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 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring East | $250,000 | $80,000 | 45% |
| Alief | $254,000 | $78,000 | 38% |
| La Marque | $248,000 | $77,000 | 33% |
| Humble Area East | $245,000 | $77,000 | 41% |
| Humble Area West | $245,000 | $77,000 | 41% |
| Pasadena | $245,000 | $76,000 | 30% |
| Winrock | $187,500 | $76,000 | -13% |
| Bacliff/San Leon | $245,000 | $75,000 | N/A |
| Aldine Area | $233,800 | $74,000 | 47% |
| Medical Center South | $233,000 | $73,000 | 39% |
| Sharpstown Area | $235,000 | $72,000 | 21% |
| Northside | $229,600 | $72,000 | -2% |
| Hobby Area | $235,000 | $72,000 | 46% |
| Northeast Houston | $230,000 | $70,000 | 38% |
| Hempstead | $221,500 | $68,000 | -9% |
| Willis/New Waverly | $220,000 | $65,000 | 7% |
| South Houston | $175,000 | $55,000 | 22% |
Spring East
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring East | $250,000 | $80,000 | 45% |
Spring East is located about 24 miles north of Downtown Houston. The community sits south of Spring Creek and a few miles south of The Woodlands.
Spring East is sought-after for its:
PROXIMITY TO MAJOR EMPLOYERS: Residents of Spring East enjoy an easy commute to work. Major employers such as ExxonMobil, LORD, HP, and Chevron are highly accessible.
AWARD-WINNING GOLF CLUB: Golf Digest awarded Cypresswood Golf Club as Best New Course. This 36-hole course hosts PGA Tour School and Championship, the Shell Houston Open Qualifier, and Futures Tour Events.
LEISURE & ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES: Spring East offers a variety of options for indoor and outdoor activities. The area features expansive green spaces for outdoor activities. Indoor activities include air trampolines, indoor rock climbing, and paintball.
CENTRAL LOCATION: Spring East is some miles outside of Beltway 8, nestled west of I-45 and north of FM 1960. A mix of well-known establishments and trendy restaurants, bars, and cafes surrounds the area.
Spring East offers a variety of options for single-family homes. Ranch-style and newly constructed houses are typically available.
Alief
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alief | $254,000 | $78,000 | 38% |
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:
CONVENIENT LOCATION: Alief's location provides easy access to major highways, including the Sam Houston Tollway and Westpark Tollway. The neighborhood is also close to several major shopping centers, including the Galleria and Sugar Park Plaza.
TOP-RATED SCHOOLS: Alief boasts top-notch schools like Mahanay Elementary School, within the Alief Independent School District.
PLENTY OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: The neighborhood has several parks, including Alief Community Park and Hackberry Park, which offer playgrounds, trails, and sports fields. The Alief Family YMCA provides fitness programs and recreational activities for residents of all ages.
Alief is close to Sugar Land Business Park, home to several businesses. These include Tramontina, Shell, Chevron, and BMC Software.
La Marque
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Marque | $248,000 | $77,000 | 33% |
La Marque, named the second-fastest-growing city in Galveston County, is located just 15 miles south of Houston and four miles north of Galveston Island.
La Marque is known for its:
ACCESSIBILITY: With I-45, Texas Highway 146, and State Highway 3 nearby, the city offers easy access to Houston, Galveston, and Texas City.
FUN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: The scenic Carbide Park offers wide green spaces, serene walking trails, and picnic areas. Additionally, the park features sports facilities like tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts.
QUALITY SHOPPING AND DINING: The city has several retail centers, like Gulfway Plaza and Mainland Crossing. Residents have plenty of retail, dining, and entertainment options.
La Marque homes come in a range of architectural styles, including traditional, modern, ranch, and craftsman styles. In addition, homes in the area have posted remarkable appreciation rates in the past 10 years.
