Forgive the tired slogan “Everything’s Bigger in Texas,” but in terms of Houston, the shoe fits—or, more appropriately, the cowboy boot. Houston not only boasts Texas’ fourth largest city by population, but it’s over 600 square miles, meaning it’s BIG, diverse, and packed with culture. With so much space comes lots of housing options, neighborhoods, and best of all, a low cost of living compared to other major metropolitans. Find the best place to live in Houston for your lifestyle and budget by discovering some of the trendiest places to call home.
First things first: if you are new to Houston and looking to make friends, may we strongly suggest living inside The Loop (otherwise known as Interstate 610). The Loop marks the border between the inner city of Houston and its surrounding areas and suburbs. The neighborhoods listed below are all located in the inner city and offer a more urban lifestyle for your young trendy self.
Downtown
This is the only neighborhood in Houston you can survive without a car, and in Houston, avoiding the legendary traffic is something to consider. The food and nightlife scene is strong, with many great bars and restaurants, and there is an added buzz (and congestion) when your arena neighbors are home (all three of Houston’s professional sports teams are located downtown). In need of more wide open space or just a place to walk your dog? This neighborhood is also home to a few public parks, including Discovery Green, a 12-acre oasis in the heart of the city. The biggest drawback to living downtown can be the overwhelming construction boom and a large number of homeless residents.
Summary: Walk your commute, easy access to the METRORail, and proximity to sporting events and museums are just some of the reasons to consider making Downtown your home.
Midtown
As the name suggests, Midtown is in the middle of central Houston, close to downtown and well served by public transportation. Decades ago, this was a bustling Vietnamese community and is still referred to as Little Saigon. (Insider tip: Don’t miss a great opportunity to eat some of the best Vietnamese style cajun boils while in this neighborhood). Today, Midtown has a party reputation and is a pedestrian friendly hotspot connecting many bars and restaurants, and figures prominently into your weekend plans. Midtown is filled with a 20-something, fresh out of college, brunch-loving crowd, so if the hard party days have passed you by, you may want to look elsewhere. Apartment hunting in Midtown offers a variety of accommodations from lofts and condos to apartments with yards.
Summary: Lively nightlife, short commutes to downtown, and a younger crowd make this a great neighborhood to start your life as a Houstonian.
Montrose
Nicknamed the “Heart of Houston,” this friendly and fun neighborhood is full of culture and inclusivity. In its heyday, Montrose was a refuge for musicians and artists, and was the center of the city’s LGBTQ community. While gentrification has forced some of the artists and activists to move on, the neighborhood remains the epitome of cool. Populated with local boutiques, high priced coffee, street art, and galleries, this liberal enclave also doubles as the city’s culinary capital. The homes range from bungalows and modern townhomes, to cottages and lofts.
Summary: Feed your creative soul in this eclectic neighborhood. Delight your inner foodie and enjoy the walkability and proximity to public transportation.
The Heights
The last decade has seen an awakening in The Heights. Once a quaint area with a historic vibe, the neighborhood has seen an infusion of younger millennials and boutique shops, plus it’s attracted some of the hottest new restaurants and buzzed about music venues. The Heights covers a large area, so there’s a varying degree of accommodations, and different pockets of neighborhoods within neighborhoods. Do your homework, as some places are more lively but others quieter with families and couples.
Summary: Enjoy some of the best views of downtown from newly built condos and lofts, historic homes, or charming bungalows. The Heights can be many things to many people, with a mix of young families, and millennials, young and “old”.
Upper Kirby
A small and historic neighborhood with an industrial feel nestled between the ritzy River Oaks and funky Montrose. This district is beyond up-and-coming, with hip eateries, theaters, and art galleries. The beating heart of the the neighborhood is the Urban Harvest Farmers Market, taking place every Saturday year-round, full of fresh food, live music, and great people watching. The neighborhood boundaries are marked by old-fashioned English-style telephone booths on the corners–perfect for Instagram-worthy shots. Living in Upper Kirby puts you 10 minutes from downtown and offers a variety of housing options regardless of your budget.
Summary: Upper Kirby has a modern feel with tons of culture and new developments being built. The housing is mainly comprised of contemporary high-rises and mid-rises with retail shopping and trendy dining.
Thinking of moving to Houston? Read our Relocation Guide.
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