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.
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I always receive good service at all of my local shops.
5.0Niche User
1/8/2015Niche Review
lots of well known chain stores as well as home owned stores.
4.0Niche User
5/19/2015Niche Review
There are always businesses in my area hiring.
5.0Current Resident
9/27/2017Niche Review
Well, I'm new to Houston. Rented a house here and it was an awesome place to live. Surroundings are clean and hygienic. Grocery stores are at a just walkable distance 5miles away to Memorial Herman hospital, Pharmacy stores, Walmart, HEB.Fully gated communities and Secured place to live.
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Briar Forest Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Briar Forest, Houston sell after 41 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Briar Forest, Houston over the last 12 months is $440,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
4-bed, 2.5-bath home, located on quiet cul-de-sac in Lakeside Estates, offers versatile & inviting layout. A covered front patio welcomes you inside, leading to a formal dining area that can serve as a home office or flex space. The living room centers around a white brick fireplace, with built-ins for added storage & display. Engineered hardwood flooring runs throughout, offering both style &
Spacious Patio Home in a Prime Location!This beautiful home offers generous living spaces filled with natural light. The open-concept living and dining area flows seamlessly into a large eat-in kitchen, complete with stainless steel appliances, a pass-through bar, and views of a charming atrium—perfect for your favorite plants. Step outside to a private patio, ideal for grilling,
Nestled on a peaceful cul-de-sac, this beautiful Craftsman-inspired home offers the perfect blend of classic architecture and modern updates. Wood-look tile and neutral paint create a warm, inviting atmosphere, while architectural lighting and custom finishes add charm. The stunning, updated kitchen features custom cabinetry, brick backsplash, quartz countertops, 5-burner gas cooktop, stainless
Beautifully updated condo in desirable Lynbrook Manor! Convenient location with easy access to I-10 and Beltway 8. This move-in-ready unit features an open floor plan with high ceilings and wood floors throughout. The modern kitchen boasts granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and updated cabinetry. The bathroom has been tastefully renovated with stylish tile and updated fixtures.
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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
Beautifully updated condo in desirable Lynbrook Manor! Convenient location with easy access to I-10 and Beltway 8. This move-in-ready unit features an open floor plan with high ceilings and wood floors throughout. The modern kitchen boasts granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and updated cabinetry. The bathroom has been tastefully renovated with stylish tile and updated fixtures.
This beautifully updated townhome is in a quiet community closely located near City Centre and the Energy Corridor. Updates include 2023 Wood flooring; 2 brand new bathrooms and tile flooring 2022; New 2024 SS Stainless Refrigerator, Oven/Stove, Dishwasher, and Washer/Dryer. New 2023 Water Heater. Completely painted 2022. The Owner will leave the grill on the patio for tenant to use. The large
Experience vibrant living at Folio West Houston, nestled in the heart of the lively Westchase District. Just minutes from CityCentres shopping and dining, this community offers spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes with soaring 12-foot ceilings, wood-style flooring, porcelain tile bathrooms, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Relax by the sparkling pool, gather around the
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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.
