Going Up

Only 4 ultra-luxe penthouses remain atop Houston's first Thompson Hotel

Here are your new #homegoals: The Penthouse Collection at the Residences at The Allen, atop Houston's first Thompson Hotel.

These incredible luxury homes showcase breathtaking views, meticulously designed floorplans, and exquisite customized finishes, all on floors 29 through 35 of this haute Houston high-rise.

But here's the kicker: Only four penthouses remain on the market.

"We now have only four of our 22 penthouse units left," remarks Samuel Katz, director of sales at Residences at The Allen. "The market's supply of penthouses of this exceptional quality is extremely scarce, and none can match the array of amenities provided by the Residences at The Allen. This building genuinely presents homeowners with a unique lifestyle that Houston has never experienced before."

Residents have full access to all the amenities provided by the Thompson Hotel, including 24-hour resident's valet and concierge, room service, a lavish spa, and breathtaking views of the city from the one-acre pool deck, complete with cabanas and signature restaurants.

Renderings courtesy of DC Partners

You can plan one heck of a housewarming.

The helistop will be available to hotel guests and residents, engineered to accommodate future drone deliveries and transportation.

If you're ready to buy, the two exclusive penthouses encompassing the entire 35th floor are available for individual purchase with architectural designs or as a fully customized full-floor unit.

Penthouse #3501 measures an impressive 8,308 square feet, encompassing three bedrooms, three full baths, and two half baths.

This one-of-a-kind residence features commanding views to the east (downtown), north (Buffalo Bayou Park), and west (Galleria) through its floor-to-ceiling windows, boasting soaring, 24-foot ceilings and a generous balcony.

A magnificent two-story layout ensures that every room affords spectacular views. Current drawings also provide a lavish home theater complete with a wet bar, private saunas for ultimate relaxation, flex space, and the convenience of a private entrance to ensure your retreat remains undisturbed.

Penthouse #3502 spans 6,362 square feet across two stories, featuring three bedrooms, three baths, one half bath, and a study.

This residence offers captivating east (downtown) and south (Texas Medical Center) views through floor-to-ceiling glass with 24-foot ceilings and a balcony with a private pool.

The architectural plans for this space also feature a private home theater, study, and game room or flex space. This residence can be purchased separately or combined with #3501 for a full-floor penthouse designed to meet your specifications.

Two additional penthouses are available on floors 29 and 30, each offering a unique perspective on luxury living like nothing else in the city. Listing prices starting in the $3 million range.

"These residences epitomize the pinnacle of the development,” says Acho Azuike, COO of developer DC Partners. "The Penthouse Collection, each a masterpiece in design and style, takes inspiration from the grandeur of condo living, infusing every residence with the world's most coveted luxury features. Buyers now seek properties and amenities that rival those found in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami. The Residences at The Allen are setting a new standard for elevated living in Texas."

The Residences at The Allen will begin delivering units in September 2023 and are currently 80 percent sold, with additional select non-penthouse units available.

home for sale high-rises promoted

rent affordability news

Houstonians need to make nearly $68,000 to afford rent in 2025

Photo courtesy of Dolce Midtown Apartments

undefined

A new rental report from Zillow has revealed Houston renters need to make about 23 percent more money than they did five years ago in order to afford rent in 2025.

Zillow analysts examined the income needed to afford rent in 50 major U.S. metros, and determined rent prices in each city as of April 2025.

The average Houston renter needs to make $67,731 a year to afford living in the city, the report found. To afford rent for a single-family home, the income needed increases even further to $85,017.

Despite Houston's rising rent cost of living, it's still more affordable than many other cities. Nationally, the average income needed for someone to comfortably afford rent comes out to nearly $81,000. The study says that figure has increased nearly 35 percent since 2020.

"Housing costs have surged since pre-pandemic, with rents growing quite a bit faster than wages," said senior Zillow economist Orphe Divounguy. "This often leaves little room for other expenses, making it particularly difficult for those hoping to save for a down payment on a future home. High upfront costs are often overlooked, which can keep renters in their current homes."

Rent prices in Houston averaged $1,693 last month, which is less costly than the national average rent price of $2,024. Additionally, Houstonians are spending about 24 percent of their income on rent, while the typical American spends almost 30 percent of their income on rent.

Renters are also saving hundreds of dollars in comparison to those that own their homes, as a recent SmartAsset study discovered the median monthly housing costs for a Houston homeowner came out to $2,219.

At least we're not living on the East or West Coast, where eight U.S. metros require six-figure incomes to afford rent. Residents in San Jose, California need to make $136,532 a year to afford rent, the highest out of all 50 U.S. cities. Rent prices in San Jose came out to $3,413 in April.

Here's how much money renters need to afford living in other Texas metros, according to Zillow:

Dallas – $71,413
Austin – $68,840
San Antonio – $58,590

zillow housing report rent prices affordability houston