The 9 Best Neighborhoods in Houston

Houston is one of the largest and most diverse cities in the United States, and it can be overwhelming for newcomers to know where to start when looking for the best neighborhoods to live in. In this article, we will explore some of the top neighborhoods in Houston for newcomers to consider, and provide information on what it’s like to live in Houston.

Is Houston a good place to live?

Houston, Texas is an excellent place to live for several reasons. First and foremost, the city offers a robust job market and numerous career opportunities across various industries, including energy, healthcare, technology, and aerospace. The affordable cost of living is another major advantage, with Houston consistently ranking among the most affordable major cities in the United States. The city boasts a diverse and vibrant culture, with a rich culinary scene, world-class museums, and a thriving arts and music community.

Houston is also known for its welcoming and friendly atmosphere, making it easy to connect with people from all walks of life. Additionally, the city’s warm climate and abundance of parks and outdoor spaces provide ample opportunities for recreational activities and enjoying the outdoors. Whether you’re looking for professional growth, cultural experiences, affordability, or a lively community, Houston offers a compelling and fulfilling living experience.

The best neighborhoods in Houston

1. East End (EaDo)
2. Midtown
3. Montrose
4. Washington Ave./Memorial Park
5. The Heights
6. University Place
7. Museum District
8. Upper Kirby
9. Great Uptown

Read on for more details of each!

1. East End (EaDo)

The best neighborhood for sports fans

East End, or EaDo, as the locals call it, is one of the best places for sports fans since the city’s professional teams play right in your backyard. The city’s soccer team the Houston Dynamo plays at BBVA Compass Stadium. The NBA’s Houston Rockets take the court a few minutes away at the Toyota Center. If baseball’s your game, you can see the Houston Astros play America’s pastime at Minute Maid Park. EaDo residents can walk to any of these three venues in less than 15 minutes.

EaDo has public art and murals, including the iconic “We Love Houston” sign, and views of the city skyline from nearly every street. You’ll see these sights on your walk to one of the many entertainment venues in your new hood. Head to the 8th Wonder Brewery for a pint of their latest seasonal beer or check out a concert at neighboring Warehouse Live. Not in the mood for a walk? You’re in luck. EaDo is more connected to the greater Houston area than any other neighborhood, boasting miles of rail lines, trails, and bus routes.

2. Midtown

The best neighborhood for young professionals

Midtown might be the most convenient, centrally located Houston neighborhood of all. It’s sandwiched between Montrose, Downtown, and EaDo, yet offers a nightlife and neighborhood scene that rivals all three. It’s so popular among young professionals because it’s a place where you can work, live, and play. The Houston METRORail is a convenient and fast way to get to and from downtown, so if you’re working there and living in Midtown, your commute is a breeze. Your post-work and weekend options are endless in Midtown. Here you’ll find Axelrad, a beer garden with live music nights, Luigi’s pizza, and hammocks you can lounge in while sipping on your beer. There’s always something going on at the neighborhood’s favorite green space, Midtown Park. Whether it’s a music festival, yoga on the green, or a food truck soiree, you can find something to do almost every weekend at the park.

3. Montrose

The best neighborhood for queer residents

Perhaps the most popular Houston neighborhood among renters, Montrose is one of the most diverse spots in the city. It’s located southwest of Downtown Houston, just a quick, 30-minute bus ride or 15-minute Lyft ride away. Don’t expect a traditional Houston suburb, though—Montrose is filled to the brim with LGBTQ-friendly bars and clubs, local restaurants ranging from Chicago-style pizzerias to classic Mexican food joints, and plenty of brunch spots to go around.

Although it’s not quite the LGBTQ magnet it once was, Montrose residents keep the friendly vibes alive and well. It’s known for being a great neighborhood to go out in, for the LGBTQ community and its allies, and the gay bars and clubs are a major highlight of Houston’s nightlife. Be sure to check out longtime Montrose mainstay, JR’s Bar & Grill. Then, grab a hangover-remedying brunch at Snooze, or sip on bubble tea from Kung Fu Tea while you take in the local art at Art League Houston.

4. Washington Ave./Memorial Park

The best neighborhood for nature-lovers

Green space meets modern development in Washington Ave./Memorial Park. The neighborhood stretches east to west, with Washington Avenue serving as its main thoroughfare. Enjoy the museums, art galleries, and the neighborhood’s eponymous park along the western edge. This green space is Houston’s largest park and a wonderful place for nature lovers to unwind and recharge their batteries. Spend time hiking or biking the trails, joining a free yoga class, or enjoying a picnic with friends or family. Memorial Park is also home to the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, a 155-acre green space filled with nature trails, exhibits, and workshops.

