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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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, Crosby Area, Hobby Area, Huffman Area, Humble Area East, Humble Area South, 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, Greenway Plaza, Heights/Greater Heights, Knollwood/Woodside, Meyerland Area, Montrose, Oak Forest East, Rice Military/Washington Corridor, Timbergrove/Lazybrook, Westchase Area
$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$268,000$80,00050%
Conroe Northeast$259,900$80,00043%
Southbelt / Ellington$264,500$80,00043%
Crosby Area$245,000$79,00023%
Huffman Area$235,000$79,000-18%
Northside$260,000$79,0004%
1960/Cypress Creek South$255,000$78,00050%
Humble Area South$257,800$78,00039%
Spring East$249,250$77,00044%
Humble Area East$249,800$76,00042%
Willowbrook South$255,500$76,00050%
Five Corners$255,000$76,00050%
Humble Area West$249,800$76,00042%
Alief$250,000$74,00040%
La Marque$247,525$74,00026%
Medical Center South$250,000$74,00046%
Denver Harbor$242,050$73,000-17%
Sharpstown Area$247,000$73,00026%
Pasadena$239,950$72,00033%
Bacliff/San Leon$240,000$71,00012%
Aldine Area$230,000$70,00050%
Northeast Houston$231,682$68,00043%
South Houston$222,500$66,00032%
Hobby Area$220,000$65,00039%
Willis/New Waverly$215,990$61,00015%

Bear Creek South

AreaMedian Home PriceSalary Required*10 Year %
Bear Creek South$268,000$80,00050%

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


Conroe Northeast

AreaMedian Home PriceSalary Required*10 Year %
Conroe Northeast$259,900$80,00043%

Conroe Northeast Map

Conroe Northeast is 45 miles north of Downtown Houston. The neighborhood is along Interstate 45, providing easy access to neighboring areas.

Conroe Northeast is known for its:

Conroe Northeast is a 25-minute drive to The Woodlands, one of Houston's best suburbs. Many big companies have their offices located in the area.

Map of Conroe Northeast

Conroe Northeast Real Estate Trends


Southbelt / Ellington

AreaMedian Home PriceSalary Required*10 Year %
Southbelt / Ellington$264,500$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


$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 %
Northwest Houston$272,500$81,00055%
Stafford Area$276,250$81,00054%
Hempstead$270,000$82,0009%
Mission Bend Area$281,000$82,00052%
Deer Park$276,000$83,00040%
1960/Cypress$282,000$83,00049%
La Porte/Shoreacres$281,500$84,00052%
Brays Oaks$289,500$85,00027%
Katy North$290,000$86,00054%
Atascocita South$290,000$88,00036%
Atascocita North$298,840$88,00044%
1960/Cypress Creek North$300,000$88,00060%
Winrock$238,900$89,00011%
Conroe Southeast$290,000$90,00043%
Missouri City Area$303,000$90,00047%
Dickinson$310,766$93,00051%
Waller$288,000$93,00028%
Kingwood West$311,250$93,00053%
Porter / New Caney East$289,990$93,00013%
Sugar Land North$330,000$95,00026%
East End Revitalized$304,000$95,0001%
Copperfield Area$319,450$95,00050%
Porter / New Caney West$295,990$96,00034%
Brookshire$288,000$96,000-1%
Conroe Southwest$314,995$97,00023%
Medical Center Area$296,000$97,00024%
Lake Conroe Area$330,500$98,00037%
Hockley$300,000$99,00045%
University Area$324,000$100,00029%
Santa Fe$340,000$100,00050%
Spring/Klein$340,000$102,00052%
Oak Forest West$356,000$103,00036%
Eldridge North$352,450$104,00066%
Clear Lake Area$351,000$104,00040%
Spring/Klein/Tomball$350,000$105,00055%
Kingwood South$357,500$105,00046%
Magnolia/1488 West$334,990$106,00026%
Champions Area$360,000$106,00059%
Jersey Village$360,000$107,00060%
Fort Bend South / Richmond$345,210$108,00060%
Midtown Houston$344,000$109,0007%
Magnolia/1488 East$353,745$110,0008%
Willow Meadows Area$385,000$111,00031%
Tomball$365,000$112,00040%
Cypress North$380,000$113,00055%
League City$385,000$113,00045%
Galleria$319,500$114,00010%
Pearland$380,000$114,00046%
Summerwood / Lakeshore$375,000$116,00031%
Katy Old Towne$355,000$118,00022%
Friendswood$415,000$119,00055%
Tomball South/Lakewood$391,750$120,00047%
Kingwood NW/Oakhurst$400,000$121,00039%
Fort Bend County North / Richmond$395,000$121,00051%
Spring Northeast$415,000$126,00062%
Kingwood East$425,500$127,00044%
Katy Southeast$443,000$130,00061%
Sugar Land East$458,500$130,00044%
Shepherd Park Plaza Area$450,000$133,0002%
Rosharon$485,000$134,000N/A
Energy Corridor$460,953$135,00029%
Tomball Southwest$414,297$135,00010%
Riverside$461,000$138,00049%
Fulshear/South Brookshire$440,265$140,00014%
Spring Branch$470,000$141,00039%
Briarmeadow/Tanglewilde$488,000$142,00065%
Downtown Houston$309,500$144,00023%
Cypress South$439,900$144,00052%
Katy Southwest$489,000$148,00045%
Sienna Area$465,000$148,00040%
Washington East/Sabine$490,000$149,00015%
Sugar Land West$492,245$149,00052%
Cottage Grove$500,500$150,00025%

