Your Guide To The 20 Best Inner Loop Neighborhoods
From upscale River Oaks to trendy Montrose, here's a virtual tour of the best areas inside The Loop.
The Inner Loop has seen a decade's worth of positive real estate growth.
However, rising interest rates are impacting current market trends in the area. As of writing, mortgage rates are at their highest since 2008.
To make sense of all these, we reviewed 200,000+ home sales since 2000 and ranked Inner Loop's best neighborhoods.
Common themes include:
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Inner Loop areas with good appreciation rates also ranked well in:
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The salary required to live comfortably inside The Loop starts at $80k. (See Salary Requirements To Own A Home In Houston's Top Neighborhoods.)
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The top neighborhoods of the past decade tend to be those within or with good access to Downtown Houston, The Medical Center, The Galleria, and Energy Corridor. Collectively, these districts house over 600,000 jobs.
Many of the most popular and exciting Inner Loop neighborhoods are also the best performers in real estate appreciation. Contact us for a custom list of inner loop Houston homes for sale.
Table of Contents
- By The Numbers: Inner Loop Houston Neighborhoods
- Inner Loop Neighborhoods: 10-Year Real Estate Appreciation
- Inner Loop Houston Homes For Sale: Median Sales Price Per Square Foot
- Inner Loop: Median Sales Price
- Expert’s Guide To The 20 Best Neighborhoods Inside The Loop
- Methodology For Ranking
- The Best Inner Loop Houston Realtors to Sell Your Home
By The Numbers: Inner Loop Houston Neighborhoods
We've included the summary real estate statistics for Houston's Best Inner Loop Neighborhoods. Please contact us for more data or an analysis of which areas may be best for you.
Neighborhood | Median Home Price | Home Price / Sq Ft | 10-Yr Apprec. % |
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1. Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks | $1,187,500 | $382 | 43% |
2. Bellaire Area | $1,195,500 | $310 | 25% |
3. Braeswood Place | $1,356,375 | $337 | 77% |
4. Briar Hollow* | $777,500 | $346 | 52% |
5. Cottage Grove | $519,900 | $225 | 28% |
6. Downtown Houston* | $290,000 | $265 | 7% |
7. East End Revitalized* | $355,000 | $212 | 21% |
8. Heights/Greater Heights | $680,000 | $319 | 44% |
9. Greenway Plaza | $460,000 | $259 | 3% |
10. Timbergrove/Lazybrook | $625,000 | $300 | 53% |
11. Medical Center Area* | $251,000 | $181 | 14% |
12. Memorial Park | $1,560,000 | $382 | 4% |
13. Midtown Houston* | $389,000 | $213 | 11% |
14. Montrose | $775,000 | $303 | 19% |
15. Rice Military/Washington Corridor | $555,000 | $240 | 17% |
16. Rice / Museum District | $1,025,000 | $386 | 36% |
17. River Oaks Area | $3,226,514 | $584 | 53% |
18. River Oaks Shopping Area | $989,900 | $331 | 32% |
19. Upper Kirby | $1,053,441 | $352 | 34% |
20. West University/Southside Area | $1,875,500 | $509 | 49% |
The list above is in alphabetical order. It also follows the order in which they appear on the Inner Loop Houston map.
*Default median sales values are from single-family homes except these neighborhoods, which have an above-average # of condos and townhomes.
Inner Loop Neighborhoods: 10-Year Real Estate Appreciation
Houston real estate is hyper-local. Don't rely on raw averages. Contact us for a more meaningful analysis of how specific sub-sections are doing compared to the area's raw averages.
Neighborhood | 10-Year Appreciation % |
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1. Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks | 43% |
2. Bellaire Area | 25% |
3. Braeswood Place | 77% |
4. Briar Hollow* | 52% |
5. Cottage Grove | 28% |
6. Downtown Houston* | 7% |
7. East End Revitalized* | 21% |
8. Heights/Greater Heights | 44% |
9. Greenway Plaza | 3% |
10. Timbergrove/Lazybrook | 53% |
11. Medical Center Area* | 14% |
12. Memorial Park | 4% |
13. Midtown Houston* | 11% |
14. Montrose | 19% |
15. Rice Military/Washington Corridor | 17% |
16. Rice / Museum District | 36% |
17. River Oaks Area | 53% |
18. River Oaks Shopping Area | 32% |
19. Upper Kirby | 34% |
20. West University/Southside Area | 49% |
The list above is in alphabetical order. It also follows the order in which they appear on the Inner Loop Houston map.
