Top 10 Richest Neighborhoods in Houston (2025)
| Rank | Neighborhood | Median Home Sale Price | Estimated Household Net Worth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | River Oaks | $2.45M | $6.8M |
| 2 | Memorial Villages | $2.10M | $5.9M |
| 3 | West University Place | $1.95M | $4.8M |
| 4 | Tanglewood | $1.85M | $4.5M |
| 5 | Piney Point Village | $1.75M | $4.2M |
| 6 | Hunters Creek Village | $1.65M | $3.9M |
| 7 | Afton Oaks | $1.40M | $3.3M |
| 8 | Bellaire | $1.25M | $2.8M |
| 9 | Highland Village | $1.15M | $2.5M |
| 10 | Upper Kirby | $1.05M | $2.3M |
How We Ranked the Richest Neighborhoods in Houston
There is no official dataset that publishes household net worth at the neighborhood level. This ranking uses a blended
approach based on:
- Median home sale prices (public real estate market trends)
- Home equity assumptions (lower leverage is more common in high-wealth areas)
- Income and asset distributions from IRS, Census ACS, and Federal Reserve SCF (used to estimate typical wealth levels)
Net worth values shown are estimates intended to reflect typical household profiles in each neighborhood—not individual extremes.
Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Breakdown
1) River Oaks
River Oaks is widely considered Houston’s most prestigious residential area. With historic estates, quiet streets, and
consistently top-tier sales, it remains the city’s clearest concentration of long-term wealth.
Why it ranks #1: exceptionally high property values combined with high household asset ownership beyond real estate.
2) Memorial Villages
The Memorial Villages area is known for large lots, strong local control, and a high concentration of executive-level households.
Why it’s wealthy: estate-sized properties and long-term ownership patterns that compound wealth over decades.
3) West University Place
Often called “West U,” this area blends elite household wealth with family-oriented living near major institutions and employment hubs.
Signature trait: consistently high demand, strong schools, and stable long-run home values.
4) Tanglewood
Tanglewood sits near Uptown and attracts high-income households who want prime access to Houston’s core business and lifestyle areas.
Market dynamic: frequent luxury rebuilds and renovations that push sale prices higher.
5) Piney Point Village
Piney Point Village is one of the most private, estate-focused communities in the region.
Why it stands out: high land values, low-density streets, and a high concentration of ultra-affluent households.
6) Hunters Creek Village
Hunters Creek Village combines top-tier schools, large lots, and strong zoning protections.
Wealth profile: households here often reflect long-term asset accumulation and high home equity.
7) Afton Oaks
Afton Oaks is often associated with River Oaks due to proximity, but it is a distinct neighborhood with its own market and housing stock.
Why it ranks high: luxury homes at a slightly lower price tier, attracting high earners and professionals.
8) Bellaire
Bellaire is a separate city surrounded by Houston and remains one of the area’s most affluent and stable residential markets.
What drives demand: schools, location, and long-term neighborhood stability.
9) Highland Village
Highland Village benefits from a prime location near River Oaks and Upper Kirby, with a lifestyle-driven appeal.
Wealth signal: strong pricing supported by proximity and convenience rather than oversized estates.
10) Upper Kirby
Upper Kirby offers a more urban luxury feel, attracting high-income professionals who prioritize proximity to dining, offices, and nightlife.
Common buyer profile: high earners seeking premium location over maximum square footage.
Richest vs. Most Expensive Neighborhoods in Houston
The most expensive neighborhood is not always the wealthiest. Some areas can show high home prices while households carry more leverage,
while others show deeper wealth due to business ownership, investments, and long-term equity.
That’s why this ranking considers both median home sale prices and estimated household net worth.
Where Do Millionaires Live in Houston?
While wealthy households can be found across the metro, the highest concentrations tend to cluster around River Oaks, the Memorial area,
West University Place, and nearby luxury enclaves. These neighborhoods combine home equity, income stability, and long-term ownership patterns
that compound wealth over time.
Data Sources & Methodology
- Public real estate market trend data (e.g., MLS-based aggregations and major real estate portals)
- U.S. Census American Community Survey (ACS) income and housing characteristics
- IRS income distribution statistics (used as contextual inputs)
- Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF) for wealth distribution modeling
Important: Net worth values are estimates derived from public distributions and market signals, not direct measurements.
FAQ: Richest Neighborhoods in Houston
What is the richest neighborhood in Houston?
River Oaks is commonly considered the richest neighborhood in Houston, driven by consistently top-tier home prices, high home equity,
and a concentration of long-established wealth.
Are River Oaks and Afton Oaks the same neighborhood?
No. River Oaks and Afton Oaks are separate neighborhoods. They are close geographically, but they have different boundaries, housing stock,
and price tiers.
Why use net worth estimates instead of official data?
Government agencies do not publish household net worth at the neighborhood level. Net worth figures in this guide are estimated using
public housing prices, equity assumptions, and wealth distribution benchmarks.
Which Houston areas have the most luxury homes?
River Oaks, the Memorial Villages, West University Place, and Tanglewood consistently rank among the top locations for luxury single-family homes.
Do the richest neighborhoods always have the highest home prices?
Often, but not always. Some places may have high home prices with more leverage, while others show deeper wealth due to investment portfolios,
business ownership, and higher equity.
