Best 7 Neighborhoods to Live in Houston

It’s no wonder that Houston, or H-town as it’s affectionately known, is a city that captures the hearts of many. Bursting with entertainment options, a welcoming and diverse culture, and a thriving job market, Houston’s perks make it a top choice for many. However, with its vast size and seemingly endless choices, finding the perfect Houston neighborhood can be an exciting challenge. It has 88 “super-neighborhoods” that divide further. That means home buyers have many options when looking for the best neighborhoods in Houston.

You’re probably looking for a place that fits your budget, matches your lifestyle, and is convenient to get around. Well, you’re in luck! Pull up your bootstraps and ride into some of the top neighborhoods in Houston. Learn about the amenities of these prized communities and why people decide to make them home. 

Montrose

Life in Montrose encapsulates everything that makes living in Houston so appealing. Love the style and character of historic buildings? Montrose dates back to 1911! Like an eclectic arts district with galleries, public art, artisan crafts, and cafes? Walk to over a dozen art galleries, the Menil Collection Museum, Rothko Chapel, and Art League Houston! Want some nightlife? Pick from different craft bars and music joints. Seeking a quiet spot to chill out in nature? Live beside Buffalo Bayou Park, a 160-acre green space. As you can see, this four-square-mile neighborhood near downtown Houston packs in many perks.

Living in Montrose is all about convenience. It’s one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Houston, with bike lanes for those who prefer cycling. And for a city known for its reliance on cars, that’s saying something. Plus, with multiple stops on the METRO bus lines, you have public transportation options to get you access to downtown! Not to mention, popular destinations like Hermann Park, the Museum District, and the Texas Medical Center facilities are within a four-mile radius. It makes Montrose the perfect base for exploring Houston. 

Even though Montrose is minutes from the city center, it feels a world away. This is a neighborhood with a mix of lifestyles; the same street has a tattoo parlor next to the vintage shops. The iconic Rothko Chapel, the award-winning restaurants, and art galleries hint at its creative yet urban vibe.

Buffalo Bayou Park has some of the city’s best skyline views. Montrose residents have the best access to its recreational activities. Visit the dog parks, playgrounds, and hike-and-bike trails anytime.

For families, the local public schools tend to rank highly in test scores and specialized programs. The Wharton Dual Language Academy is a popular draw.

Your Montrose home selection is equally vast. It has all the basic types: single-family, condos, townhomes, and apartments. Many streets feel park-like, with mature trees shading all those sidewalks. Historic homes glow with Texan charm. Fall in love with a restored Craftsman-style home with front porches. But if you want newer, modern-style developments, Montrose has that, too. Life in Montrose mixes a rich history with the modern sensibilities of urban living.

MidTown

Something is appealing about downtown-style living. While others drive in from the ‘burbs and spend time around looking for parking, locals have it easy. Restaurants, theaters, parks, and top Houston attractions are right out the door. That’s what you get by living in MidTown Houston. Rated among the most walkable Houston neighborhoods, MidTown is a thriving urban community where over 10,000 people are privileged to make their home. 

Even at those numbers, MidTown doesn’t feel packed. The urban center carries the Presidential Award of Excellence in Design and Implementation. So even though you’re living in a central city center, it has more of a charming small-town vibe. Locals have two expansive parks, Bagby and Midtown. And with over 200 restaurants, cafes, beer gardens, and more, you’ll always have places to eat and drink. MidTown is the place to be for nightlife options.

MidTown is also designated a Texas Cultural Arts and Entertainment District. Walk around, and you’ll see why. Midtown Arts and Theater Center anchors the cultural hub. Murals and art spaces all over celebrate creativity and expression. Every weekend, an event like National Night Outs and Art Walks seems to be happening. The district has many shops, bars, and hangout places that host events and live music.

For residents, the urban planners didn’t skimp on the essentials. Find dog parks to let your furry family roam off-leash. It has highly-rated public schools, with four often carrying “A” ratings. Fitness centers, spas, salons, and medical offices address your wellness needs. And when you need to go somewhere else, jump on the light rail for an easy, stress-free commute. It’s the only neighborhood on this list with a METRORail Station, connecting residents directly to the Museum District and the Texas Medical Center Area.

