Just inside the 610 Loop across from the Galleria lies Afton Oaks, a subdivision of more than 400 mostly ranch-style brick homes built in the 1950s with a smattering of larger new construction. Buyers also are updating sturdy, older homes, many of which are in such good condition tearing them down is not cost effective. Grand old trees along the curvy streets and divided esplanade on Newcastle add to the established feel of the neighborhood.

Bounded on the north by Westheimer, on the south by the Southwest Freeway, on the west by Loop 610, and on the east by Mid Lane, its close-in location has made it popular with two-income families wanting to be near work and neighboring entertainment venues. But the residents of Afton Oaks are a congenial mix of young professionals and families with children at one end of the spectrum to retired original owners on the other.

Because of its active civic club, Afton Oaks was selected as part of a "Neighborhoods to Standard" four year renovation program installing new streets and curbs and storm sewers as needed. The association also lobbied against a proposed Metro rail on Richmond a number of years ago.

The average Afton Oaks home offers about 2,200 square feet, three bedrooms and two or two and one-half baths on a 8,000+ square foot lot. Many have the timeless features home buyers now look for such as hardwood floors, built-ins and traditional architecture. Prices range from the $100,000s for properties near major thoroughfares, to the high $500,000s for updated and new construction on interior lots.