Suburbia meets a hub for Houston’s energy industry
Green hiking trails, dozens of shops and restaurants, and massive employment hubs -- Briar Forest, one of Houston’s so-called super neighborhoods, lives up to its “super” title. The neighborhood is bordered by the sloping hiking trails of Terry Hershey Park to the north and the busy shopping hub of Westheimer Road to the south. The community is neighbors with the Energy Corridor business district, and the headquarters for global energy company Phillips 66 and the CityWestPlace business campus are based directly in Briar Forest. This mix of employment opportunities, recreation and suburban atmosphere amid the metro have made this West Houston neighborhood a long-standing favorite for locals. “The area is very consistent; it’s always been consistent for probably 50 to 100 years,” says Melanie White, a Realtor with REMAX who grew up in the neighboring community of Memorial. “West Houston had such a long-standing history of success and it’s withheld the test of time. People seem to like established neighborhoods that aren’t going to turn or change.”
Briar Forest Drive is a main conduit connecting residents to businesses and work.
Take a ride on one of the many bike trails around Briar Forest.
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Simple ranches and elaborate villas alike fill Briar Forest
Briar Forest has a diverse array of architectural styles, ranging from stately brick Colonial Revival and Tudor Revival-inspired properties to postmodern constructions and minimalistic raised ranches. This eclectic mix of homes sits on manicured blocks with large front yards connected by sidewalks. Many residences also have wide back patios with in-ground pools and shaded sitting areas. Single-family properties range between $400,000 to $700,000. A few select Briar Forest homeowners invest in luxury estates, which range from rustic cabin-inspired builds for $1 million to sprawling 10,000-square-foot villas for over $7 million.
One-story residences are found throughout Briar Forest.
Several Briar Forest residences boast elegant fountains that bring beauty to their front lawn.
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Houston Schools focus on STEM and STEAM
The Houston Independent School District covers the Briar Forest area, and some local options include “school within a school” magnet programs. Shadowbriar Elementary School scores a C-plus on Niche and has a STEAM magnet program. Paul Revere Middle School, which Niche gives a C, has a STEM magnet program for students interested in advanced science and math coursework. Students can continue their magnet education with STEM classes at Westside High School, which has an A-minus score on Niche. Westside students can also enroll in the Futures Academy, where they can earn college credit through Houston Community College. The college’s Alief Haynes campus is within Briar Forest.
Briar Forest students can continue to grow their educations at Paul Revere Middle School.
Westside High School in Briar Forest students offered a world class education.
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Hikers and bikers explore Terry Hershey Park’s trails
Part of the Terry Hershey Park runs along the northern side of Briar Forest, creating a scenic patch of green space that is a favorite among locals. “It’s very desirable for the location, the bayou, walking trails, the community,” White says. The portion of the park that intersects with Briar Forest offers two trails on either side of the park’s waterway. Anthills Trail is a twisting route that is a prime destination for mountain bikers, while the tamer Buffalo Bayou Bike Trail is ideal for hikers. Terry Hershey Park passes by Lakeside Country Club on Lakeside Forest Lane, a members-only facility with an 18-hole golf course, a dozen tennis courts and multiple pools.
Briar Forest residents can head over to Terry Hersey Park for a day in the sun.
Get out for a day in the sun on the golf course at Lakeside Country Club in Briar Forest.
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Shopping trips and dinner out on Westheimer Road
Westheimer Road, a major thoroughfare that runs along the south of the neighborhood, is a primary shop for local shops and restaurants. Large grocery stores like H-E-B, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods can all be found along this street, as well as specialty markets like Phoenicia Specialty Foods and Daido Market. These food shops are located alongside retail stores like Kohl’s, Marshalls and Shoe Carnival, and several chain and local restaurants. Some standout eateries are La Pasha Lounge & Grill, a Middle Eastern restaurant with weekly live music performances, and Izakaya Hi, a spin on a popular type of Japanese socialization spot where guests can eat fresh sushi and perform in a private karaoke room.
Residents of Briar Forest relish the distinctive charm and variety found at Trader Joe's.
Whole Foods Market in Briar Forest offers premium organic and plant-based groceries.
