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When you’re moving to a new place, figuring out the best neighborhoods is a new challenge. So we’ve compiled a list of some up and coming neighborhoods in Houston.
This list and our “Best Neighborhoods in Houston,” “Best Suburbs of Houston,” and our “Best Neighborhoods for Families in Houston” lists are more in-depth neighborhood guides meant to examine what it’s like living in each of these highlighted areas, with links to popular destinations, as well as available houses for sale and apartments for rent (and by the way of introduction, we’re Bellhop—movers in Houston and beyond).
A Little About Houston and its Neighborhoods
Houston: where steak is given as much credibility as wine and your corner BBQ shop-owner knows as much about his meat as a sommelier knows about grapes. Here, you’ll find Tex-Mex and taco trucks, scenic parks and over 150 miles of walking and biking trails, low cost of living and a highly-humid sunny climate.
Houston is huge. The city itself spans over 660 square miles and is roughly the same size as the entire island of Oahu. With almost two and a half million people living within its limits, Houston is Texas’ most populous city and the fourth most populous city in the country. While its ethos is certainly thick with the expected Texan pride, Houston holds a diverse range of residents that bring their own traditions, cuisines, and cultures to the mix.
Once smoggy and concrete-laden, this Bayou City has put on a new, vibrantly green suit. Over the past few decades, Houston has experienced a transformation, with a several hundred million dollar facelift. Houston’s city-planning visionaries have invested heavily in green-spaces, parks, reservoirs, and trails. And the city has moved from having an economy driven by fossil fuels and being a candidate in America’s Ugliest City Surveys to being filled with locals who are concerned about bike-share programs and wildlife protection.
Houston’s can-do optimism drives this city. In addition to its outdoor and recreational development, Houston has poured over $9 billion into downtown over the past two decades, transforming the area into a dynamic and vibrant city center. Dozens of restaurants opened since the start of the year, adding numbers to the city’s already booming list of eateries. And with over 50 breweries and more in the works, Houston’s craft beer scene is pushing off hard.
One of the fastest-growing cities in the country, Houston has added well over 50,000 residents to its numbers in the past 4 years. And these numbers keep climbing. But there’s still plenty of room for growth, and plenty of spots to call home in H-Town. The city is split into 88 ‘super neighborhoods’ that are further divided into a number of regions, subdivisions, and districts. Follow along on this map as we dive in closer and explore 5 up and coming neighborhoods in this diverse and fascinating city.
Montrose
Nestled in the heart of Houston’s bustle, Montrose is within walking distance of the city’s trendiest restaurants and music scene. This eclectic and diverse neighborhood is known for its bohemian and artsy feel. Even within its small four square miles, Montrose offers tons of coffee shops, art galleries, night clubs, and a few 24-hour restaurants. The streets explode with friendly locals and visitors several times a year for their various annual street fairs and parades.
While Montrose is mainly populated by young professionals, families have started to move to the area, drawn by the amenities, nearby parks, and excellent public and private schools. Over the past decade, lots of Montrose’s houses have been renovated and real estate prices have increased, matching the locals’ growing desire to live in an upscale area close to downtown.
What’s Happening in Montrose
Montrose is full of entertainment, vintage shopping, and a wide range of restaurants, nightclubs, and chic retail shops up and down about every one of its major streets. A good place to start is at Anvil. This affordable restaurant serves some top-notch brunch with recipes like their cocktail-inspired $3 muffins paired with a coffee cocktail. Other popular spots include Canopy, and Hugo’s.
Stop by the beautiful 160-acre Buffalo Bayou Park. Enjoy some live music, spoken word, or comedy shows plus some beer and comfort food at Rudyard’s British Pub. Or visit one of Houston’s most prized (and free) art institutions, The Menil Collection. This museum features several gallery buildings, a bookstore, a bistro, and a park.
Schools in Montrose
Schools in the area include Hogg Middle School, Poe Elementary School, and Carnegie Vanguard among others.
Homes in Montrose
This neighborhood blends a unique mix of housing styles, including 1920s mansions, modern townhomes, tree-shaded cottages, and luxury condos. Here are some of the houses for sale and homes for rent in the area.
The Heights
The Heights is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Houston. Ask any local, and the Heights will be on their list of best places to live in the city. This neighborhood blends history with outdoor activity, giving it a homey yet energized vibe. The Greater Heights Area is home to seven historical districts dating back to the 1800s.
Filled with historic architecture, mom-and-pop shops, and thriving new bars and eateries, The Heights is hot on most locals’ lists. This neighborhood is extremely friendly: neighbors know each other by name, and you’ll be greeted walking down The Heights’ historic streets.
What’s Happening in The Heights
The Heights is home to several of Houston’s best breweries. Check out Eureka Heights Brew Co., Saint Arnold Brewing Company, and our favorite Houston brewery, Buffalo Bayou. Stroll down the historic 19th Street and check out this neighborhood’s unique shops. Stop by Vinal Edge Records. Grab a flakey pastry at Hugs & Donuts. Watch live music at the White Oak Music Hall. Or sample the incredible garden-to-table menu at the Italian restaurant, Coltivare.
