The Best Luxury Inner Loop Houston Neighborhoods Ranked

Want luxury living inside the Loop? Find the perfect Inner Loop neighborhood with our expert guide.

Luxury Inner Loop neighborhoods are known for their spacious lots, tree-lined streets, and proximity to Downtown Houston, the Texas Medical Center, and the Galleria.

We created this list of the Best Luxury Inner Loop Houston Neighborhoods by ranking communities that are inside the Loop and whose median home sale prices are above $750k.

These communities were ranked using a proprietary method based on these four criteria:

• Commute Times

• Employment

• Public Schools

• Amenities

Check out the 20 best luxury Inner Loop Houston neighborhoods below and see where they're located using our best luxury Inner Loop neighborhoods map.

If you’d like to see any specific homes that are priced above $750k and are located inside the Loop, please contact Paige Martin at [email protected], ranked #1 Agent with Keller Williams in Texas and #5 Worldwide.

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Table of Contents

1. The 20 Best Luxury Inner Loop Neighborhoods in Houston
2. By the Numbers: The Best Luxury Houston Inner Loop Neighborhoods
3. Ranking the Best Luxury Inner Loop Houston Neighborhoods
4. Methodology
5. The Best Houston Realtor to Help You Buy a Home

The 20 Best Luxury Inner Loop Neighborhoods in Houston

"Brittney and the Houston Properties Team was amazing to work with! She was already prepared and incredibly knowledgeable over every step through this process. She made the whole experience very comfortable and I would not hesitate to recommend or use her again in the future." - Amanda White

The luxurious living, variety of amenities, and accessibility to key commercial and business hubs make the communities within the Inner Loop some of the best Houston neighborhoods to live in.

We compiled the luxury Houston Inner Loop neighborhoods and then ranked them to show the "best of the best" that this area has to offer. Check them out below.

1. River Oaks

2. Royden Oaks

3. West University

4. Museum District

5. Avalon Place

6. Boulevard Oaks

7. Hyde Park

8. Southampton

9. Southgate

10. Southside Place

11. Woodland Heights

12. Bellaire

13. Braes Heights

14. Highland Village

15. Oak Estates

16. Afton Oaks

17. Upper Kirby

18. Glen Cove

19. Lynn Park

20. Briar Hollow

By the Numbers: The Best Luxury Houston Inner Loop Neighborhoods

"Working with Aaron was a fantastic experience! His professionalism, quick responses, and deep market knowledge made the entire process smooth and enjoyable. Highly recommend him and the Houston Properties Team!" - Anthony Kruger

Ranking the Best Luxury Inner Loop Houston Neighborhoods

"We are happy to have chosen Houston Properties Team to market our home in the Heights. They will guide you through the process in a very professional manner. We highly recommend Holly Hernandez as your next realtor." - Don Dean

1. River Oaks

HP Team Ranking: A+

Known for its stately mansions and luxury homes, River Oaks has been dubbed “The (Multi) Millionaire’s Haven” and is considered to be the most expensive neighborhood in Houston according to home warranty company American Home Shield.

The median sales price of homes here is $2.6 million. The cheapest real estate can go for around $700,000 while the most expensive can fetch prices of up to $27 million.

Homes range from around 1,900 square feet up to over 18,000 square feet and feature a variety of architectural styles. There are contemporary, traditional, French, Mediterranean, and Spanish designs, as well as American colonial and English Tudor.

River Oaks Commute Times

Going to The Galleria from River Oaks will take you around 10 minutes, while going to Downtown Houston and the Texas Medical Center will take you 15 minutes.

Going to the Energy Corridor, on the other hand, will take you 20 minutes.

River Oaks Employment

Residents of River Oaks can find employment in companies with offices in The Galleria, such as Landry’s, 3D/International, Air Liquide America, and AON Risk Services of Texas.

River Oaks Public Schools

River Oaks is zoned to the Houston ISD. Highly rated schools within the school district include River Oaks Elementary School, Burbank Middle School, and East Early College High School.

River Oaks Amenities

There are plenty of parks and green spaces within or near the neighborhood. These include River Oaks Park, Sleepy Hollow Park, Meyer Park, Elliott Park, Homewood Park, and Memorial Park.

River Oaks Park, in particular, has a playground, tennis courts, a sports field, and an off-road trail.

There’s no shortage of dining, retail, and entertainment options either. There’s the River Oaks Shopping Center, the River Oaks District, the Highland Village Shopping Center, Rice Village, Greenway Plaza, The Galleria, and Uptown Park.

2. Royden Oaks

HP Team Ranking: A+

Located in the geographic center of Houston, Royden Oaks is often mistaken as being part of River Oaks since the two neighborhoods are close to each other and share many similarities. Like River Oaks, Royden Oaks is also near key retail and employment districts such as The Galleria and Downtown Houston.

The real estate in Royden Oaks, however, is less expensive compared to River Oaks.

The median sales price of homes in Royden Oaks is only $1 million and the most expensive property only goes up to as much as $4.3 million, compared to River Oaks’ $27 million.

