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:
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On average, homes in River Oaks, Houston sell after 68 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 $1,149,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Spectacular in every way, this light-filled 1/1.5 on the 10th floor impresses from the front door balcony with panoramic Galleria and Westcreek views. Shows beautifully. Unit 1003 includes 2 parking spaces, all appliances, custom lighting, plus a 65” mounted TV and Bose sound bar. Features include electric living room shades, custom closet built-ins, upgraded bedroom carpet, and finishes beyond
Welcome to The Highland Tower, one of Houston’s most coveted inner-loop addresses. Tucked along tree-lined streets and steps from River Oaks District dining and boutiques, you’re just minutes from Memorial Park and Houston’s business hubs.This boutique high-rise offers 24/7 concierge, valet, and on-site management. Residence 906 overlooks landscaped gardens, with an east-facing balcony
Rare opportunity to customize a remarkable River Oaks estate situated on a sizable 35,600+ sq. ft. corner property in a highly coveted location. This refined residence features a timeless Preston Bolton design combining a classic floor plan with grand-scale living spaces enhanced by substantial ceiling heights and serene views of the sublime setting. Regal Reception Hall. Paneled Library. Elegant
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
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
Giorgetti Houston is a unique luxury mid rise, boasting timeless modern architecture and stunning interiors, with exclusive features by Giorgetti. Giorgetti Houston exemplifies its legacy throughout. The Dora floor plan is a 2 bedroom/2.5 bath w/study that includes a Private Garage with two parking spaces and seperate Storage Unit . Thie Dora floor plan is open to the living spaces and an
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