopping Area | $910,000 | $261,000 | 32% |
| Garden Oaks | $1,092,000 | $313,000 | 145% |
| Upper Kirby | $1,109,900 | $350,000 | 43% |
| Bellaire Area | $1,335,000 | $389,000 | 28% |
| Braeswood Place | $1,375,000 | $396,000 | 34% |
| Briargrove | $1,385,000 | $402,000 | 74% |
| Highland Village / Midlane | $1,392,500 | $402,000 | 48% |
| Rice / Museum District | $1,400,000 | $402,000 | 70% |
| Memorial Park | $1,547,000 | $459,000 | 1% |
| Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks | $1,725,000 | $498,000 | 97% |
| Tanglewood Area | $1,950,000 | $570,000 | 32% |
| West University/Southside Area | $2,085,000 | $587,000 | 63% |
| Memorial Close In | $2,224,997 | $658,000 | 90% |
| 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% |
Montrose
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montrose | $861,000 | $254,000 | 34% |
Known as a vibrant neighborhood, Montrose features a mix of historic homes, custom-built contemporary homes, and recent construction townhomes. It is one of the most accessible neighborhoods in Houston.
Montrose homes are in high demand, thanks to their:
UNIQUE ATMOSPHERE: Montrose is home to museums, parks, and historic neighborhoods. It is often considered one of Houston's cultural centers.
VIBRANT STREET SCENE: Montrose's main thoroughfares (Shepherd Drive, Montrose Boulevard, and West Alabama Street) are lined with many retail, dining, and nightlife spots.
STRONG APPRECIATION: The neighborhood has had one of Houston's best real estate appreciation rates over the past years.
Montrose is about 3 miles away from Downtown Houston. It is south of the Buffalo Bayou and north of Southwest Freeway. The area showcases several historic neighborhoods.
River Oaks Shopping Area
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| River Oaks Shopping Area | $910,000 | $261,000 | 32% |
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).
Garden Oaks
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden Oaks | $1,092,000 | $313,000 | 145% |
With about 1,400 homesites, Garden Oaks showcases a variety of traditional and new construction homes. Located just off Loop 610, this largely residential neighborhood has some of the Best Land Value Appreciation Rates in Houston.
Garden Oaks features:
LARGE LOTS: By Houston standards, homes in Garden Oaks sit on mid-to-large-sized lots. Lot areas range from 6,000 to 17,000 square feet, allowing for vast green space.
GREAT ACCESSIBILITY: Garden Oaks has tree-lined streets near the city’s main entertainment and commercial districts. Commuting to Downtown, EaDo, Heights, and Rice Military takes about 15 minutes.
BEAUTIFUL VINTAGE HOMES: There are a number of home options in Garden Oaks. These include bungalows, plantation-style homes, quaint patio homes, ranch-style homes, and townhomes.
ACTIVE CIVIC CLUB: Garden Oaks Civic Club enforces deed restrictions and organizes events in the community. Their projects include neighborhood beautification and a constable program.
The Garden Oaks community continues to grow as developers buy up land in the area.
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.
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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.
