CITY OF HOUSTON
City Offices
901 Bagby
Houston 713-837-0311
www.houstontx.gov
Chambers of Commerce
Greater Houston Partnership
701 Avenida de las Americas
Houston 713-844-3600
www.houston.org
Greater Southwest Houston Chamber
12 Greenway Plaza
Bellaire 713-666-1521
https://houstonmetrocc.org/
Houston Northwest Chamber
3920 Cypress Creek Parkway
Houston 281-440-4160
https://www.houstonnwchamber.org/
Lifestyle
Located primarily in Harris County but stretching into Fort Bend and Montgomery Counties, Houston is the nation’s fourth largest city. It has also been ranked as the 8th most livable metropolitan area in North America in the Places Rated Almanac. Houston combines affordable housing and vibrant neighborhoods with world-class shopping, superb recreational amenities, endless attractions, and cultural treasures. Year-round resident companies represent all the major performing arts—theatre, opera, ballet, and symphony. The city’s Theater District is second only to New York City for its concentration of seats in one geographic area, while the unique museum district offers an amazing mecca of museums, galleries, art and cultural institutions.
Throughout the metropolitan region, residents can enjoy professional and collegiate sports, elite golf courses, entertainment centers, spectacular attractions, and water sports. Freshwater lakes and Galveston Bay are less than 40 miles from downtown Houston. Just beyond the front door, the city maintains over 310 lush parks filled with first-rate facilities and 80 miles of multi-purpose trails. Major attractions include thrilling water parks, the Houston Zoological Gardens, Moody Gardens, race parks, and a long list of colorful annual celebrations. Wonderful restaurants abound, drawing out residents for casual to formal dining more often than any other city in the nation.
Culturally diverse and delightfully cosmopolitan, the city ranks as home to the nation’s third largest consular corps representing over 70 nations. Dozens of international chambers of commerce join foreign banks, trade associations, and the ranks of Houston offices for international companies. Newcomers will discover a city that manages to balance its obvious sophistication with the friendliness, warmth, and gracious hospitality of its Texan heritage. Even more dazzling than the array of amenities in Houston is the attractive selection of housing. Downtown lofts, elegant townhouses, historic Victorians, rambling ranches, tree-shaded subdivisions, and luxurious estates are just a few of the choices available. Regardless of the neighborhood or suburban enclave you choose to call home, the City of Houston ensures an unsurpassed quality of life that only grows richer with each passing year.
Services
Boasting one of the lowest costs of living in the nation and a quality of life that excels in every facet, Houston is a study in excellence. The dynamic economy encompasses jewels like the Port of Houston, the Texas Medical Center complex, and NASA’s largest installation—Johnson Space Center. Long known for its industrial prowess, the area’s considerable assets have resulted in a boom of high technology activity.
As the academic center of the Southwest, Houston is home to distinguished school districts, acclaimed private schools, and prominent colleges and universities. Approximately 40 institutions of higher education are scattered throughout the metropolitan area, from convenient and affordable community colleges to major universities. Reflecting the caliber of Houston educational opportunities, three Nobel Prize winners have emerged from Rice University and the University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center since 1996.
State-of-the-art healthcare facilities and advanced research institutes are so highly developed in Houston that the city is an international destination for quality patient care. Over 40 member institutions make up the world-renowned Texas Medical Center, including the top cancer hospital in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report. An entire network of medical centers, hospitals, clinics, and support facilities serve the metro area, employing nearly seven percent of the regional workforce.
INNER LOOP
The metropolitan area that lies within Loop 610 encompasses some of Houston’s most desirable, high-end enclaves. Newcomers will also find more modest yet very attractive neighborhoods where homes range from wood-frame bungalows to stately mansions or handsome condominiums. The sheer diversity of housing is one of the major magnets to the Inner Loop communities. Other factors include close proximity to downtown, Texas Medical Center, Rice University, and the Museum District. This area expands from Houston neighborhood communities to include West University Place and Bellaire in Harris County.
Downtown
Sweeping revitalization, exciting cultural attractions, premier entertainment, and close proximity to Houston’s central business district are just a few of the advantages that draw residents to the downtown district. Upscale lofts and apartments offer a wide range of comfortable options, with more residential development following the rush of interest in downtown living. Just south of downtown, Midtown also provides townhouse options close to the city’s brightest lights.