*Default median sales values are from single-family homes except these neighborhoods, which have an above-average # of condos and townhomes.
Inner Loop Houston Homes For Sale: Median Sales Price Per Square Foot
Buying or selling a home inside The Loop can be very tricky. With over $500M real estate sales, The Houston Properties Team is the #1 Boutique Real Estate Team in Houston.
Neighborhood | Home Price / Sq Ft |
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1. Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks | $382 |
2. Bellaire Area | $310 |
3. Braeswood Place | $337 |
4. Briar Hollow* | $346 |
5. Cottage Grove | $225 |
6. Downtown Houston* | $265 |
7. East End Revitalized* | $212 |
8. Heights/Greater Heights | $319 |
9. Greenway Plaza | $259 |
10. Timbergrove/Lazybrook | $300 |
11. Medical Center Area* | $181 |
12. Memorial Park | $382 |
13. Midtown Houston* | $213 |
14. Montrose | $303 |
15. Rice Military/Washington Corridor | $240 |
16. Rice / Museum District | $386 |
17. River Oaks Area | $584 |
18. River Oaks Shopping Area | $331 |
19. Upper Kirby | $352 |
20. West University/Southside Area | $509 |
The list above is in alphabetical order. It also follows the order in which they appear on the Inner Loop Houston map.
*Default median sales values are from single-family homes except these neighborhoods, which have an above-average # of condos and townhomes.
Inner Loop: Median Sales Price
We analyzed 641,342 Houston home sales since 2000, zoned to 275 different public elementary, middle & high schools. Contact us for a custom list of homes zoned to specific top-ranked Houston schools.
Neighborhood | Home Price / Sq Ft |
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1. Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks | $1,187,500 |
2. Bellaire Area | $1,195,500 |
3. Braeswood Place | $1,356,375 |
4. Briar Hollow* | $777,500 |
5. Cottage Grove | $519,900 |
6. Downtown Houston* | $290,000 |
7. East End Revitalized* | $355,000 |
8. Heights/Greater Heights | $680,000 |
9. Greenway Plaza | $460,000 |
10. Timbergrove/Lazybrook | $625,000 |
11. Medical Center Area* | $251,000 |
12. Memorial Park | $1,560,000 |
13. Midtown Houston* | $389,000 |
14. Montrose | $775,000 |
15. Rice Military/Washington Corridor | $555,000 |
16. Rice / Museum District | $1,025,000 |
17. River Oaks Area | $3,226,514 |
18. River Oaks Shopping Area | $989,900 |
19. Upper Kirby | $1,053,441 |
20. West University/Southside Area | $1,875,500 |
The list above is in alphabetical order. It also follows the order in which they appear on the Inner Loop Houston map.
*Default median sales values are from single-family homes except these neighborhoods, which have an above average # of condos and townhomes.
Expert’s Guide To The 20 Best Neighborhoods Inside The Loop
Buying a home inside The Loop can be challenging. Contact us today for a custom list of properties zoned to top-ranked schools, close to major job centers, and with above-average lot sizes.
1. Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks
Neighborhood | Median Home Price | Home Price / Sq Ft | 10-Yr Apprec. % |
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Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks | $1,187,500 | $382 | 43% |
Royden / Afton Oaks is an upscale and premier community located inside the loop.
The Royden / Afton Oaks neighborhood is known for its:
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FANTASTIC RETAIL AND ENTERTAINMENT: The Galleria, an upscale shopping district with over 400 stores and restaurants, is just a few blocks away from the community. Residents also enjoy proximity to Uptown Park, Highland Village, and the River Oaks District.
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PROXIMITY TO BUSINESS CENTERS: Royden / Afton Oaks homes are conveniently located between Uptown and Greenway Plaza. Uptown Houston has over 23 million sq. ft. of office space, while the Greenway Plaza houses over 4 million sq. ft. of retail and office space.
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ACTIVE CIVIC CLUB: The Afton Oaks Civic Club, founded in 1955, enforces deed restrictions and maintains common areas. In addition, the club provides security patrols.
