Looking for upscale rentals near Rice Village? Southampton, Southgate, and West University Place offer a mix of historic charm and modern luxury. These neighborhoods are ideal for professionals, academics, and medical staff due to their proximity to Rice University, the Texas Medical Center, and vibrant local amenities. With walkable streets, boutique shopping, and diverse dining options, this area blends convenience with a peaceful residential vibe.
Key Highlights:
- Walkability: Hanover Southampton has a walk score of 94.
- Proximity to Institutions: Southgate is 0.9 miles from the Texas Medical Center.
- Housing Options: Mid-rise apartments, luxury condos, and spacious townhomes.
- Rental Costs: Prices range from $725 to $14,252/month, with a median rent of $2,200.
- Safety: Crime rates are significantly lower than the national average.
Whether you’re a graduate student, faculty member, or high-end renter, Rice Village combines accessibility, safety, and premium living options.
About Southampton, Southgate & West U Borders
Southampton, Southgate, and West University Place form a charming enclave near Rice Village, combining historic appeal with modern amenities. Southampton stands out for its tree-lined streets and long-established homes, while Southgate takes its name from its position by Rice University’s south gate. West University Place, often referred to as "West U", offers an elegant residential vibe. Together, these neighborhoods balance the convenience of urban living with a laid-back, walkable atmosphere. Let’s explore what makes this area so unique, from its community features to its housing options and proximity to key institutions.
Walkable Community Features
With a walk score of 94, this area is perfect for those who enjoy having restaurants, parks, and other daily necessities just a short stroll away.
A Blend of Historic and Modern Housing
The neighborhoods showcase a mix of architectural styles, blending historic homes with sleek modern developments. From luxurious townhomes to small mid-rise buildings, the housing options cater to a variety of preferences and lifestyles. This mix of old and new perfectly complements the area’s sought-after location near major institutions.
Proximity to Key Institutions
These neighborhoods are particularly appealing to professionals in Houston’s academic and medical sectors. Southgate is only 0.9 miles – or a quick 3-minute commute – from the Texas Medical Center, while Southampton is just 2.1 miles away, an 8-minute drive. This close proximity to one of the largest medical hubs in the world significantly boosts housing demand.
Rice University is another major draw. Faculty members enjoy the convenience of walking or biking to campus, while graduate students benefit from easy access to academic resources and the vibrant local community.
| Neighborhood | Distance to Texas Medical Center | Commute Time | Median Sales Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southgate | 0.9 miles | 3 minutes | Over $1M |
| Southampton | 2.1 miles | 8 minutes | Over $1M |
| West University | 2.9 miles | 10 minutes | Over $1M |
With median home prices exceeding $1 million across all three neighborhoods, the area’s premium pricing reflects its high demand and enduring appeal.
Available Apartment Types and Properties
The Rice Village area boasts a variety of rental options, blending boutique charm with upscale living. Whether you’re looking for a cozy apartment or a spacious townhome, the area offers something for everyone.
Boutique Mid-Rise Buildings
Boutique mid-rise properties combine modern amenities with a more intimate setting. Take Hanover Southampton, for example. This property features 206 designer homes that deliver a perfect mix of luxury and a community-focused vibe. Residents enjoy premium features while still embracing the neighborhood’s inviting residential feel.
New Luxury Buildings
For those drawn to contemporary design and high-end finishes, new luxury buildings in the area are an excellent choice. One standout is The Chaucer, a 15-story mid-rise condo located at 2360 Rice Blvd. It offers 32 exclusive residences ranging from 1,900 to 4,200 square feet. These units feature 11–13-foot ceilings, custom Eggersmann wood cabinetry, premium appliances from Gaggenau and Thermador, and spa-inspired primary bathrooms. If you’re looking for even more space and private outdoor areas, upscale townhomes are another appealing option.
Upscale Townhomes
Townhomes in the area provide a more spacious and private living experience. For example, the townhome at 2436 Bissonnet St spans three levels and includes a private outdoor balcony, a back patio, a designer kitchen with granite countertops, and an attached two-car garage. Rent prices for townhomes vary widely, offering options for different budgets and preferences.
