Garden Oaks / Oak Forest Neighborhood Guide
Big lots, mature trees, mid-century ranch homes and new construction next to the Heights
Garden Oaks and Oak Forest home sales, last 12 months: 80 homes sold in Garden Oaks at a typical price around $910,000, and 309 in Oak Forest at a typical price around $766,000 (November 2025 through October 2026). Source: HAR MLS closed sales. Data as of November 2026.
Property taxes: A $910,000 home in Garden Oaks pays about $19,440 a year at current rates, or about $14,400 with the homestead exemption, and a $766,000 home in Oak Forest pays about $16,360, or about $11,940 with it. See how the homestead exemption works. Data as of October 2026.
921 reviews and ratings across five sites as of October 30, 2026: Google 216 (5.0), Zillow 153 (5.0), Yelp 147 (4.9), RateMyAgent 56 (5.0), HAR 349 surveys (4.99).
Large lotsMid-century ranch homesNew constructionGardens & treesClose-in space
Updated November 5, 2026
Living in Garden Oaks and Oak Forest
Garden Oaks was developed in the late 1930s just north of Loop 610, next to Oak Forest and the Heights, and it was planned around large lots. Many lots are a quarter acre or more, and mature oaks, deep front yards and a mix of original cottages, ranch homes and newer custom homes give it a garden-suburb feel about 7 miles from Downtown.
Oak Forest, just to the west, was developed by Frank Sharp starting in the late 1940s and was largely built out by the mid-1950s. Its streets of mid-century ranch homes, on lots of about 7,000 to 8,500 square feet, now mix with new two-story homes, and it spans ZIP codes 77018 and 77092.
As the neighborhoods change, many Garden Oaks blocks use City of Houston tools such as minimum lot size protections to keep lots from being subdivided, and Oak Forest has deed restrictions of its own.
Why buyers choose Garden Oaks and Oak Forest
- Room to spread out. Some of the largest lots this close to central Houston in Garden Oaks, with space for pools, gardens and additions, and lots of about 7,000 to 8,500 square feet in Oak Forest.
- Character. Mature trees, original cottages and mid-century ranch homes alongside newer custom builds.
- Location. About 7 miles to Downtown and 8 to the Galleria from Garden Oaks, just north of the Heights.
- Schools. Houston ISD, including Garden Oaks Montessori, a popular public Montessori magnet, and Oak Forest Elementary, both rated A by the Texas Education Agency for 2025-26.
- Local spots. Restaurants and shops along North Shepherd, Ella Boulevard, West 43rd Street and Oak Forest Drive, with the Heights next door.
What's in and near Garden Oaks and Oak Forest
- The Heights, Lazybrook and Timbergrove
- Garden Oaks Montessori, Oak Forest Elementary, Black Middle School and Waltrip High School (Houston ISD)
- Restaurants and shops on North Shepherd, Ella Boulevard, West 43rd Street and Oak Forest Drive
- Loop 610, I-45 and US-290 access
- T.C. Jester Park, Oak Forest Park, Candlelight Park and the White Oak Bayou trail
- Oak Forest Neighborhood Library on West 43rd Street
Where to eat and shop in Garden Oaks and Oak Forest
Garden Oaks and Oak Forest have become a dining destination in their own right. Lazy Lane on Wakefield Drive, from Heights & Co. owner Brian Doke, focuses on steaks and wood-fired pizza and draws weekend brunch crowds. BeauSoleil on Judiway serves French and American comfort food with Cajun touches and New Orleans-style cocktails, and award-winning Gatlin's BBQ has smoked ribs and brisket on Ella Boulevard since moving from the Heights in 2015. Plonk! Bistro on West 43rd is a neighborhood wine bar with a dog-friendly patio, and Sunday Press on Ella Boulevard is an all-day cafe. In Oak Forest, Millie's Kitchen & Cocktails on Oak Forest Drive serves seafood and brunch.
Much of the local shopping is at the Stomping Grounds on West 34th Street. Threadfare Children's Boutique is a family-owned Houston shop for kids' clothing, toys and books, and Her & Reese Boutique sells women's apparel and accessories. On North Shepherd, Wabash Feed & Garden is a longtime independent store for plants, seeds, garden supplies, pet food and backyard chickens.
Getting around
| Destination | Distance | Drive time (estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Houston | 7.1 mi | about 11 min; 17–22 min at rush hour |
| The Galleria | 8.1 mi | about 13 min; 20–26 min at rush hour |
| Texas Medical Center | 12.4 mi | about 19 min; 29–38 min at rush hour |
| Bush Intercontinental Airport | 18.0 mi | about 32 min; 48–64 min at rush hour |
| Hobby Airport | 18.7 mi | about 30 min; 45–60 min at rush hour |
| Energy Corridor (I-10 at Eldridge) | 16.5 mi | about 26 min; 39–52 min at rush hour |
Drive times are estimates. Off-peak minutes come from OpenStreetMap routing (OSRM) without traffic, checked November 2026; rush-hour ranges assume 1.5 to 2 times as long, which is common on Houston freeways. Actual times vary with traffic, weather and time of day.
