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
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As reflected in the data below, homebuyers are spending more in monthly payments than they would two years ago on a similar property.
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Homeowners who benefited from lower mortgage rates are less motivated to move (and sell).
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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
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The neighborhoods we selected came from our lists of:
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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.
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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 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stafford Area | $260,000 | $80,000 | 40% |
| Five Corners | $246,750 | $79,000 | 50% |
| Bacliff/San Leon | $249,000 | $77,000 | N/A |
| Sharpstown Area | $233,300 | $77,000 | 26% |
| Aldine Area | $235,000 | $76,000 | 51% |
| Hobby Area | $239,000 | $76,000 | 44% |
| Northeast Houston | $241,735 | $76,000 | 61% |
| Pasadena | $240,000 | $76,000 | 25% |
| Willis/New Waverly | $255,000 | $76,000 | 19% |
| Medical Center South | $238,500 | $75,000 | 43% |
| La Marque | $225,000 | $73,000 | 40% |
| South Houston | $225,000 | $72,000 | 30% |
| Hempstead | $229,999 | $71,000 | 9% |
| Winrock | $161,133 | $71,000 | -26% |
Stafford Area
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stafford Area | $260,000 | $80,000 | 40% |
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:
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ACCESSIBILITY: The primary Street in the city is the US Highway 90 Alternate. Main roads and thoroughfares (Beltway 8, I-69, Highway 6) are just minutes away from Stafford homes. Connecting Rosenberg and Richmond and to downtown Houston.
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BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT NEARBY: The city has 15 business parks and is home to companies from various industries. Big companies like Cooper Valves, Fiserv Inc., and Flextronics International are situated in the city.
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GREEN SPACES: The city has over 35 acres of green space. Popular destinations include Gordon Fountain Lake Park, Vaccaro Manor Park, and Stafford Centre.
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RETAIL AND DINING OPTIONS: Stafford homes are just minutes away from restaurants, cafes, bars, and shopping centers. The Fountains Shopping Center, located along I-69, features several restaurants and stores.
Notably, Stafford is the “Island of Business Opportunity.”
Five Corners
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Five Corners | $246,750 | $79,000 | 50% |
Located just south of the Medical Center Area, Five Corners is a large neighborhood just inside Beltway 8.
The area is popular for its:
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ACCESSIBILITY: Five Corners homes are minutes away from several main roads and freeways, including Beltway 8, Highway 288, Loop 610, Fort Bend Pkwy, and US 90 Alt.
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PROXIMITY TO JOB CENTERS: The Downtown, Medical Center, and Galleria area highly accessible from Five Corners.
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GREAT APPRECIATION RATES: One of Houston's Best Close-In Neighborhoods, Five Corners real estate has posted impressive appreciation rates over the past decade.
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.
Bacliff/San Leon
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bacliff/San Leon | $249,000 | $77,000 | N/A |
Nestled on the shores of Galveston Bay, Bacliff/San Leon boasts of homes with scenic waterfront views and easy access to a variety of recreational activities.
Bacliff/San Leon neighborhood is known for its:
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RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: The Bacliff/San Leon area offers a wide range of recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and birdwatching. The area is home to several parks and nature preserves, including the Galveston Bay Foundation’s Sweet Nature Preserve and the Bayshore Park.
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ACCESSIBILITY: Residents have fairly easy commutes via Highway 146 and Gulf Freeway. Nearby cities like Kemah, League City, and Houston are minutes away.
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HOUSING OPTIONS: Compared to nearby areas, Bacliff/San Leon offers lower home prices. The area offers a variety of options, from waterfront homes with docks to traditional single-family homes.
Bacliff/San Leon homes vary in lot sizes from 2,500 sq. ft. to over 1 acre, with a price range that spans from $100,000 to over $2,000,000.
