Living in Houston
Let's break down the neighborhoods.
Top neighborhoods in Houston
Montrose
Eclectic, artsy and full of character.
Best for: Creatives and renters who love restaurants, bars and museums
Novara take
- Walkability4
- Nightlife5
- Coffee & food5
- Shopping4
- Grocery & errands4
- Pet-friendly4
- Parking ease3
- Quiet2
Getting around: Between downtown and the Galleria; quick access to US-59 and the Museum District.
Local favorites: The Menil Collection · Rothko Chapel · Westheimer Road restaurants and bars
Montrose is Houston's eclectic heart, known for its art, LGBTQ+ history, vintage shops and food scene along Westheimer. Housing mixes older apartments, bungalows and new mid-rises. It's close to the Museum District and downtown.
Photo: w:User:Montrose Patriot, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The Heights
Bungalows, trails and 19th Street shopping.
Best for: Couples, families and dog owners who want charm and green space
Novara take
- Walkability4
- Nightlife3
- Coffee & food5
- Shopping4
- Grocery & errands4
- Pet-friendly5
- Parking ease3
- Quiet4
Getting around: About 10 minutes to downtown via I-10 or I-45.
Local favorites: Heights Hike and Bike Trail · 19th Street shops · H-E-B Heights
The Heights is a historic neighborhood of Victorian homes and bungalows with its own trail system. 19th Street and Heights Blvd have boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants. Newer apartments line the edges, especially near Washington Ave.
Photo: WhisperToMe, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Midtown
Young, social and on the light rail.
Best for: Young professionals who want nightlife and an easy downtown commute
Novara take
- Walkability4
- Nightlife5
- Coffee & food4
- Shopping3
- Grocery & errands3
- Pet-friendly3
- Parking ease3
- Quiet2
Getting around: Between downtown and the Museum District; METRORail Red Line; US-59 and I-45 access.
Local favorites: Midtown Park · Bagby Street bars and restaurants · METRORail Red Line
Midtown is a lively area of newer apartments, bars and restaurants between downtown and the Museum District. The Red Line light rail runs right through it, connecting to downtown and the Texas Medical Center. It's a favorite for young professionals.
Photo: WhisperToMe, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
River Oaks
Prestigious, polished and leafy.
Best for: Professionals who want luxury, high-end shopping and quiet streets
Novara take
- Walkability3
- Nightlife3
- Coffee & food5
- Shopping5
- Grocery & errands4
- Pet-friendly4
- Parking ease4
- Quiet5
Getting around: Near downtown and the Galleria; Allen Parkway and Westheimer access.
Local favorites: River Oaks District · River Oaks Shopping Center · Memorial Park (nearby)
River Oaks is one of Houston's most prestigious neighborhoods, known for its estates and tree-lined boulevards. Nearby high-rises and townhomes offer luxury rentals. High-end shopping and dining sit at River Oaks District and River Oaks Shopping Center.
Photo: WhisperToMe, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Upper Kirby
Central, stylish and convenient.
Best for: Professionals who want a central location with shopping and dining
Novara take
- Walkability4
- Nightlife4
- Coffee & food5
- Shopping5
- Grocery & errands4
- Pet-friendly4
- Parking ease3
- Quiet3
Getting around: Close to the Galleria, Greenway Plaza and the Texas Medical Center; US-59 access.
Local favorites: Levy Park · Whole Foods Market (Kirby) · West Ave shops and restaurants
Upper Kirby sits in the middle of everything, between River Oaks, the Galleria and Greenway Plaza. Levy Park hosts events and has a dog park. Newer high-rises and mid-rises offer plenty of amenity-rich apartments.
Photo: WhisperToMe, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
EaDo
Stadium energy, breweries and new lofts.
Best for: Sports fans and young renters who want urban energy at a better price
Novara take
- Walkability4
- Nightlife4
- Coffee & food4
- Shopping2
- Grocery & errands2
- Pet-friendly3
- Parking ease3
- Quiet2
Getting around: Just east of downtown; METRORail Green and Purple Lines; I-69 and I-45 access.
Local favorites: Shell Energy Stadium · 8th Wonder Brewery · Buffalo Bayou Park East (nearby)
East Downtown (EaDo) is home to Shell Energy Stadium and a growing scene of breweries, bars and murals. Converted warehouses and new apartment buildings keep rising. It's close to downtown jobs and often priced below Midtown.
Photo: WhisperToMe, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ratings are the Novara team's own take, out of 5. Spots and details can change, so ask your locator for the latest.
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