The Heights is also home to tons of hike-and-bike lanes and trails. Recently, The Heights has experienced a massive renovation with the addition of the concert venue, Heights Theater–a popular arts-and-culture hub known throughout the city.
Schools in The Heights
Schools in the area include Travis Elementary School, Hogg Middle School, and Heights High School among others.
Homes in The Heights
Homes and apartments in The Heights can get a little pricier in this popular area. But there are still affordable spots and lots of real-estate investment opportunities to be found. Here are some of the houses for sale and homes for rent in the area.
Meyerland
Located just on the edge of the city center, Meyerland is a neighborhood starting to pique interest. With easy access to the city’s downtown but with comfortable, residential, and family-friendly streets, Meyerland has become a new spot for families and young professionals. Meyerland has easy access to Houston’s business, entertainment, and cultural hubs like the Museum District. It’s home to affordable housing, great schools, and lots of renovated 1960’s ranch homes.
What’s Happening in Meyerland
This neighborhood is a great spot for shopping and dining. With a newly renovated shopping plaza, you can easily grab a new outfit and all sorts of grub here. Sushi, steak, smoothies; you name it. Check out the Three Brothers Bakery for some of the best baked goods in the city. Additionally, several shopping and entertainment centers including The Galleria are just a few minutes away from this up and coming neighborhood.
Schools in Meyerland
Schools in the area include Johnston Middle School and Bellaire High School among others.
Homes in Meyerland
Meyerland features many older homes that sit back from the street with large front and back yards. Check out some of the houses for sale and homes for rent in the area.
Midtown
One of the hippest neighborhoods in the city, midtown is an incredibly pedestrian-oriented urban community. This neighborhood is located right in the heart of the city, but with lower housing prices, it’s a great pick for residents on a budget. The neighborhood is extremely walkable and has its own Metrorail station, making trips to downtown extremely accessible.
Midtown has experienced a renaissance over the past two decades, and it’s one of the most dynamic spots in the city, featuring thriving restaurants, bars, and entertainment hubs. While this neighborhood appeals to many 20-something year-olds, there is a matured and refined culture here as well.
What’s Happening in Midtown
Midtown offers a variety of restaurant options – many located on Gray Street. The neighborhood is home to block after block of bars and nightlife hubs. Foodies are drawn to this neighborhood for its eclectic mix of dining options. Check out one of the most popular spots Tacos A Go-Go for a quick taco on the go! Recently, this neighborhood established its arts and theater center, MATCH, bringing in a bounty of entertainment options to local residents.
Schools in Midtown
Schools in the area include MacGregor Elementary School, The Post Oak Middle School, and Carnegie Vanguard High School among others.
Homes in Midtown
Midtown offers a range of housing options with various prices, sizes, and styles. Here are some of the houses for sale and homes for rent in the area.
Upper Kirby
Upper Kirby shares in the more upscale delights on the next door and pricier River Oaks District. But locals of Upper Kirby don’t have to put out as much cash. This quirky neighborhood has a tight-knit community and lots of local pride while being incredibly friendly and welcoming. You’ll find that the boundaries of this neighborhood are staked by old-fashioned English-style telephone booths on each corner. And this is just one of its many artsy and creative quirks.
This highly-coveted area is only a few miles from downtown, but it still offers cheap housing prices. With tons of amenities and attractions, like shops and local restaurants, many young adults and professionals call Upper Kirby home. And the area’s distinct Bohemian flavor can be felt throughout Upper Kirby’s many boutiques and local bars.
What’s Happening in Upper Kirby
This neighborhood is settled right next to the Greenway Plaza. And the River Oaks District, as well as the Galleria are just a short drive from Upper Kirby. For some of the best local dining spots, check out Kiran’s, Local Foods, Pondicheri Cafe, and Arnold Richard’s Picos Restaurant.
Dip your toe in some of the more posh shops like Tootsies right on the border of River Oaks and Upper Kirby. This neighborhood hosts the Urban Harvest Farmers Market each Saturday, which packs in the veggies and the locals as well as live musicians and craft vendors. Visit The Music Box Theater for live performances of Tony award-winning musicals.
Schools in Upper Kirby
Schools in the area include Poe Elementary School, Pershing Middle School, and Challenge Early College High School among others.
Homes in Upper Kirby
Upper Kirby has an eclectic mix of townhomes, condos, and single-family homes. Here are some of the houses for sale and homes for rent in the area.
There you have it: 5 neighborhoods in Houston!
We hope this was helpful, and if you decide to take the plunge, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends here at Bellhop. As we said, we coordinate long-distance and local moving services in Houston, and we would love to help.
Lastly if you’re interested in any neighboring Texas cities, Austin and Dallas might be two worth looking into. If you decide that either of them are for you, we can assist here as well!
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