As the fourth-largest city in the U.S., Houston, TX, is a buzzing metropolis that millions of people call home. According to a 2019 study, millennials are moving in droves to seven metropolitan areas, including Houston.
As you can imagine, downtown can't hold everybody. Considering that Houston has been dubbed one of the most diverse cities in the U.S., that's not such a bad thing.
From 19th-century architecture to NASA's Space Center Houston, this Texas city has a lot to offer if you're looking for the best neighborhoods to live in. With dozens of unique areas in the city, anyone who comes to Houston is sure to find a place where they fit in.
We put together a Houston neighborhood guide for you to check out, whether you're moving from out of state or another area in the city.
Montrose maintains much of the downtown area's energy on the west side of Houston, just with an additional sense of chill. It has an artsy, eclectic vibe, especially given that it's home to the Museum of Fine Arts and the Contemporary Arts Museum.
Spend your days shopping at local boutiques, jogging in nearby parks and spending hot summer nights at one of the many coffee shops, and you'll see what makes Montrose such an attractive neighborhood.
When it comes to apartments, you'll have a decent amount to choose from — restored old buildings dot Montrose streets and multi-family dwellings and bungalows, too. You can find a one-bedroom apartment in the neighborhood for $1,402 a month on average.
Considered one of the wealthiest areas of Houston, River Oaks boasts tree-lined streets, well-manicured lawns and large homes — making it feel more like a suburb than a city neighborhood, despite its zip code.
Because it's such a picturesque place with high-profile residents (George H. W. and Barbara Bush used to live there), the cost of living is higher than other nearby neighborhoods.
However, being able to get downtown quickly is worth the high rent for many, as well as the proximity to excellent dining and the indie film theater River Oaks Theatre. Not only that, but you'd be able to walk to the River Oaks Shopping Center.
One of the city's most popular areas, Greenway/Upper Kirby, is referred to by the locals as "The Loop." Its proximity to Interstate 69 makes it incredibly well-placed within the city. Nearby, Levy Park offers a reprieve from city life with ample green space with a softball field, dog park, outdoor fitness classes and several walking trails.
If you like to go out dancing every weekend or grab a couple of drinks at a low-key bar, you'll feel at home here. The neighborhood offers plenty of entertainment and nightlife — spanning from good bars and comedy clubs like McGonigel's Mucky Duck to indie art galleries along Alabama Street. You can find a one-bedroom apartment in the area for $1,835 a month on average.
Houston's Medical Center neighborhood may have a doozy of a name, but it has more to offer than the city's medical system. The district encompasses a large area with Rice University's campus, Houston Zoo, Hermann and Brays Bayou parks and the Houston Museum District all nearby.
Don't miss the Texas Medical Center Orchestra's performances, one of the only orchestras in the world composed of those in the medical field. Whether you have a job in the Medical Center or are a college student at Rice, you can find a one-bedroom apartment for $2,424 a month.
How would you like to wake up every day and see the Houston skyline outside of your window? Separated from downtown by I-45, Midtown is one of the best neighborhoods in Houston. You get to enjoy the walkable grid streets, the METRORail Red Line and plenty of access to breweries, restaurants and even piano bars like Howl at the Moon.
The neighborhood is considered a mixed-use area with both businesses and housing located here. From offices to retail outlets to restaurants to bars, the business part of Midtown is as diverse as its population. You can find a one-bedroom apartment in the area for $2,107 a month on average.
If having a quick and easy commute to work is vital to you, check out apartments in downtown Houston. Just because you're in the middle of the city's business center doesn't mean you won't find things to do on the weekends.
The oldest brewery in the state, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, is nearby for a good pint. The 12-acre Discovery Green Park hosts festivals, film and dance events in its amphitheater. On the weekends, rock out at the gothic Dirt Bar, where only heavy rock songs pour out of the jukebox. If this sounds like your vibe, you can find a one-bedroom for $2,233 a month on average.
About 25 minutes northwest of Houston, Willowbrook offers a quieter suburban lifestyle but is still accessible to the city center. If you're looking for a variety of food, head to The Vintage, where you'll find South African, Mexican, Italian and Brazilian food choices.
Nearby, you can find the notable Sam Houston Race Park, a horse racing track that's also used for festivals and concerts during the offseason. There's also an Alamo Drafthouse in the neighborhood for movie buffs. A one-bedroom apartment will set you back $1,047 a month on average.
Located not too far from Medical Center, Southwest Houston borders the Brays Bayou River, flowing through the county. Residents can enjoy more than 30 miles of trails in the park, connecting with other downtown green spaces like MacGregor Park and Hermann Park.
Due to its growing immigrant population, you can also find great culture and food establishments in the area with Mexican and Cajun influences. You can find a one-bedroom apartment in the area for $980 a month on average.
Located within the city of Houston, Spring Branch is actually older than the city itself. It was founded by a German family before Houston back in 1830.
Nowadays, one of Houston's best neighborhoods houses many young families that want the quiet of suburbia but the closeness of the city. Ranch-style homes and new builds remain predominant in the area, as well as mom-and-pop shops and modern eateries.
Only 20 minutes from downtown, the area remains mostly affordable for renters and home buyers alike. You can find a one-bedroom apartment for $981 a month on average.
One thing to know about the Inner Loop neighborhood in Houston is that it encompasses half the city. And while a 2019 study found that the Houston metro area has the seventh-worst congestion in the country, those who live in the Inner Loop have the advantage of public transit, walkability and bike routes — sounding good already?
A one-bedroom apartment will cost $1,596 a month on average. You'll have access to all the city has to offer from James Beard-award winning dining, entertainment and late-night activities within the Theater District and Art Gallery row.
As the fourth most populous city in the U.S., Houston has a lot to offer in terms of entertainment, food, housing options and, thanks to its mild weather, even nearby beaches.
If you're looking for the best neighborhood to live in Houston, TX, this is a good list of 10 to start your explorations.
Muriel Vega is an Atlanta-based journalist who writes about technology and its intersection with arts and culture. She's worked on content for startups like Mailchimp, Patreon, Punchlist, Skillshare, Rent. and others. Muriel has also contributed to The Washington Post, Eater, DWELL, Outside Magazine, Atlanta Magazine, AIGA Eye on Design, Bitter Southerner and more.