Driving distances from central Garden Oaks. Oak Forest sits just to the west, so drives from there are usually within a few minutes of these.
Homes in Garden Oaks and Oak Forest
Original 1930s to 1950s cottages and ranch homes on large lots, many expanded, alongside newer two-story custom homes. Because the lots are large, some buyers purchase to renovate or rebuild; check deed restrictions, lot size protections and the flood zone before you plan.
Oak Forest's original homes are mostly ranch homes built from about 1949 to 1960 on lots of about 7,000 to 8,500 square feet, and many have been replaced by new two-story homes. Of the 309 Oak Forest homes sold in the 12 months through October 2026, about 44% were originals built before 1970, at a median price near $443,000, and about 45% were built in 2015 or later, at a median near $1.46 million.
Median household income: $127,017 in ZIP code 77018 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates). ZIP code figures can include areas beyond the neighborhood.
Garden Oaks and Oak Forest home prices: the last 24 months
652 sales from November 2025 through October 2026, down 5% from 685 the year before. Single-family homes, townhomes and condos sold through HAR MLS in HAR’s Garden Oaks, Oak Forest East and Oak Forest West market areas combined.
Median sale price by month
Homes sold by month
A monthly median moves with the mix of homes that closed that month, so read the overall direction rather than any one month. Hover or tap a point for the figures. Source: HAR MLS (Houston Association of Realtors), pulled by Compean Group November 9, 2026; data not verified or guaranteed by the MLS.
Show the numbers as a table
| Month | Median sale price | Sales |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 2024 | $415,000 | 49 |
| Dec 2024 | $649,500 | 42 |
| Jan 2025 | $429,950 | 36 |
| Feb 2025 | $506,300 | 51 |
| Mar 2025 | $543,000 | 63 |
| Apr 2025 | $444,000 | 55 |
| May 2025 | $519,500 | 66 |
| Jun 2025 | $575,000 | 67 |
| Jul 2025 | $479,750 | 74 |
| Aug 2025 | $502,000 | 60 |
| Sep 2025 | $540,000 | 63 |
| Oct 2025 | $515,000 | 59 |
| Nov 2025 | $533,500 | 48 |
| Dec 2025 | $519,400 | 52 |
| Jan 2026 | $566,250 | 36 |
| Feb 2026 | $505,000 | 41 |
| Mar 2026 | $480,000 | 60 |
| Apr 2026 | $535,000 | 70 |
| May 2026 | $605,000 | 65 |
| Jun 2026 | $490,000 | 69 |
| Jul 2026 | $542,500 | 62 |
| Aug 2026 | $645,000 | 53 |
| Sep 2026 | $485,000 | 51 |
| Oct 2026 | $633,500 | 45 |
Public schools serving Garden Oaks and Oak Forest
Houston ISD. This is a short, hand-checked list of the zoned schools for most of the area; zoning can change from one block to the next.
| Elementary | Garden Oaks Montessori — Zoned elementary for most of Garden Oaks and part of Oak Forest; also a PreK-8 Montessori magnet. Oak Forest Elementary School — Zoned for part of Oak Forest; also hosts a Vanguard (gifted and talented) magnet. |
|---|---|
| Middle | Black Middle School — Serves Garden Oaks and eastern Oak Forest. Clifton Middle School — Serves western Oak Forest (per older HISD zone maps). |
| High | Waltrip High School — Serves Garden Oaks and eastern Oak Forest. Scarborough High School — Serves western Oak Forest (per older HISD zone maps). |
Oak Forest is large and split among several elementaries (older HISD maps also list Stevens, Wainwright and Smith for parts of it), so check each address. Confirm any address with HISD School Navigator. School ratings and how to read them are on our Houston school information page. Checked November 2026.
Flood risk in Garden Oaks and Oak Forest at a glance
- Hurricane Harvey (August 2017): flood insurance claims recorded by FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program, by ZIP code: ZIP 77018: 307; ZIP 77092: 264. ZIP codes include areas beyond the neighborhood, and many flooded homes had no flood insurance.
- Check a specific address: Harris County Flood Education Mapping Tool. Floodplains follow bayous, creeks and low ground, so one street can differ from the next; ask for the seller's disclosure and an elevation certificate, and get a flood insurance quote during your option period.
