9 Best Neighborhoods in Houston, TX to Live in 2024
Houston, a Texas gem, effortlessly blends Southern charm with modern city vibes. From cowboy rodeos to space centers, it's a city where tradition meets innovation.
Dive into Houston's neighborhoods, each a unique piece of the city's cultural puzzle. Plus, we've featured insights from YouTube's Jackson Wilkey to bring you a personal perspective for those considering moving to H-Town.
To rank neighborhoods, we considered a range of subjective factors including things like popularity, notoriety, and demand, but also affordablity, location, and
Dive into Houston's neighborhoods, each a unique piece of the city's cultural puzzle. Plus, we've featured insights from YouTube's Jackson Wilkey to bring you a personal perspective for those considering moving to H-Town.
Ready to discover the best neighborhoods Houston has to offer? Let's get started!
Note about our data: Average rent prices come from current lisitngs for these neighborhoods on Apartment List. More information can be found on the listing pages for those areas. Transits scores come from walkscore.com.
The 9 Best Neighborhoods in Houston, TX
1. Museum District
- Best for: Art enthusiasts and culture seekers will love this walkable neighborhood brimming with museums and galleries.
- Average Rent: $2,197
- Walk score: 92
- Transit score: 65
- Bike score: 76
- Map of the Museum District
The Museum District is another Houston area that has faced significant redevelopment in recent years. The result is a plethora of luxurious, modern residential options to new Houston residents in an area brimming with knowledge and entertainment.
It's obvious as to how the Museum District gained its name. This neighborhood features 19 (11 of which are always free) unique museums. Those include the Children's Museum Houston and the Houston Zoo.
In addition to these family attractions, there are museums with exhibits for historians, culture buffs, photography enthusiasts, artists, and science lovers. There really is something for everyone in this neighborhood.
Public transportation from this tourist hub is simple. The METRORail has four stops within the Museum District.
If you own a car when moving here, plan to add more time to your commute. Traffic can get congested, and parking can be a hassle.
Luckily, Houston is rated high for its walkability and bike-ability. On your own two feet or wheels, you'll be able to get to wherever you need to go without trouble.
Want to learn more? View our current apartment listings in the Museum District.
2. Neartown-Montrose
- Best for: Diverse and eclectic, this neighborhood attracts young professionals, artists, and LGBTQ+ residents with its walkable streets and unique shops.
- Average Rent: $2,103
- Walk score: 86
- Transit score: 54
- Bike score: 73
- Map of Midtown
Neartown-Montrose Houston is an older area of the city. It has historical homes and important local history. This neighborhood is the center of Houston's LGBTQ community and boasts a vibrant nightlife with tons of bars and clubs.
You'll also find the Menil Collection Art Museum in Neartown - Montrose. This collection is unlike any other. It contains over 17,000 works of art and artifacts from different eras all over the world.
The best part? It's absolutely free! You’ll need to find some cheap entertainment. Neartown Montrose rent prices have risen due over the best couple of years.
The River Oaks Theater, known for its classic Art Deco architecture, was built in 1939. It still plays movies today. However, if you're searching for other forms of entertainment, Neartown - Montrose is home to boutiques, cafes, and a thriving nightlife scene with LGBT roots. The Buffalo Bayou Park and Ervan Chew Park (dog park) offer excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Check out current apartment listings in Neartown-Montrose Houston to find out more.
3. University Place
- Best for: Students and young professionals seeking a vibrant atmosphere close to the University of Houston.
- Average Rent: $2,029
- Walk score: 70
- Transit score: 59
- Bike score: 74
- Map of University Place
Young professionals and families flock to University Place. It’s an interesting little city with fun quirks.
Streets in University Place correspond to actual universities. There are some famed authors thrown in the mix. Luckily, you won't have any trouble remembering street names when they're as distinct as Vanderbilt and Shakespeare.
Speaking of streets, you might face some traffic in University Place. It’s recently undergone and is currently undergoing significant redevelopment. The upside is that you'll certainly have your choice of luxury apartments and condos.
