Suburbia meets a hub for Houston’s energy industry
Green hiking trails, dozens of shops and restaurants, and massive employment hubs -- Briar Forest, one of Houston’s so-called super neighborhoods, lives up to its “super” title. The neighborhood is bordered by the sloping hiking trails of Terry Hershey Park to the north and the busy shopping hub of Westheimer Road to the south. The community is neighbors with the Energy Corridor business district, and the headquarters for global energy company Phillips 66 and the CityWestPlace business campus are based directly in Briar Forest. This mix of employment opportunities, recreation and suburban atmosphere amid the metro have made this West Houston neighborhood a long-standing favorite for locals. “The area is very consistent; it’s always been consistent for probably 50 to 100 years,” says Melanie White, a Realtor with REMAX who grew up in the neighboring community of Memorial. “West Houston had such a long-standing history of success and it’s withheld the test of time. People seem to like established neighborhoods that aren’t going to turn or change.”
Briar Forest Drive is a main conduit connecting residents to businesses and work.
Take a ride on one of the many bike trails around Briar Forest.
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Simple ranches and elaborate villas alike fill Briar Forest
Briar Forest has a diverse array of architectural styles, ranging from stately brick Colonial Revival and Tudor Revival-inspired properties to postmodern constructions and minimalistic raised ranches. This eclectic mix of homes sits on manicured blocks with large front yards connected by sidewalks. Many residences also have wide back patios with in-ground pools and shaded sitting areas. Single-family properties range between $400,000 to $700,000. A few select Briar Forest homeowners invest in luxury estates, which range from rustic cabin-inspired builds for $1 million to sprawling 10,000-square-foot villas for over $7 million.
One-story residences are found throughout Briar Forest.
Several Briar Forest residences boast elegant fountains that bring beauty to their front lawn.
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Houston Schools focus on STEM and STEAM
The Houston Independent School District covers the Briar Forest area, and some local options include “school within a school” magnet programs. Shadowbriar Elementary School scores a C-plus on Niche and has a STEAM magnet program. Paul Revere Middle School, which Niche gives a C, has a STEM magnet program for students interested in advanced science and math coursework. Students can continue their magnet education with STEM classes at Westside High School, which has an A-minus score on Niche. Westside students can also enroll in the Futures Academy, where they can earn college credit through Houston Community College. The college’s Alief Haynes campus is within Briar Forest.
Briar Forest students can continue to grow their educations at Paul Revere Middle School.
Westside High School in Briar Forest students offered a world class education.
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Hikers and bikers explore Terry Hershey Park’s trails
Part of the Terry Hershey Park runs along the northern side of Briar Forest, creating a scenic patch of green space that is a favorite among locals. “It’s very desirable for the location, the bayou, walking trails, the community,” White says. The portion of the park that intersects with Briar Forest offers two trails on either side of the park’s waterway. Anthills Trail is a twisting route that is a prime destination for mountain bikers, while the tamer Buffalo Bayou Bike Trail is ideal for hikers. Terry Hershey Park passes by Lakeside Country Club on Lakeside Forest Lane, a members-only facility with an 18-hole golf course, a dozen tennis courts and multiple pools.
Briar Forest residents can head over to Terry Hersey Park for a day in the sun.
Get out for a day in the sun on the golf course at Lakeside Country Club in Briar Forest.
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Shopping trips and dinner out on Westheimer Road
Westheimer Road, a major thoroughfare that runs along the south of the neighborhood, is a primary shop for local shops and restaurants. Large grocery stores like H-E-B, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods can all be found along this street, as well as specialty markets like Phoenicia Specialty Foods and Daido Market. These food shops are located alongside retail stores like Kohl’s, Marshalls and Shoe Carnival, and several chain and local restaurants. Some standout eateries are La Pasha Lounge & Grill, a Middle Eastern restaurant with weekly live music performances, and Izakaya Hi, a spin on a popular type of Japanese socialization spot where guests can eat fresh sushi and perform in a private karaoke room.
Residents of Briar Forest relish the distinctive charm and variety found at Trader Joe's.
Whole Foods Market in Briar Forest offers premium organic and plant-based groceries.
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Ride METRO drives straight to CityWestPlace
Briar Forest is less than 10 miles via Westpark Tollway from the Uptown Galleria District and 17 miles to downtown Houston via Sam Houston Tollway and Interstate 10. The neighborhood also has several Ride METRO stops, including on major streets like Westheimer Road and City Place Drive, where Phillips 66 and CityWestPlace are located. Briar Forest is also less than 2 miles from two large medical facilities -- HCA Houston Healthcare West on Richmond Avenue and Nexus Children’s Hospital Houston on Woodland Park Drive.
Phillips 66 has its corporate headquarters in Briar Forest.
Catch a METRO bus if you are running late to work in Briar Forest.
