River Oaks is the most exclusive residential area in Houston. It was developed in the early l920s by Will Hogg, member of a pioneer Texas family and Hugh Potter, Will’s associate and son of a former Texas governor. The entire residential area comprises some 1,200 acres. The Hogg family also gave the City of Houston an adjacent 1,000-acre tract of land for use as a park. Today Memorial Park, as it is known, is a highly valued recreational resource for Houstonians who may choose to watch a polo game, play golf or tennis, picnic or simply stroll along the park’s quiet, shady paths.

River Oaks is protected by very comprehensive deed restrictions which ensure that the area can never be invaded by commercial structures or multi-family housing. The River Oaks Homeowners Association, which is accessible to homeowners 24 hours a day, handles permanent maintenance of the area through the levy of a maintenance fee. The Association monitors deed restriction compliance, maintains the esplanades and parks, and contracts for trash collection services.

While there is a wide range of architectural styles evident throughout River Oaks, strict control has created harmony with the landscaping and natural topography in this heavily-wooded area. Many homes were designed by nationally recognized architects of the era. One such home, “Bayou Bend,” was built by the sister of one of the developers. She later donated the magnificent Greek Revival property, along with its extensive collection of early American furniture and antiques, to the Museum of Fine Arts.

The location of River Oaks is unexcelled. Just four miles west of downtown Houston, River Oaks also enjoys easy access to Greenway Plaza business district and the Uptown/Galleria area, each about four miles away. The neighborhood is bordered by Buffalo Bayou on the north, on the east by Shepherd Drive, on the west by East Briar Hollow Lane. Historically, land in River Oaks has held its value. A one-acre tract of land may sell well in excess of $1 million.

Many River Oaks residents are Houston’s business and professional leaders. They provide much of the civic, cultural and social leadership in the city.

River Oaks affords its residents a comfortable and gracious lifestyle and is, perhaps, the most sought-after neighborhood in Houston.