Homes in River Oaks: Luxury Living in Houston Texas

Widely known as one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Houston, River Oaks was originally developed in the 1920s by Will and Mike Hogg and James Potter. In 1928, you could buy a lot in the River Oaks subdivision for $2,200. These days, homes in River Oaks sell for considerably more. The starting price for most homes in the exclusive, pricey neighborhood have a median value of about $3 million with starting prices of about $400,000.

River Oaks is a subdivision in Central West Houston with about 1,600 homes. It is located in easy proximity to Loop 610 and the Southwest Freeway, and is only minutes from downtown Houston. The beautiful area features columned mansions, gated estates and manicured driveways bordered by carefully maintained gardens.

The exclusive residential subdivision of Houston is a fitting place for the "home of your dreams". The Hogg brothers and Potter envisioned an exclusive, upscale neighborhood, and they enforced restrictions on the value of homes that could be built on the plots in their subdivision (nothing under $7,000), and the styles that could be used.

Despite the restrictions, the homes here are a wonderfully diverse blend of architectural styles. Those restrictions, however, did enforce a beautiful uniformity of feeling, so that the neighborhood of River Oaks has an internal harmony that is lacking in many newer communities.

Many of the homes were designed by the leading architects of their time, and the community has long been home to the big names of Houston society and culture. One of the homes is on the National Registry of Historic Homes. The Hogg family home, built by Ima Hogg, was donated to the Museum of Fine Arts complete with all of its furnishings. River Oaks is old style Houston at its best, and deed restrictions placed on land sales ensure that it will remain that way into perpetuity.

While it is within a mile of two shopping centers, the neighborhood itself is strictly residential. The deed restrictions prevent any commercial or multi-family development within the two mile square area. It is a tribute to gracious, comfortable living.

The centerpiece of the neighborhood is River Oaks Boulevard, lined with towering oaks and stately homes. The boulevard leads directly to the portico of the River Oaks Country Club, the center of social life. Homes here include gracious mansions, secluded estates and elegant, lovely edifices.

The styles include Tudor, Georgian, plantation, chateau, Spanish and traditionally designed one story homes. New development carefully echoes the elegance and style of the older homes in the area, with lovely new patio and garden designs as well as elegantly appointed traditional architectural styles.

The River Oaks Property Owners Association maintains control over the growth in the exclusive neighborhood, enforcing its elegance through deed restrictions and caring for the parks and esplanades. The ROPOA also operates its own security service, the River Oaks Patrol Service.

The neighborhoods that border here mirror the elegance and sophistication of the beautiful area. Royden Oaks, Avalon Place, Oak Estate and other nearby neighborhoods have been planned to emulate the stately desirability of homes here. Many of the older homes in these neighborhoods are carefully renovated and maintained to live up to the standards set by their more exclusive neighbors. Even the amenities and fittings of the neighborhoods echo the traditions of yesteryear, as in the cast iron street lamps on the streets of Royden Oaks which are identical to those used in River Oaks.

Living here also offers all the benefits of living in one of the most cosmopolitan and refreshing cities in the world. Houston's beautiful downtown is just minutes away, giving the residents of the exclusive enclave easy access to world class restaurants, shopping and cultural events.

The neighborhood is a part of the Houston Independent School District, one of the most highly regarded public school districts in the state. Children from here attend one of several public or private elementary, middle and high schools and have access to more than 25 colleges or universities in the Houston area.

River Oaks offers fine living in a beautifully appointed neighborhood, where the elegance of yesterday blends with the modern conveniences of today. From the River Oaks Community Center which offers free classes to residents of all ages, to the Buffalo Bayou, it is the most sought after residence address in Houston.