Best Places To Live in Houston

Houston is a city full of excitement and wonder, and for those ready to call this place home, finding the perfect place to call home may seem overwhelming.

As the fourth-most populous city in the United States, with more than 2.3 million residents, Houston has extensive neighborhoods with their own vibe and charm.

Houston has seen phenomenal growth in the last decade.

The metropolitan area has grown to more than 7.5 million residents, reflecting its role as a center for industries such as energy, health care and technology.

This fast growth has created a wide range of communities that fulfill several stages of life and lifestyles.

So, whether your heart is pulled to the urban areas like East Downtown or to the suburbs like The Woodlands, you can find everything when coming to Houston.

You can see the city’s commitment to diversity reflected in its cultural scenes, high-ranking schools and a cost of living that is well below the national average.

So, in this blog, we take a look at some of the best places to live in Houston and the communities that meet your needs!

The city's commitment to diversity is essential in its cultural scenes, top-rated educational institutions, and a cost of living that's notably lower than the national average.

Why Houston?

So, let's talk a little about why this city deserves to be considered your perfect home.

Economic Opportunities

Houston’s economy is booming with a variety of industries that surpass its traditional oil and gas base.

With $176 billion in exports, it has emerged as one of the leading exporting cities and is doubling down on renewable energy sectors.

This diversification provides several job prospects in a variety of sectors.

Affordable Cost of Living

Houston has a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other big U.S. cities.

The median home value is approximately $260,901, which might make getting home more affordable.

On top of this, Texas does not have a state income tax that enables residents to retain a greater portion of their income.

Cultural Diversity

Houston is a cultural melting pot with an extensive arts scene, countless cuisines to discover and many cultural and social festivals to enjoy.

The abundance of diversity here welcomes people from all walks of life.

Educational Institutions

Houston is also known for its quality of universities, including Rice University and the University of Houston, which are known for their strong engineering and business programs.

This focus on learning has led to a highly educated workforce and lots of opportunities to learn.

Healthcare Excellence

Houston is home to the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world.

It offers residents access to state-of-the-art healthcare services and many job opportunities in this industry.

Top Places To Live in Houston

The Woodlands

The Woodlands, just 30 minutes north of downtown, is one of the best areas for families to live in Houston. It’s a green oasis of modern conveniences.

Why it’s great: It has great schools, world-class food and outdoor pastimes.

Perfect for: Families and those who love nature.

Median Home Price: Around $400,000.

A mixture of suburban environment with urban conveniences makes The Woodlands a favorite among Houston neighborhoods.

Sugar Land

Sugar Land should be on your radar if you are looking for a safe, family-friendly community.

Why it’s great: This neighborhood is one of the safest in Houston due to its low crime rates.

Perfect for: Individuals and families looking for great schools and affordability.

Median Home Price: Approximately $350,000.

Sugar Land also has excellent recreational facilities and shopping centers.

West University Place

This affluent neighborhood near Rice University is commonly known as “West U.”

Why it’s great: It has a small-town atmosphere and big-city amenities.

Perfect for: People hungry for luxury neighborhoods in Houston.

Median Home Price: More than $1.2 million.

It’s a community that provides privacy and sophistication and is also known as one of Houston's most desirable locations.

EaDo (East Downtown)

EaDo is a hotspot for young professionals and creatives, thanks to its growing popularity as one of the up-and-coming neighborhoods in Houston.

Why it’s great: Bustling nightlife, sports venues, and cultural attractions.

Perfect for: Singles and young couples.

Median Home Price: Around $320,000.

The vibe here is electric, with art galleries, breweries, and unique eateries popping up all over.

Pearland

Just south of the city, Pearland is one of the most affordable places to live in Houston.

Why it’s great: A mix of suburban and urban vibes with plenty of parks.

Perfect for: Budget-conscious families.

Median Home Price: Approximately $300,000.

Its proximity to Houston makes it an ideal location for commuters.

Memorial

Memorial is an area that seamlessly combines suburban comfort with urban accessibility.

Why it’s great: Access to some of the best school districts in Houston.

Perfect for: Families and professionals.

Median Home Price: Around $500,000.

It’s also home to Memorial Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country.

River Oaks

If you’re looking for prestige, River Oaks is synonymous with elegance and affluence.

Why it’s great: Stunning estates and exclusive amenities.

Perfect for: Those seeking luxury neighborhoods in Houston.

Median Home Price: Over $2 million.

River Oaks is where sophistication meets comfort.

Cypress

Cypress offers a family-friendly environment with a touch of rural charm.

Why it’s great: Affordable homes and excellent schools.

Perfect for: Families seeking space and tranquility.

Median Home Price: $320,000.

It’s a growing area with top-notch shopping and dining options.

Kingwood

Surrounded by trees and trails, Kingwood is a haven for outdoor lovers.

Why it’s great: Peaceful and scenic with great community vibes.

Perfect for: Nature enthusiasts and families.

Median Home Price: $350,000.

It’s divided into smaller “villages,” each with its own unique charm.

Friendswood

Friendswood blends the warmth of a small town with the conveniences of the city.

Why it’s great: Excellent schools and low crime rates.

Perfect for: Families and retirees.

Median Home Price: $400,000.

It’s consistently ranked as one of the best places to retire in Houston.

How to Choose the Right Neighborhood in Houston?

Choosing the right neighborhood in Houston can be extremely stressful, but focusing on key factors can help you find a community that fits your needs.

Safety

Safety is a top priority for many when selecting a neighborhood.

For instance, neighborhoods like West University Place and Friendswood are known for their low crime rates. That’s why it is one of the attractive options for families and individuals looking for peace of mind.

Near to Work

Houston's expansive layout means that commute times can fluctuate.

Choosing a neighborhood close to your workplace can save you time and reduce stress.

For example, if you work in the Medical Center, living in nearby areas like Bellaire or the Museum District could be convenient.

School Quality

For families with children, access to quality education is compulsory.

Neighborhoods such as The Woodlands and Katy are served by highly rated school districts, which offer strong academic programs and extracurricular activities.

Amenities and Lifestyle

Think about which facilities are important to you, such as parks, restaurants, and shopping centers.

Areas like Memorial offer a suburban feel with access to urban amenities. On the other hand, East Downtown (EaDo) provides an arts scene and nightlife.

Affordability

Your budget plays a significant role in determining suitable neighborhoods.

Houston offers a range of options, from more affordable housing in areas like Cypress, where the median home price is around $320,000, to luxury neighborhoods like River Oaks, where median home prices exceed $2 million.

How Much Does it Cost to Move to Houston?

Let's break down the costs so you can plan accordingly.

Moving Services

Local Moves: For moves within Houston, expect to pay around $1,250 for a two to three-bedroom home. This estimate includes approximately 7,500 pounds of belongings.

Long-Distance Moves: If you're moving from out of state, the cost averages about $4,890 for the same size home over 1,000 miles.

Packing Services

Hiring professionals to pack your belongings can range from $900 to $1,500, depending on the size of your home.

Moving Supplies

Purchasing boxes, tape, and packing materials can add up. Some moving companies include these in their services, while others charge separately.

Transportation Fees

Long-distance moves may include additional charges for fuel and travel time. Always ask for a detailed breakdown in your estimate.

Storage Services

Short-Term Storage: If there's a gap between your move-out and move-in dates, storage units in Houston average around $191.84 per month.

Additional Costs

Insurance: Purchase moving insurance to protect your belongings. Rates depend on coverage levels.

Tipping: It's customary to tip movers for their service. A general guideline is $4 to $5 per hour per mover.

Sample Cost Breakdown for a Local Move