10 Houston Neighborhoods That We Consider Home
There are days that I wonder what moving into a new suburb feels like, but I always back out because I just couldn’t take the risk. Then I realized, I could plan to stay for a day or two in a place—just to find where I fit in the most!
If you’re like me who’s curious about what it’s like to live in different corners of a city, then you’ve come to the right place!
Join me as I go over the unique neighborhoods of Houston, and maybe discover the perfect one that can make it past just an overnight stay, turning that little trip into a place we could call home.
1. Galleria / Uptown
Media credit: @houstongalleria
Website: https://uptown-houston.com/
If you’re into high-end shopping and dining, then you should plan your stay in the Galleria or Uptown area when you’re in Houston.
One of the places that you can’t miss is The Galleria, where you can catch luxury brands like Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. Here, you’ll have to spend an entire day (or maybe even more!) as you’ll probably spend more time in a store.
Speaking of spending more time in the Galleria or Uptown area, you can find high-end accommodations in this area too.
You can choose to stay at The Houstonian Hotel Club and Spa, complete with a resort pool area, onsite designer shops, spa, salons, and a private fitness club.
Uptown is also great for those who love exploring gastronomical places. You can go to Willie G’s Seafood if you want some oysters and premium steaks, or choose The Rustic if you want to be served with some happy hour food while listening to live music.
For those of you who are traveling with family, you’ll be delighted to know that the Galleria or Uptown area has been perceived as one of the safest parts of Houston, according to the city data.
Even better, family-friendly attractions such as the Gerald F. Hines Waterwall Park and the Museum District can be found at the Galleria/Uptown area too!
| Pro tip: Traffic is known to be crazy around the area of Uptown. If you’re heading out during the morning or evening rush, consider leaving a few minutes earlier to avoid being stuck on the road. Meanwhile, you can also explore Uptown/Galleria on foot. |
2. Montrose / Midtown
Media credit: @city_of_montrose
Website: https://www.visithoustontexas.com/about-houston/neighborhoods/montrose/
Montrose or Midtown area in Houston has been known as a district that offers the best nightlife in the area, making it a great area to stay at if you love to party and drink some booze at night.
Montrose was previously a residential area for the affluent until its economic decline during the 20th century. Since then, the area has been revamped and revitalized to become home to bars and restaurants.
This area has also been a favorite spot for hippie communities, artists, and counter-cultural movements, allowing them to be Houston’s LGBTQ+ neighborhood.
Other attractions that you can visit when you’re in Montrose are the Menil Collection and the Rothko Chapel.
Going around the area of Montrose is relatively easy too. Just hop on their METRORail system, and you can travel to the business district or the Museum District without any hassle.
Meanwhile, foodies out there will love the TexMex scene at Montrose such as Cyclone Anaya’s. And if you’re looking for a great place to stay in Montrose, you can either book an Airbnb or opt for hotel accommodation at La Colombe d’Or.
| Pro tip: Consider bringing or renting a bike if you want to explore Montrose in a different way. This allows you to explore the tree-lined streets and plenty of green spaces, letting you imagine what it was like when it was a luxurious residential area. |
3. East Downtown (EaDo)
Media credit: @artwphoto
Website: https://eadohouston.com/
East Downtown—or as the residents fondly call it, EaDo—has been known as a lively area for sports fans and art enthusiasts.
East Downtown has been home to major stadiums such as Minute Maid Park and BBVA Compass Stadium. So if you’re catching a sports game, or even watching a concert then this area is perfect for you!
But before that, East Downtown was formerly home to an Old Chinatown. If you want to get a glimpse of this era, you can try visiting restaurants that reflect the old Chinatown charm such as Huynh.
Moreover, East Downtown is also known for its vibrant bars and laidback lounges such as Little Woodrow’s and King’s Court, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the area’s nightlife.
Meanwhile, you can appreciate some street art when you’re in the East Downtown area. When you’re in the neighborhood, you’ll surely spot colorful murals and graffiti, making you whip your camera out!
For coffee lovers, you can have your caffeine kick at Koffeteria or Brass Tracks. And for the foodies out there, don’t miss out on the tacos at Taconazo or a juicy burger at Rodeo Goat.
| Pro tip: Consider renting out an Airbnb rather than booking a hotel room for a more homey atmosphere. This also allows you access to fully-equipped kitchens and plenty of space, making your stay more convenient. |
4. The Heights
Media credit: @iaincridlandphotography
Website: https://www.visithoustontexas.com/about-houston/
For those of you who are looking for a good mix of historical and modern amenities then The Heights is a great place to stay when you’re in Houston. Here, you’ll find 19th-century homes along with trendy shops and restaurants.
Start your day by hiking or biking throughout the neighborhood. After that, you can refuel and have some biscuits at Angela’s Oven, or feel like a Parisienne and eat crepes at Melange Creperie.
If you’re a coffee lover, you can plan your stops at Boomtown Coffee, EQ Heights, and Antidote. But if you want the best of both worlds (that’s coffee and some brunch food), then you can head to the Common Bond or Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar.
