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 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.

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Houston's Best Neighborhoods Guide

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 RangeCentral HoustonSuburbs
Under $80kDenver Harbor, Five Corners, Medical Center South, Northside, Sharpstown Area1960/Cypress Creek South, Alief, Conroe Northeast, Crosby Area, Hobby Area, Huffman Area, Humble Area East, Northeast Houston, Spring East, Willis/New Waverly
$80k-$150kBrays Oaks, Briarmeadow/Tanglewilde, Cottage Grove, Downtown Houston, East End Revitalized, Galleria, Medical Center Area, Midtown Houston, Spring Branch, Washington East/SabineCypress North, Cypress South, Fort Bend County North / Richmond, Katy North, Katy Old Towne, Katy Southeast, Katy Southwest, Pearland, Sugar Land East, Sugar Land West
$150k-$250kBriargrove Park/Walnutbend, Charnwood/Briarbend, Greenway Plaza, Heights/Greater Heights, Knollwood/Woodside, Meyerland Area, Montrose, Oak Forest East, Rice Military/Washington Corridor, Timbergrove/Lazybrook
$250k+Bellaire Area, Highland Village / Midlane, Memorial Park, Memorial Villages, Rice / Museum District, River Oaks Area, River Oaks Shopping Area, Rivercrest, 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)

AreaMedian Home PriceSalary Required*10 Year %
Bear Creek South$267,500$80,00049%
Southbelt / Ellington$265,000$80,00043%
Huffman Area$236,195$79,000-17%
Conroe Northeast$258,950$79,00042%
Crosby Area$243,000$79,00022%
1960/Cypress Creek South$250,495$77,00047%
Humble Area South$252,500$77,00036%
Willowbrook South$253,500$76,00049%
Spring East$245,000$76,00042%
Northside$250,000$76,0000%
Five Corners$250,000$75,00047%
Alief$250,000$74,00040%
La Marque$247,525$74,00026%
Medical Center South$249,990$74,00046%
Sharpstown Area$220,000$74,00012%
Denver Harbor$242,050$73,000-17%
Humble Area West$240,000$73,00037%
Humble Area East$240,000$73,00037%
Pasadena$239,900$72,00033%
Aldine Area$230,000$70,00050%
Bacliff/San Leon$231,450$68,0008%
Northeast Houston$225,000$66,00038%
South Houston$220,000$66,00030%
Hobby Area$217,500$64,00037%
Willis/New Waverly$215,000$61,00014%

Bear Creek South

AreaMedian Home PriceSalary Required*10 Year %
Bear Creek South$267,500$80,00049%

Bear Creek South Map

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:

A civic club enforces deed restrictions across the community's 13 sections. Based on neighborhood evaluations, it is among Houston's Top Suburban Neighborhoods.

Map of Bear Creek South

Bear Creek South Real Estate Trends


Southbelt / Ellington

AreaMedian Home PriceSalary Required*10 Year %
Southbelt / Ellington$265,000$80,00043%

Southbelt / Ellington Map

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:

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.

Map of Southbelt / Ellington

Southbelt / Ellington Real Estate Trends


Huffman Area

AreaMedian Home PriceSalary Required*10 Year %
Huffman Area$236,195$79,000-17%

Huffman Area Map

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:

Huffman Area boasts a lower population density. This fosters a closer-knit community atmosphere compared to some other Houston neighborhoods.

Map of Huffman Area

Huffman 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.

AreaMedian Home PriceSalary Required*10 Year %
Deer Park$269,500$82,00037%
1960/Cypress$280,000$82,00048%
Northwest Houston$274,990$82,00057%
Stafford Area$280,000$82,00056%
Mission Bend Area$281,500$82,00052%
Brays Oaks$282,450$83,00024%
Hempstead$275,000$83,00011%
La Porte/Shoreacres$283,500$84,00053%
Katy North$290,000$86,00054%
Winrock$232,800$87,0008%
Atascocita South$290,000$87,00036%
1960/Cypress Creek North$300,000$88,00060%
Atascocita North$299,744$89,00044%
Conroe Southeast$290,390$90,00043%
Missouri City Area$304,320$91,00047%
Waller$286,990$92,00028%
Porter / New Caney East$289,990$93,00013%
East End Revitalized$300,000$93,0000%
Copperfield Area$315,000$94,00048%
Kingwood West$315,000$94,00055%
Eldridge North$324,250$95,00053%
Dickinson$317,200$95,00054%
Brookshire$286,840$96,000-1%
Conroe Southwest$311,630$96,00022%
Medical Center Area$296,995$96,00024%
Sugar Land North$336,000$96,00029%
Porter / New Caney West$297,970$96,00035%
Lake Conroe Area$330,000$98,00036%
Santa Fe$337,000$99,00048%
Hockley$299,990$99,00045%
University Area$320,000$99,00028%
Oak Forest West$347,700$100,00033%
Spring/Klein$336,825$101,00050%
Spring/Klein/Tomball$339,750$102,00051%
Clear Lake Area$350,000$104,00040%
Magnolia/1488 West$334,990$106,00026%
Champions Area$360,000$106,00059%
Fort Bend South / Richmond$343,195$107,00059%
Jersey Village$360,000$107,00060%
Kingwood South$367,000$108,00050%
Midtown Houston$346,500$110,0008%
Willow Meadows Area$379,100$110,00029%
Magnolia/1488 East$353,745$111,0008%
Cypress North$372,000$111,00051%
Tomball$365,000$112,00040%
League City$385,000$113,00045%
Pearland$378,000$114,00045%
Summerwood / Lakeshore$375,000$116,00031%
Friendswood$407,990$117,00052%
Tomball South/Lakewood$381,250$117,00043%
Katy Old Towne$355,000$118,00022%
Galleria$335,000$118,00015%
Fort Bend County North / Richmond$395,000$121,00051%
Kingwood NW/Oakhurst$400,000$121,00039%
Sugar Land East$442,500$126,00039%
Spring Northeast$418,000$127,00063%
Kingwood East$430,000$128,00045%
Katy Southeast$445,000$131,00061%
Shepherd Park Plaza Area$449,000$132,0002%
Downtown Houston$293,750$133,00017%
Energy Corridor$460,000$134,00029%
Tomball Southwest$411,647$134,0009%
Fulshear/South Brookshire$434,990$138,00013%
Cypress South$430,000$140,00049%
Spring Branch$465,000$140,00037%
Riverside$468,000$140,00051%
Sienna Area$445,000$142,00034%
Briarmeadow/Tanglewilde$488,000$142,00065%
Sugar Land West$475,000$143,00047%
Rosharon$534,950$146,000N/A
Katy Southwest$487,000$147,00045%
Washington East/Sabine$497,000$149,00016%
Cottage Grove$500,500$150,00025%

