Take a single turn down one of River Oak’s wide, tree-shaded residential streets, and it’ll become immediately apparent why this section of Houston is held in such high esteem. This neighborhood is packed with an eclectic collection of expansive estates, a mix that makes River Oaks what is considered one of the most lavish swaths of the city. The area balances its mostly residential makeup with quick access to multiple parks and loaded commercial thoroughfares. “River Oaks has gorgeous homes and beautiful scenery, and you still get that nice suburban feel that’s just minutes from the action of the city,” says local Realtor Mason Ingram of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene.
The River Oaks Shopping Center located in River Oaks is a highly recognizable destination.
Homes in River Oaks feature a beautiful Mediterranean-style design.
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Sumptuous variety abounds
River Oaks has a long history — this area was the first master-planned community in Houston, originally developed in the 1920s. And it didn’t take long for the area to take on its luxurious reputation. “It has a history of having high-profile residents, but no one is ever too good for anyone else,” says Ingram, a Houston native. Some homes here still date back to the 1920s and 1930s, but River Oaks now has homes of all ages, including quite a few built in the last several years. That makes for a wide assortment of styles — it’s likely that one won’t find two homes that look exactly alike on any one street. There’s everything from colonial-style homes to Tudors to Mediterranean-style homes in River Oaks. Some condos and townhomes in River Oaks can be had for under $1 million, but the single-family homes here can range anywhere from about $1.1 million to more than $14 million, depending on the square footage.
There are many traditional-style homes in River Oaks.
River Oaks boasts spacious American Colonial-style residences.
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Area schools are well-regarded
Kids in River Oaks can attend schools in the Houston Independent School District, which has a B overall rating on Niche. Students can start at the A-minus River Oaks Elementary, whose extracurricular opportunities include the Suzuki violin program that offers violin instruction during the school day. From River Oaks Elementary, students here can progress to the A-minus-rated Lanier Middle, the only school in the district with both the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme and the Vanguard Magnet gifted program. Lamar High, which has a B-plus grade, is next, a school that received a $122 million redesign in recent years that included a new 8,000-square-foot pool, a 4,000-square-foot theater and a new football field.
The River Oaks neighborhood features multiple well-regarded private schools as well, including the A-plus-rated St. John's School. St. John’s offers kindergarten through 12th grade and is No. 1 on Niche’s list of the best private high schools in Texas.
Lanier Middle School is a prime education destination.
Lamar High School, in River Oaks, is recognized as an International Baccalaureate World School.
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River Oaks comes with parks aplenty
River Oaks is quite walkable, thanks to the sidewalks that line every street. “It’s not uncommon to see people walking their dogs, riding their bikes or families taking walks together,” Ingram says. River Oaks is littered with multiple pocket parks, too, so residents all over the neighborhood can enjoy just a short stroll to one for a picnic or game of fetch with Fido. River Oaks Park is a popular pick in particular, one with a playground that includes a replica of Cinderella's carriage, a feature that’s earned the space the nickname of “Pumpkin Park.” River Oaks Community Center is also nestled in River Oaks Park, a facility whose offerings include an afterschool program.
The neighborhood is home to the River Oaks Country Club as well, which has what is considered one of the best golf courses in Texas and a lengthy waitlist. The 1,500-acre Memorial Park, the largest urban park in the state, is just north of River Oaks, and its features include a public golf course.
Sign the kids up for one of the soccer leagues in the River Oaks area.
River Oaks Country Club offers a delightful experience of golf and tennis.
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Historic retail options
Locals here enjoy quick access to the River Oaks Shopping Center, which was the first suburban shopping center of its kind when it opened in 1937. River Oaks Shopping Center features some 300,000 square feet of retail space with stores ranging from Barnes & Noble to Sephora and local restaurants like the French-inspired Brasserie 19 and Izakaya Wa, serving up Japanese cuisine. There’s even a Kroger here, convenient for groceries and other essentials. River Oaks Shopping Center is located just off Shepherd Drive, one of the busiest thoroughfares in the area, along with Westheimer Road — both loaded with eateries and other businesses.
Brasserie 19 is one of the numerous fine dining experiences in the River Oaks area.
Highland Village Shopping Center is one of several places to find high-end retail in River Oaks.
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Move around with METRO
River Oaks features multiple stops on the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County bus system. Known as METRO for short, this system features more than 100 routes and almost 9,000 stops around the city.
The neighborhood is fairly close to Downtown Houston, too. Drivers in River Oaks can hop on Allen Parkway to get downtown in a trip of just about 5 miles, without even having to get on the highway.
River Oaks has several bus stops that are easily accessible.
