Houston is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, and for good reason. The city has a booming local economy, excellent schools at every level from preschool to college, a diverse population and a rock-bottom cost of living. It’s easy to see why more than 7 million people are proud to call neighborhoods in the Houston metro area home.
From the tree-lined streets of the suburbs to the high-rise buildings of uptown, the “Space City” offers the perfect community for everyone. Here are some of the top neighborhoods for Houstonians to hang their hats.
Copperfield
Source: Rent. / Westmount at Copper Mill
Established in the 1980s, this master-planned community was once the premier new neighborhood for oil and gas transplants. Today, Copperfield is a bustling tree-lined suburb with easy access to restaurants and shopping, as well as excellent Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District schools.
These amenities make Copperfield and the surrounding areas a very popular choice for families.
Downtown
Like most major urban city centers, Houston’s Downtown is on an upswing. Moving to the middle of it all will cost you a pretty penny, but the area’s renters find the world-class amenities to be well worth it. As the nation’s fourth-largest city, Houston offers unparalleled entertainment and recreation options to all those who call the “Space City” home.
Enjoy a day on the town exploring local gems like Discovery Green, Market Square Park and the Theater District before returning home to your urban palace. From modern lofts to luxurious townhouses, Downtown Houston’s housing options cater to every lifestyle and every need.
Memorial
Source: Rent. / 7 Seventy
Memorial packs a punch with more entertainment, recreation, shopping and dining options than any other major residential Houston neighborhood. Renters have easy access to major employment centers like the Energy Corridor and Galleria/Uptown.
They also have acres of local greenspace at parks like Terry Hershey Park, Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary and Memorial Park, as well as the Buffalo Bayou Bike Trail. World-class shopping options include the Memorial City Mall, CityCentre and Town and Country Village. Premier public and private schools, rising home values and unrivaled amenities combine to make Memorial one of Houston’s most desirable areas.
Midtown
For those hoping to gain a coveted “inner loop” address, Midtown offers renters another excellent option for urban walkability and accessibility. Located just southwest of Downtown, this neighborhood serves up a plethora of options for nightlife, shopping, entertainment and the arts.
As the target of urban revitalization in recent years, Midtown offers renters easy access to the MetroRail line, several new pocket parks and the Central Campus of Houston Community College.
Midtown is also home to many bars, beer gardens and breweries, including the popular Axelrad Beer Garden. This trendy district is home to many modern high-rises and mid-rises, as well as boutique garden apartments, making it perfect for young singles, college students and working professionals who prefer to be right in the thick of it all.
Montrose
For those seeking an eclectic and trendy community close to Downtown, Montrose fits the bill. Hipsters, young professionals and artists from across the country will feel right at home in Houston’s most bohemian neighborhood.
In addition to cute vintage bungalows and modern townhomes, Montrose is home to popular local landmarks like the Rothko Chapel and Eleanor Tinsley Park. Art galleries, coffee shops, farmers markets, record shops and thrift stores are just some of the many fun amenities that Montrose’s diverse residents can enjoy.
River Oaks
Houston’s low cost of living means that renters aren’t priced out of even the most prestigious neighborhoods. Culture lovers can live in the lap of luxury in River Oaks at shockingly affordable prices. For those who enjoy the finer things in life, the neighborhood boasts such attractions as the River Oaks Theatre, River Oaks Chamber Orchestra and the River Oaks Country Club.
In addition, River Oaks is home to several museums, upscale shopping centers, like Highland Village and River Oaks District, and top outdoor recreational spots, including River Oaks Park and the Buffalo Bayou trails. To top it all off, this traditional community is family-friendly with prestigious schools.
Summerwood
Summerwood is the latest master-planned community to offer the best in suburban living. Several nearby business parks create short commutes for a few lucky employees, and the Beltway 8 toll road will get you just about anywhere you need to go. With a Summerwood address, you can live in the forest on Lake Houston’s shores and get downtown in only 30 minutes.
Summerwood is also conveniently located for those who need to fly frequently from George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the proximity to parks, including Alexander Deussen Park, Dwight D. Eisenhower Park and Sheldon Lake State Park and Environmental Learning Center. Summerwood is ideal for families, offering them access to top-rated schools in the sought-after Humble Independent School District.
Uptown-Galleria
Uptown-Galleria residents enjoy a prestigious address and high quality of life in this urban yet residential community. Multiple business districts offer locals the potential of an unbeatable commute, and world-class retail complexes like the Centre at Post Oak, Uptown Park, BLVD Place and the infamous Galleria are just minutes away.
Modern mid-rise and high-rise apartment complexes line nearly every street, making the Uptown-Galleria area a surprisingly affordable and wildly popular neighborhood for urban renters of all ages.
Westchase
Source: Rent. / Plaza at Westchase
The Westchase district of Houston is home to more than 1,500 businesses, including several major employers like Chevron, Samsung and Phillips 66.
Residents enjoy being part of an international community that offers high-quality shopping, bars, ethnic cuisine, several miles of trails and various parks.
Willowbrook
Source: Rent. / Abbey at Grant Road
Willowbrook is ideal for families or young professionals who prefer to live a bit away from the action. With good schools and quiet streets, this northwestern neighborhood offers its residents a family-oriented experience with close access to shopping, dining and other amenities.
Entertainment options include the Willowbrook Mall and Willowbrook Plaza. Best of all, commuters can expect to be downtown in less than an hour, with a smooth drive down I-45 or the 290.
Find the best Houston neighborhood for you
Ready to find your new home? Your life in Houston awaits. Whether you’re moving out on your own for the first time or moving your family to the ‘burbs, H-Town has something to offer you. Browse our rental listings today to discover the right neighborhood that fits your lifestyle and find out why it’s so great to be called a Houstonian.
