2021 Best Places for Young Professionals in the Houston Area

Neartown - Montrose

• Neighborhood in Houston, TX
• Rating 3.97 out of 5  29 reviews

Current Resident: Montrose is the best place we’ve ever lived. The area we’re in is the north part of Montrose (near River Oaks Shopping Center). It’s extremely safe and we can walk to just about anything. I think overall when people talk about crime, they’re really talking the Midtown areas or the pocket right around Westheimer & Montrose (the latter having drastically improved the past couple of years). I honestly don’t understand why those who can afford it choose to move elsewhere when you’ve got so much, so close...Read 29 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade B

• grade A+

• 33,811 Population

Fourth Ward

• Neighborhood in Houston, TX
• Rating 3.6 out of 5  5 reviews

Nearby Resident: The proximity to highways, restaurants, airports, grocery stores, and entertainment is extremely convenient.Great history of the neighborhood. A lot of change coming with the new luxury apartments.Read 5 Reviews

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• grade B minus

• grade A+

• 6,456 Population

Museum Park

• Neighborhood in Houston, TX
• Rating 3.86 out of 5  7 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B

• grade A+

• 8,023 Population

Midtown

• Neighborhood in Houston, TX
• Rating 4 out of 5  10 reviews

Current Resident: Very central, modern, vibrant, walkable neighborhood with easy access to downtown, and most of Houston's freeways within a 5 minute drive. Plentiful nearby restaurants, nightlife. Large enough neighborhood to find a quieter corner. Close to Buffalo Bayou trails and few other small city/neighborhood parks. One or two really good schools nearby, but make sure to check zoning, as others are not good at all. Car crime is an everyday problem...Read 10 Reviews

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• grade B

• grade A+

• 15,216 Population

Washington Avenue Coalition / Memorial Park

• Neighborhood in Houston, TX
• Rating 4 out of 5  7 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B

• grade A+

• 36,163 Population

Greenway / Upper Kirby Area

• Neighborhood in Houston, TX
• Rating 4 out of 5  11 reviews

Current Resident: This area is considered to be the "heart of the city." I've lived here for about 10 years (since 2009), and I love living in Greenway/Upper Kirby! My now ex-husband chose this neighborhood because it was close to where he worked. He moved here ahead of me to start work. I therefore moved here sight unseen. I couldn't have chosen a better place to live. I had spent most of my life in suburban Philadelphia before living here. I always wanted to live in the city. Urban areas in the US South are quite different than in the North. Although Greenway/Upper Kirby is definitely an urban area, it almost has a suburban feel. Yes, there's a ton of amenities--stores, restaurants, etc.--within walking distance. However, there are lots of trees and parks around, too. Because we're in the middle of Greenway Plaza, one of the city's largest commercial centers, it gets quiet at night after the offices empty. I think that what I love the most is that this neighborhood is a foodie's paradise...Read 11 Reviews

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• grade B+

• grade A+

• 29,043 Population

Downtown

• Neighborhood in Houston, TX
• Rating 4.13 out of 5  8 reviews

Visitor: Nice place but many construction going on everyday, Traffic is very bad , low safety because too many homeless. One time they broke on my car and steal my backpack and security was no help. That place need major upgrade . However , it is a very beautiful place , the building, city light, park, and garden . If it wasn’t so hectic all the time downtown is a nice place for hangout either with friends or family. There are also many nice restaurants out there but parking is a pain and there is nothing we can do about it . I would say the most difficult part is finding parking and feeling safe most of the time due to the environment...Read 8 Reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B minus

• grade A+

• 19,854 Population

University Place

• Neighborhood in Houston, TX
• Rating 4.29 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: Beautiful neighborhood, especially Southampton and Boulevard Oaks. Lots of people out and about at all times of day and night. Feels safe but occasional package thefts and car break ins reported. Rice Police and BOCA patrol monitor the area. Lovely parks, Rice path and walking distance to shopping and shopping shopping and restaurants. Homes are 2M and up ($$$$$) on north side of Rice but totally worth it...Read 7 Reviews

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• grade B+

• grade A+

• 20,865 Population

Medical Center Area

• Neighborhood in Houston, TX
• Rating 4.25 out of 5  4 reviews

Current Resident: Area is close to transportation options such as various freeways, the light rail, and bus options. There are a lot of diverse food options nearby as well. Within 2 miles, there are Chinese, Jamaican, Ethiopian, Mediterranean, Mexican, Barbecue, American, and a slew of many more ethnic foods. The variety of food choices is also a reflection of the variety of the people who live in the area. The Medical Center is a great area and it is helpful that the largest medical center in the world is close by...Read 4 Reviews