The Royden / Afton Oaks area has over 500 homes. These neighborhoods are largely residential, featuring single-family homes with generous lot sizes between 7,000 to over 12,000 sq. ft.
2. Bellaire Area
Neighborhood | Median Home Price | Home Price / Sq Ft | 10-Yr Apprec. % |
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Bellaire Area | $1,195,500 | $310 | 25% |
Bellaire, one of Houston's most popular neighborhoods, has a small-town vibe that blends nicely with its proximity to big-city comforts.
Bellaire is very popular for its:
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GREAT ACCESSIBILITY: Bellaire homes are near main roads and freeways including Loop 610, Southwest Freeway, Bissonnet Street, and Bellaire Boulevard. (See Houston's Best Inner Loop Neighborhoods).
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SUPERIOR LOCATION: A city within a city, Bellaire is mostly bordered by Houston. Residents enjoy a central location and an easy commute to the Texas Medical Center, Galleria, Downtown, and Energy Corridor.
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EXPANSIVE LOTS: In Bellaire, lot sizes can vary. However, the neighborhood's standard 75 feet by 130 feet lot parcels are more spacious than West University's 50 by 120 feet lots.
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TOP-RANKED SCHOOLS: According to our list of Houston's Best Public Schools, many of Bellaire's schools are among the top in the state of Texas.
Bellaire real estate can be tricky to navigate given the area's different school zoning maps, some homes' proximity to railroad tracks and major thoroughfares, and diversity of builders.
3. Braeswood Place
Neighborhood | Median Home Price | Home Price / Sq Ft | 10-Yr Apprec. % |
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Braeswood Place | $1,356,375 | $337 | 77% |
Braeswood Place is located 6 miles from Downtown Houston. Homes in the neighborhood sit on large lots, ranging from 7,000 to more than 20,000 square feet.
Residents enjoy:
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PROXIMITY TO THE MED CENTER: Braeswood is minutes away from the Texas Medical Center, one of Houston's leading employment centers. It is home to several medical-related institutions, organizations, schools, and hospitals.
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EXCELLENT ACCESSIBILITY: The neighborhood has immediate access to and from multiple Houston hubs like the Galleria and Downtown. Loop 610, Buffalo Speedway, Braeswood Boulevard, and Main Street are only minutes away.
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TOP-RATED SCHOOLS: Braeswood is zoned to some of Houston ISD's best schools, including Twain Elementary, Pershing Middle School, Bellaire High School, and Lamar High School.
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MULTIPLE PARKS: The area is home to several parks and outdoor entertainment areas. Hermann Park, located just a short drive away, offers more options.
Due to the neighborhood's deed restrictions, Braeswood Place is mainly made up of detached single-family homes. Some townhomes in the area feature smaller floor areas, around 1,500 to 2,000 square feet.
4. Briar Hollow
Neighborhood | Median Home Price | Home Price / Sq Ft | 10-Yr Apprec. % |
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Briar Hollow | $777,500 | $346 | 52% |
Located south of Buffalo Bayou and Memorial Park, Briar Hollow is home to numerous upscale gated communities, luxury high-rise condominiums, and world-class retail centers. The neighborhood is nestled between the Galleria and River Oaks, one of Houston’s most expensive neighborhoods.
The community is known for its:
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PROXIMITY TO GALLERIA: Briar Hollow provides quick access to the Galleria, one of the city’s most vibrant retail and business districts. The area is home to over 23 million square feet of office space and around 5 million square feet of retail spots.
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HIGHLAND VILLAGE & RIVER OAKS DISTRICT: The neighborhood is located near the River Oaks District and Highland Village, which offer a mix of premier boutiques and high-end dining. Other exciting retail centers nearby are Uptown Park and Post Oak Plaza.
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MEMORIAL PARK: Residents can enjoy miles of hike and bike trails, the Memorial Park Golf Course, and the Seymour Lieberman Exer-trail. The 1500-acre Memorial park has croquet, volleyball, skating, swimming, and tennis facilities, along with playgrounds and picnic spots.
The Wilshire and the Arabella are two new upscale high-rise developments with lavish amenities located within Briar Hollow. Audubon Hollow, Eaton Square, and River Hollow are among the best-gated communities in Houston.
