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 Range Central Houston Suburbs
Under $80k Five Corners, Medical Center South, Sharpstown Area, Winrock Aldine Area, Bacliff/San Leon, Hempstead, Hobby Area, La Marque, Northeast Houston, Pasadena, South Houston, Willis/New Waverly
$80k-$150k Brays Oaks, Briarmeadow/Tanglewilde, Downtown Houston, East End Revitalized, Galleria, Medical Center Area, Midtown Houston, Oak Forest East, Shepherd Park Plaza Area, Spring Branch Clear Lake Area, Cypress North, Fort Bend County North / Richmond, Friendswood, Katy North, Katy Old Towne, Katy Southeast, Pearland, Sugar Land East, Sugar Land West
$150k-$250k Briargrove Park/Walnutbend, Cottage Grove, Greenway Plaza, Heights/Greater Heights, Knollwood/Woodside, Meyerland Area, Montrose, Rice Military/Washington Corridor, Timbergrove/Lazybrook, Washington East/Sabine
$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 Tiki Island

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 %
Alief $255,000 $80,000 47%
Five Corners $250,000 $80,000 52%
Winrock $190,000 $79,000 -13%
Pasadena $247,900 $78,000 29%
Medical Center South $245,500 $77,000 47%
Sharpstown Area $247,500 $76,000 33%
Hempstead $245,000 $76,000 16%
Aldine Area $235,000 $76,000 51%
Bacliff/San Leon $245,000 $76,000 N/A
Northeast Houston $239,000 $75,000 59%
Willis/New Waverly $249,000 $74,000 16%
La Marque $229,500 $74,000 43%
Hobby Area $234,000 $73,000 41%
South Houston $225,000 $70,000 30%

Alief

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Alief $255,000 $80,000 47%

Alief Map

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

Several factors make this neighborhood appealing, including:

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

Map of Alief

Alief Real Estate Trends


Five Corners

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Five Corners $250,000 $80,000 52%

Five Corners Map

Located just south of the Medical Center Area, Five Corners is a large neighborhood just inside Beltway 8.

The area is popular for its:

Five Corners homes come in a wide variety of architectural styles, including traditional, modern, colonial, and English styles. Price points are similar to neighboring Brays Oaks, starting at around $120,000.

Map of Five Corners

Five Corners Real Estate Trends


Pasadena

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Pasadena $247,900 $78,000 29%

Pasadena Map

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

Pasadena is known for its:

