Article Overview: Best Neighborhoods in Houston
Moving to Texas and wondering about the the best neighborhoods in Houston? You’re in the right place.
I was born in Houston and have personally seen a lot of growth and changes in several different areas of the Lone Star state. For this list, I’ve ranked the best Houston neighborhoods based on my personal experience.
Before we dive into the list of the best neighborhoods in Houston, I wanted to offer a quick morsel of advice. Like most places, your best bet is to try to live near where you work because the traffic in Houston is notoriously bad (some of the worst in the nation). The less time you spend car-bound, the more time you can enjoy all the city offers.
For this list of the best neighborhoods to live in Houston, I’ve ranked neighborhoods based on a number of criteria and included important statistics along with other factors for each including:
- Median Age
- Median Home Price
- Median Household Income
- Walkability
- Affordability
- Beauty & Parks
- Schools
Note: This list is regularly updated based on changing statistics and comments from you. Your feedback directly impacts this article so please drop us a comment and let us know what you think!
The Best Neighborhoods in Houston
Table of Contents: Best Neighborhoods in Houston
Top 10 Best Neighborhoods in Houston
10. Memorial
| Median Age | 39 years |
| Median Home Price | $493K |
| Median Household Income | $155,000 |
| Walkability | 7/10 |
| Scenic Beauty & Parks | 9/10 |
| Transit | 5/10 |
A Best Neighborhood in Houston for/because: affordability, families, nature
Locals say Memorial has the perfect balance of city life and suburbia, so it’s a top pick for couples and young families. While the median home price is $493,721, it’s not uncommon to find properties starting in the $150s in the Memorial area. Planning to rent? Rentals in the Memorial area start from the low $900s for a studio apartment and go up to $9,000 for a large home.
In Memorial, people enjoy lots of different home styles, from classic single-family homes to traditional ranch-style houses and large luxury estates. You’ll even find some nice condos and townhomes in this area. Memorial isn’t a cookie-cutter housing community. Best of all, many of the properties in Memorial sit on large, tree-shaded lots. When it comes to investments, real estate in Memorial continues to increase in value.
Memorial is one of the best neighborhoods in Houston for nature lovers. Residents enjoy Terry Hershey Park—which spans 12 miles on the wooded southern border of Memorial—and destinations like Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary and Nottingham Park.
You’ll be near the Houston Zoo and the Space Center, both of which have a lot of activities for families. One thing to keep in mind about Memorial is that it’s a newer area, so you’ll see more chain stores and restaurants and less community.
9. Museum District
| Median Age | 30 years |
| Median Home Price | $529K |
| Median Household Income | $90,000 |
| Walkability | 8/10 |
| Scenic Beauty & Parks | 9/10 |
| Transit | 7/10 |
A Best Neighborhood in Houston for/because: architecture, charming, culture
If you’re into beautiful architecture then bump the Museum District up on your list of best neighborhoods in Houston. The architecture here is a highlight for singles and families making their homes in Houston’s Museum District.
Most homes in the Museum District start in the $500s and shoot up to $1.5 million. Looking to rent instead? You’ll find something in the Museum District for around $2,008 per month (depending on the amenities and area you’re looking for).
What’s so special about the Museum District? People devoted to this neighborhood love the impressive arts and culture scene. Museums include the world-famous Children’s Museum, the Houston Zoo, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Holocaust Museum Houston, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
But Houston’s museum district is also home to more niche museums like the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, the Houston Center for Photography, and the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum.
Active singles on the go, empty-nesters, and young families love this area because they have plenty of things to do—there’s something fun and exciting going on all the time!
The Museum District is also a handy place to live if you work or study at the Texas Medical Center or Rice University. People who live in this area enjoy the outdoors at destinations like Hermann Park and nearby Brays Bayou, plus numerous playgrounds, parks, and picnic areas.
8. Greater Uptown
| Median Age | 40 years |
| Median Home Price | $380K |
| Median Household Income | $101,500 |
| Walkability | 8/10 |
| Scenic Beauty & Parks | 8/10 |
| Transit | 7/10 |
A Best Neighborhood in Houston for/because: quiet/laid back, shopping, restaurants
Fancy a spot that’s super close to downtown but doesn’t have as much foot traffic? The Uptown area may be one of the top neighborhoods in Houston, especially if you enjoy shopping and being close to downtown without the overwhelm that can come when you’re in the center of the city. The area is home to about 10% of the office space in the city of Houston, and Greater Uptown is a hub of diversity.
