Ready to Call Houston Home? The Best Neighborhoods and Suburbs in Houston
Sep 16, 2024
From its big city heart to its charming suburbs, the vibrant southeast Texas metropolis of Houston offers a little something for everyone. Nestled close to the Gulf of Mexico, the greater Houston area caters to nearly every lifestyle. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, cultural events, a small-town feel, or activities for families with young kids, Houston has it!
Ready to discover why so many people are flocking to the Houston metro, making it one of the fastest growing regions in the U.S.? Let’s navigate different places in and around Houston, including bustling neighborhoods like Montrose, smaller towns like Manvel, and the blended suburban and rural charm of places like Conroe. Together, we’ll find your little slice of heaven (and maybe some pecan pie) in the Lone Star State!
What You Will Learn
- Why You Should Consider Houston as a Place to Live
- 8 Places to Live in the Houston Area
- Neighborhoods in Houston to Live In
- Suburbs Near Houston to Live In
- Find Your Perfect Home in the Greater Houston Area
Why You Should Consider Houston as a Place to Live
Houston and its surrounding suburbs deliver a captivating blend of opportunities and experiences. In the heart of the city, you'll find a vibrant cultural scene with events, museums, and sports that keep the excitement alive year-round. Just a short drive away, the suburbs offer a peaceful haven with lush green spaces and a strong sense of community. This unique mix of urban excitement and suburban serenity makes Houston a place where everyone can find their perfect balance of work, play, and relaxation.
Let’s dig deeper into why Houston is worth exploring as a great place to live:
Arts, Culture and Culinary Explorations
As the fourth largest city in the U.S., Houston is home to around 2.2 million people, and the greater Houston area has over 7.3 million residents, according to Census Reporter. With over 140 languages spoken, according to Understanding Houston, the city reflects a rich tapestry of cultures. Events like the International Festival, Dia de los Muertos, Mediterranean Fest, and Viet Fest allow residents to soak in global experiences without leaving Texas.
Nicknamed “Space City,” Houston is home to the Houston Space Center, a must-visit for those fascinated by the mysteries of our vast universe. Back on Earth, locals can spend their days exploring the Houston Museum District, which includes the Museum of Fine Arts, the Houston Museum for African American Culture, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. As night falls, grab a bite at one of Houston’s estimated 12,000 restaurants, according to Houstonia Magazine, each representing a special part of the city’s unique identity and personality.
![A young adult woman enjoys a peaceful moment on a lake in Texas with her paddle board and pet dog. The sun illuminates the scene, casting a golden glow.]()
Outdoor Adventures
The Houston area offers various outdoor activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Within the city and its suburbs, you'll find a sprawling network of parks and trails, including the lush expanses of Buffalo Bayou Park and the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center.
Additionally, with about 80 golf courses in the Houston metropolitan region, according to GolfPass, golf enthusiasts have plenty of options to perfect their swing. The area also has several water parks, community pools, and lakes, making finding a refreshing spot during the warmer months easy. If you're in the mood for a beach day, the Gulf of Mexico and Galveston Island are about 50 miles from downtown Houston, providing access to swimming, boating, fishing, and relaxation.
Vibrant Sports Culture
Houston is a sports lover's paradise! Professional teams like the Rockets, Texans, and Astros provide thrilling entertainment year-round. And don’t forget about those Friday Night Lights. Like much of Texas, the Houston area loves to cheer on their high school football teams. If you or a family member would rather be a part of the action, the city is home to many adult and youth organizations for sports, like the Houston Sports and Social Club or the YMCA of Greater Houston.
![A high school football team plays a game in Texas. One player on a team in black and yellow tries to tackle a player on the opposing team in red, white and blue.]()
Economic Opportunities
Houston, often dubbed the "Energy Capital of the World," is a significant hub for the oil and gas industry, with leading companies like ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Shell having a substantial presence in the city. Beyond energy, the Texas Medical Center—the world’s largest medical complex—stands out as a major employer in healthcare, research, and biotechnology. Additionally, Port Houston is one of the busiest ports in the nation, supporting roles in logistics, trade, and transportation.
Relatively Low Cost of Living
According to the Greater Houston Partnership, the Houston metro area has the third lowest living costs among the most populous U.S. metro areas, at 5.9 percent below the nationwide average. At 17.8% lower than the national average, housing costs in the greater Houston area are more accessible than in many major U.S. cities.
![A man and woman in their 30s each hold a young baby girl on their lap while sitting in a forest. The woman is feeding the baby on her lap, and the man is smiling at the baby on his lap.]()
Educational Opportunities
The Houston area has top-ranking schools and universities. Among the higher education institutions, Rice University—the top-ranked university in Texas according to the U.S. News & World Report—and the University of Houston stand out, both known for their academic excellence and research contributions. According to Niche, greater Houston is also home to some of Texas's top-rated K-12 public schools.
8 Places to Live in the Houston Area
Whether you prefer the energy of urban living or the more relaxed lifestyle of the suburbs, Houston's many communities cater to various desired experiences. Let’s explore a few neighborhoods within Houston’s city limits and some Houston suburbs less than 45 miles from downtown.
Neighborhoods in Houston to Live In
Midtown: Exciting City Living
Living in Houston's Midtown neighborhood, you’ll be in the center of it all. Known for its bustling nightlife, popular restaurants, and access to public transportation, anyone looking for the ideal city living experience will find it here. Residents will also be close to entertainment hotspots like the Ensemble Theatre, open spaces like Baldwin Park, and regular events like outdoor movie nights and Art in the Park Midtown.