However, you'll face some competition. This neighborhood's proximity to the Texas Medical Center and Houston Memorial Park's golf courses make it a prime location in the city of Houston.
That said, facing competition is definitely worth it to live in this neighborhood. The West University Place recreation center features a swimming pool, fully stocked gym rooms with weight and cardio equipment, various fitness classes, and racquetball courts.
Combine these amenities with the excellent public school district of University Place, and it's not hard to see why developers are scrambling to stake their claim on the area.
Want to see more? Check out current apartment listings for University Place!
4. East Downtown
- Best for: Upscale and fast-paced but still family-friendly, this neighborhood offers endless opportunities for entertaiment, food, and nightlife.
- Average Rent: $2,165
- Walk score: 77
- Transit score: 87
- Bike score: 77
- Map of East Downtown
East Downtown, or EaDo as locals affectionately refer to it, is a bustling city entertainment center. There’s something new at every corner.
It's also a highly accessible location. There are entrances via major freeways, METRO Transit, and METRO Light Rail service. Not to mention, Houston's vast underground tunnel system offers access to EaDo via the East End and Southeast corridors. In short, it's the perfect location for a Houston commuter.
Getting there is simple. However, choosing what to do once you step foot into this neighborhood is challenging, especially if you’re a fan of professional sports.
The newly built BBVA Compass Stadium is home to the MLS's Houston Dynamo. The 22,000-seat stadium has also hosted concerts and other outdoor events.
Just a little ways away is Toyota Center. There, the Rockets take on their NBA opponents. Minute Maid Park, where the Astros fill the bases, is also in the area.
If you're more of a foodie yourself or simply enjoy non-sports entertainment, EaDo can deliver. With a mix of ethnic markets and restaurants serving up great dishes, East Downtown Houston is a foodie’s paradise.
For all other entertainment purposes, the bars and nightclubs in the area will more than suffice. However, it's Neil's Bahr with weekly karaoke, video game tournaments, arcade games, and more that takes the prize for the most fun!
To learn more, check out our current apartment listings in East Downtown.
5. Greenway-Upper Kirby
- Best for: Professionals looking for a luxurious and convenient location close to upscale shopping, dining, and nightlife.
- Average Rent: $1,689
- Walk score: 76
- Transit score: 49
- Bike score: 55
- Map of Upper Kirby
Greenway-Upper Kirby is a great neighborhood with a very strange story. City planners and designers played heavily on Upper Kirby's initials, UK. Their intent was to facilitate a connection with the United Kingdom, even though one did not exist. For that reason, you'll find red phone booths placed randomly on Upper Kirby street corners. It's no United Kingdom, but it's close?
Peculiarities aside, Upper Kirby is a booming business center in Houston. It features office space and businesses throughout its commercial center.
However, the real draw of Upper Kirby is its parks, specifically Levy Park. This gorgeous city park welcomes young people and families alike with its many attractions. Take a class in the grass, visit the community garden or take your children to the playground. You can also play with your dog all within the park's boundaries.
Most impressive is the newly opened Woodshed Smokehouse located at the lower southeast portion of the park. You can grab a delicious meal there after enjoying a day in the sun!
View our current apartment listings in Greenway-Upper Kirby for more details about the neighborhood!
6. Great Uptown
- Best for: Budget-conscious renters and families seeking a better deal on rent but still close to the action.
- Average Rent: $1,552
- Walk score: 61
- Transit score: 45
- Bike score: 49
- Map of Great Uptown
Great Uptown is another Houston that has earned its name. This neighborhood is truly great, which is why it's such a highly coveted location.
This family-friendly neighborhood has a fantastic school system. So, you can send your children to school with confidence.
Additionally, Great Uptown is a diverse area. There are residents from all walks of life.
The neighborhood of Great Uptown is dominated by many high-and mid-rise office spaces. They’re generally new developments.
These offices represent over 10% of Houston's total office space. That's great news! If you happen to work in the area, you'll have a short and sweet commute from your bed to the boardroom.
On your way, you'll likely see one of the many green spaces that Great Uptown houses. They're great places to sit and people-watch. You can also take a quick walk or jog at lunch.
