9 Best Neighborhoods in Houston, TX

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Best for Families

Population: 34,360

As one of the best Houston neighborhoods, West University is an ideal place for families and young professionals because of the different community activities it offers, including many green spaces. The area is home to an outdoor sports field, gymnasium, and swimming pool, making it easy to stay busy and active each season.

This neighborhood is also appealing to nature lovers and those who love the active lifestyle because of the two main park areas it offers, which include Colonial Park and Friends Park, allowing families to bring their children and pets any day of the week.

Many of the local residents at West University are successful professionals. From attorneys to doctors, the residents are known to hold important positions in various industries throughout the local area. The proximity of West University to different areas of Houston also makes it convenient to commute to different parts of the city for the busy professionals who live in the neighborhood. The average commute is only 19 minutes and is a great Houston neighborhood.

Local Favorites:

There are plenty of places to visit throughout West University when you want to spend time in the great outdoors without traveling too far. Hermann Park is an urban park that spans over 445 acres and features a railroad, two playgrounds, pedal boats, and the Houston Zoo. An additional ten decent public parks are also available throughout the neighborhood.

For an educational experience, you can also visit The Museum District, where you can view different exhibits or see the stars at the Planetarium, which is conveniently located at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

If you like shopping centers, browse the Rice Village Shopping Mall, which is an open-air mall with plenty of small shops and department stores.

Real Estate Market:  

The average cost of a residential property at West University is $1.1 million. Rental prices are an average of $2,260, but only 9% of the properties in the neighborhood are rented by local residents.

Best for Young Professionals

Population: 15,216

As one of the best neighborhoods in Houston for young people, Midtown is a dense location that attracts many young professionals for its access to top attractions and a variety of nightlife options, including many great bars, including gay bars. This neighborhood is highly diverse and offers a variety of entertainment options, making it easy to stay busy and have fun any night of the week. This is ideal for young people who are looking to mingle and meet like-minded friends.

Many of the establishments are easy to walk to, and three Metrorail stations are available to avoid driving when you want to get around. Free outdoor activities and events are also available, making it easy to meet other locals.

Local Favorites:

As one of the top neighborhoods, Midtown offers Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, which is a former water reservoir that now hosts tours during the week. Graffiti Park is also an excellent place to stroll, where you can view different types of street art, and where a variety of murals are present. The Japanese Garden is also a hidden green space that offers an escape from the city.

Real Estate Market:

Best for Young Families

Population: 35,799

Memorial is a highly-rated neighborhood in the Houston area that has a variety of contemporary and traditional properties. The homes are surrounded by a lush forest area, making it feel secluded from the rest of the city. Some of the top parks in the city are also present in Memorial and attract families throughout the week. It feels like a small town, with big city amenities, at times.

The excellent school districts are another reason many people relocate to Memorial due to the Grade A school districts with schools that include Meadow Wood Elementary and Memorial Middle School.

Aside from the variety of homes present, it's also a place where there's an abundance of fantastic restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, and reputable hospitals. A golf course and country club are also present, making it easy to enjoy upscale amenities. If you want to raise a family, it’s hard to go wrong with Memorial as it’s also one of the safest neighborhoods in Houston.

Local Favorites:

Some of the top places to visit in this neighborhood include the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Houston Zoo, for an enriching educational experience. The Music Box Theater is also a great place to enjoy a few laughs when attending a comedy show or watching a live band play.

Real Estate Market:  

Best for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Population: 114,532

Located in Montgomery County, The Woodlands is a master-planned community with some of the highest-rated home sales in the U.S. It has a long list of local restaurants and offers downtown walkability. The recreation, shops, and lush trees make it feel like you're living at a beautiful retreat that has broken free from its cookie-cutter reputation from the past.

Local Favorites:

Woodlanders enjoy spending their time at Riva Row Boat House, where you can rent a kayak and spend time on the water to cool off from the heat. Lake Woodlands is also an ideal spot for avid fishers. You can also visit Waterway Square for the live music that is hosted in an outdoor area, where you can listen to everything from country to jazz.

Outdoor enthusiasts also appreciate The George Mitchell Nature Preserve, which offers 160 miles of trails for hiking as well as many biking trails. The Woodlands is great for those who want to live the good life full of amenities while having nature in their backyard.

Real Estate Market:  

According to redfin.com, the average home price in The Woodlands is $531,445, and the average price of rent is $1,767 at 961 sq. ft.

Best for Older Adults

Population: 18,807

Houston Heights is one of the most expensive Houston neighborhoods and is a very affluent community, allowing it to attract older adults. Located northwest of downtown Houston, it dates back to the 1800s and has different types of Victorian homes on each block.