Deer Park

AreaMedian Home PriceSalary Required*10 Year %
Deer Park$269,500$82,00037%

Deer Park Map

Deer Park is a family-centric neighborhood that offers convenient access to big Houston districts. Downtown and Texas Medical Center are within a 20-minute drive.

Deer Park is known for its:

Deer Park residents can access the nearby San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site. The site is a tribute to the battle that paved the way for Texas' independence.

Map of Deer Park

Deer Park Real Estate Trends


1960/Cypress

AreaMedian Home PriceSalary Required*10 Year %
1960/Cypress$280,000$82,00048%

1960/Cypress Map

One of Texas' older neighborhoods, 1960 Cypress is 22 miles southwest of Downtown Houston. 1960 Cypress features excellent amenities, accessibility, and top-notch schools.

1960 Cypress real estate is popular due to its:

Homes are set back on large wooded lots ranging from 6,000 to more than 30,000 square feet. Most subdivisions enforce deed restrictions, keeping the area residential.

Map of 1960/Cypress

1960/Cypress Real Estate Trends


Northwest Houston

AreaMedian Home PriceSalary Required*10 Year %
Northwest Houston$274,990$82,00057%

Northwest Houston Map

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:

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.

Map of Northwest Houston

Northwest Houston 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.

AreaMedian Home PriceSalary Required*10 Year %
Oak Forest East$517,000$151,00044%
Charnwood/Briarbend$544,000$159,00022%
Rice Military/Washington Corridor$545,000$162,00022%
Meyerland Area$563,750$163,00035%
Knollwood/Woodside$575,000$167,00022%
Fort Bend Southeast$585,000$167,00068%
Sugar Land South$599,152$172,00036%
The Woodlands$663,000$195,00085%
Briargrove Park/Walnutbend$684,500$198,00055%
Timbergrove/Lazybrook$669,500$199,00053%
Tiki Island$690,000$201,00043%
Greenway Plaza$645,000$216,00027%
Heights/Greater Heights$765,000$223,00061%
Montrose$800,000$236,00024%
Memorial West$805,000$239,00062%

Oak Forest East

AreaMedian Home PriceSalary Required*10 Year %
Oak Forest East$517,000$151,00044%

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


Charnwood/Briarbend

AreaMedian Home PriceSalary Required*10 Year %
Charnwood/Briarbend$544,000$159,00022%

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


Rice Military/Washington Corridor

AreaMedian Home PriceSalary Required*10 Year %
Rice Military/Washington Corridor$545,000$162,00022%

Rice Military/Washington Corridor Map

Rice Military is located within the Inner Loop of Houston. The community features a mix of gated communities, residential neighborhoods, and excellent amenities.

The Rice Military is famous for its:

The neighborhood also features a wide range of housing options and architectural designs, from single-family homes to patio homes, and new-construction townhomes. Homes showcase traditional and modern styles. There are also condos in mid-rise residential buildings in the area.

Map of Rice Military/Washington Corridor

Rice Military/Washington Corridor 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.

AreaMedian Home PriceSalary Required*10 Year %
Briar Hollow$785,000$253,00042%
Westchase Area$839,999$258,00031%
River Oaks Shopping Area$910,000$260,00032%
Garden Oaks$1,100,000$314,000147%
Highland Village / Midlane$1,100,000$317,00017%
Upper Kirby$1,172,625$367,00051%
Bellaire Area$1,345,000$398,00029%
Briargrove$1,395,000$405,00075%
Rice / Museum District$1,450,000$417,00076%
Memorial Park$1,547,000$459,0001%
Braeswood Place$1,612,500$464,00057%
Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks$1,725,000$498,00097%
Memorial Close In$1,759,000$523,00050%
Tanglewood Area$1,925,000$560,00030%
West University/Southside Area$2,065,000$583,00061%
Memorial Villages$2,800,000$791,00077%
River Oaks Area$3,255,000$939,00068%
Rivercrest$4,400,000$1,264,00013%

Briar Hollow

AreaMedian Home PriceSalary Required*10 Year %
Briar Hollow$785,000$253,00042%

Briar Hollow Map

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:

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.

Map of Briar Hollow

Briar Hollow Real Estate Trends


Westchase Area

AreaMedian Home PriceSalary Required*10 Year %
Westchase Area$839,999$258,00031%

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


River Oaks Shopping Area

AreaMedian Home PriceSalary Required*10 Year %
River Oaks Shopping Area$910,000$260,00032%

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 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 just ranked as the #5 agent in the world with Real Brokerage, and has completed over $1,000,000,000 in Houston residential real estate sales.

Houston Properties Team 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.


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