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Ride METRO drives straight to CityWestPlace
Briar Forest is less than 10 miles via Westpark Tollway from the Uptown Galleria District and 17 miles to downtown Houston via Sam Houston Tollway and Interstate 10. The neighborhood also has several Ride METRO stops, including on major streets like Westheimer Road and City Place Drive, where Phillips 66 and CityWestPlace are located. Briar Forest is also less than 2 miles from two large medical facilities -- HCA Houston Healthcare West on Richmond Avenue and Nexus Children’s Hospital Houston on Woodland Park Drive.
Phillips 66 has its corporate headquarters in Briar Forest.
Catch a METRO bus if you are running late to work in Briar Forest.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
The overall safety of the community has been a growing concern over the last couple of years, as crime to me has risen a little bit and the police are hardly around unless something big is happening. I think the security could be better around here, but all crews will be around if absolutely needed
3.0Niche User
6/23/2014Niche Review
The parks near by that i have visited are clean and well kept
4.0Niche User
5/19/2015Niche Review
I always receive good service at all of my local shops.
3.0Niche User
6/23/2014Niche Review
The people around me stick to their self and are not very friendly.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Briar Forest
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Briar Forest Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Briar Forest, Houston sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Briar Forest, Houston over the last 12 months is $438,950, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
OPEN HOUSE THURSDAY 10/25 FROM 12 PM TO 2 PM. Beautifully move-in ready home with updates and newly painted interior featuring 3/4 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a 2 car garage. Spacious backyard with a soft top gazebo and covered patio off the master bath. Upgrades completed throughout the time period the seller has owned the home including, engineered LTV wood flooring installed in 2023, a new 3 Ton 14
Set on an oversized corner lot, this Briargrove Park beauty blends timeless updates with everyday ease. Bright, open living and dining areas flow seamlessly to the backyard, creating a perfect setting for gatherings or quiet evenings. The kitchen impresses with quartzite counters, a 5-burner gas cooktop, double ovens, and vaulted ceilings filled with natural light. Recent improvements include
PRIME LOCATION! Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac near the Energy Corridor, Lakeside Country Club, City Center, & Terry Hershey Hike/Bike Trl, this RARE 5-bedroom gem offers comfort, convenience, and thoughtful updates. Inside, you’ll find two primary suites located on the first floor. Extras include a wet bar and a 230-square-foot climate-controlled workshop—complete with its own sink and dedicated
Welcome to 1532 Prairie Grove Dr, nestled in the desirable Walkers Mark community. This 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offers a functional layout with spacious living areas, soaring ceilings, wood-look floors, and a cozy fireplace. The kitchen features granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and an adjacent dining room. The primary suite boasts a screened-in balcony, walk-in closet, and an
Thoughtfully reimagined midcentury home sits in one of the area’s most desirable neighborhoods, just moments from Town & Country Village and Beltway 8. The living spaces have been professionally opened and redesigned to create a soft, modern flow. Custom cabinetry and elevated finishes found throughout. Nearly every room looks onto the private central courtyard and shimmering pool, filling the
Beautifully updated one-story home in the desirable Lakeside Forest community! This inviting residence features an open-concept design with a spacious family room showcasing vaulted ceilings, wood-beam detail, and a stone fireplace. The gourmet kitchen offers rich wood cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and an oversized island that opens to the breakfast area filled with
Welcome to 1532 Prairie Grove Dr, nestled in the desirable Walkers Mark community. This 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offers a functional layout with spacious living areas, soaring ceilings, wood-look floors, and a cozy fireplace. The kitchen features granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and an adjacent dining room. The primary suite boasts a screened-in balcony, walk-in closet, and an
Centrally located, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home with pool and hot tub truly has it all. The open floor plan features beautiful wood floors, with tile in the kitchen and baths, and carpet in one bedroom. The vaulted-ceiling den offers stunning views of the backyard retreat, complete with a covered patio perfect for relaxing or entertaining.The spacious primary suite includes a sitting area or
This beautifully maintained Mid-Century Modern home in Walnut Bend offers a rare blend of architectural character and thoughtful updates. The home features extra living room space, fresh paint, and well-cared-for systems and finishes throughout.A spacious screened-in porch creates true indoor–outdoor living, connecting the home to a large backyard and green space—perfect for relaxing or
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
