West U

West University Place—affectionately known as West U—is Houston's premier walkable family neighborhood, a charming 2.1-square-mile city within a city that feels like a small college town despite its prime location just minutes from downtown Houston, the Texas Medical Center, and Rice University. Incorporated in 1925, West U is its own municipality with dedicated police and fire departments, immaculately maintained streets, and a strong sense of civic pride that translates into safe, clean, and family-friendly neighborhoods.

The area's defining characteristics are its tree-canopied streets, excellent public schools (West University Elementary consistently ranks as one of Texas's top elementary schools), and Rice Village—Houston's most walkable shopping and dining district—right at the neighborhood's doorstep. Homes range from charming 1940s-era cottages to substantial new construction estates, with most properties on generous lots that encourage outdoor living and neighborhood interaction. The lack of through-traffic and strong community policing create an environment where children still ride bikes to friends' houses and neighbors know each other by name.

West U's central location is unbeatable: walk to Rice Village's 300+ shops and restaurants, bike to Rice University, and drive to downtown, the Medical Center, or the Galleria in under 15 minutes. This combination of small-town atmosphere, academic excellence, and urban accessibility has made West U one of Houston's most expensive neighborhoods per square foot, with homes frequently selling above asking price.