The Safest Places to Live in Houston (And Neighborhoods to Avoid)

Houston, Texas, is one of the fastest-growing cities — not to mention one of the largest — in the U.S. Because of its low cost of living, abundance of good jobs, and fantastic cultural and entertainment options, lots of folks are making the move to H-Town. And the numbers prove it. From 2021 to 2022, Houston saw the second-largest population surge in the country, as an additional 124,300 people moved to the metro area. That says a lot about what this city can offer people from all walks of life! But whether you’re looking for warmer weather or a better job, or you just want to start fresh, you’re first going to want to find one of the safest places to live in Houston. 

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When you’re thinking about moving to a new city, it’s always important to do your research, so you can find a safe, friendly neighborhood to put down roots. And because Houston is such a large city with a population of around 2.3 million, there’s naturally going to be some crime. According to NeighborhoodScout, Houston has a crime index of 2 (1 is the most dangerous), and your chances of being a victim of a violent or property crime is 1 in 17. This rate is above both the national median and the state of Texas median.

Here’s how Houston compares to other Texas cities:

• Dallas has a crime index of 3, and you have a 1 in 22 chance of being a victim of a crime
• Austin has a crime index of 5, and you have a 1 in 24 chance of being a victim of a crime

However, it should be noted that both Dallas and Austin are smaller cities with populations of almost 1.3 million and almost 975,000, respectively.

Safest Places to Live in Houston — FAQs

Q: What is the best suburb of Houston to live in?
A: Ranked #1 on Niche’s list for “Best Cities to Buy a House in America,” along with an A+ rating for public schools and an A- in both housing and diversity, the Woodlands is considered one of the best suburbs in Houston.

Q: What side of Houston is the safest?
A: Some of the best neighborhoods in Houston are on the west side of the city.

Q: What is the cheapest place to live in Houston?
A: With an average rent of around $1,375 per month and a median home sale price of $275,000, Addicks Park Ten is one of the most affordable neighborhoods to live in Houston.

The Safest Places to Live in Houston

Houston has a large population, and there are lots of neighborhoods and suburbs that are safe to live in with easy access to lots of amenities. Depending on your budget, you may be looking for a single-family home or an apartment space in a nice neighborhood in Houston — and there are plenty of those! On this list are lots of walkable neighborhoods in Houston, safe Houston suburbs, and places that would be great for families. We’ve tried to include neighborhoods that meet a variety of budgets, as well, and give you a feel for what kind of Houston neighborhoods these are, so you can make a decision that’s best for you.

Sharky’s in Kingwood in Houston, TX
Source: Midway via Katherine Feser via Houston Chronicle

Safest Neighborhoods in Houston

1. Kingwood Area

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,375
• Average home value: $326,700
• Great for: Families, schools, affordable cost of living

One of the safest neighborhoods in Houston is also ranked #1 by Niche as the best place to raise a family in Houston. With top schools like Kingwood High School and Snyder Elementary School, you’ll never have to worry about giving your kids an excellent education. And even if you don’t have kids, Kingwood has a lot going for it that people of all walks of life can appreciate. For example, it borders Lake Houston, which means you’ll have ample opportunities to get out on the water to boat, water ski, swim, or have a picnic on the shore at Privilege Beach.

You can also spend time on the green at The Clubs of Kingwood or explore the local wildlife at Lake Houston Wilderness Park. Let the kids play at Fosters Mill Village Pool and then grab some amazing photos at Heron’s Rest. The locals also recommend swinging by Sharky’s Waterfront Grill when you’re in the mood for burgers or fried gator!

2. Addicks Park Ten

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,375
• Median home sale price: $275,000
• Great for: Purchasing a home, families, schools

If you’re looking for a growing area — especially if you’re looking to buy a house — then you should definitely check out another one of the safest neighborhoods in Houston, Addicks Park Ten. Located on the western side of the city, this neighborhood has easy access to Interstate 10, which means you’ll have no trouble getting around (and accessing CityCentre Mall). This neighborhood is located near the Addicks Reservoir, as well, which is surrounded by Bear Creek Pioneers Park and its many trails, beautiful natural scenery, and popular Congressman Bill Archer Dog Park. 

Folks in this area love to stay active, and the Pine Forest Country Club offers lots of opportunities to golf, swim, play tennis, or just enjoy a relaxing lunch in their clubhouse. Across the I-10 is the expansive George Bush Park that’s ideal for picnics and family get-togethers. And when you’re ready for a great Texas-sized meal, head over to Clay’s Restaurant. When you live in Addicks Park Ten, you can also rest easy knowing that Houston Methodist West Hospital is right around the corner. 

3. Lake Houston

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Average home value: $358,200
• Great for: Families, outdoor activities, diversity, proximity to the IAH airport

Another one of the best neighborhoods in Houston if you’re looking to purchase a house is the Lake Houston community. Although it’s one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Houston, there are a lot of reasons to move here. Located right along the shores of Lake Houston, you’ll have prime access to beautiful trails that circle the lake and are perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. And if you’ve always wanted a chance to get a boat and get out on the water but stay within close distance of all Houston has to offer, this is your chance! 

When you’re not spending the day at the lake, you can meet friends for a round of golf at Tour 18 Golf Course, take the kids to Be An Angel Playground, or enjoy a laid-back day at the beach at the Balmoral Lagoon and Beach Club. In Lake Houston, you’re never far from fantastic places to eat, too, including yummy seafood at The Crawfish Boyz, authentic Mexican at Tacos Flores, and delicious pizza at New York Grand Pizza.

