Are you thinking about moving to Houston soon? “H-Town” has seen a sizable population increase in recent years. In fact, Texas was only second to Florida in terms of one-way moving rentals in 2023, according to U-Haul data. When looking at just Houston, the population grew by over 140,000 from July 2022 to July 2023.
Suffice it to say, you’re not the only one thinking of moving to Houston. The mass influx of people is due in large part to the relatively low cost of living, solid employment opportunities in several large sectors, and a diverse culture that offers something for everyone.
But with any big decision, there's a research phase. There’s a lot that goes into researching a new city before you move. To give you a head start, we’ve outlined 10 of the best Houston neighborhoods for families, young professionals, and more.
Living in Houston: A Quick Overview
- Diverse Culture – Houston is known as one of the most diverse cities in the U.S., boasting a rich blend of cultures, languages, and cuisines. The city is home to vibrant neighborhoods that showcase a variety of ethnicities, creating a dynamic and exciting cultural scene.
- Weather – Houston has a subtropical climate, which means it gets hot and humid in the summers with lots of thunderstorms, and the winters are mild. Make sure you're ready for some serious humidity, especially in the summer!
- Culinary Scene – Houston is a food lover's paradise, with a wide variety of restaurants serving cuisine from all corners of the globe. Whether you're craving Tex-Mex or BBQ, Vietnamese pho or Indian curry, there's something to please every taste bud.
- Traffic and Transportation – Houston is famous for its sprawling layout and heavy traffic. The city has a highway system, but getting around can take a while, especially during rush hour. Public transportation is available, but it’s not as effective as it is in other big cities.
- Housing and Cost of Living – The median household income in Houston was $60,440 in 2022. The median home sale price in early 2024 was reported to be $317,300, while the median home listing was $334,000.
Top 10 Houston Neighborhoods
Greater Heights
Greater Heights does a superb job of blending family-friendly, quiet living with a thriving culture and entertainment scene. You’ll find great schools, historic homes, and plenty of art and music venues nearby on Heights Boulevard. This safe, residential neighborhood is just north of downtown, so you won’t be far from the heart of the city and the excitement that comes with it.
River Oaks
Nestled along the Buffalo Bayou, River Oaks is a great choice for anyone seeking a family-friendly neighborhood with a touch of luxury. River Oaks is known as the first master-planned community in the city, which helped lead to an influx of socially prominent Houstonians. You’ll enjoy shopping at the River Oaks District and River Oaks Shopping Center, Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, and plenty of massive green oak trees.
- Average home value: $1,344,225
- Median rent: $1,800
Museum District
A great choice for art lovers, the Museum District is one of the more walkable and quirky areas in Houston. On the more affordable side, young professionals will enjoy the Museum District’s proximity to downtown Houston, its wide range of housing options, and the abundance of art and culture staples including galleries, shops, and trendy restaurants. Plus, it’s home to 19 museums, many of them offering free entry.
Spring Branch
One of the largest suburbs in Houston, Spring Branch is conveniently found alongside several major freeways, including Katy Freeway and Sam Houston Parkway. Spring Branch is a quiet neighborhood featuring quick access to both downtown, the Energy Corridor and Galleria. It’s also home to plenty of parks, bayous, and greenery. As a major plus, it’s also considered more affordable than other neighborhoods in Houston, yet still desirable.
Sugar Land
If you’re looking for affordability above all else, check out Sugar Land. This Houston suburb has something for everyone, including plenty of housing, a safe atmosphere, and open, green spaces like Oyster Creek Park and Sugar Land Memorial Park. There’s also the First Colony Mall for shopping, Sugar Land Space Cowboys minor league baseball, and so much more. Above all else, Sugar Land is a great place for families.
Montrose
Houston is known for its diversity. Montrose is the perfect microcosm of that reputation. This neighborhood is in the heart of Houston, offering plenty of urban amenities such as coffee shops, hip eateries, boutiques, and more. Housing here is as wide-ranging as the residents – you'll find everything from historic bungalows to impressive mansions. Plus, you’ll only be a short drive from downtown. Enjoy the arts, culture, food, and eclectic nightlife in Montrose.
Memorial
Located in west Houston, Memorial gets its namesake from Memorial Drive, a historic thoroughfare known previously for farming. Now, it’s an ideal landing spot for individuals working in the Energy Corridor, as well as plenty of other office developments. It’s also a solid neighborhood for families, boasting strong public schools, subdivisions, and parks. Plus, Memorial City Mall and Town & Country Village offer top-notch shopping nearby.
The Woodlands
A bit further outside of Houston proper, the Woodlands offers a peaceful, high-end lifestyle that families are sure to enjoy. Boasting one of the few walkable areas in the city, residents enjoy the scenery and sunshine in the Woodlands. Whether it’s a day at Lake Woodlands, the Town Center, or a show at Cythina Woods Mitchell Pavilion, there is plenty to offer the whole family in the Woodlands.
University Place
If you’re looking for a little bit of everything, University Place might be the spot for you. You’ll find family-friendly attractions and an easy-going lifestyle, but you’ll also be near some of the best nightlife, culture, and dining in the area. Enjoy the Museum District, Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo, and so much more. With highly rated schools as well, this Houston neighborhood is a great area to raise a family and enjoy yourself.
Clear Lake
Clear Lake has become one of the larger suburbs in Houston since its inception in the 1960s. It’s home to a variety of housing types, including townhomes, luxury apartments, and single-family homes. It’s also near the Space Center Houston and the Johnson Space Center, making it a hub for employees. Overall, it’s a family-friendly, master-planned community, sure to be a hit with professionals and families alike.
Moving to Houston with Help from U-Box by U-Haul
Once you’ve decided it’s time to pack up and head to Space City, allow U-Box by U-Haul to help get you to the Houston neighborhood of your choosing. U-Box containers are the most flexible and convenient way to move. Our portable moving and storage containers are delivered right to your doorstep. After you pack, we’ll pick them up and ship them to your destination. Don't settle for just any company for your long-distance move. Choose U-Box by U-Haul for a trusted and secure moving experience to Houston.