5. Cottage Grove
Neighborhood | Median Home Price | Home Price / Sq Ft | 10-Yr Apprec. % |
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Cottage Grove | $519,900 | $225 | 28% |
Located just south of The Heights, Cottage Grove is one of the Best Houston Neighborhoods in Land Value Appreciation. This neighborhood offers exclusive gated communities, top schools, and multiple outdoor activity hubs.
Cottage Grove is popular thanks to its:
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LUXURY COMMUNITIES: The neighborhood’s reemergence brought luxury development like Larkin at Cottage Grove, Patterson Heights, Reserve on Kansas, and Reserve at Washington. These exclusive gated communities offer new construction homes, luxury amenities, and secure access.
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TOP SCHOOLS: Lamar High School, an IB World School and one of Houston’s Best Schools, serves a portion of Cottage Grove. Hogg Middle School, serving the IB Middle Years Programme, is also zoned to the neighborhood.
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OUTDOOR ACTIVITY HUBS: Memorial Park, Houston’s largest urban park, is minutes away from Cottage Grove. Residents have plenty of outdoor activity options: Memorial Park Golf Course, miles of multi-use trails, picnic areas, tennis courts, and other facilities.
Residents have plenty of restaurants, bars, cafes, lounges, and retail centers nearby. Cottage Grove is located near the Heights and Rice Military, both of which offer great entertainment options.
6. Downtown Houston
Neighborhood | Median Home Price | Home Price / Sq Ft | 10-Yr Apprec. % |
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Downtown Houston | $290,000 | $265 | 7% |
Downtown Houston is a 1,178-acre area strategically located south of I-10 (Katy Freeway), west of I-45 (Eastex Freeway), and north of I-69 (Gulf Freeway).
The residential market in downtown Houston has grown in recent years as a result of:
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EXCELLENT COMMUTE: While the city employs over 200,000 people, there are roughly 6,000 residences available in the area. Many people who reside Downtown also work there.
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GREAT ACCESSIBILITY: Getting around Downtown is easy, thanks to a network of skywalks and tunnels. The Medical Center, EaDo, and Museum District are also highly accessible via METRORail, bus system, Houston B-Cycle, and Greenlink. In addition, most Downtown Condos are near the METRORail.
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DINING & CULTURAL OPTIONS: In addition to the 400+ Yelp-rated dining and retail establishments, Houston is home to the second-largest theatre community in the US.
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CONDO LIVING: The majority of Downtown’s residential options are Historic Houston Lofts and Downtown Houston Condos which offer great “lock and leave” benefits.
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LUXURY AMENITIES: Building amenities vary, though most Downtown Houston condos offer rooftop terraces, conference rooms, fitness centers, and pools. Some feature 24-hour concierge and valet services.
The Downtown Houston real estate market can be tricky to navigate due to some buildings having very poor resale rates (due to low-quality construction, HOA, parking, or general design problems). In addition, specific units within many buildings have resale issues due to views, noise, or individual parking spot problems.
7. East End Revitalized
Neighborhood | Median Home Price | Home Price / Sq Ft | 10-Yr Apprec. % |
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East End Revitalized | $355,000 | $212 | 21% |
East End Revitalized is one of Houston's most vibrant and rapidly growing neighborhoods. This inner-city community, once considered to be on the outskirts of town, has changed dramatically over the last five years.
Top reasons why East End Revitalized is an interesting neighborhood:
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NEW DEVELOPMENTS: The new infrastructures and redevelopment projects signal exciting growth in the area. In addition to its proximity to major thoroughfares, the METRORail expansion makes the district more accessible.
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HIGH ACCESSIBILITY: Located close to Medical Center and Downtown, EaDo is one of Houston's most accessible neighborhoods. Several top-notch attractions such as restaurants, bars, breweries, and gyms are nearby.
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STRONG REAL ESTATE MARKET: EaDo offers some of the most competitively priced properties in the Inner Loop. Property values have appreciated over the past decade as a result of the recent developments in the area.
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AFFORDABLE HOME OPTIONS: Over the past 10 years, the median sales prices of homes in the area range from $250,000 to $350,000.
If you're thinking of relocating to Houston, East End Revitalized is a great neighborhood to consider. It's centrally located, making it easy to get around, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars in the area.
