6 Cool Neighborhoods in Houston
House hunting in Houston can be daunting with the metro area encompassing 10,062 square miles. However, looking beyond the numbers, you’ll find neighborhoods, each bearing distinct character.
While Kingwood suburbanites treasure their “Livable Forest” and Glenbrook Valley homeowners flaunt midcentury modern design, others take pride in living in areas with the “It” factor. If you’re a prospective buyer in search of an address with a certain cachet, here are six neighborhoods to seek out.
Second Ward
The Second Ward’s Mexican history and nautical ties are on full display along Navigation Boulevard’s art-filled esplanade, which hosts a farmers market and community events like the Frida Kahlo Festival. Murals, modern ice houses, and plenty of options for breakfast tacos enhance the neighborhood’s industrial backdrop.
Spots to check out:
- Xela Coffee Roasters: This walk-up window coffee shop is popular with java aficionados for its distinctive roasts and flavors plus inventive iced tea concoctions.
- La Esquina Food Truck: A standout newcomer to the city’s taco truck scene, La Esquina serves keto-friendly tacos and Mexican hamburgers plus traditional fare. Dine on-site at their covered patio where they frequently treat guests to a cooler of beer.
- How to Survive on Land and Sea: At this low-key wine bar along the Harrisburg Metrorail line, the unique selection of by-the-glass wines changes daily to pair with charcuterie and cheese boards.
View homes for sale in Second Ward
Midtown
Midtown is alluring for young urbanites with lively bars and restaurants, a high walkability score, and a convenient location for both work and play. While three-story townhomes dominate the housing supply, condos and single-family homes are available. With a median sale price of $304,900, Midtown is one of the more affordable neighborhoods inside the loop.
Spots to check out:
- Gypsy Poet Pizza: Wood-fired pizzas, affordable beer and wine selections, and an artsy, laid-back atmosphere make this a popular spot for casual weeknight dinners or an ending to a Saturday afternoon of barhopping.
- Glitter Karaoke: Reserve a table for this karaoke bar’s Thursday night pop-up dinners featuring some of the hottest up-and-coming chefs in the city.
- Continental Club: Located along a three-block stretch of dining and entertainment venues known as Mid-Main, this live music outpost from Austin has a calendar featuring Beatles cover bands to rockabilly.
View homes for sale in Midtown
Third Ward
Home to a rich history and Beyoncé, this historic neighborhood is currently experiencing a boom in development, as more homebuyers appreciate its culture and proximity to Downtown, The Medical Center, and the future Ion Innovation Center.
Spots to check out:
- Crumbville: Owner Ella Russell greets her customers with a hug at this bakery where regulars stop in for the stuffed cupcakes but stay for the conversations and pop-up DJ sessions.
- Turkey Leg Hut: The party-like scene at Turkey Leg Hut has been frequented by Houston Rockets star James Harden and rapper Snoop Dogg, who feast on the decadent stuffed turkey legs alongside the locals.
- Doshi House: The tables of this recently remodeled vegan coffee house are filled with artists, students, and residents catching up on the latest community news.
View homes for sale in Third Ward
Montrose
Once acres of farmland, this neighborhood has a history of an open-door policy for starving artists, LGBTQ activists, vintage dealers, and homes with quirky curb appeal. Although the real estate trend towards luxury has cramped the area’s bohemian style, Montrose remains the go-to for art, dining, and barhopping in the city.
Spots to check out:
- La Guadalupana: This Mexican bakery and cafe is a favorite for friendly service, cinnamon-scented coffee, and hearty servings of chilaquiles and migas.
- The Menil Collection: This must-see art destination with free admission is where you’ll find Montrose residents gazing at their favorite Magritte or picnicking on the 30-acre campus.
- Anvil Bar and Refuge: Since 2009, bartenders have been crafting cocktails from the list of 100 classic drinks. Accolades from bar industry professionals attract the masses, but residents can easily beat the crowds.
View homes for sale in Montrose
Shady Acres
Nearby Greater Heights gets all the attention for its real estate prestige, but Shady Acres is a sleeper neighborhood gaining steam. Hike and bike trails are busy with outdoor enthusiasts while weekends see an uptick in Ubers thanks to the emerging nightlife scene.
Spots to Check Out:
- Cedar Creek: By day, parents let their kids go free-range exploring the namesake shallow creek. At night, adults take over for sports watching, trivia nights, and drink specials.
- Big Star Bar: The bunker-like building has all the makings of a dive bar with a checkerboard floor and dim lighting (despite its relatively young age of 10 years) on West 19th Street.
- SPJST Lodge 88: By far, the most raucous night in the neighborhood is Thursday for “Not Your Granny’s Bingo” at this area lodge founded by Czech immigrants. Inexpensive pitchers of beer and concessions fuel the crowd who cheer winners and jeer premature declarations of Bingo!
View homes for sale in Shady Acres
Spring Branch
“It’s hip to be square” could be the motto of this outer loop neighborhood luring first time homebuyers who dig the “Brady Bunch” vibe and easy access to the freeways for commuting. The range of cuisines represented here is why Spring Branch has bragging rights as the U.N. of Houston’s food scene.
Spots to check out:
- Vieng Thai: You can BYOB at this Thai restaurant where you’re likely to spot Houston’s best chefs feasting on noodle dishes and salads packing a spicy punch.
- Flower Piggy: Houston has plenty of neighborhoods offering Texas-style barbecue but Spring Branch is known for the Korean version, prepared on the table, tended to by attentive waitstaff.
- El Ultimo Taco Truck: Taco trucks are plentiful on Long Point Road but El Ultimo routinely makes appearances on “Best Taco” lists.