$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 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Willowbrook South | $261,450 | $81,000 | 54% |
| Humble Area South | $259,500 | $82,000 | 48% |
| La Porte/Shoreacres | $270,000 | $83,000 | 53% |
| Southbelt / Ellington | $268,500 | $83,000 | 49% |
| Five Corners | $268,000 | $83,000 | 63% |
| 1960/Cypress Creek South | $264,990 | $84,000 | 57% |
| Stafford Area | $278,250 | $84,000 | 55% |
| Bear Creek South | $270,000 | $84,000 | 54% |
| Northwest Houston | $277,499 | $85,000 | 52% |
| 1960/Cypress | $282,500 | $86,000 | 50% |
| Huffman Area | $279,945 | $86,000 | 0% |
| Conroe Northeast | $259,945 | $86,000 | 45% |
| Deer Park | $275,000 | $87,000 | 37% |
| Mission Bend Area | $290,000 | $88,000 | 60% |
| Porter / New Caney West | $264,990 | $90,000 | 24% |
| Atascocita North | $294,250 | $91,000 | 44% |
| Missouri City Area | $295,000 | $91,000 | 42% |
| Crosby Area | $270,000 | $91,000 | 45% |
| Denver Harbor | $295,000 | $92,000 | 2% |
| Katy North | $300,000 | $93,000 | 58% |
| 1960/Cypress Creek North | $306,500 | $93,000 | 64% |
| Porter / New Caney East | $280,745 | $93,000 | 7% |
| Conroe Southeast | $287,900 | $93,000 | 40% |
| Atascocita South | $300,000 | $94,000 | 43% |
| Alvin South | $299,990 | $94,000 | 66% |
| Kingwood West | $302,500 | $94,000 | 52% |
| Brays Oaks | $309,250 | $94,000 | 26% |
| Waller | $288,000 | $96,000 | 25% |
| Sugar Land North | $329,000 | $97,000 | 34% |
| Conroe Southwest | $303,000 | $98,000 | 16% |
| University Area | $324,900 | $98,000 | 24% |
| Dickinson | $312,500 | $98,000 | 59% |
| Copperfield Area | $324,500 | $100,000 | 54% |
| Kingwood NW/Oakhurst | $295,615 | $100,000 | 15% |
| Brookshire | $298,950 | $100,000 | 49% |
| Medical Center Area | $280,000 | $101,000 | 21% |
| Spring/Klein | $325,000 | $101,000 | 44% |
| Hockley | $307,000 | $104,000 | 42% |
| Kingwood South | $340,000 | $104,000 | 44% |
| Lake Conroe Area | $340,950 | $104,000 | 38% |
| Magnolia/1488 West | $319,000 | $105,000 | 6% |
| Galleria | $283,000 | $105,000 | -2% |
| Santa Fe | $346,200 | $106,000 | 56% |
| Eldridge North | $350,000 | $107,000 | 52% |
| Jersey Village | $348,000 | $107,000 | 51% |
| Oak Forest West | $360,000 | $107,000 | 44% |
| Willow Meadows Area | $359,900 | $108,000 | 16% |
| Champions Area | $352,000 | $108,000 | 46% |
| Clear Lake Area | $351,495 | $109,000 | 47% |
| Rosharon | $380,000 | $109,000 | N/A |
| Spring/Klein/Tomball | $348,450 | $109,000 | 58% |
| Magnolia/1488 East | $337,695 | $109,000 | 12% |
| East End Revitalized | $350,000 | $111,000 | 16% |
| Downtown Houston | $259,000 | $115,000 | 5% |
| League City | $377,000 | $116,000 | 53% |
| Fort Bend South / Richmond | $355,495 | $116,000 | 67% |
| Katy Old Towne | $338,870 | $117,000 | 27% |
| Cypress North | $380,000 | $118,000 | 61% |
| Pearland | $379,000 | $119,000 | 48% |
| Riverside | $394,500 | $123,000 | 18% |
| Briarmeadow/Tanglewilde | $406,135 | $125,000 | 38% |
| Fulshear/South Brookshire | $379,000 | $126,000 | -3% |
| Tomball | $396,900 | $127,000 | 49% |
| Summerwood / Lakeshore | $382,245 | $127,000 | 38% |
| Spring Northeast | $407,000 | $129,000 | 64% |
| Tomball South/Lakewood | $409,500 | $130,000 | 56% |
| Fort Bend County North / Richmond | $409,000 | $133,000 | 57% |
| Alvin North | $392,250 | $133,000 | 65% |
| Katy Southeast | $436,000 | $133,000 | 52% |
| Spring Branch | $430,000 | $134,000 | 28% |
| Midtown Houston | $370,000 | $136,000 | 15% |
| Energy Corridor | $447,500 | $137,000 | 33% |
| Shepherd Park Plaza Area | $450,000 | $138,000 | 4% |
| Sugar Land East | $465,000 | $139,000 | 52% |
| Friendswood | $468,000 | $140,000 | 77% |
| Sienna Area | $425,000 | $141,000 | 19% |
| Kingwood East | $459,900 | $142,000 | 53% |
| Meyerland Area | $474,036 | $142,000 | 19% |
| Oak Forest East | $490,000 | $146,000 | 43% |
Willowbrook South
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Willowbrook South | $261,450 | $81,000 | 54% |
Located within Northwest Houston, lots of shopping centers line Willowbrook South. Places like the Willowbrook Mall feature a wide array of shops and restaurants.
