Houston Neighborhoods – Rice Village and Museum District

The neighborhoods surrounding Rice University, St. Thomas University and the majority of Houston’s museums are delightful tree-lined streets filled with mostly historic homes. You’ll find duplexes, four-plexes, small Melrose Place style apartment communities, charming bungalows from the turn of the century, and as developers move into the area, homes that are valued well over one million dollars. In addition to all this, there are also some larger apartment complexes with luxury finishes and state of the art amenities where you’re sure to find comfort. If you go outside this cozy little area, you’ll find the Texas Medical Center to the South & East, West University & Bellaire to the West, and Montrose & Upper Kirby to the North. You’ll find that most homeowners in the area are established medical professionals or tenured professors, and the renters quite possibly students at one of the nearby universities or starting their medical careers. A huge bonus for nature lovers is the jogging trail around Rice University and Hermann Park being right around the corner.

Walkability ★★★★★

Rice Village is terribly walkable with a collection of bars, restaurants and shops to meet your every need. Much of what you would travel to the Galleria is right here in this little pavilion adjacent to Rice University. The Museum District too is filled with bars, restaurants, cafes and museums that you can easily spend an afternoon enjoying on foot. The tree canopy makes the experience all the more pleasant and more suitable for humans and dogs alike. Hermann Park is within walking distance and offers free concerts and other events in the park, an 18 hole golf course and is home to the Houston Zoo.

Transportation ★★☆☆☆

METRO bus stops are everywhere considering that many residents of the area may work or matriculate at one of the nearby schools or hospitals. The main line of the METROrail on runs North and South along Fannin St. and Main St.; so, if you’re in the right part of the Museum District, you’ll find it quite accessible. However, nearly everything is walkable in these tiny neighborhoods and Uber is quite popular.

Dining ★★★★★

Rice Village is full of dining options to satiate your cravings. Visit Shiva on weekdays for their lunch buffet or a la carte service in the evenings. If escargot and wine are on your mind, visit Café Rabelais. Just in the mood for a sandwich, salad or pasta, stop into Black Walnut on Morningside Drive. Torchy’s Tacos is down the street serving up Austin’s coolest artisan tacos and Punk’s Simple Southern Food puts a delicious spin on southern staples like biscuits, fried chicken and meatloaf. Regardless of your palate, there are countless more restaurants in Rice Village that will satisfy your tummy.

Nightlife ★★★★★

This area is bustling every night with a variety of exciting places open late. If you’re in the mood for wine, visit Salento Wine Café where they also have an extensive food menu available. Maybe you have college buddies in town and y’all really want to get silly: Stop by Brian O Neill’s, The Gingerman and Bronx Bar. One of my absolute favorite spots is Under the Volcano – it has been around for 20 years or so and serves up tasty original cocktails that really pack a punch. If brew is your poison, pop on over to Hans’ Bier Haus for a great selection of imports, a fun patio and bocce ball.

Pet Friendly ★★☆☆☆

Nearly all the apartment complexes in these neighborhoods welcome pets of all types and have on-site parks or runs. There aren’t any official dog parks in the area really, but the streets are great for evening strolls.

Average Home Purchase Price: $684,924*

Average One Bedroom Rental Rate – Privately Owned: $1,251**

Average One Bedroom Rental Rate – Class A Apartment: $1,434***

*data calculated on May 5, 2015 from HAR.com using houses, townhouses & condominiums sold in the “Rice Village and Museum District” market areas in the previous 90 days with at least 1 bedroom and an average square footage of 2,539 square feet. This average rate does not take into account studio or efficiency condominiums.

** data calculated on May 5, 2015 from HAR.com using one bedroom condominiums and apartments leased in the “Rice Village and Museum District” market areas in the previous 90 days ranging in size, quality and condition. This average rate does not take into account studio or efficiency lease options.

*** data calculated on May 5, 2015 using the most recent “best rate available within 60 days” published on UrbanLeasing.com for traditional one bedroom one bathroom apartments at Class A apartment communities in the “Rice Village and Museum District” market areas that are within the geographical boundaries of Memorial Heights. A “Class A” apartment is new or recently updated, well maintained and offers luxury finishes, gated access, on-site parking, washer and dryer, and amenities include at minimum a pool, fitness center and cyber café. This average rate does not take into consideration studio or efficiency apartment homes. The team at UrbanLeasing.com updates rates on a daily basis as market data becomes available.

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