River Oaks, Houston

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The marker at an entrance to River Oaks

River Oaks is a residential community located in the center of Houston, Texas, United States. Located within the 610 Loop and between Downtown and Uptown, the community spans Template:Convert.<ref name="handbook">Template:Handbook of Texas (Archive)</ref> Established in the 1920s by brothers Will Hogg and Michael Hogg, the community became a well-publicized national model for community planning. Real estate values in the community range from $1 million to over $20 million.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> River Oaks was also named the most expensive neighborhood in Houston in 2013.<ref>Template:Cite web ()</ref> The community is home to River Oaks Country Club, which includes a golf course designed by architect Donald Ross and redesigned in 2015 by Tom Fazio.

History

The River Oaks Garden Club Forum of Civics, located in Upper Kirby

In 1923, Thomas William House, Jr., Thomas H. Ball, and Junius W. Reynolds founded the Country Club Estates Company. This firm acquired two large tracts west of Houston totalling 360 acres for the purpose of developing a subdivision. County Club Estates Company sold investors shares to fund the River Oaks Country Club, which they chartered on February 1, 1923. The club developed both recreational facilities for adults and children.<ref>Ferguson (2014), p. 59.</ref>

Country Club Estates Company planned a residential subdivision near the country club grounds. Kenneth E. Womack and Ball sold club memberships and also charter memberships which bundled a club membership with a share of stock in the residential investment. They raised a total of $249,750 for Country Club Estates Company. They hired Herbert A. Kipp for the design of the first subdivision, covering an area of about 178 acres. Keeping with the country club theme, Kipp laid out wide, curving roads for a non-gridded network and named some of them for well-known country clubs. Some of the larger lots ranged from one-quarter acre to four acres in size.<ref>Ferguson (2014), pp. 59Template:Endash61.</ref>

William and Michael Hogg, the sons of former Texas Governor Jim Hogg, and attorney Hugh Potter established River Oaks in the 1920s.<ref name="handbook"/> Potter obtained an option to purchase Template:Convert around the River Oaks Country Club in 1923, and in the following year William Hogg established the Country Club Estates in order to support the development of the community.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The two brothers promoted the sale of lots in the subdivision for Template:US$ apiece in 1928.<ref name="about">"River Oaks Template:Webarchive," About.com: Houston.Retrieved May 23, 2008.</ref> The brothers, along with sister Ima Hogg, oversaw the construction of Bayou Bend, a stately southern-style home on the banks of Buffalo Bayou.

The first development of River Oaks was the summer house of William L. Clayton. Houston-architect Birdsall Briscoe completed this Colonial Revival home for the Clayton family in 1924. This property is a City of Houston Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.<ref name=AHC>Template:Cite web</ref>

The development plans ensured that River Oaks's parks and esplanades were planted with oaks, shrubs, azaleas and other flowers. Every detail of the development was planned to establish a well-integrated community.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Advertised as a "distinguished experiment in fine living," River Oaks became a national model for community planning.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> River Oaks' planning standards, residential architecture, and landscape design were publicized during the 1920s and 1930s in national newspapers, real estate media and design journals.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Deed restrictions at the time restricted home prices to over $7,000 and specified architectural styles, with a gentlemen's agreement excluding blacks, Jews, and other minorities.<ref name="handbook" /> Homes along Kirby Drive were restricted to American Colonial or English Tudor style architecture.<ref name="about" />

The River Oaks Theatre of Landmark Theatres, located east of River Oaks in the River Oaks Shopping Center in Neartown<ref name="NeartownMap">Map of Neartown Template:Webarchive. Neartown Association. Retrieved October 20, 2008.</ref>

During the 1920s, River Oaks was so effectively organized, planned and restricted that it became the most expensive neighborhood in Houston.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The City of Houston annexed the community in 1927, adding Template:Convert of land to the city limits.<ref name="Annexbitter">Lee, Renée C. "Annexed Kingwood split on effects." Houston Chronicle. Sunday October 8, 2006. A21. Retrieved on July 6, 2011. Print version exclusively has the information cited; the information is not included in the online edition. The print version is available from the Houston Public Library Main Library Jones Building Microfilm Desk and the University of Houston Main Library.</ref> Bus service to Downtown Houston opened during the same year. After World War II, as Houston experienced its greatest growth, River Oaks became a haven for the wealthy of the city.<ref> Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

