Redfin recently released a report on the economic diversity of the nation’s major cities using 2014 city-specific median family income data from the American Community Survey. Houston was ranked as the no. 11 best city for a balanced mix, with 12 percent of its neighborhoods with balanced economic diversity.
The report determined purchasing power as a 20 percent down payment on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 4 percent. Monthly family income going toward a mortgage was measured at 28 percent.
Redfin measured home price mix by summarizing a 500-meter grid, which were then classified as one of three categories: mix of affordable and high-end homes, high-end homes and affordable homes.
What’s the economic breakdown of Houston neighborhoods?
Houston | |||||
Balanced Mix | Area | High-end | Area | Affordable | Area |
Parkwood | 100% | Crestwood / Memorial Park |
100% | Brookhaven | 100% |
Westmoreland / Montrose | 82% | Camp Logan | 96% | Sagemont | 100% |
Moonshine Hill | 81% | Gaywood | 92% | Lindale Park | 100% |
Sunset Terrace (West University) | 75% | Southampton | 89% | Near Northside | 93% |
Fourth Ward | 71% | Richmond Plaza/Bellaire | 86% | Andover | 83% |
Houston has a reported 16 percent of high-end areas and a whopping 72 percent of them are considered affordable.