Uptown is loaded with Texas charm, so it’s a magnet for young professionals and families. Home prices start in the $200s and climb upward from there. It is a melting pot with people from all walks of life, and of all ages, from fresh-faced young professionals to retirees living the good life.
Uptown is scattered with green spaces and parks where you can take a breather and soak up some sunshine (or laze around under a shade tree). You’ll also find many open-air shopping centers in Uptown, not to mention an abundance of entertainment options and trendy dining spots.
The Galleria Mall is in Uptown, and you’re looking at more than 375 stores. When locals feel like taking a whirl around the rink, they head to the Galleria for ice skating. Near the Galleria, you’ll also find more than 30 restaurants with a variety of different cuisines.
The FOMO Factory is nearby, and it’s a great place for a unique date or to take out-of-town guests when they visit you. The immersive art experience takes you through 17 different rooms representing the journey through childhood.
7. Midtown
| Median Age | 34 years |
| Median Home Price | $397K |
| Median Household Income | $89,000 |
| Walkability | 10/10 |
| Scenic Beauty & Parks | 8/10 |
| Transit | 10/10 |
A Best Neighborhood in Houston for/because: commuters, clean, lively, party-goers
For those who dream of settling down in an urban setting, Midtown may be just what you’ve been looking for. Midtown has a cool mix of loft apartments and condos, single-family properties, and multi-story townhomes with a median home value of $397K. You can snag a rental for around $1,580. You may even get lucky and find a place with an amazing view of Houston’s famous skyline.
Midtown has a lot of the same perks as downtown and Uptown but with even more options. Many Houstonians call Midtown the best neighborhood in Houston for young professionals, and this neighborhood is enjoying the biggest renaissance of any of the inner loop neighborhoods. Equally important, Midtown is centrally located between downtown, Montrose, and EaDo.
Working downtown? Midtown is a popular living area for commuters. Many locals who live in downtown and Midtown use the METRORail for a quick and convenient ride to work. As I mentioned above, the city’s rail service doesn’t go everywhere, but it has an excellent reputation for being safe, clean, and reliable. Midtown is also near many of Houston’s major thoroughfares and freeways, so getting around is a breeze.
Midtown Park always has something going on, whether it’s yoga on the green, a Zumba workout, a music festival, or a food truck soiree. For nightlife and live music, Midtown is hard to beat.
One of the downsides of living in Midtown is that the area is a bit heavy on drunk party goers at night. Some residents also complain that Midtown has a large homeless population.
6. Greenway/Upper Kirby
| Median Age | 36 years |
| Median Home Price | $427K |
| Median Household Income | $123,000 |
| Walkability | 7/10 |
| Scenic Beauty & Parks | 8/10 |
| Transit | 6/10 |
A Best Neighborhood in Houston for/because: dog-friendly, historic, young professionals
Long-time Houston folks remember a time when Upper Kirby and the adjacent Greenway Plaza were a forgotten area of Houston. But now? This historic neighborhood is at the center of the city’s growth. People who live in this area love the cool urban vibe, and it’s a favorite settling spot with young professionals. The average cost of a home in this Houston neighborhood is $427,944, and rents average in the $1,600s.
Upper Kirby strikes a nice balance between parklands and urban streets, making this one of the best neighborhoods in Houston for dog lovers. There’s even a fenced dog park at nearby Levy Park, so your furry BFF can enjoy some off-leash playtime. In the park, play areas for big dogs and small pups are separate, so everyone gets to play and make friends.
Here’s the best part: If you love taking your pooch everywhere you go, you’ll be pleased to know that your furry animal companion is also welcome on the outdoor patios of many area restaurants, including Bollo Woodfired Pizza, Ruggles Black, and Kiran’s.
