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.
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.
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.
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.
Average 1-Bedroom Rental Price: $1,300
Kitchen with island at Hanover Post Oak
Kitchen and living space at WaterWall Place
Kitchen at M5250
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.
Catch a concert and delicious pub eats at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck, one of the best listening rooms in the country. Boutiques, antiquing and art galleries make for a dynamic retail scene.
Trader Joe’s set up shop in Upper Kirby’s historic Alabama Theater, while the farmers market is also nearby. Tony’s, an upscale Italian restaurant widely regarded as among the nation’s finest, is nestled within Greenway Plaza as well.
Upper Kirby and Greenway Plaza are pedestrian-friendly enclaves where some lucky residents can walk to work and play — a rarity in H-Town. Both communities are less than 5 miles from Downtown, The Galleria and Med Center, a major employer. Plans are underway for an Upper Kirby light rail. Greenway Plaza connects several buildings via bridges and covered walkways.
Average 1-Bedroom Rental Price: $1,392
Kitchen and dining room at 2929 Weslayan
Living space at The Belle Meade At River Oaks
Kitchen area at Olympia at Willowick Park
The Energy Corridor has long been one of Houston’s most popular neighborhoods. Families and energy-industry professionals counting on a short commute flock to this community west of Downtown, where international corporations including BP America, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil and Shell Oil Company have established corporate or regional headquarters.
The cost of living is generally lower the farther you trek from inside Houston’s Loop 610 — a bill the Energy Corridor fits. Here, updated apartments, large family homes with plenty of lawn and exclusive gated communities create a cozy suburban vibe that’s also ethnically diverse.
Even as oil and gas corporations weather a rough downturn, the industry is about as entrenched as it gets. This means the Energy Corridor will remain vibrant for the long haul.
Massive green spaces define the Energy Corridor almost as much as the oil and gas companies that gave the area its name. Terry Hershey Park hugs Buffalo Bayou as it cuts through the corridor and connects numerous neighborhoods and businesses via 11 miles of trails. Addicks and Barker reservoirs include 26,000 acres’ worth of nature preserves and recreational opportunities in George Bush Park and others.
After biking and hiking to your heart’s content, make up for the calories you’ve burned with Sunday brunch at hearty bistro Café Benedicte. Beloved mom-and-pop joint Sam’s Burgers and Fries is another soul-satisfying option.
Interstate 10 slices through the top of the Energy Corridor, and Westpark Tollway is immediately to the neighborhood’s south. Houston’s METRO buses provide public transit options, while the community itself actively endorses carpool apps such as NuRide and Carma and has even organized a CarShare program.
Average 1-Bedroom Rental Price: $1,099
Living space at Domain by Windsor
Living room at Elan Briar Forest
Open living space at Aura Memorial
The small Westchase District has managed to blend distinctly suburban vibes with urban convenience. Located in the heart of Houston’s traditionally affluent westside, Westchase is primarily a business hive featuring outposts of major corporations such as Halliburton. But plenty of people live in the district, too — especially families.
Updated apartments are the main option for those looking to live inside Westchase District proper, while residences varying from 1960s ranch houses and townhomes to country-club mansions are available just outside the official boundaries.
Westchase residents and leaders are pouring a lot of energy and funds into big plans for the future that tackle everything from beautification to transportation.
In the summer — which Houston’s climate makes many, many months long — take the kids to the Quillian Center, home to the popular Noah’s Ark Pool. Jogging trails connect Westchase to neighboring areas including the Energy Corridor’s Terry Hershey Park. Held every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m., the Westchase Farmers Market is another must-do featuring an impressive collection of local artisanal food makers and farmers.
Enjoy gourmet Argentinian pastries and more at The Original Marini’s Empanada House. Westchase is also just north of Houston’s bustling Chinatown; pop over to Mala Sichuan Bistro for delicious Lion’s Head and other authentic greatness.
Westchase offers easy access to key thoroughfares Sam Houston Parkway and Westpark Tollway, which makes getting there and to other parts of Houston relatively simple. METRO buses run almost a dozen routes through the area as well. As with just about anywhere in Houston, traffic can be a doozy during peak commute times.
Average 1-Bedroom Rental Price: $889
Living space at Alta Woodlake Square
Kitchen and living room at Ventura Lofts
Kitchen at Portico
Washington Avenue was once primarily known for its bars catering to young professionals. Today, the trendy watering holes and restaurants still stand, but the street and capillary roads surrounding it also boast some of the most in-demand apartments and townhomes in the city.
Just off Washington Ave, you’ll find the Rice Military neighborhood, where mostly newly built three-story townhomes dominate the real estate. Along the avenue itself, high-end apartments offer mostly young professionals easy access to work and nightlife.
One of Houston’s crown jewels, Memorial Park is just a quick jog away from Washington Ave, with Rice Military’s towering townhomes and the opulent Crestwood neighborhood’s mansions sandwiched in between.
Running and biking trails, mature trees, huge playgrounds, and more make Memorial Park a beloved oasis in the middle of the city. Check out the nearby Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, a 155-acre immersion into wildlife that will make you question the fact that Downtown is about 15 minutes away.
