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River Oaks
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River Oaks
  • Overview
  • Schools
  • Housing
  • Real Estate
  • Things To Do
Overview
Overview

Although this Houston neighborhood is quite small with just over about 7,700 residents, River Oaks is a very traditional and high-class community. It is known for its grand mansions, elegant townhouses, and upscale homes. The community stretches 1,100 acres. River Oaks brings luxurious shops, restaurants, and quality theater shows to its residents. The area has great schools available for students as River Oaks has the Houston Independent School District as its main school system.

This classy neighborhood does not disappoint. You can stop at shopping centers such as Highland Village, where you can shop at places like Pottery Barn and William Sonoma. Or you can go to Landmark River Oaks Theatre, where moviegoers experience high-quality treatment with gourmet treats and comfortable seats. Despite its small population, there are always activities available in River Oaks. People can shop, exercise outdoors, see a critically-acclaimed film, play sports at the country club, and more.

The Neighborhood Experience
Top Ranked Schools Arts & Entertainment Shopping & Dining Golf Course Easy Access Strong Real Estate Values
  • Location
  • Commute

Location

The River Oaks neighborhood is located in the center of Houston, TX. It is between Downtown and Uptown, also known as the Galleria Area, where many businesses and retail shopping centers are built. River Oaks is northeast of Galleria. The neighborhood is south of Memorial Park and west of Neartown, which is the west-central area of Houston and known for its cultural diversity. River Oaks is also north of the Upper Kirby, a commercial-driven district that has many businesses and restaurants. Its northern parts are connected to Buffalo Bayou, a long bayou that flows through Houston, particularly in Harris County.

Commute

River Oaks is pretty close to downtown Houston as both are in the center of the metropolitan area, allowing for easy commuting from day-to-day travels. It is within the 610 Loop or Interstate 610, which loops around the inner city part of Houston. Easy accessibility, to and from the neighborhood, makes it possible for people to drive to the freeway quicker and connect to major streets in the area such as Kirby Drive, San Felipe, and Westheimer Road. Its location allows people to be able to access all the restaurants, retail places, entertainment centers River Oaks area has to offer.

Culture

This extravagant and traditional neighborhood exudes a certain taste and quality. There are more homeowners in this neighborhood than renters. The area is named one of the wealthiest communities in all of Texas and in the United States. Mainly single families occupy the neighborhood, living in breathtaking spacious townhomes and mansions. Many of the residents of River Oaks enjoy indulging in the area’s famous attractions such as the classy Landmark River Oaks Theatre or the posh French restaurant Brasserie 19. People can even get a dessert nightcap from the popular cupcake vending machine Sprinkles, which is available late nights.

Schools
Schools

For families living in this neighborhood, the Houston Independent School District (HISD) operates to serve the River Oaks students. Named one of the largest districts in the state, HISD has over 200 schools and approximately 215,000 students in attendance. Also, the school district has about 29,000 staff and faculty working to serve their students and prepare them for success.

It is marked one of the top 10 largest school districts in the United States. Schools like River Oaks Elementary, Lamar High, and Lanier Middle offer amazing education for River Oaks families who want to see their student improve in all their academics. As a two-time Broad Prize recipient, the Houston Independent School District has strived to ensure that their students make the most substantial academic advancement. Along with student achievement, schools in River Oaks are very diverse as more than 100 languages are spoken by their students and staff members.

Elementary Schools
10
Great Schools Rating
River Oaks Elementary School at 2008 Kirby Drive
Address:
2008 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77019
Phone:
(713) 942-1460
Website:
Official Website

River Oaks Elementary School serves students in grades kindergarten through fifth. River Oaks Elementary has over 600 students enrolled. It offers different programs including Skills for Learning and Living (SLL), English as a Second Language (ESL), alternative curriculums, and HISD Vanguard magnet. The school has many after-school activities. School administrators want to make sure that their students have the options to enhance their learning abilities and grow in character. Students can participate activities such as dance, visual design, and photography. Electives like digital journalism and campus choir are also options for students who are interested in going above and beyond.

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10
Great Schools Rating
Wharton Dual Language Academy at 900 W Gray Street
Address:
Houston, TX 77019, USA
Phone:
(713) 535-3771
Website:
Official Website

Not only does Wharton Dual Language Elementary Academy enroll students in preschool through eighth grade, but it also serves the gifted and talented. This dual-language school even has a two-way bilingual program that combines English-speaking and other language-speaking students together for instruction. Both groups can learn from one another and bridge that language barrier gap. With almost 500 students in attendance, Wharton is heavily diverse in ethnicities and cultures. Student achievement is apparent as over 80% of its students scoring proficient on STAAR assessments in both math and reading subjects. Wharton encourages well-rounded characteristics and academic success in their students.