Homes in Royden Oaks range in size from around 1,900 square feet up to over 7,200 square feet.

Royden Oaks Commute Times

Expect the travel time going to The Galleria from Royden Oaks to be around 10 minutes. Going to Downtown Houston and Texas Medical Center, on the other hand, will take around 15 minutes.

The Energy Corridor is the farthest at 20 minutes.

Royden Oaks Employment

Major employers in or near Royden Oaks include Shell Oil, IItegria LLC, Interstate Data USA, Progressive IT Services, and Soundbox Studios. Residents can also find employment in companies with offices in The Galleria such as 3D/International, Landry’s, Air Liquide America, and AON Risk Services of Texas.

Royden Oaks Public Schools

The Houston ISD serves the community. Notable schools within the school district include Parker Elementary School, Lanier Middle School, and North Houston Early College High School.

Royden Oaks Amenities

Royden Oaks residents have great access to shopping, dining, and entertainment establishments found in The Galleria, the Highland Village Shopping Center, Greenway Plaza, and the River Oaks Shopping Center.

When it comes to outdoor recreational activities, however, there’s the River Oaks Park which offers a hike-and-bike trail, a playground, tennis courts, a basketball court, and a sports field.

Other hike-and-bike trails near Royden Oaks include the Memorial Park Hike and Bike Trailhead, the Memorial Park Green Ridge Trail, the Cullen Running Trails Center, and the Buffalo Bayou Park Trail.

3. West University

HP Team Ranking: A+

An independent city located inside the Loop, West University is known for its stately traditional homes and for being only a few miles away from Houston’s major commercial and employment hubs such as The Galleria, the Texas Medical Center, and Downtown Houston.

The median sales price of homes in West University is $1.7 million. Homes range in size from around 500 square feet up to over 8,300 square feet. Architectural styles vary, from traditional to colonial and contemporary.

West University Commute Times

Going from West University to The Galleria or the Texas Medical Center will take around 10 minutes. Going to Downtown Houston, on the other hand, will take 15 minutes.

Lastly, going to the Energy Corridor will take 25 minutes.

West University Employment

Major employers near West University include AON Risk Services of Texas, 3D/International, Air Liquide America, and Landry’s.

West University Public Schools

West University homes are zoned to the Houston ISD. Top-rated schools within the school district include West University Elementary School, Project Chrysalis Middle School, and Carnegie Vanguard High School.

West University Amenities

There are plenty of parks and green spaces that surround the neighborhood. Some of them are Wier Park, West University Spark Park, Friends Park, Liberty Hill Park, Huffington Park, Elizabeth Hughes Park, Colonial Park, and Judson Park.

Colonial Park, in particular, has a playground, a picnic area, tennis courts, a sand volleyball court, a pavilion, a recreational center, and a swimming pool.

Wier Park, on the other hand, has a basketball court and lighted tennis courts.

If you’re into shopping and dining, however, there’s nearby Rice Village which offers over 300 shops, restaurants, delis, and pubs.

4. Museum District

HP Team Ranking: A

Known as a cultural and arts center, the Museum District houses not one, but 19 cultural, arts, and scientific institutions. It has the second-largest number of museums in a neighboring area in the US.

Key destinations worth visiting in the neighborhood include the Children’s Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Miller Outdoor Theatre, Hermann Park, and the Houston Zoo.

It’s also considered one of the most accessible Houston neighborhoods because of its METRORail access and proximity to employment centers and retail and entertainment hotspots.

The median sales price of Museum District homes is $1 million. Home sizes range from around 1,100 square feet up to over 9,800 square feet.

Home options include patio homes, elegant manors, townhomes, and stylish lofts.

Museum District Commute Times

The Museum District is 5 minutes away from the Texas Medical Center, 10 minutes away from Downtown Houston, 15 minutes away from The Galleria, and 25 minutes away from the Energy Corridor.

Museum District Employment

Major employers in or near the Museum District include the Texas Medical Center, the Houston Museum District Association, the University of Houston, Harris Health System, Chevron, United Airlines, and Baylor College of Medicine.

Museum District Public Schools

Homes in the Museum District are zoned to the Houston ISD. Top-rated schools within the school district include Lantrip Elementary School, Lanier Middle School, and Challenge Early College High School.

Museum District Amenities

The museum district is home to some of the largest and most popular museums in the country. One of them is the Museum of Fine Arts Houston which contains more than 600 pieces in its collection and boasts two gallery buildings, a sculpture garden, two house museums, a movie theatre, and a library.

There’s also the Museum of Natural Science which gets 2 million visitors per year and features the Burke Baker Planetarium, the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, and the Cockrell Butterfly Center.

The Museum District also offers plenty of outdoor recreation options. There’s Hermann Park, a 445-acre park that features jogging trails, pedal boats, picnic gardens, and playgrounds.

