What Are The 15 Safest Neighborhoods In Houston?

Ossiana Tepfenhart
by Ossiana Tepfenhart

Houston is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country, despite the terrible politics. While the city continues to expand, people are starting to snap up all the properties. Some areas are better than others. So, what are the safest neighborhoods in Houston this year?

Based on statistics, Fulshear, Friendswood, Manvel, West University, and League City are the safest neighborhoods in Houston, Texas. These neighborhoods rank highest when it comes to safety and livability, with between 64-92% higher safety ratings than all of Houston. Other safe neighborhoods in Houston include Pearland, Midtown, Downtown, Southwest, Kingwood, Greater Memorial, and Lake Houston.

Some might argue that you really can’t go wrong with living in an area like Houston. This guide will help you understand more about the neighborhoods you want to have.

How Safe Is Houston, Texas?

As the fourth-largest city in the United States, most people assume that crime will be out of control in Houston. Believe it or not, that’s not the case. Houston is a remarkably safe city with surprisingly clean streets. Perhaps that’s why it’s getting so many transplants in recent years.

Houston has a sterling reputation for being a big city without big city problems. To a point, they’re right. The worst that most people tend to see around here are barfights. That’s not too bad considering the size of the city.

The Safest Neighborhoods Of Houston, TX

Texas is generally a safe place to live, but Houston takes safety to another level. Let’s look at the top picks for people who want to live in this Texas hotspot. Note: We’re only noting the basic crime stats in this.

1. Fulshear

  • Home Price: $409,500 median purchase price
  • Rent: $938 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 92% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 98% of areas

Fulshear is in the 70th percentile for safety, which means that 30% of nearby cities are safer and 70% are more dangerous.

During a typical year, the crime rate in Fulshear is 19.71 per 1,000 residents. Fulshear residents generally consider the southeast section of the city to be the safest.

In Fulshear, your chances of becoming a victim of crime can range from 1 in 40 in the southwest neighborhoods to 1 in 98 in the southeast.

Fulshear outperforms other Houston neighborhoods in terms of livability by 98 percent. In comparison to other Houston neighborhoods, this one is 92 percent safer. According to figures, the median purchase price of a property in the area is $409,500, and the average rent is $938.

2. Friendswood

  • Home Price: $241,700 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,097 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 82% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 96% of areas

Friendswood has a slightly lower crime rate than the average US city. During a typical year, the crime rate in Friendswood is 21.15 per 1,000 residents. Friendswood residents generally believe that the central part of the city is the safest.

In Friendswood, your chances of becoming a victim of crime can be as high as 1 in 37 in the western neighborhoods and as low as 1 in 60 in the city center.

Friendswood exceeds other Houston neighborhoods by 96 percent in terms of livability. This neighborhood is 82 percent safer than others in Houston. According to data, the median purchase price of a home in the area is $241,700, and the average rent is $1,097.

3. Manvel

  • Home Price: $167,400 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,295 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 78% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 89% of areas

During a typical year, the crime rate in Manvel is 57.97 per 1,000 residents. Manvel residents generally consider the city’s southwest section to be the safest.

In Manvel, your chances of becoming a victim of crime may be as high as 1 in 6 in the western neighborhoods and as low as 1 in 129 in the southwest.

Manvel outperforms other Houston neighborhoods in terms of livability by 89 percent. In comparison to other Houston neighborhoods, this one is 78 percent safer. According to figures, the median purchase price of a property in the area is $167,400, and the average rent is $1,295.

4. West University

  • Home Price: $759,119 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,097 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 70% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 88% of areas

West University might have started out as the “college town” part of Houston, but that doesn’t mean it stayed that way. This became one of the most well-liked parts of Houston–and not just as a place to live, either. People who want to get the best out of the city have to offer all go here.

Though the area has over 30,000 residents, West University Place remains one of the safest places to be in Houston. In fact, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that this is one of the safest places in all of Texas. Violent crime is almost entirely unheard-of here. With a median home value over $750,000, it’s easy to see why people pay top dollar for this area.

West University outperforms other Houston neighborhoods in terms of livability by 88 percent. In comparison to other Houston neighborhoods, this one is 70 percent safer. According to the figures, the median purchase price of a property in the area is $759,119, and the average rent is $1,097.