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Middle Schools
10
Great Schools Rating
Lanier Middle School at 2600 Woodhead Street
Address:
2600 Woodhead St, Houston, TX 77098, USA
Phone:
(713) 942-1900
Website:
Official Website

Lanier Middle School is a Vanguard magnet and an International Baccalaureate World School that works with students in grades sixth through eighth. The school strives to prepare its students for college by offering Pre-AP and AP courses, English as a Second Language (ESL), and more. Lanier Middle has a competitive athletics programs as well as a wide range of school activities. Lanier Middle School’s administrators want their students to be successful as learners and individuals with their Skills for Learning and Living program (SLL). An outstanding 96% of their students scored proficient on the STAAR assessments in 2015 and 2016.

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10
Great Schools Rating
Gregory-Lincoln Education Center at 1101 Taft Street
Address:
1101 Taft St, Houston, TX 77019, USA
Phone:
(713) 942-1400
Website:
Official Website

Known for its performing and visual arts, Gregory-Lincoln Education Center is a Fine Arts Magnet Enrichment school (FAME) that encourages is students to focus on curriculum and extracurricular activities. It is one of the oldest schools in the HISD and continues to welcome artistic and driven students of all backgrounds. Within the Fine Arts Department, Gregory-Lincoln has a large list of art enrichment classes to choose from. Students can participate in culinary, visual, dance, theater, and performance arts. Along with the Texas curriculum standards, the school has football, basketball, track, volleyball, and cheerleading teams. Gregory-Lincoln creates inspirational and goal-oriented scholars.

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High Schools
10
Great Schools Rating
Lamar High School at 3325 Westheimer Road
Address:
3325 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098, USA
Phone:
(713) 522-5960
Website:
Official Website

Serving students in grades ninth through twelfth, Lamar High School is the only high school in the area and has many programs to offer. Along with Pre-AP and AP courses, Lamar High has business and management, agriculture and natural resources, hospitality and tourism, and much more. This school encourages every student to succeed after school. Lamar High has over 3,300 students. Because of the size of this school, Lamar High offers a wide range of clubs, sports, and fine arts activities for its students. From math club to chess team to basketball to choir, Lamar High School has it all.

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Private Schools
10
Great Schools Rating
River Oaks Academy at 2300 Willowick Road
Address:
2300 Willowick Rd, Houston, TX 77027, USA
Phone:
(713) 623-6938
Website:
Official Website

This private school provides a small teacher-to-student ratio in order to connect with its students and celebrate all their learning differences. River Oaks Academy prides itself on accommodating special needs students and is known for its amazing special education curriculum. The school welcomes international high school students and prepares them for colleges and universities in the United States. During the summer, River Oaks Academy offers credit recovery for students who need to make up credits and improve their grades before the next semester. Both middle and high school student can take this opportunity to challenge themselves and become better learners.

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10
Great Schools Rating
River Oaks Baptist School at 2300 Willowick Road
Address:
2300 Willowick Rd, Houston, TX 77027, USA
Phone:
(713) 623-6938
Website:
Official Website

River Oaks Baptist School is a faith-based school that focuses on advancing its students mind and building strong characters. This school serves students from the age of two to the eighth grade, ultimately preparing each student for secondary education. River Oaks Baptist School offers volleyball, field hockey, basketball, lacrosse, and more for its athletic students. The arts are just as important to the school as students can participate in learning musical instruments, singing, and theater. Student can get a full education at this school and also learn about current issues, worldly events, ancient cultures and history, and global environmental trends.

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Housing
Housing

The River Oaks neighborhood is made up of mainly beautiful and luxurious homes and mansions and exquisite country club estates. This is why the River Oaks area is predominantly occupied by single-family homes. Even so, as River Oaks continues to grow and further develop, more and more condominiums and townhomes are being built. High rises are becoming more popular for those who want to a clear view of downtown Houston or want a smaller home while keeping it elegant.

The area has several ranch-style homes that add more of a traditional vibe to the neighborhood environment. The amount of architectural variety and class in this area makes River Oaks such a pleasant place to live. Designs including French, Spanish, and even some contemporary styles give homeowners more options to choose from. No home or estate looks the same and each families can pick a home that fits their everyday needs.

Single-Family Homes
Single-family homes are the main type of housing in River Oaks. The variety of home styles, architecture, and floor plans allow for families to choose the places that fit them the best. While one to two story homes are the norm, mansions that are three stories and over 7,000 square feet are also available for those who only want the best. House components such as large driveways, picket fences, multi-car garages, and spacious backyards are all possibilities when looking for a home in River Oaks. Many single-family homes have beautiful landscapes and picturesque vegetation, adding value to the homes themselves.
Apartments
Despite the large amount of single-family homes in the area, River Oaks has quite a few apartments for people who don't want a large home. These apartments are just as elegant and high-class. The Sovereign at Regent Square has state-of-the-art amenities and offer modern-style studio and one and two-bedrooms. Grey House is also an upscale apartment complex and is close to River Oaks' shopping, dining and entertainment centers. The Park at River Oaks has an array of amenities including reserved garage parking, security, luxe fitness center, and an executive business center. River Oaks apartments are stylish and offer the best.
High Rises
The closer you head to the retail and entertainment centers, the more high rises you will see. River Oaks high rise condominiums are just as luxe as the single-family homes, just on a smaller scale. The Willshire is no different. It features the largest condominium amenity level. It offers private cabanas, a large pool with a water feature, a spacious fitness center, and catering kitchen. The River Oaks Condominium have 18 floors, including a penthouse. It has a dog park, dog grooming spa, party room to host events, two overnight guest suites for family and friends, and so much more.
New Construction
In the River Oaks neighborhood, several newly constructed homes are being built. While these homes have more of a contemporary style, some are keeping the traditional and classic style that River Oaks is known for. Some homes with multiple stories are spring up to accommodate larger families moving to the neighborhood. Homes are being built with multiple car garages, more bedroom and bathrooms, larger fences, and wider windows to let in more natural lighting. A few new homes in River Oaks have unconventional and contemporary style with open floor plans. Bigger is better when it comes to new house construction.
Real Estate
Real Estate