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Written By
Delaney Murray
Video By
Anthony Pesa
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Agents Specializing in this Area
Bradley Calame
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene - West Gray
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Bendwood Park
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Tennis
Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary
Trails
Nature Center
Parking Lot
Waldemar Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Mary Ann Francklow Park
Trails
Lake Park
Trails
Playground
Shadow Briar Recreation Center
Pool
Tennis
Community Center
Transit
Airport
William P Hobby
41 min drive
Bus
Westheimer Rd & Wallingford Dr
Bus
Westheimer Rd & Citywest Blvd Mb
Bus
Wilcrest Dr & Sandy Spring Rd
Bus
Cityplace Dr & Rogerdale Rd
Bus
Westheimer Rd & Dairy Ashford Rd
Bus
Wilcrest Dr & Ella Lee Ln
Bus
Briar Forest Dr & Crystal Hills Dr
Reviews
Niche Reviews
3.434 Reviews
4.0Current Resident
5/11/2018Niche Review
Young professionals are moving in to newly renovated homes. Good area to get a great house at a reasonable price, not to mention an easy commute to Energy Corridor and Galleria area jobs.
4.0Niche User
8/14/2016Niche Review
it is a quite neighborhood, everyone minds their own business
3.0Niche User
2/24/2015Niche Review
I live in an area that has a ton of Big Named stores. They are ok, pretty much average. There are not any that are exceptional with their service. Just average. But this area is chock full of places to go get what ever you need. I have 5 Grocery stores just within a 5 mile radius of where I am living. As a mom of 2 little kids, that is absolutely perfect. I don't have to haul them for long rides in the car to get to the store. I can get there fast, get what I need and head back.
2.0Niche User
6/3/2015Niche Review
The most popular food in my area is a McDonalds hamburger and a sports bar with a cold beer. The overall variety in my area is none.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Briar Forest
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Briar Forest, Houston sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Briar Forest, Houston over the last 12 months is $497,027, up 10% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Fabulous 4-5/2.5 home on cul-de-sac in Lakeside Estates with excellentaccess to transportation/amenities. Beautiful landscaping with maturetrees compliments the home’s curb appeal. This “move-in ready” homewas significantly updated in 2021 including: kitchen granite/SSappliances/undercabinet lighting; custom/oversized laundry room, newcabinet fronts with soft-close doors; paint; luxury vinyl
Come tour this fantastic renovated home in Walnut Bend! This 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom home (featuring a 1st-floor primary suite and 1st-floor game room) sits on a spacious 9,200+ sq ft lot with a circle drive and convenient access to Beltway 8 & I-10. Recent updates include new flooring, fresh interior and exterior paint (2024), modern fixtures, sleek countertops, updated appliances,
Welcome to this stunning home on Pebble Rock Drive, where everything is brand new, including the roof. The house features new quartz countertops, new windows, and high-end appliances, providing a modern and luxurious feel. With 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, there's ample space for a.The exterior is finished with elegant stucco, and a new driveway enhances the home's curb appeal. This
Welcome to 210 Big Hollow Ln., where comfort and elegance come together to create the perfect home. This stunning residence features three spacious bedrooms and two and half beautifully designed bathrooms, including a luxurious primary suite with a spa-like bathroom that invites you to relax and unwind. The expansive open-concept family area serves as the heart of the home, providing the perfect
Updated 2-story home featuring a lovely curb appeal, floor plan great for entertaining, all granite countertops, covered back patio, and pool! The first floor has all wood-type flooring throughout, formal living and dining rooms, a fireplace den with accent molding, utility room with built-ins, and kitchen with a breakfast bar and stainless steel appliances. Also downstairs, the large primary
Location! Location! Location! Pool view! Spacious 2 bedroom 2 bath unit in a quiet complex, gated community. The living room area features a wood-burning fireplace, MIRRORED WALLS, PATIO, AND BAY WINDOW on the master balcony overlooking the swimming pool. Located conveniently to Westheimer, Dairy Ashford, I-10, and Beltway 8. Call today!
NICE 4 BEDROOM 2 1/2 BATH SPACIOUS HOME, NEWER FLOORING, STAINLESS APPLIANCES, NEWER UPGRADES, WELL TAKEN CARE OF, LARGE LIVING ROOM PERFECT FOR FAMILY GATHERINGS WITH FIREPLACE, NICE SIZE BACKYARD WITH POOL FOR ENTERTAINING AND ENJOYING THOSE HOT SUMMER DAYS, HOME IS CONVENIENTLY LOCATED CLOSED TO SHOPPING CENTERS AND RESTAURANTS. MUST SEE TO APPRECIATE
Discover the charm of this fully furnished home, nestled in a serene and tranquil neighborhood in Briar Forest. As you step inside, you're greeted with an open layout and tall ceilings that amplify the space. The interior has been thoughtfully designed creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The primary bedroom features an en suite bathroom with a generous walk in closet, complete with double
Find your new home at Waverly Apartments. The 2301 Hayes Rd location in the Briar Forest neighborhood of Houston is convenient to everything. The leasing team is eager to show you our community. Stop by the leasing office to talk about renting your new apartment.Deposit based on credit.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Bradley Calame,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
43,630
Median Age
37
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$68,700
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$99,134
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.7%
College Graduates
52.1%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.5%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
70.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
46°F
Average Summer High Temperature
95°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
61/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
69/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
34/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