5. League City

  • Home Price: $202,000 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,222 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 64% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 99% of areas

League City is a waterfront community located 30 miles south of downtown Houston on the shores of Clear Lake, close to Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

The city is consistently ranked as one of the safest, most affordable, and best places to live and raise a family in Texas and the United States. League City’s population of approximately 110,00 people represents a diverse range of backgrounds and lifestyles.

Professionals from all over the country are drawn to League City because of the city’s low unemployment rate and a thriving job market in the medical, energy, aerospace, marine, and petrochemical industries.

League City exceeds other Houston neighborhoods by 99 percent in terms of livability. This neighborhood is 64 percent safer than others in Houston. According to data, the median purchase price of a home in the area is $202,000, and the average rent is $1,222.

6. Pearland

  • Home Price: $194,200 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,218 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 64% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 99% of areas

Pearland residents know their families are safe and secure in the community and surrounding areas because the city is ranked as one of the safest in Texas.

Pearland is the perfect location due to its low cost of living and proximity to Houston’s world-class cultural amenities, professional sports, and attractions.

Pearland is 99 percent more livable than nearby Houston neighborhoods. In addition, this neighborhood is 64% safer than the rest of Houston. According to figures, the median purchase price of a property in the area is $194,200, with an average rent of $1,218.

7. Lake Houston

  • Home Price: $187,506 median purchase price
  • Rent: $998 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 61% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 82% of areas

Lake Houston is a Houston, Texas, neighborhood with 85,617 people. It is located in Harris County and is considered one of the best places to live in Texas.

Living in Lake Houston provides residents with a sparse suburban feel, and most residents own their homes. There are numerous parks in Lake Houston.

This neighborhood is home to many families and young professionals, and residents have moderate political views.

Lake Houston outperforms other Houston neighborhoods in terms of livability by 82 percent. In comparison to other Houston neighborhoods, this one is 61 percent safer. According to figures, the median purchase price of a property in the area is $187,506, and the average rent is $998.

8. Midtown

  • Home Price: $230,220 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,235 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 59% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 79% of areas

Say it with me…Midtown! Even the name sounds posh and prim. Midtown Houston is one of the most popular places for real estate developers these days. While it’s right in the heart of Houston, it somehow still keeps a nice “small town” vibe about it.

Lucky is the person who is able to snag a cute apartment or home in Midtown. Everything from the parking to the streets seems to be perfectly clean. When you factor in easy parking and tons of beautiful new constructions, it’s easy to see why many people are starting to invest in properties here. It’s bound to become an in-demand locale.

Midtown exceeds other Houston neighborhoods by 79 percent in terms of livability. This neighborhood is 59 percent safer than others in Houston. According to data, the median purchase price of a home in the area is $230,220, and the average rent is $1,235.

9. Far Northeast

  • Home Price: $191,832 median purchase price
  • Rent: $756 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 56% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 96% of areas

Northeast, in general, is an excellent part of Texas to live in. This is especially true about Far Northeast, which has a tasteful suburban feel. This gorgeous neighborhood offers above-average amenities, safe schools, and engaging community, and a relatively safe set of city streets.

While property crime does happen occasionally, violent crime is unheard-of here. We are pretty confident that Far Northeast is going to remain popular. After all, over 90,000 people can’t be wrong.

Far Northeast has a 96 percent livability advantage over other Houston neighborhoods. This neighborhood is 56 percent safer than similar areas in Houston. According to statistics, the median price of a home in the community is $191,832, with an average rent of $756.

10. Kingwood

  • Home Price: $199,143 median purchase price
  • Rent: $787 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 54% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 89% of areas

The crime rate is slightly lower than in the average city. During a typical year, the crime rate is 21.18 per 1,000 residents. People in Kingwood generally consider the northwest section of the zip code to be the safest.

In this neighborhood, your chances of becoming a victim of crime may be as high as 1 in 32 in the southern areas and as low as 1 in 70 in the northwest.

Kingwood outperforms other Houston neighborhoods in terms of livability by 89 percent. In comparison to other Houston neighborhoods, this one is 54 percent safer. According to figures, the median purchase price of a property in the area is $199,143, and the average rent is $787.