The majority of River Oaks real estate is single-family homes and estates. This neighborhood is the most expensive in all of Houston and its magnificent architecture reflect that. Families are buying homes based on value, aesthetics, and all-around practicality. Many of River Oaks homes have around five bedrooms, accommodating for larger families or families who simply need more space to enjoy.

For the amount of space and luxe River Oaks homes have, prices range from $400,000 to over $4,000,000. This all depends on the square footage, style, location, and interior and exterior features a home offers. Luxurious high rise condominiums and townhomes can reach as large as 3,000 square feet. They are often more affordable than single-family homes because of square footage differences. Condominiums and townhomes can cost as low as $300,000. You can’t beat that price with the amount of world-class amenities and classy floor plans these homes office.

Things To Do
Things To Do

While River Oaks has beautiful homes and buildings surround the area, the community offers fun and engagement activities for all. The neighborhood has multiple parks and forests for outdoor activities with the family. People who have a passion for fitness can exercise outside or join a country club with a fitness center. The dining possibilities are many as River Oaks has Backstreet Cafe, Rossini Caffe Italiano, The Kitchen at The Dunlavy, and more.

Shop at River Oaks Shopping Center or River Oaks District for high-fashion designer boutiques and stores. Watch a foreign film at the Landmark River Oaks Theatre and do movie night in style or go to the Rienzi, the Museum of Fine Arts to explore European decorative arts. If you want to get pampered, you can head to River Oak’s Glow Spa & Nails to have a calming and luxurious spa day. River Oaks never disappoints its residents.

Retail & Entertainment
Movies
One of River Oaks’ most popular attractions is the Landmark River Oaks Theatre. The theater shows independent and foreign films and offers gourmet refreshments. The theater has red-velvet curtains to add a more luxury. For some who enjoy late night movies, you can see special showings on Fridays and Saturdays.
Performing Arts
People who absolutely enjoy the theater and patrons of the performing arts can go to the Opera Vista or the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra (ROCO). Opera will never go out of style. It combines traditional and classical music with new school composers. ROCO has talented musicians that engage their audience.
Shopping
For some upscale retail shopping, people in River Oaks can shop at places like the popular Highland Village. This famous spot has been in the neighborhood for 50 years and counting. The place continues to house many great stores such as Banana Republic, Pottery Barn, Cole Haan, and Victoria's Secret.
Museum
The Rienzi at the Museum of Fine Arts in River Oaks has a remarkable collection of European decorative art. This is a definite popular attraction because the wonderful Rienzi was inspired by the early 18th century English architecture. The gardens and house are stunning and undeniably people's favorite to see.
Parks
If you want to bike or run, the River Oaks neighborhood has parks like the River Oaks Park and the River Oaks Community Center available for your active enjoyment. Bike the trail or play catch with your dog on a sunny day. Families can bring their children to the playground.
Dinning
River Oaks has amazing cuisine and restaurants that serve the best in the area. The Backstreet Cafe is a seasonal bistro that serves delicious southern, Cajun, Hispanic and Asian-influenced meals. The Kitchen at The Dunlavy is a River Oaks favorite as it offers elegant and gourmet breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Spa
Take a short trip to Message Heights in River Oaks or to Glow Spa & Nails to experience a therapeutic massage and nail treatment. These professionals are there to serve their clients with the best spa experience possible. Enjoy the fine linen blankets and the soothing oils during your treatment.
Country Club
The River Oaks neighborhood has one of the most upscale and fanciest country clubs in all of Houston, TX. River Oaks Country Club has a gorgeous landscape and architecture. Joining this country club will give you access to its golf course, tennis courts, fine dinning, swimming pool, and fitness center.
Indoor Fitness
Revolution Studio is one of River Oaks’ high-class indoor cycling studios. Not only can customers participate in a cycling class, but also they can take yoga classes for a cooling down session. River Oaks Gym is a boutique gym that offers a calm and welcoming exercise environment, perfect for detoxing.
Nightlife
The neighborhood has bars and nightlife spots for those who want to enjoy their night after a busy day. The Cellar Bar provides delicious drinks and games. Marfreless River Oaks Bar and Lounge has a variety of drinks and soft music so patrons can socialize easier without loud music playing.