River Oaks has been the subject matter of scholarly studies, primarily because its significant contributions to Houston's history and development as an elite suburban community.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The community was the site of the 1972 murder of Dr. John Hill (later described in Thomas Thompson's novel, Blood and Money).Template:Citation needed River Oaks was the home of Jeff Skilling before he began serving a 25-year prison sentence for his involvement in the Enron scandal.<ref name="JeffSkilling"/><ref name="JeffSkilling2">"Judge sentences former Enron chief to 24 years in prison," International Herald Tribune. Retrieved May 23, 2008.</ref>

The River Oaks Garden Club Forum of Civics, located in Upper Kirby, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as the "Forum of Civics" on October 13, 1988.<ref name="TIRZMap">"Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone – 19 Template:Webarchive." Upper Kirby. Retrieved on December 10, 2008.</ref><ref name="nris">Template:NRISref</ref> Formerly a county schoolhouse, the building is currently the administrative center for the River Oaks Garden Club.<ref name="ForumHistoryatGardenClub">" The Forum Template:Webarchive." River Oaks Garden Club. Retrieved on December 11, 2008.</ref>

In 2011 Bloomberg Businessweek ranked River Oaks as the seventh most expensive housing blocks in the United States.<ref>Wong, Vanessa. "America's Most Expensive Blocks Template:Webarchive." Bloomberg Businessweek at Yahoo! Real Estate. March 3, 2011. Retrieved on March 6, 2011.</ref>

In 2017 Hurricane Harvey caused some flooding in River Oaks.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Geography

Location of River Oaks in the City of Houston

Located within the 610 Loop and between Downtown and Uptown, River Oaks spans Template:Convert. The community is located in a region bounded on the north by Buffalo Bayou, on the east by South Shepherd Drive, on the west by Willowick Road, and on the south by Westheimer Road. River Oaks is located northeast of Uptown, north of the Upper Kirby district, west of Neartown, and is near to the freeway system and many major thoroughfares such as Westheimer Road, Kirby Drive and San Felipe Street.Template:Citation needed

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. In 1990, the Houston Chronicle said that "[t]he grandest streets are probably River Oaks Boulevard and Lazy Lane. Some of the houses are monstrosities, but many show taste and grace and also have lovely gardens."<ref name=SalleeAsin>Sallee, Rad and Stephanie Asin. "Our neighborhoods/River Oaks-Tanglewood." Houston Chronicle. Sunday July 8, 1990. Summit Section p. 8. Retrieved on October 13, 2012.</ref>

Demographics

River Oaks is within the Houston Super Neighborhood #23 Afton Oaks/River Oaks, a division of the City of Houston that includes River Oaks and some surrounding subdivisions, including Afton Oaks. In 2015 the super neighborhood had 14,518 residents; 77% were non-Hispanic White, 10% were Hispanic, 7% were non-Hispanic Asian, 4% were non-Hispanic black, and 2% were non-Hispanic other.<ref>"No. 23 Afton Oaks/River Oaks Area." City of Houston. Retrieved on December 30, 2018.</ref>

According to the 2000 U.S. census, the super neighborhood had 14,313 residents; 12,273 of them (85.7%) were White, 1,160 (8.1%) were Hispanic, 390 (2.7%) were Asian, 247 (1.7%) were Black, 18 were Native American, 13 were Native Hawaiian, and 23 were Others. 189 people were of two or more races. Of the 12,088 residents over 18 years of age, 10,390 (86.0%) were White, 945 (7.8%) were Hispanic, 353 (2.9%) were Asian, 205 (1.7%) were Black, 17 were Native American, 8 were Native Hawaiian, and 22 were Other. 148 were of two or more races.<ref name="SN23Demographics">"Census 2000: Demographic Data by Super Neighborhood Afton Oaks/River Oaks." City of Houston. Retrieved May 23, 2008.</ref>