Allen Parkway leads to downtown Houston from River Oaks.
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Light up the night
One of the neighborhood’s traditions is River Oaks Christmas Lights — residents around the neighborhood decorate their homes with elaborate light displays available for viewing from Thanksgiving to early January. It’s one of the most well-known collections of Christmas lights in the city. “It’s so beautiful during Christmastime,” Ingram says. “Every street is lit up with thousands of lights.”
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Greg Bennett,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Pumpkin Park
River Oaks Park
Grady Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Tennis
Gables West Ave Dog Park
Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Martin Debrovner Park
Trails
Events
Multi-Purpose Field
Ella Lee Park
Olympia Park
Del Monte Park
Transit
Airport
William P Hobby
29 min drive
Bus
Westheimer Rd & Larchmont Rd
Bus
S Shepherd Dr & Chilton Rd
Bus
Westheimer Rd & River Oaks Blvd
Bus
S Shepherd Dr & Westheimer Rd
Bus
San Felipe Rd & Larchmont Rd
Bus
S Shepherd Dr & Kirby Dr
Bus
S Shepherd Dr & Pelham Dr
River Oaks Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in River Oaks, Houston sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in River Oaks, Houston over the last 12 months is $1,150,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Walk to all the River Oaks area has to offer! Tree lined quiet street just off Westheimer with controlled access courtyard. Beautiful mature trees. This home has been extensively renovated. The kitchen is probably the most upgraded kitchen for the area, below 1-million price point. All appliances included. Wine frig. Center island. Beautiful cabinetry. AGA Mercury 48" Induction range. primary
Nestled in sought-after Avalon Place, one of Houston’s most picturesque & central neighborhoods, this home has timeless charm w/ stylish modern finishes throughout. Designed for entertaining, the front of the home features spacious Formal Living & Dining Rooms while the comfortable Family Room w/ wet bar overlooks the sparkling pool & hot tub. A “working kitchen” in addition to the main Chef’s
Hedley KarpasMartha Turner Sotheby's International Realty
A fabulous opportunity on a large lot in the heart of prestigious River Oaks on an established street. Make this home your own, or use as a clean slate for new construction. The current home offers 4 large bedrooms, formal living room, family room, formal dining room, kitchen, utility room, utility room and a large 3rd floor flex space. Outside, a huge fully fenced backyard and 3 car garage with
Experience elevated living at this striking contemporary residence nestled between the prestigious Highland Village & River Oaks neighborhoods. Located in one of Houston’s most desirable areas, just minutes from Uptown, the Galleria, River Oaks District & Upper Kirby and the top private schools in Houston, this home offers the perfect blend of luxury & convenience. Designed for a lock & leave
Recently renovated two bedroom split floor plan with zero carpet & an abundance of natural light! Kitchen has been updated with quartz countertops, tile backsplash & stainless appliances including a built-in wine fridge. Open concept living is perfect for entertaining with direct access to the balcony. Oversized primary bedroom features an en-suite bathroom & generous closet space. Secondary
Exceptional residence in the prestigious Chateau 10, an intimate midrise building featuring 10 luxury units in prime River Oaks. The heart of this home showcases a chef's kitchen outfitted with premium Eggersmann German cabinetry, a striking oversized island featuring unique backlit onyx, and professional-grade Thermador appliances. Elegant travertine floors flow throughout the residence,
Beautiful executive residence nestled in the heart of River Oaks! This charming two-story home has an exceptional floor plan with POOL/SPA, Elevator, Custom Window Covering, and Gated Three Car Garage. This elegant residence offers a Two Story Foyer boasting a spiral Wrought Iron Staircase, Private Office/Library with handsome Built-ins, a Formal Dining Room, a Formal Living Room, and a Spacious
See all that awaits at Rone Residences! Our apartments in River Oaks Houston, TX are sure to suit the needs of every resident. Our selection of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom floor plans include all-new appliances, spacious closets, and private patios. Throughout our community, the multiple lounge spaces, state-of-the-art fitness center, and resort-style swimming pool will offer residents the perfect place
Experience High-Rise Luxury Living at Arabella! This stunning 2BR/2.5BA, 1,539 sq. ft. residence is the epitome of modern elegance, designed by Powers Brown Architecture and showcasing floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of the Galleria skyline. Currently home is being staged, home can be rented with or without furniture. The open-concept floor plan features soaring 10’ ceilings, a
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Greg Bennett,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
22,266
Median Age
41
Population Density
10 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.9%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$115,157
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$153,476
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.4%
College Graduates
79.7%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
38.3%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
71.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
43°F
Average Summer High Temperature
95°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
37/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
32/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
42/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
