Moving to Houston with your family? H-Town is one of the top destinations for families, thanks to its affordable housing, excellent school districts, and abundant family-friendly activities. Here are the five best neighborhoods for families in Houston!
Greater Heights is a great place for families who want to buy a home in Houston near the city’s culture and entertainment. This Houston neighborhood is known for its historical charm and welcoming atmosphere where families can find a variety of housing styles like Craftsman, Queen Anne, and Victorian-style homes and bungalows. Greater Heights residents can also experience great local Houston art at installations like True North on Heights Boulevard. Plus, parents will find top-notch schools in Houston like Travis Elementary School, Hamilton Middle School, and Heights High School, and families moving to Greater Heights can attend community events like block parties, festivals, and street fairs like White Linen Nights and Lights in the Heights.
Things to Do in Greater Heights
Catch a live musical performance by artists like King Buffalo or Kid Bloom at White Oak Musical Hall. Check out the wildlife while walking on the nature trails at the West 11th Street Park, which is within walking distance from the neighborhood. Grab tickets to see artists like the American Aquarium or Paul House at The Heights Theater. Get fresh produce, meats, and baked goods at the Houston Farmers Market. Attend a meet-and-greet with the animals, play carnival-style games, or let the kiddos experience the amusement rides at the Downtown Aquarium. Stop for Louisiana-inspired seafood dishes like Crawfish or Boiled Shrimp at Boil House. Order Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, Maple Bacon Hot Wings, or a Frito Pie Burger at Jus Mac. Savor dishes like a Hot Chicken Sandwich, Bacon Cheeseburger, or Hottie Melt at The Waffle Bus. Or sip a cocktail or craft beer while listening to live music at Dan Electros Guitar Bar.
Known as the arts and culture hub of Space City, the Houston Museum District is an excellent place for families looking for walkable streets and unique things to do. This Houston neighborhood offers families a range of housing choices, including affordable Mid-Century Modern homes, gorgeous Italianate houses, modest townhomes, charming bungalows, and mid or high-rise condos. Plus, the Houston Museum District boasts 19 museums with a variety of affordable or free entertainment for kids and adults alike! Downtown Houston and the Upper Kirby District—which is home to art galleries, antique shops, and trendy restaurants—can be easily accessed via this Houston neighborhood’s transportation options, including the METRORail, B-Cycle stations, and more.
Things to Do in Houston Museum District
Let the kids ride on the kiddie train, rent a pedal boat and explore the waters, or listen to the Houston Symphony perform at the Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park. Check out the sculpture garden or browse over 70,000 works of art created throughout the world at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Visit the Houston Zoo to see over 6,000 species of animals or sign the little ones up for Camp Zoofari. Get out with the family and explore exhibits like FlowWorks or EcoStation at the Children’s Museum Houston. Start off your morning with vegan dishes like Breakfast Tacos, a Pecan Pie Waffle, or a Breakfast Quesadilla at Mo’ Better Brews. Chow down on Shrimp & Grits, an Oyster BLT, or Tuna Sandwich for lunch at Lucille’s. Grab a seat and try the Fried Fish Basket, Cajun Bowl, or Buffalo Wings at Turkey Leg Hut. Or end the workday with Bananas Foster Cheesecake and a glass of Michelle Domain Champagne or Pura 8 Chile Merlot at UnWine.
Searching for a Houston neighborhood ideal for families? Consider living in River Oaks! This family-friendly neighborhood has a rich history, and is filled with a variety of housing options like Spanish Colonial Revival and English Tudor-style homes. Families and parents can experience luxury amenities in this Houston neighborhood—from upscale shopping and entertainment in areas like the River Oaks District, to social clubs like the Briar Club and River Oaks Garden Club. Not to mention, parents can send their children to top-rated private schools, such as Xavier Educational Academy, River Oaks Baptist School, and St. John’s School. River Oaks’ abundant green space can be enjoyed by families looking for outdoor activities and sports—or families can visit places like River Oaks Park, which makes up a majority of its northern border.
Things to Do in River Oaks
Go for a run, play a game of golf, or take a summer yoga class at Memorial Park. Embark on a Meadow Happy Hour Hike or bring the kids along on Tyke Hikes and Tiny Trekkers nature explorations at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. View interactive art installations and immersive rooms through the lens of color at the Color Factory. Stroll through the Art of the World Gallery to find Modern and Contemporary art from new and even famous artists like Pablo Picasso. Find a collection of American furnishings, ceramics, and paintings from around the world at the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. Begin your day at Common Bond cafe and chow down on breakfast food like the Chef’s Scramble, Biscuits & Gravy, or French Toast & Bacon. Feast on Ouisie’s Original Chicken Fried Steak, Braised Short Rib Au Jus, or Seafood Crepes at Ouisie’s Table. Indulge in a Roasted Tomato Flatbread, Ahi Tuna Tartare, or Brick Oven-Roasted Chilean Sea Bass at Seasons 52. Or satisfy your Cajun food cravings with dishes like Seafood Gumbo, Pasta Zeus, or Fried Calamari at Bayou City Seafood & Pasta.
Want to raise your kids in one of the most affordable areas of Houston? Consider raising them in Sugar Land—one of the best suburbs of Houston! Located in the southwest part of the Houston metro, Sugar Land has everything families could want—spacious housing, low crime rates, and plenty of things to do with kids. Residents of this Houston suburb can find places to visit in Sugar Land for people of all ages, as well as community-focused events like Movies on the Lawn, Bikes and Brews, the Peach Truck, and more. In addition, Sugar Land is part of the Fort Bend ISD, so families have access to highly-rated public schools like Walker Station Elementary School and Clements High School!
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Mike Beutler is a writer and digital content specialist who transitioned to self storage in 2020 after several years in the airline industry. His travels cultivated a passion for exploring cities across the U.S. and abroad and inspired him to learn more about practical insights for urban living. With 14 moves under his belt, both locally and cross-country, he also has a passion for minimalism and organization, and sharing tips to help others make any space feel like home while staying organized.
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