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• grade B

• grade A+

• 4,152 Population

Greater Heights

• Neighborhood in Houston, TX
• Rating 4 out of 5  30 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B

• grade A+

• 46,810 Population

Greater Uptown

• Neighborhood in Houston, TX
• Rating 3.9 out of 5  21 reviews

Current Resident: I moved uptown 3 years ago and absolutely love it! I can’t imagine living anywhere else now. I luckily moved into the galleria area when uptown park was going thru their major renovation snd shortly after the high rise I live in did too! I totally feel like I’m living in the lap of luxury. Uptown is where it’s at!...Read 21 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade B

• grade A+

• 59,416 Population

Afton Oaks / River Oaks Area

• Neighborhood in Houston, TX
• Rating 4.25 out of 5  12 reviews

Current Resident: This is one of the more affluent parts of Houston and it shows. Schools are great, gorgeous homes, lots of shopping and places to eat. The local elementary school, River oaks elementary, has the coolest playground I’ve ever seen. The area is safe and well protected and there are lots of families and pets. I think the roads could be a little better but that’s a big city of Houston issue in general. My favorite part of living here is being close to Montrose, the galleria, rice village, and Buffalo bayou park. Talk about being in a great location...Read 12 Reviews

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• grade B+

• grade A+

• 15,465 Population

Lazybrook / Timbergrove

• Neighborhood in Houston, TX
• Rating 3 out of 5  9 reviews

Current Resident: I love Timbergrove! However, the shopping and food options nearby are limited. The area is up-and-coming, so I have no doubt that in a few years the place will be bustling with new businesses and places to eat. It must be said, however, that the lack of businesses nearby keeps the area relatively calm and safe. I have never felt threatened in this neighborhood, and the neighbors are friendly. For a young family buying a first home or people who want to live close to downtown but away from the traffic, this is a great choice!...Read 9 Reviews

• grade A

• grade B minus

• grade A+

• 20,125 Population

Astrodome Area

• Neighborhood in Houston, TX
• Rating 3 out of 5  1 review

• grade A+

• grade B

• grade A+

• 17,674 Population

Mid West

• Neighborhood in Houston, TX
• Rating 3.25 out of 5  57 reviews

Current Resident: Great place to live . There’s so many restaurants to choose from . So many people from all walls of life. There’s accecibliry to many recreational things to do .Read 57 Reviews

• grade B+

• grade B minus

• grade A+

• 56,821 Population

Nassau Bay

• Suburb of Houston, TX
• Rating 4.33 out of 5  15 reviews

Current Resident: I absolutely love Nassau Bay- I always have. The community is close and friendly, neighbors look out for each other and there is always some celebration or neighborhood improvement being planned. Every house is unique since no houses are allowed to be the exact same, and all of them have an old-style lamppost in front. The streets are very rarely loud, and on July 4th and Halloween the streets are blocked off for pedestrians and golf carts. The summer swim team is often the center of the community, and almost everyone gets involved when there are home meets or events. Members of city government are all nearby and willing to talk, and there are regular meetings anyone is allowed to attend and ask questions, make suggestions, and get information. There are a bunch of beautiful out-of-the-way spots with trees and water access that are great for being outdoors and the city is a bird sanctuary so I've sometimes seen rare or endangered species wandering the parks. Beautiful, friendly place...Read 15 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• grade A+

• 4,048 Population

Westchase

• Neighborhood in Houston, TX
• Rating 3.65 out of 5  60 reviews

Current Resident: I like how close I am to the freeway and restaurants. The area itself is quiet and affordable in my opinion. They recently started construction on some of the roads in the neighborhood which is a change for the better because there’s lots of bumps. I do wish they would remodel a few apartments nearby just to make the area look a little nicer and build a shelter for the homeless. Due to it being by a major intersection and freeway a lot of homeless people linger nearby. I do feel safe and there’s a Target, HEB and Walmart all within a 5 mile radius. Not to mention a few banking options. I’ve always lived close to this area, even during the tropical storm last year my apartment did not experience any flooding or the road leaving the entrance to my complex. Overall it’s a good area if you like bars, restaurants, gyms, etc...Read 60 Reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• grade A+

• 35,402 Population

Briar Forest

• Neighborhood in Houston, TX
• Rating 3.38 out of 5  34 reviews

Current Resident: It is a very good area. This is an overall safe location, with stores, hospitals, supermarkets, and pharmacies close by. The only problem is that schools around this area do not have an excellent rating, but they are relatively good...Read 34 Reviews