Greenway Plaza
Anchored by the Compaq Center and gleaming office towers, the neighborhood of Greenway Plaza offers high-rise condominiums and beautiful new townhouses. Residents enjoy an ideal location near many of Houston’s finest restaurants and popular nightspots, while the mecca of downtown cultural venues are must minutes away. Commercial development is also on the rise in Greenway Plaza, characterized as a small but vital “slice of Houston” along the southwest Freeway or US 59.
The Heights
Grand Victorian homes and cottages line streets with names like Harvard, Oxford, and Cortlandt in The Heights, just three miles from downtown Houston. Distinguished as the city’s historical center, this unique district boasts the largest concentration of vintage homes. Over 100 structures are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Delightful shops, art galleries, and bed and breakfast inns blend well with the selection of restored homes, older houses ideal for renovation, and modern construction. Even new homes in this area tend to follow the Victorian styling to harmonize with the area’s charm. Boundaries include Buffalo Bayou to the south and Shepherd Drive to the west.
Montrose
A neighborhood rich in cultural diversity, Montrose is Houston’s answer to New York City’s Greenwich Village. On the east side, this neighborhood reaches toward the bustling downtown district. Montrose claims the Museum District along with a number of restaurants, wonderful boutiques, and small galleries. US 59 forms the southern border, Buffalo Bayou lies to the north, and Shepherd Drive forms the western boundary. The neighborhood atmosphere is cozy and comfortable, with brick bungalows and two-story homes shaded by mature greenery. Well-built older homes include those listed on the National Historic Register in the enclave of Courtlandt Place.
River Oaks
One of the metro area’s most exclusive neighborhoods, River Oaks provides a prestigious address where famous golf and country clubs have inspired many of the street names. Meticulous landscaping graces elegant properties, including mansions where towering columns support grand entryways. Lovely homes on smaller lots are also available in developments that frame River Oaks such as Oak Estates and Afton Oaks. Exclusive boutiques, fine shops, and upscale restaurants make an ideal complement to the high-end residential development.
South Main/Texas Medical Center
Houston neighborhoods mix with incorporated municipalities like Bellaire and West University Place in this neighborhood. Home to the Texas Medical Center as well as the campus for Rice University, the area serves as a concentrated center of employment. Many residents have settled into comfortable homes that require only short jaunts to work. Housing varies from million-dollar manors to affordable bungalows or beautifully remodeled older homes. Neighborhoods and developments within this area include Boulevard Oaks, Old Braeswood, Southampton, Southgate, Shadyside, and Devonshire Place.
ASTRODOME/SOUTH LOOP
Distinguished by dramatic growth and development, the Astrodome and South Loop area is another neighborhood where opportunities for employment are driving new development. Over 1,180 businesses are clustered into this area, providing jobs for thousands of metropolitan residents. Within the past two decades, this Houston neighborhood has grown an amazing 245 percent. The growth trend is expected to continue, as more people recognize the convenience and value of a prime location.
Braeswood/Stella Link
South of the incorporated municipality of West University Place, the neighborhoods of Braeswood and Stella Link are situated on the South Loop. Residents who claim roots in this area are blending with newcomers for a pleasing mix of age groups and lifestyles. Known for its warmth and friendliness, this area provides many of the amenities associated with the city’s exclusive enclaves and yet remains affordable and accessible. Housing choices are equally diverse, from frame bungalows along quiet streets to custom-built homes that excel in curb appeal.
NORTH
Many newcomers are attracted to the neighborhoods of northern Houston for the value and variety of housing as well as the richness of cultural diversity. Commuters have the advantage of Hardy Tollway for traveling ease. Along Interstate 45 north from Loop 610 are well-established, small neighborhoods with homes built in the late 1930s and ’40s. This area offers relaxing suburban and rural living, enhanced by outstanding opportunities for shopping and recreation. Shipping centers combine with major malls like Greenspoint, Northline, and Northwest. Home to the beautiful Woodlands enclave with its performing arts center, this scenic area also encompasses the incorporated city of Conroe in Montgomery County.
Spring
The former railroad town of Spring shifted decades ago into a rural community of fields and pastures. With the advent of revitalization in Old Town Spring, the area has grown as a retail destination for locals and tourists. Restored structures with turn-of-the-century charm offer charming shops filled with antiques, artwork, and handcrafted items. In the countryside surrounding Spring, wooded lots provide natural beauty and seclusion for modest homes. Two-story colonials mix with ranches and other styles closer to the heart of town. Crowds flock to Spring for annual celebrations that include the Heritage Festival each October.
