Best neighborhoods in Houston

6 areas in Houston, United States — what each one feels like, who it suits, and roughly what it costs.

EaDo ($) — Warehouse murals, soccer stadium Best for Nightlife + value. Breweries and Shell Energy Stadium, a short ride from downtown. Converted warehouses filling up with bars and lofts. Getting around: METRORail Green and Purple lines
Montrose ($$) — Bungalows, bars, art museums Best for Food + walking. The Menil Collection is free and the restaurants are the city's best. Houston's most walkable, most independent neighbourhood. Getting around: Walkable pockets; car for the rest
Galleria & Uptown ($$) — Mall towers, wide freeways Best for Shopping. The largest mall in Texas, with hotels attached to it. A second downtown built entirely around driving. Getting around: Car essential
The Heights ($$) — Victorian porches, bike trail Best for Neighbourhood feel. A rail-trail for cycling and 19th Street for antiques. The old streetcar suburb, now firmly gentrified. Getting around: Car + the hike-and-bike trail
Museum District ($$) — Oaks, museums, park lawns Best for Culture + families. Twenty museums and a park with a train, right on the rail line. Green and institutional, next door to the medical centre. Getting around: METRORail Red Line
Downtown ($$) — Tunnels, stadiums, theatre district Best for Sports + conventions. Walk to Minute Maid Park, Toyota Center and the theatre district. Busy on weekdays and quiet after — the tunnels close with the offices. Getting around: METRORail Red Line + walkable core