13 Space City Gems: The Best Neighborhoods in Houston and Top Houston Suburbs

Looking to move to a diverse, innovative, and culturally rich metropolis full of sunshine, pro sports, and excellent food? Moving to Houston can check all of these boxes — and then some! Ranked as the second-best place to live in Texas by Forbes, Houston (and the Houston suburbs) is big on big-city amenities. Sure, H-Town may be known as Space City (NASA and the Johnson Space Center are here, after all), but there is so much more to the Houston suburbs and the best neighborhoods in Houston than a tagline from a Tom Hanks movie. 

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At a Glance: What You Need To Know About Houston Suburbs and Neighborhoods 

First things first: Houston is huge. Spanning over 600 square miles and with more than 2.3 million residents, Houston is one of the top 10 largest cities in the U.S. by area and the fourth-most populated city in the country. This beautiful behemoth is teeming with excellent museums, devoted baseball fans, cutting-edge scientific and medical innovation, arts, history, and a wealth of fantastic restaurants and nightlife. Plus, the city’s large immigrant numbers keep the best neighborhoods in Houston — along with the Houston suburbs — impressively diverse and culturally rounded. 

Thankfully, this big city also goes big on education. Niche gives Houston an overall B grade for schools, with several stellar standouts in a handful of neighborhoods. Overall, the student-to-teacher ratio for the area is between 6:1 and 25:1, depending on the district.

So whether you’ve already made up your mind about moving to one of the best neighborhoods in Houston or you’re still trying on a few other cities for size — or, heck, you’re already a Houston resident, and you’re just looking for your next favorite spot in one of the nicest neighborhoods in Houston — let this guide to Houston suburbs and the best Houston neighborhoods give you a glimpse of what the city has to offer. There’s a lot of area to cover, so let’s just dive right in and find the best area to live in Houston for you.  

8 Best Neighborhoods in Houston

No matter what you’re looking for — a sleek Downtown high-rise apartment, artsy loft, starter home, or a family-friendly space with a big yard and room to grow — you can find it in one of Houston’s many neighborhoods. With well over 80 to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to our top choices for the best places to live in Houston. 

For each area, we’ll take into account the schools, commute times, things to do, housing costs, and overall vibe of the area, so you can compare them all and find exactly what you’re looking for. 

Did You Know? Houston was founded in the 1830s — before Houston suburbs and neighborhoods were a thing — and the founders divided the city up into four quadrants (and later six) called “wards.” Today, the city is full of neighborhoods, though the different areas of Houston are still referred to as wards. Neighborhoods are also referred to as being either inside or outside of the “Inner Loop” (aka the I-610 freeway that encircles Houston’s Central Business District).

Downtown is one of the best areas to live in Houston for young professionals or people who want to live close to work.
(Source: Downtown Houston via Facebook)

1. Downtown Houston

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,150
• Average home value: $366,200
• Great for: Nightlife, diversity, urban lifestyle, commute, outdoor activities

As expected, there’s plenty to do in Downtown — undeniably one of the best areas to live in Houston. This is where you’ll find Daikin Park (formerly Minute Maid Park but recently purchased by a Japanese conglomerate), home of the Houston Astros, along with concert venues, conference centers, great bars and restaurants, the city’s theater district, and public parks that host frequent events. 

Within this 1.17-acre space, you’ll find 10 distinct districts (or neighborhoods). The area is extremely walkable (if you can handle the heat), and it’s a great pick for those who want to live close to work and not have to make daily treks to and from the Houston suburbs.

Families with school-age children should keep in mind that public schools in Downtown Houston aren’t the best in the area, but they’re still above average — another reason it’s considered one of the best neighborhoods in Houston. 

Condos, townhouses, and single-family homes are the norm here, though condos are probably the most common. A recent Zillow search shows quite a pricing spectrum — on the low end, you can get a 1-bed/1-bath condo (709 sf) for $178K and, on the high end, you can purchase a 4-bed/5-bath home (3,169 sf) for $825K.