For barhopping, Washington Ave is hard to beat. Start with happy hour at Benjy’s for a broad selection of inspired appetizers and cocktails in a swanky atmosphere. After the sun goes down, stop at Liberty Station, a casual hang with a nice patio that also hosts a coterie of food trucks in the parking lot.
Washington Avenue/Rice Military residents don’t need to join the other cars crawling on the interstate to get Downtown for work — just jump on Memorial Drive or Washington Avenue and head east. Walking in the evenings is safe and easy, and finding a parking spot tends to get increasingly difficult as the night rolls on.
Average 1-Bedroom Rental Price: $1,356
Kitchen and breakfast bar at Virage
Living room with a view at Memorial by Windsor
Kitchen area at Memorial Hills
Montrose is Houston’s quirky, quintessentially cool ’hood. Officially, Neartown is a broader area that includes the Montrose neighborhood along with a few others, such as Cherryhurst and Hyde Park — but call it all Montrose, really.
Traditionally a bohemian haven that artists, students, empty nesters and Houston’s substantial LGBT community have all called home, Montrose has seen rents soar in recent years. While the higher cost of living is good for property values, it also threatens to displace the residents and the funkiness that made the area so desirable in the first place.
An eclectic mix of upscale lofts, newly built apartments, duplexes, renovated mansions and sweet bungalows in a central location make Montrose one of the most sought-after Houston neighborhoods.
Montrose has some of the best restaurants and shopping in Houston. Vintage and thrift-store junkies will love the Guild Shop, which boasts gently used high-end household goods and furniture. A well-stocked Buffalo Exchange outpost on Westheimer is also a worthwhile stop.
Aladdin serves some of the best Mediterranean food in a town that’s brimming with options; the restaurant’s famous pita bread is a fluffy slice of melt-in-your-mouth heaven. Try Uchi for upscale sushi and ambitious Japanese-inspired seafood in a sleek, modern dining room. Rudyard’s British Pub is a slice of old-school Montrose that features live music, good food and an epic beer list.
Walking to many favorite restaurants and bars in Montrose is easy and common. The neighborhoods within Loop 610 (which locals refer to as “inside the loop”) all spill into one another: Midtown, the Museum District and River Oaks are all nearby. Light rail hasn’t made it to Montrose yet, but advocates are still trying to make it happen.
Average 1-Bedroom Rental Price: $1,250
Kitchen area at The Sovereign
Apartment interiors at The Fairmont
Living room at Muse
Several years of a bullish local economy have helped lead to large investments and substantial revitalization in Midtown. The small, densely packed area sits just south of Downtown and claims some of the best restaurants and bars in the city, making it an ideal home base for young professionals working in the skyscrapers by day.
New construction dominates Midtown real estate: Luxury apartments, high-rise condos, lofts and townhomes are beginning to fill every nook and cranny. While it isn’t the most expensive inner-loop area and has been an option for those who are priced out of Montrose and other more established neighborhoods, Midtown rents are following the current citywide trend and climbing.
Numerous art galleries and theaters keep entertainment options interesting in Midtown. Houston Community College’s Heinen Theatre hosts intriguing student dance, music and drama productions, while Inman Gallery ranks among the best places in town to enjoy visual art.
Make reservations at Reef, which Bon Appetit recently dubbed the No. 1 seafood restaurant in the country. Midtown’s bar scene is among the city’s best; hit 3rd Floor for craft beers, good wine and creative mixology over spectacular views of the Houston skyline.
METRORail is actually an option in Midtown: Commuters can ride to work in Downtown or rely on the trains for a night out. The ease and accessibility of Midtown’s light rail hints at what’s possible for Houston’s future.
Average 1-Bedroom Rental Price: $1,353
Living room and patio at 3800 Main
Kitchen and living room at Alexan Midtown
Kitchen at Camden Travis Street
Once the exclusive domain of corporate skyscrapers, Downtown Houston is fast becoming one of the most desirable places to live in the city. Downtown is split into several districts, each with a unique focus.
The Historic District boasts cafes, pubs and stunning architecture dating to the 1800s; the Theater District promises first-rate performing arts. Posh high-rises and lofts make up most of the residential offerings in the area.
These days, empty nesters and young professionals are flocking to Houston’s Downtown. Even as rents go up, it remains one of the most affordable, livable downtowns of any major U.S. city.
When it comes to recreation and restaurants, Downtown Houston has almost too much. Discovery Green is a beautifully designed park featuring green spaces, outdoor art installations, an ice-skating rink and more.
Catch a Major League Baseball game at Minute Maid Park; the Houston Astros were actually pretty good last season. Or explore the Tunnels, a 6-mile network of restaurants and shopping located 20 feet below the busy Downtown streets.
For a romantic date night, enjoy fine cocktails and cuisine at Hearsay Gastro Lounge. For a divine Italian meal in a cozy setting before a show, try Perbacco in the Theater District.
METRORail provides nice options for Downtown dwellers: Midtown and the Museum District are all just a short train ride away. On weekdays, ride the Greenlink bus for free between 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Walking to work and hot spots is also a great choice here.
