Houston

• With more than two million residents, it’s the fourth-largest city by population. 
• Not looking to make every meal at home? You’ll love it here, where Houstonians eat out more times per week than the average American. 
• Diversity reigns supreme in food culture, where more than 70 food cultures are represented.
• Houston is home to the world’s largest medical center, which gets 7.2 million visitors per year and spans 1,000 acres. 
• The city has an underground pedestrian system, running seven miles and linking nearly 100 blocks. 
• More than 145 languages are spoken by Houston residents.

Houston is considered the space exploration capital not of the U.S., but of the entire world. If you (or your kids) are a fan of rockets and space, you’ll be able to visit Space Center Houston and see all the exhibits there as often as you like if you’re a resident of the city. Back here on Earth, people who live in this great city are major food lovers. In fact, they eat out more often each week than residents of any other city in the country. Because it’s the most populous city in Texas (as well as the Southern United States), you can bet that there are a ton of amenities and activities – from festivals and sporting events to job opportunities, as well as great shopping and dining experiences.

Are you ready to find the best place to live in Houston? It all starts with the right neighborhood.

Downtown

Downtown Houston is a bustling community with major attractions, like the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, the Toyota Center (where you can see the Houston Rockets play) and the Houston Aquarium. Dining includes upscale grill and barbeque restaurants, as well as casual sushi restaurants and taquerias.

Midtown

Located west-southwest of Downtown is the Midtown Houston neighborhood. A little over 15,200 people live in the area, most of whom (76%) rent. Midtown is popular with young professionals. However, if you have kids, you’ll be happy to know that all the schools in the area are not just above average – they’re excellent. Neighbors say just about everything is within walking distance and that there are plenty of restaurants and nightlife activities for adults to enjoy.

Southwest Houston

This is an ideal neighborhood for families. Residents of Southwest Houston give the area high marks because it is family-friendly (schools in the area are excellent), neighbors are kind and welcoming, there’s a strong sense of community and it is safe at night.

Medical Center

Medical Center is one of the many neighborhoods that make up the Inner Loop in Houston. It’s a popular neighborhood known for diversity, nightlife and family-friendliness. Over 4100 residents live in the area, most of whom rent, which means there are several nice, new, amenity-filled rental complexes in the area.

Montrose

Montrose is a fun, offbeat neighborhood that is full of eclectic, global restaurants, vintage stores, quaint cafés and gay bars. The neighborhood has indie art galleries, abstract murals and incredible skyline views. Eleanor Tinsley Park is great for a romantic picnic or volleyball in the sand. Over 33,800 people live in the neighborhood, giving it a dense, urban feel. Most residents rent their homes.

River Oaks

If you’re looking for something that feels more residential than urban, River Oaks might be the best neighborhood for you. There are lots of mature-growth trees in the area, as well as palatial homes, upscale stores, luxurious salons and spas and diverse global eateries. The River Oaks Theatre is an art deco building that provides viewings of indie and foreign films. The neighborhood has an outpost of the Museum of Fine arts called Rienzi, an opulent building that displaces ceramics, miniatures and European paintings.

Westchase

Westchase is a thriving business and residential neighborhood in western Houston. Nearly 35,500 people live in the area which has an urban feel to it. There are several delicious restaurants, boutiques and shops, as well as art galleries, cafés and entertainment venues. Nearly 90% of the population rent, which means you can find a number of amazing apartments that fit your budget and amenity needs.

Greater Heights

Also known as The Heights, this neighborhood is home to nearly 47,000 people, many of whom are young professionals. The area is dotted with early-20th-century homes, as well as some contemporary apartment complexes. You’ll find quirky shops throughout the neighborhood that sell vintage clothing, vinyl records and more. The area has a very laid-back vibe and neighbors here enjoy listening to live music and watching art-house films, indie movies and documentaries at 14 Pews.

Copperfield

Copperfield is seven smaller subdivisions in northwest Houston. Residents like living in this neighborhood because it’s in a great location, close to shopping, dining and entertainment venues while still keeping its residential vibe. Schools in the area are excellent, too. Copperfield is easily accessible to public transit and major roadways, like Highway 6.

Memorial

The Memorial neighborhood is one of the most desirable in Houston. The suburban area has mature, leafy trees, multiple community parks and large, mid-century homes. As part of the Energy Corridor, the Memorial neighborhood is home to office buildings belonging to oil companies. In the area, you’ll find shopping malls and restaurants, as well as bird-watching trails and areas to walk, jog and bike.

Summerwood

Residents like living in the Summerwood neighborhood because there’s plenty of outdoor fun for the whole family. You’ll find tennis courts, biking and hiking trails and areas to swim. There’s a 150-acre preserve, as well as numerous lakes. Residents say the neighbors are friendly, the schools are high-quality and that it’s a great place to raise a family. Being a suburb of Houston, you definitely get a residential vibe here, with plenty of peace and quiet. Your commute into Houston will take about 25 minutes, so you’re still close enough to the Downtown amenities that you can easily afford to participate in some of the nightlife activities there.

Uptown-Galleria

This upscale neighborhood is a mixed-use urban development with a shopping mall. If you love to shop, you’ll want to live in or around the Uptown-Galleria neighborhood. You’ll find chain- and department stores, as well as designer boutiques. There’s also a year-round ice rink for skating and hockey. The area is also full of specialty food shops and chic restaurants that serve Japanese, Thai and French foods – just to name a few. Nearly 60,000 people live here, the majority of whom are young professionals.