The beautiful and well-maintained historic architecture makes the perfect neighborhood for many. It also has a variety of unique restaurants and locally-owned businesses. It's only a few minutes from the downtown area, making it ideal for commuters. The spacious parks also offer something to families in the area.

Local Favorites:

Locals tend to spend their time at the classic Heights Theater and also frequent the First Saturday Arts Market. The Discovery Green is also a fun place to visit, where many modern activities are available that attract people from all walks of life.

Real Estate Market:

Best for Those Who Love the City Life

Population: 69,302

If you want to enjoy city life, Greater Uptown has major shopping centers and is home to many designer stores and upscale boutiques, making it extremely walkable, especially when visiting the Nearby Uptown Park.

Despite the variety of establishments present, it's still a quiet and peaceful place to live and is in close proximity to different parts of the city. As a business district, it also has plenty of restaurants that serve authentic cuisine, including Thai, Japanese, and French food.

Local Favorites:

There are many places to wine and dine in the Greater Uptown neighborhood, making it necessary to make reservations at JOEY Uptown, Nobu, or Mastro’s Steakhouse. Opposite the Williams Tower is the Waterwall, where you can take a photo in front of the semi-circular fountain, which is 64 feet tall. This area is also a great place to enjoy a staycation and visit the spa. Some of the top spas in the neighborhood include Fiori, Mokara Spa, and the Omni Hotel.

Real Estate Market:

Best for Families Who Enjoy Small-Town Living

Population: 19,208

Bellaire is an all-American neighborhood that boasts custom-built homes and offers the same amenities that are available in the busy city. The excellent proximity to a world-renowned medical center, cultural events, and sports arenas also makes it a convenient place to live for families with children. It even has its own city library, police protection, fire service, and highly-rated parks, making it easy to avoid leaving the area during the week.

Local Favorites:

The Nature Discovery Center is a top attraction in Bellaire and offers an educational experience in an outdoor setting. Evelyn’s Park is also an ideal place to unwind at a park that has been open since 1910 and has a variety of gardens and trails available.

Real Estate Market:

Best for Locals Who Enjoy Arts and Culture

Population: 26,915

Known as an eccentric neighborhood, Montrose has an exciting nightlife scene and is home to different thrift shops, art galleries, and restaurants. As the most walkable neighborhood in the city, it is a pocket of eccentricity and has been in the heart of Houston since it was established in 1910. Today, it's easy to find tattoo shops, vintage clothing stores, and upscale eateries without having to rely on a car. Montrose is eccentric but still offers an authentic and comfortable living experience for residents.

Local Favorites:

If you want to view works of art, stop by the Menil Collection or the Rothko Chapel, where different exhibits are always rotating and on display. You can also spend time in a tranquil setting at Buffalo Bayou, which is a well-known 160-acre park where you can rent a kayak or bike. Some of the top restaurants in the neighborhood include Bludorn and 93 Til.

Real Estate Market:

According to redfin.com, the average house price is $350,000, making this a more affordable neighborhood that attracts young adults. The median rent is $1,624, according to zumper.com.

Best for Upscale Living

Population: 7,524

River Oaks is one of the best neighborhoods in Houston, Texas, for its luxurious and upscale environment. The neighborhood is known as one of the wealthiest areas in the state of Texas and has a low crime rate because it's monitored by a private agency known as the River Oaks Patrol. Some of the many residents in River Oaks are professional athletes, philanthropists, politicians, and celebrities.

Local Favorites:

Highland Village is one of the top places to visit in the area for its upscale shopping options, where stores like Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, Anthropologie, and Crate and Barrel are present.

River Oaks is also home to The Museum of Fine Arts, where you can stroll through a sculpture garden or browse the works of art in the multiple gallery buildings. The Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is also a renowned art museum and features tranquil gardens on the property.

Real Estate Market:

With an above-average quality of life score, Houston, Texas, continues to be a desirable place to live for families and successful professionals, and that’s why it’s growing in popularity. The abundance of highly-rated neighborhoods makes it easy to have plenty of options when looking for a place to reside.

Whether you're relocating to the city for a job opportunity or to raise your children in a family-friendly environment, Houston appeals to a variety of lifestyles and proves to be more affordable than similar cities throughout the U.S.

Having someone do all the heavy lifting for you can save you a lot of time and help you find the perfect place, whether you are looking at luxury high-rise condos or single-family homes, so call us today to get started on finding your next property in Houston, Texas. With the help of a professional property management company, it can be easier to find your dream home.