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2020 Best Places to Buy a House in the Houston AreaAbout this List

Explore the best places to buy a house based on home values, property taxes, home ownership rates, housing costs, and real estate trends. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, and other data sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Area type classifications are based on populations and proximity to major city centers.

City

City Neighborhood

Suburbs

Towns

Public Schools Grade

Based on data including state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, as well as reviews from students and parents.

A

B

C

D

Based on cost of living factors for an area including housing costs, tax rates, and cost of essentials like food and fuel.

$

$$

$$$

$$$$

Who Lives Here

Families

Young Professionals

Retirees

Walkability

Don't Care

Care

Care A Lot

Crime & Safety Grade

Calculated based on crime rates for murder, assault, rape, burglary, and other crime statistics, as well as reviews from residents.

A

B

C

D

Homes In The Area

Single Family Homes

Large Apt. Buildings

Small Apt. Buildings

Townhomes

Homeownership

Most Own

Balanced

Most Rent

Based on 2012 and 2016 presidential election results compared to the national average.

Very Conservative

Conservative

Balanced

Liberal

Very Liberal

Things to do

Bars

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

Restaurants

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

Coffee Shops

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

Parks

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

1 – 25 of 183

Best to Buy a House

Best Places to Live
Best for Families
Most Diverse

183 results

Best Places to Live
Best for Families
Best Public Schools

Most Diverse
Best for Young Professionals
Best for Retirees

Economy

Cost of Living
Best to Buy a House

Health & Outdoors

Healthiest
Outdoor Activities

Cinco Ranch
Suburb of Houston, TX
94 reviews
#1 Best Places to Buy a House in Houston Area
Current Resident: I’ve lived in Cinco Ranch for the past 5 years and it’s honestly beautiful. It’s perfect for someone that likes nature but also civilization. There are so many things to do, great places to shop and some really good restaurants. It truly is a family-friendly neighborhood, and the schools are amazing!
Read 94 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A
Housing
16,977 Population
View Nearby Homes
Taylor Lake Village
Suburb of Houston, TX
3 reviews
#2 Best Places to Buy a House in Houston Area
Niche User: The suburban area outside of Houston that I live in is a bit of a tourist attraction because of NASA and Johnson Space Center being so close by. The families that populate my area of town, while very diverse, are honeslty some of the freindliest people around. Maybe it's just out Southern Texas charm, but I rarely feel unsafe or unwelcome in my everyday life. The restaurants that I frequent know me by name and usually know my order as well. I have in fact had oppurtunities to move elsewhere in the state and in the country, but although I would consider the adventure, I would always ultimatey rather live here. I will be moving away for college, but I think when I get a little older and decide to settle down, this is a great place to raise kids and make friends. Property vaues are increasing as people come to this realization, but it will definitely be worth it.
Read 3 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A
Housing
3,668 Population
View Nearby Homes
Kingwood Area
Neighborhood in Houston, TX
241 reviews
#3 Best Places to Buy a House in Houston Area
Current Resident: I truly love living and working in Kingwood! I am a graduate of KHS, and I have had kids at Greentree, Creekwood, and Kingwood HS. People are friendly, homes and yards are well-tended, and the schools are hands-down the best in Humble ISD. Kingwood has a small-town feel while still being big enough to avoid anyone you don't want to see. I love being able to 'leave the bubble' to enjoy the dining, nightlife, and culture that the Houston area has to offer without having to deal with all that traffic in my own backyard. Speaking of backyards, they are HUGE, and you can sometimes snag a lot that backs up to our amazing Greenbelts - a 75-mile trail that winds through the whole town. There are lots of family activities including parks, pools, summer swim leagues, and sports leagues! What we lack in trendy bars & dining we make up for with the family vibe of this bedroom community. Kingwood is one of Houston Area's hidden gems plus one of the better commutes to downtown. See it for yourself!
Read 241 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Public Schools
A