![Bike riders quickly speed along a path on a green hill with the lit-up Houston skyline behind them at night.]()
Montrose: Festive Haven
The quirky Montrose neighborhood is known for its beautiful turn-of-the-twentieth-century homes, abundant dining options, eclectic shops, and local art galleries. Enjoy annual events like Houston Pride, Free Press Summer Fest, and the Houston Greek Festival, all of which call Montrose Home. Don’t forget to check out other unique attractions in the neighborhood, including the Menil Collection, a free art museum, and the Rothko Chapel, a non-denominational space recognized for its modern art and architecture.
![A mother and her daughters have fun traveling around Houston, Texas. They walk around the city, skyscrapers visible in the background, pausing to take pictures of their surroundings.]()
Memorial: Shopping and Green Spaces
Covered by lush green spaces and meandering trails, Memorial offers residents a peaceful retreat within Houston’s city limits. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the expansive Terry Hershey Park, a 500-acre urban park stretching miles along the Buffalo Bayou. And if you love to shop, Memorial’s proximity to upscale shopping and dining is a major perk. The area is home to Memorial City Mall, which boasts over 150 stores, and CityCentre, a vibrant mixed-use development filled with boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Houston Suburbs to Live In
Outside of Houston proper, the suburbs blend small-town tranquility and urban convenience. With extensive outdoor opportunities, various recreational activities, and proximity to the city, Houston suburban homes allow you to enjoy a morning of boating and hiking at Lake Conroe while catching a performance at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts that night.
![A mother and father smile with their two young children in the kitchen of their new home. Their real estate agent, a woman in her late 20s, looks at the family smiling.]()
The Woodlands: Suburban Sanctuary
Just 40 miles from downtown Houston, residents of The Woodlands can easily enjoy a balanced blend of small-town living with big city amenities thanks to over 220 miles of trails and more than 100 parks. Locals can also enjoy the Woodlands Waterway, a picturesque canal that runs through the heart of the community. Lined with restaurants, shops, and public art installations, the canal creates a lively atmosphere perfect for daytime exploration and evening strolls. Or, catch a show at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, an outdoor amphitheater hosting performances from the Houston Symphony, Janet Jackson, Dave Matthews Band, Kenny Chesney, Santana, and more.
![Older couple hikes across a bridge through a Texas forest while smiling and looking ahead.]()
Conroe: Closer to Nature
Located about 40 miles north of downtown Houston, the city of Conroe is dotted with city parks and a historic downtown filled with shops, live theaters, art galleries, locally owned restaurants, and more. Just outside of town, Lake Conroe, a 22,000-acre reservoir, is a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts and anyone seeking a relaxing day by the water. More outdoor opportunities await in the nearby Sam Houston National Forest. Nature lovers have nearly 163,000 acres of wilderness to explore there, including the Lone Star Hiking Trail—the longest continuously marked trail in Texas.
![A joyful moment of a father and son drawing with chalk on a sidewalk in their suburban neighborhood. They are sitting on the ground and smiling.]()
Sugar Land: Sweet Suburbia
Sugar Land is a fast-growing suburban city located around 20 miles Southeast of Houston. Residents of Sugar Land or nearby towns like Missouri City can enjoy shopping, dining, and events at Sugar Land Town Square, live performances at Smart Financial Centre, and family-oriented fun at the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center. For art lovers, look forward to Sugar Land’s annual International Arts Festival. For sports fans, catch a baseball game at Constellation Field and cheer on the Space Cowboys, the Astros minor league affiliate team.
![Man golfs at a course in Sam Houston State Forest near Conroe, Texas]()
Katy: History and Festivities
Just about 30 miles west of Houston, Katy, Texas, is a growing city known for its historic downtown area with charming shops, many dining options, and bustling Katy Market Days. The city has ample open spaces and attractions like Katy Mills Mall, Typhoon Texas Waterpark, and the scenic Mary Jo Peckham Park. Residents also enjoy community events such as the Katy Rice Festival, which celebrates the area’s local heritage with music, crafts, and food, and the Katy Taste Fest, where attendees can try cuisines from all over the globe.
![A mother in her late 30s stands in the ocean with her 9-year-old son. Waves crash around their knees, and they’re both laughing and smiling. It’s a blue sunny day.]]()
Manvel: Small-Town Serenity
![A mother in her late 30s stands in the ocean with her 9-year-old son. Waves crash around their knees, and they’re both laughing and smiling. It’s a blue sunny day.]](https://embed.widencdn.net/img/sheahomes/eyguazsc9i/1170x550px@1x/Mother-Son-Beach-GettyImages-615723700.webp?crop=true&q=80&x.template=y)
Dreaming of sun and sand? A beach day is never far away when you live in Manvel, located south of Houston and closer to the Gulf of Mexico than many suburbs. With a relatively rural vibe, Manvel is rich in outdoor activities, with many nearby lakes, trails, and open spaces. A 25-mile drive to Houston, Manvel is an attractive option for those seeking a peaceful yet connected lifestyle.
![A small lake with a water feature within a green space on a beautiful, blue sky day in the Del Bello Shea Homes community in Manvel, Texas.]](https://embed.widencdn.net/img/sheahomes/xcl8qwufgp/1170x550px@1x/Del-Bello-Lakes-60_Lot-9103_yrd-6.webp?crop=true&q=80&x.template=y)
Make Your Texas-Sized Dreams Come True in the Houston Area
With its relatively accessible cost of living, ample outdoor opportunities, and incredible cultural richness, Houston and its nearby suburbs allow residents to live their best lives their way. Take the next step by exploring Shea Homes in Texas! From nature-inspired communities like Evergreen in Conroe to small-town charm near the city like Del Bello Lakes near Manvel, it’s time to find your perfect place with Shea Homes near Houston.
