River Oaks is the most exclusive residential area in Houston complete with white-columned mansions, maids' quarters and manicured gardens. It is inside the Loop 610 halfway between downtown and uptown. River Oaks spans 1,100 acres in area. River Oaks is north of the Houston district of Upper Kirby and west of Near town/Montrose.

River Oaks consists of approximately 1,100 properties in a region bounded on the north by Buffalo Bayou, on the east by South Shepherd Drive, on the west by East Briar Hollow Lane, and on the south by Westheimer Road.

River Oaks is considered to be one of the wealthiest communities in Texas and has one of the wealthiest zip codes in the United States.

River Oaks Country Club Estates is is home to River Oaks Country Club which includes a golf facility designed by architect Donald Ross.River Oaks Tall Timber - 2009 Real Estate Market Report

Many of the district’s streets are named after famous golf and country clubs in cities such as Chevy Chase, Maryland; Inverness, Ohio; and Inwood. The River Oaks area is also known for its quaint upscale restaurants, as well as its exclusive boutiques and shops.

River Oaks is protected by very comprehensive deed restrictions which ensure that the area can never be invaded by commercial structures or multi-family housing. The River Oaks Homeowners Association, which is accessible to homeowners 24 hours a day, handles permanent maintenance of the area through the levy of a maintenance fee. The Association monitors deed restriction compliance, maintains the esplanades and parks, and contracts for trash collection services.