Welcome to Houston! As one of the largest and most dynamic cities in the country, Houston offers a little bit of everything — from cutting-edge medical centers and sprawling parks to world-class dining and cultural attractions. But with so many neighborhoods to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start.
We’ve compiled a list of the best places to rent in Houston based on the following factors:
- Rental availability
- Average rent relative to other neighborhoods in the city
- Proximity to points of interest like work hubs, universities, downtown areas, shopping centers, or major parks
- Niche.com’s neighborhood report cards
The five best neighborhoods in Houston for renters are:
- Sugar Land
- Midtown
- Memorial Park
- University Place
- Clear Lake
Sugar Land
• Average 1bedroom rent in Houston: $1,180/month
• Average 1-bedroom rent in Sugar Land: $1,355/month
• Average 1-bedroom square footage: 761
Why Sugar Land is good for renters
Sugar Land blends a suburban feel with high-end amenities. Here, you will find well-maintained neighborhoods, plentiful green space, and shopping centers like First Colony Mall. It’s a great choice for those looking for more square footage without being too far from Houston’s core. With strong schools and a polished environment, Sugar Land delivers a peaceful, upscale living experience.
|
Car-Dependent |
Minimal Transit |
Somewhat Bikeable |
|
46 |
1 |
42 |
|
Sugar Land has a WalkScore® of 46 out of 100. Most errands will require a car. |
With a TransitScore® at nearly zero, there are very limited transit options. |
With a BikeScore® of 42, you might be able to find a few places to ride your bike in your area. |
Keep in mind
Because of its desirable setting and amenities, rents are higher than the city average. And while it's great for space, commuting into central Houston can take time.
Midtown
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Houston: $1,180/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Midtown: $1,576/month
- Average 1-bedroom square footage: 767 sq. ft.
Why Midtown is good for renters
Midtown is one of Houston’s most walkable neighborhoods. Living here provides quick access to downtown, METRORail stations, local restaurants, and a lively nightlife scene. With an energetic atmosphere and plenty to do, Midtown is great for those who want to live in the middle of it all. You’ll also find a wide mix of modern apartment buildings and new developments.
Midtown is one of Houston’s most walkable neighborhoods. Living here provides quick access to downtown, METRORail stations, local restaurants, and a lively nightlife scene. With an energetic atmosphere and plenty to do, Midtown is great for those who want to live in the middle of it all. You’ll also find a wide mix of modern apartment buildings and new developments.
|
Highly Walkable |
Excellent Transit |
Very Bikeable |
|
90 |
75 |
73 |
|
With a 90 out of 100 WalkScore®, Midtown is a place to get your steps in! |
Midtown has an excellent TransitScore®. There are multiple commuter options, including light rail. |
With multiple bike paths and lanes, Midtown has earned a high BikeScore® rating. |
Keep in mind
The convenience comes at a premium. Rents tend to be higher here, and noise levels may be elevated due to the active nightlife scene.
Memorial Park
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Houston: $1,180/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Memorial Park: $1,971/month
- Average 1-bedroom square footage: 793 sq. ft.
Why Memorial Park is good for renters
Living near Memorial Park means easy access to one of the largest urban parks in the country. Here you can take advantage of trails, golf courses, and natural beauty — all while still being close to major Houston districts like The Galleria and Downtown. It’s perfect if you want greenery and upscale living in one package.
|
Very Walkable |
Some Transit |
Somewhat Bikeable |
|
76 |
42 |
53 |
|
With many paved trails, Memorial Park has earned a WalkScore® of 76 out of 100. |
With a TransitScore® at 42 out of 100, there are limited transit options in this neighborhood. |
A BikeScore® of 53 out of 100 indicates that you should expect to find only a few places to ride your bike. |
Keep in mind
Apartments in this area tend to be higher-end, and the rent reflects the location’s popularity and proximity to luxury shopping and dining.
University Place
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Houston: $1,180/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in University Place: $2,014/month
- Average 1-bedroom square footage: 811 sq. ft.
Why University Place is good for renters
University Place offers a quiet, tree-lined setting close to Rice University, the Museum District, and the Texas Medical Center. The neighborhood features a mix of historic homes and updated apartments. It’s walkable, scenic, and packed with cafés, cultural attractions, and community charm.
|
Very Walkable |
Good Transit |
Very Bikeable |
|
87 |
53 |
75 |
|
University Place has a high WalkScore® of 87 out of 100, providing an alternative to using a car for basic errands. |
With a TransitScore® just above the halfway point to 100, there are good transit options within reach. |
75 out of 100 is a great BikeScore®. If biking is your preferred mode of transit, you will find plenty of bike lanes throughout town. |
Keep in mind
Due to its central location and limited rental inventory, you may face higher prices and more competition for available units.
Clear Lake
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Houston: $1,180/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Clear Lake: $1,171/month
- Average 1-bedroom square footage: 715 sq. ft.
Why Clear Lake is good for renters
Clear Lake offers a more relaxed lifestyle with access to water-based recreation, nature preserves, and NASA’s Johnson Space Center. The area is known for its affordability, making it a great option for budget-conscious renters. Apartment communities here often offer spacious layouts and convenient access to parks and retail.
|
Somewhat Walkable |
Minimal Transit |
Bikeable |
|
52 |
6 |
51 |
|
Clear Lake has a mid-range WalkScore® of 52 out of 100, indicating walkability depends upon your exact location. |
With a very low TransitScore® of just 6 out of 100, you’ll likely want a car when living in the area. |
If you enjoy biking as a recreational activity, you will currently find limited infrastructure in Clear Lake. There are proposed projects that will likely increase the BikeScore® in the future. |
Keep in mind
Because Clear Lake is farther from downtown, commute times can be longer if you work in central Houston. Public transit options are also more limited compared to inner-loop neighborhoods.
Ready to Make the Move?
If Houston has caught your eye, take the next step with Apartments.com! Whether you’re dropping in for a short-term lease or hoping to set down roots, Apartments.com has the tools to help you find the perfect place.
Navigate housing across neighborhoods with our customized search engine and use our customizable filters to narrow your search by price, amenities, and floor plan. Wherever you are and wherever you’re going, the options are endless with Apartments.com.
FAQs
Is Houston a good place to live?
Yes, Houston is a great place to live for renters who want a dynamic city with a growing job market, great food, and lots of green space. Whether you want city energy or suburban calm, there’s a neighborhood in Houston that fits your lifestyle.
Is Houston an expensive place to live?
Houston is more affordable than many large U.S. cities. While some popular neighborhoods have higher rents, the city’s overall cost of living is lower than the national average — especially when it comes to housing.
What’s the average rent in Houston?
The average rent in Houston is $1,180/month, as of January 2026. This is 28% below the national average rent of $1,631/month.
What salary do you need to live in Houston?
According to our cost of living data, a comfortable salary for a single adult with no dependents to cover housing, utilities, groceries, and goods and services in Houston would be around $47,000 before tax.
Apartment rent and cost of living data provided by CoStar Group’s January 2026 reports.