The popularity of Midtown is growing, but (for now) it remains one of the more affordable areas in the Inside Loop. 
(Source: Midtown Houston via Facebook)

2. Midtown

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,100
• Average home value: $361,600
• Great for: Families, nightlife, diversity, commute

If you’re picturing yourself somewhere trendy, a little bit weird, and very lively, the Downtown-adjacent Midtown might be one of the best neighborhoods in Houston for you. There, you’ll find mostly young professionals in their mid-20s to 40s and a vibrant atmosphere. The highly walkable neighborhood features bars, museums, shops, and restaurants, many of which have outdoor seating during the fair weather months. Must visit: 13 Celsius, a cozy wine bar with an amazing selection of vino and a tasty menu to match.

There are three METRORail light-rail lines that will take you around Houston’s best neighborhoods and it only costs $1.25 to ride. The Red Line has major stops in Midtown, Downtown, and the Museum District (among others). Midtown’s convenient location — close to both Downtown Houston and Texas Medical Center — is another big draw for its residents. Niche lists Midtown as one of the 10 best neighborhoods in Houston to live and gives the public schools an overall B+ rating.

The popularity of Midtown is growing, but (for now) it remains one of the more affordable among the nicest neighborhoods in Houston in the Inside Loop. Here, you’ll find single-family homes, condos, and a whole lot of townhouses. According to a recent Zillow search, a 436-sf condo (1-bed/1-bath) is going for $140K, but the price jumps to closer to $1.1M for a 3-bed/2-bath (2,573 sf). When it comes to townhouses and detached homes, prices start around $200K for a 1-bed/1-bath (860 sf) and increase to over $1M for (much) larger homes. 

Memorial, one of the best neighborhoods in Houston, has a worthy collection of cafes, restaurants, and nightlife options — all within a 20-minute drive from Downtown Houston.
(Source: Memorial Green Homes via Facebook)

3. Memorial 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,750
• Average home value: $678,500
• Great for: Families, nightlife, diversity, commute

Looking for your happy place that straddles the border between the Houston suburbs and city life? There’s a reason Memorial is rated one of the best neighborhoods in Houston to raise a family. Well, actually, there are a few reasons. You’ll find a mix of traditional and contemporary single-family or attached homes on spacious lots, surrounded by forested areas and some of the city’s best parks and green spaces. Families, in particular, love having access to two of Houston’s top A-rated school districts — Spring Branch and Katy. 

The area also has a worthy collection of cafes, restaurants, and nightlife options — not to mention a country club and golf course — all within a 20-minute drive from Downtown Houston. Check out CityCentre, a mixed-use hub of upscale chain restaurants (Seasons 52, Capital Grille) and shops, plus a hotel, luxury residential and office spaces, and a greenspace plaza where locals and visitors enjoy live music, yoga classes, and other events.

And while condos are plentiful, the Memorial area mostly offers detached homes and townhouses. Listing prices for all home types range roughly from $135K up into the millions, so whatever your budget, you’ll have a pretty good chance of finding something here. Niche also lists Memorial as a top neighborhood to live in Houston and as the best neighborhood to raise a family in Houston. 

Q: What is the safest neighborhood in Houston? A: Out of all the best areas to live in Houston, data from NeighborhoodScout.com shows the University of Houston district has the lowest crime rate. Other Houston neighborhoods deemed among the safest include Kingwood and Washington Avenue Coalition Memorial Park. If you’re looking for a home in the ‘burbs, Niche.com names Katy and Nassau Bay in its safest top 20 among the Houston suburbs, each with a B rating for crime.

This tree-filled community is ranked as one of the best neighborhoods in Houston to raise a family, according to Niche.
(Source: Sosa Real Estate via Facebook)

4. Kingwood

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,375
• Average home value: $334,000
• Great for: Families, public schools, housing, diversity, jobs

Kingwood is located about 25 miles from Downtown Houston, though technically it’s still considered a Houston neighborhood (remember, the city is HUGE) rather than part of the Houston suburbs. Established in the 1970s as a master-planned community, “The Livable Forest” (as it’s affectionately called) is located on the shores of Lake Houston and has 25 residential villages — each in its own right one of the best neighborhoods in Houston. There are hiking and biking trails through pines, magnolias, and a variety of other shade trees. You’ll find about 100 miles of greenbelts connecting various sections of the community with schools, parks, and shopping districts. Dining options include local mainstay The Veranda for special occasions, date nights, or just a weeknight treat. (Local pro tip: It’s BYOB.) 