As of 2000 the neighborhood had 8,169 housing units. Of the 7,401 occupied units, 3,573 were rental units and 3,828 were owner units. The Super Neighborhood had 3,518 families with a total of 9,521 individuals. River Oaks Super Neighborhood had a lower average family size than the average City of Houston family size. The River Oaks average was 2.7, while the city average was 3.4.<ref name="SN23Demographics"/>

River Oaks is one of the wealthiest communities in Texas and the United States.<ref name="moneycentral.msn.com">Template:Cite web</ref> Real estate values range from $1 million to over $20 million.<ref>Template:Cite web at House Almanac</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Architecture

The community has multiple houses deemed historic by the city government's planning commission. Template:As of the law allows for demolition of city-designated landmarks after a 90-day waiting period, so by 2020 multiple property owners tore down their respective historic landmarks.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 80 demolition permits of River Oaks permits residences were approved in 2018 and 2019.<ref>Template:Cite web - Alternate link at Msn.com</ref>

Culture, parks, and recreation

River Oaks Country Club

Adjacent to the community is the River Oaks Shopping Center, Houston's first shopping center.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Constructed in 1927 and designed by architect Hugh Prather, the center, originally known as River Oaks Community Center, was one of the first automobile-oriented retail centers in the United States. Its design, with arcs of retail space on either side of West Gray Avenue, was considered a model for future development.<ref name="NeartownMap"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Portions of the historic shopping center were demolished in September 2007 to redevelop the site for a bookstore and parking garage. As of 2008, Landmark Theatres operates the River Oaks Theatre, an "arthouse" theater, located in the center. The theater is the last historic movie theater in Houston that is still being used as it was originally designed.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

River Oaks is home to the forty-member River Oaks Chamber Orchestra. The orchestra is composed of musicians from around the United States and guest conductors from around the world.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> River Oaks Country Club, located within the community on the northern end of River Oaks Boulevard, is a country club that includes a golf facility that was designed by architect Donald Ross. Ross is considered to be one of the most significant golf course designers in the history of golfing. Opening in 1923, the country club has hosted the River Oaks International Tennis Tournament since 1931.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Houston Intown Chamber of Commerce assists economic activity in River Oaks.<ref>"area map Template:Webarchive." Houston Intown Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved on December 11, 2008.</ref> The Houston Ballet headquarters, training facilities and pre-professional school, the Ben Stevenson Academy, were located on West Gray near the River Oaks Shopping Center until 2012.<ref>Houston Ballet</ref>

Parks

River Oaks Park

Several municipal parks serve River Oaks. River Oaks Park and the River Oaks Community Center, operated by the City of Houston,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> is one block west of Lamar High School.<ref>Staff. "AREA NOTES." Houston Chronicle. Sunday February 22, 1987. Sports 19. Retrieved on October 15, 2012. "[...]River Oaks Park at Larchmont at Westheimer, one block west of Lamar High School."</ref> River Oaks Park includes a Template:Convert off-road trail located within the park's boundaries, tennis courts, a playground, and a lighted sports ground.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> River Oaks Park includes the Pumpkin Carriage,<ref>"Pumpkin Carriage." (Archive) City of Houston. Retrieved on October 13, 2012.</ref> intended to evoke Cinderella's carriage. Around 2003 Friends of River Oaks Parks had restored the carriage. The Houston Business Journal said "Pumpkin Park provides outstanding resources for neighborhood children – a wonderful playground, community center and the Summer Enrichment Program offering youngsters sports activities and crafts classes."<ref>"Houston's neighborhood parks offer change of pace in the city." Houston Business Journal. Sunday October 26, 2003. Retrieved on October 13, 2012.</ref>