The full combination of perks–recreational activities, public transportation options, and business district access–gives residents a high quality of life. MidTown residents also have some of the best commute times to downtown Houston, at 8 minutes by car.

The urban vibe trends towards walkable multi-use. Midtown high-rise condos, townhomes, and luxury apartments are sophisticated living spaces with many community amenities. Some include garages, fitness centers, common areas, or the safety of gated communities. 

The Heights

Could this be the best neighborhood in Houston? Some think so. The Heights and Greater Heights is a northwest-central neighborhood. It’s close enough to downtown Houston to cut down on any work commute times but far enough to have a chill character. It’s a quieter life, a neighborhood where you kick back at sipping a beer or cocktail during happy hour on your favorite restaurant’s outdoor patio. 

The Heights proper is concentrated around Heights Boulevard and its offshoot-numbered streets. Greater Heights incorporates the neighborhoods around this central portion, like Washington, Oak Forest, and Northside.

What’s the perks of choosing The Heights? While you could drive into town, you don’t have to. The Heights is highly walkable, so skip out on hunting parking during peak hours. It connects to the White Oak Bayou Greenway, a hike-and-bike trail that runs several miles across the city. It’s one green space in a network of four additional parks perfect for a weekend picnic, some outdoor activities, and community events. 

That walkability takes you to some delicious dining options and popular spots for boutique shopping. In The Heights, the stores lean into its bohemian character. Browse vintage clothing, hand-crafted art pieces, and antiques that add character to your home and lifestyle. The exterior buildings are quaint and cute, with some bright murals to liven up the look. Check out the First Saturdays Art Market, a free outdoor event featuring a wide range of artists, live music, and food trucks. Thousands turn out for White Linen Nights, an event that kicks off the summer season.

Got kids? Its zoned public schools report high academic achievement. Harvard Elementary School consistently carries high rankings. Heights High School has an IB program for rigorous studies. Little ones love the railroad-themed playground at Donovan Park. 

The historic homes are some of the coolest parts of Greater Heights. Houstonians started developing The Heights in the late 1800s as a streetcar suburb. Older homes have Victorian styling, and that elaborate detailing helps set them apart. However, the home styles include all kinds of influences: Spanish, Craftsmen, and townhomes. The developers purposefully varied lots and home sizes to find spacious lots and more efficient living. As an added bonus, the average elevation is 23 feet above downtown Houston, which helps avoid severe flooding. 

Rice Village/West University

Rice Village and its independent city neighbor, West University (or, West U, as locals call it), have long been popular neighborhoods in Houston. The older, modest, but renovated homes hint at its bedroom community roots. In contrast, the new construction homes show it’s a high-demand area. 

And why do people choose Rice Village? If you’re in a medical professional, the neighborhood is at the doorstep of the Texas Medical Center campus. For students, it’s their access to class at Rice University. Although it’s a smaller university with 8,000 students, its research programs are highly regarded. The town of West U and the campus are neighbors.

Other choose to live here partially because of the Rice Village shopping district and Kirby Drive stores. Rice Village Shopping District alone has 300 shops, restaurants, and entertainment spread across 16 blocks. If you like to browse retail, catch a music act, or try a new cuisine, this is your place. Find upscale boutique shopping with names like West Elm and Lululemon, but also independent stores and coffee shops.

Best of all, The Village is walkable. However, the public transportation options include a local shuttle system and connections to the greater Houston transit system. It’s kind of like New York City-style urban living, minus the accents and tall skyscrapers. Additionally, the streets have biking trails and bike lanes to help locals get around. But if you do need to drive, downtown Houston has a 15- to 30-minute commute time, depending on traffic. 

The district has plenty of parks for a springtime walk or a pick-up game. The big win is Hermann Park, one of Houston’s largest green spaces and home to the Houston Zoo. Find it right on the other side of the Rice University campus. Brays Bayou and its pedestrian path are on the south side. West University has numerous parks of its own. Colonial Park features a youth fitness course and a swimming pool open in the summer months. Its beautiful fountain is a popular spot for relaxing. The West U Community Center is a state-of-the-art fitness facility with community events and programs for all ages.