$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 | $259,990 | $81,000 | -16% |
| Conroe Northeast | $256,000 | $81,000 | 46% |
| Alief | $260,000 | $82,000 | 50% |
| 1960/Cypress Creek South | $255,990 | $83,000 | 54% |
| Humble Area West | $260,000 | $84,000 | 52% |
| Humble Area East | $260,000 | $84,000 | 52% |
| Humble Area South | $260,000 | $85,000 | 43% |
| Dickinson | $268,495 | $85,000 | 30% |
| Spring East | $258,990 | $85,000 | 48% |
| Willowbrook South | $269,900 | $86,000 | 61% |
| Northside | $268,500 | $87,000 | 28% |
| Southbelt / Ellington | $274,000 | $88,000 | 59% |
| Porter / New Caney West | $250,000 | $88,000 | 20% |
| La Porte/Shoreacres | $275,000 | $89,000 | 49% |
| Crosby Area | $277,000 | $90,000 | 51% |
| Bear Creek South | $280,000 | $90,000 | 64% |
| Atascocita North | $287,500 | $91,000 | 40% |
| Alvin South | $290,000 | $93,000 | 62% |
| 1960/Cypress | $300,000 | $94,000 | 61% |
| Mission Bend Area | $300,000 | $94,000 | 73% |
| Deer Park | $289,000 | $94,000 | 56% |
| Missouri City Area | $295,000 | $94,000 | 38% |
| Conroe Southeast | $290,000 | $95,000 | 41% |
| Northwest Houston | $301,500 | $95,000 | 66% |
| Medical Center Area | $253,250 | $95,000 | 15% |
| 1960/Cypress Creek North | $307,500 | $96,000 | 65% |
| Katy North | $300,000 | $96,000 | 64% |
| Atascocita South | $301,000 | $96,000 | 43% |
| Brays Oaks | $308,500 | $97,000 | 28% |
| University Area | $310,000 | $99,000 | 19% |
| Kingwood West | $310,000 | $99,000 | 58% |
| Hockley | $291,992 | $101,000 | 38% |
| Conroe Southwest | $315,000 | $103,000 | 16% |
| Sugar Land North | $339,950 | $103,000 | 27% |
| Willow Meadows Area | $340,000 | $104,000 | 6% |
| Magnolia/1488 West | $309,990 | $104,000 | 24% |
| Spring/Klein | $332,500 | $106,000 | 51% |
| Copperfield Area | $335,000 | $106,000 | 65% |
| Lake Conroe Area | $339,000 | $106,000 | 39% |
| Spring/Klein/Tomball | $329,426 | $106,000 | 53% |
| Kingwood NW/Oakhurst | $320,000 | $107,000 | 19% |
| Denver Harbor | $335,000 | $107,000 | 24% |
| Jersey Village | $339,000 | $108,000 | 47% |
| Porter / New Caney East | $320,000 | $109,000 | 24% |
| Santa Fe | $352,320 | $110,000 | 85% |
| Brookshire | $318,490 | $111,000 | 4% |
| Champions Area | $354,950 | $111,000 | 51% |
| Fort Bend South / Richmond | $330,000 | $111,000 | 57% |
| Oak Forest West | $365,500 | $113,000 | 42% |
| Eldridge North | $362,500 | $114,000 | 28% |
| Clear Lake Area | $370,000 | $116,000 | 55% |
| East End Revitalized | $355,000 | $116,000 | 21% |
| Galleria | $307,500 | $117,000 | 3% |
| Friendswood | $385,707 | $118,000 | 62% |
| League City | $374,000 | $118,000 | 55% |
| Pearland | $370,500 | $118,000 | 51% |
| Kingwood South | $375,000 | $118,000 | 67% |
| Riverside | $370,000 | $119,000 | 7% |
| Waller | $369,995 | $120,000 | 59% |
| Magnolia/1488 East | $399,000 | $121,000 | 42% |
| Cypress North | $380,000 | $121,000 | 60% |
| Tomball | $376,140 | $124,000 | 47% |
| Tomball South/Lakewood | $400,000 | $129,000 | 59% |
| Briarmeadow/Tanglewilde | $392,590 | $131,000 | 33% |
| Shepherd Park Plaza Area | $429,900 | $132,000 | 0% |
| Summerwood / Lakeshore | $379,990 | $132,000 | 41% |
| Katy Old Towne | $380,000 | $133,000 | 58% |
| Katy Southeast | $435,000 | $136,000 | 50% |
| Kingwood East | $425,800 | $136,000 | 46% |
| Downtown Houston | $320,000 | $137,000 | 18% |
| Spring Northeast | $417,250 | $138,000 | 77% |
| Fort Bend County North / Richmond | $417,625 | $138,000 | 67% |
| Charnwood/Briarbend | $395,000 | $138,000 | -10% |
| Spring Branch | $430,000 | $139,000 | 30% |
| Alvin North | $400,000 | $139,000 | 69% |
| Sienna Area | $420,500 | $143,000 | 15% |
| Midtown Houston | $400,000 | $143,000 | 14% |
| Sugar Land West | $455,900 | $145,000 | 44% |
| Energy Corridor | $465,000 | $146,000 | 35% |
| Tomball Southwest | $427,500 | $146,000 | 3% |
| Fort Bend Southeast | $489,000 | $147,000 | 9% |
| Rosharon | $489,000 | $147,000 | N/A |
| Cypress South | $434,530 | $150,000 | 48% |
Huffman Area
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huffman Area | $259,990 | $81,000 | -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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
Conroe Northeast
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conroe Northeast | $256,000 | $81,000 | 46% |
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:
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VARIETY OF HOMES: Conroe Northeast offers a diverse range of homes, with over a hundred options. These homes come in various sizes, featuring 2 to 6 bedrooms, and showcase different architectural styles.