5. Avalon Place

HP Team Ranking: A

Often considered an extension of River Oaks, Avalon Place is a popular neighborhood because of its tranquil, community atmosphere and central Inner Loop location that gives it easy access to dining, entertainment, retail, and employment districts.

The River Oaks Shopping Center, the Shepherd Square Shopping Center, Highland Village, the Greenway Plaza, The Galleria, and Downtown Houston are all just minutes away from Avalon Place.

With a median home sales price of $2.3 million, Avalon Place is considered one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Houston. The cheapest real estate in the area is priced at $1.2 million while the most expensive is $4.4 million.

Homes range in size from around 2,800 square feet up to over 7,000 square feet.

Avalon Place Commute Times

It takes 10 minutes to go from Avalon Place to Downtown Houston or The Galleria. On the other hand, it takes 15 minutes to go to the Texas Medical Center.

The Energy Corridor is the farthest at 20 minutes.

Avalon Place Employment

Residents of Avalon Place can find employment in companies headquartered in Downtown Houston, such as Andrews Kurth, Baker Botts, Bank of America, Chevron, Enervest, United Airlines, and Wells Fargo.

Avalon Place Public Schools

The neighborhood is zoned to the Houston ISD. Top-ranked schools that are within the district include Horn Elementary School, Project Chrysalis Middle School, and Challenge Early College High School.

Avalon Place Amenities

Avalon Place has several parks and hike-and-bike trails in or near its borders. This includes the Memorial Park Green Ridge Trail, Memorial Park Hike and Bike Trails, Levy Park, Buffalo Bayou Park Trail, White Oak Bayou Trail, Donovan Park, River Oaks Park, and Eleanor Tinsley Park.

For retail, there are Tootsies, the Itsy Bitsy Boutique, Sid Mashburn, Target, and Marshalls & HomeGoods, among others.

For dining, there’s the Relish Restaurant & Bar, a’Bouzy, Churrascos, March, and Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, among others.

6. Boulevard Oaks

HP Team Ranking: A

Boulevard Oaks is one of Houston’s oldest and most established neighborhoods. It consists of 21 luxury subdivisions filled with homes that date back to the 1920s and 1930s.

With its mature oak trees, spacious lots, and numerous green spaces, the neighborhood provides a tranquil setting for its residents while still giving them great access to big city comforts by way of the Southwest Freeway, Bissonet Street, Kirby Drive, Shepherd Drive, and Montrose Boulevard.

The median sales price of homes in Boulevard Oaks is $1.4 million. Homes range in size from around 1,600 square feet up to over 5,100 square feet and come in varying architectural styles from traditional, French, Tudor, and Colonial, to Neoclassical, Mediterranean, and modern.

Many homes feature fireplaces, swimming pools, automated designs, and elevator capability.

Boulevard Oaks Commute Times

Residents of Boulevard Oaks will find that Downtown Houston, The Galleria, and the Texas Medical Center are easily accessible since the commute to those areas only takes 10 minutes.

The Energy Corridor is a bit farther though, with the commute taking 25 minutes.

Boulevard Oaks Employment

Major employers near Boulevard Oaks include the Texas Medical Center, Landry’s, 3D/International, United Airlines, NRG Energy, KPMG, Gensler, and Ernst & Young LLP.

Boulevard Oaks Public Schools

Boulevard Oaks homes are zoned to the Houston ISD. Top-performing schools within the school district include Oak Forest Elementary School, Burbank Middle School, and North Houston Early College High School.

Boulevard Oaks Amenities

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the numerous parks that Boulevard Oaks has to offer, such as Levy Park, Cherryhurst Park, Fleming Park, Wier Park, Menil Park, River Oaks Park, Midtown Park, and Spotts Park.

If you’re looking for retail options, on the other hand, you can’t go wrong with Target, Norton Ditto, Space Montrose, Shops at Arrive River Oaks, A Bientot, Pavement, and Whole Earth Provision Co., among others.

If it’s nightlife you’re after there’s the Red Lion British Pub, The Phoenix on Westheimer, McGonigel’s Muchy Duck, and The Cellar Bar.

7. Hyde Park

HP Team Ranking: A

Hyde Park is an established, historic neighborhood that boasts tree-lined streets and excellent access to retail and employment districts. Highly rated schools, golf courses, trails, and parks are all also easily accessible from the neighborhood.

If you’re into arts and culture then you’re in luck. Hyde Park is near the Menil Collection, one of the most extensive art collections in the country. It’s also near the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and the River Oaks Theatre.

The median sales price of Hyde Park homes is $885,000. Homes range in size from around 1,300 square feet up to over 4,900 square feet.

Home styles are a mix of traditional, craftsman, Mediterranean, and modern. Some of the homes feature high ceilings, fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Hyde Park Commute Times

Hyde Park homes are 10 minutes away from Downtown Houston, 15 minutes away from The Galleria and the Texas Medical Center, and 20 away from the Energy Corridor.

Hyde Park Employment

Employers with offices in Downtown Houston are easily accessible to Hyde Park residents. This includes Norton Rose Fulbright, Saudi Aramco, United Airlines, Hess Corporation, and Ernst & Young LLP.

