pricey places

This ritzy Houston neighborhood declared No. 2 most expensive in Texas

Afton Oaks is the second most expensive neighborhoods in Texas.

Photo by Redfin

A new study identifying the most expensive neighborhoods across the country puts one Houston neighborhood close to the top of the list for all of Texas.

Afton Oaks, in the ritzy River Oaks area, has been named the second most expensive neighborhood in the state — and the most expensive in the metro — ConstructionCoverage.com. The affluent neighborhood boasts a median home value of $1,024,600. Home values in the neighborhood jumped 3.68 percent in one year, 5.42 percent in the last five, and 3.84 percent in the last decade, the study adds.

Meanwhile, the median home price in the U.S. is $226,700, according to the Zillow Home Price Index, which Construction Coverage used to compare more than 7,000 neighborhoods across the country.

The most expensive neighborhood in the state is Austin's Barton Creek. The upscale neighborhood boasts a median home value of $1,046,600 — currently at its peak.

The third most expensive neighborhood in Texas is Bryker Woods, also located in Austin, with a median home value of $954,700. Fort Worth neighborhood Mira vista comes in fourth at $893,400; Houston's University Place is fifth, at $781,000; San Antonio's The Dominion ranks sixth at $708,400; and North Dallas is seventh at $685,200.

Two other Houston neighborhoods are in the top 30: Neartown-Montrose ranks No. 21 at $513,400, and Memorial ranks No. 23 at $497,000.

Compass real estate broker Grigor Licul told Construction Coverage that the most coveted neighborhoods have more to offer than nice homes. Buyers also buy into a place with "good infrastructure, school districts, and transportation," among other things, he said.

As a result, “Developers follow the demand and develop a higher end product within these neighborhoods, further stratifying the market," Licul said. "It is a reinforcing loop which causes the neighborhoods with a higher price baseline to maintain their pricing advantage [and] remain more resilient to potential downturns.

A Montrose jewel box

Charming Montrose townhouse with 2-story atrium hits the market

Photo by Sonya Sofrankpo for Sotheby’s International Realty

1507 Harold Street is on the market for $950,000.

Montrose has long been Houston’s neighborhood for the eclectic, a place where cute bungalows, mom-and-pop shops, and trendy bars and restaurants sit side-by-side. The neighborhood is a microcosm of the city itself: diverse, developing, beloved.

And even as the neighborhood has steadily gentrified, echoes of its past remain. One of those is now for sale. 1507 Harold Street, a remodeled jewel box of a space, is on the market for $950,000 and represented by Tracey Smith of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty.

The 1950s townhome has fabulous natural light, balconies, a courtyard filled with native plants, and a funky charm that evokes the neighborhood’s past and present.

Painted tile floors and long hallways with splendid light set the tone for this home. They give way to an open, airy arrangement, showing off 1507 Harold’s nearly 3,000 square feet. The three-bedroom, two-bath home is immediately centered in its neighborhood, but also a retreat from the bustling city around it.

If the devil is in the details, 1507 Harold has plenty of them. Think painted clay tiles on the first floor and solid red oak hardwood on the second floor. Add to that custom Pedini Italian kitchen cabinets, Neolith countertops, and a Quemere custom backsplash in the kitchen. See also the epoxied garage floor with glass garage door.

Floor-to-ceiling windows not only let in the natural light, they give 1507 Harold the feeling of being surrounded by nature. That feeling is enhanced by the home's two, second-floor balconies. One of them, off the primary bedroom, overlooks the cloistered courtyard filled with native plants, park bench, and natural seating. The other faces the neighborhood. A two-story atrium provides space for meditation, contemplation, and casual gathering.

The dining room has a dry bar that’s perfect for storage and an Aobosi dual-temperature wine refrigerator. The primary bedroom has built-in bookcases and drawers, and an ensuite bath with soaking tub and shower. Sliding doors lead to the balcony.

The garden’s irrigation system waters plants daily, keeping this green space well-tended.South Texas cactus and olive trees welcome homeowners and visitors at the front entrance.

The home's welcoming vibe has to be seen to be believed. It’s rarely been on the market, and the odds are high that its next owners will keep it for a very long time. It’s just that kind of place.

Photo by Sonya Sofrankpo for Sotheby’s International Realty

1507 Harold Street is on the market for $950,000.

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