On June 24, 1999, the River Oaks Property Owners, Inc. entered an agreement with the City of Houston; ROPO agreed to maintain and upgrade parks and esplanades in River Oaks. ROPO also has the right to spend its own funds to improve them.<ref>"Corporate Policies Template:Webarchive." River Oaks Property Owners, Inc. 7 of 9. Retrieved on August 15, 2011.</ref> Municipal parks assisted by ROPO include Del Monte Park, Mary Elliot Park, Ella Lee Park,<ref>"Our Parks A-F Template:Webarchive." City of Houston. Retrieved on August 15, 2011.</ref> Homewood Park, Kirby Park, Rebecca Meyer Park,<ref>"Our Parks G-N Template:Webarchive." City of Houston. Retrieved on August 15, 2011.</ref> Olympia Park, Pine Valley Park, and Sleepy Hollow Park.<ref>"Our Parks O-Z Template:Webarchive." City of Houston. Retrieved on August 15, 2011.</ref><ref>"Corporate Policies Template:Webarchive." River Oaks Property Owners, Inc. 8 of 9. Retrieved on August 15, 2011.</ref>

Education

Primary and secondary schools

River Oaks Elementary School

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) operates the public schools serving River Oaks.<ref>"River Oaks Map Template:Webarchive." River Oaks Property Owners Inc. Retrieved on March 10, 2011.</ref> The community is within Trustee District VII.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> As of 2000, almost 9% of HISD property taxes originated from River Oaks residents.<ref name=McAdamsp168>McAdams, p. 168.</ref>

The attendance boundaries of River Oaks Elementary School,<ref>"River Oaks Elementary School Attendance Boundary." Houston Independent School District. Retrieved June 19, 2018.</ref> Lanier Middle School,<ref>"Lanier Middle School Attendance Boundary." Houston Independent School District. Retrieved June 19, 2018.</ref> and Lamar High School include River Oaks.<ref>"Lamar High School Attendance Boundary." Houston Independent School District. Retrieved June 19, 2018.</ref><ref name="AreaSchools">"Area Schools," River Oaks Property Owners, Inc.. Retrieved May 23, 2008.</ref><ref>"Map." River Oaks Property Owners Association. Retrieved on December 4, 2008.</ref> Lanier opened in 1926, River Oaks Elementary opened in 1929, and Lamar opened in 1937.<ref name="SchoolHistoriesHoustonISD">"School Histories: the Stories Behind the Names Template:Webarchive." Houston Independent School District. Accessed September 24, 2008.</ref> Template:As of there were 517 students in grades Kindergarten through 5 that were zoned to River Oaks Elementary School; that year, according to HISD estimates, about 56% attended River Oaks Elementary, about 41% attended private schools or homeschooling programs, about 2% attended other HISD schools, and about 1% attended public schools in other school districts.<ref>Template:Cite news ()</ref> Laura Nathan-Garner, author of the second edition of the Insiders' Guide to Houston (2012), wrote that "Many children in [River Oaks] attend [Lamar]".<ref name=Nathan-Garnerp248>Nathan-Garner, Laura. Insiders' Guide to Houston (2nd edition). Rowman & Littlefield, October 2, 2012. Template:ISBN, 9780762790630. p. 248.</ref>

In 1974 most of River Oaks was assigned to River Oaks Elementary School.<ref>"So You Want To Buy A House?" Texas Monthly. Emmis Communications, November 1974. Vol. 2, No. 11, ISSN 0148-7736. Start: p. 69. CITED: p. 73. "Prices in River Oaks have doubled since 1969, even in the section zoned out of River Oaks Elementary School."</ref> Prior to desegregation, it had around 800 children. After desegregation, many parents removed their children from River Oaks Elementary, and the school was far below capacity.<ref name=MarkleyWinds>Markley, Melanie. "Winds of change alarm River Oaks Vanguard parents." Houston Chronicle. Sunday April 2, 1995. A33. Retrieved on October 22, 2012.</ref> In 1986 the neighborhood component of the school closed. At the time River Oaks had mainly older families. At the time the remaining families who did have children had the money to send their children to private school and preferred to do so.<ref name=McAdamsp168/>

