Areas and suburbs in Houston

The best places to live in Houston

Picking the right area or suburb of Houston to live in is one of the most important decisions new arrivals will make. Those who don’t mind commuting and want to escape the frantic pace of city life can opt for one of the surrounding satellite towns. That said, it’s important to bear in mind that although there is public transport in Houston, most people own cars and newcomers should expect to spend a lot of time driving.

Houston’s city centre is separated from its suburbs by Interstate 610, or ‘the Loop’ as it’s more commonly known, and neighbourhoods are usually referred to as being either inside or outside the Loop.

The Loop contains the heart of Houston’s business world and a few residential areas that tend to contain modern, densely packed housing. More and more homes are being built in these areas to accommodate the growing population. Outside the Loop, newcomers will generally find more affordable accommodation and larger properties.

While there’s plenty of available housing in Houston, there are some parts of the city where demand is high and competition for properties is fierce.

Neighbourhoods for young professionals in Houston

Lazybrook

An older area with smaller homes, Lazybrook is relatively affordable and located just inside the Loop in northwest Houston. It's conveniently located close to Highway 290 and Interstate 10.

Lazybrook is popular among young professionals who value living close to the office and having key lifestyle amenities within easy reach. While there are plenty of restaurants in the neighbourhood, residents can also take a quick drive to Northwest Mall for more choice and late-night shopping.

Greenway and Upper Kirby

Greenway and Upper Kirby are great options for living just inside the I-610. Trendy areas brimming with eateries, cafés and boutique shops, they also boast entertainment venues such as comedy clubs, jazz bars and theatres. Upper Kirby also has several nightclubs.

Properties here tend to be smaller than those just beyond the Loop, so they aren’t the most suitable for new arrivals with children. But they are perfect for young people who enjoy an active lifestyle, as there are numerous opportunities to hike, bike, run or stroll through the local parks.

Montrose

In Montrose, newcomers will find housing options that range from elegantly restored mansions to contemporary condos and bungalows. The streets are walkable, and the area is full of boutique stores, bars and acclaimed restaurants.

Remnants of the area’s Bohemian roots are still apparent in its architecture and communal culture, but it has become more mainstream thanks to increasing property prices and the growth of modern housing complexes. In the summer, Montrose residents enjoy get-togethers and festivals in the local parks.

Washington Corridor

Although this area does house families due to the good schools nearby, in recent years, the Washington Corridor has become popular with upwardly mobile young professionals. The area is close to Memorial Park, so joggers and cyclists are a common sight. 

The area’s nightlife can be found along Washington Avenue, which is full of eclectic restaurants and lively bars. It’s also located close to major roadways, which makes getting around easy. 

Family-friendly neighbourhoods in Houston

Afton Oaks and River Oaks

These are two of the most affluent neighbourhoods in Houston. Perfectly located for shopping, working and dining, residents of Afton Oaks and River Oaks have easy access to Interstate 610, the Southwest Freeway and Interstate 10. It’s common to see active residents exercising at the nearby Memorial Park or enjoying a healthy brunch at one of the many patio cafés.

One downside to living in this part of Houston is the fact that most employers are located in and around this area, which results in heavy peak-time traffic congestion.

The demographic of these neighbourhoods is varied, but the several good private schools close by make these areas popular with affluent families.

The Woodlands

The Woodlands is located about 30 minutes outside Houston. The area is suited to new arrivals with children because of its spacious properties and proximity to good public schools. Despite being a little isolated, it's a self-sufficient planned community with plenty of restaurants, boutique stores, galleries and bars, and many residents find little reason to leave.

As the area continues to expand, so do the types of housing available, which include lofts, townhouses and modern housing complexes.

Clear Lake

Clear Lake is historically a popular suburb in Houston, with accommodation that includes quaint townhouses and luxury apartments. The area houses the University of Houston and has a large student population that gives it a youthful energy. There are excellent shopping opportunities in the area.

Residents in Clear Lake range from students to couples and small families. There are several good schools in the region, which makes it a great option for people moving to Houston with children.

Memorial

Memorial is rated one of the best neighbourhoods in Houston owing to the mixture of different types of housing here. Families can find single-family homes, townhouses or condos surrounded by lush forest areas. Memorial also boasts some of Houston's best parks and green spaces, making it one of the most sought-after areas for raising a family.

This area is chock-full of cafés, restaurants and nightlife spots while also boasting a golf course and country club. To top it all off, Memorial is a mere 20-minute drive away from Downtown Houston and is home to the highly rated Spring Branch and Katy school districts.