Thinking about buying a home in Houston? Space City is one of the best large cities in America, offering job opportunities with Fortune 500 companies, spacious housing options, and tons of incredible things to do throughout the metro! If you’re searching for real estate in Houston, here are the five best places to buy a home in Houston.
| Neighborhood | East End | Greater Heights | Oak Forest | River Oaks | Spring Branch |
| Median Home Price | $102,414 | $504,650 | $132,124 | $623,948 | $215,498 |
| Safer than % of Houston Neighborhoods | 8% | 58% | 23% | 77% | 62% |
| Owner-Occupied Home Rate | 44.8% | 63.8% | 51.1% | 46.3% | 44.9% |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.4% | 2.3% | 5.2% | 1.9% | 4.6% |
East End
- Home Price: $102,414 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 8% of Houston neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Located just east of downtown, East End is one of the best places to live in Houston. While this historic neighborhood still features structures and landmarks built in the 1800s, Houston homebuyers can also find new construction, a METRORail line, the East End Farmers Market, and modern restaurants and breweries in this revitalized area. In addition, East End is close to both the University of Houston and Texas Southern University, making it an ideal location for anyone looking to further their education. And because this large neighborhood borders Downtown Houston and extends to the edge of Houston’s Loop 610, East End residents can choose to live closer to the hustle and bustle of the city or make their way closer to the suburbs.
Things to Do in East End
Go for a run or catch a break from the hot Houston weather in the pool at Mason Park. Take in the famous graffiti and murals on the exterior of a repurposed warehouse or host an outdoor event at the Harrisburg Arts Museum. Book a court at Houston’s largest recreational outdoor pickleball facility, the Bumpy Pickle. Schedule a tee time on the 18-hole course or participate in the Greater Houston City Amateur Championship at Gus Wortham Golf Course. Sample Breakfast Hash, Lunch Stuffed Avocado, or a Matcha Yogurt Parfait at TOUT SUITE. Dine at The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation to experience the iconic Houston restaurant that introduced the city to fajitas. Fuel up on a Famous Texas Size Steak Sandwich, Falafel Burger, or the namesake Champ Burger from the 1963 casual joint Champ Burger. Order plates of Pasta Brocato, Chicken Mandola, Giuseppe, and other Italian dishes from the family-owned Mandola’s Deli.
Greater Heights
- Home Price: $504,650 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 58% of Houston neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Want to buy a home in a highly walkable area inside The Loop? Greater Heights has you covered! Established in the late 1890s, the Heights is filled with a wide range of housing options, from classic Victorians and quaint bungalows to large Craftsman-style homes and modern condos. This neighborhood offers plenty of green space along the White Oak Bayou Greenway and access to great schools like Heights High School and Hamilton Middle School. Residents enjoy easy access to fresh produce, community events like Sunday Yoga and the Fall Pumpkin Patch, and much more at the Houston Farmers Market. On top of that, living in this Houston neighborhood quickly gets you on I-10, I-45, and I-610, making it easy to travel all over the city!
Things to Do in Greater Heights
Take your dog on a walk, go for a morning jog, or have a picnic out at Little Thicket Park. Gather friends for a game of tennis, go birdwatching, or hit the Woodland Community Center at Woodland Park. Immerse yourself in over 26,000 square feet of interactive digital art installations with exhibits like Tingle Bells and Intangible Forms at ARTECHOUSE Houston. Or take a nostalgic journey through decades of classic toys, from vintage favorites to iconic collectibles, at the Houston Toy Museum. Start your day with an Arnold Pawlmer, Iced Matcha Latte, or Hawaiian Pizza Empanada while playing with adoptable cats at El Gato Coffeehouse. Enjoy weekend brunch in Houston with dishes like Brioche French Toast, Buttermilk Drop Biscuits, and Dutch Baby Pancakes at Squable. Order dishes made with locally sourced veggies and seafood—like the Redfish or the Chicken & Sausage Gumbo with a side of Duck Fat Potatoes—from Field & Tides. Take in the gorgeous sunset during Happy Hour while sipping an Ace Pineapple Cider or Boozy Coffee and snacking on a Meat & Cheese Plate on the patio at Heights Bier Garten.
Oak Forest
- Home Price: $132,124 median purchase price
- Crime: Safer than 23% of Houston neighborhoods
- Perfect for: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Oak Forest is known for its charming Mid-Century ranch-style homes and spacious lots, offering a mix of affordability and comfort. This family-friendly Houston neighborhood features a vibrant community atmosphere, with the Oak Forest Homeowners Association hosting regular neighborhood events like holiday parties, food festivals, and outdoor movie nights in the summer. Oak Forest is also well-connected, offering quick access to major roadways like I-610 and US-290— convenient for anyone who needs to commute to Downtown Houston. Plus, with scenic walking trails, parks, and nearby schools like Katherine Smith Elementary and Scarborough High School, Oak Forest provides suburban vibes at an affordable cost, perfect for first-time homebuyers in Houston.