Hyde Park Public Schools

The Houston ISD serves the community. Notable schools within this school district include Harvard Elementary School, Project Chrysalis Middle School, and Energy Institute High School.

Hyde Park Amenities

Parks that dot the area include Eleanor Tinsley Park, Sam Houston Park, Spotts Park, Bagby Park, Cherryhurst Park, and Midtown Park.

There are also numerous shopping, entertainment, and dining options within or near Hyde Park. This includes The Galleria and the River Oaks Shopping Center.

8. Southampton

HP Team Ranking: A

Southampton is an affluent residential neighborhood whose vintage brick cottages, classical Georgian homes, and quaint bungalows are considered to be some of the most desirable real estate in the Inner Loop. They are also one of the most expensive in Houston, with a median sales price of $1.4 million.

Its architecture and real estate are not the only things that make Southampton one of the hottest neighborhoods inside the Loop. It’s also known for its tree-lined streets and its proximity to retail districts such as The Galleria and Rice Village.

Southampton homes range in size from around 1,400 square feet up to over 7,400 square feet and feature contemporary, Mediterranean, and Georgian designs.

Southampton Commute Times

Southampton is a stone’s throw away from The Galleria, Downtown Houston, and the Texas Medical Center — all three key areas are just 10 minutes away from the neighborhood.

The Energy Corridor, however, is a bit of a drive, since going there would take 25 minutes.

Southampton Employment

The neighborhood’s proximity to The Galleria and Downtown Houston means that residents can find employment in companies headquartered in the area, such as Air Liquide America, Landry’s, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chevron, Deloitte, United Airlines, Ernst & Young, JP Morgan Chase & Co., and KPMG.

Southampton Public Schools

Homes in Southampton are zoned to the Houston ISD. Best-rated schools within that school district include Travis Elementary School, Project Chrysalis Middle School, and East Early College High School.

Southampton Amenities

Southampton residents can enjoy several parks and trails within or near Southampton. There’s Fleming Park which features two tennis courts, a playground, and a pavilion. There’s also the Marvin Taylor Exercise Trail, the BZHT Bike Trail, the Brays Bayou Trail, and the Brays Bayou Park.

If it’s dining and shopping you’re after, there’s The Galleria and nearby Rice Village. There’s also the Southwest Freeway Retail Center and the West University Shopping Center.

9. Southgate

HP Team Ranking: A

Named for being near Rice University’s south gate, this upscale neighborhood is known for its tree-lined streets, vintage cottages, and small-town vibe. It’s located east of the Museum District and Hermann Park and is only a few miles away from key employment districts such as the Texas Medical Center, Downtown Houston, and The Galleria.

It’s also near other affluent communities like Southampton and West University.

The median sales price of homes in Southgate is $1.3 million. Homes range in size from around 1,300 square feet up to over 7,600 square feet.

Southgate Commute Times

Southgate residents are only 5 minutes away from the Medical Center, 15 minutes away from Downtown Houston and The Galleria, and 25 minutes away from the Energy Corridor.

Southgate Employment

Major employers near Southgate include the Texas Medical Center, Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, Chevron, PricewaterhouseCoopers, NRG Energy, Kinder Morgan, EnerVest, and Bracewell.

Southgate Public Schools

The Houston ISD serves the community. Highly acclaimed schools within the school district include Twain Elementary School, Pin Oak Middle School, and North Houston Early College High School.

Southgate Amenities

Southgate’s proximity to Hermann Park gives residents convenient access to the 445-acre public park’s offerings, such as the Houston Zoo, the Houston Garden Center, the Miller Outdoor Theatre, and the Hermann Park Golf Course.

The neighborhood is also only a few minutes away from the Museum District, so residents can enjoy the 19 museums it has to offer such as the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, the Children's Museum of Houston, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

10. Southside Place

HP Team Ranking: A

Southside Place, also known for its moniker “The City of Tallows” because of the Chinese Tallow trees that line its streets, is a residential neighborhood bordered by West University to the north, Bellaire to the west, and Braeswood Place to the south. It’s a close-knit community that has convenient access to major roads and highways such as Loop 610, Bissonnet Road, and Bellaire Boulevard.

With a median home sales price of $2.2 million, Southside Place is considered to be one of the richest neighborhoods in Houston. The cheapest real estate here is $620,000, while the most expensive is $6.7 million.

Home sizes range from around 1,600 square feet up to over 7,600 square feet. Traditional designs are more common although newer homes tend to lean towards more contemporary styles.

Southside Place Commute Times

Southside Place is 10 minutes away from The Galleria and the Texas Medical Center, 15 minutes away from Downtown Houston, and 20 minutes away from the Energy Corridor.

Southside Place Employment

Residents of Southside Place can find employment in companies with offices in The Galleria like Air Liquide America, AON Risk Services of Texas, Landry’s, and 3D/International.