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RECREATIONAL PARKS: The area provides enjoyable spaces for outdoor activities. Parks have amenities such as a playground and a volleyball court.
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RETAIL OPTIONS: Residents have a variety of shopping choices within easy reach.
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.
Alief
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alief | $260,000 | $82,000 | 50% |
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:
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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.
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TOP-RATED SCHOOLS: Alief boasts top-notch schools like Mahanay Elementary School, within the Alief Independent School District.
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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.
$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 East | $497,425 | $151,000 | 57% |
| Fulshear/South Brookshire | $450,000 | $154,000 | 8% |
| Meyerland Area | $503,500 | $156,000 | 15% |
| Oak Forest East | $513,500 | $158,000 | 48% |
| Cottage Grove | $514,000 | $166,000 | 26% |
| Katy Southwest | $512,291 | $168,000 | 46% |
| Knollwood/Woodside | $552,500 | $170,000 | 15% |
| Washington East/Sabine | $552,250 | $176,000 | 32% |
| Rice Military/Washington Corridor | $555,300 | $176,000 | 17% |
| The Woodlands | $627,000 | $191,000 | 65% |
| Timbergrove/Lazybrook | $618,500 | $197,000 | 51% |
| Sugar Land South | $651,000 | $201,000 | 43% |
| Greenway Plaza | $499,500 | $202,000 | 12% |
| Briargrove Park/Walnutbend | $665,000 | $206,000 | 54% |
| Heights/Greater Heights | $675,000 | $212,000 | 43% |
| Memorial West | $715,000 | $227,000 | 38% |
| Montrose | $757,000 | $233,000 | 16% |
Sugar Land East
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sugar Land East | $497,425 | $151,000 | 57% |
Sugar Land East is located in one of Houston’s top suburban neighborhoods. It features easy access to business centers and several recreational spots.
Sugar Land East is popular due to its:
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BUSINESS CENTERS: It is one of Texas’ best cities for business expansion. The neighborhood is in proximity to Sugar Land Business Park. Sugar Land East offers access to major employment districts including Energy Corridor and Galleria.
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TOP-RATED SCHOOLS: Sugar Land East features some of Houston’s most excellent schools. It is zoned to Fort Bend Independent School district, one of Houston’s top districts in the area.
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RECREATIONAL DESTINATIONS: The community is near commercial establishments and shopping centers. Golf courses, lakes, and parks are within a few minutes from the neighborhood.
Sugar Land East offers stable real estate values on top of the community’s urban amenities. The continuous growth among business centers in the area contributes to the area’s positive condition.
Fulshear/South Brookshire
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fulshear/South Brookshire | $450,000 | $154,000 | 8% |
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:
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TOP-RANKED COMMUNITIES: Fulshear is also featured in ACBJ’s most affluent neighborhoods in Houston. Fulshear is home to some of Houston’s awarded communities, such as Cross Creek Ranch and Weston Lakes. Master-planned communities include Firethorne, and Fulbrook.
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CONVENIENT ACCESSIBILITY: Fulshear is located at the intersection of FM 359 and FM 1093. Grand Parkway 99 and I-10 are less than 10 miles away.
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ACCLAIMED SCHOOLS: Fulshear homes are zoned to the awarded Katy ISD and Lamar Consolidated ISD. Students in the area attend some of Houston’s Best Schools. Some of the top schools in the area are Huggins Elementary, Woodcreek Jr High, and Tompkins High School.