Between 1986 and 1996, River Oaks Elementary School only admitted magnet school students from other areas of the city. The community was divided between the attendance zones of Woodrow Wilson Elementary School (opened in 1925, now Ella Baker Montessori School), the now closed Will Rogers Elementary School (opened in 1950, closed in summer 2006),<ref name="SchoolHistoriesHoustonISD"/> and Poe Elementary School. By 1995 River Oaks Elementary became one of the most prestigious elementary schools in Houston and had a waiting list.<ref name=MarkleyWinds/> By that year several new families had established themselves in River Oaks and many of them were interested in sending their children to public school.<ref name=McAdamsp168/> In 1995, several River Oaks parents petitioned HISD to re-establish the neighborhood program at River Oaks Elementary School which allows non-magnet students residing in the school's boundaries to attend. Some magnet parents opposed, believing that the River Oaks program would reduce racial diversity at the school.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Classwar">Berryhill, Michael. "Class War." Houston Press. April 13, 1995. 1. Retrieved May 23, 2008.</ref><ref>Feser, Katherine. "River Oaks still most prestigious," Houston Chronicle. August 7, 1994. Retrieved on February 9, 2009.</ref><ref>"Studying our Schools: An Overview/The search for quality education/ Regardless of where they live, parents ask same question: How good are the schools?." Houston Chronicle. October 13, 1996. Accessed July 12, 2008.</ref> In 1996, HISD added a neighborhood program to the school for grades Kindergarten through 2nd, with grades 3 through 5 phased in over a subsequent three-year period.<ref>"1996–1997 HISD ATTENDANCE BOUNDARIES." Houston Independent School District. June 30, 1997. Retrieved on September 8, 2009. "To create boundaries for River Oaks ES, Kindergarten to 2nd grade "</ref>

Crockett Early Childhood Center is the closest public early childhood center to River Oaks, while Wilson Elementary School's preschool program is the closest tuition-based program.<ref>"Early Childhood Center Map." Houston Independent School District. Retrieved May 23, 2008.</ref><ref name="ECInfo">"APPLICATION FOR PREKINDERGARTEN, 2011–2012Template:Dead link." Houston Independent School District. Retrieved on November 11, 2011.</ref> Only economically disadvantaged students, homeless students, students who are not proficient in English, or children of active-duty members of the U.S. military or whose parent has been killed, injured, or missing in action while on active duty may be enrolled in tuition-free HISD preschools. Students who are eligible for HISD's preschools may attend any Early Childhood Center in Houston ISD for free. Students not eligible may enroll in tuition-based HISD preschool programs.<ref name="ECInfo"/>

Several independent (private) schools serve the community.<ref name="AreaSchools"/> Since the 1970s and by 1995, most of the children in River Oaks were sent to private schools.<ref name="Classwar"/> Catholic schools, operated by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, include St. Thomas High School (9–12, males only, north of River Oaks along the north edge of the Buffalo Bayou) and St. Anne Catholic School (K-8, south of River Oaks at Shepherd and Westheimer). Other private schools in the area and private schools marketed to River Oaks families include St. John's School (K–12, in Upper Kirby),<ref name="AreaSchools"/> Annunciation Orthodox School (K-8, in the Neartown area), River Oaks Baptist School (K-8, in River Oaks),<ref name="AreaSchools"/> Episcopal High School (9–12, Bellaire),<ref name="AreaSchools"/> The Kinkaid School in (Piney Point Village).<ref name="AreaSchools"/> In 2006 St. Anne Catholic School received the Blue Ribbon Award.<ref>"2006 No Child Left Behind – Blue Ribbon Schools All Private Elementary Schools." United States Department of Education. Accessed October 23, 2008.</ref>

Colleges and universities

River Oaks is within the Houston Community College System boundaries. The closest campuses are the Central Campus in Midtown and the West Loop Center. Four-year universities and colleges in close proximity to River Oaks include University of St. Thomas in Montrose and Rice University in the Houston Museum District.