Southside Place Public Schools

The Houston ISD serves the neighborhood of Southside Place. High-ranking schools within the school district include West University Elementary School, Burbank Middle School, and Energized For Stem Academy West High School.

Southside Place Amenities

There’s no shortage of retail, dining, and entertainment options near Southside Place. There’s the Braes Heights Shopping Center, a mid-century modern strip mall that features a variety of retail stores and restaurants. There’s also The Galleria, Uptown Park, Rice Village, the Highland Village Shopping Center, and the River Oaks Shopping Center.

For outdoor recreational activities, there’s Fire Truck Park which offers two tennis courts, a swimming pool, sports facilities, and a clubhouse and pavilion.

11. Woodland Heights

HP Team Ranking: A

Woodland Heights is a historic neighborhood that’s also considered one of Houston’s most accessible neighborhoods because of its proximity to two major freeways, Interstate 10 and Interstate 45.

It’s also located only a few miles away from key commercial and employment hubs like Downtown Houston and The Galleria.

The median sales price of homes in Woodland Heights is $927,500. Home sizes range from around 900 square feet up to over 4,700 square feet. Architectural styles vary, from traditional to Victorian, English, Craftsman, and Queen Anne. There are also more modern and contemporary designs available.

Woodland Heights Commute Times

Woodland Heights is 10 minutes away from Downtown Houston, 15 minutes away from both The Galleria and the Texas Medical Center, and 20 minutes away from the Energy Corridor.

​​Woodland Heights Employment

Major employers near Woodland Heights include Baker Botts, Wells Fargo, PricewaterhouseCoopers, JP Morgan Chase & Co., Hess Corporation, Chevron, Deloitte, and Bank of America, among others.

Woodland Heights Public Schools

Woodland Heights is zoned to the Houston ISD. Top-performing schools within the school district include Davila Elementary School, Pin Oak Middle School, and Challenge Early College High School.

Woodland Heights Amenities

There are three prominent parks in the Woodland Heights area: Woodland Park, White Oak Park, and Stude Park.

Woodland Park features walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, a community center, an indoor gym, a sports field, a tennis court, and a basketball court.

Stude Park, on the other hand, is home to a community center, a playground, a water park, an indoor gym, a swimming pool, and a hike-and-bike trail.

For dining, retail, and entertainment there are options in Rice Military, the Heights, and Downtown Houston.

12. Bellaire

HP Team Ranking: A-

Bellaire is another popular residential neighborhood that’s known for its small-town atmosphere, tree-lined avenues, and accessibility to key retail, entertainment, and employment districts.

It’s also known as a top Houston neighborhood in terms of land value appreciation and real estate appreciation.

The median sales price of homes in Bellaire is $1.1 million. Home sizes range from around 800 square feet up to over 13,000 square feet.

Home options include a mix of single-family homes, new construction homes, and large estates.

Bellaire Commute Times

Going to The Galleria from Bellaire will take you only 5 minutes. The Texas Medical Center is a bit farther away at 10 minutes. Add another 5 minutes to that and you’re in Downtown Houston. Add another 5 minutes and you’re in the Energy Corridor.

Bellaire Employment

Since the neighborhood is only 5 minutes away from The Galleria, residents can find employment in companies headquartered in the area such as AON Risk Services of Texas, Air Liquide America, and Landry’s.

Bellaire Public Schools

The Houston ISD serves the neighborhood. Top-rated schools that are zoned to the school district include River Oaks Elementary School, Pin Oak Middle School, and East Early College High School.

Bellaire Amenities

Bellaire’s great location gives it easy access to retail, dining, and entertainment establishments located in The Galleria, Rice Village, Meyerland Plaza, and Uptown Park.

Bellaire also has numerous options for outdoor recreational activities. There’s the Bellaire Zindler Park, a 7.5-acre park that boasts a swimming pool, two tennis courts, a picnic area with a grill, a Little League field, a gazebo, and a playground. It’s also home to the Bellaire Recreation Center and the Bellaire Civic Center which hosts auditoriums and meeting rooms.

There’s also Paseo Park which features a historical trolley, a special events area, and an esplanade.

Other parks near Bellaire offer tennis courts, softball and baseball fields, picnic areas, open play areas, and outdoor fitness areas.

13. Braes Heights

HP Team Ranking: A-

Located west of the Buffalo Speedway and north of Braeswood Boulevard, Braes Heights is a small neighborhood that features some of the fastest in appreciation real estate in the Inner Loop. Its suburban feel, along with its great schools, make it one of the best luxury Inner Loop neighborhoods for families.

The median sales price of Braes Heights homes is $1.2 million. Home sizes range from around 1,400 square feet up to over 7,000 square feet. Most options are single-family ranch-style homes and new construction custom-built homes.

Braes Heights Commute Times

A commute to The Galleria or the Medical Center from Braes Heights will take around 10 minutes, while a commute to Downtown Houston will take 15 minutes.

The commute to the Energy Corridor is the longest, clocking in at around 25 minutes.

