Over the past decade, the population of the Greater Houston Area has grown by an astonishing 20 percent. The region is now home to 7.2 million people who have moved to the area for a variety of reasons including the city’s relative affordability, strong job market, world-class restaurant scene, and thriving art community. Despite everything Houston has going for it, many newcomers (and even some locals) have little knowledge of its vibrant, diverse, and culturally rich neighborhoods. 

To remedy that, we’ve put together a curated guide that highlights and celebrates some of our favorite Houston hoods of the moment. The areas we’ve chosen to focus on all have distinct personalities and characteristics that we think speak to the overall uniqueness of our city right now. 

For this guide, we’ve chosen to focus on the interesting stories, quirky art venues, delicious culinary adventures, and abundance of world-class entertainment options happening in select parts of town. If you’re searching for a “transitioning” neighborhood in which to snatch up an affordable townhome, this list isn’t for you. However, if you’re curious about which Houston areas are home to some of the best taquerias in the city, where to find the best old-school LGBTQ+ bars, or the city’s best family-run restaurants, you’ve come to the right part of town.

The Greater East End

Click here to read our first entry featuring the eclectic Greater East End! 

Midtown

This vibrant area of Midtown showcases Houston’s eclectic side through retro record stores, divey music venues, experimental art institutions, and other hidden treasures.

Downtown

Home to world-class performing arts organizations, historic bars, and plenty of green space, Downtown Houston is one of the city’s best playgrounds.

Montrose

Home to endless galleries, art museums, vintage stores, coffee shops, and bars, Houston’s historic gayborhood is one of the city’s hottest areas.

Third Ward

Home to world-class universities, art galleries, family-run bakeries, and Black-owned bookstores, Houston’s Third Ward is one of the city’s cultural bedrocks.

Northside

With historic farmers markets, buzzy breweries, Mexican bakeries, and art studios, there’s always something new to discover in Houston’s expansive Northside neighborhood.

Asiatown

Home to Asian grocery stores, restaurants, tea houses, shops, bars, and temples, Houston’s multicultural Asiatown stretches over six square physical miles and countless cultural influences.

Rice Village

Home to some of the best restaurants, cafes, specialty stores, bars, and lots and lots of vino, Rice Village’s 16 blocks are a quintessential city experience.

Museum District

Home to 18 museums, myriad green spaces, outdoor theaters, restaurants, bars, and the Houston Zoo, the Museum District is one of Houston’s top tourist destinations.

The Heights

From dry zone to cultural hot spot, this eclectic and charming area offers a multitude of interesting and entertaining activities, all in close proximity.