Libraries

Looscan Library

The community is served by the Adele B. Looscan Branch of Houston Public Library. The current building opened in September 2007. The former library, established in 1956, closed on August 27, 2005, and was demolished in February 2006.<ref>"Adele B. Looscan Branch Replacement," () Houston Public Library. Retrieved May 23, 2008.</ref>

The previous Looscan branch had around 61,000 visitors in the fiscal year 2005. The original plans for Looscan called for the library to get a $5.4 million renovation. An Upper Kirby group proposed a new site near the Upper Kirby YMCA. Around that period the group Friends of Neighborhood Libraries began raising funds.<ref>Downing, Margaret. "Judging Books and Their Covers." Houston Press. August 21, 2007. 2. Retrieved on August 11, 2009.</ref> The replacement library, costing $6.2 million, has twice the staff and two and one half times the size of the previous facility. Friends of Neighborhood Libraries raised one million dollars in four months, and around $2.5 million in total to help fund the new library.<ref>Downing, Margaret. "Judging Books and Their Covers." Houston Press. August 21, 2007. 1 Template:Webarchive. Retrieved on August 11, 2009.</ref> The Template:Convert library, designed by Jackson & Ryan Architects, houses over 60,000 books and is the first city LEED-certified facility. It includes a 120-seat multipurpose meeting room and a 14-seat private conference room. The library has several reading areas, including the Marsha Moody Children's Reading Room, a teenager reading area, and a periodical reading area. The exterior was designed to match visual cues of buildings in the surrounding area, such as the River Oaks Baptist Church and School. The Emily Scott and Joseph Wood Evans Clock Tower, a part of the library's exterior, includes a garden book archive and works of art.<ref>"River Oaks landmark doubles in size with help from Friends." Houston Business Journal. Friday April 4, 2008. Retrieved on March 11, 2010.</ref> Template:Clear

Media

The Houston Chronicle is the area's regional newspaper. On Thursdays, residents receive the Bellaire/West U/River Oaks/Meyerland section, which covers events specific to these neighborhoods.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The River Oaks Examiner<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Village News are local newspapers distributed in the community. The River Oaks Buzz is a monthly magazine mailed free of charge to all residents and focuses on the community.

Government and infrastructure

Local government

Houston Fire Department Station 3 River Oaks

Houston Fire Department operates Station 3 at 3735 West Alabama at Cummins, near River Oaks.<ref name="FireStation33">"Houston Fire Station #3 Template:Webarchive." City of Houston. Retrieved May 23, 2008.</ref> The fire station is in Fire District 28.<ref>"Fire Stations." City of Houston. Retrieved December 4, 2008.</ref> Station 3 moved to its current location in 1958. The station underwent a renovation in 2003 and 2004 and re-opened in the northern hemisphere spring of 2004.<ref name="FireStation33"/> The community is within the Houston Police Department's Central Patrol Division,<ref>"Crime Statistics for Central Patrol Division." City of Houston. Retrieved May 23, 2008.</ref> headquartered at 61 Riesner.<ref name="VIPCops">"Volunteer Initiatives Program, Citizens Offering Police Support." City of Houston. Retrieved May 23, 2008.</ref> River Oaks has one of the lowest crime rates in Houston.<ref>"North Houston Has Highest Crime Rate Template:Webarchive," KPRC-TV. Retrieved May 23, 2008.</ref>

Fire Station 3, 1976

The River Oaks Property Owners, Inc. offices are at 3923 San Felipe Road.<ref>"Contact Us Template:Webarchive." River Oaks Property Owners, Inc. Retrieved on May 11, 2009.</ref> The community operates its own private security force, River Oaks Patrol. The Texas Department of Public Safety classifies the force as a guard, alarm, and investigation company.<ref>"Company Details: River Oaks Patrol Template:Webarchive," Texas Department of Public Safety. Retrieved May 23, 2008.</ref> The community is within Super Neighborhood #23 and its recognized council was established on October 15, 2001.<ref>"Super Neighborhood #23 Afton Oaks/River Oaks Template:Webarchive." City of Houston. Retrieved on November 16, 2008.</ref> Each super neighborhood represents a group of civic clubs, places of worship, businesses, and other institutions and community interests.<ref>"Proclamation Template:Webarchive." Super Neighborhood Alliance. Retrieved on November 16, 2008.</ref> River Oaks is a part of the Houston City Council District G.<ref>City of Houston, Council District Maps, District G Template:Webarchive." City of Houston. Retrieved on November 5, 2011.</ref>