For even more perks, NRG Stadium and the Astrodome are just south from these communities. The Museum District awaits on the other side of Hermann Park and right up Main Street.

For families with younger children, the local public schools are some of the best in the Houston Independent School District. Rice Village is home to a K-8 magnet school for STEM.

Upper Kirby

Get out of downtown Houston and into a fun, walkable community with growth on the horizon. It’s new enough to have its quirks, like the English-style red phone booths sprinkled about the neighborhoods. Yet the UK, as locals call Upper Kirby, is established and popular enough to merit a Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. 

Its award-winning Levy Park is a popular spot. Its green spaces, down to the placement of walking trails and trees, have been carefully designed. The real star is the playground that the kids will love to climb. Levy Park also has a dog park and community garden. Visit for its weekly farmer’s market, outdoor fitness camps, and food trucks. 

Upper Kirby’s location is a big selling point. Getting here means driving through many of Houston’s top neighborhoods, including River Oaks, Rice Village, and Montrose. I-69 and I-610 access simplify the commute to downtown Houston. It is next to Greenway Plaza, an expanding commercial and business district. Besides places to work for corporate folk, the Plaza has an outdoor food hall, a childcare center, and a fitness space. 

Another perk locals frequently mention is the delicious restaurants. There is an incredible amount of choice in chain eateries and local cafes. Find globally inspired flavors or indulge in cravings for classic American food.

Even though it has all these shopping centers, restuarants, and amenities, the UK appeals to those seeking a quieter life. Even though this is urban living, it feels more living a small-town life with all the tree-shaded streets and family-friendly places.

Speaking of families, children in the UK attend public schools in the Houston Independent School District. Immediately in Upper Kirby is the top-rated Lanier Middle School; the local elementary and high schools are just outside its narrow borders. Rice University is close enough to have low commute times for students and possibly even be bikable.

As for Upper Kirby homes, most of what you’ll find is on the newer side. Over half of all UK homes were built after 2000. Browse newer construction high-rises and apartments, gated condo communities, historic bungalows, and traditional single-family homes. 

Memorial

A drive through Memorial feels so quiet and looks so green that you’ll wonder if you’re still in Houston. But that’s exactly why it’s a top neighborhood in Houston. It appeals to those seeking a quiet spot to call home without losing access to downtown. Commute times from Memorial average about 15 minutes.

Convenience to major highways is part of the reason residents like it. Memorial Drive runs right through the center, I-10 is on the northern end, and Sam Houston Parkway near the east. Energy Corridor and its high-profile companies are on the west side.

Greenery enhances Memorial’s relaxed and chill neighborhood atmosphere. Trees line neighborhood streets. On its southern border, Buffalo Bayou provides the neighborhood with protected, wooded areas. The Terry Hershey Park has a six-mile hike-and-bike trail along the bayou. Other parks have exercise stations, tennis courts, and picnic shelters. Nature lovers will appreciate that the 7,800-acre George Bush Park and Barker Reservoir is across Howell Road. It has an additional 11 miles of trails and an equestrian trail.

Memorial also has National Blue Ribbon-award-winning public schools. The community falls into two school districts, the Katy and Spring Branch ISD. The choice of excellent schools is another perk for families. The little ones have indoor and outdoor playgrounds and access to public library programming. Local kids love the splash pad at Nottingham Park.

Locals benefit from a community farmer’s market and the Memorial City Mall, which offers shopping. CITYCENTRE, with its multipurpose complex, shops, and dining choices, is right at Memorial’s doorstep.

Living here feels secluded. Spacious homes are on larger lots, often shaded from the summer heat by mature tall oaks and other trees. Historic homes and midcentury charmers give way to modernized homes with traditional, Mediterranean, and Georgian influences.

