Texas' Wealthiest Suburb In 2025 Is A Charming Gem Filled With Boutique Shopping And Lively Weekend Markets

If Houston isn't on your list of U.S. cities to visit, it should be. Not only does it boast a renowned art and museum scene, one that rivals New York City's, but its lively residents make even the lesser-known neighborhoods worth visiting. West University Place, or West U, as it's known to some, is a haven that boasts the perks of city-living, such as convenient public transportation, and the warmth of a tight-knit community. 

West University Place's biggest draw is a 300,000-plus square foot shopping and dining complex — that's a lot of ground to cover. A regular farmers' market gives city dwellers the chance to check in with producers and stock up on local produce. More impressive is that the neighborhood ranked third in GoBankingRates' wealthiest U.S. suburbs list in 2025, and is the wealthiest in the state of Texas. 

West U owes its name to the nearby Rice University, which is listed among the top 20 universities in the U.S. in 2025. Pay extra close attention to street names when you walk around the neighborhood, as many are named after English authors. Houston lore has it that, back in the 1920s, a Rice University student and her friend, whose father was a city planner, were tasked with naming the streets of what would later become West University Place. The girls selected names right out of their English literature books, including Shakespeare and Chaucer.

Rice Village is the go-to hangout for those looking to splurge on new clothes or interior decor, or catch up with friends over cocktails or coffee. With 41 retailers and 20 restaurants, you'll be spoiled for choice. Established in 1938, Rice Village originally was a cluster of independent businesses like barber shops, beauty salons, and delis. Today, big-name tenants like West Elm and multinational brands like Lululemon and Sephora have opened locations here, but Rice Village also kept its original charm while also keeping locally owned stores, like Dallas-based boutique The Impeccable Pig, Houston-born Parker Joe, and lifestyle boutique Lily Rain.

All that shopping is sure to build up an appetite, and luckily, Rice Village has lots of food options to choose from. Texas brand Black Walnut has a location here, where students and shoppers alike are invited to sit down and indulge in seasonal dishes. Alternatively, briefly escape to California at Sixty Vines, a wine specialty restaurant inspired by the West Coast. Pro tip: For Texas wine, you'll have to visit this Texas trail through the best wineries in the state's stunning Southeast.

If not to shop, visit Rice Village for its farmers market, held every first and third Sunday of the month, rain or shine. This event is the best way to meet and connect with over 40 local farmers, producers, and even local chefs. You'll find everything from Texas-grown fruit and vegetables and grass-fed meats to locally roasted coffee and honey. Pick up lunch at one of the food stands, there's even Southern barbecue among the tents.

West University Place has great parks suited for families with young children, the biggest of which is Colonial Park. Equipped with jungle gyms and a youth fitness challenge course, it's the perfect place to go if you want to burn some energy. Picnic tables and grilling stations are available for those looking to do an outdoor lunch. Keep your eyes peeled for live music events held here.

In tune with the literary theme of the street names of West University Place, the neighborhood has three Little Free Library locations, one of which is at the aforementioned Colonial Park. Leave and take home a new story to dive into. On rainy, cold, or extra hot days, bookworms can also take refuge at the West University Branch Library, which, of course, holds a collection of books and magazines to read, but also has multiple kid-friendly activities daily.

The West U neighborhood makes for a fun, casual trip from downtown Houston, and is easily accessible from other major Houston neighborhoods. The Museum District, home to Hermann Park and the Houston Zoo, is only a 22-minute bus ride or a 10-minute drive away. Nature enthusiasts may want to squeeze in a visit to the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, which is a 12-minute drive north of West University Place. Have more time to spend in the city? Sugar Land is another of Houston's best-connected suburbs for family fun, global food, and luxury living.