Braes Heights Employment

Major employers near Braes Heights include the Texas Medical Center, Air Liquide America, Landry’s, AON Risk Services of Texas, and 3D/International.

Braes Heights Public Schools

The Houston ISD serves the neighborhood. Highly rated schools within the school district include Sinclair Elementary School, Lanier Middle School, and Energized For Stem Academy West High School.

Braes Heights Amenities

There are a number of parks in or near Braes Heights that will be sure to delight outdoor enthusiasts. These parks include Old Braeswood Park, Linkwood Park, Judson Park, Huffington Park, Helen’s Park, Karl Young Park, and Colonial Park, among others.

For retail options, on the other hand, there’s Rice Village, The Galleria, Meyerland Plaza, Braes Heights Shopping Center, and Memorial City Mall.

14. Highland Village

HP Team Ranking: A-

Nestled in the area between The Galleria/Uptown Houston and Upper Kirby/Greenway Plaza, Highland Village is a pocket neighborhood known for its proximity to key retail districts like the Highland Village Shopping Center, The Galleria, Uptown Park, and the River Oaks District.

Like other Houston pocket subdivisions, Highland Village is deed-restricted, with its HOA (the Highland Village Civic Club) helping maintain the neighborhood’s overall look and feel.

The median sales price of homes in the neighborhood is $1.1 million. Home sizes range from around 600 square feet up to over 6,700 square feet.

Traditional ranch-style homes are common but there are also new construction homes available.

Highland Village Commute Times

Commuting from the Highland Village to The Galleria will take you 5 minutes while commuting to the Energy Corridor, Downtown Houston, and the Medical Center will take you 15 minutes.

Highland Village Employment

The neighborhood being so near residents can find employment in companies with offices in the area such as 3D/International, Landry’s, and AON Risk Services of Texas.

Highland Village Public Schools

The Houston ISD serves Highland Village homes. Best-rated schools within the school district include Elrod Elementary School, Lanier Middle School, and Carnegie Vanguard High School.

Highland Village Amenities

Highland Village is near several retail districts, so residents have a lot of options when it comes to shopping, dining, and entertainment. One of these retail districts is the Highland Village Shopping Center, a 50-year-old shopping center that houses upscale boutiques, a great collection of restaurants, and a variety of specialty stores.

Another option is the River Oaks District, another upscale shopping center that features more than 250,000 square feet of retail space and numerous boutiques, restaurants, and cafes.

15. Oak Estates

HP Team Ranking: A-

A pocket neighborhood, Oak Estates is nestled in the area between River Oaks and The Galleria and is accessible to retail hotspots like the River Oaks District and the Highland Village Shopping Center.

It also has convenient access to Downtown Houston, Greenway Plaza/Upper Kirby, and the Texas Medical Center.

The median sales price of homes in Oak Estates is $2 million. Homes range from around 1,900 square feet up to over 9,000 square feet and feature a mix of traditional styles and new constructions.

Oak Estates Commute Times

It’s easy to get to The Galleria from Oaks Estates since the travel time only takes around 5 minutes. Going to Downtown Houston and the Texas Medical Center, however, takes a bit longer at 15 minutes.

The Energy Corridor is the farthest at 20 minutes.

Oak Estates Employment

Major employers in or near Oak Estates include J Han Construction, Inc., The Hanover Company, Johnson Development Corp, Transwestern, Big E Drilling Co, AON Risk Services of Texas, 3D/International, and Landry’s.

Oak Estates Public Schools

Oak Estates homes are zoned to the Houston ISD. Top-performing schools within the school district include Lovett Elementary School, Project Chrysalis Middle School, and East Early College High School.

Oak Estates Amenities

Oaks Estates have a plethora of options when it comes to retail, dining, and entertainment. There’s The Galleria, the River Oaks District, and the Highland Village Shopping Center.

But it’s not indoor recreation only. Residents can also take part in outdoor recreational activities because of the parks and hike-and-bike trails that are in proximity to the neighborhood like the Memorial Park Hike and Bike Trailhead, Purple Trail, the Cullen Running Trails Center, and Memorial Park Green Ridge Trail.

16. Afton Oaks

HP Team Ranking: B+

Located east of Loop 610, north of the Southwest Freeway, and south of Westheimer Road, Afton Oaks is an upscale neighborhood that’s minutes away from key business and entertainment districts like Downtown Houston and The Galleria.

It has great curb appeal thanks to the numerous oak trees that line its streets (hence the name).

It also has an active civic club that enforces the neighborhood’s covenants and maintains its common areas.

The median sales price of homes in Afton Oaks is $1 million. Home sizes range from around 1,600 square feet up to over 7,500 square feet. Designs vary, from traditional to Spanish, Mediterranean, and French-style.

Afton Oaks Commute Times

Afton Oaks homes are 5 minutes away from The Galleria, 15 minutes away from Downtown Houston and the Texas Medical Center, and 20 minutes away from the Energy Corridor.