Willowbrook South remains popular thanks to its:
SUPERB LOCATION: Several big companies are found in Willowbrook South. It is a short commute to known commercial establishments like Downtown Houston and Energy Corridor.
EASY ACCESSIBILITY: Moreover, the town's close to the Beltway 8 and Highway 249 intersection. As a result, anyone from Willowbrook South has quick access to the rest of the city and its environs.
TOP-RANKING SCHOOLS: It is zoned by the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, a school district known for its top-ranking schools. Cook Middle School which has a 7/10 rating from Greatschools.org, is around the area.
The presence of recreational facilities and parks adds to the appeal of Willowbrook South. George Bush Park, Bear Creek Pioneers Park, and Cy-Champ Park are some of the green spaces in the area.
Humble Area South
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humble Area South | $259,500 | $82,000 | 48% |
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.
La Porte/Shoreacres
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Porte/Shoreacres | $270,000 | $83,000 | 53% |
La Porte is the fourth-largest incorporated city in Harris County. It is located along the scenic Galveston Bay and near some of Houston’s best suburbs. It is also about a 30-minute drive from the best neighborhoods in the Inner Loop area.
La Porte is one of Houston’s most interesting neighborhoods, thanks to its:
SCENIC WATERFRONT LOCATION: The city enjoys a waterfront location along Galveston Bay. This affords residents beautiful sunset and sunrise views. Many homes in La Porte are just a stone’s throw away from the bay.
ACCESSIBILITY: La Porte homes have easy access to the main roads of Texas Highway 146 and Pasadena Freeway. It is only 30 minutes from Downtown Houston, Texas Medical Center, and Museum District.
EXCELLENT GOLF COURSES: The city is home to the 18-hole championship golf course of Bay Forest. Bay Oaks Country Club, one of Houston’s Best Golf Course Communities, is just 13 miles from La Porte.
EXCITING ACTIVITIES: La Porte is minutes from local parks including Fairmont Park, Sylvan Beach Park, and Little Cedar Bayou Park. The Armand Bayou Nature Center is less than 10 miles from the city.
The city is home to many quality single-family homes on large lots. There are several subdivisions and home builders in La Porte that offer a variety of options. The neighborhood features bungalows and small frame houses from the 1940s. There are also estates and mansions within the community.
$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 | $480,000 | $151,000 | 50% |
| Cypress South | $445,000 | $151,000 | 52% |
| Charnwood/Briarbend | $509,000 | $156,000 | 28% |
| Tomball Southwest | $473,127 | $159,000 | 34% |
| Katy Southwest | $506,000 | $160,000 | 50% |
| Rice Military/Washington Corridor | $545,000 | $166,000 | 21% |
| Fort Bend Southeast | $555,000 | $166,000 | 74% |
| Cottage Grove | $544,000 | $168,000 | 38% |
| Washington East/Sabine | $567,000 | $169,000 | 38% |
| Knollwood/Woodside | $565,000 | $171,000 | 28% |
| The Woodlands | $607,000 | $180,000 | 73% |
| Briargrove Park/Walnutbend | $612,500 | $184,000 | 32% |
| Sugar Land South | $650,000 | $194,000 | 47% |
| Timbergrove/Lazybrook | $687,580 | $211,000 | 60% |
| Heights/Greater Heights | $699,950 | $212,000 | 50% |
| Memorial West | $705,000 | $220,000 | 35% |
| Westchase Area | $716,500 | $228,000 | 18% |
| Greenway Plaza | $667,000 | $239,000 | 43% |
| Montrose | $815,000 | $243,000 | 30% |
Sugar Land West
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sugar Land West | $480,000 | $151,000 | 50% |
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:
MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITIES: Sugar Land West is home to Telfair, New Territory, and Aliana. These communities typically feature great amenities like resort-style pools, parks, and multi-use trails.
TOP-RATED SCHOOLS: Sugar Land West homes are zoned to some of the best schools in Houston. Walker Station Elementary, Brazos Bend Elementary, Cornerstone Elementary, and Oyster Creek Elementary serve parts of the area.