Average 1-Bedroom Rental Price: $1,500
Living room and kitchen at One Park Place
Living room at The Rice
Open living space at SkyHouse
West University Place is one of Houston’s most prestigious neighborhoods. Mature oak trees line streets bordered by stately older mansions and meticulously kept cottages. Referred to as West U by locals, the area is home to elite Rice University and near key employment centers, which results in a somewhat diverse population of students and well-to-do families.
Located immediately to the east of West U, the Museum District is one of Houston’s most vibrant communities. As its name implies, this neighborhood features the majority of Houston’s world-class museums.
The Texas Medical Center is also located in the Museum District, providing thousands of jobs. Gorgeous historic homes can be found here, but apartments, condos and townhomes are easy to find as well.
West U offers plenty of parks and great restaurants, as well as trendy shopping. Rice Village is a popular district featuring boutiques and foodie delights; check out Local Foods, an artisan salad and sandwich shop, and Chloe Dao Boutique, which includes local designers in its inspired ready-to-wear offerings.
The Museum District has beaucoup Houston riches, including Hermann Park, home to lush green spaces, running trails and the Houston Zoo. Miller Outdoor Theatre is also part of the park; catch one of the Houston Symphony’s free performances at the stunning venue.
The Rothko Chapel, Houston Museum of African American Culture, Children’s Museum of Houston, Houston Museum of Natural Science and Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, are just five of the 19 renowned museums located throughout the neighborhood.
METRORail operates trains that connect the Museum District to Downtown and Midtown. METRO buses run throughout West U, but all in all, public transit in this community is somewhat lacking. Walking is a Museum District must and doable in Rice Village, while strolls in West U are more for neighborhood exercise than commuting.
Average 1-Bedroom Rental Price: $1,404
Industrial-inspired lofts at The Museum Tower
Kitchen at Hanover Rice Village
Kitchen and dining areas at Venue Museum District
River Oaks is the epitome of Houston decadence: sprawling estates and conspicuous luxury in the heart of the city. One of the most expensive ZIP codes in the U.S., River Oaks is the priciest neighborhood in Texas and has been for quite some time. While mansions are the most common residence, high-end condos and apartments are also available, especially near the area’s pristine shopping centers.
Just southwest of River Oaks, Afton Oaks is a small residential community just inside Loop 610 West. The Galleria sits immediately on the other side of the loop, while Upper Kirby buttresses the neighborhood to the east. Wealthy families make up a large part of the population, who live predominantly in grandiose single-family homes.
River Oaks Shopping Center houses a large selection of upscale stores and national chains, including a two-story Barnes & Noble. Tootsies, a luxe boutique located in mixed-use high-rise West Ave, offers designer collections and exclusive trunk shows as seasonal lines debut. Nearby Buffalo Bayou features running and biking trails, along with waterways fit for canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding.
The wide-ranging restaurant selection in River Oaks promises both culinary adventures to those who crave them and downhome familiarity for those hungry for comfort. Have mimosas and brunch at the eclectic Backstreet Café, and pick up a pie for later at House of Pies, a Houston institution. Mockingbird Bistro draws from France and Texas to create trailblazing, award-winning fare, while Ouisie’s Table serves acclaimed steaks, seafood and more.
Getting in and out of River Oaks and Afton Oaks is simple, as Memorial Drive and Allen Parkway offer easy access to nearby Downtown. Westheimer Road cuts through the area as well and is one of the main stretches of commercial real estate.
Walking is feasible for some, and bus routes do exist, but a car is still pretty necessary to both navigate these neighborhoods and head elsewhere.
Average 1-Bedroom Rental Price: $1,047
Kitchen at The James
Kitchen at SkyHouse
Interiors at The Millenium
One of Houston’s most charming neighborhoods, the Heights features historic homes dating from the early 1900s, with huge porches facing tree-lined streets. In recent years, young families and professionals have joined longtime older residents of the area who cherish and try to uphold the Heights’ signature small-town feel.
It has become increasingly expensive to live in the Heights and the surrounding north Houston neighborhoods, such as Timbergrove and Lazybrook. The Heights’ Victorians, Craftsman bungalows and cottages are now joined by apartments, condos and townhomes, which have diversified the options for those hoping to find a home in the community.
Assorted boutique, vintage and antique shops make up the Heights on 19th Street, a fun collection of independent stores lining 19th Street between Shepherd Drive and Yale. Hungry? Dig into chicken-fried steak at Triple A Restaurant, or make plans at Shade, one of the Heights’ first upscale eateries.
Billed as Houston’s original farmers market, Canino’s Farmers Market is a dazzling open-air emporium. It’s full of eye-popping color created by all of the expected plants, fruits and veggies, as well as a broad range of peppers, cactus, homeopathic remedies and more.
In the Heights, as with most Houston neighborhoods, it’s helpful to have a car. Bus routes are available, but light rail hasn’t made its way here yet. Situated northwest of Downtown and near 610, I-45, and I-10, the Heights is a great location for those who want to live near the heart of the city but need to work north of it.
Average 1-Bedroom Rental Price: $1,282
Kitchen and living room at The Alexan Heights
Living room at 2125 Yale
Kitchen at Camden Heights
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