The appeal of these small subdivisions on either side of Willowick between Westheimer and San Felipe is obvious - it's their proximity to River Oaks and their close-in location. In fact, Royden Oaks lies directly to the west of River Oaks with lots on River Oaks' Timber Lane backing up to those on Royden Oaks' Maconda Street named after the original landowner's daughter. Just across Willowick lies Oak Estates.

Residents of these neighboring communities enjoy the business and shopping opportunities in Downtown Houston or the Uptown/Galleria area and are an easy walk away from the outstanding retailers and restaurants of Highland Village, a public library, and fine schools, both public and private. Located in the Houston Independent School District, they are also near two of the city's best private schools, St. John's and River Oaks Baptist.

Nearby River Oaks Park features playground equipment, tennis courts, a basketball court, and a civic building, while 1,505-acre Memorial Park offers wooded settings for golf, tennis, biking, jogging, swimming, volleyball, and baseball, as well as bridle paths and picnic areas. The private Briar Club has its own swimming, tennis, dining, and workout facilities.

Royden Oaks' wrought iron street lamps in are the same as those throughout River Oaks and street signs are made of black and white mosaic tile. As in River Oaks, residents have back-door trash pick up, and constables hired by the property owners association patrol the area.

Royden Oaks was developed in the late 1940s by Frank Sharp, with mostly ranch style houses on just over 200 lots. Likewise, Oak Estates was developed in the 1940s by S.N. Adams with approximately 150 properties on the former site of a private sports club. Both neighborhoods have seen new construction replace many of their original homes. On some blocks, as many as half have been torn down and replaced with grand-scale new homes. Styles range from Mediterranean and Georgian to French and contemporary, and some have quarters over the garages.

The property owners associations here are adamant about preserving their subdivisions' integrity by enforcing deed restrictions. Both areas are noted for beautiful oak trees and quiet, neighborly ambience. In Oak Estates, most of the streets were recently redone with new concrete and curbs.

Close-in location and large lots, typically from 8,500 to 17,000 square feet, have made the neighborhood attractive for new homes. Plus, lots cost about half as much as those in River Oaks ranging from around $130,000 to as much as $300,000, depending on location.

Newer homes usually cost from between $600,000 to over $1 million. Older houses go from $220,000 to $350,000, while perimeter homes near busy streets sell for less. Many homes have been remodeled, updated, and added on to. These range widely in price, depending upon location and improvements, selling from the mid-$300,000s up into the $500,000s.