The majority of homes in Kingwood are detached single-family, but there are some condos in the area. Listing prices range from about $175K to $1.6M and up. And while almost 80 percent of Kingwood residents own their homes, there are still plenty of apartments available for renters. Not to mention, Kingwood is rated as one of NeighborhoodScout’s safest neighborhoods in Houston and one of Niche’s top neighborhoods to raise a family — No. 5, in fact. 

Q: What is the cheapest place to live in Houston? A: Among our list of the best neighborhoods in Houston, Kingwood has one of the lowest average home values, at around $334K. The average rent, meanwhile, hovers around $1,375.

Greater Heights boasts beautiful historic homes and bungalows in styles ranging from Craftsman and Queen Anne to Victorian.
(Source: The Heights, Houston Real Estate via Facebook)

5. Greater Heights

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,825
• Average home value: $616,600
• Great for: Families, jobs, nightlife, diversity, outdoor activities

The Greater Heights Super Neighborhood (yes, that’s what it’s called) is made up of 14 subdivisions and centered on Houston Heights, the largest neighborhood in the area. 

For the love of historic homes, we’ve decided to focus our attention on Houston Heights (aka “The Heights”), long considered one of the best neighborhoods in Houston to live. The Heights is Houston’s first master-planned community and one of the only Houston neighborhoods that boasts beautiful historic homes and bungalows, ranging from Craftsman and Queen Anne to Victorian and other turn-of-the-century architectural styles. The vintage vibe of this neighborhood, combined with its cute walkable streets and growing selection of local businesses and shops, gives Houston Heights a classic neighborhood feel. Plus, it’s just a 10-minute drive or 30-minute direct bus to Downtown Houston. Charm and accessibility? That’s what makes it one of the best neighborhoods in Houston.

As for dining, the district is known as a culinary hotspot with plenty of options. A standout: Coltivare, which serves rustic Italian farm-to-table specialties. Brunch is big here, too. Try Homestead Kitchen and Bar for life-changing chicken and waffles.  

Okay, so there is one potential con to living in this landmark historic neighborhood: If you’re buying, you’ll be beholden to follow the city’s (and likely HOA’s) strict preservation rules when it comes to any work done on your home. It’s also worth noting that Niche gave an overall B rating to the public schools in Greater Heights (on par with the Houston average), though there are several A-rated schools in the area. 

Looking at Greater Heights overall, houses reign supreme, but you’ll find all sorts of homes in the Super Neighborhood. Listing prices start around $200K for condos and $300K for houses. And if you’re looking for something bigger, you’re in luck — there are several larger homes in Greater Heights listed for $1M or more. Rentals are less common but still an option, particularly if your heart — but maybe not your wallet — is convinced this is the best area in Houston to live. 

Q: What is the most prestigious area in Houston? A: Afton Oaks is regarded as the most prestigious area of Houston. Known for luxurious estates surrounded by elegantly manicured lawns, Afton Oaks is home to some of Houston’s most affluent and influential residents. You’ll also find exclusive private schools, upscale shopping — and an average home value to match, at $1.4M.

This top-rated Houston neighborhood is Boho, artsy, creative, eclectic, and full of spirit. 
(Source: point2homes.com)

6. Neartown - Montrose 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,150
• Average home value: $597,800
• Great for: Young professionals, nightlife, diversity, commute, outdoor activities

Among all the nice neighborhoods in Houston, Neartown-Montrose is probably closest to being Houston’s Austin. It’s Boho, artsy, creative, eclectic, and full of spirit. It’s been named one of America’s hippest neighborhoods, and in 2024, Niche rated it the second-best neighborhood to live in and the best neighborhood for young professionals in Houston. This is where you go for great vintage shopping, cool bars, quirky restaurants, live music, galleries on galleries, and some pretty dang cool-looking 1920s mansions — plus, it’s adjacent to the Museum District, which is packed with over 50 different cultural institutions, museums, and more. Neartown-Montrose is also the epicenter of Houston’s LGBTQ+ community and has a high concentration of gay bars.