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

Map of Pasadena

Pasadena Real Estate Trends


$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 %
Huffman Area $263,995 $82,000 -15%
Stafford Area $269,999 $83,000 45%
Spring East $257,000 $84,000 46%
Humble Area East $260,000 $84,000 52%
1960/Cypress Creek South $256,995 $84,000 55%
Conroe Northeast $253,816 $84,000 45%
Humble Area West $260,000 $84,000 52%
Willowbrook South $270,000 $85,000 61%
Southbelt / Ellington $269,000 $85,000 56%
Humble Area South $265,000 $85,000 46%
Porter / New Caney West $250,000 $87,000 20%
Northside $275,000 $87,000 31%
Bear Creek South $280,000 $89,000 64%
La Porte/Shoreacres $279,120 $90,000 52%
Crosby Area $280,000 $91,000 53%
Deer Park $289,000 $92,000 56%
Mission Bend Area $300,000 $93,000 73%
1960/Cypress $299,500 $93,000 61%
Alvin South $289,900 $93,000 62%
Northwest Houston $298,000 $93,000 64%
Conroe Southeast $288,000 $94,000 40%
1960/Cypress Creek North $302,000 $94,000 62%
Brays Oaks $305,000 $94,000 27%
Medical Center Area $251,000 $95,000 14%
Missouri City Area $296,687 $95,000 38%
Dickinson $300,000 $96,000 46%
Katy North $303,000 $96,000 66%
Atascocita North $304,425 $96,000 49%
Kingwood West $309,900 $97,000 58%
Atascocita South $310,000 $99,000 47%
Conroe Southwest $308,000 $101,000 14%
Sugar Land North $339,900 $103,000 27%
Hockley $300,000 $103,000 42%
Lake Conroe Area $334,405 $104,000 37%
University Area $325,000 $104,000 24%
Copperfield Area $330,000 $104,000 63%
Denver Harbor $329,990 $104,000 22%
Magnolia/1488 West $313,990 $105,000 25%
Kingwood NW/Oakhurst $304,820 $105,000 13%
Porter / New Caney East $310,000 $105,000 20%
Spring/Klein $335,000 $106,000 52%
Spring/Klein/Tomball $335,000 $107,000 55%
Jersey Village $345,000 $108,000 50%
Willow Meadows Area $360,000 $109,000 12%
Oak Forest West $360,000 $109,000 40%
Santa Fe $354,640 $110,000 86%
Brookshire $320,000 $112,000 5%
Champions Area $360,000 $113,000 53%
Eldridge North $364,500 $113,000 28%
East End Revitalized $355,000 $114,000 21%
Fort Bend South / Richmond $339,995 $114,000 61%
Clear Lake Area $365,000 $114,000 53%
Kingwood South $377,500 $117,000 68%
Galleria $307,000 $117,000 3%
League City $377,990 $120,000 57%
Pearland $379,000 $121,000 54%
Waller $362,920 $121,000 56%
Friendswood $395,000 $121,000 65%
Magnolia/1488 East $371,000 $122,000 32%
Cypress North $385,000 $122,000 62%
Tomball $375,000 $123,000 47%
Downtown Houston $290,000 $126,000 7%
Tomball South/Lakewood $395,500 $127,000 57%
Riverside $399,000 $129,000 15%
Summerwood / Lakeshore $378,237 $129,000 40%
Katy Old Towne $382,859 $133,000 59%
Katy Southeast $428,500 $133,000 47%
Kingwood East $427,000 $133,000 47%
Spring Northeast $410,000 $134,000 74%
Fort Bend County North / Richmond $410,000 $134,000 64%
Shepherd Park Plaza Area $434,900 $135,000 1%
Briarmeadow/Tanglewilde $410,000 $136,000 39%
Spring Branch $433,000 $137,000 31%
Energy Corridor $455,000 $140,000 32%
Midtown Houston $389,000 $140,000 11%
Sugar Land East $466,000 $141,000 47%
Alvin North $408,050 $141,000 72%
Sienna Area $422,015 $143,000 16%
Tomball Southwest $430,000 $146,000 3%
Oak Forest East $490,000 $148,000 42%
Sugar Land West $465,000 $148,000 47%
Charnwood/Briarbend $430,000 $149,000 -2%

Huffman Area

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Huffman Area $263,995 $82,000 -15%

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


Stafford Area

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Stafford Area $269,999 $83,000 45%

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


Spring East

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Spring East $257,000 $84,000 46%

Spring East Map

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:

Spring East offers a variety of options for single-family homes. Ranch-style and newly constructed houses are typically available.

Map of Spring East

Spring East Real Estate Trends


$150,000 to $250,000: Cost of Luxury Homes

Buying or selling a home within the best neighborhoods in Houston can be very tricky. With over $1B real estate sales, the Houston Properties Team is the #1 Boutique Real Estate Team in Houston. Contact us for a custom Houston cost of living calculator, and we can review your options.