Housing
59,452 Population
View Nearby Homes
El Lago
Suburb of Houston, TX
12 reviews
#4 Best Places to Buy a House in Houston Area
Former Resident: Grew up there. Very family friendly. Very safe. Very good schools-highly rated. Friendly and effective police force. Far enough away from the "big city" to discourage "big city" "riff raff". Close to Houston area attractions. Close enough for day trip to Galveston beaches.
Read 12 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A
Housing
2,760 Population
View Nearby Homes
Lake Houston
Neighborhood in Houston, TX
11 reviews
#5 Best Places to Buy a House in Houston Area
Current Resident: We have lived in this area for 10 years, we remember when it was just trees. I’m looking forward to more growth when it comes to retail and restaurants. I would love to see higher end retail, bars and cigar lounge. (Night life).
Read 11 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
B+
Public Schools
A
Housing
14,906 Population
View Nearby Homes
Pecan Grove
Suburb of Houston, TX
39 reviews
#6 Best Places to Buy a House in Houston Area
Current Resident: The neighborhood is always quiet. The people in the neighborhood are friendly. It is close to stores, two elementary schools, a high school, and two parks. Being close to a few places makes for job opportunities. The houses and streets are kept up with well. Depending on where your house is, it takes a while to exit the neighborhood. The houses are nice for the prices offered. The neighborhood is good for running, biking, hay rides, and other activities.
Read 39 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Public Schools
A
Housing
16,651 Population
View Nearby Homes
Meadows Place
Suburb of Houston, TX
28 reviews
#7 Best Places to Buy a House in Houston Area
Former Resident: Meadows Place is a very friendly neighborhood. The cops are well known as hard asses, but they keep the children that play outside their homes and at the parks safe. The recently updated park has greatly increased the value and atmosphere of Meadows Place. The home owners association make sure homes are always presentable, and the community is very family oriented. Most everyone in the neighborhood know and look after one another. Aside from the location next to poorer neighborhoods, Meadows Place only needs to continue maintaining the area as well as it has!
Read 28 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A
Housing
4,677 Population
View Nearby Homes
Sugar Land
Town in Texas
442 reviews
#8 Best Places to Buy a House in Houston Area
Current Resident: I moved to Sugar Land, TX from Cleveland, OH metro area over a year ago. After living in 5 states over the last 10 years I am ready to call this place home! Family life is amazing with lots of lakes, cycling, outdoor running, and amazing city center. Schools are great and several hospitals around. Diversity is off the charts and living in harmony together. tons of restaurants and shopping within 10 minute drive. I am very impressed with this city thus far and my wife and kids are in love with it. We live in new territory subdivision.
Read 442 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A
Housing
118,182 Population
View Nearby Homes
Brookside Village
Suburb of Houston, TX
13 reviews
#9 Best Places to Buy a House in Houston Area
Parent: It's peaceful, quiet, easy to get around.
Read 13 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Public Schools
A
Housing
1,814 Population
View Nearby Homes
Katy
Suburb of Houston, TX
557 reviews
#10 Best Places to Buy a House in Houston Area
Current Resident: I've been living in Katy for the past 3 years now, and while my experiences with the city haven't been exceptional, they haven't been poor either. In terms of safety, Katy is probably one of the safest places that I, personally have lived in, with most "crime" being petty or juvenile. In my opinion, what makes Katy stand out is its residents -- they are helpful, hardworking, and community-oriented. There is a community program for every walk of life in Katy, and plenty of opportunities to participate in community improvement. In terms of education, Katy can't be beat -- although some high schools can be overly competitive, the quality of education is still amazing. I'm glad I made the move; I've been enjoying the years I've spent here! (The weather, however, ranges from perfect to incredibly sucky, though, and I personally hate the periods of heat and rain).
Read 557 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Public Schools
A
Housing
18,094 Population
View Nearby Homes
Clear Lake
Neighborhood in Houston, TX
136 reviews
#11 Best Places to Buy a House in Houston Area