Property Examples
Beyond these general categories, specific properties showcase the area’s premium living options. For instance, 2302 Southgate Blvd is a two-story duplex with three bedrooms, a study, and 2.5 bathrooms. It features new appliances, updated hardware, and a spacious backyard with festoon lighting. Its location is ideal, within walking distance of both Rice Village and the Texas Medical Center. Additionally, several furnished properties cater to extended medical stays, hospital visits, or business travel.
| Property Type | Price Range | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-Rise Apartments | $725 – $14,252/month | Designer finishes, city views, premium amenities | Young professionals, grad students |
| Luxury Condos | $3,000+/month | Custom cabinetry, high ceilings, spa bathrooms | Faculty, medical professionals |
| Townhomes | $1,845 – $7,033/month | Private patios, garages, multiple levels | Families, professionals |
The median rent in University Place sits around $2,200, reflecting the area’s high-end appeal. Rental options near Rice Village range from $725 to $14,252 per month, offering something for renters with a taste for luxury.
Local Living and Amenities
The combination of luxury and convenience in this area is further enriched by its local amenities. Living near Rice Village places residents in one of Houston’s most walkable neighborhoods. Known as a landmark for shopping and dining for generations, this area blends charm with everyday practicality.
Rice Village Shopping and Dining
Rice Village boasts a vibrant dining and shopping scene that caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. With more than 350 shops, bars, and restaurants in the vicinity, there’s always something new to explore, whether it’s for daily errands or weekend outings.
The dining options here are as diverse as they are plentiful. From cozy Italian cafes and laid-back burger joints to sophisticated wine-inspired restaurants, Rice Village has something for every craving. Recent additions like Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and Hudson House, known for its classic American dishes, have only added to the neighborhood’s appeal.
For those who appreciate fresh, local ingredients, the Rice Village Farmers Market is a must-visit. This weekly event offers everything from locally grown produce to homemade goods, creating a community-focused atmosphere and a reliable source for quality food.
Shopping in Rice Village is just as dynamic, with a mix of boutique stores and well-known brands offering a unique balance of variety and familiarity. Together, the dining and retail options seamlessly lead into the area’s outdoor and recreational opportunities.
Parks and Outdoor Areas
The Rice Village area provides easy access to some of Houston’s most beloved green spaces, making it a favorite for those who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic escapes. Hermann Park, just a short distance away, spans 445 acres and features gardens, walking trails, and recreational facilities. It’s also home to attractions like the Houston Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theatre, and the McGovern Centennial Gardens, offering endless options for weekend fun.
For those who prefer a quieter atmosphere, the Rice University campus itself feels like an extension of the area’s green spaces. Its beautifully landscaped grounds and inviting walking paths add to the neighborhood’s charm, creating a park-like environment that blends seamlessly with the surrounding streets.
Whether it’s jogging along tree-lined paths or simply enjoying a peaceful moment outdoors, these spaces enhance the area’s appeal for residents who value both natural beauty and recreation.
Quiet Residential Streets
Despite its proximity to the lively energy of Rice Village, the surrounding neighborhoods – Southampton, Southgate, and West U – maintain a peaceful, residential vibe. Tree-lined streets form natural canopies, offering year-round beauty and shade.
These neighborhoods feature a mix of historic homes and modern developments, creating a visually interesting and balanced aesthetic. Wide sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly streets encourage walking, making it easy to enjoy the area’s charm at any time of day.
The focus on residential tranquility is matched by the convenience of nearby urban amenities. Streets like Southgate Boulevard strike the perfect balance between accessibility and privacy, giving residents the best of both worlds: serene, tree-shaded living just a short walk from the vibrant buzz of Rice Village.
This harmonious blend of quiet residential life with immediate access to dining, shopping, and outdoor activities makes the area especially appealing to professionals, faculty, and graduate students seeking both convenience and peace.
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Transportation and Getting Around
Rice Village is a hub of convenience when it comes to getting around Houston. Whether you’re heading to work, exploring the city, or making your way to campus, this neighborhood offers a variety of transportation options. With walkable streets, reliable public transit, and a location that makes commuting a breeze, it’s a great spot for those who prefer to live without relying heavily on a car.
Walking Distance to Rice University
One of the standout features of Rice Village is its walkability, especially for those connected to Rice University. If you live in neighborhoods like Southampton, Southgate, or near the West U borders, you’re just a short stroll away from the campus and its amenities. Southgate, for instance, gets its name from its close proximity to Rice University’s "south gate" – a feature that makes it especially appealing to faculty and graduate students who enjoy walking to work or class.
The area is thoughtfully designed with well-maintained sidewalks and plenty of crosswalks, making it easy and safe to walk to campus, nearby restaurants, and local shops.
Commute Options
For destinations that aren’t within walking distance, Rice Village offers a variety of ways to get around. Public transit is a reliable choice, with the METRORail connecting the neighborhood to downtown, midtown, and the Texas Medical Center in about 20 minutes for just $1.25. Several bus routes also serve the area, offering frequent service to key parts of the city.
The Hermann Park/Rice U light rail station is about a 15-minute walk from the heart of Rice Village, providing a convenient tram connection to downtown Houston. If you prefer the bus, a trip from Houston to Rice Village takes approximately 33 minutes, while driving the 5.5-mile distance is even quicker – around 8 minutes.
Cyclists will find Houston to be increasingly bike-friendly, with nearly 1,800 miles of planned bikeways. METRO buses come equipped with bike racks, and bikes are welcome on the METRORail during off-peak hours on weekdays and all day on weekends.
Transit fares are budget-friendly, too. Park & Ride buses range from $2.00 to $4.50, with discounts available for students, seniors (65-69), and people with disabilities. To make planning easier, the RideMETRO app helps navigate local bus routes, Park & Ride options, and the METRORail. For cyclists, Google Maps’ Bike Route feature is a handy tool for charting paths across the city.
With these options, Rice Village residents enjoy a seamless blend of quiet neighborhood living and easy urban connectivity.
City Access from Quiet Neighborhoods
Rice Village strikes a rare balance: it offers the peace and quiet of tree-lined streets in neighborhoods like Southampton, Southgate, and West U, while keeping residents well-connected to Houston’s vibrant city life. This combination of accessibility and tranquility makes the area particularly attractive to graduate students, faculty, and medical professionals who value both a serene home environment and convenient commutes to places like Rice University, the Texas Medical Center, or downtown Houston.
As Bill Fulton, Director of the Kinder Institute, puts it:
"That means the demand is ahead of supply. Fifty percent of the neighborhoods in Houston are not walkable. You’ve got to start somewhere. There’s clearly a demand for this type of living, even in Houston and even in this climate."
Rice Village’s design makes it easy to run errands or grab a bite to eat without needing a car, while still offering quick access to major highways for longer trips. This flexibility in transportation adds to the neighborhood’s appeal, ensuring that residents can enjoy the best of both worlds – quiet, residential living with all the perks of urban accessibility.
Best Fit Renters for This Area
With its blend of historic charm and modern conveniences, this neighborhood appeals to individuals who value both quality and accessibility. It’s a hotspot for upscale rentals, attracting a mix of professionals, students, and others seeking a premium living experience.
Graduate Students and Faculty
The area’s proximity to Rice University makes it a perfect choice for graduate students and faculty. The neighborhoods of Southampton, Southgate, and the West U border are especially appealing due to their closeness to campus. Located in Houston’s Museum District, near Hermann Park, the university offers easy access to cultural and recreational activities.
Faculty members enjoy the quiet, residential atmosphere paired with a short commute. Graduate students, particularly those in demanding doctoral programs, appreciate the area’s mature and serene environment, which contrasts with the livelier feel of typical college neighborhoods. The ability to walk to campus adds an extra layer of convenience and enhances the intellectual ambiance of the area.
Medical Professionals
Thanks to its proximity to major medical centers, the neighborhood is a top choice for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and researchers. Medical residents and fellows, who often face long and grueling shifts, find the area to be a peaceful retreat. The availability of upscale dining and shopping options also appeals to professionals who value convenience and high-end amenities.
For established physicians and medical specialists, luxury rentals like those at Hanover Southampton provide a sophisticated living experience. With monthly rents ranging from $2,792 to $12,535, these properties cater to those who enjoy a refined lifestyle and opportunities to host colleagues or clients in an elegant setting.
High-End Renters
Rice Village also draws affluent renters who prioritize both lifestyle and location. This group often includes young professionals in fields like finance, law, and consulting, who are attracted to the area’s reputation as one of Houston’s most desirable neighborhoods. For them, choosing a home is as much about expressing their personal style as it is about convenience.
Additionally, the neighborhood appeals to empty nesters and professionals relocating to Houston who want the perks of city living without the high-rise hustle of downtown. These renters seek a sense of exclusivity and community, qualities that are increasingly rare in Houston’s sprawling urban environment.
Whether it’s a renovated historic home in Southampton or a sleek, modern luxury development, Rice Village offers high-quality housing options that cater to this demographic. The continued demand and limited inventory preserve the neighborhood’s exclusivity while supporting strong property values and rental rates.
Advantages of Rice Village Area
Rice Village offers a unique combination of urban convenience and residential charm. The crime rate in Southampton Place, part of this area, is about 698 per 100,000 people – an impressive 74% lower than the national average. Violent crimes are even rarer, at just 11 per 100,000, which is 98% below the national average. This level of safety is a major reason why professionals and academics are drawn to the neighborhood.
"Given how unwalkable most of Houston is, being in Rice Village for a few hours helps me feel like it’s closer to the vibe of New York City or Chicago. You can legit walk everywhere and for someone that doesn’t want the hassle of having to jump in the car to go half a mile, this is a real treasure."
Here’s a quick look at what makes Rice Village so appealing:
Advantages at a Glance
| Advantages |
|---|
| Exceptional Safety: Crime rate 74% lower than the national average |
| Walkability: Pedestrian-friendly streets that connect the campus, dining spots, and shopping areas |
| Pleasant Environment: Clean, safe streets lined with mature trees |
| Top-Notch Education: Access to highly rated schools and beautiful parks |
Rice Village stands out as a neighborhood that blends the perks of urban living with the comfort of a residential community. Its walkable streets and secure environment make it an ideal choice for those who want a break from Houston’s car-centric lifestyle, offering a rare and refreshing way to experience city life.
Finding Your Rice Village Apartment
Rice Village stands out as one of Houston’s most appealing neighborhoods for renters, offering a unique blend of charm and convenience. Known for its close proximity to major institutions, this area is a favorite among professionals and academics. Add in the boutique shopping and vibrant atmosphere, and it’s easy to see why so many are drawn here.
If you’re considering an apartment in neighborhoods like Southampton, Southgate, or near the West U borders, a bit of planning can go a long way. With the median rent in the Houston metro area sitting at $1,406, financial experts recommend spending no more than 25% of your take-home pay on housing. By that calculation, you’d need a monthly income of about $5,624 to comfortably cover the median rent.
Before diving into your search, check flood maps and ask about a property’s flood history – this is a must in Houston. Visiting neighborhoods in person can also help you get a feel for the local vibe and amenities. These steps are essential when narrowing down the diverse housing options available.
For a smoother search, consider working with an apartment locator service. A skilled locator can save you time by helping you navigate differences between neighborhoods, evaluate noise levels, and discover nearby attractions. Taco Street Locating, for example, offers a free service that includes personalized consultations, up-to-date pricing details, and guided property tours. Since their team earns commissions from apartment buildings, there’s no cost to you.
Here’s how it works: share your budget, location preferences, and lifestyle needs, and they’ll create a tailored spreadsheet with apartment options, pricing, and square footage. They’ll even tour properties with you – either in person or virtually – providing honest feedback on the pros and cons of each option. When you’re ready to apply, just list Taco Street Locating as your referral on the application.
Whether you’re a Rice University faculty member looking for a quiet home, a medical professional needing quick access to the Med Center, or a graduate student chasing that elusive walkable Houston lifestyle, Rice Village has something to offer. Its charm and convenience make it a standout choice for renters.
FAQs
What makes living near Rice Village in neighborhoods like Southampton, Southgate, and West University Place appealing?
Living near Rice Village in neighborhoods like Southampton, Southgate, and West University Place combines convenience with undeniable charm. These areas are incredibly walkable, putting residents just minutes from Rice University, the Texas Medical Center, and the lush greenery of Hermann Park. Plus, Rice Village’s upscale shopping and dining options are practically at your doorstep.
What sets these neighborhoods apart are their peaceful, tree-lined streets, historic homes, and a strong sense of community. They’re especially appealing to professionals, academics, and graduate students looking for a tranquil yet central location. While housing options are somewhat limited, with smaller buildings and boutique properties dominating the landscape, the combination of charm and prime location makes these areas highly sought after.
How do rental prices in Rice Village compare to other areas in Houston?
Rental prices in Rice Village tend to be on the higher side compared to the average across Houston. For instance, a two-bedroom apartment in Rice Village typically costs about $2,100, whereas Houston’s overall average falls between $1,400 and $1,900, depending on the source.
This price difference highlights Rice Village’s upscale vibe. The area offers premium living options in a sought-after, walkable neighborhood close to Rice University. While the costs are steeper, they come with perks like charm, convenience, and easy access to high-quality amenities.
What are the transportation options near Rice Village, and how easy is it to commute to Rice University or the Texas Medical Center?
Residents in the Rice Village area have access to a wide range of transportation options that make getting around simple and convenient. The Rice University shuttle service offers quick and reliable connections to both the campus and the Texas Medical Center, making it a popular choice for students and professionals alike. If public transportation is more your style, METRO buses provide easy routes into the Medical Center and downtown Houston.
For those who prefer to skip the bus, the neighborhood is bike-friendly, with bike-sharing programs readily available. Plus, taxis and rideshare services are just a few taps away, giving you even more flexibility.
With its pedestrian-friendly streets and close proximity to key destinations, Rice Village makes commuting a breeze. Whether you’re heading to class, work, or just out to enjoy a nearby park, there’s always a convenient way to get there.
