Here’s Where To Find 13 of the Best Neighborhoods in Houston & Houston Suburbs in 2024

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) are 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. 

Planning your move to Houston? Start with getting a quote from PODS.

Houston at a Glance

First things first: Houston is huge. Spanning over 600 square miles and with an estimated 2.3 million residents, Houston is one of the top 10 largest cities 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 impressively diverse and culturally rounded. 
Thankfully, this big city 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 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 the many Houston suburbs and neighborhoods. With well over 50 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 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 inside or outside of the “Inner Loop,” which is just a way of denoting whether they’re inside or outside of 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 be close to work.
(Source: Downtown Houston via Facebook)

1. Downtown Houston

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,150
• Average home value: $386,600
• Great for: Nightlife, diversity, urban lifestyle, commute, outdoor activities

As expected, there’s plenty to do here in the heart of Houston. This is where you’ll find the famous Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros, along with concert venues, conference centers, great bars and restaurants, the city’s theater district, and decent public parks that host frequent events. Within this 1.173-acre space, you’ll find 10 distinct districts (or neighborhoods). These downtown districts are extremely walkable (if you can handle the heat), and it’s a great pick for young professionals or people who want to be close to work and not have to make a nightly trek to 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, making it one of the best neighborhoods in Houston. 

Condos, townhouses, and single-family homes are the norm here, though condos are probably most common. A recent Zillow search shows quite a pricing spectrum — on the low end, you can get a 1-bed/1-bath condo (698 sf) for $195K and, on the high end, you can purchase a 3-bed/4-bath condo (3,739 sf) for $1.2M.

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: $370,600
• 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 vibe. The highly walkable neighborhood features bars, museums, shops, and restaurants, many of which have outdoor seating during the pleasant months. Must visit: 13 Celcius, a cozy wine bar with an amazing selection of vino and a tasty menu to match. 

There are three METRORail stations if you have to get somewhere outside the district. Midtown’s convenient location — close to both Downtown Houston and Texas Medical Center — is also a 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 areas in the Inside Loop. Here, you’ll find single-family homes, condos, and a whole lot of townhouses. According to a recent Zillow search, an 809-sf condo (1-bed/1-bath) is going for $160K, but the price jumps to closer to $220K for a 2-bed/2-bath (1,169 sf). When it comes to townhouses and detached homes, prices start around $335K for a 2-bed/2-bath (1,327 sf) and gradually increase to over $1M for a (much) larger home. 

The Memorial neighborhood 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: $663,000
• 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 big traditional and contemporary single-family or attached homes on spacious lots, surrounded by forest 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 space, 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 areas of Houston are safe to live in? A: Out of all the best areas to live in Houston, data shows Kingwood is the safest neighborhood with an A+ rating from Niche.com. The Houston suburbs of Shoreacres, Stagecoach, Woodbranch, and Bayou Vista are also considered safe neighborhoods.

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: $341,500
• 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 with an array of amenities. 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 night, 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 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 Niche’s top neighborhoods to raise a family. 

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 $341K. 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): $1,800
• Average home value: $612,200
• 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 architecture 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 Boomtown 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 this 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 a million 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: River Oaks is regarded as the most prestigious area of Houston. Known for luxurious estates surrounded by elegantly manicured lawns, River Oaks is home to some of Houston’s most affluent and influential residents. You’ll also find exclusive private schools, upscale shopping — and a median home value to match, at $1.2 million.

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

6. Neartown - Montrose 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,125
• Average home value: $606,600
• 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 Houston’s LGBTQIA community epicenter 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 value is about $606,600. Schools here have an overall B+ rating, which is a little better than the city as a whole. Still, the area is home to many A-rated schools, including several of the top public schools in the state, and is 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: $500,000
• Great for: Young professionals, nightlife, diversity, commute, outdoor activities

Houston’s Medical Center Area is a neighborhood that, no surprise, is home to a bulk of the city’s medical facilities — including 47 institutions, education buildings, and 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 disrtict is also considered one of the best neighborhoods in Houston by Niche — it was named the 13th best Houston neighborhood in 2024. 

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 one of the more suitable parts of Houston, Texas, to live for young professionals than for families. But public schools here are above the city average with a B+ rating, and plenty of locals still view it as one of the best neighborhoods in Houston. 

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 you’ll usually get modern features and fixtures throughout.

Curious what life has to offer in other popular Texan 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): $1,900
• Average home value: $522,300
• Great for: Young professionals, housing, jobs, nightlife, diversity

Just west of Houston’s city center and bordered to the top by the 10 freeway, this lively neighborhood has an energy and urban feel today after undergoing a remarkable revival. 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. All this draws in a high number of active professionals who get their fix of cool places to hang, an urban vibe, and a close proximity to Houston’s largest greenspace. 

Schools in Washington Ave Coalition - Memorial Park have earned an overall B+ rating from Niche, though few families are here — most residents are young professionals. 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 $1,900 per month.

The 5 Best Houston Suburbs

Like the city itself, the 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 have relatively convenient access to downtown, which gives families and professionals a quiet — but still connected — vibe.

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

1. Cinco Ranch

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,625
• Average home value: $544,000
• 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). And not only was Cinco Ranch rated the best suburb to live in Texas, but Niche also ranked it as the best place 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 of them 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 a little more than a quarter rent. And most apartments in the area go for between $1,300 and $2,200 a month. 

Q: What is the best suburb to live in Houston? A: Cinco Ranch is rated the best suburb to live in all of Texas, according to Niche, followed by the Woodlands and Sugar Land.

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: $312,100
• 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 just 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 schools are highly rated and some of the best in Houston and in Texas and carry an A+ rating from Niche. 

The Woodlands also tops several best-of lists on Niche, including coming in as the #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 that often tip the scales at over 10,000 square feet. 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 it is 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): $1,625
• Average home value: $455,000
• 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, natural science museum, retail and boutique shopping, dining, nightlife, and steller performing arts. At the Smart Financial Centre, upcoming touring shows include superstars like Barry Manilow and the Isley Brothers. Local arts are well represented as well, with organizations including Inspiration Stage, a community theater, where students and aspiring actors can get a taste of the footlights.  

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 in Best Places to Live in the Houston Area (behind Cinco Ranch and The Woodlands) and fourth for Best Suburb to Live in Texas. 

The average home value is $455K, but you can find homes closer to $250K without too much effort. And while 81 percent of residents own their homes, there are still plenty of apartments available in the area, as well, with one-bedroom apartments averaging around $1,625 a month.

With just over 5,100 residents, Nassau Bay offers small-town life with an urban edge.
(Source: point2homes.com)

4. Nassau Bay

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,400
• Average home value: $369,100
• 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 5,100 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 definitely want to be near the waves. 

Apartments here are affordable, with the majority costing $1,000-$1,500 per month. Many homes offer a mid-century look with several bedrooms and a big yard. And 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: $353,700
• 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 $354K, but homes start at around $200K and continue up into the millions. Niche ranks Katy #10 in Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in the Houston Area and #17 in Best Suburbs to Buy a House in the Houston Area. 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-$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)

Making the Move to Houston

There’s no denying it: Deciding which Houston suburbs or neighborhoods make your short list 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!” 

Need help with your pre-move moves? We have that covered, too. Let us help make the process better with our easy moving checklist and packing and moving hacks. And with PODS, moving can be a breeze. Just let us deliver your portable storage container right to your door, and you can decide when and how to load it up — at your convenience. Need packing and loading help? Let us know. And when you’re ready to move to your new Houston home, we’ll come pick up your belongings and deliver them right to your new door.

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: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.