HAR Reveals the 10 Hottest Communities in the Houston Area for Final Quarter of 2024
The Houston Association of Realtors (HAR) has unveiled its list of the 10 Hottest Communities in the Houston Area for the fourth quarter of 2024, highlighting booming suburban and urban neighborhoods with strong real estate activity. This report showcases key trends driving buyer interest, including affordability, new construction, and location preferences across the Greater Houston area.
At the top of the list is Hockley, a suburban area 40 miles northwest of downtown Houston. Hockley experienced a 211.8% surge in home sales compared to Q4 2023, making it the fastest-growing real estate market in the region. With an average home price of $326,489, 87% of homes sold were newly constructed properties, spending an average of just 45 days on the market.
HAR Chair Shae Cottar noted, “These suburban communities are booming, highlighting the demand for affordable housing in the Houston area. New construction offers more options at lower price points, making neighborhoods like Hockley particularly attractive to first-time homebuyers and those seeking more space and value.”
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Coming in second was Dickinson, a small community located southeast of Houston near Galveston Bay. Home sales here rose by 97.9% year-over-year, with 41% of transactions involving newly constructed homes.
The Fulshear/South Brookshire/Simonton area ranked third, climbing three spots from the Q3 report. This market saw an 82% increase in sales compared to Q4 2023, with new construction dominating at 82% of total sales. Homes in this area were priced higher than in other top markets, with an average sale price of $477,251 and an average of 63 days on the market.
HAR’s report highlights the role of affordability in driving buyer interest, with six of the top 10 markets having average home prices below Houston’s overall average of $425,150. Other top-performing neighborhoods included Montrose, Conroe Northeast, Porter/New Caney West, and Crystal Beach. Each area experienced significant growth due to a mix of new construction activity, desirable locations, and pricing trends.
For luxury real estate, the River Oaks Shopping Area stood out as the hottest high-end market, recording an 80% increase in home sales compared to the same time in 2023. The average home price in this prestigious neighborhood was $1,066,180.
Complete List of the 10 Hottest Communities in Houston for Q4 2024
HAR’s December/Full-Year 2024 Housing Market Update reveals broader trends impacting Houston’s real estate. Total property sales in 2024 remained flat compared to 2023, with single-family home sales up 1.3% to 85,163 units. Despite fluctuations in mortgage rates and higher home prices, steady demand and expanding inventory have helped stabilize the market.
Home prices reached record highs in 2024, with the average price peaking at $443,362 in July. By December, the average price settled at $425,150, reflecting a 2.5% year-to-date increase. Inventory expanded to a 4-month supply, signifying a balanced market where neither buyers nor sellers have a significant advantage.
Cottar emphasized optimism for 2025, stating, “Following two years of declining sales, 2024 brought a welcomed balance to the Houston housing market. I believe the strong sales activity and expansive inventory we experienced in 2024 bodes well for home buyers and sellers in 2025.”
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Key Takeaways for Buyers and Sellers
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Affordable Suburbs Are Thriving: Communities like Hockley, Dickinson, and Porter/New Caney West are drawing attention with affordable housing and new construction options.
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Luxury Market Is Heating Up: High-end neighborhoods such as River Oaks are experiencing a surge in sales activity.
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Inventory Is Expanding: With a 4-month supply of homes, buyers have more options, while sellers benefit from sustained demand.
As the Houston real estate market moves into 2025, these trends suggest a continued emphasis on affordability, new construction, and suburban growth. For more details on HAR’s Q4 2024 report and the complete list of hottest communities, visit HAR.com.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