County, state, and federal government

River Oaks Station Post Office, east of River Oaks in Neartown<ref name="NeartownMap"/>

River Oaks is within Harris County Precinct 4.<ref>"Parks Map Template:Webarchive." Harris County Precinct 4. Retrieved on November 22, 2008.</ref> As of 2020, R. Jack Cagle is the precinct's County Commissioner.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> River Oaks is in Justice of the Peace/Constable Precinct One. As of 2012 Alan Rosen is the constable.<ref>"Precincts on the Web! Template:Webarchive." Harris County. Retrieved on January 1, 2008.</ref>

River Oaks is located in District 134 of the Texas House of Representatives and represented by Ann Johnson, a Democrat.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> River Oaks is within District 17 of the Texas Senate and represented by Joan Huffman, a Republican.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The community is within Texas's 7th congressional district.<ref>"Congressional District 7 Template:Webarchive." National Atlas of the United States. Retrieved May 23, 2008.</ref> As of 2019, the representative is Lizzie Pannill Fletcher. The United States Post Office Service (USPS) operates the River Oaks Post Office at 1900 West Gray Street,<ref name="NeartownMap"/> supporting the zip codes 77027 and 77019.<ref>"Post Office Location – River Oaks." United States Postal Service. Retrieved on November 22, 2008.</ref> The post office sits on a Template:Convert property with a gross building area of Template:Convert.<ref name="ROPOfficeSell">Reed, Michael. "For sale: River Oaks post officeTemplate:Dead link." River Oaks Examiner. January 8, 2009. Retrieved on October 26, 2009.</ref> In addition the Julius Melcher Post Office is near River Oaks.<ref name="ROPostOfNotSell">"Coming & going." West University Examiner. October 21, 2009. Retrieved on October 26, 2009.</ref> In January 2009 the USPS announced that it will put the River Oaks Post Office property up for sale.<ref name="ROPOfficeSell"/> In October of that year the USPS announced that it, for now, will not sell the River Oaks and Melcher post offices.<ref name="ROPostOfNotSell"/>

Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) operates bus services in and around River Oaks. Lines serving River Oaks are the 27 Shepherd, 32 Renwick/San Felipe, 41 Kirby/Polk and 82 Westheimer.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Harris Health System (formerly Harris County Hospital District) designated Casa De Amigos Health Center in Northside for ZIP code 77019 and the Valbona Health Center (formerly People's Health Center) in Greater Sharpstown for ZIP code 77027. The nearest public hospital is Ben Taub General Hospital in the Texas Medical Center.<ref>Template:Cite web - See ZIP codes 77019 and 77027. See this map for relevant ZIP code.</ref>

Politics

Politicians and political parties conduct fundraising campaigns in River Oaks because it has "six desired qualities" including "allure, location, preening, location, Secret Service familiarity and location."<ref name=BernsteinContrib>Bernstein, Alan. "River Oaks a hot spot for candidates seeking contributions." Houston Chronicle. Sunday August 10, 2012. Retrieved on October 18, 2012.</ref> In both 2000 and 2004, River Oaks residents gave $3.9 million to political campaigns. In 2008, they gave $3.4 million to political campaigns through the middle of that year.<ref name=BernsteinContrib/> In 1992 Cynthia Mayer of the Philadelphia Inquirer described River Oaks as one of Houston's "richest, most Republican neighborhoods",<ref name=Mayer2>Mayer, Cynthia. "In Houston, Where Bush Still Drops In." Philadelphia Inquirer. August 18, 1992. 2. Retrieved on October 13, 2012.</ref> and Bennett Roth of the Houston Chronicle also described the area as such in 2008.<ref>Roth, Bennett. "Thompson, Clinton lead recent Texas fundraising." Houston Chronicle. Wednesday October 17, 2008. Retrieved on October 18, 2012.</ref>

Notable residents

See also

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References

Notes

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