11 Best Places to Live in Houston
By: ROS Team
Houston offers something for everyone, whether you seek an energetic urban lifestyle, family-friendly neighborhoods, or affordable housing. This blog post introduces 11 of the best places to live in Houston.
We will consider essential factors such as living costs, crime rates, school quality, and access to amenities to assist you in discovering your dream home.
Best Areas To Live In Houston
1. Downtown Houston
Downtown Houston is widely recognized as an ideal place to live in the city. Its vibrant urban life, alongside its proximity to diverse neighborhoods offering unique experiences in dining, shopping, culture, and entertainment, makes it an irresistible choice.
Moreover, serving as a corporate hub housing nine Fortune 500 companies, further adds to its allure. With a staggering population of 2.2 million residents and ranking fourth in the United States in terms of population, Houston guarantees a pulsating city life that appeals to those seeking career opportunities and a thriving cultural and social environment.
2. Midtown Houston
Midtown Houston is widely considered one of the most desirable places to live in Houston. Its population has grown an impressive 50% since 2012, and now nearly 10,000 residents proudly call it home. What sets Midtown Houston apart is its exceptional walkability, making it the most pedestrian-friendly neighborhood in Houston.
Within a short distance, you’ll find over 140 restaurants, bars, and coffee shops that cater to all tastes. This unparalleled accessibility means that residents can easily stroll to an average of eight dining and entertainment establishments in under five minutes.
3. Memorial
The memorial is renowned as one of Houston’s premier living destinations. This neighborhood captivates residents with its charming Memorial Drive, which winds through the area and offers a picturesque and convenient path.
Boasting thriving office complexes like Memorial City, Town & Country Village, and CityCentre, it provides abundant job prospects along with exceptional shopping and entertainment opportunities.
Its culinary offerings cater to diverse palates – whether it’s starting your day with a sip of Fellini Gelato & Caffe or Starbucks’ coffee or indulging in tantalizing tacos from Mas Taco, Taco Cabana, or Taco Bell.
Additionally, Joy Love Burgers tempts residents with its mouthwatering burger creations. With such an array of amenities, Memorial emerges as a well-rounded and enticing place to call home.
4. Kingwood
Kingwood is widely recognized as one of the top residential areas in the city. It has earned its nickname “Livable Forest” due to being the largest master-planned community in Harris County. This vibrant community seamlessly coexists with nature, boasting sprawling wooded acreage adorned with magnificent pines and majestic magnolias.
In addition to its serene natural surroundings, Kingwood offers a lively and engaged lifestyle with an extensive array of over 100 clubs and organizations, numerous parks, and two exclusive private clubs – the Deerwood Club and the Kingwood Country Club.
5. Greater Heights
Greater Heights is one of the best as well as safest neighborhoods in Houston. This vibrant and diverse community offers an array of popular attractions, including Taqueria Mi Castillo, Trap Sauce Mix, and Michael’s Clothier.
Moreover, Greater Heights holds a prominent position among Harris County’s top 10 neighborhoods favored by young professionals—an ideal choice for individuals driven by their careers.
In addition to its appealing amenities and demographics, Greater Heights boasts a pedestrian-friendly environment with extensive biking and running paths that meander throughout the entire neighborhood. These paths seamlessly connect with nearby green spaces like Milroy Park and Marmion Park.
6. Neartown-Montrose
Neartown-Montrose is one of the safest areas to live in Houston. It owes its acclaim to the diverse community comprising more than 31,000 individuals who call it home, catering equally well to young professionals, families, and older adults.
This lively neighborhood is especially appealing to artists and musicians due to its proximity to numerous performance venues and entertainment options.
What further amplifies its appeal is the affordability aspect; Montrose offers an economically sensible choice for residents seeking an urban experience with vibrant cultural offerings.
With average rent prices below the city average, you can find a one-bedroom apartment at approximately $1,100 or a two-bedroom apartment at around $1,295 within this culturally rich locality.
7. Cinco Ranch
Cinco Ranch is renowned for its exceptional qualities that make it one of the top choices to live in Houston. The neighborhood boasts an impressive range of 20 onsite schools and 63 pocket parks, creating a perfect environment for families.
What sets Cinco Ranch apart is its division into multiple subdivisions, each catering to diverse housing needs with varying price ranges and property tax rates.
One aspect that makes Cinco Ranch truly desirable is the significantly lower crime rates, which are an impressive 53% below the national average, according to Areavibes.
8. The Woodlands
The Woodlands, located 28 miles north of downtown Houston, is renowned for its master-planned design spanning across 28,000 acres of lush trees. It offers a serene and picturesque environment, making it a highly regarded place to reside in Houston.
Established in 1974, The Woodlands provides an affordable cost of living with median housing values under $300k and median rents of around $1,200 per month. These figures are notably lower compared to larger cities in Texas, as reported by Bestplaces.net.
9. Bellaire
Bellaire, Houston is widely regarded as one of the best places to reside. Known for its “City of Homes” reputation, this predominantly residential neighborhood offers exceptional qualities. Situated just 10 miles west of downtown Houston, Bellaire boasts excellent schools, safe streets, and a diverse and welcoming community.
What adds to its appeal is its affordability, with a cost of living that sits 10% below the national average and housing prices that are 16% lower than the country’s average, as reported by Zerodown.
10. Spring Branch
Spring Branch in Houston is undeniably one of the finest places to reside. It offers a remarkable combination of suburban peace and urban accessibility. What sets it apart from other suburbs is its exceptional access to everyday conveniences, a diverse range of international cuisines, and an array of amenities that include grocery stores and dry cleaners.
The reputation of Spring Branch as a family-friendly environment is further enhanced by its highly acclaimed school district and ample green spaces. Moreover, its strategic location near major highways like I-10, 290, the 610 Loop, Beltway 8, and Hempstead Highway significantly reduces commute times to prominent employment areas such as Downtown, the Medical Center, the Galleria area, and the Energy Corridor.
11. West University Place
West University Place rounds up our list of the best areas to live in Houston. Situated near major highways, such as the Southwest Freeway and West Loop 610, this neighborhood offers convenient connectivity.
Moreover, it boasts a reputation for prosperity, with a significant number of households earning $150,000 or more annually.
In addition to its affluent community, residents also have easy access to some of Houston’s most renowned destinations, including top-notch dining spots like the Galleria, Rice Village, and Greenway Plaza. These vibrant destinations are just minutes away from the neighborhood.
Safest Areas to Live in Houston: Final Thoughts
These are just a few of the many great places to live in Houston. The best place for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. But no matter where you choose to live, you’re sure to find a vibrant and welcoming community in Houston.