Home sales increased over 150% in Waller during the second quarter of the year — the highest year-over-year increase in sales of any Houston area community — earning it the top spot on the Houston Association of REALTORS’® Hottest Communities in the Houston Area report.

Buyers purchased 197 homes in Waller, with 85% being new construction. The average sales price declined 20.7% year over year to $318,743, meaning the city was much more affordable than it was during the second quarter of 2024.

Waller wasn’t the only affordable community to heat up, though. All but three communities on HAR’s list had prices lower than the area median average ($450,235).

“Given the current economic climate, we’re seeing that people are looking for homes that strike the right balance between affordability and quality,” said HAR Chair Shae Cottar. “Neighborhoods that offer both new homes and attainable price points are really standing out, and many first-time buyers are finding that this is the most cost-effective way to enter the market.”

Also in the top 10 were Brookshire, where sales jumped 122.7% year over year; the Crosby area, up 94%; Hockley, up 94%; the Fall Creek area, up 63.6%; Cottage Grove, up 54.8%; Dayton, up 51.8%; East End, up 46%; Rice/Museum District, up 40.78%; and the Oak Forest West area, up 40.5%.