Garden Oaks and Oak Forest questions buyers ask
Are Garden Oaks and Oak Forest good places to live?
For buyers who want a big lot close to central Houston, Garden Oaks is one of the best options, and Oak Forest next door offers mid-century homes and new construction on standard lots. Both have mature trees and quick access to the Heights. Trade-offs include some older homes needing updates and streets without sidewalks.
Are Garden Oaks and Oak Forest safe?
Both neighborhoods are served by the Houston Police Department. Review HPD's recent crime statistics for the streets you're considering, and visit at different times of day.
How much do homes cost in Garden Oaks and Oak Forest?
In the 12 months through October 2026, 80 homes sold in Garden Oaks on the MLS at a typical price around $910,000 and an average near $1.04 million, and 309 sold in Oak Forest at a typical price around $766,000 and an average near $954,000. Original homes come in lower: Oak Forest's original ranch homes sold at a median near $443,000 and its homes built since 2015 near $1.46 million, while new custom homes in Garden Oaks often top $1.5 million.
How big are the lots in Garden Oaks and Oak Forest?
Larger than in most neighborhoods this close in. Many Garden Oaks lots are a quarter acre or more, which is a big part of its appeal and value, and most Oak Forest lots run about 7,000 to 8,500 square feet.
Where are Garden Oaks and Oak Forest in Houston?
Just north of Loop 610 and the Heights, side by side, with Oak Forest to the west of Garden Oaks. Garden Oaks is about 7 miles from Downtown and 8 miles from the Galleria by car.
What school district serves Garden Oaks and Oak Forest?
Both are in Houston ISD. Garden Oaks Montessori is a popular public magnet school in Garden Oaks, and Oak Forest Elementary, Black Middle School and Waltrip High School are nearby; all four were rated A by the Texas Education Agency for 2025-26. Confirm zoning for a specific address with HISD's school finder.
Do Garden Oaks and Oak Forest flood?
Flood risk and drainage vary by street, and some low spots hold water in heavy rain; much of ZIP 77018 drains to the White Oak Bayou watershed. Check the FEMA flood zone and Harris County Flood Control District maps, read the seller's disclosure, and get a flood insurance quote during your option period.
Are Garden Oaks and Oak Forest deed restricted?
Parts of Garden Oaks have deed restrictions, and many blocks have city minimum lot size protections that limit subdividing. Oak Forest is deed-restricted too. Check what applies to a specific lot before buying to rebuild or add on.
How is Garden Oaks different from Oak Forest?
They're popular neighbors north of the Heights. Garden Oaks generally has larger lots and a garden-suburb feel, while Oak Forest has more mid-century homes on standard lots and a lot of new construction: about 45% of its sales in the last 12 months were homes built in 2015 or later.
What ZIP codes are Garden Oaks and Oak Forest in?
Garden Oaks is in ZIP code 77018, and Oak Forest spans 77018 and 77092.
When were Garden Oaks and Oak Forest built?
Developer Edward L. Crain established Garden Oaks in 1937. It was planned with large, garden-sized lots, which is still what sets it apart from most inner-loop neighborhoods. Many original oak, pecan and pine trees remain. Oak Forest was developed by Frank Sharp starting in the late 1940s and was largely built out by the mid-1950s.
What are the homes like in Garden Oaks and Oak Forest?
Garden Oaks' original housing stock is mostly 1930s-1950s ranch homes and bungalows on large lots, and Oak Forest's is mostly ranch homes built from about 1949 to 1960. Over the past two decades many have been renovated or replaced with larger new construction, so streets often mix original homes and modern farmhouse-style homes. Prices vary widely as a result.
Are Garden Oaks and Oak Forest walkable?
Both are mostly car-oriented, but their tree-lined streets are popular for walking and biking, and the West White Oak Bayou Trail runs through Oak Forest along T.C. Jester Boulevard. Restaurants and shops cluster along West 34th Street, West 43rd Street and Ella Boulevard, including the Stomping Grounds. The Stomping Grounds is a 26,000-square-foot development with restaurants, shops and a green space that hosts community events.
Are there parks near Garden Oaks and Oak Forest?
Yes. T.C. Jester Park has dog parks, walking trails, a playground and a disc golf course. Oak Forest Park on Judiway has an inclusive playground and updated tennis and basketball courts. Candlelight Park has a playground, a walking trail and a ball field, and the West White Oak Bayou Trail follows T.C. Jester Boulevard through Oak Forest.
What are property taxes like in Garden Oaks and Oak Forest?
Homes in both pay City of Houston, Houston ISD, Harris County and related taxes, which together usually add up to roughly 2% of assessed value per year before exemptions. There are no MUD taxes. If the home will be your primary residence, file for the homestead exemption: it lowers your taxable value, and starting the year after the home qualifies, its appraised value for taxes generally can't rise more than 10% a year.