Current Resident: Clear Lake is great! It's a diverse place, especially because Houston is super diverse (supposedly). We have a range of ages, races, ethnicities, etc. that live here, which I obviously love and that I grew up around. We have a bunch of things to do, especially for kids. We're a tight knit community that is very friendly. We all care about our community and want it to be the nicest (more environmentally responsible, visually appealing), most educated, and supportive place it can be. We also have many clubs and meets for those with similar interests or issues, such as drug problems, knitting, writing, and more! We also have AMAZING places for food and desserts, and have a ton of local businesses that you can't beat!
Read 136 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A
Housing
56,719 Population
View Nearby Homes
Friendswood
Suburb of Houston, TX
168 reviews
#12 Best Places to Buy a House in Houston Area
Current Resident: It is a great city with a small town feel. Our library is the best! During this social isolation time, they have created several ways to stay helpful. You can request books of Cousy, but they have Brown Bag books by age. They have several recommendations in the bad fur you to explore and read. When you return it, you can get another selection. The children’s librarian is also reading a book in segments daily in Facebook. It really helps to feel connected. That’s the kind of welcome you can find in Friendswood.
Read 168 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A
Housing
39,319 Population
View Nearby Homes
Seabrook
Suburb of Houston, TX
52 reviews
#13 Best Places to Buy a House in Houston Area
Current Resident: I actually really enjoy living in Seabrook. It's very family-friendly. There's parks everywhere, and there are lots of community events that go on as well. It's a nice and safe area, especially because the police are very involved in keeping our area this way. The subdivision that I live in is very quiet and calm, and there are many families that live here as well, so it's nice because lots of kids know each other, and many like to go and spend time at our neighborhood park. There's also many lakes around us, so fishing is a big thing here as well. Overall, this area, in my opinion, is very calm and peaceful, which my family and I enjoys a lot.
Read 52 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A-
Housing
13,670 Population
View Nearby Homes
Atascocita
Suburb of Houston, TX
229 reviews
#14 Best Places to Buy a House in Houston Area
Current Resident: Safe, diverse, beautiful and well-maintained! We enjoy the walking trails, the fishing ponds (we catch catfish, bass, and sunfish mostly!) and our neighbors.
Read 229 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
A-
Housing
79,019 Population
View Nearby Homes
Patton Village
Suburb of Houston, TX
3 reviews
#15 Best Places to Buy a House in Houston Area
Niche User: We have quick reply time due to a minimal crime.
Read 3 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
C+
Public Schools
A-
Housing
1,491 Population
View Nearby Homes
The Woodlands
City in Texas
408 reviews
#16 Best Places to Buy a House in Houston Area
Current Resident: We have lived all over (San Diego, DC, Chicago, Dallas, San Antonio, Jacksonville). The Woodlands is great, especially if you have a family. Great schools. Good people. Very safe! Clean. The Woodlands and its various villages are spread out in both Montgomery County and Harris County. The newest homes are in Creekside/Harris County and they range from $350K to $1.3+ million. Creekside is associated with Tomball ISD, which is a solid school system and less Beverly Hills 90210 and without the mega 1,500 student high school senior class that you see in Conroe ISD/older sections of The Woodlands. There are mega rich sections of The Woodlands in Montgomery Co. near Hughes Landing, but several older sections too with average, but aging housing. Montgomery Co. courts are MUCH tougher on criminals than Harris County and criminals know that, BUT Constable Precinct 4 has the paid contract to patrol Creekside so the police service is outstanding and dedicated to patrolling the area.
Read 408 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A-
Housing
109,843 Population
View Nearby Homes
Spring Valley Village
Suburb of Houston, TX
13 reviews
#17 Best Places to Buy a House in Houston Area
Current Resident: Security is the main thing. The police are always driving through the area. They sometimes leave their cars parked at different parts of roads throughout the evening. The area is quiet and very family oriented. It is easily convenient to freeways. It is a very safe place to live.
Read 13 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Public Schools
A-
Housing
4,239 Population
View Nearby Homes
Addicks Park Ten