8. Heights / Greater Heights
Neighborhood | Median Home Price | Home Price / Sq Ft | 10-Yr Apprec. % |
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Heights/Greater Heights | $680,000 | $319 | 44% |
Houston Heights is a well-known historic district and one of Houston's first planned communities. It is a short commute to Downtown, Galleria, and Medical Center, Houston’s major business and retail hubs.
Houston Heights’ appeal includes:
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FASCINATING ARCHITECTURE: Well-preserved Victorian homes and turn-of-the-century architecture add charm, character, and value to this neighborhood.
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ACCESSIBILITY: Residents have access to over 450 Yelp-rated establishments in the Heights. Schools, parks, and retail centers are also minutes from many residential communities.
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PARK AND TRAILS: Heights Hike and Bike Trail and White Oak Bayou Trail cover several parks in the Heights. The parks host outdoor activities and other riveting adventures with nature.
Houston Heights has enjoyed rising property values. It has performed well over the past one, five, and ten years compared to other Houston neighborhoods.
9. Greenway Plaza Area
Neighborhood | Median Home Price | Home Price / Sq Ft | 10-Yr Apprec. % |
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Greenway Plaza | $460,000 | $259 | 3% |
Greenway Plaza is a commercial and residential district. It is located near Downtown Houston and the Galleria, and offers a variety of amenities.
Greenway Plaza is popular thanks to its:
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PARKS AND TRAILS: The parks and trails provide a peaceful experience, perfect for a quiet walk or a bike ride. Levy Park and Hermann Park are just a few miles away from the neighborhood.
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VARIOUS FOOD OPTIONS: Restaurants such as Fusion Eats and A Ma Maniere Eats in Greenway Plaza offer options for both casual dining and formal meals.
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RANGE OF RETAIL STORES: Greenway Plaza has different stores such as clothing, book, and specialty stores, making it a perfect destination for special finds.
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VIBRANT NIGHTLIFE: Greenway Plaza has options for drinks, dancing, or a cozy dinner, catering to different tastes. Etro, Liquid Lounge, and Ovations are some of the popular spots in the area.
Greenway Plaza is the first major mixed-use development in the US. The park was built on the site of an old shopping center, and it is now home to a variety of retail stores, restaurants, cafes, residences, and offices.
10. Timbergrove / Lazybrook
Neighborhood | Median Home Price | Home Price / Sq Ft | 10-Yr Apprec. % |
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Timbergrove/Lazybrook | $625,000 | $300 | 53% |
Located 5 miles Northwest of Downtown Houston. Timbergrove is a deed-restricted residential neighborhood.
Timbergrove homes are popular for their:
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IMPRESSIVE REAL ESTATE APPRECIATION: Timbergrove is one of the best investments over the last decade in terms of land and real estate value appreciation.
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ACCESSIBILITY TO BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT DISTRICTS: Timbergrove is just minutes away from Houston's major job centers, Downtown Houston and Texas Medical Center.
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OPTIONS FOR RETAIL AND ENTERTAINMENT: Timbergrove homes are convenient to parks, golf, top-rated restaurants, and great shopping, including Memorial Park, Galleria, Heights, and Rice Military.
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LARGE LOTS: Timbergrove homes feature mid-to-large lots by Houston standards ranging from 7,000 to over 20,000 square feet, providing plenty of greenery.
Timbergrove homes are in high demand because it is one of the Inner Loop's fastest-growing real estate markets.
11. Medical Center
Neighborhood | Median Home Price | Home Price / Sq Ft | 10-Yr Apprec. % |
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Medical Center Area | $251,000 | $181 | 14% |
The Medical Center area is known for its world-class health facilities. Due to this, the demand for homes in the area is increasing over time.
The Texas Medical Center features:
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GREAT ACCESSIBILITY: The neighborhood is along the METRORail Red Line stations and freeways. Some of the best communities around Houston are also accessible including Downtown.
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TOP-RANKED SCHOOLS: Medical Center is zoned to Houston ISD, which is home to many of Houston's top-ranked schools. Roberts Elem, Pershing Middle, and Lamar High are some of the best schools that serve the area.
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WIDE VARIETY OF AMENITIES: Several local amenities are available due to the area's location within the Inner Loop. Museums, restaurants, and retail centers are located around the area. Residents also have easy access to the state's largest medical district.
The Texas Medical Center was founded in the mid-1940s. Over time, new construction townhomes emerged in the area to replace the old ones. Recent developments have also resulted in good appreciation rates over the last decade.