GREAT REAL ESTATE APPRECIATION: Homes in the area have posted great appreciation rates in the past 10 years with a median sales price of about $470,000.
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.
Cypress South
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cypress South | $445,000 | $151,000 | 52% |
Located 22 miles southwest of Downtown Houston, Cypress South is one of Houston’s older neighborhoods. It features several master-planned communities, like Ponderosa Forest, also known as the "River Oaks of North Houston."
Cypress South is popular for its:
GREAT LOCATION: Cypress South is located near major highways, including Highway 290 and Grand Parkway, providing easy access to downtown Houston and other surrounding areas.
NEARBY AMENITIES: The Houston Premium Outlets and the Boardwalk at Towne Lake are popular destinations for shopping and dining. The area also boasts its proximity to Telge Park and Cypress Top Historic Park.
TOP-RANKED SCHOOLS: Cypress South is home to some of the best schools in Houston, including Pope Elementary, Warner Elementary, and Cypress Ranch High.
Cypress South offers a range of housing options, including both single-family homes and townhomes, ensuring a wide selection for prospective buyers.
Charnwood/Briarbend
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charnwood/Briarbend | $509,000 | $156,000 | 28% |
Charnwood is in a tranquil setting nestled within the Western Houston area. An affluent neighborhood with solid real estate appreciation.
Charnwood features:
CENTRAL LOCATION: Charnwood is near Houston's leading business and retail centers, like the Galleria, the Memorial area, and the Inner Loop. Loop 610 freeway, San Felipe Street, Memorial Drive, and Westheimer Road are easily accessible.
ELEGANT VICINITY: Charnwood homes are on expansive wooded lots with parks, country clubs, shopping centers, and restaurants, along with the Buffalo Bayou lacing. The neighborhood has recently updated 1950s vintage homes with a newer Ranch-style home.
SMALL-TOWN VIBE: Charnwood is a deed-restricted community to maintain its overall look and small-town feel. The active civic association in the neighborhood helps enforce the deed restrictions.
STRONG HOUSING MARKET: Due to the reputable neighborhoods' continued popularity, Charnwood real estate has remained strong in the last few years. It has been included in the list of Houston's top 25 most expensive areas.
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.
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 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiki Island | $830,000 | $253,000 | 91% |
| River Oaks Shopping Area | $1,007,450 | $299,000 | 52% |
| Garden Oaks | $1,025,000 | $304,000 | 121% |
| Highland Village / Midlane | $1,075,000 | $321,000 | 44% |
| Briar Hollow | $862,500 | $325,000 | 85% |
| Upper Kirby | $1,083,500 | $326,000 | 27% |
| Briargrove | $1,204,000 | $365,000 | 43% |
| Rice / Museum District | $1,225,000 | $369,000 | 44% |
| Bellaire Area | $1,375,000 | $412,000 | 38% |
| Tanglewood Area | $1,437,500 | $433,000 | -13% |
| Braeswood Place | $1,557,500 | $463,000 | 88% |
| Memorial Park | $1,791,000 | $536,000 | 57% |
| Memorial Close In | $1,795,000 | $554,000 | -27% |
| West University/Southside Area | $1,920,000 | $573,000 | 53% |
| Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks | $2,250,000 | $670,000 | 160% |
| Memorial Villages | $2,379,075 | $703,000 | 69% |
| River Oaks Area | $3,050,000 | $913,000 | 38% |
| Rivercrest | $6,400,000 | $1,944,000 | 122% |
Tiki Island
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiki Island | $830,000 | $253,000 | 91% |
Tiki Island is a lovely neighborhood situated on a small man-made island with a unique island vibe and beautiful coastal sights in Galveston Bay. It is also close to Houston and Galveston.
Tiki Island is known for its:
ACCESSIBILITY: Tiki Island is close to major highways like Interstate 45 and Highway 146. This makes it easy to travel to Downtown Houston.
EXCLUSIVENESS: The community of Tiki Island is known for its tight-knit and friendly atmosphere. The community has its security force, keeping residents safe and secure.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES: Tiki Island features parks, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The nearby Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico provide ample opportunities for swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing.
Tiki Island has had a stable appreciation of property values. The community compares well with the best Houston neighborhoods in land value appreciation.
River Oaks Shopping Area
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| River Oaks Shopping Area | $1,007,450 | $299,000 | 52% |
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 | $1,025,000 | $304,000 | 121% |
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.
*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.
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.
