Nestled Within Houston Is A Highly Walkable Neighborhood With Small-Town Charm And A Friendly Community

Houston is not just the biggest city in Texas: It's also the fourth-largest metropolis in the U.S., which means it has plenty to offer, especially if you are willing to do a bit of exploration. From the lively urban hub of Midtown with skyline views to a renowned art and museum scene, Texas' big town has something for everybody. It's also home to one of America's most diverse food scenes with eateries such as Christie's Seafood and Steaks serving up "innovative culinary creations."

While Houston undoubtedly has a car-centric reputation, you can also find some charming — and pedestrian-friendly — neighborhoods in the city, including Houston Heights. Founded in 1891 as Texas' first planned community, the Heights (as it's referred to by locals) sits just 4 miles north of the glass and steel high-rises of downtown. Made up of stately Victorian homes and historic buildings, it feels more like a friendly, close-knit small town rather than a neighborhood in a massive metropolis. "I love everything the Heights has to offer: culturally, historically, and architecturally," local resident and real estate agent Michele Alexander told CultureMap Houston. "The Heights has a personality all its own that creates a sense of community among those who live here."

Like any great neighborhood, Houston Heights also boasts cool locally owned shops, cafes, and bars, as well as a host of good restaurants. "The Heights is full of surprises," Alexander continued. "Turn the corner and you find a fabulous, locally owned restaurant right next to a historically protected Victorian home. ... Turn another corner and you will find a wonderfully created mural on the side of a building depicting our love of sports. And it's all no more than 15 minutes from everything Houston has to offer."

The Heights is well known for its walkability – earning a Walk Score of 73 out of 100 — and the best way to get to know the neighborhood is by ditching your car (try parking on 19th Street) and hitting the pavement. Stroll along the 60-foot-wide esplanade on Heights Boulevard, where you can take in the grand Victorian homes that give the Heights its distinct character. Local residents love to decorate these picturesque houses for every occasion, so expect lots of flair and spirit around Christmas, Halloween, Mardi Gras, and the Fourth of July.

Heights Boulevard is also an open-air art gallery that features rotating outdoor installations by various artists, along with art fairs, art markets, and more. As you amble through the neighborhood, keep your eyes open for some of the vivid murals that add a nice splash of color to the surroundings.

To really explore the Heights and its surroundings on foot, try this 2-mile self-guided loop that takes you along the Heights Hike and Bike Trail. This paved, two way path is not only good for exercise but also runs by bakeries, cafes, juice bars, and other local establishments, which means you may want to take it slowly to really savor your surroundings. While there, stay on the lookout for birds, rabbits, and butterflies, and if you want to extend your route, hop on the circuit path around the Houston Heights Reservoir, which aside from water boasts 10,000 trees that create a beautiful urban forest.

Houston Heights was founded as a streetcar suburb for people who wanted the convenience of the big city with the tranquility and community of small-town life. You still feel that in the neighborhood today, which — despite the fact that it's in the middle of a great metropolis — still maintains those down-home vibes. The streets are lined with stately trees, and the bungalows and old homes just may transport you to a simpler place in the past.

It's also an extremely amiable place, so much that in 2019, it was ranked as one of the 28 friendliest neighborhoods in U.S. cities by National Geographic. The publication examined data from over 200 cities including factors such as public spaces, walkability, and home prices, along with the number of cafes, restaurants, and breweries you could find. And while anyone can feel at home in the Heights, it's also a very kid-friendly place: home to the Houston Toy Museum, a massive wooden train at Donovan Park, and several ice cream shops.

The neighborhood's sense of community can be further found in its historic The Heights Theater, which has live performances and is considered a neighborhood icon. The Heights also hosts two big annual events open to all: White Linen Night — a thumping block party where attendees dress in all white — takes place in August, while Lights in the Heights is a holiday soirée in mid-December featuring live entertainment, house parties, and plenty of incandescent Christmas splendor. For more goodness in Houston, check out Sugar Land, a sweet spot for family fun, global food, and luxury living.