Exclusive enclaves

2 affluent Houston neighbors make 2025 list of wealthiest U.S. suburbs

6535 Buffalo Speedway W, West University Place home for sale

This lavish abode on Buffalo Speedway in West University Place is for sale for $2.95 million.

Photo courtesy of Zillow

Two well-to-do Houston-area communities – West University Place and Bellaire – are among the wealthiest suburbs in America in 2025, a new report has confirmed.

The affluent Houston neighbors were lauded in GoBankingRates just-released ranking of the 50 wealthiest U.S. suburbs, based on 2022 and 2023 average household income data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau.

West U. ranked as the third wealthiest suburb for the second consecutive year, while Bellaire moved up into the No. 23 spot after ranking 25th in 2024.

Compared to last year's report, the average income for a West U. household has increased by $5,832, to $409,677. The value of the typical home in this affluent Houston enclave is nearing in the seven-figure range, at almost $983,000 in May, which the report noted is 4.61 percent higher than it was this time last year.

West U.'s prosperity is no secret – and neither was late CultureMap columnist Ken Hoffman's opinion about that West U. isn't a suburb – but fast-growing cities like Fulshear and Pearland may soon compete with the likes of West. U and Bellaire.

4312 Bellaire Boulevard, Bellaire home for sale This luxurious mansion in Bellaire is on the market for $2.85 million.Photo courtesy of Zillow

Meanwhile, Bellaire's average household income now surpasses $311,000, compared to $294,605 from last year's report.

Bellaire certainly has its share of over-the-top homes on the market for hefty price tags. The report said the typical Bellaire home value in May came out to more than $1.13 million, up from about $1.08 million in the 2024 report.

Elsewhere in Texas
Houston wasn't the only Texas metro to have entries on this year's list. Two Dallas-Fort Worth suburbs, University Park and Southlake, were returnees in the 2025 report. University Park held on to its No. 6 spot for the second year in a row, while Southlake moved up six spots and is now the 7th most affluent American suburb. Additionally, the Fort Worth suburb of Colleyville made its 2025 debut on the list as the 47th wealthiest American suburb.

The top 10 wealthiest suburbs in America for 2025 are:

No. 1 – Scarsdale, New York (New York City)
No. 2 – Rye, New York (New York City)
No. 3 – West University Place, Texas (Houston)
No. 4 – Los Altos, California (San Jose)
No. 5 – Alamo, California (Oakland)
No. 6 – University Park, Texas (Dallas)
No. 7 – Southlake, Texas (Fort Worth)
No. 8 – Hinsdale, Illinois (Chicago)
No. 9 – Orinda, California (Oakland)
No. 10 – Wellesley, Massachusetts (Boston)

dallas fort worth colleyville university park southlake suburbs affluent households wealthy suburbs gobankingrates.com

a new record

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo commits over $30 million to education

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo cattle exhibition

Courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The money supports studies in fields such as animal husbandry.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues its annual tradition of breaking its own record when it comes to educational endowments. On Giving Tuesday, the organization pledged to disburse $30,353,380 in 2026 in the form of scholarships, grants, and other funding.

“This milestone moment of reaching $30 million in a single year highlights the Rodeo’s unwavering dedication to Texas youth and education,” HLSR president and CEO Chris Boleman said in a statement. “Thanks to our loyal donors, sponsors, more than 36,000 volunteers and dedicated attendees, 2026 will reach historic heights in supporting the next generation of leaders, agricultural professionals and organizations that share the Rodeo’s mission.”

This brings the total of education funding provided by the Rodeo since 1932 up to $660 million. Last year's $28 million commitment also set a new record.

One innovation this year is the establishment of the Area Go Texan Vocational Scholarship, a program that expands on the relationship with 68 Texas counties through the Area Go Texan affiliate program. One student from each county will receive $6,000 toward a degree or certificate in a vocational field at a Texas nonprofit college or university. Another $500,000 in vocational scholarships will awarded to 10 schools in 2026. Guidelines for applying can be found at this link.

In total, the Rodeo will hand out $15,126,000 in scholarships, $11,273,500 to junior exhibitors, $3,430,880 in grants, and $523,000 in graduate assistantships. Grants will be awarded to 82 Texas institutions and organizations, such as Arts for Rural Texas, BridgeYear, The Bryan Museum, Diversity in the Arts and Entertainment, Greater Houston Partnership Foundation, Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA), Space Center Houston, Texas State University Development Foundation, and University of St. Thomas at Houston.

Money for the annual endowment is raised through the annual auctions, sales of livestock and art, and through charitable donations. The goal of the endowment program is to promote study and research in agriculture, animal husbandry, and other fields that directly benefit the Rodeo.

The Rodeo is scheduled to run from March 2 – 22, 2026. More information on performers, attractions, and vendors can be found at RodeoHouston.com. Scholarship applications are open through February 2, with funds being awarded in summer 2026.

rodeohouston houston livestock show and rodeo