neighborhoods to know

Houston's 10 most expensive neighborhoods are home to lavish locations, magnificent mansions, and power players

Impressive homes like this can be found in Piney Point, Houston's priciest neighborhood.

Photo via Compass Realty

Where do our local billionaires and wealthiest live? Many dwell in one of these 10 neighborhoods that were just named the most expensive in Houston by a new report by financial lenders CashNetUSA.

Their analysts calculated listing data from Zillow to identify the most expensive homes on the market in cities across every state. The most expensive neighborhoods are typically in California, New York, and most recently Florida and Colorado. In Texas, the most expensive neighborhood in the state is in Dallas' Highland Park, with homes on average going on the market for over $7.3 million.

Not surprisingly, Houston's priciest neighborhoods are in or just outside the Loop. Many of the most expensive homes sold in March are nestled in these hot 'hoods.

At the top of the list is Hunters Creek Village, with homes in the area selling for upwards of $4.6 million. The two square miles of this neighborhood are home to 4,400 residents, according to their website. The iconic Houston Country Club is a defining feature of this area, bordering the east side of the village. Boosting Hunters Creek's reputation is likely the $20 million-plus mansion a little further west on 120 Carnarvon Drive that sold just last November.

The runner up in the report is Piney Point, located just west of Hunters Creek with homes on the market at $4.2 million. Bunker Hill Village, also west of Piney Point, takes the bronze for having the third highest-value neighborhood with home listings reaching $2.7 million.

Sitting at No. 4 is a neighborhood on the east side of 610 across from The Galleria: Afton Oaks/River Oaks Area. Living so close to River Oaks District, Highland Village, and Memorial Park comes with perks, like a home that might sell for more than $2.6 million.

The top 5 finisher is Hedwig Village, with homes on Zillow selling for $2.1 million.

The homes that round out the top 10 most expensive neighborhoods are located in Spring Valley. Despite being No. 10, their homes are still worth a pretty penny according to Zillow; listings show homes in Spring Valley are going for $1.2 million.

The most expensive neighborhoods in Houston are:

No. 1 – Hunters Creek Village
No. 2 – Piney Point
No. 3 – Bunker HIll Village
No. 4 – Afton Oaks/River Oaks Area
No. 5 – Hedwig Village
No. 6 – West University Place
No. 7 – Southside Place
No. 8 – University Place
No. 9 – Greenway/Upper Kirby Area
No. 10 – Spring Valley

The report can be found on cashnetusa.com.

HAUTE PROPERTIES

675-acre Hill Country ranch where George Strait rehearsed lists for $19.5M

Photo by Michelle Watson CultureMapSnap

George Strait developed his early sound at Lone Woman Ranch.

Lone Woman Ranch, the Hill Country estate where country stars like George Strait, George Jones, and Ace in the Hole Band rehearsed, is up for sale for $19.5 million.

Located 65 miles from San Antonio in Hays County on 675 acres, the secluded ranch once served as an artistic getaway for emerging Texas artists. The property, listed by Olmos Park firm Republic Ranches. is named after the nearby Lone Woman Mountain, and its elevation gives an incredible view of the county. On a clear day, you can see downtown Austin.

The land comes with two residences, both built near the entrance gate. The primary stone house has original hardwood floors, a recently remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, as well as a new HVAC system. The secondary residence was used as a rehearsal space. Both have had long-term residents who made improvements, and both have their own septic systems, wells, and electric meters.

The real appeal of Lone Woman Ranch, however, is the extensive woods, creeks, and natural setting. It is next to 6,000 acres of conservation land, including Storm Ranch. The entire mountain is also included in the property, making it a veritable mini-kingdom for the owner with unobstructed privacy on three sides.

Two ponds are on the site — a 4-acre and a 1-acre — both fully stocked. Runoff from the larger pond creates picturesque seasonal limestone waterfalls.The surrounding woods are full of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, turkeys, doves, and more. The property is under wildlife exemption.

It's little wonder the ranch was a muse to so many country musicians. A network of ranch roads provides access throughout the property, including most of the way up Lone Woman, giving views around every corner. Only Strait can tell you whether his 1996 hit "King of the Mountain" was inspired by the ranch.

Photo by Michelle Watson CultureMapSnap

George Strait developed his early sound at Lone Woman Ranch.