Houston Neighborhoods To Avoid While every city has unsafe areas, some are worse than others. Here are a few Houston neighborhoods you’ll generally want to avoid: Sunnyside Macgregor Sharpstown Far North

Sugar Land, TX city hall

4. The Woodlands, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,700
• Average home value: $301,000
• Great for: Families, schools, shopping, outdoor activities

The Woodlands is a beautiful place to call home, but it’s also one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Houston to live. However, it’s ranked #2 on Niche’s list for Best Cities to Raise a Family in America, as there are excellent public and private schools, like Woodlands High School and the John Cooper School, along with plenty of opportunities to keep kids active. 

It’s also called the Woodlands for a reason, as there are plenty of parks and trails to explore, like the Spring Creek Nature Trail, Rob Fleming Park, and Terramont Park. There are not only all kinds of green spaces to enjoy, but you can also enjoy the views and trails near Lake Woodlands, which offers ample places to enjoy a picnic or a barbeque at Cove Park or Northshore Park. 

Want to get out on the lake? Consider joining the local Rowing Club of the Woodlands for a chance to learn something new and have some fun. The Woodlands Country Club is another popular place for folks to golf, play tennis, swim, and enjoy first-class dining. And the Woodlands’ convenient location means you’re never far from necessary amenities like grocery stores, malls, and fun things to do with kids, like the Woodlands Children's Museum. Did we mention that the food scene here is top notch, with places like Local Pour and The Kitchen?

5. Sugar Land, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,600
• Average home value: $432,600
• Great for: Schools, outdoor lifestyle, diversity, variety of jobs

Another one of the safest Houston suburbs is Sugar Land, which is located southwest of downtown. There are plenty of walkable communities in Sugar Land, like Mayfield Park, Paradise Point, and Venetian Estates, that offer residents the chance to get to know their neighbors better and participate in community events like coffee-tasting workshops, a farmer’s market, and fun exercise opportunities such as Zumba in the Plaza. 

If you or your family are interested in spending more time in nature, Sugar Land also has plenty of public outdoor spaces that offer you the chance to walk, bike, or host a get-together with family and friends. Check out Oyster Creek Park, Brazos River Park, Lost Creek Park, or Eldridge Park, all of which are easily accessible and offer plenty of space to play or relax. 

And lots of Sugar Land residents like to spend time at the Sugar Creek Country Club or the Riverbend Country Club, which offer meticulously maintained golf courses, as well as space to enjoy tennis, pickleball, or a delicious meal in the clubhouse. Because of its proximity to the Houston job market, Sugar Land is also one of the most diverse areas in the city. You’ll easily find cuisine from all over the world, including Pakistani food at Ashar’s Kitchen and South American fare at Churrascos. 

6. West University Place, TX 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,225
• Average home value: $1.51M
• Great for: Walkability, families, commute, nightlife

One of the richest neighborhoods in Houston is West University Place, where you’ll find all kinds of beautiful homes — some of which actually date back to the 1930s. Although it’s considered to be an expensive suburb of Houston, that doesn’t mean the residents aren’t welcoming, as it’s also one of the friendliest (and safest) parts of town. West U has a prime location, and it’s an easy commute almost anywhere. And thanks to its proximity to I-69 and I-610, you can be in downtown Houston in 15 minutes. 

This tight-knit community also has a variety of easy-to-get-to green spaces, so you’re never far from an opportunity to get some exercise or just enjoy some time outdoors. Colonial Park, Judson Park, and Whitt Johnson Park give residents old and young alike a place to play, walk the dog, or take a stroll. The community has a rec center, a library, and plenty to offer foodies, like American fare at Tiny’s No. 5 and delicious Greek cuisine at Kriti Kitchen. 

Rice University is also just a stone’s throw away from West U, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself cheering on the Owls!

7. Katy, TX 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,575
• Average home value: $342,100
• Great for: Schools, affordable housing, families, jobs

Katy isn’t just one of the safest places to live in Houston; it’s also one of the best neighborhoods in Houston for families, as it’s well known throughout the state for its excellent school district that features top-rated Campbell Elementary School, The Village School, and Adams Junior High. Katy is also conveniently located right on I-10, which means you should be able to get almost anywhere very easily, whether it’s working in downtown Houston or shopping at the popular LaCenterra Mall. 

Residents love heading over to Katy City Park, which offers an off-leash dog park and a play station for the kids. You can walk the trails in the Mary Jo Peckham Park, and even go fishing in the Rainbow Trout Fishing area. 

It’s very easy to get involved in this nice Houston neighborhood, and Katy offers lots of chances to get to know your neighbors and build community spirit through events like the Spring Community Campout, the Street Soiree, and the Katy Rice Festival. And when you live here, you’ll never be at a loss for a delicious place to eat, with options like the Adriatic Cafe Italian Grill and Midway BBQ (with their huge, Texas-sized portions).

Let PODS Help You Move to One of the Safest Neighborhoods in Houston

When you’re ready to move to one of the safest places to live in Houston, let PODS help you get there without all the stress. PODS will have a portable storage container delivered to your home, so you can load it up with your belongings at your leisure. And when you’re ready, a PODS professional will come and pick it up and drive it to your new Houston home. Then you can unload on your schedule without rushing. The best part? One month of storage is always included!

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.