Things to Do in Oak Forest
Grow your gardening skills and harvest fresh goods at the Garden Oaks/Shepherd Park Community Garden. Swing on the playground, play a game of doubles on the tennis court, or picnic under the pavilion at Graham Park. Cool off at the public pool or bring your pup to play in the off-leash dog park at T.C. Jester Park. Practice your swing on one of the best Houston driving ranges, 5050 Acorn Golf. Get your barbecue fix with a Chicken Tender Salad, Texan Burger, or Baby Back Ribs from a classic neighborhood joint, Gabby’s BBQ. Sample authentic Mexican dishes like the Bean Tostada, Carne Guisada, or Taco Dinner from Mi Sombrero. Celebrate date night in Houston with wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, or desserts from d’Alba. Or catch up with friends while snacking on the Championship Winning Beer Cheese Queso, Pub BLT, or Chicken Shawarma Wrap from The Upside Pub.
River Oaks
- Home Price: $623,948 median purchase price
- Crime: Safer than 77% of Houston neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
The River Oaks community boasts well-landscaped streets lined with beautiful oak trees. This neighborhood is a cultural hub, with proximity to high-end shopping at River Oaks District, gourmet dining options, nearby art galleries, and the historic arthouse cinema River Oaks Theatre. River Oaks also boasts decent walkability, as well as easy access to I-69 and I-610, connecting residents to Downtown Houston and the Galleria area. Known for its quiet elegance and impeccable amenities, River Oaks offers an upscale living experience for those seeking a refined, close-knit community in the heart of Houston. Housing styles range from classic Colonial to Mediterranean, and you can find stately mansions along River Oaks Boulevard.
Things to Do in River Oaks
Explore an elegant collection of European decorative arts and paintings in a historic mansion at Rienzi, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Join a book club to connect with fellow readers or take the kids to events like Toddler Storytime and Read with Paws-itive Pups at Houston Public Library‘s Looscan Neighborhood Library. Play on kid-friendly equipment, enjoy a night game on the lighted sports field, or walk along the scenic trail at Pumpkin Park (formerly River Oaks Park). Become a member and unwind with premier amenities like an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, and fine dining at River Oaks Country Club. Start your day with Ouisie’s Breakfast Quesadillas or French Toast with Toasted Walnuts while sipping on mimosas for brunch in Houston at Ouisie’s Table. Snag a Truffled Egg Salad Sandwich, Salmon Poke, or Our Classic Chicken Posole for lunch from Local Foods. Order a Lobster Roll, Steak Frites, or Cacio E Pepe from the New American cafe from State of Grace. Or sample Roasted Beets & Goat Cheese, Truffle Duck Pasta, Eggs Benedict, and other French-inspired dishes at a’Bouzy.
Spring Branch
- Home Price: $215,498 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 62% of Houston neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Located in Northwest Houston, Spring Branch provides serenity away from the busy downtown scene. This quiet neighborhood offers newer townhomes and ranch-style homes near the Spring Branch Independent School District—offering school options like Spring Woods Middle School and Spring Woods High School—making it a great place to raise a family. You’ll also find tons of fun things to do here, from checking out new restaurants and admiring public art along Long Point Rd to enjoying the expansive green space just west of the neighborhood. And given Spring Branch’s proximity to I-10, US-290, and The Loop, it’s easy to get to Downtown Houston, the Theater District, the Energy Corridor District, and just about anywhere else in Houston!
Things to Do in Spring Branch
Go on a scenic hike or visit ducks, bison, and white-tailed deer at the wildlife habitat just outside the neighborhood at Bear Creek Pioneers Park. Gather some friends for a round of disc golf or swim in the public pool at Agnes Moffitt Park. Switch up your fitness routine with indoor rock climbing and bouldering at Climb Capuchin. Take the family out for go-karting, mini golf, laser tag, and more at Speedy’s Fast Track. Get a taste of traditional Polish cuisine by trying Bigos, Pyzy, and Potato & Cheese Pierogis at Polonia Restaurant. Feast on authentic all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ like Salmon Teryaki, Gal-Bi, or Chicken-Katsu at Korea House. Enjoy a Texas Quail, Braised Beef Shortrib, or local steaks on the cozy patio at Brenner’s Steakhouse. Or sample food from rotating vendors, feast during Thursday steak night, and experience the best of Houston nightlife with karaoke, live DJs, pool tournaments, and more at Texas T Tavern.
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The team at Extra Space Storage understand that moving to a new city can be stressful, which is why we’ve created our Best Places to Live selections to help make the process easier. We’ve done the research for you —considering factors like cost of living, job market, local attractions, and education —to provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each metro area. Check out our methodology page today to learn more about how we select the best places to live.
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
