AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Houston, TX — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Houston neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$1,400/mo
Median Rent
2,304,580
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
Memorial Hermann Health System
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Houston? What Renters Need to Know

The average rent in Houston is approximately $1,400 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Prices vary widely by neighborhood, with inner-loop areas like Montrose and The Heights averaging $1,600-$1,800 and outer suburbs like Katy coming in closer to $1,500-$1,700.

Quick Facts

Population 2,304,580
Median Rent $1,400/mo
Top Employer Memorial Hermann Health System
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$1,400 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Houston median rent is $100 below the national median of $1,500/mo — an affordable market.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Houston is Memorial Hermann Health System, making the Montrose area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Houston

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

Montrose

Score: 87/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 78
Avg Rent $1,650
Schools 7/10
#2

The Heights

Score: 85/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 72
Avg Rent $1,800
Schools 7/10
#3

Midtown

Score: 82/100
Safety B
Walk Score 85
Avg Rent $1,700
Schools 6/10

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#4

Rice Military

Score: 84/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 65
Avg Rent $1,750
Schools 7/10
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#5

EaDo

Score: 76/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 62
Avg Rent $1,500
Schools 6/10
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#6

Sugar Land

Score: 90/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 42
Avg Rent $1,900
Schools 9/10
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#7

Katy

Score: 88/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 35
Avg Rent $1,700
Schools 9/10
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#8

Spring Branch

Score: 72/100
Safety C+
Walk Score 48
Avg Rent $1,200
Schools 5/10
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See All 8 Houston Neighborhoods Ranked

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How It Works

How ListWise Scores Houston Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Houston renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Houston.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Houston properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Houston

What is the average rent in Houston?

The average rent in Houston is approximately $1,400 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Prices vary widely by neighborhood, with inner-loop areas like Montrose and The Heights averaging $1,600-$1,800 and outer suburbs like Katy coming in closer to $1,500-$1,700.

Is Houston a good city for renters?

Houston is one of the most affordable major cities in the US for renters, with no state income tax and relatively low housing costs. The lack of zoning laws means more rental supply and competitive pricing compared to other large metros.

What neighborhoods are safest in Houston?

Sugar Land, Katy, and The Woodlands consistently rank as the safest areas in the Houston metro. Within the city itself, West University, Bellaire, and Memorial are considered among the safest inner neighborhoods.

How is traffic in Houston?

Houston has some of the worst traffic congestion in the US due to its sprawling layout and car-dependent infrastructure. Commutes can easily exceed 45-60 minutes during rush hour, so proximity to major employers is an important factor when choosing a neighborhood.

What are the best school districts near Houston?

Katy ISD, Fort Bend ISD, and Cy-Fair ISD are consistently rated among the top school districts in the Houston metro area. Sugar Land falls within Fort Bend ISD, which is particularly well-regarded for academics and extracurriculars.

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Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.