Go BIG or Go Home: Houston Neighborhood Guide
Looking to relocate to Houston? This Texas city is the biggest in the state and the fourth most populous in the United States, while also one of its most sprawling, as it covers over 600 square miles. This can make deciding where to live a little overwhelming, but we’ve narrowed down your options into a digestible number of upscale, family-friendly communities offering great schools, dining, recreation, and entertainment options.
Of course, no matter where you live in Houston, you’ll have access to the Space Center, professional sports teams, like the Houston Texans and the Houston Rockets, and the over 6,000 permanent residents of the Houston Zoo. You’ll have plenty of time for all of that, though. What you really want to know is what your future neighborhood will look like and we have the answers.
Bear Creek Estates
Established in 1981, Bear Creek Estates is a community in northwestern Houston featuring massive, sprawling homes with tremendous value. Bear Creek Estates has continued to develop over the years, so there remains a feeling of modernity despite being such a relatively established neighborhood for such a luxurious development. Of course, it also doesn’t hurt to have access to the highly-rated schools of the Katy Independent School District.
Average Age: 50 years old
Homeowners: 83%
Home Prices: Median sale price is $390K
HOA: None
Parks & Entertainment:
- Pine Forest Country Club
- West Houston Indoor Soccer
- Deerfield Village Recreation
- Bear Creek Pioneers Park
Schools:
- Katy Independent School District
- Watkins Middle School
- Cardiff Junior High School
- Wilson Elementary School
- Mayde Creek High School
- Cypress Lakes High School
Grocery:
- Randalls
- H-E-B
Retail:
- Bear Creek Shopping Mall
- West Point Plaza
Pet Care:
- Clay Road Animal Clinic
Dining:
- Clay’s
- 3 Salsas Mexican Restaurant
- Frank’s Grill
- Flamin’ Cajun
Briar Forest
Among the many renters of Briar Forest, a neighborhood in Houston with nearly 40,000 residents, there remain many opportunities for prospective homeowners to settle in an area possessing a blend of suburban living with city amenities. Young professionals love the eateries and coffee shops, yet country clubs and parks offer the residential ambiance when locals want to escape without sacrificing convenience.
Average Age: 55 years old
Homeowners: 82%
Home Prices: Median sale price is $405K
HOA: Up to $240
Parks & Entertainment:
- Royal Oaks Country Club
- George Bush Park/Eldridge
- Lakeside Country Club
- Ray Miller Park
Schools:
- Houston Independent School District
- West Briar Middle School
- Westside High School
- Ray Daily Elementary School
Grocery:
- Kroger
- H-E-B
Retail:
- Lakeside Plaza Shopping Center
- Shops at Westheimer
Pet Care:
- Briarcrest Veterinary Clinic
Dining:
- Taste of Texas
- Ciro’s Cibi Italiana
- Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
- Crafty Crab
Braeswood Place
While Braeswood Place is centrally located in Houston, it still manages to feel like a small town. Just minutes away from Downtown, the Galleria, NRG Stadium, and Hermann Park, this neighborhood features a blend of new builds, mid-century ranch homes and a similar mix of longtime residents with young professionals and families. The massive Houston Medical Center is also close by, making for a convenient commute for workers in the medical industry. No matter what your profession is, it’s hard to beat this combination of community living and city access.
Average Age: 50 years old
Homeowners: 75%
Home Prices: Median sale price is $430K
HOA: Ranges from $0 to $6K
Parks & Entertainment:
- Hermann Park (Houston Zoo)
- NRG Stadium
- Brays Bayou Hike and Bike Trail
- Karl Young Park
- Museum District
Schools:
- Houston Independent School District
- Roberts Elementary School
- Twain Elementary School
- West University Elementary School
- Horn Elementary School
- Johnston Middle School
- Bellaire High School
Grocery:
- Kroger
- H-E-B
Retail:
- Braes Heights Shopping Center
- Rice Village
Pet Care:
- Banfield Pet Hospital
Dining:
- Qin Dynasty
- Goode Company Barbeque-Kirby
- The Union Kitchen
- The ‘401 Table and Tap
Memorial Village Estates
A collection of six independent villages, Memorial Village Estates is regularly ranked by major media outlets as one of the top neighborhoods to live in the U.S. With access to excellent schools, great potential for home value appreciation and a convenient location, it’s clear why this is such a desirable community to put down roots. The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is nearby, as well as iFLY Houston, and you’re a short drive from the Galleria and Downtown. What’s the thought process for linking some attractions, but not others? I want to make sure there is consistency here.
Average Age: Information unavailable
Homeowners: 61%
Home Prices: Median sale price is $965K
HOA: None
Parks & Entertainment:
- Houston Country Club
- Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
- Bear Creek Pioneers Park
- iFLY Houston Memorial
Schools:
- Spring Branch Independent School District
- Bunker Hill Elementary School
- Spring Branch Middle School
- Memorial High School
Grocery:
- Randalls
- H-E-B
- Whole Foods
- Kroger
- Trader Joe’s
Retail:
- Memorial City Mall
- Westheimer Square
Pet Care:
- Memorial Veterinary Clinic
Dining:
- Fu’s Garden
- Vine Wine Room
- Flying Biscuit Cafe
- Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
Nottingham
Large homes are everywhere in Nottingham, a Spring Branch Independent School District community that’s been developing in Houston since 1963. . If you’re looking for diversity in home offerings — which range between the $400K’s and $900K’s — Nottingham is a great place to start your search. Despite being located in the farther west reaches of the Houston suburbs, Nottingham is right next to I-10, providing a straight shot into the heart of the city.