12. Memorial Park
Neighborhood | Median Home Price | Home Price / Sq Ft | 10-Yr Apprec. % |
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Memorial Park | $1,560,000 | $382 | 4% |
The area of Memorial Park is one of the most renowned neighborhoods within the Inner Loop. Located east of Loop 610 and south of I-10.
Its many features and amenities include:
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MEMORIAL PARK GOLF COURSE: The John Bredemus-designed course has a 73-course and 122-slope rating. It was opened in the 1920s. Residents can enjoy playing tennis, croquet, volleyball, flag football, and baseball.
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OUTDOOR RECREATION: Most areas can access many trails like Seymour Lieberman Exertrail and Picnic Loop. Also, other parks through The Buffalo Bayou and Beyond initiative.
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ACCESSIBILITY: The residents have access to main roads such as I-10, Memorial Drive, Loop 610, Washington Avenue, and Allen Parkway. Four miles away from Downtown Houston, while less than 5 miles away from the Galleria.
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EXCLUSIVITY: Some of Houston’s most expensive real estate are in the areas of Glen Cove and Crestwood. They have median sale prices of over $1,500,000. The upscale Houston gated community of Caceres is a few minutes from the area.
The area of Memorial Park features a wide range of home options, such as upscale townhomes, mansions, and patio and ranch-style homes. Memorial Park is also zoned to the Houston Independent School District (HISD).
13. Midtown
Neighborhood | Median Home Price | Home Price / Sq Ft | 10-Yr Apprec. % |
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Midtown Houston | $389,000 | $213 | 11% |
One of Houston’s Most Accessible Neighborhoods, Midtown claims to be “right in the middle of it all”. It sits along Houston’s major freeways (Southwest and Gulf) and major thoroughfares (Main Street, Fannin Street, and Alabama Street).
Midtown is in demand, thanks to its:
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ACCESSIBILITY: The METRORail Red Line cuts through the neighborhood, offering easy access to key neighborhoods. Residents are also in close proximity to Downtown Houston and Texas Medical Center, which are accessible via a 5-minute METRORail ride, bike, or Uber.
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VIBRANT LOCAL SCENE: Around 340 Yelp-rated establishments consider Midtown their home. Residents are minutes away from bars, coffee shops, retail stores, restaurants, lounges, and boutiques.
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AFFORDABILITY:The neighborhood features a variety of affordable residential options, including condos, townhomes, and single-family dwellings. Townhomes are the most common residential option in the neighborhood. They typically come with 2- to 4-story floor plans with options for 3 or 4 bedrooms.
Midtown homes are zoned to the Houston ISD. Students in the area are served by the Baylor College of Medicine Academy, a top-rated school in Houston.
14. Montrose
Neighborhood | Median Home Price | Home Price / Sq Ft | 10-Yr Apprec. % |
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Montrose | $775,000 | $303 | 19% |
Known as a vibrant neighborhood, Montrose features a mix of historic homes, custom-built contemporary homes, and recent construction townhomes. It is one of the most accessible neighborhoods in Houston.
Montrose homes are in high demand, thanks to their:
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UNIQUE ATMOSPHERE: Montrose is home to museums, parks, and historic neighborhoods. It is often considered one of Houston's cultural centers.
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VIBRANT STREET SCENE: Montrose's main thoroughfares (Shepherd Drive, Montrose Boulevard, and West Alabama Street) are lined with many retail, dining, and nightlife spots.
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STRONG APPRECIATION: The neighborhood has had one of Houston's best real estate appreciation rates over the past years.
Montrose is about 3 miles away from Downtown Houston. It is south of the Buffalo Bayou and north of Southwest Freeway. The area showcases several historic neighborhoods.
15. Rice Military
Neighborhood | Median Home Price | Home Price / Sq Ft | 10-Yr Apprec. % |
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Rice Military/Washington Corridor | $555,000 | $240 | 17% |
Rice Military is located within the Inner Loop of Houston. The community features a mix of gated communities, residential neighborhoods, and excellent amenities.
The Rice Military is famous for its:
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ACCESSIBILITY: Rice Military is one of the Most Accessible Neighborhoods in Houston. The community is 5 miles away from the Medical Center and less than 15 minutes short drive away from Downtown Houston and the Galleria.