Neighborhood in Houston, TX
23 reviews
#18 Best Places to Buy a House in Houston Area
Current Resident: It’s an amazing area close to the energy corridor, city centre, great schools and many beauty parks.
Read 23 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
A-
Housing
7,633 Population
View Nearby Homes
Cumings
Suburb of Houston, TX
#19 Best Places to Buy a House in Houston Area
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Public Schools
A-
Housing
2,420 Population
View Nearby Homes
Pearland
Suburb of Houston, TX
414 reviews
#20 Best Places to Buy a House in Houston Area
Current Resident: Pearland is a wonderful town located southeast of Houston. It offers an easy commute, beautiful parks and is very family oriented. On Friday nights it is common to have stands full of spectators watching the football game. Likewise, Pearland pours into the stands on away games as well. In addition to sports, the arts are well supported too. It was quite an honor to have the Pride of Pearland, the Pearland High School’s marching band in the 2020 Rose Parade. It was a team effort to take such a large group on such an amazing trip. For months various businesses hosted “spirit nights” donating a portion of the proceeds to the trip. Pearland is a place where family can lay down roots. If you are looking for a place to call home, Pearland is definitely worth considering!
Read 414 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Public Schools
A-
Housing
117,867 Population
View Nearby Homes
Oak Ridge North
Suburb of Houston, TX
17 reviews
#21 Best Places to Buy a House in Houston Area
Current Resident: Oak Ridge North is an amazing family friendly neighborhood. It has a big variety of people and the public schools are amazing. The neighborhood is safe and very wooded but beautiful.
Read 17 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Public Schools
A-
Housing
3,136 Population
View Nearby Homes
Nassau Bay
Suburb of Houston, TX
11 reviews
#22 Best Places to Buy a House in Houston Area
Former Resident: I grew up on Nassau Bay. After I graduated from college and married, I moved back. Our neighbors on both sides had also grown up in this smallest of cities and had moved back with their own young families. It is amazing how many Nassau bay kids grow up and move BACK! It was and still is a great place to live. It is a small town outside of a big city. It is its own incorporated city, not annexed to Houston like many of the nearby communities. So it has its own city governance, its own police, fire, etc. it has a hospital and is zoned to good schools.
Read 11 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Public Schools
A-
Housing
4,083 Population
View Nearby Homes
Clear Lake Shores
Suburb of Houston, TX
1 review
#23 Best Places to Buy a House in Houston Area
Current Resident: Clear Lake Shores is a small, tight-knit community where you can live and feel safe. It has it’s own police department so there is help just seconds away if needed.
Read 1 Review
A
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A-
Housing
1,140 Population
View Nearby Homes
League City
Suburb of Houston, TX
291 reviews
#24 Best Places to Buy a House in Houston Area
Current Resident: Excellent public schools provide opportunities for sports and future scholarships. Closely-knit and caring community allow you to get closer to your neighbors and build relationships with new people.
Plenty of bars and restaurants are open late at night for people to enjoy some quality time with friends.
League City is a suburb in Houston, so its prices are bit higher than some other suburbs in smaller cities.
The commute time to work and school is relatively short and their are multiple universities within less than 20 minutes of League City.

Overall great suburb to live in, with lots of opportunity and great friends to make.
Read 291 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
A-
Housing
100,832 Population
View Nearby Homes
Woodbranch
Suburb of Houston, TX
2 reviews
#25 Best Places to Buy a House in Houston Area
Current Resident: Quiet neighborhood in a beautiful wooded area. A safe and friendly place to live. Taxes are a bit high but it is worth every penny.
Read 2 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
B-
Public Schools
A-
Housing
1,521 Population
View Nearby Homes
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About This List

Explore the best places to buy a house based on home values, property taxes, home ownership rates, housing costs, and real estate trends. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, and other data sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Where Niche Grades come from and how Niche calculates rankings.

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