The Woodlands
Golf courses, lakes, trails, and greenbelts grace The Woodlands with premier recreational opportunities and natural beauty. Ranking among the Houston’s fastest growing neighborhoods, this lovely area offers a wide selection of newer construction from patio homes to luxury homes with fairway or lake views. Other amenities include a popular performing arts center, local library, golf courses, and country club. Exemplary schools combine with several private schools, Montgomery College, and the University Center for a full complement of educational opportunities close to home. Interstate 45 and the Hardy Toll Road ensure access to all points in the metro region.
NORTHEAST
Three communities are thriving in the Northeast section of the Houston metro area: Humble, Kingwood, and Atascocita. Of these, Humble in Harris County is the only incorporated city. Residents of this area enjoy a prime location within a 10-mile radius of the intersection of US 59 and FM 1960. Natural beauty and the friendliness and charm of small-town living are major attractions to the Northeast communities. Recreational opportunities are superb, particularly water sports, fishing, and boating on Lake Houston and the Jacinto River. Downtown Houston is less than 25 miles from home, and the intercontinental airport is only minutes away. Convenience and amenities ensure a high interest level in the Northeast as a place to call home.
Atascocita
East of Humble, the community of Atascocita was originally founded on heavily wooded land steeped in historical significance. Once owned by the Spaniards, the land served as a stronghold against the French. Together with the adjacent development of Walden, Atascocita enjoys a location along the edge of Lake Houston. Lake vistas, affordable and attractive housing, and waterfront recreational amenities add to the attraction of this friendly neighborhood. The majority of homes were built within the last 30 years, offering a wide spectrum of sizes and styles.
Kingwood
Situated primarily in Harris County, the master-planned community of Kingwood reaches beyond the border of Montgomery County. Residents enjoy the privacy of miles of greenbelt trails, swimming pools, golf courses, tennis courts, acres of parks and nature preserves, and retail centers close to home. Often called “The Livable Forest,” Kingwood is just minutes from Bush Intercontinental Airport and a quick commute from downtown. The Kingwood community draws together a number of distinct villages that offer a wide selection of housing options. Pocket parks and playgrounds, first-rate healthcare facilities, and exemplary schools attract many families to this beautiful location.
NORTHWEST
Transportation improvements have transformed the Northwest into an area of rapid residential development and considerable expansion. The result is a wide range of home choices that appeal to a cross-section of buyers. Access to this region has been dramatically improved through the construction of the Sam Houston Tollway, upgrades to Texas 6 and FM 1960, and improvements to US 290. Because the western section of Houston is home to major energy and chemical companies, the Northwest is an ideal location for thousands of employees. Among the communities in the Northwest is the incorporated municipality of Tomball in Harris County.
Bear Creek/Texas 6
The past two decades have seen intensified interest in the vast rural acreage north of Houston as urban development continued its suburban sprawl. Offices, manufacturers, and residential enclaves have been springing up throughout this land-rich area. Between the Katy Freeway or I-10 West and US 290 is the development of Bear Creek, which encompasses a number of lovely subdivisions and master-planned communities like Fairfield, Deerfield Village, and Copperfield. The latter is further divided into smaller villages, each one offering its own array of recreational amenities.
Cypress Fairbanks
Boasting growth that has been significantly driven by the presence of Compaq Computer Corporation, Cypress Fairbanks is home to beautiful new residential developments. Bounded by Texas 249 and US 290, this area has the advantage of lovely wooded land for premier home sites. Wonderful master-planned communities and welcoming bedroom communities provide a full range of housing options. Following closely on the heels of new-home construction are convenient commercial centers, churches, recreational facilities, parks, and offices.
The Champions/FM 1960
Convenience and an excellent location in metropolitan Houston have been part of the attraction to The Champions/FM 1960 community. Bush Intercontinental Airport, Champions Golf Club, and Sam Houston Tollway all played a role in the growth and development of this area. Residents enjoy a kaleidoscope of retail opportunities at nearby Greenspoint Mall and Willowbrook Mall. The housing selection includes a variety of styles and price ranges in subdivisions throughout The Champions like Olde Oaks and Champion Forest. Northgate Forest provides an enclave of custom-built estate homes graced by wooded natural beauty.
Garden Oaks
One of the Houston neighborhoods known for offering “simple charm” in a convenient location is tree-lined Garden Oaks. Many professionals are drawn to this stable, well-established area for its gracious ambiance and accessibility. Newcomers will find a number of homes in Garden Oaks that boast spacious lots, magnificent old trees, and easy access to the major thoroughfares of Loop 610 and US 290. Architectural styles, home sizes, and price ranges are especially diverse in this neighborhood, since construction goes back to the 1940s. Possibilities range from modest two-bedroom homes with cedar shake siding to large, two-story manors that feature columns in the entryway.
Inwood Forest
Providing another stable neighborhood in metro Houston is Inwood Forest, where the majority of homes were constructed in the late 1960s and ’70s. The major thoroughfare of US 290 serves this area, providing several convenient exit ramps along key streets. Amenities include a recently renovated golf club and attractive homes that provide real value for the dollar. Large lots, backyard swimming pools, and well-kept older homes with expansive square footage are often available in this neighborhood at very affordable prices.
WEST
Many newcomers find a pleasing blend of amenities and advantages in the western section of the metro area, resulting in tremendous growth in recent years. Welcoming neighborhoods offer existing homes and new construction in a wide spectrum of architectural styles, sizes, and price ranges. . A number of wooded, established neighborhoods add to the appeal for potential homeowners. The quality of living is outstanding, with good schools, excellent freeway access, a medley of major shopping destinations, and exceptional recreational amenities. The West claims one of the region’s finest retail centers, the Galleria complex. Included in the West is the incorporated City of Katy and the “Memorial Villages” — a cluster of small incorporated municipalities, all in Harris County.
Uptown/West Loop
Considered as Houston’s “second downtown,” the Uptown and West Loop community boasts its own impressive skyline of high-rise buildings like the Williams Tower with its magnificent “water wall.” Home to the elegant Galleria with its proliferation of fine restaurants and upscale retail shops, this area features stunning architectural embellishments. Enormous pairs of contemporary chrome arches cross Post Oak Boulevard, complemented by oversized chrome O-rings hovering over high-traffic intersections. Although the 3.6 million square feet of retail and commercial splendor is the focal point of the neighborhood, a number of upscale and desirable residential enclaves offer a selection of luxurious homes in one of the city’s most lovely areas.
Tanglewood/Broadoaks
Convenient to the Galleria and the Uptown district is the affluent residential community of Tanglewood. Also known as Broadoaks, this area is characterized by spacious, well-landscaped lots where beautiful old trees shade ranch-style homes. Other common architectural styles in this neighborhood blend colonial and Georgian with examples of French and contemporary designs. The housing selection ranges from opulent mansions to more reasonably priced homes along beautiful streets. Handsome townhouses provide options for a carefree lifestyle, and new two-story traditional homes are spring up near the Galleria area. Tanglewood tends to attract young, established families as well as empty nesters who appreciate the energetic lifestyle of a truly vibrant area.
Memorial
Set against the scenic backdrop of Buffalo Bayou’s tropical foliage, the Memorial neighborhood represents a prestigious address. The area is named for Memorial Drive, which meanders along the winding bayou and leads to homes that rival River Oaks for elegance. This area was largely developed in the ’70s and ’80s during the apex of the Energy Corridor development along I-10 West. Tall pines tower over rambling ranches, two-story traditionals, and magnificent estates. Some of the homes in this area are owned by celebrities and sports stars. Commercial development followed residential growth, including the renovation of the Town and Country center. Family and school activities take the spotlight in this exclusive but warm environment.
West Memorial
West of Memorial Drive past Wilcrest Drive are several subdivisions that were originally constructed in the late 1960s and ’70s. Most of this neighborhood offers the privacy of large lots and mature greenery. Homes that are located in closer proximity to Memorial Drive tend to rise in cost and value. Memorial Thicket, Fleetwood, and Barker’s Landing near the east side of Texas 6 are more modern subdivisions that sprang up within the past two decades. Architectural styles vary, but typically blend New Orleans Colonial, Cape Cod, traditional, and contemporary designs. At the far west section of Texas 6 is the master-planned community of Weston lakes, an exclusive enclave with stunning homes that are second only to those lining River Oaks.
Oaks
Also blending into the Memorial area is the neighborhood of Oaks, home to handsome townhouses and a diversity of single-family homes. Newcomers can choose from a wide range of lifestyles in this flexible neighborhood, which also offers some beautiful retirement communities. The area lies in close proximity to the Energy Corridor of international corporations along Interstate 10 between Gessner and Texas 6, and also the Memorial City Medical Center. Premier recreational opportunities include the Westside Tennis Club, selected by World Tennis magazine and the U.S. Tennis Association as one of the top 20 in the nation.
