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 five great neighborhoods to consider!
East End
Photo via @chrisandcab
- Home Price: $102,414 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 27% of Houston neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Located just east of downtown, East End—also known as EaDo—is one of the best places to live in Houston. While this historic neighborhood still features structures and landmarks built in the 1800s, Houston home buyers can also find new construction, a METRORail line, and modern restaurants and breweries in this revitalized the 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 both borders Downtown Houston and extends to the edge of The Loop, 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
Restock your pantry with locally grown fruits, vegetables, and more from East End Farmers Market. Make the quick trek downtown for a standing room only show at Warehouse Live. Go for a run or catch a break from the hot Houston weather in the pool at Mason Park. Battle friends in a day-long game of paintball at Urban War Zone Paintball. Take in the famous graffiti and murals on the exterior of the Harrisburg Arts Museum. Dine at The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation to experience the iconic Houston restaurant that introduced the city to fajitas. Finish off a Falafel Sandwich with a Fruity Pebble or Salted Caramel Macaron at TOUT SUITE. Rescue your taste buds from the heat of the Grim Creeper Burger with a cold beer at Moon Tower Inn. Sip on a Haterade or a Hopston in the taproom at 8th Wonder Brewery. Or order a cheap drink and marvel at fascinating decor at D&W Lounge, recognized as the “best dive bar in Texas.”
Greater Heights
Photo via @thebridgecustomhomes
- Home Price: $362,028 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 65% 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. Best of all, residents in this Houston neighborhood can quickly hop on I-10, I-45, and I-610, making getting to nearly any part of the city a breeze!
Things to Do in Greater Heights
Take your dog on a walk, go for a morning walk, or have a picnic out at Little Thicket Park. Relax your mind during a BE ZEN class at BEYOGA. Find beautiful cabinets, tables, and more to adorn your home at Heights Antiques. Get in a game of tennis, go birdwatching, or hit the fitness center at Woodland Park. Get your day started with a Secret Squirrel Latte or Morning Glory Smoothie at A 2nd Cup. Try grown-up versions of mac and cheese like the Pit Master, Big Easy, and Chicken & Waffle at Jus’ Mac. Listen to live music while you savor Fish N Chips or a Deep in the Woods Burger at Cedar Creek Bar & Grill. Take in the gorgeous sunset with a Prairie Standard Ale and a Sausage Platter on the patio at Heights Bier Garten. Or transport yourself to the Caribbean with a Bajan Rum Punch or a Tropical Itch at Lei Low Rum & Tiki Bar.
Midtown
Photo via @modernhoustonhomes
- Home Price: $230,220 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 81% of Houston neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals
If you’re hoping to buy a home in Houston where there are things to do right in your backyard, Midtown is the place to be! This safe, affordable neighborhood is just a five-minute drive or a short METRORail ride from Downtown Houston and is home to some of Houston’s best bars and nightlife. You’ll never run out of fun activities and experiences here, whether it’s trying out a swanky new restaurant, experiencing the arts at MATCH, or playing outdoor games in Midtown Park. Not to mention, you can easily find the perfect forever home for your needs in Midtown, which has everything from trendy condos and townhomes to new construction!
Things to Do in Midtown
Cheer on your tortoise at the famous Turtle Races at Little Woodrow’s. Learn more about the fascinating Civil War history of African-American soldiers at Buffalo Soldiers National Museum. Gather your friends for a picnic and frisbee at Elizabeth Baldwin Park. Help Fido make new friends during Yappy Hour at Bagby Park. Try some of the best breakfast plates in Houston, including Wings & Waffles and Katfish & Grits, at The Breakfast Klub. Get a taste of New Orleans by ordering Voodoo Spring Rolls and Cajun Seafood Pasta at Phil & Derek’s Restaurant. Savor authentic Vietnamese dishes like Pho Tai and Banh Flan at Mai’s Restaurant. Relax on a hammock with a Pineapple Manna Wheat or a Kentucky Breakfast Stout at Axelrad Beer Garden. Or catch the hottest DJs, sing karaoke, and dress to the nines for Upscale Saturdays at Indigo At Midtown.
Montrose
Photo via @rsegesta
- Home Price: $378,377 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 23% of Houston neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Nicknamed “The Heart of Houston,” Montrose’s eclectic spirit and welcoming atmosphere make it the perfect place to buy a house in Houston! Montrose is one of Houston’s most gay-friendly areas, and its cozy boutiques, eye-popping street art, trendy restaurants, and proximity to Downtown Houston make it a hot spot for singles and young professionals! There are all kinds of townhomes, bungalows, and cottages to choose from in this neighborhood, and Montrose’s walkability, community events, and schools like Lanier Middle School and Carnegie Vanguard High School make it a great place to settle down and start a family.
Things to Do in Montrose
Peruse the seemingly never-ending displays of sculptures, photographs, and more at The Menil Collection. Put on your best Halloween costume and make your way through the bars on Westheimer St during The Montrose Crawl. Feast on gyros and souvlaki while you watch the dance program at the annual Original Greek Festival. Travel just west to play croquet, grab lunch from a food truck, or take the kids to Vale-Asche Foundation Playground at Memorial Park, one of the largest public green spaces in the U.S. Find classic jewelry, watches, and other thrift store items at The Guild Shop. Feast on Beef Ribs, Brisket Tacos, and Texas Red Chili from The Pit Room. Satisfy your taco cravings with Chicken Fajita, Roast Pork, and Beer Battered Fish Tacos from Pistoleros. Pair a Smoke Stack Burger with a Rocket Fuel Shake at The Burger Joint. Get your groove on during Dangerous Disco Sunday at premier gay bar Eagle Houston. Or play corn hole, ping pong, and dominoes while you enjoy cold brews or a glass of wine on the shaded patio at West Alabama Ice House.
Spring Branch
Photo via @cao_and_companies
- Home Price: $215,498 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 69% of Houston neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Located in West Houston, Spring Branch provides serenity away from the busy downtown scene. This quiet neighborhood offers newer townhomes and ranch-style homes along with top-rated schools like Spring Woods Middle School and Spring Woods High School, which make 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 nearby green space. And given its proximity to I-10, US-290, and The Loop, it’s easy to get to Downtown, Theater District, Energy Corridor District, and just about anywhere else in Houston!
Things to Do in Spring Branch
Go for a scenic hike or visit ducks, bison, and white-tailed deer at the wildlife habitat at Bear Creek Pioneers Park. Gather some friends for a round of disc golf at Agnes Moffitt Park. Blow off some steam by taking a sledgehammer to TVs, windshields, and more at Tantrums. Switch up your fitness routine with indoor rock and boulder climbing at Texas Rock Gym. Work your way through the vast pita menu, including Pita Greek Sausage and Pita Fried Shrimp and Chips, at Simply Greek. Get a taste of traditional Polish cuisine by trying Bigos and Potato & Cheese Pierogis at Polonia Restaurant. Feast on authentic all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ like Bulgogi and Galbi at Korea House. Enjoy a Colorado Lamb Rack or a USDA Prime Manhattan Strip on the cozy patio at Brenner’s Steakhouse. Sample craft beer from small, independent Texas breweries while playing classic board games at Cobble & Spoke. Or experience the best of Houston nightlife with karaoke, live DJs, shuffleboard tournaments, and more at Texas T Tavern.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
