Houston Apartments: The Ultimate Renters Guide

Living room with a view at Memorial by Windsor in Washington Avenue/Rice Military

Intro and neighborhood guides by Elisabeth Carroll Dawson

When people think Houston, they think big — and for good reason. Houston has it all: an iconic skyline, a robust economy, a thriving arts scene and, yes, notorious traffic jams and humidity. While it’s still more affordable than other major cities, rents are rising, driven by an oil and natural gas boom.

Home to the entire energy industry and more Fortune 500 companies than anywhere else except New York City, Houston boasts the most ethnically diverse population in the country, beating out even NYC. In fact, demographers predict H-Town will leapfrog Chicago to become the third-largest city in the U.S. within a decade.

Once widely derided for its bleakly industrial cityscapes, Houston invested hundreds of millions of dollars in biking trails, recreational waterways and urban green spaces such as Hermann Park and Buffalo Bayou. Today, nature plays nicely with longtime Bayou City attractions and institutions such as Space Center Houston, world-renowned museums, the Houston Zoo, Rice University and one of the best foodie scenes in the nation.

We spent more than 40 hours conducting extensive research on Houston’s apartments, neighborhoods and residential options. We looked at more than 130 apartment complexes in the Houston area, categorizing them by location and comparing them with a set list of criteria.

Besides basic information such as year constructed, number of units and average rent prices, we factored in community amenities such as outdoor spaces and fitness facilities. We delved into the interior design, looking for features such as hardwood flooring, stainless steel appliances, balconies and other modern features. We also placed strong consideration on Walk Scores and accessibility to their respective neighborhoods, all to make confident decisions to determine the best of the best.

From luxurious River Oaks — one of the most exclusive ZIP codes in the country — to the endearingly offbeat Montrose, we explored 11 of Houston’s most popular neighborhoods. Whether you’re planning to relocate or just a weekend getaway, our apartment guide will introduce you to all H-Town has to offer.

Neighborhoods covered in this guide to Houston apartments:

Uptown

Like its name suggests, Uptown boasts upscale real estate, shopping and living. Living here isn’t cheap, and subtle isn’t really part of Uptown’s DNA: while most of the housing options skew toward contemporary high-rises and new construction, adorable patio houses and traditional, sprawling estates also line its landscaped streets.

Most Uptown dwellers are professionals under the age of 40, many of whom work for one of the numerous major financial, energy or other corporations based in the area’s immense skyscrapers that rival those of Downtown.

Uptown is a firmly embedded hub of international commerce, so while leaders tend to disagree about what exactly the neighborhood’s future should look like, the area pulses with wealth and possibility — and will undoubtedly stay that way.

What To Do

Uptown is home to The Galleria, a high-fashion wonderland made up of 400 global brands such as Tiffany & Co., Valentino, Prada, Topshop and the Apple Store. Seven parking garages ensure you’ll find a spot in the gargantuan complex, which also features an ice-skating rink, 12 choice salons and even swimming pools.

For fine dining at an H-Town original, try Masraff’s, launched almost 20 years ago by a father and son. With its inspired South African cuisine and jaw-dropping dining room, Peli Peli is a perfect example of the city’s international flair.

Transportation

Minimizing your commute is key when it comes to loving life in Houston, and for many, Uptown is an ideal solution. From here, walking to some of the best shopping and dining in the city is easy. Roadways do tend to get congested, especially at peak commuting hours. While plans are underway to widen Uptown’s streets for express-bus routes, proposals for light rail have stalled.

Uptown Apartments

Average 1-Bedroom Rental Price: $1,300

Kitchen with island at Hanover Post Oak

Hanover Post Oak Apartments

Year Built: 2014
Number of Units: 355
Number of Layouts: 22
Rent: Call for pricing
Highlights: Floor-to-ceiling windows on 10-foot ceilings illuminate these contemporary apartments and penthouses that are LEED Silver Certified. Residents can take in panoramic views from the 30th-floor skydeck, or enjoy a resort-style pool and 24-hour gym. And because it’s located in BLVD Place, shopping and dining is just outside the door.

Kitchen and living space at WaterWall Place

WaterWall Place

Year Built: 2013
Number of Units: 322
Number of Layouts: 14
Rent: Call for pricing
Highlights: These eco-friendly one- and two-bedroom apartments just off of The Galleria shopping center feature wood flooring and high ceilings. Kitchens have maple cabinetry and granite countertops. Community features include fitness facilities and social areas at the poolside and rooftop.

Kitchen at M5250

M5250

Year Built: 2013
Number of Units: 298
Number of Layouts: 17
Rent: $1,625-$4,625
Highlights: With a rooftop pool, a fitness center with a spin room and several lounge areas both inside and out, residents enjoy plenty of modern amenities at M5250. Private residences include hardwood flooring, balconies and modern kitchens containing both quartz countertops and under-cabinet lighting.

The Runners Up

Upper Kirby/Greenway Plaza

When it comes to location, it’s hard to beat Upper Kirby. Indicated by its fire-engine-red street signs and phone booths that look like they were lifted from a Harry Potter set, the neighborhood is bordered by some of Houston’s most affluent communities.

Townhomes and high-end condos dominate the real estate, although you will also find chic mid-century moderns and other historic homes in the area.

Located just to the east of Upper Kirby, Greenway Plaza is a master-planned compound combining residences, commercial offerings and businesses. Glistening office towers and a mix of new apartments and lofts focus on convenience and comfort.

The location and charm of both Upper Kirby and Greenway Plaza carry a hefty price tag these days, and draw mostly young professionals.