Oak Forest/Garden Oaks

The secret is out. Once considered an underrated neighborhood, Oak Forest/Garden Oaks is now a sought-after area for families and urban professionals—particularly those who have been priced out of the Houston Heights.

With an enviable location just outside the northwest corner of Loop 610 and bordering 290 to the west, Oak Forest/Garden Oaks appeals to people who want to remain close to the city center—especially downtown Houston and the Galleria—without sacrificing a small-town feel. No wonder Houstonia Magazine included Oak Forest/Garden Oaks among its 10 Hottest Neighborhoods in Houston for 2018.

Oak Forest and Garden Oaks are really twin neighborhoods. To the east is the more expensive Garden Oaks, which was developed in the late 1930s and features tree-lined, canopied streets and vintage homes in a variety of styles with larger, more wooded lots by inner-loop standards. To the west is Oak Forest, which was developed in the late 1940s to provide housing for returning World War II veterans. This neighborhood is prized for its mid-century ranches and typically offers slightly smaller lot sizes than Garden Oaks. In both areas, new buyers and developers are increasingly tearing down older homes to make way for high-end new construction—both single-family homes and townhomes. Oak Forest/Garden Oaks also offers plenty of outdoor recreation, shops, businesses, and restaurants. Although Heights amenities are in close proximity, many trendy dining spots have started popping up in this area—a sure sign that its popularity is set to increase further.