Average Age: 57 years old
Homeowners: 86%
Home Prices: Median sale price is $605K
HOA: Ranges from $0 to $1K
Parks & Entertainment:
- Spring Branch ISD Athletics Complex
- Nottingham Park
- Nottingham Forest Club
- Bear Creek Pioneers Park
Schools:
- Spring Branch Independent School District
- Memorial Middle School
- Spring Forest Middle School
- Meadow Wood Elementary School
- Wilchester Elementary School
- Stratford High School
Grocery:
- Trader Joe’s
- Kroger
Retail:
- Towne and Country Shopping Center
- West Oaks Mall
Pet Care:
- Memorial Veterinary Pet Care Hospital
Dining:
- Taste of Texas
- Hungry’s Cafe & Bistro
- Lupe Tortilla’s Restaurants
- Julie’s French Pastries
Hilshire Village
A smaller suburb with a population under 1,000, Hilshire Village offers a quaint, rural atmosphere in a community almost entirely consisting of homeowners. Despite this remote ambiance, though, there remains access to plenty of parks, restaurants, and fun — it’s a quick jaunt to Uptown Houston and the Galleria area — which is what makes this neighborhood one of Houston’s most exclusive.
Average Age: 57 years old
Homeowners: 96%
Home Prices: Median sale price is $860K
HOA: Ranges from $0 to $250
Parks & Entertainment:
- Freed Park
- Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
- Speedy’s Fast Track
- Reggie Grob Stadium
Schools:
- Spring Branch Independent School District
- Valley Oaks Elementary School
- Spring Branch Middle School
- Memorial High School
Grocery:
- Kroger
- H-E-B
Retail:
- IKEA
- The Shops at Hilshire Village
Pet Care:
- Bingle Veterinary Clinic
Dining:
- Jonathan’s The Rub
- Avalon Diner
- Fuzzy’s Pizza Original
- El Tiempo Cantina
Shadow Oaks
Shadow Oaks is a community located in west Houston’s Spring Branch area, consisting mostly of midsize, mid-century homes surrounded by mature trees and large lots. Although it’s a mere 20-minute drive from downtown, Shadow Oaks is close to restaurants and shops in its own right. Quiet, peaceful, and conveniently located near Nob Hill Park, this neighborhood is a great place for young families to start their lives in the Houston area.
Again, what is the logic behind linking some neighborhoods or attractions by not others. Please make sure this practice is consistent.
Average Age: 50 years old
Homeowners: 64%
Home Prices: Median sale price is $350K
HOA: Ranges from $0 to $250
Parks & Entertainment:
- Freed Park
- Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
- Speedy’s Fast Track
- Reggie Grob Stadium
Schools:
- Spring Branch Independent School District
- Valley Oaks Elementary School
- Spring Branch Middle School
- Memorial High School
Grocery:
- Kroger
- H-E-B
Retail:
- IKEA
- The Shops at Hillshire Village
Pet Care:
- Bingle Veterinary Clinic
Dining:
- Jonathan’s The Rub
- Avalon Diner
- Fuzzy’s Pizza Original
- El Gallo Mexican Restaurant
Westview Terrace
A gorgeously landscaped community with all of the amenities of city living, Westview Terrace is located right outside Loop 610, meaning that the Galleria and Energy Corridor are easily accessible. Homes range greatly in price, meaning there is plenty of opportunity for prospective residents to find their place in Westview Terrace, and the civic association helps to keep the neighborhood looking great for everybody.
Average Age: 47 years old
Homeowners: 46%
Home Prices: Median sale price is $765K
HOA: Ranges from $0 to $25
Parks & Entertainment:
- Freed Park
- Marq-E Entertainment Center
- Memorial Park
- Glenmore Forest Park
Schools:
- Spring Branch Independent School District
- Housman Elementary School
- Spring Branch Middle School
- Memorial High School
- Landrum Middle School
- Northbrook High School
Grocery:
- Kroger
- H-E-B
Retail:
- IKEA
- Memorial City Mall
Pet Care:
- Memorial-610 Hospital for Animals
Dining:
- Taste of Texas
- Lupe Tortilla 8
- The Branch
- El Tiempo Cantina
Tanglewood
Buying a home is stressful because you’re making such a large investment, which is why Tanglewood is the neighborhood of choice for many looking to move to Houston Tanglewood is one of the best places for land appreciation value in the city, and with a central location, gorgeous homes and sizable lots, this neighborhood has everything you could ask for and more. Not to mention, Tanglewood is zoned for some of Houston’s best schools.
Average Age: 31 years old
Homeowners: 51%
Home Prices: Median sale price is $325K
HOA: Ranges from $0 to $5K
Parks & Entertainment:
- Grady Park
- Gerald D. Hines Waterfall Park
- Memorial Park
- Tanglewood Park
Schools:
- Houston Independent School District
- Lanier Middle School
- Memorial High School
- Hunters Creek Elementary School
- Briargrove Elementary School
- School at St. George Place
- Pilgrim Academy
Grocery:
- H-E-B
- Randalls
- Kroger
- Whole Foods Market
- Trader Joe’s
Retail:
- The Galleria
- Westheimer Square
Pet Care:
- Memorial Veterinary Clinic
Dining:
- The Brisket House
- Dish Society
- Steak 48
- North Italia
If you are considering the big move to the biggest city in Texas, contact Armstrong Relocation – Houston for local and long distance move counseling and services.