Afton Oaks Employment

Since Afton Oaks is only 5 minutes away from The Galleria, residents there can find employment in companies headquartered in the area such as Landry’s, 3D/International, and Air Liquide America.

The neighborhood is also only 15 minutes away from Downtown Houston, so those looking to work in the area can find employment in Deloitte, JP Morgan Chase & Co., KPMG, and Wells Fargo.

Afton Oaks Public Schools

Homes in Afton Oaks are zoned to the Houston ISD. High-ranking schools that are within the district include Field Elementary School, Lanier Middle School, and Carnegie Vanguard High School.

Afton Oaks Amenities

Afton Oaks homes are minutes away from dining, retail, and entertainment options. This includes The Galleria, the River Oaks Shopping Center, Highland Village Shopping Center, and Uptown Park.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s Post Oak Park, Judson Park, River Oaks Park, Ella Lee Park, Vic Discroll Park, and Locust Park.

17. Upper Kirby

HP Team Ranking: B+

Also known by its nickname the “Heart of Houston,” Upper Kirby is one of the best neighborhoods in Houston to buy a house in because of its prime location and strong land value appreciation rates. It’s located only a few miles away from key business and commercial districts like Downtown Houston, The Galleria, and the Texas Medical Center.

It’s also near dozens of retail, dining, and entertainment establishments located along Kirby Drive, Shepherd Drive, and Westheimer Road.

The median sales price of homes in Upper Kirby is $1.1 million. Home sizes range from around 800 sq ft up to over 6,500 sq ft.

Upper Kirby Commute Times

Commuting from Upper Kirby to The Galleria will take you around 5 minutes. A commute to the Texas Medical Center or Downtown Houston, on the other hand, will take 10 minutes.

The Energy Corridor is the farthest, with the commute taking 20 minutes.

Upper Kirby Employment

Major employers near Upper Kirby include the Texas Medical Center, Chevron, Occidental Petroleum Corp., ConocoPhillips, Cheniere Energy, Baker Botts, Ascend Performance Materials Holdings, Technip USA Inc., Vinson & Elkins, and CITGO Petroleum Corporation.

Upper Kirby Public Schools

Homes in Upper Kirby are zoned to the Houston ISD. Top-ranked schools within the school district include Parker Elementary School, Lanier Middle School, and Energy Institute High School.

Upper Kirby Amenities

There are plenty of parks and hike-and-bike trails located in or near the neighborhood. There’s Levy Park, River Oaks Park, Ella Lee Park, Fleming Park, Wieir Park, Judson Park, the Cullen Running Trails Center, and the Memorial Park Hike and Bike Trailhead.

For shopping, dining, and entertainment, there’s The Galleria and Greenway Plaza. For nightlife, there’s nearby Montrose.

18. Glen Cove

HP Team Ranking: B

Glen Cove is a neighborhood located at the heart of the Inner Loop. Its convenient location gives residents excellent access to key retail, business, and employment districts such as Downtown Houston, The Galleria, the Energy Corridor, and the Texas Medical Center.

Nature enthusiasts will also be glad to know that Glen Cove is close to Memorial Park, one of the largest parks in Houston. Residents can run, jog, bike, or hike along its trails.

Glen Cove boasts some of Houston’s most expensive real estate. The median sales price of homes is $2 million. The cheapest real estate in the area is priced at $717,000 while the most expensive is priced at $5.8 million.

Homes range in size from around 1,300 square feet up to over 8,300 square feet. Architectural styles include traditional, Mediterranean, and contemporary/modern.

Glen Cove Commute Times

Glen Cove is 10 minutes away from both Downtown Houston and The Galleria, and 15 minutes away from both the Texas Medical Center and the Energy Corridor.

Glen Cove Employment

Major employers near Glen Cove include JP Morgan Chase & Co., NRG Energy, EnerVest, Chevron, Deloitte, and Bank of America. These are all companies with offices in Downtown Houston because Glen Cove is only 10 minutes away from that area.

Glen Cove Public Schools

Glen Cove homes are zoned to the Houston ISD. Notable schools within that school district include Elrod Elementary School, Burbank Middle School, and Energy Institute High School.

Glen Cove Amenities

One of the largest parks in Houston, Memorial Park, is near Glen Cove. There, residents can take advantage of hiking and biking trails, volleyball courts, softball fields, a soccer field, and picnic areas.

There’s also the Memorial Park Golf Course for golfing enthusiasts.

Also, those who are looking for shopping, dining, and entertainment options will not be disappointed with Glen Cove since the neighborhood is only a few minutes away from retail destinations such as The Galleria and the Highland Village Shopping Center.

19. Lynn Park

HP Team Ranking: B

Lynn Park is a small community southwest of Downtown Houston and located near major roads and highways such as Southwest Freeway, Loop 610, and I-10. This location makes it easily accessible to key areas such as Downtown Houston, the Texas Medical Center, and The Galleria.

It’s also known as a great place to invest in real estate because the properties in the area have good appreciation rates.