In addition to 1920s mansions, Montrose has eclectic townhomes, slick condos, and traditional single-family homes. You’ll find a wide range of prices, from as low as $200K up to the multi-millions; however, the average home value is about $597,800. Schools here have an overall B+ rating, which is a little better than the city’s average. Still, the area is home to many A-rated schools, including several of the top public schools in the state, and is (unsurprisingly) considered one of the best neighborhoods in Houston. 

Q: What is the hippest part of Houston? A: Montrose tops the Houston hip list, with its energetic vibe of diverse restaurants, vintage shops, galleries, and a lively LGBTQIA community. The blend of historic homes and contemporary development adds to the hip factor.

Fully-loaded luxury condos in the Medical Center Area run between $350,000 and $600,000.
(Source: Sotheby’s International Realty)

7. Medical Center Area

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,925
• Average home value: $497,500
• Great for: Young professionals, nightlife, diversity, commute, outdoor activities

If access to world-class healthcare is a must-have on your list of neighborhood criteria, this is definitely your kind of place. Houston’s Medical Center Area is a neighborhood that, no surprise, is home to many of the city’s medical facilities — including 47 institutions and education buildings — not to mention, the world’s largest concentration of scientists, physicians, and researchers. Over 72,000 medical professionals are employed within these facilities, making the surrounding area a convenient commute. The district is also considered one of the best neighborhoods in Houston, claiming the number 13 spot on Niche’s 2024 list.

At the north end, you’ll find the 445-acre Hermann Park Conservancy, which has an amphitheater, the Houston Zoo, and a small natural history museum. But because many of the shops and restaurants in the area have been replaced by medical center facilities and high-rise condos and hotels for families of patients, this neighborhood is more suitable for young professionals than for families. However, if you choose to move here with kids, rest assured that the area’s public schools have earned a B+ rating from Niche, which is above the city average.

Fully loaded luxury condos run between $350,000 and $600,000, and multiple-bedroom homes range from $600,000 to $1M. Apartments are expensive, but they usually come with modern features and fixtures throughout.

Curious about the neighborhoods in other popular Texas cities? We’ve got guides for those, too! Explore the best neighborhoods in Austin, Dallas, and Fort Worth.  Best Austin Neighborhoods Top Neighborhoods and Suburbs in Dallas Guide to Fort Worth Neighborhoods

This area has seen a revival, as unused and crumbling buildings have been developed into sparkling new luxury apartments, hip boutiques, and some of the city’s most popular up-and-coming bars, restaurants, and venues.
(Source: Sotheby’s International Realty)

8. Washington Ave Coalition - Memorial Park

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,950
• Average home value: $514,600
• Great for: Young professionals, housing, jobs, nightlife, diversity

Just west of Houston’s city center and bordered by the I-10 freeway, this lively neighborhood has developed an urban vibe after undergoing a remarkable revival into one of the best neighborhoods in Houston. Unused and crumbling buildings have been developed into sparkling new luxury apartments, hip boutiques, and some of the city’s most popular up-and-coming bars, restaurants, and venues. The neighborhood is also one of Houston’s safest, according to NeighborhoodScout — No. 4, in fact, based on their crime data. All this draws in a high number of active professionals who get their fix of cool places to hang, urban vibes, and close proximity to Houston’s largest green space. 

Schools in Washington Ave Coalition - Memorial Park have earned an overall B+ rating from Niche, though the area is more popular with young professionals than with families. If you’re looking to buy, options start at around $300K. The majority of people here rent, however, and rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is on the higher end of the spectrum, averaging about $1,950 per month.