Northwest Houston

AreaMedian Home PriceSalary Required*10 Year %
Northwest Houston$272,500$81,00055%

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


Stafford Area

AreaMedian Home PriceSalary Required*10 Year %
Stafford Area$276,250$81,00054%

Stafford Area Map

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:

Notably, Stafford is the “Island of Business Opportunity.”

Map of Stafford Area

Stafford Area Real Estate Trends


Hempstead

AreaMedian Home PriceSalary Required*10 Year %
Hempstead$270,000$82,0009%

Hempstead Map

Located at the junction of roads Highway 290, and Texas State Highways 6 and 159, Hempstead is just 50 miles west of Downtown Texas.

Hempstead is well-known for its:

The residents enjoy hanging out at Hempstead City Park nearby which is pet-friendly. The park amenities include a playground and pavilions for children and adult outdoor activities.

Map of Hempstead

Hempstead 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%
Knollwood/Woodside$540,000$159,00015%
Meyerland Area$549,000$159,00032%
Rice Military/Washington Corridor$540,000$160,00021%
Fort Bend Southeast$592,500$166,00070%
Sugar Land South$606,652$174,00038%
Charnwood/Briarbend$618,250$180,00038%
Briargrove Park/Walnutbend$670,000$195,00052%
The Woodlands$665,000$195,00085%
Tiki Island$680,000$198,00041%
Timbergrove/Lazybrook$679,500$202,00056%
Greenway Plaza$602,900$204,00018%
Heights/Greater Heights$767,500$224,00061%
Westchase Area$779,999$240,00022%
Montrose$822,500$243,00028%
Briar Hollow$750,750$245,00036%
Memorial West$840,000$246,00069%

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


Knollwood/Woodside

AreaMedian Home PriceSalary Required*10 Year %
Knollwood/Woodside$540,000$159,00015%

Knollwood/Woodside Map

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:

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.

Map of Knollwood/Woodside

Knollwood/Woodside Real Estate Trends


Meyerland Area

AreaMedian Home PriceSalary Required*10 Year %
Meyerland Area$549,000$159,00032%

Meyerland Area Map

Nestled just outside Loop 610, Meyerland offers easy access to urban conveniences. Work, entertainment, dining, and shopping are at hand in this neighborhood.

Meyerland gained its popularity, thanks to its:

Meyerland is a deed-restricted neighborhood. It is primarily a residential community with single-family homes.

Map of Meyerland Area

Meyerland Area 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 %
River Oaks Shopping Area$1,084,950$310,00057%
Garden Oaks$1,096,000$314,000146%
Highland Village / Midlane$1,115,000$321,00019%
Upper Kirby$1,136,430$356,00047%
Bellaire Area$1,345,000$392,00029%
Briargrove$1,400,000$407,00076%
Rice / Museum District$1,497,000$430,00082%
Braeswood Place$1,567,400$451,00053%
Memorial Park$1,547,000$459,0001%
Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks$1,718,750$496,00096%
Memorial Close In$1,750,000$520,00049%
Tanglewood Area$1,900,000$554,00029%
West University/Southside Area$2,155,000$606,00069%
Memorial Villages$2,810,000$794,00078%
River Oaks Area$3,255,000$938,00068%
Rivercrest$4,337,500$1,251,00012%

River Oaks Shopping Area

AreaMedian Home PriceSalary Required*10 Year %
River Oaks Shopping Area$1,084,950$310,00057%

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


Garden Oaks

AreaMedian Home PriceSalary Required*10 Year %
Garden Oaks$1,096,000$314,000146%

Garden Oaks Map

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:

The Garden Oaks community continues to grow as developers buy up land in the area.

Map of Garden Oaks

Garden Oaks Real Estate Trends


Highland Village / Midlane

AreaMedian Home PriceSalary Required*10 Year %
Highland Village / Midlane$1,115,000$321,00019%

Highland Village / Midlane Map

Highland Village / Midlane, a coveted small neighborhood, is located near the Galleria/Uptown area and River Oaks. It is a deed-restricted community just 6 miles west of downtown Houston.

Highland Village is popular for its:

Highland Village / Midlane has an active civic club, the Highland Village Civic Club which enforces the community's deed restrictions, maintains common areas, and provides extra security.

Map of Highland Village / Midlane

Highland Village / Midlane 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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