Welcome to River Oaks
Opulent estates and luxurious living in a private Houston enclave.
A study in splendor, River Oaks offers residents a first-class lifestyle. This master-planned community, Houston’s first, attracts the city’s most affluent, socially prominent families. Considered Houston’s most regal neighborhood, River Oaks is a picturesque town with gorgeous landscaping, impeccably manicured lawns, and, as you might have gleaned from the name, streets lined with majestic oaks.
First developed in the 1920s by the Hogg brothers, River Oaks is the national model for community planning. Grand homes originally built in the Gatsby era are now nestled among sophisticated new construction residences, and the result is a stunning collection of Spanish Revival and English Tudor styles. The opulent estates often boast incredible gardens and meticulously landscaped properties.
With the best of Art Deco design, premier shopping, and culinary superstars at your fingertips, you’ll adore living in the lap of luxury that is River Oaks.
What to Love
- Grand estates
- Perfectly landscaped lawns
- Private, oak-lined streets
- Prestigious country club atmosphere
People and Lifestyle
River Oaks attracts the wealthy and well-known and it cares for its prominent residents by providing unparalleled privacy, security, and beauty. The country club lifestyle is played out at the neighborhood’s world-class bistros, chic boutiques, and prestigious social clubs, like the exclusive Briar Club and River Oaks Country Club. Residents also value nature-preserving green space and River Oaks benefits from the collective interest, boasting pristine parks and lush landscaping.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
In a place as upscale as River Oaks, you’ll find the height of refined dining and chic shopping. State of Grace is an elegant, polished bistro serving an upmarket menu of Texas dishes, oysters, grilled specialties, and artisan cocktails. Just because River Oaks provides the best of everything doesn’t mean dining here is a stuffy, pretentious experience. Tiny Boxwoods is a fashionable, yet casual cafe offering classic breakfast and lunch fare against a background of lush greenery and a cozy outdoor patio.
You’ll find the heart of Houston’s culinary scene at the original Carrabba's. What began as a simple Italian eatery with wood-fired pizzas, became a runaway success and culinary standout, and remains one of the neighborhood’s most loved spots for Italian cuisine. A pinnacle of upscale shopping, the River Oaks District is an open-air complex featuring the most coveted brands in fashion. The expansive center spans 252,000 square feet and provides sidewalk cafes, high-end eateries, and luxe retailers like Harry Winston and Hermès.
Things to Do
The epitome of prestige, River Oaks values beauty in all forms, and the landscaping here, whether on hiking trails or gardens, social clubs, or special holiday events, is always exquisite. Hosted by the River Oaks Garden Club, the pretty Azalea Trail celebrates spring’s newest and most beautiful arrivals. This delightful event tours some of the community's most stunning spring flowers and educates viewers on flower arranging. The River Oaks Christmas Lights event is a bright spot in the holiday season. Owners of the stately homes of River Oaks spare no detail, or expense, in their holiday light decorating and the results are simply magical.
The elegant Museum of Fine Arts is home to the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. The 14 acres of gardens are organic and meticulously maintained, while the art collection is one of the world’s finest showcases of American furnishings, silver, ceramics, and paintings. For a true introduction to River Oaks, new residents have the benefit of joining the River Oaks Country Club. At the heart of this elite community’s social scene, the Club offers the finest in dining, golfing, swimming, fitness, and spa amenities, as well as a thriving and close-knit membership.
Schools
River Oaks is home to excellent educational opportunities, including: