It's not easy to find the perfect neighborhood for you and your family. There are many factors that you need to consider, aside from the design and architecture of your home.
For example, you need to consider how far it is from your workplace and what schools are available nearby. You also need to know the property's projected appreciation and if the location is prone to accidents like flooding. Good neighborhoods provide culture and experiences, not just parks and restaurants.
One of the country's largest cities, Houston, continues to grow. It offers a wide variety of growing neighborhoods with a distinct culture. If you’re planning a move to Houston, we here at Omnikey Realty have listed the top neighborhoods you should consider below.
Best Places to Live in Houston
Note that if you plan on renting a home in any of these areas, you should be sure to familiarize yourself with Texas landlord-tenant laws first.
1. Houston Heights
The Heights is a highly walkable community and is considered an important historic landmark of the city. It’s known for its charming bungalows, some of which were built in the early 1900s. You will forget that you’re in a large city when you visit this place.
Located on the community’s 19th Street are many restaurants and boutiques for you to explore. Residents can enjoy small-town living and the convenience of walking to local shops and dining places, which makes it a great option if you're considering buying a property in Houston.
The majority of the homes are bungalows, but you can see newly built townhomes as well. Because it's a historically protected neighborhood, there are strict guidelines on building a house. Four of the main home designs are the National Folk, Folk Victorian, Queen Anne, and Craftsman. The Heights is ideal for those who want the convenience of walking and pleasure of visiting their favorite shops.
2. Montrose
Montrose is home to Houston’s most expensive homes. It’s also known as a popular haven for the LGBTQ and an art capital. You will see the community's rainbow flags that show support for the LGBTQ.
If you want to experience the neighborhood's relaxed, hippie vibe, visit the art galleries and mural-decorated cafes. The community also has several lively bars, fine dining restaurants, and thrift shops. If you’re a fun-loving creative, you’ll be at home at Montrose.
3. Museum District
Located in the heart of Houston, this neighborhood is also the city’s cultural and arts center, as the name would imply. This community offers numerous entertainment spots and amenities. It has 19 museums, including the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, Menil Collection, and Museum of Fine Arts Houston.
It also offers Hermann Park, a 445-acre park with running trails, a golf course, and an outdoor theater. Several music events are held at these outdoor theaters. Residents get to enjoy the centrality, culture, and walkability this community offers.
Museum District also offers many homes in different styles, such as chic high-rise condos and historic mansions.
Thanks to the rich cultural experience it offers, Museum District is one of the nicest parts of Houston Texas.
4. West University Place
West University is an ideal location to raise a family in Houston. Top-rated schools can be found here, including Rice University, known as the Ivy League of the South.
This is one of the safest neighborhoods in Houston. In fact, the crime rate in West University is one of the lowest in the US, safer than 91% of cities in the country.
West University was even named one of the best cities to live in the US. Residents get to enjoy small-town living. And they're close to Houston's top spots, such as the Texas Medical Center, Hermann Park, and the Museum District.
5. River Oaks
River Oaks is a prestigious neighborhood, among the richest neighborhoods in Houston and considered one of the most expensive in the country. The name alone is rich with history, and its residents have helped shape Houston in countless ways. You can find several historic mansions surrounded by oak trees, which is a clear display of Houston’s “old money.”
You can find newly built houses, with an average price of $2.2 million. The neighborhood is also famous for its upscale shopping districts, particularly the River Oaks District. Landmark River Oaks Theater is also a well-known historical theater. When it comes to world-class dining, the Brasserie 19, State of Grace, and La Griglia are great options.
6. Memorial
Memorial is an excellent community for those who want to live away from the city. But it's still centrally located, so residents have easy access to metropolitan amenities. Memorial is located between the Energy Corridor and Downtown Houston. This residential community provides its residents quiet, small-town living. It's also home to Houston's top-rated school districts, Katy ISD and Spring Branch ISD.
The neighborhood also offers several amenities, such as the CityCentre and Memorial City Mall, which is very walkable. It’s also minutes away from Galleria, the largest mall in Texas. Memorial is ideal for those who want to live between a city and a suburb. Prices of homes here average at $497,000.
7. Spring Branch
Spring Branch is a large neighborhood that stretches from 610 to the Beltway. It's close to Memorial, but the vibe and residents are different.
During the 1800s, the area was mainly a German community, but it has since grown to be one of Houston's most diverse areas. The homes are unique from each other. For instance, one homeowner built a private art gallery inside the house. Another homeowner created a bocce ball court in the backyard. It's an excellent neighborhood for those wanting to experience the city's diversity and own a large lot. It's also for those who want to live not too far from the city.
8. Upper Kirby
This community is considered by many as an annex of River Oaks. Both neighborhoods offer similar amenities. One is Tootsies, a posh shop located at the corner of Kirby and Westheimer. You can also find old English-style telephone booths on the corner streets.
Upper Kirby also has plenty of great dining options. You can also visit the Urban Harvest Farmer’s Market to shop for fresh veggies or listen to live music.
9. Bellaire
Bellaire is located just a few minutes away from Downtown. It's also near Greenway Plaza, Meyerland Plaza, Rice Village, and The Galleria. Because of its location, Bellaire is ideal for families who want a more spacious lot than those in West U. Additionally, Belaire is a strong community for Jewish people. Some of the well-known places are the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center.
Bellaire is an ideal community for those who want to live near the city and own a spacious lot.
The Bottom Line
These were just some of the top Houston neighborhoods you can consider. Decide what aspects of a community are essential to you, then choose the area that is ideal for you and your family.
As you've seen, there is great diversity in the neighborhoods in Houston. Whether you're considering buying a home or an investment property in the Houston area, there's something for everyone.
If you enjoyed this article, be sure to also see our article on the best neighborhoods in Fort-Worth.
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