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Cypress South $437,495 $151,000 49%
Fort Bend Southeast $499,450 $151,000 11%
Fulshear/South Brookshire $448,710 $151,000 8%
Meyerland Area $507,000 $154,000 16%
Rosharon $530,000 $156,000 N/A
Cottage Grove $519,900 $164,000 28%
Washington East/Sabine $540,000 $166,000 29%
Knollwood/Woodside $557,600 $169,000 16%
Katy Southwest $515,668 $169,000 47%
Rice Military/Washington Corridor $555,000 $172,000 17%
Greenway Plaza $460,000 $184,000 3%
Sugar Land South $620,000 $191,000 36%
The Woodlands $636,846 $193,000 67%
Timbergrove/Lazybrook $625,000 $194,000 53%
Briargrove Park/Walnutbend $650,000 $198,000 50%
Heights/Greater Heights $680,000 $210,000 44%
Memorial West $700,000 $221,000 35%
Montrose $775,000 $235,000 19%

Cypress South

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Cypress South $437,495 $151,000 49%

Cypress South Map

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:

Cypress South offers a range of housing options, including both single-family homes and townhomes, ensuring a wide selection for prospective buyers.

Map of Cypress South

Cypress South Real Estate Trends


Fort Bend Southeast

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Fort Bend Southeast $499,450 $151,000 11%

Fort Bend Southeast Map

Fort Bend Southeast is within the well-known Fort Bend County. It features nearby several luxurious neighborhoods and master-planned communities. This includes the cities of Sugar Land, Missouri, and Richmond.

Fort Bend Southeast community is famous for its:

Fort Bend Southeast has several retail and entertainment hubs. Residents can enjoy excellent dining and shopping options at Greatwood and Sienna.

Map of Fort Bend Southeast

Fort Bend Southeast Real Estate Trends


Fulshear/South Brookshire

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Fulshear/South Brookshire $448,710 $151,000 8%

Fulshear/South Brookshire Map

Fulshear is a small incorporated city in Fort Bend County just 20 miles away from Energy Corridor. It has been featured by American City Business Journal (ACBJ) as one of “Houston’s Most Affluent Communities.”

Fulshear real estate has increased in popularity thanks to its:

Fulshear homes are nestled in large acres of land. The city’s more established neighborhoods mostly feature older ranch-style homes on large lots.

Map of Fulshear/South Brookshire

Fulshear/South Brookshire Real Estate Trends


Over $250,000: Most Expensive Areas

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

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Garden Oaks $845,000 $255,000 89%
Westchase Area $797,000 $257,000 13%
Tiki Island $850,000 $265,000 87%
River Oaks Shopping Area $989,900 $299,000 32%
Briar Hollow $777,500 $304,000 52%
Rice / Museum District $1,025,000 $309,000 36%
Upper Kirby $1,053,441 $318,000 34%
Briargrove $1,099,900 $336,000 35%
Bellaire Area $1,195,500 $363,000 25%
Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks $1,187,500 $364,000 43%
Highland Village / Midlane $1,247,500 $378,000 56%
Braeswood Place $1,356,375 $410,000 77%
Memorial Park $1,560,000 $487,000 4%
West University/Southside Area $1,875,500 $553,000 49%
Memorial Villages $2,096,652 $632,000 23%
Tanglewood Area $2,124,500 $648,000 32%
Memorial Close In $2,300,000 $705,000 22%
River Oaks Area $3,226,514 $980,000 53%
Rivercrest $5,226,100 $1,614,000 89%

Garden Oaks

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Garden Oaks $845,000 $255,000 89%

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


Westchase Area

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Westchase Area $797,000 $257,000 13%

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


Tiki Island

Area Median Home Price Salary Required* 10 Year %
Tiki Island $850,000 $265,000 87%

Tiki Island Map

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:

Tiki Island has had a stable appreciation of property values. The community compares well with the best Houston neighborhoods in land value appreciation.

Map of Tiki Island

Tiki Island Real Estate Trends


Sources, Methodology & Disclosures

Sources, Methodology & Disclosures

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


The Best Houston Realtor to Sell Your Home

The Best Houston Realtor to Sell Your Home

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

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

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

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

Houston Properties Team awards

Recent awards include:

. . . in addition to over 318 additional awards.

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

Benefits Of Working With The Houston Properties Team

best realtors in Houston

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

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

The benefits of working with a team include:

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


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