Further west on Interstate 10 is the newer, master-planned community around Memorial City. A large part of the development is the Memorial Villages, which operate as independent municipalities in Harris County. They are still part of the Houston metro. Examples are Spring Valley Village and Hillshire Village, where you can find some new construction homes. The commute to downtown Houston is about a 20-minute drive.

Both Memorial Park and its Memorial Villages real estate prices are frequently at the top of the Houston area market.

River Oaks

There’s living, and there’s living big. That’s River Oaks, a neighborhood known for lavish homes and lifestyles. But there’s a good reason the homes here are so desired and stately. River Oaks started over a century ago as a master-planned community. The thoughtful positioning of streets and houses is part of what is desirable. Some are historic properties designed by famous Houston architects. Their one-of-a-kind styles, century-old trees, and well-landscaped lots appeal to the eye. 

Today, River Oaks has two homes operated by the Museum of Fine Arts showcasing the designers’ fine work and American art treasures. It’s not just the homes that are artwork. River Oaks has a community theater undergoing restoration. The Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is a magical place to visit. Self-guided tours through the lush park can be set to synchronized classical music for an elevated experience. 

River Oaks residents live across the Bayou from Memorial Park, the largest city park. Millions visit the park each year because of all there is to do. Nature lovers have over 30 miles of trails that wind by small creeks and prairies. For recreation, it has mountain bike trails, a golf course, sports fields, tennis, croquet, and much more.

Another perk is the River Oaks Country Club. The upscale country club turned 100 in 2023. Members play 18 holes on the edge of Buffalo Bayou, have tennis and swim facilities, and enjoy social perks. 

Other advantages of River Oaks include a shopping center with luxury fashion stores and European dining. Residents boast about the pocket parks, like the “Pumpkin Park” with its Cinderella-style carriage playground. The tight-knit community also has a reputation for being friendly. Its traditional community events include The Lights of River Oaks, which the homeowners put on for free during the holiday season. 

Public schools fall in the Houston SID. Residents also have St. John’s School, one of the best private schools in the Houston area.

The price of homes in River Oaks does make it one of the pricier neighborhoods in Houston. But for those who live here, the quality of life and convenient commute are worth it. Commute times to downtown Houston are about 15-20 minutes.

Best Neighborhoods in Houston

Houston neighborhoods suit every lifestyle and preference. These more historic neighborhoods are popular spots for many reasons, from their city parks to their strong sense of community. Even if these seven don’t quite match what you’re looking for, we can help you find the right place to live. Houston is a gigantic metro, meaning your next home is waiting for you somewhere. Let a local expert help you search Houston for the best neighborhoods for you.

FAQs

What are the best school districts in the Houston area?

Several school districts provide the rigorous and diverse education you’re seeking for your children. These districts offer magnet programs, early college, language immersion, and much more. Katy Independent School District often tops the list of excellent schools. Tomball, Friendswood, and Pearland Independent School Districts also often get high marks in the Texas evaluation system. However, some of the best schools are in the Houston, Alief, and Clear Creek ISD. Spring Branch also has top-rated schools.

What county is Houston in?

Harris County covers the City of Houston and a few of its suburbs. The greater Houston Metro includes Fort Bend County, one of the fastest-growing areas in the United States, with suburbs Sugar Land, Cinco Ranch, and Richmond. Brazoria County stretches down the Gulf of Mexico, while the master-planned community of The Woodlands is in Montgomery County.

How far is the Texas Medical Center from downtown Houston?

The drive from downtown to the medical center’s main campus is about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. The medical facilities here include the Houston Children’s Hospital, UT Health Houston, the TMC Medical Library, the Houston Methodist Research Institute, and several others. Find outlying medical center facilities across the Houston area.

Is it cheaper to live in Houston or Dallas?

Based on the overall cost of living, Houston is the more affordable city to live in. Housing costs play in a role in its affordable. Houston real estate was about 10% more affordable than Dallas, TX. However, the actual price of homes can vary widely across both of these large metro areas. Your lifestyle also plays a role in the actual living costs. Houston had a slightly higher transportation cost, related to its long commute times and traffic congestion. But miscellaneous costs–child care, clothing, eating out–was a touch less in Houston than Dallas.