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NOTABLE SCHOOLS: Rice Military is served by two of Houston's Best Schools, both of which are IB World Schools. Top-performing schools like Hogg Middle School and Lamar High School serve the community.
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UPSCALE GATED COMMUNITIES: Several gated communities comprise the Rice Military neighborhood. Caceres is one of Houston's Best Gated Communities.
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EXCITING RETAIL AND ENTERTAINMENT: With proximity to Washington Avenue and Memorial Drive, the residents enjoy easy access to nearby restaurants, dining spaces, retail centers, lounges, cafes, and bars.
The neighborhood also features a wide range of housing options and architectural designs, from single-family homes to patio homes, and new-construction townhomes. Homes showcase traditional and modern styles. There are also condos in mid-rise residential buildings in the area.
16. Museum District
Neighborhood | Median Home Price | Home Price / Sq Ft | 10-Yr Apprec. % |
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Rice / Museum District | $1,025,000 | $386 | 36% |
Vibrant and highly accessible, the Museum District is one of Houston’s premier cultural and art centers. It is located just north of the Texas Medical Center.
The district’s appeal stems from several factors, including:
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CULTURE AND ARTS CENTERS: True to its name, the Museum District is home to 19 culture, arts, and scientific institutions. It has the second largest number of museums in a contiguous area in the US.
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ACCESSIBLE LOCATION AND EASY COMMUTE: The district is nestled between two major employment centers and allows easy access to I-45 and Highway 59. The METRORail Red Line has three stops within the Museum District.
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LUXURY CONDO LIVING: The Museum District has both established landmarks like the Warwick Towers and 1400 Hermann as well as newer condos like Oaks on Caroline and Museum Flats. Amenities may include private balconies, valet and concierge services, and reserved parking.
Aside from its lively arts and culture scene, the Museum District also offers a lot of outdoor entertainment and recreation options in Hermann Park. This includes the Houston Zoo, the Houston Garden Center, and a golf course.
17. River Oaks
Neighborhood | Median Home Price | Home Price / Sq Ft | 10-Yr Apprec. % |
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River Oaks Area | $3,226,514 | $584 | 53% |
One of Houston’s most exclusive neighborhoods, River Oaks is centrally located within the Inner Loop. Deed-restricted and historic, the area features some of the most expensive homes in Bayou City.
River Oaks is well-known for its:
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UPSCALE NEIGHBORHOOD: The neighborhood is a mix of 1920s and 1930s traditional homes, grand estates, luxury condos, and townhomes in gated communities. River Oaks is one of the most expensive Houston neighborhoods.
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TOP-RANKED SCHOOLS: River Oaks homes are zoned to the Houston ISD. The area benefits from excellent schools, including River Oaks Elem and Lanier Middle. The community also has several premier private schools, such as St. John’s and River Oaks Baptist.
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STRONG REAL ESTATE APPRECIATION: River Oaks is among the best Inner Loop neighborhoods in real estate appreciation. The neighborhood has posted impressive appreciation rates over the last 10 years.
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PRIME LOCATION: River Oaks boasts an excellent location in Houston. The area provides easy access to Downtown, the Medical Center, and the Galleria. Major highways like Southwest Freeway, Loop 610, Katy Freeway, and I-45 surround the neighborhood.
River Oaks is home to the River Oaks Country Club Estates, one of Houston’s most affluent golf communities. The country club features a golf course, tennis courts, swimming pools, and a fitness center.
18. River Oaks Shopping Area
Neighborhood | Median Home Price | Home Price / Sq Ft | 10-Yr Apprec. % |
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River Oaks Shopping Area | $989,900 | $331 | 32% |
River Oaks Shopping Area is nestled between River Oaks and Montrose. Rice Military borders the north side, while Upper Kirby is on the southwest of the neighborhood.
The district is highly in demand thanks to its:
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EXCELLENT LOCATION: River Oaks Shopping Area boasts an excellent location within the Inner Loop and provides easy access to Downtown, Galleria, and the Medical Center. Along with the Highland Village, boutiques and restaurants in Westheimer and San Felipe are minutes away.
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SHOPPING, DINING, AND ENTERTAINMENT: The area is home to the River Oaks Shopping Center which has 100+ retail shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The River Oaks Theater, Houston's premier art house cinema, is within the shopping center.
