Let’s face it, finding the right location for a first-time homebuyer can be difficult. Not only can location determine the architectural parameters and limitations of your home, but you’ve actually got to like the look and feel of Houston neighborhoods. There are many other factors to consider such as proximity to work, distance from school, flood risk, appreciation of your home, culture, and so forth. People in the market for a new home in the Houston area are interested in these neighborhoods for various reasons.
Below are the 8 best Houston neighborhoods to live in and build. We explain why these communities are so great and who would be the best fit for them.
Memorial
Why this Houston neighborhood? If you want to be far from the city but still have all of the amenities you need, Memorial is for you. Memorial is located between Downtown Houston to East and the Energy Corridor West.
This location has made it a prime spot for those who want a quieter, more private home. It is also zoned to Katy ISD and Spring Branch ISD, which are two high-quality schools in the Houston region.
Memorial has many perks. Memorial City Mall and CityCentre are both located within the community. These shopping centers can be accessed easily from anywhere in the neighborhood. The Galleria is located just minutes away.
Average home price: $497,000.
Ideal for: Inbetweeners of city and suburb
The Heights
Why is this Houston neighborhood? A better question would be: Why not this neighborhood? The Heights was once a “heightened” refuge from mosquitos during yellow fever and cholera. It is now a historic landmark. Thanks to its charming bungalows, it is a haven from the bustle of Downtown, Midtown, and Montrose.
The neighborhood is protected by the city and has strict guidelines regarding design. The main home designs are:
- The Craftsman
- Queen Anne
- Folk National
- Folk Victorian
Despite the many townhomes appearing in the Heights’ historic landscape, the bungalows continue to be the dominant feature. It is still very walkable and more businesses are opening up in the neighborhood. The Heights is ideal for anyone, particularly if you are a fan of turn-of-the-century architecture.
Average home price: $813,899
Ideal for: Bungalow-loving residents who love to stroll around their neighborhood and shop in the local stores
Museum District
Why this Houston neighborhood? We’re located in the heart of Houston. The Museum District is Houston’s cultural and artistic heartbeat. It’s nearly impossible to list all the entertainment and amenities available in this area. Some of our favorite features include:
- 19 museums include the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and the Children’s Museum of Houston. Contemporary Arts Museum Houston and The Menil Collection are also included.
- The 445-acre Hermann Park features an outdoor theater, a golf course, running trails, and green space.
You will lose acreage when you build in the Museum District. However, you are gaining so many amenities: the walkability and centrality, as well as the culture. All the things you love about Houston are within arm’s reach.
Average home price: $1.2 Million
Ideal for: Culture and art lovers who want to get in on the action
Bellaire
Why this Houston neighborhood? Bellaire, technically also a city, is just a stone’s throw away from Downtown. There are Meyerland Plaza and Greenway Plaza, The Galleria, and Rice Village. This location is just a few minutes from the West University and offers families a little more space than they would find elsewhere. What residents lose in centrality they gain in space!
Bellaire/Meyerland also has a strong Jewish community with notable places such as Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston.
Home Value: $953,490
Ideal for: City dwellers who also desire a larger lot
River Oaks
Why this Houston neighborhood? This area is considered the crème de la crème in real estate. Its name is a testament to its rich history. This neighborhood is one of the most exclusive in the U.S. and has shaped the city’s history in significant ways.
This is Houston’s most impressive display of “old money”, with majestic mansions dominating the oak-filled land. New constructions are being built in the neighborhood, so residents are looking for innovative ways to mark their place in this prestigious area.
It is also a hub for entertainment and shopping, with the River Oaks District, Landmark River Oaks Theatre, and some of Houston’s hottest restaurants like State of Grace, La Griglia, and Brasserie 19.
River Oaks, despite being in some parts of Houston that may change over time, is a permanent part of Houston.
Average home price: $2.2 Million
Perfect for: Prestige real estate hunters
Tanglewood
Why this Houston neighborhood? It’s difficult to find reasons not to love the Tanglewood neighborhood. It is located just outside of the 610 Loop but you won’t even notice it if it’s not in your immediate vicinity. Tanglewood offers a peaceful escape for city residents, yet is close to Houston’s finest amenities.
It has one of the highest land value appreciation rates in Houston and it has been home to some high-profile residents, such as Joel Osteen, Barbara, and George H. W. Bush. Tanglewood is one of the best Houston neighborhoods if you are looking for a high-end neighborhood with amazing residents.
Average home price: $1.6 Million
Perfect for: A woodsy, secluded home that’s still close to the city
West University
Why this Houston neighborhood? Its schools are among the best in Houston Independent School District. The crime rate is also one of the lowest in America. You’re also just minutes from Houston’s most popular spots, such as Hermann Park, Museum District, Rice University, and the Texas Medical Center.
To not bury the lede, West U was named the best place to live in America by 24/7 Wall Street in 2018 and 2019. Although it may have a small town, West U is a city that gives its residents that feeling of being in a small town, despite it being right in the middle of America’s fourth largest city. Residents can be seen lounging on their lawns in the evenings watching the children swing from an oak tree. This is a true community. It’s why it’s called The Neighborhood City.
Average home price: $2.2 Million
Perfect for: raising a family in the city
Spring Branch
Why this Houston neighborhood? Spring branch is enormous. It extends from 610 all the way to the Beltway, this makes it one of the best Houston neighborhoods because it has plenty of space to build. It’s located right above Memorial and has very similar benefits. However, the homeowner profile in both neighborhoods is astonishingly different.
Spring Branch’s history began a few decades before Houston’s. It was a German community in the 1800s. Spring Branch became one of Houston’s most diverse areas over the past few years. It is ideal for city dwellers who want to enjoy the richness of the city but have a larger lot. The diversity of the homes is evident. We recently constructed a private gallery and a bocce ball court in the backyard of another client.
Spring Branch is a true Goldilocks. It’s not too far from the city but far enough that you don’t feel congested. It’s just right.
Average home price: $462,000.
Ideal for: People who enjoy Houston’s diversity and want a larger lot
Conclusion
These are the 8 best Houston neighborhoods and as you can see, it can be difficult to choose only one neighborhood to own a home. It’s more than the commute that matters when you choose where to live in America’s most diverse city.
You have a lot to think about, but if your research is thorough, and with the right Houston real estate broker, you’re sure to find the right community for you, and you will be one step closer to finding the home of your dreams.