On weekends, Great Uptown residents flock to the Houston Galleria Mall. It’s among the top 20 largest malls in the US. A quick trip inside is enough to draw you to the massive indoor ice rink that attracts thousands each day.
More importantly, if shopping, dining at fabulous restaurants, and visiting various entertainment spots is your idea of a good time, then you might never leave!
Interested? Check out current apartment listings for Great Uptown.
7. Midtown
- Best for: Young professionals seeking a lively nightlife scene with convenient access to bars, restaurants, and entertainment.
- Average Rent: $1,686
- Walk score: 86
- Transit score: 75
- Bike score: 70
- Map of Midtown
Wide and well-kept sidewalks are one of the hallmarks of Midtown. This neighborhood is known for its walkability.
However, if you're in more of a rush, you can travel via the METRORail Red Line or one of the various bus routes. This robust public transportation network will come in handy if you're looking to enjoy Midtown's energetic nightlife scene. In Midtown, you can dance the night away, enjoy a few drinks, and get home safely.
In the morning, you might enjoy heading over to Midtown park. Here you'll find six acres of green and recreational space. Public art, an interactive water feature, a half-acre retail plaza, and a food kiosk make Midtown Park a quiet retreat within the city.
However, if you're looking for the famed Midtown Letters, you'll have to head over to Bagby Park. Bring your dog, and enjoy some live music and free classes in the small but lovely park. In short, Midtown is a dog-friendly, walkable, and green neighborhood in the city center.
You can view current apartment listings in Midtown to learn more about the area!
8. Eldridge - West Oaks
- Best for: Families seeking a quiet, suburban environment with easy access to major highways and good schools.
- Average Rent: $1,154
- Walk score: 45
- Transit score: 37
- Bike score: 48
- Map of Eldridge-West Oaks
Eldridge - West Oaks is a small community, generally made up of families and young couples, to the west of Downtown Houston. While the area used to be home to ranches, recent development has transformed the neighborhood into a thriving commercial and residential neighborhood.
Eldridge - West Oaks was home to President George H. W. Bush and his wife Barbara before their deaths. The neighborhood has honored the former president's memory by naming George Bush Park after him. It's here that you'll find the outdoor recreation hub of Eldridge/West Oaks.
Residents head to the park to enjoy its shooting ranges, playgrounds, dog park, sports complexes, and jogging trails. It's a great place to bask in the Houston heat.
Want to see more? Explore our apartment listings in Eldridge - West Oaks.
9. Greater Heights
- Best for: Renters seeking a mix of urban and suburban living with charming bungalows, great parks, and a strong sense of community.
- Average Rent: $1,793
- Walk score: 73
- Transit score: 45
- Bike score: 63
- Map of Greater Heights
Greater Heights is actually a collection of multiple smaller neighborhoods. It gives off a small-town vibe in the middle of the city. That draws many new residents into the sleepy little neighborhood.
It's an area with a lower crime rate, so families have flocked to the location. Beyond safety, Greater Heights is home to Love Park, which features basketball courts, sports fields, trails for hiking and biking, and a playground. It's the perfect place to spend time with the family or get in a good workout.
If you prefer quieter recreation, head over to the Heights Neighborhood Library for your next great read. Small restaurants and bars adorn Greater Heights' streets. So, you're never too far away from a great meal.
Discover apartment listings in Greater Heights to learn more about the area today!
More Resources for Texas Renters
You can also learn more about:
Texas:
Dallas:
- Things to Know Before Moving to Dallas
- Cost of Living in Dallas
- Average Rent in Dallas & Rental Price Trends
- Best Neighborhoods in Dallas
Austin:
- Things to Know Before Moving to Austin
- Cost of Living in Austin
- Average Rent in Austin & Rental Price Trends
- Best Neighborhoods in Austin
San Antonio:
Find the Perfect Neighborhood in Houston
There's no doubt that Houston is a great city. However, with over 2 million residents and covering almost 600 square miles, it can be a major challenge to find the perfect apartment with everything you need. Learn more about the average rent in Houston and start apartment searching by starting our quiz!
Share this Article
Explore properties in Houston, TX