Top 5 Best Neighborhoods in Houston
5. Downtown
| Median Age | 34 years |
| Median Home Price | $366K |
| Median Household Income | $82,000 |
| Walkability | 10/10 |
| Scenic Beauty & Parks | 7/10 |
| Transit | 10/10 |
A Best Neighborhood in Houston for/because: Hustle bustle, lively, young affluent
We’re starting off our list of the best places to live in Houston with a neighborhood located in the heart of the city.
Do you love being right in the heart of the hustle and bustle of a big city? If so then downtown is probably the place for you. Living in Downtown Houston you’re just a stone’s throw away from all of the fantastic things the city has to offer.
If you’re a culture buff, you’ll enjoy all of the nearby museums and art galleries. Residents love being just a short walk from the Contemporary Arts Museum, and many become members so they can take part in all of the seasonal events and activities.
If you’re a sports fan, downtown is the perfect place to live because it’s home to the Houston Astros, the Dynamo men’s Major League Soccer team, and the NBA Rockets. Downtown Houston delivers a high-energy urban lifestyle.
Downtown Houston is the center of the action, and you’ll find concert venues and tons of parks with lush green grass where locals gather to enjoy a little bit of nature inside the city.
If you’re a night owl who’s into a good nightlife scene then makes this is one of the best neighborhoods in Houston for you.
At the 12-acre Discovery Green Park, residents enjoy energizing dance events, the latest films (plus some wonderful oldies), delightfully chaotic street fairs, and more in the spacious outdoor amphitheater.
During the daytime, the park often has a lot of children playing. Fun fact: There are park cats, and if you ever happen to be in the park at 2:00 a.m., they’ll greet you in a friendly way.
The downtown residential area consists mostly of upscale luxury condominiums and lofts, with a median home price of $366,106. Renters can expect to pay a median rental price of $2,077.
Getting Around Downtown Houston
If you need to get around in Houston without a car, downtown is the place to do it. Hop on the METRORail to get everywhere you need to go in the downtown and midtown areas.
Light rail service is limited, but the city is slowly expanding it to serve more areas. Residents who rely on METRORail love the service. The only complaint is that it doesn’t serve the entire city.
Renting scooters is also quick and easy, so you can get wherever you need to go within downtown in a jiffy. If walking is your thing, downtown Houston is super walkable, especially when heading out for the night.
4. Montrose
| Median Age | 36 years |
| Median Home Price | $574K |
| Median Household Income | $110,000 |
| Walkability | 7/10 |
| Scenic Beauty & Parks | 7/10 |
| Transit | 6/10 |
A Best Neighborhood in Houston for/because: eclectic, diverse, hipster
Montrose is one of Houston’s most eclectic and diverse neighborhoods, with a quirky mix of contemporary townhomes and early-century mansions. In fact, some people even refer to Montrose as “Houston’s Austin” because the neighborhood has an edgy vibe with lots of energy.
Montrose has changed a lot in the last several years, and buying a home there could be a good investment. Home prices are sort of all over the place, starting in the $400s and going up to $2 million or more. If you’re thinking about renting, studio apartments start at around $1,600.
What makes Montrose one of the best neighborhoods in Houston? The unique hipster vibe is hard to beat. Montrose is full of cool eateries, bars with live music to get your groove on, and art galleries showcasing some of Houston’s finest talent.
In Montrose, you’ll also find the Menil Collection, which has free admission and houses more than 17,000 works of art that include sculptures, paintings, photos, and more. Both amateur and professional photographers love to visit the Houston Center for Photography, where budding photogs can enjoy workshops, exhibits, and a digital darkroom.
3. River Oaks
| Median Age | 40 years |
| Median Home Price | $2.3M |
| Median Household Income | $122,000 |
| Walkability | 5/10 |
| Scenic Beauty & Parks | 10/10 |
| Transit | 3/10 |
A Best Neighborhood in Houston for/because: country club, wealthy, quiet, parks
If you’re dreaming of tree-lined streets, a country club lifestyle, and sprawling estates, River Oaks is one of the best neighborhoods in Houston for you. River Oaks is one of Houston’s priciest neighborhoods, but locals believe that it’s totally worth it.
