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
Are you familiar with the River Oaks neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
River Oaks
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
River Oaks Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in River Oaks, Houston sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in River Oaks, Houston over the last 12 months is $1,420,000, up 24% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful residence nestled in the heart of River Oaks! This charming two-story home features an exceptional floor plan with POOL/SPA, Elevator, Home Generator, Custom Window Covering, and a Gated Three-Car Garage. This elegant residence offers a two-story foyer boasting a spiral Wrought Iron Staircase, a Private Office/Library with handsome Built-ins, a Formal Dining Room, a Formal Living Room,
Welcome to 2150 Bancroft, a well-maintained home offering comfortable living and functional design. Bright, open living areas create an inviting space for everyday life and entertaining. The kitchen features ample cabinetry and flows seamlessly into the main living and dining areas. The primary suite offers a relaxing retreat, while secondary bedrooms provide flexibility for guests, a home
A HIDDEN GEM. Custom TH w. designer finishes, ideally located near premier shopping & dining. 2-story entry leads to open-concept, flexible living area-perfect for entertaining & relaxing. LR w. abundant natural light, view of new deck (w. side access for pets) & dramatic atrium for indoor-outdoor living. Featuring hardwood & engin. flooring, crown molding & high ceilings throughout. Chef’s
Set in one of Houston’s most coveted areas near Highland Village and River Oaks, this striking contemporary residence delivers refined modern luxury. The open-concept interior features soaring ceilings, expansive walls of glass, and curated finishes that fill the home with natural light, while a full Control4 smart system seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor living. Step outside to a sleek
Welcome to your new home at 49 Briar Hollow Lane, Unit 504! This comfy 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo is just what you’ve been looking for. With its cool eastern exposure, you’ll enjoy plenty of natural light and amazing treetop views from your private balcony. Inside, you’ll find a spacious living area with stylish wood flooring. A bonus room with Juliet balcony features storage galore and can be
Newly renovated 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom condo located in the heart of Houston with convenient access to 610, Westheimer, the Galleria, and major employment centers. Unit 201 features a functional layout with spacious living and dining areas, ample natural light, and generous storage. Community amenities include a swimming pool, controlled access, and assigned parking. Easy access to shopping,
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
Highland Tower is Houston's premier luxury high-rise with a great central location, amazing skyline views, and amenities of an exclusive private club. Built with the utmost quality and attention to detail by one of Houston's most established, reputable builders. You truly have to see this high-rise to fully understand and appreciate the refined and simplistic lifestyle it offers. Recently
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,
The Wilshire at River Oaks District is a full-service building with beautiful outdoor amenities and a class A gym offering fantastic views of the pool area. This building was carefully designed to bring natural light to all areas. The floor-to-ceiling windows feature a full-size motorized window covering in all areas, plus blackouts in both bedrooms. Every thought of space usage has been applied
Experience a simplified and secure lifestyle with this stylish 2-Bedroom Highland Tower residence offering a chic central location and tranquil treetop views with southwestern exposures overlooking the River Oaks District and beyond. The fabulous floor plan offers open-concept living spaces enhanced by substantial 11.5+ ft. ceiling heights, walls of windows with shades plus blackout, and an
Remarkably updated home on secluded street in the heart of the city. Backyard oasis boasts pool and spa w/ cascading waterfalls & summer kitchen. Expansive gated motor court w/ additional parking makes this home a rare find! Enter through beautiful double Mohagany doors into grand 2 story entry w/ sweeping iron staircase. Gourmet kitchen w/ stainless appliances, breakfast bar, walk in pantry &
Welcome to 2411 Stanmore Drive, a classic River Oaks residence surrounded by gorgeous oaks and azaleas. This elegant home offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 3,390 square feet of refined living. A gracious foyer leads to formal living and dining rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the home with natural light and provide serene park views. The living room with fireplace flows into a
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
Superior River Oaks location with manned concierge gate makes commuting convenient! This condo is zoned to the best schools in HISD!! Restaurants and shopping are within easy access for pedestrians. Two bedrooms with two FULL baths make this a great unit for many types of residents including roommates since everyone has their own bath!! Swirling granite countertop with subway tile backsplash in
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
Beautiful executive residence nestled in the heart of River Oaks! This charming three-story home has an exceptional floor plan featuring 3 or 4 BD, First Floor Living, Wood Floors, Custom Tile and Wall of Built-ins in the living room with gorgeous Fireplace. Gourmet kitchen with High-End Appliances, WINE ROOM, spacious formal Dining room and elevator capable closet! Second floor boasts large
Beautiful apartment in the heart of River Oaks, zoned River Oaks schools. Updated with hardwood and tile floors throughout. Large master bedroom has two walk in closest. In unit washer & dryer. Perfect for those who want the city life while living in a quiet, community. Additional $100 per month for all utilities (electricity, water, gas & trash)
One of a kind property! PRICED UNDER MARKET; All brick 4-plex, large downstairs unit, Approximately 1,225'sq! Original restored oak hardwood flooring throughout; full size washer and dryer; refrigerator with icemaker; Window coverings are wood blinds; ceiling fans throughout; central HVAC; strategically located near the intersection of Westheimer @ S. Shepherd. Ownr pays water and gas up to $50
Arrive River Oaks® is a distinctive residential landmark adjacent to Houston's oldest and most affluent neighborhood, River Oaks. We offer agent-accompanied and virtual tour options! At the intersection of two of Houston's most prestigious streets - Kirby Drive and Westheimer Road, this trendy Inner Loop property offers many restaurant and entertainment options. Whether you're looking for gourmet
Welcome to highly sought-after River Oaks, where eclectic dining, premier shopping, & beautiful parks make everyday living exceptional. This thoughtfully 2026 updated home blends timeless character w/modern comfort, offering both formals, a spacious family room w/wood burning FP, a versatile flex room & abundant built-ins throughout. The 1st floor primary suite features a striking wood-beamed
Featuring state-of-the-art amenities, extravagant apartments, and striking views of River Oaks Houston, The James exceeds expectations of what luxury living looks like. Our studio, one, two, and three bedroom floor plans are the epitome of class and elegance. Each of our apartments in River Oaks, Houston offer a range of lavish amenities such as hardwood flooring, energy efficient appliances, and
Offering an exquisite 3-bedroom apartment, designed with your comfort in mind. Elevate your fitness routine in our comprehensive cardio room and weight room. Unwind or socialize in the elegant social lounge and stay productive in the fully equipped business center. Our resort-style pool offers relaxation and indulgence in the heart of Houston. Discover the best in luxury amenities and
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