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• grade B

• grade A+

• 43,518 Population

Braeswood

• Neighborhood in Houston, TX
• Rating 4.13 out of 5  15 reviews

Current Resident: I really like that everything I need is nearby. I currently rent and everything from a bank, grocery stores, pharmacy, hospitals, and restaurants are conveniently located.Read 15 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade B+

• grade A+

• 34,784 Population

Second Ward

• Neighborhood in Houston, TX
• Rating 3.6 out of 5  20 reviews

Current Resident: Best kept secret. No flooding, great prices, neighbors have been here for 20+ years and watch out for you. Everyone keeps to themselves and the CONVENIENCE of being close to the Heights, Downtown, Museum District, and Washington area is the best. Sure its not the cleanest neighborhood, but be patient... Houston never payed attention to 2nd ward, it's getting there...Read 20 Reviews

• grade B+

• grade B minus

• grade A+

• 13,215 Population

Memorial

• Neighborhood in Houston, TX
• Rating 3.74 out of 5  85 reviews

Current Resident: Cons: Very little diversity in any sense of the word. Including the public schools. People are often openly bigoted here, will try to push their religion onto you, and are snobby. The houses and rent are overpriced. Pros: The public schools in the area are super great, academically, and some are nationally-recognized. There are some great local restaurants here, and some great shopping areas like City Centre, Memorial Green, and Memorial City Mall. You will have close access to Memorial Hermann Hospital and medical services. There are enough sidewalks, for the most part. The neighborhoods are mostly safe, especially compared to the other neighborhoods in Houston or in other large cities. There is a lot of community engagement, too, like sports and extracurricular things that you and your kids can participate in. Also, it's a quieter neighborhood compared to other Houston neighborhoods...Read 85 Reviews

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• grade A+

• grade A+

• 54,840 Population

West University Place

• Suburb of Houston, TX
• Rating 4.27 out of 5  11 reviews

Current Resident: My experience growing up in West University has been amazing. Overall, the suburb has shown to be an incredibly safe, tightknit, and fun community. Since I moved in to the area late in to my lifetime (as a child) at 8 years old, I thought it would be difficult to assimilate and make friends with the other kids. However, I was instantly proven wrong. Since most children who lived in the area went to the local school, I quickly got comfortable, and made tons of friends - many of which lived in my neighborhood! These friends became friends I would still have today in my senior year of highschool, and I continue to remember almost every day how much West University means to me and how much it has contributed to my development...Read 11 Reviews

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• grade B+

• grade A+

• 15,603 Population

Southside Place

• Suburb of Houston, TX
• Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Nearby Resident: Southside Place, Texas is Mayberry USA in the middle of Houston! Tree-lined streets. A community park in the middle of the city. Large Swimming Pool Complex. Plenty of mom and pop shops. And for those with medical conditions. The world-famous Texas Medical Center is 5 minutes away. Truly an amazing place to live and raise a family. Schools are Rated A+. Police and fire protection and Rated A+. The only drawback is real estate. It's a little bit more expensive than Mayberry...Read 3 Reviews

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• grade B+

• grade A+

• 1,652 Population

Eldridge / West Oaks

• Neighborhood in Houston, TX
• Rating 3.59 out of 5  49 reviews

Niche User: The area where I currently reside is a luxurious place that is cool, calm, and collected. With there being a mall across the street from my home makes it safe and convenient to walk across and explore the wonderful venture established. Moreover there is many food restaurants like Red Lobster, Olive Garden, and Dunkin Donuts fairly close by to my pleasure.To sum it all up this area would be my residency when I buy my first home in the future. Yet I would not rank this area compared to others in the U.S because I simply have not visited or experience living in those areas...Read 49 Reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• grade A

• 99,392 Population

Stafford

• Suburb of Houston, TX
• Rating 4.14 out of 5  85 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in Stafford all my life. I love it here. I love the school and also the city. The commute to the medical center or even the nearest mall is very short. This small suburban city is a good place to raise a family. This city has done a good job keeping the zero property tax. There are enough places to go, in order to shop and purchase various necessities. Living in Stafford is definitely very affordable. There is nothing here that makes it an uncomfortable place to reside. When compared to other cities, Stafford definitely offer a lower cost and affordability. It would beneficial for the residents of Stafford if the city considers making the necessary changes for road travel to be convenient, safe and less congested. Since many of the surrounding cities utilize the roads in Stafford to commute to work or other parts of the Houston, a strong consideration in improving the roads will be highly beneficial. Overall I love Stafford. I am proud to be part of this city...Read 85 Reviews

• grade A

• grade B minus

• grade A

• 17,206 Population