Life’s all about balance. Foryoung professionals, balance often means living in a place where job opportunities are abundant and where there are plenty of leisure activities. Houston marries the two in such a way that it offers an ideal setting for this group.

From neighborhoods that ignite a creative spark to those where you can party until dawn, Houston has it all. And Houston’s current real estate market offers a huge variety for your housing needs at affordableprices.

According to Greater Houston Partnership, Houston has the second most affordable housing cost among the top 20 most populous metros in the United States as of September 2021. 

Now, where would you want to settle in and start that balanced life in Houston? Here are the top areas that offer much for young professionals.   

1. Downtown

Being Houston’s central business district, the city’s Downtown is full of action. This buzzing place is nestled among  restaurants, bars, parks, offices, theaters, fitness centers, retail stores and other commercial establishments. A good thing about Downtown is the residences include many lofts and condos, lending the neighborhood a small community feel despite the urban setting.

Many great companies and startupscall Downtown Houston home, which makes for a wonderfully short commute for any office-bound or hybrid workers. If you’d prefer your commute to involve walking or biking, Downtown is one of the best options. After all, it’s the seventh most walkable neighborhood in Houston, Texas. 

Popular spots in Downtown Houston include Minute Maid Park, Toyota Center, Discovery Green, Hearsay, and Niko Niko’s. Downtown is the only neighborhood in Houston where young professionals can access a wide variety of amenities and still easily make it to work with time to spare.

• Montrose

Culture vultures, Montrose is calling! Always alive and eclectic, this culturally diverse neighborhood has seemingly been designed for the creative in you. Here, you’ll find many art galleries, boutiques, and museums. The local scene brings artists, musicians, writers, and communities of many creative professions to Montrose.

The pubs, bars and restaurants in Montrose offer culinary diversity and a fun nightlife. Also, Neartown – Montrose has been named the most walkable neighborhood in all of Houston by Walk Score.

Some favorite haunts include The Menil Collection, Buffalo Bayou Park, Stages Repertory Theatre, Rothko Chapel, Poison Girl, and Anvil Bar and Refuge.

• Washington Avenue Coalition/Memorial Park

Nature lovers and athletes will love this one.The super neighborhood of Houston, Washington Avenue Coalition/Memorial Park is home to the 1500 acre Memorial Park. With large green spaces and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s a favorite destination foryoung professionals.

There’s a jogging trail, a swimming pool, picnic areas, and many sporting facilities in the neighborhood. And, of course, the restaurants and bars in Washington Avenue Coalition are among some of the top-rated in Houston.

• Greenway/Upper Kirby

“Where are we going tonight?” can be answered with a few words: Greenway/Upper Kirby. This is where young professionals gather for after-work cocktails and dinner. Located close to both Texas Medical Center and Rice University, it’s a hotspot for singles and young professionals.

It’s easy to see why. Many area bistros, cafés, and restaurants serve diverse food, catering to a discerning and cosmopolitan palate. On the weekends, you can catch performances at The Music Box Theatre as well as live music and comedy shows at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck pub.

• Midtown

This is for those who want to be in the middle of it all. Midtown is Houston’s centrally-located and arguably most convenient neighborhood. It’s a commuter’s neighborhood with access to Houston METRORail, connecting directly to the adjacent Downtown. 

The nightlife of Midtown is second to none in Houston. The neighborhood has a unique combination of urban amenities, beautiful streets, and endless weekend getaway options. No wonder Midtown’s repeatedly been named a popular destination for young professionals.

With an affordable housing market, world-class attractions and a bevy of employers, Houston offers a lot of options for today’s young professionals. They’ll need to put FOMO aside when deciding; the most difficult choice might just lie in choosing the one neighborhood that they’ll love.