You can spend your afternoon at The Heights shopping for rare books, pottery, and other New England-style vintage items at August Antiques. Additionally, you can end the night with a show at White Oak Music Hall or The Heights Theatre.
Meanwhile, if you plan to stay at The Heights for a little longer, you can find an Airbnb home that reflects the town’s Victorian era or stay at the Heights House Hotel if you want to stay near the shopping district.
| Pro tip: The Heights is home to some of the go-to breweries in Houston such as the Heights Bier Garten. Make sure to drop by to try their local craft beers and brewery tours. |
5. Museum District
Media credit: @stevenhollarchitects
Website: https://houmuse.org/
Museum District lives up to its name by being home to a total of 19 museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, making this neighborhood perfect for art and history enthusiasts, or even those who simply crave a cultural trip.
Some of the most famous museums in the area are the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston.
If you have some kids in tow, you can let them explore the dinosaurs era and outer space at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. You can also check out Children’s Museum Houston, a family-friendly museum about science and nature.
Speaking of nature,the Museum District is also home to well-kept gardens such as Hermann Park, and McGovern Centennial Gardens, where you can set up a picnic corner or even plan to have a boat ride at the lake.
For those of you who want to swing some clubs, you’ll be glad to know that Museum District is also home to one of the first desegregated public golf courses in the country—the Hermann Park Golf Course.
If you want to dive deeper into Black history, you can also drop by at Houston Museum of African American Culture.
| Pro tip: While Museum District is a busy area for tourist attractions, the town seems to lack hotel accommodations. If you plan to stay here quite longer, you can opt for Airbnb rentals instead. |
6. Texas Medical Center
Media credit: @walterpmoore
Website: https://www.tmc.edu/
If you’re in Houston and plan to stay near the city’s medical facilities and research institutions then the Texas Medical Center area or TMC is your best option.
The Texas Medical Center is home to institutions for cancer treatments, heart surgeries, and pediatric care. In fact, due to its popularity and prestige, the Texas Medical Center expects almost seven million visitors each year.
If you’re a healthcare professional or even just a medical student, staying around TMC allows you to be close to major institutions such as Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, and MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Surprisingly, even if Texas Medical Canter is the most visited medical destination in the country, it’s still considered the cheapest place to stay when in Central Houston. One of the affordable hotels you can check out is the Courtyard Houston.
Nonetheless, there are still luxurious accommodation properties to explore such as the Hyatt Regency Houston and Houston Marriott Medical Center.
Moreover, it’s also easy to navigate if you’re staying in the Texas Medical Center Area. With access to Houston’s METRORail, you can move from the campus to the Museum District and downtown with ease.
| Pro tip: If you’re interested in learning more about medical technology and innovation, drop by TMC Innovation Institute so you can get a chance to attend tours and events about the latest advancements in healthcare. |
7. NASA Parkway
Media credit: @nasajohnson
Website: https://www.nasa.gov/johnson/
If you have kids in tow during your trip to Houston, then you can explore staying around NASA Parkway.
In doing so, you’ll be closer to NASA’s John Space Center, a place you won’t want to miss if you’re bringing your kids during this trip (or well, even for adults who want to explore space exhibits!).
Here, you can roam around the complex and explore ten major NASA field centers. You can also grab the opportunity to learn more about the Apollo program, which has been known for succeeding in landing the first humans on the moon.
If you want to dive deeper into outer space, you can check out almost 500 artifacts related to space exploration such as Mercury 9, Gemini 5, and the Apollo 17 space capsules.
NASA Parkway is also near Clear Lake where you and the entire family can enjoy fishing and boating to make your trip more fun and interesting.
Meanwhile, there are plenty of dining options around NASA Parkway and the surrounding Clear Lake area. You can try TexMex cuisine at Space City Birria Tacos or some Asian cuisine at Himalayan Taj.
When it comes to accommodations, you can choose plenty of hotels in NASA Parkway such as Hilton Houston NASA Clear Lake and Courtyard Houston NASA Clear Lake.
| Pro tip: For those who want to incorporate coastal relaxation into their space-themed field trip, you can plan a quick drive to Kemah Boardwalk and Galveston Island. |
8. Northwest Houston
Media credit: @_try_jezus_not_b_
For those of you who prefer a more laidback suburban residential area to stay at when in Houston, then Northwest Houston is the perfect area for you. This area is a little more peaceful and more family-friendly compared to the other areas in town.
If you’re into shopping, Northwest Houston is home to large shopping centers such as Willowbrook Mall and Vintage Park. Here, you can shop for luxury brands and local boutiques.
You and your friends can also plan a little adventure and outdoor fun at Bear Creek Pioneers Park where you can play baseball and softball.
Meanwhile, if you’re bringing your entire family, you can explore the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center and Traders Village, where you can spot a flea market complete with food and rides!
If you want to stay a bit longer, you can find affordable accommodations in the area such as Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel and Hyatt Place Houston North.
| Pro tip: If you happen to plan your trip on a weekend, you can consider catching some fresh produce and locally-made items at the Farmer’s Market at Longwood Trace. |