Located just west of the downtown area, you’ll find luxury mansions, contemporary townhomes and condos, and traditional homes in River Oaks. Although the median home price in River Oaks is $2.3 million. Architectural styles have the “old money” feel that was popular in Houston decades ago, with magnificent estates and stately mansions.
People who live in River Oaks have convenient access to golf, tennis, and swimming if they’re members of the River Oaks Country Club. The price to join is steep: $100,000, and you have to have a current member sponsor you (in addition to the $100K…). After that, monthly fees are $1,000.
Residents love the easy access to fine dining and upscale shopping. Want to get outside? No problem! The River Oaks neighborhood is also full of beautiful parks and green spaces like River Oaks Park and Sleepy Hollow Park.
2. West University Place
| Median Age | 42 years |
| Median Home Price | $1.5M |
| Median Household Income | $250,000+ |
| Walkability | 7/10 |
| Scenic Beauty & Parks | 9/10 |
| Transit | 6/10 |
A Best Neighborhood in Houston for/because: collegiate, affluence, upscale
Tucked in next to West Loop 610 and Southwest Freeway, you’ll find a little gem affectionately called “West U” by the locals. West University Place is centrally located in the city, with easy access to freeways and main roads.
West U is sandwiched between Bellaire, Houston, and Southside Place. Homes in this area are mostly single-family dwellings on oversized lots, but some homes date back as far as the 1930s. West U streets are charmingly named after famous poets, so this area has a collegiate vibe.
Homes in West U are a bit on the pricey side, with an average of $1.5 million being the norm, but if you’re lucky, you can find some properties in the $600s. The good news is that real estate values in this area keep going up, so it’s a great investment in one of the best neighborhoods in Houston. If you’re renting, you’ll spend about $1,280 per month.
Some of Houston’s best shopping, dining, and entertainment are nearby, including the Galleria Mall, Greenway Plaza, and Rice Village. And did I mention the parks? Locals love to grab a picnic basket and head over to Colonial Park, West University Spark Park, or Whitt Johnson Park. Another fun activity is taking a swan boat ride at nearby Hermann Park.
1. Houston Heights
| Median Age | 35 years |
| Median Home Price | $585K |
| Median Household Income | $132,000 |
| Walkability | 7/10 |
| Scenic Beauty & Parks | 8/10 |
| Transit | 5/10 |
A Best Neighborhood in Houston for/because: families, small-town feel, music & arts
With median home prices of $585,752, the Houston Heights area is one of Houston’s most exclusive neighborhoods. The Heights is situated in the northwestern end of the city, and the strong community vibe also has a small-town feel. Look for historic bungalows and homes of many different sizes and architectural styles.
Founded initially in the 1890s, The Heights is a great place for walking along tree-lined streets. Also, the Heights Hike and Bike Trail is a great place to enjoy nature while you walk or ride yourself to fitness. The Heights is one of the best Houston neighborhoods for families. The price for getting into this neighborhood may be too steep for young professionals just getting started in their careers.
Shoppers love the retro vibe they find in shops on historic West 19th Street and Heights Boulevard, and people from all over the city flock to the area for the First Saturday Arts Market every month. The Heights Theater is another popular attraction, and residents of The Heights enjoy concerts and private showings in the restored 1900s movie theater.
If you’re looking for your fixer-upper dream home, keep in mind that older homes like many of those in The Heights have small closets and may need expensive electrical and plumbing upgrades.
The 10 Best Neighborhoods in Houston (Post Summary)
All of the best neighborhoods in Houston have something to offer, and these 10 are some of the finest places to live in one of the nation’s largest cities. Every Houston neighborhood has its own offerings, charms, and options, so finding the best place for your family to live in Houston is a breeze.
FAQ – Best Neighborhoods in Houston
The best neighborhood to live in Houston is currently Houston Heights.
The most luxurious neighborhood to live in Houston is River Oaks with it’s country club atmosphere and million(s) dollar homes.
Map of the Best Neighborhoods in Houston
List of the Best Neighborhoods in Houston
- Houston Heights
- West University Place
- River Oaks
- Montrose
- Downtown
- Greenway/Upper Kirby
- Midtown
- Greater Uptown
- Museum District
- Memorial
Pin the Best Neighborhoods in Houston
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