If you’ve been to Houston before, the changes in this up-and-coming neighborhood may surprise you. Developers transformed its old buildings into modern townhomes, restaurants, and breweries. If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, don’t miss the local gem, Julep. Its Southern take on classic cocktails saw it named one of the country’s best cocktail bars. Local craft beer lovers flock to Platypus Brewing. Washington Ave./Memorial Park is also very well connected. Hop on the bus and hit up the neighboring Theater District or Downtown, or drive and get to either in under 15 minutes.

5. The Heights

The best neighborhood for singles

The Heights, a community made up of the Greater Heights and a few small neighborhoods like Woodland Heights and Norhill, might be a mostly residential Houston neighborhood, but don’t mistake it for being sleepy. It also happens to be home to many of the city’s best watering holes. For drinks, start with a Heights staple, Johnny’s Gold Brick. The covered, outdoor patio goes great with an ice-cold Shiner on a hot day. Transport yourself to Hawaii and catch some island vibes at Lei Low Bar, a tiki-themed bar with drinks that are just as quirky as the place itself.

The Heights neighborhood dates back to the 1890s, and you’ll feel the vintage vibes at some of the local haunts along 19th Street. Vinal Edge Records is a great place to start; it has an impossibly large collection of vintage vinyls, so give yourself a good amount of time to sort through them all. A few doors down you’ll find The Heights Theater, a restored 1900s movie theater that hosts private showings and concerts. With so many spots for entertainment, it’s no wonder locals consider The Heights one of the most fun places to live in Houston.

6. University Place

The best neighborhood for families

It might sound like a frat town, but University Place is incredibly civilized. It doesn’t actually have its own university, although its streets share their names with these learning facilities. Its excellent Houston Independent School District can start your children on the right path, though. The neighborhood is also close to Texas Medical Center for your peace of mind. Recent redevelopments mean there’s no shortage of luxury apartments and condos for you to call home.

Families love the swimming pools at the West University Place Recreation Center and Colonial Park. You can have a picnic and run around in this park or head to the neighborhood’s other green space, Friends Park. The museums, cultural facilities, and restaurants of downtown Houston are also just 2 miles west of University Place.

7. Museum District

The best neighborhood for luxury-lovers

Houston’s Museum District is best known for the attractions that give the neighborhood its name. You’ll find 19 different tourist hotspots here, including the Children’s Museum Houston and Houston Zoo. With most museums offering free days, there’s no excuse to avoid playing tourist. However, it’s much more than a tourist mecca. Recent redevelopments have seen the Museum District get some of the most luxurious, well-located residences in the city.

Given its proximity to well-known tourist hubs, the Museum District is well serviced by public transport. The METRORail has four stops within the community, so you can easily get rid of your car and rely on the buses or get around on foot. You’ll appreciate its walkability when you’re or enjoying a gourmet meal at Monarch or indulging until the early hours at Grand Prize Bar.

8. Upper Kirby

The best neighborhood for dog-lovers

Upper Kirby balances urban streets with parklands, so it’s an ideal choice for dog lovers. Make sure to take your pooch to the fenced dog park at Levy Park for some safe, off-leash play. There are separate areas for big and little dogs, and their owners, to make new friends. Dogs are also welcome on the outdoor patio areas of several local restaurants including Ruggles Black, Bollo Woodfired Pizza, and Kiran’s.

Upper Kirby has a great range of housing options, from single-family homes and expansive mansions with yards for large dogs to luxury apartments and condos that suit smaller breeds. Zumper’s pet-friendly filter can help you find rentals in Upper Kirby that welcome dogs. The area’s flat, pedestrian-friendly streets will also encourage you to give your pup the exercise you both enjoy.

9. Great Uptown

The best neighborhood for people from all walks of life

Great Uptown’s population is a real melting pot, so you’ll always feel accepted here. Just like University Place, it’s served by the reputable Houston Independent School District. The strong school system and family-friendly feel attract growing households to this charming community. Then there are the young professionals who chose Great Uptown to shorten their commutes. You’ll find more than 10% of Houston’s office space in this neighborhood, so there are plenty of job opportunities for hardworking residents. With 17% Hispanic, 13% Asian, and 6% African-American residents, Great Uptown also has one of the most racially diverse populations in Houston.

No matter who you are, you’ll appreciate the features of this friendly community located 6 miles west of downtown Houston. Green spaces including Grady Park and Tanglewood Park are ideal for staying active during your lunch break or kicking back and people-watching. You can also make your step count by exploring Houston Galleria Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the country. For extra exercise, spend some time on the mall’s enormous indoor ice rink.

Frequently asked questions about living in Houston

If you’re looking for the best areas to live, explore, and play, consider one of these nine Houston neighborhoods we’ve identified as top choices. Immerse yourself in these best places to live in Houston, and you’ll soon make the transition from newcomer to local.