“Houston, we have a problem,” became an iconic line from the 1995 movie Apollo 13 that dramatized a dangerous mission to land on the moon. Although the famous movie phrase slightly misquotes what the command module pilot actually said after an unexpected explosion shook his spacecraft, it cemented Houston’s nickname of Space City in the public’s mind. Houston is indeed home to NASA’s astronaut training and flight control complex, plus the world’s largest medical center, the Astrodome sports stadium, and the Port of Houston that makes Houston an economic powerhouse and 4th most populous city in the US.
Texas residents consider the northeast part of their state to be the safest, due to the area’s lower population density and smaller towns. Because of its high population, Houston in southeast TX experiences a higher crime rate than many other major cities in the state, ranking as the 4th most dangerous city in the US. As of 2024, Houston had a crime rate of 56.23 per 1,000 residents (this includes both violent and property crimes)- with an overall crime average that is about 146% higher than the approximate national average of 41.29 per 1,000 residents. Even among world city crime rankings, Houston crime grade at #45 is higher, for example, than #70 Paris, whose bad ranking is driven by theft and pickpocketing.
However, numerous Houston suburbs and neighborhoods rank very well for their safety and lower crime rates. So if there’s medical career opportunities for you in Houston’s huge healthcare industry, or “Silicon Bayou” tech sector jobs are beckoning, it is vital to know which neighborhoods are the safest for your relocation. Here is a detailed look at 8 of the safest Houston neighborhoods:
West University
“It’s a nice part of town. If you got the cash, it’s worth it.”(Comment by maveriq on Reddit Oct 2024)
West University, West University Place (or “West U” by residents), is a wealthy residential neighborhood southwest of downtown. It is known for highly rated schools, beautifully landscaped streets, and its proximity to Texas Medical Center and Rice University. Home values hover around $1,180,000 and the median rent for a 1 br is around $2,000/month. Property crime here is at 25.36/1,000 residents– lower than Houston’s city average of 45.81/1,000. West University Place’s older population (clustered from 40-69 years) has 62% of households in the high income range of $200,000/year. Many in the community are employed in the healthcare, management, legal and sales industries.
Midtown
“Discover Gloria’s Latin Cuisine in Midtown, where Salvadoran and Tex-Mex flavors come together!” (A unique food pairing announced on Midtown’s Facebook on October 8, 2024)
Conveniently located southwest of downtown Houston, urban Midtown attracts a mix of young residents, students, and professionals. It is walkable, bike-friendly and has many theaters, museums, trendy bars, and popular Midtown Park and Bagby Park. The Midtown housing market has median houses priced at $389,900– median rents start at $1,924/mo. Midtown has good public transportation- multiple bus lines, plus METRORail with direct links to downtown, TX Medical Center, and other key employment hubs. Crime here is significantly lower than the Houston average- due in part to a strong police patrol presence keeping the area safe for visitors to its children’s museum and Houston Zoo. While Midtown has a D+ score for crime, that score is mostly based on property (not violent) crime. The negative score is likely weighted by the retail and attractions that draw crowds/crimes but may not impact residents.
Sugar Land
”Sugar Land is one of the safest areas of Houston and a very amiable place to live…There are a ton of things to do… ranging from a mountain of restaurants and parks to a city hall that hosts multiple events…” (2024 review from a current resident)
Families and young professionals find Sugar Land one of Houston’s best places to live. Schools are highly rated and the community activities are very family-friendly. Median home values are around $387,900 and one bedroom rentals start at $1,868/month, with 81% of residents owning and 19% renting in this southwest neighborhood. Houston’s Natural Science Museum is here, along with outdoor attractions such as Sugar Land Memorial Park and Oyster Creek Park. This former sugar plantation area is seen as safe with a B crime and safety rating– most crime is property crime.