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GREAT AMENITIES: Fulshear homes are minutes away from great outdoor recreation such as Flewellen Creek Park, Weston Lakes Country Club, and Katy Mills. Retail, dining, and entertainment are also just a stone's throw away.
Fulshear homes are nestled in large acres of land. The city’s more established neighborhoods mostly feature older ranch-style homes on large lots.
Meyerland Area
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meyerland Area | $503,500 | $156,000 | 15% |
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:
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BEST COMMUTE: Meyerland's central location is in proximity to Houston's hubs. Galleria, Downtown, and Museum District are minutes away from the neighborhood.
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EXCELLENT SCHOOLS: The area is near some of the best schools in Houston, including Horn Elementary School, Condit Elementary School, and Lanier Middle School.
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GREAT REAL ESTATE APPRECIATION: Meyerland real estate is one of the top-performing neighborhoods. It consistently ranks in the Best Houston Neighborhoods in Real Estate Appreciation.
Meyerland is a deed-restricted neighborhood. It is primarily a residential community with single-family homes.
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 | $840,000 | $262,000 | 85% |
| Highland Village / Midlane | $852,500 | $264,000 | 7% |
| Westchase Area | $844,470 | $277,000 | 19% |
| Garden Oaks | $935,000 | $287,000 | 110% |
| River Oaks Shopping Area | $992,583 | $300,000 | 33% |
| Briar Hollow | $777,500 | $301,000 | 52% |
| Rice / Museum District | $1,025,000 | $315,000 | 36% |
| Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks | $1,075,000 | $333,000 | 30% |
| Briargrove | $1,132,500 | $346,000 | 39% |
| Bellaire Area | $1,150,000 | $347,000 | 20% |
| Upper Kirby | $1,171,375 | $356,000 | 49% |
| Braeswood Place | $1,302,000 | $401,000 | 70% |
| Memorial Park | $1,427,000 | $455,000 | -4% |
| West University/Southside Area | $1,845,223 | $564,000 | 47% |
| Tanglewood Area | $1,985,075 | $617,000 | 24% |
| Memorial Close In | $2,100,000 | $657,000 | 12% |
| Memorial Villages | $2,350,000 | $709,000 | 38% |
| River Oaks Area | $3,157,707 | $968,000 | 50% |
| Rivercrest | $5,226,100 | $1,614,000 | 89% |
Tiki Island
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiki Island | $840,000 | $262,000 | 85% |
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:
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ACCESSIBILITY: Tiki Island is close to major highways like Interstate 45 and Highway 146. This makes it easy to travel to Downtown Houston.
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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.
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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.
Highland Village / Midlane
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highland Village / Midlane | $852,500 | $264,000 | 7% |
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:
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PRIME LOCATION: Highland Village/Midlane is located in a prime location with easy access to two of Houston's key business and employment hubs. The neighborhood is minutes away from the Galleria area and Greenway Plaza. Residents also have easy access to downtown Houston and the Texas Medical Center.
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TOP SCHOOLS: Homes in the area are zoned to some of Houston's top schools, including Lanier Middle School.
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THRIVING MARKET: Highland Village / Midlane has one of the best land value appreciation in Houston, posting impressive appreciation rates over the past decade. The median sale price peaked at over $1,000,000.
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.
Westchase Area
| Area | Median Home Price | Salary Required* | 10 Year % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westchase Area | $844,470 | $277,000 | 19% |
Located southeast of the Energy Corridor, Westchase covers over 4 square miles of land.
Westchase area is well-known due to its:
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ACCESSIBILITY: Residents have access to several major thoroughfares, including State Highway 6, Beltway 8, and Westheimer Road, offering short commutes to key districts like the Galleria and Downtown.
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PROXIMITY TO ENERGY CORRIDOR: The Energy Corridor is one of the largest employment centers in Houston. Several energy companies have offices in the area.
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OUTDOOR RECREATION OPTIONS: Royal Oaks Country Club is one of Houston's best golf course communities. In addition, residents enjoy Woodchase Park which features a dog park, a water misting feature, and a multi-purpose pavilion.
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.
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.
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*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.
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We used the following assumptions for calculating monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) using data from https://www.mortgagecalculator.org/:
- 20% down payment
- 6.43% 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)
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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
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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.
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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.
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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 Paige@HoustonProperties.com for an Excel export of every neighborhood’s associated data and calculations.
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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.
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