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TOP-RANKED SCHOOLS: The neighborhood is zoned to top-ranked schools such as Lanier Middle and Lamar High School. Both are IB World Schools.
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PARKS & RECREATION: The neighborhood is a few minutes away from River Oaks Park. Memorial Park, one of Houston's largest urban parks, is just a short drive away. The park features a golf course, tennis courts, trails, and picnic areas.
River Oaks Shopping Area is near major thoroughfares, including Katy Freeway (I-10), Loop 610, and Southwest Freeway (US 59).
19. Upper Kirby
Neighborhood | Median Home Price | Home Price / Sq Ft | 10-Yr Apprec. % |
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Upper Kirby | $1,053,441 | $352 | 34% |
Upper Kirby is a vibrant mixed-use district located next to Greenway Plaza and Montrose. One of Houston’s most accessible neighborhoods, the area features plenty of bars, cafes, lounges, restaurants, and stores.
Upper Kirby neighborhood is highly sought after for its:
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PRIME LOCATION: The district is less than 15 minutes away from the key business and commercial centers of Houston, namely Downtown Houston, Texas Medical Center, and The Galleria.
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SHOPPING & DINING HUBS: Upper Kirby boasts more than 150 Yelp-rated retail, dining, and entertainment establishments. Most shops sit along Kirby Drive, Shepherd Drive, and Westheimer Road.
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ACCESS TO MAJOR THOROUGHFARES: The neighborhood is close to main streets and freeways. These include Kirby Drive, Westheimer Road, Buffalo Speedway, Richmond Avenue, and W Alabama Street.
While Upper Kirby homes are more affordable than residences in the neighboring River Oaks, the district's land and real estate value have continued to grow over the past ten years.
20. West University
Neighborhood | Median Home Price | Home Price / Sq Ft | 10-Yr Apprec. % |
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West University/Southside Area | $1,875,500 | $509 | 49% |
West University Place is a city within a city, subdivided into 26 sections called blocks. It has Bellaire to the west, Southside Place to the south, and Houston to the east and north.
West University is known for its:
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REAL ESTATE APPRECIATION RATES: Home prices are well over $1M, with one of the highest 10-year land value appreciation rates in Houston.
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CENTRAL LOCATION: West University homes are minutes away from Rice University, Texas Medical Center, the Galleria, Downtown Houston, and the Museum District.
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EASY ACCESSIBILITY: Nestled just south of Southwest Freeway, West U offers easy access to main roads like the Buffalo Speedway, Loop 610, and US 59 (Eastex Freeway).
West University also goes by “The Neighborhood City” as it exudes a small-town look that makes West University homes for sale highly sought-after.
The list above is on alphabetical order. It also follows the order in which they appear on the Inner Loop Houston map.
*Default median sales values are from single-family homes except these neighborhoods, which have an above average # of condos and townhomes.
Methodology For Ranking
With all the available information out there about Houston's top Inner Loop areas, it can be confusing when finally making a decision on which neighborhood to choose. Get the advice of the best Inner loop Houston realtors and remove the guesswork when shopping for the best home to live in.
This is a project of Paige Martin and The Houston Properties Team. The list of "20 Best Inner Loop Houston Neighborhoods" is updated twice a year.
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Median home sale prices are based on single-family home sales for 2022 YTD.
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Median land value prices are based on both homes sold at lot value and lot sales.
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10-year appreciation rates compare 2013 to 2022 YTD and are based on the median sales price.
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All median Houston home sale information was sourced by the HAR MLS database.
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Data is deemed accurate but is not guaranteed. Information is provided for informational purposes only.
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If you’d like to see any neighborhoods, master-planned communities or subdivisions added to this bi-annually updated watch list, please let us know.
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The list above is in alphabetical order. It also follows the order in which they appear on the Inner Loop Houston map.
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*Default median housing price values are from single-family homes, except in these areas (condos, townhomes, and single-family homes are considered due to their above-average number of condos/townhomes).
The Best Inner Loop Houston Realtors 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 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.
Recent awards include:
– 2022: #1 Residential Real Estate Team by Sales Volume, Houston Business Journal
– 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 Realtors 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 Realtors 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 Realtors 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 Realtors 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 the 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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- Houston Texas Zip Code Map | HoustonProperties
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