The median sales price of Lynm Park homes is $1 million. Homes range in size from around 1,100 square feet up to over 6,300 square feet.

Lynn Park Commute Times

Lynn Park is 5 minutes away from The Galleria, 15 minutes away from Downtown Houston and the Texas Medical Center, and 20 minutes away from the Energy Corridor.

Lynn Park Employment

Major employers in or near Lynn Park include H-E-B, Target, Randalls, Sumitomo Corporation of Americas, Dillard's Inc., Verizon, Landry’s, Air Liquide America, and AON Risk Services of Texas.

Lynn Park Public Schools

Lynn Park homes are zoned to the Houston ISD. High-ranking schools within the school district include Helms Elementary School, Pin Oak Middle School, and Energy Institute High School.

Lynn Park Amenities

Lynn Park is in proximity to several parks including River Oaks Park, Wier Park, Judson Park, Levy Park, Ware Family Park, and Grady Park. These parks have plenty of mature trees with lots of spaces for walking, biking, and jogging.

For dining and retail, there’s The Galleria, Uptown Park, and the Highland Village Shopping Center.

20. Briar Hollow

HP Team Ranking: C

Located south of Buffalo Bayou and Memorial Park, Briar Hollow calls itself home to several luxury gated communities such as Audubon Hollow, River Hollow, and Eaton Square. These communities offer 24/7 security, central community park areas, and other luxury amenities.

It’s also home to upscale high-rise condos such as The Wilshire and the Arabella, which offer 24-hour concierge and valet services, private elevators and garages, and fitness centers.

The median sales price of Briar Hollow homes is $780,000. Homes range in size from around 2,300 square feet up to over 5,900 square feet. Architectural styles are mostly contemporary/modern.

Briar Hollow Commute Times

Commuting from Briar Hollow to The Galleria will only take 5 minutes. However, the commute going to Downtown Houston, the Energy Corridor, and the Medical Center will take 15 minutes.

Briar Hollow Employment

Since Briar Hollow is so close to The Galleria, residents can find employment in companies with offices in the area, such as Landry’s, 3D/International, Air Liquide America, and AON Risk Services of Texas.

Briar Hollow Public Schools

Homes in Briar Hollow are zoned to the Houston ISD. Top-performing schools within that school district include Helms Elementary School, Pin Oak Middle School, and Energized For Stem Academy West High School.

Briar Hollow Amenities

Residents of Briar Hollow can enjoy miles of hike-and-bike trails along the Memorial Park Hike and Bike Trails, Memorial Park Green Ridge Trail, and Buffalo Bayou Park Trail.

There’s also Memorial Park, a 1,500-acre outdoor space that offers facilities for croquet, volleyball, skating, swimming, and tennis, along with playgrounds and picnic spots.

For retail, dining, and entertainment there’s the River Oaks District, Highland Village, Uptown Park, and Post Oak Plaza.

Methodology

"Houston Properties Team is wonderful. It was a privilege working with Danielle Wojcik. I truly had a great experience and would recommend Danielle and this team to anyone. The whole process of buying a home was stress free, and I'm very happy with the decision I made with the help of Danielle. It's a relief knowing I made a good investment and now can enjoy my new home." - Charles Pratt

We created this list of the best luxury Inner Loop Houston neighborhoods by looking at population centers above 10,000 that are located inside the Loop and whose median home sales prices are above $750k. Then we evaluated each location and gave it a letter grade (the HP Team Ranking) based on the following quantitative criteria:

• Commute Times (Google Maps)
• Accessibility to Major Employment and Business Hubs
• Quality of Public Schools (GreatSchools.org rates schools depending on standardized test scores. We included schools within 5 miles of each city/neighborhood with “above average” 8 to 10-star ratings. Find out more about GreatSchools’ methodology.1)
• Variety of Amenities

Each of these best luxury Inner Loop neighborhoods was graded on these items. The list was then ranked from top to bottom based on their combined score. We included the 20 with the best scores in our Top Luxury Inner Loop Houston Neighborhoods List.

Median home sale prices are based on single-family home sales from this year.

Median land value prices are based on both homes sold at lot value and lot sales.

5-year appreciation rates compare 2019 to 2023 and are based on median sales price per square foot.

10-year appreciation rates compare 2014 to 2023 and are based on median sales price per square foot.

Data is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. All source material from HAR MLS sold information.

Additional Sources:

http://www.greatschools.org/about/ratings.page

The Best Houston Realtor to Help You Buy a 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 among 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, completing over $1 Billion in Houston residential real estate sales.

Her recent awards include:

– 2021 Best Real Estate Teams in America, RealTrends.com
– 2021: Top 100 Women Leaders in Real Estate of 2021
– 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: America’s Best Real Estate Teams, Best of America Trends
– 2020: Best Houston Real Estate Team, Best of Reader’s Choice
– 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, and civic and community boards. She was appointed by the mayor of Houston 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:

• the 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 advice and marketing of agent expert in your area
• competitive advantage by simply having more resources, more 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 repair work, while another agent focuses 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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