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.
Are you familiar with the Briar Forest neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
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 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Briar Forest, Houston over the last 12 months is $425,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Stunning 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home with an additional half-bath in the garage, designed for seamless indoor-outdoor living and backs up tit he Lakeside golf course. The open-concept floor plan features high ceilings, Saltillo floors, and abundant windows and sliding doors connecting the kitchen, family room, primary bedroom, and covered patio. The chef’s kitchen with breakfast bar flows into the
Price Reduction!! Seller is motivated! Bring all offers The updated kitchen features quartz countertops, a custom designer backsplash, upgraded cabinetry with modern hardware, and stainless appliances, including a dishwasher and microwave. Yes, Washer and dryer are included. Luxury tile flooring spans the first floor, complemented by a private enclosed patio ideal for entertaining. Upstairs
Beautifully maintained and thoughtfully upgraded home offering efficiency, and peace of mind. Property features 3 AC returns and a 2-stage AC system with updated ductwork for improved airflow and performance. Interior has been freshly painted, creating a clean and modern feel throughout. Main water line and all plumbing have been fully replaced with PEX, along with a new water shut-off valve
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
Welcome to 11539 Village Place Dr., a 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath home tucked into Houston’s Energy Corridor. With two spacious bedrooms—each with its own full bath—plus a convenient half bath downstairs, the layout is ideal for everyday living, guests, or working from home. The living area feels bright and inviting, flowing easily into the kitchen and dining space for relaxed nights in or casual
Nestled in sought-after Country Village, this exquisite home boasts a spacious primary suite with dedicated HVAC, walk-in shower, garden-view tub, and walk-in closet. An inner patio provides a private outdoor retreat, while the roof, gutters, and stamped concrete patio are recently updated. Enjoy natural light in the 18-foot cathedral ceiling space with double-pane windows, updated flooring, and
This beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home features elegant upgrades throughout. Quartz countertops, all new cabinetry, and a large central island define the kitchen, while real bamboo floors and a high vaulted ceiling grace the open main living area. The new extension to the primary bedroom gives you the retreat of your dreams, with a spa-like bathroom and huge walk-in closet. A newly
Welcome to your dream home in the highly desirable Ashford Hollow community! This beautiful 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom residence offers a perfect blend of comfort, style, and functionality. Step inside to find hardwood floors, abundant natural light, and a layout designed for seamless living. The kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and ample cabinetry—perfect for
Don't miss out on this charming, updated 2-story home with beautiful curb appeal and mature landscaping. Featuring hardwood, tile, and bamboo flooring. An elegant, large 3rd bathroom with walk-in shower was added to the primary bedroom. A must see! A 4th bedroom/office with a built-in desk & shelves is also on the first floor. Plenty of storage space with amazing closets throughout this home!!
Welcome to this exquisite home in the heart of Houston’s sought-after Energy Corridor, just minutes from City Centre with quick access to Hwy 59 and the Sam Houston Tollway. Located in a secure gated community, enjoy being just a short walk to Whole Foods and Westheimer’s vibrant dining, shopping, and entertainment. Inside, you’ll find a spacious open-concept layout designed for modern living.
Discover your dream home in the heart the Energy Corridor! This beautifully updated, single-story gem in the sought-after Shadowbriar neighborhood offers 2,387 square feet of move-in-ready living space, perfect for families or anyone craving comfort and style. With 4 spacious bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, this home boasts a family-friendly floor plan, featuring a serene master suite with an
This beautiful two-bedroom townhome has been price to sell quickly. Updates throughout the house and patio were completed recently. High ceilings grace the living room. There is no carpet in sight. Nice quality cabinets and new generator in the garage, stay.
Welcome to your dream home at Marlborough Square! This lovely 3-bed, 3-bath home spans an impressive 2,339square feet and is perfectly positioned on a large corner lot. Step inside to discover a spacious entryway that leads to the living room and breakfast area. The home features a massive Primary bedroom downstairs that includes a spa-like bathroom with large closet spaces. The kitchen features
Charming and beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in highly sought-after Briargrove Park. Bright and inviting, this homes features a spacious family room, wood flooring throughout, recessed lighting, wood beams, new baseboards and doors, new A/C (2024), cozy wood-burning fireplace, and French doors that open to a covered outdoor pergola—perfect for entertaining. The generous primary
Welcome to 1556 Prairie Grove! This 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bathroom townhouse is nestled in the heart of the Energy Corridor and features dual primary en suites, vaulted ceilings upstairs, hardwood floors, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and an oversized 2 car garage. Loft area in one bedroom perfect for storage, home office, or just another hangout area. Easy access to I-10 and Beltway
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
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
Nestled in the vibrant Westchase District, Folio West offers upscale 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom residences with seamless access to major highways, premier shopping at CityCentre, and top employers like Phillips 66. This luxury community blends urban convenience with resort-style amenities, including a sparkling pool with cabanas and outdoor kitchens, a 24-hour fitness center, pet-friendly spaces with
Live the way you've always wanted without compromising style or quality. At Emory West Cypress, our apartment residences are designed with you in mind. Now you really can have it all . . . lifestyle included.
Nestled in the vibrant Westchase District, Folio West offers upscale 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom residences with seamless access to major highways, premier shopping at CityCentre, and top employers like Phillips 66. This luxury community blends urban convenience with resort-style amenities, including a sparkling pool with cabanas and outdoor kitchens, a 24-hour fitness center, pet-friendly spaces with
This well-maintained updated home features a unique floor plan and stylish upgrades throughout, including an updated kitchen with custom cabinets, upgraded appliances, granite countertops, and modern plumbing fixtures. Two elegant French doors open from a cozy private courtyard with natural gas connections for your grill—one leading to the dining room and the other to the spacious primary suite
Updated 2-story condo in a gated community. Tile flooring throughout (no carpet). Updated kitchen with granite counters, ample cabinets, under-mount lighting, stainless steel sink, dishwasher, and refrigerator. Stackable washer/dryer convey. Open-concept living area with wood-burning fireplace and new ceiling fans throughout.Upstairs features a den/home office, spacious bedroom with two
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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.