The 5 Best Houston Suburbs

Like the city itself, Houston suburbs offer an eclectic mix of lifestyles, housing, and amenities. And although there is some of the sprawl typical to the outer reaches of most big metro areas, many of the Houston ‘burbs reflect more of a balanced lifestyle. Master-planned communities in the Houston suburbs have relatively convenient access to Downtown, which gives families and professionals a quiet — but still connected — vibe.

Residents in Cinco Ranch enjoy the perk of local community events, such as “Mondays with Mommy” at LaCenterra (pictured above).
(Source: LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch via Facebook)

1. Cinco Ranch

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,600
• Average home value: $537,400
• Great for: Families, public schools, housing, jobs, diversity

About 30 miles west of Downtown Houston, you’ll find this master-planned community, which opened in 1991 and now includes more than 15,000 homes. Residents enjoy access to 63 pocket parks, 20 on-site schools, 17 tennis courts, a 6,000-square-foot clubhouse, The Beach Club, and the LaCenterra shopping district (to name a few of the amenities). Not only is Cinco Ranch ranked Houston’s #1 best suburb and the best suburb to raise a family, but Niche dubbed it the best suburb to live in all of Texas.

Homes here are big, beautiful, and often made of brick. There are no condos or townhouses to speak of in Cinco Ranch, only single-family, detached homes. Most houses have four to five bedrooms and go for between $400K and $800K (according to a recent Zillow search). The majority of residents own their homes, but almost one-third rent. And most apartments in the area go for between $1,300 and $2,200 a month. 

Q: What is the best Houston suburb to live in? A: Cinco Ranch is rated the best suburb to live in Houston, according to Niche, followed by The Woodlands and Sugar Land. Overall, Houston suburbs get good marks for their family-oriented vibe and easy access to all the amenities of Downtown.

The Woodlands is one of the best Houston suburbs, in addition to being the best city to buy a home and the second-best city to live in America.
(Source: @visitthewoodlands via Instagram) 

2. The Woodlands

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,700
• Average home value: $306,300
• Great for: Families, public schools, housing, jobs, outdoor activities, diversity

Not a misnomer, The Woodlands is a 28,000-acre forested suburb located 40 minutes north of Downtown Houston, and it’s one of the best Houston suburbs for families. This popular spot in the Houston suburbs is essentially one large planned community full of luxury houses and excellent amenities — like kayaking, hiking, swan boat rides on the lake, and an outdoor amphitheater. This affluent community speaks mostly to nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those pursuing an active lifestyle, but education is also a top priority. The public schools are some of the best in Houston (and in Texas), earning an overall A+ rating from Niche. 

The Woodlands also tops several best-of lists on Niche, including coming in as the No. 1 city to buy a home in the country, the second-best city to raise a family in the U.S., and the second-best city to live in America. Pretty impressive, eh? 

But all that bliss doesn’t come cheap. Houses here are huge, with multiple bedrooms and massive lots. While you can find smaller condos for as little as $170K, single-family homes start around $250K before climbing and climbing and climbing as high as $13M. Renting can be much more affordable, though, as is true in most nice parts of Houston, with the majority of apartments renting for between $1,000 and $2,000 a month.

In Sugar Land, shady trees line neighborhoods filled with spacious homes and big yards. 
(Source: Cathy Stubbs - Sugar Land Real Estate via Facebook)

3. Sugar Land

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,600
• Average home value: $439,700
• Great for: Families, public schools, housing, jobs, outdoor activities, diversity

Just 20 minutes from Downtown Houston, Sugar Land offers big-city amenities with a charming small-town vibe. This popular spot in the Houston suburbs offers plenty to do for residents and visitors alike, with a world-class baseball park (home of the Space Cowboys!), a natural science museum, retail and boutique shopping, dining, nightlife, and stellar performing arts. The Smart Financial Centre venue has played host to superstars like Barry Manilow and the Isley Brothers. Local arts are well represented by organizations including Inspiration Stage, a community theater where students and aspiring actors can get a taste of the spotlight.  