11. Greater Memorial

  • Home Price: $850,504 median purchase price
  • Rent: $919 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 53% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 83% of areas

If you are a fan of city structures that still offer a nice amount of space to sprawl out in, you might like Greater Memorial. This area of Houston has a gorgeous appearance sure to charm even the folks who aren’t big fans of city life.

This has a shockingly low unemployment rate of around 1 percent and a sky-high property value average of over $850,000. So, that might have something to do with this area’s upscale reputation and low crime rates. Theft is a slight issue, but violent crime is almost unheard-of.

In terms of livability, Greater Memorial exceeds other Houston neighborhoods by 83 percent. This neighborhood is 53% safer than other Houston neighborhoods. According to statistics, the median purchase price of a home in the neighborhood is $850,504, and the average rent is $919.

12. Pasadina

  • Home Price: $121,525 median purchase price
  • Rent: $793 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 44% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 67% of areas

Not to be confused with the California town by a similar name, Pasadina is one of the safer neighborhoods on the outskirts of Houston. A median home price of around $121,000 and tons of friendly neighbors make this a good choice for people who have moderate incomes.

Pasadina has a 67% livability advantage over other Houston neighborhoods. This neighborhood is 44 percent safer than similar areas in Houston. According to statistics, the median price of a home in the community is $121,525, with an average rent of $793.

Good amenities are starting to pop up here, and it’s only a quick drive to the local shopping centers. Like others on this list, the neighborhood of Pasadina gets its safety from a tight-knit community. If you’re seeking a convenient place to raise a family, this is an excellent place to start.

13. Downtown

  • Home Price: $63,900 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,816 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 41% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 23% of areas

Downtown Houston is a hotspot for tourists, especially when you take into account the excellent nightlife and food here. Despite it being a heavily urbanized area, Downtown Houston remains remarkably safe. Excellent law enforcement and that ol’ Southern charm might be worth it.

There are a lot of different places that would wish that they were Houston’s Downtown district. With the fantastic job opportunities and affordable rent, it’s easy to see why.

Downtown exceeds other Houston neighborhoods by 23 percent in terms of livability. This neighborhood is 41 percent safer than others in Houston. According to data, the median purchase price of a home in the area is $63,900, and the average rent is $1,816.

14. Southwest

  • Home Price: $102,760 median purchase price
  • Rent: $957 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 34% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 40% of areas

Southwest is a bit of an odd bird on this list. This neighborhood is relatively low income and doesn’t have many amenities. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad buy. With a median home price of around $100,000, this place remains affordable in a city going crazy with prices.

Fans who want a bargain buy in the city of Houston; Southwest definitely could be the right match for you. It’s on the upswing, so that you can expect good things here.

Southwest has a 40% livability advantage over other Houston neighborhoods. This neighborhood is 34 percent safer than similar areas in Houston. According to statistics, the median price of a home in the community is $102,760, with an average rent of $957.

15. Spring Branch

  • Home Price: $215,498 median purchase price
  • Rent: $872 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 33% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 34% of areas

Are you a young family that wants to have closeness to the city center with just a little bit of extra upward mobility? Spring Branch might be the right call for you. The median home price here hovers around $220,000, making it one of the more affordable places for new families to live.

Since this area is pretty well-known for being family-friendly, it’s not surprising that Spring Branch became popular for folks who want a safe place for their kids to grow. Don’t be shocked if you find out that this is one of the best places to raise your kids. Everyone seems to love the community here.

Spring Branch outperforms other Houston neighborhoods in terms of livability by 34 percent. In comparison to other Houston neighborhoods, this one is 33 percent safer. According to the figures, the median purchase price of a property in the area is $215,498, and the average rent is $872.

Should You Move To Houston?

Houston is a city that’s currently experiencing a major population boom, and that’s been translating into major upticks in both home prices and demand.

However, Houston is not for everyone. While the streets are safe, many people are worried about the political direction that Texas is headed in—and that can put certain people at risk.

If you are not certain whether Houston is right for you, it’s best to look at all the different nuances that come with living in Texas. It might be right for you, or it might not be. It’s definitely not for everyone, which is why some folks are choosing to move out.

Ossiana Tepfenhart
Ossiana Tepfenhart

Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Her interests include art and real estate investments.

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