Kingwood
“I like how it is pretty safe and looks nice. I don’t like how it has become so crowded lately and it takes forever to go anywhere…” (2023 review by a current resident)
Nicknamed “Livable Forest” this community in northeast Houston is a suburban oasis surrounded by nature, parks, and walking trails. Houses list at a median price of $375,000 and rents start around $1,800 for a 1 br- 81% of residents own here. There is some diversity in the population- Kingwood’s residents are 66% white, 20% Hispanic, 7% black, and 3% Asian. Overall, the crime rate in the neighborhood is about 12.64 per 1,000 residents (much lower than Houston’s crime rate of 45.81/1,000 residents). Kingwood is considered safer than 61% of communities in the U.S.
Memorial
“It was a very nice neighborhood to grow up in. Lots of friendly people and great parks. However, it was a predominantly white neighborhood so definitely not a lot of diversity…” (2021 review by a former resident)
Also known as Greater Memorial, this affluent neighborhood west of downtown Houston is convenient to key business hubs, upscale dining and shopping, and outdoor recreation like golf and swimming. Commuting by car is the norm, with public transport not very available. The overall crime rate here is a C+ (about the same as the average US neighborhood). Memorial has house prices at reasonable levels, on market for a typical length of time- $688,541 is the current price for a home. Median rents in Memorial are $2,169/month (as of Oct 2024 that is 14% higher than the national average). Demographically 41% of its residents are married with children, the median age is 45.
Spring Valley Village
“Security is the main thing. The police are always driving through the area… The area is quiet and very family oriented. It is easily convenient to freeways…” (2017 review from a current resident)
Spring Valley Village is northwest of downtown Houston in Harris County. In the 30’s the neighborhood consisted of a cemetery and a church, and today is still small- with only 4,222 residents. 67% of its population are married, 58% have children under 18, and residents here are 85% white, 8.2% Asian, 11% Hispanic, with 0% blacks. Those who live in Spring Valley Village have houses with a median value of $1,056,000. Of the scant 3.89% of residents that rent, rents start at $2,750. Residents here are employed in management, legal, sales and related business occupations.
Downtown
“Houston, you showed us so much love…” (said legendary Houston musician Beyonce)
What is the only Houston neighborhood that allows its residents to escape hot humid TX weather, and navigate 95 city blocks through cool underground tunnels to a wide variety of restaurants and shops? The Downtown neighborhood, with its unique Houston Tunnel System of course! Pricey urban Downtown Houston offers parks, nightlife, the Theater District, and accessible public transportation- attracting young professionals, families, and empty nesters alike. Despite the area’s popularity, crime in Downtown is high, rated F- with a crime rate of 182.5 crimes/1,000 residents during a standard year. Retail/attraction establishments drive the crime rate up however, and most residents do not reside near recreational areas. Houses go for median sale prices of $299,000 and average 1 bedroom rents are around $2,209.
Katy
“I like that Katy is not as busy as Houston… it’s safe, no one bothers anybody. What I do not like is that since it is a new establishment…I’m 20 minutes away from grocery stores and 15 minutes from gas stations…” (2024 review from a current resident)
West of Houston lies the fast-growing suburb of Katy, a blend of suburban living with easy access to urban amenities. Real estate is considered affordable- median home prices are around $359,800- 79% of residents own their own homes. The remaining 21% of renters pay approximately $1,444 to start for 1 bedroom apartments. Crime and safety rank at a B- helped by Katy’s coordinated efforts of homeowners’ associations and local law enforcement. There was some diversity in the population reflected in Katy’s city demographics from 2019– 63% of residents were white, 21% were Hispanic, 10% black, 6% Asian/other. Katy Mills Outlet Mall offers bargains for Katy’s shoppers, there is a Typhoon Texas Waterpark for hot days, the Great Southwest Equestrian Center showcases events for horse enthusiasts, and concerts are ongoing at the local Wildcatter Saloon.
With this research and careful consideration of the various neighborhoods in Space City, you can now confidently find a secure new home in a safe neighborhood. And don’t forget to get yourself a Houston Astros baseball cap, or a Rockets basketball shirt- so y’all can blend in like a local.