Where are the best places to eat in Garden Oaks and Oak Forest?
Popular choices include Lazy Lane (steaks, pizza and brunch), BeauSoleil (French-American with Cajun influences), Gatlin's BBQ, Plonk! Bistro (wine bar with a dog-friendly patio) and Sunday Press (all-day cafe), plus Millie's Kitchen & Cocktails (seafood and brunch) on Oak Forest Drive.
Where can I shop local in Garden Oaks?
The Stomping Grounds on West 34th Street has Threadfare Children's Boutique and Her & Reese Boutique. On North Shepherd, Wabash Feed & Garden is a longtime independent store for plants, garden supplies and pet food.
How far are Garden Oaks and Oak Forest from Downtown Houston?
Garden Oaks is about 6 to 8 miles northwest of Downtown, typically a 15- to 20-minute drive outside rush hour via North Shepherd/Durham, Loop 610 or I-45. Oak Forest, just to the west, is usually a few minutes farther. The Heights is about 10 minutes south, and the Galleria is roughly 15 to 25 minutes via Loop 610.
Should I buy in Garden Oaks, Oak Forest or the Heights?
Garden Oaks generally offers larger lots, deed restrictions and more of a suburban-in-the-city feel; Oak Forest offers mid-century homes and new construction on standard lots at a lower typical price; and the Heights has smaller lots, historic districts and more walkable shopping and dining strips like 19th Street and White Oak Drive. All three are Houston ISD neighborhoods with no MUD taxes. Comparing recent sales, lot sizes and zoned schools for the specific homes you like is the best way to decide.
Who is a good realtor in Garden Oaks and Oak Forest?
Compean Group ranks #3 on AgentPronto's list of top agents for Garden Oaks, #2 on its Oak Forest list and #3 on its Houston list (November 2026; AgentPronto compares agents on transaction data, specialties and client reviews). We commonly help clients buy and sell in Garden Oaks and Oak Forest, and we follow this local market closely. Evan Compean and the Compean Group bring more than 1,000 homes sold and hundreds of 5-star reviews to every move. Use this guide to get started with your search; it has much more information about the area.
Sales figures are MLS closed sales for the 12 months from November 2025 through October 2026. Oak Forest figures count single-family sales in subdivisions recorded as Oak Forest in the HAR MLS, and a typical price is the median of the 12 monthly medians. Driving distances are approximate. The Average Sales Price and Total Listings box further down this page is calculated automatically from homes currently listed for sale in the area and updates daily, so it can differ from these closed-sale figures.
Client results nearby
- An owner overseas who wanted to be done with the U.S. (Independence Heights, 77018)
What clients say about working with us in Garden Oaks and Oak Forest
“Based on his research, pre-marketing efforts, and the strength of the presentation, he recommended listing at a higher price than I was initially comfortable with. That guidance proved to be exactly right… If you’re buying or selling in the Houston area (mine was in Garden Oaks / Oak Forest / Heights) and want a team that truly invests in your outcome and handles every detail at a high level, I highly recommend Evan and his team.”
What clients say about Garden Oaks and Oak Forest
If you’re buying or selling in the Houston area (mine was in Garden Oaks / Oak Forest / Heights) and want a team that truly invests in your outcome and handles every detail at a high level, I highly recommend Evan and his team.
Related Guides and Local News
- AI vs. an experienced agent: why you still need a human in a Houston home sale
- Houston home prices by neighborhood: 12 months of sales
- Houston property taxes and MUD taxes in 2026
- Houston flood zones and flood insurance: the maps to check
- Texas homestead exemption: how much you save and how to file
- Mortgage rates, seller credits and buydowns
- No state income tax: what moving to Houston saves
Local news
- Barnaby's Cafe picks Garden Oaks' Stomping Grounds for its 10th location (CultureMap, July 2026)
- Pho Prime brings its 12-hour pho to the Stomping Grounds in Garden Oaks (CultureMap, July 2026)
- Lazy Lane brings steaks, pizza and brunch to Garden Oaks (CultureMap, Nov 2025)
- New French-American restaurant BeauSoleil opens in Garden Oaks (Houston Food Finder, Apr 2025)
Free guide
The Garden Oaks Neighborhood Guide (PDF)
A short buyer's guide with the average price and price range, months of inventory, distances to major attractions, dining, nightlife, and what sets Garden Oaks apart from other Inner Loop neighborhoods.
Request a copy or call (832) 777-3904.
Buying or selling in Garden Oaks or Oak Forest? Evan Compean and the Compean Group team have handled 1,000+ sales in 15 years.
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