SOUTHWEST
Stretching from Houston and Harris County into Fort Bend County, the Southwest is one of the most expansive areas in the metro region. Housing in this vast region range from affordable and charming patio homes to country estates on multi-acre lots. Dotting the panoramic countryside in the far western part of the area are ranches and farms that raise and board horses. Several attractive master-planned communities like New Territory and Lake Olympia combine with highly respected schools to make the Southwest a popular place for newcomers. US 59 offers easy access to downtown Houston and the Galleria. The Southwest communities encompass several incorporated cities in Fort Bend County: Arcola, Meadows, Missouri City, Stafford, Sugar Land, Richmond, and Rosenberg.
Alief/Sharpstown
A colorful diversity of cultures and lifestyles is evident throughout the Alief and Sharpstown community, which offers comfortable options for a wide range of tastes and budgets. Sharpstown is a pleasing community of friendly neighbors, attractive brick homes, and easy access to major Houston thoroughfares. Multi-family living options are many, from apartments to condominiums and townhouses. Single-family homes range from neat brick tract homes to larger family homes. Commercial development in this area provides a good selection of shopping centers, services, and restaurants. The presence of the campus for Houston Baptist University adds vitality and the flavor of a college town to the area.
Fondren Southwest
Recognized as one of the Houston area’s most accessible residential choices, Fondren Southwest began as a ranching property owned and developed by oil tycoon Walter William Fondren. Today, the area blends apartments with suburban subdivisions, attracting residents that bring cultural and economic diversity to the area. This neighborhood is home to a good balance of residential choices with more than 800 businesses employing 6,400 workers. Newer commercial development includes the revitalization of Braesgate Center.
Meyerland/South Post Oak
South of Bellaire are the communities of Meyerland and South Post Oak, nestled in the crook of the South Loop. Commuters enjoy the advantage of accessibility, although the residential selection adds to the attraction for newcomers. Meyerland maintains a pleasing appearance in part through its cohesive community leadership, enforcing deed restrictions and encouraging recycling and civic pride. The Jewish community is strongly rooted in this area, home to three synagogues and a Jewish Community Center that serves the southwestern metro neighborhoods. South Park Oak offers a variety of subdivisions and even more options in home style, from’50s bungalows to newer construction. Meyerland Plaza offers nearly one million square feet of retail space on 59 acres that includes a multi-screen theater.
SOUTH/SOUTHEAST
Served by the Gulf Freeway or Interstate 45, the South metro area extends from downtown into Galveston County. Quality older homes combine with handsome new construction for a pleasing selection of housing that includes premier waterfront properties. Residents of this area enjoy close proximity to downtown Houston, the William P. Hobby Airport, and NASA’s Johnson Space Center. The incorporated communities that stretch southward from Houston include El Lago, Nassau Bay, Seabrook, Taylor Lake Village, and Webster in Harris County as well as Pearland in Brazoria County. Galveston County offers Clear Lake Shores, Galveston, Kemah, Friendswood, and League City. The Southeast has evolved as an industrial center for petrochemical, manufacturing, and shipping. Welcoming neighborhoods provide a quality lifestyle for thousands of managers and employees of these industrial giants in the Harris County cities of Pasadena and Deer Park.
Clear Lake City
The “Clear Lake” area actually encompasses a number of municipalities and unincorporated developments, but Clear Lake City to a master-planned community. Beautiful neighborhoods offer a wide variety of home styles and prices near such regional resources as the NASA Johnson Space Center, Lunar and Planetary Institute, Ellington Field, and the University of Houston Clear Lake. Clear Lake, the Gulf Greyhound Dog Park, golf courses, and Armand Bayou Nature Center are among the outstanding recreational amenities.
EAST
Close proximity to the Port of Houston has given this area importance as a trade and industrial center. Thriving industries have contributed to the development of communities outside Loop 610 East. Residents of these eastern neighborhoods and cities enjoy easy access to the downtown campus for the University of Houston and the north campus for San Jacinto College District. Interstate 10 ensures a quick trip to downtown Houston. In the opposite direction, I-10 leads to the many attractions waiting just across the state line in Louisiana. The incorporated communities of Galena Park and Jacinto City in Harris County are included in this area.
Channelview
Located near the incorporated cities of Galena Park and Jacinto, the community of Channelview offers the attractive combination of low taxes and moderately priced homes. Diverse housing ranges from modest wood-frame bungalows shaded by mature greenery in well-established neighborhoods to a wide selection of brick tract homes constructed in the 1960s. The nearby Port of Houston and several large petro-chemical plants are major employers for many of the area’s residents.
