River Oaks Homes for Sale, Houston TX

Many of Houston's top executives are attracted to homes for sale in River Oaks, Houston, TX 77019. In fact, a local economist says that property values here correlate more closely to the price of oil than to any other single factor. Possibly the most prestigious address in Houston, River Oaks is known for its graceful, older mansions and beautifully landscaped lawns.  Use these easy one-click searches to find homes for sale in the greater River Oaks area.

History of River Oaks, Houston TX

River Oaks was established in the 1920's by William and Michael Hogg, the sons of former Texas Governor Jim Hogg. The development became a national model for enlightened master-planned communities. Land was set aside for two shopping centers, a garden apartment complex, and two schools. The Hogg family also donated the land that is now Memorial Park. Homes built by nationally-recognized architects John Staub and Birdsall Briscoe are concentrated in this neighborhood.

Life in River Oaks, Houston TX

The exquisite estate of Bayou Bend is located in River Oaks. Designed by architect John Staub for Ima Hogg and her brothers, the house contains one of the finest collections of American decorative arts in the country. Miss Ima donated the home, gardens and furnishings to the Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH), which makes the estate available to the public.  The MFAH also owns Rienzi, another Staub-designed home, which houses the European decorative art collection of the MFAH.

Each spring, as Houston gardens erupt into colorful blooms, the River Oaks Garden Club hosts the ever-popular Azalea Trail, allowing the public to tour Bayou Bend, Rienzi, and other fine River Oaks homes. The social hub of the neighborhood is the River Oaks Country Club, located at the north end of River Oaks Boulevard. It boast a championship golf course, tennis courts, health club facilities, a large ballroom and many options to accommodate meetings and banquets.  Lamar High School, one of the city's top high schools, is located at the southern end of River Oaks Boulevard.  St. John's School, a popular private school, is located nearby.  The River Oaks Property Owner's Association (ROPO) maintains the River Oaks parks and esplanades, handles private security and trash services, and enforces deed restrictions.

The Greater River Oaks Area, Houston TX

Outside and surrounding the subdivision of River Oaks proper is a patchwork of communities including Hyde Park, Oak Estates, Cherryhurst, Glendower Court, Avalon Place and several luxury highrises such as the Huntingdon and the Lamar Towers.  Many of these communities blend vintage and new construction and are made up of single family homes as well as townhome and condo developments.  These close-in neighborhoods share many of the great amenities of the River Oaks area, such as easy access to downtown.  But the price points can be considerably more affordable.