Make your way through the lush and luxurious River Oaks area, which contains some of the most coveted (and expensive) real estate in the city. But it's not only the mansions that draw onlookers; there are plenty of boutiques, restaurants and art galleries that give the inner-loop spot its character. At the River Oaks Shopping Center, restaurants and retail live alongside the historic River Oaks Theatre—the oldest working theater in the city.


River Oaks Boulevard, a road that runs through the center of the community, is lined on both sides by mansions and estates located away from the street. The two square mile (5.2 m²) area of the subdivision comprises approximately 1,600 homes, mostly detached single family homes. Its grandest streets,are probably River Oaks Boulevard and Lazy Lane. River Oaks is one of the wealthiest communities in not only Texas, but the nation. Home to Houston's wealthy corporate execs, old oil families, and the cities greatest philanthropists. Most of its mansions show true Southern taste and grace and also have lovely gardens, with prices from $1 million to $20 million.