In Sugar Land, shady trees line neighborhoods filled with spacious homes and big yards. Niche awards this suburb an A+ grade overall, with A ratings (or better) for its public schools, housing, diversity, and family-friendliness, which explains why it ranks third on Niche’s list of the best places to live in the Houston area (behind Cinco Ranch and The Woodlands). 

The average home value is about $440K, but you can find homes closer to $250K without too much effort. And while 80 percent of residents own their homes, there are still plenty of apartments available in the area, as well, with one-bedroom apartments averaging around $1,600 a month.

With just over 5,200 residents, Nassau Bay offers small-town life with an urban edge.
(Source: point2homes.com)

4. Nassau Bay

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,375
• Average home value: $355,600
• Great for: Families, public schools, jobs, nightlife, diversity

If you’re looking for a safe, quiet spot with a unique aquatic perk, you should consider Houston’s Nassau Bay suburb. With just over 5,200 residents, Nassau Bay offers small-town life with an urban edge. It’s also conveniently located just a 30-minute stone’s throw from Houston and Galveston Island. Plus, you’ll share the neighborhood with NASA and the Johnson Space Center. How cool is that? Surrounded by water on three sides, this is a great pick for folks who aren’t quite sure where to live in Houston but want to be near the waves. 

Apartments here are affordable and the area is home to a variety of home styles from waterfront condos to large, mid-century or modern builds. Nassau Bay is also served by the Clear Creek Independent School District, with many schools rated A or better. 

Katy is one of the best Houston suburbs for young professionals who work in the city but want a quieter life at home.  
(Source: point2homes.com)

5. Katy

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,675
• Average home value: $347,400
• Great for: Families, public schools, housing, jobs, diversity

Highly rated public schools and town amenities (like the Katy Mills Outlet Mall and Typhoon Texas Waterpark) have boosted Katy as an increasingly popular destination in the Houston suburbs. Not to mention the fact that this place has plenty of parks and expansive homes on large lots. That being said, it may not come as a shock to learn that Katy attracts a lot of young families. An added bonus? It’s a straight 30-minute shot on I-10 East to Houston, making Katy one of the best Houston suburbs for young professionals who work in the city but want a quieter life at home.  

Katy’s culinary landscape is expanding, as well, with innovative chefs trying out their dishes on all the new residents. But for some tried-and-true tastes of Texas, go to Brett’s BBQ Shop — you will not be disappointed.

You’ll find big contemporary houses and new builds as well as a host of planned communities in Katy. The average home value is around $347K, but homes start at around $200K and continue up into the millions. Apartment buildings in Katy are modern, pet-friendly, and have other shared amenities like pools and fitness rooms. And rent for the majority of apartments falls into the $1,500 to $2,000 range. Large condos are also available for rent in Katy. 

Relocating in or out of the Lone Star State? We’re here to help with our big-picture guide to moving in Texas.

Deciding which Houston suburbs or neighborhoods make your short list is tough — they’re all such great communities!
(Source: Visit Houston via Facebook)

Moving to One of the Best Neighborhoods in Houston (or Suburbs)

There’s no denying it: Deciding which Houston suburbs or neighborhoods make your shortlist is tough — they’re all such great communities. When you do make the decision about where to live in Houston, though, we’ve got the 4-1-1 on what you need to know about living in Houston, so you can start acting like a local faster than you can say, “Go, Astros!” 

When you’re ready, you can make your move a flexible one with a PODS portable moving container delivered right to your driveway. PODS can even refer you to local packing and loading help if you need it. Once your container is loaded, it will be picked up and transported to your new home in Houston where you can unload and unpack on your own schedule.

Looking for help with your pre-move moves? Find everything you need — from an essential moving checklist to packing and moving hacks from the pros — right here on the PODS Blog.

Alex Keight is a frequent contributor to the PODS Blog who has moved 20+ times because she loves to experience new places.

Editor’s note: Area rankings were obtained from Niche. Average rent prices were obtained from RentCafe; and average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.