The Best Houston Neighborhoods for Sports Fans
For those of you Houstonians who live for sports, where you live matters. We’ve rounded up the best Houston neighborhoods to consider if you love sports, taking into account proximity to stadiums, fields, and sports bars and restaurants that typically air big games.
Braeswood Place
Braeswood Place is located in the heart of Houston and is home to numerous subdivisions, with access to the 610 loop on its western and southern borders. It contains a diverse blend of modern homes and classic ranch style homes that were popular in the past.
What makes it perfect for a sports lover, though? Residents of Braeswood Place are located just minutes away from the NRG Stadium, home to the city’s beloved Houston Texans. An NFL team that has called the city home since 2002, the Texans have played in the NRG Stadium since they first arrived in Houston. Braeswood residents can quickly access the stadium by travelling along Kirby Drive or by heading down the 610 loop.
Downtown Houston
Downtown Houston sits in the most central part of the city, offering easy access to the rest of Houston. It’s also one of the most diverse parts of the city, boasting a mix of townhomes, condos, apartment towers, and single-family residences either within its borders or close by.
It’s also the place to be for baseball lovers. Tucked into the southwest corner of Downtown Houston is the Toyota Center, home to the city’s Houston Rockets. The Rockets have a long and storied career in the city and previously brought two NBA championships to Houston in the mid 90s. Today, residents of Downtown Houston can make it to the Toyota Center within minutes.
Yet another big draw for the downtown area is Minute Maid Park, home to the city’s Houston Astros. An MLB team that has long been loved in Houston, the Astros brought home their first World Series championship in 2017. Residents of Downtown Houston can catch a baseball game as easily as a basketball game, since Minute Maid Park is just minutes north of the Toyota Center.
On days when heading to a game isn’t an option, residents can head to the string of restaurants and bars along Main Street. The Flying Saucer bookends the southern end of the road, while Live Sports Bar and Grill crowns the northern end. Both serve up food and drinks beneath rows of television screens that are constantly playing everything from basketball games to soccer tournaments.
East Downtown
East Downtown is conveniently located, with Downtown Houston to the northwest and Midtown to the southwest. This places residents at the intersection of some of the city’s most popular destinations. A very walkable neighborhood that also boasts affordable living, East Downtown is the ideal destination for the city’s soccer loving population.
Located on the northern edge of East Downtown, the BBVA Compass Stadium plays host to the city’s MLS team, the Houston Dynamo. The Dynamo began their existence playing on the University of Houston campus until their move to East Downtown. The team has had several successes, including taking home the MLS Cups in 2006 and 2007. East Downtown dwellers can easily walk to the stadium. Even when going to the game isn’t an option, residents can still visit Lucky’s Pub, one of the city’s most popular bar and grills and a longtime destination for Houston sports fans.
Midtown Houston
No discussion of Houston’s sports-loving neighborhoods would be complete without a discussion of Midtown. Located in central Houston next to Montrose, Downtown Houston, and the Fourth Ward, Midtown is home to stretches of condos, apartments, and single-family homes. The walkable neighborhood is perennially popular among Houstonians.
Although this neighborhood doesn’t host any stadiums or sports teams, Midtown is home to many popular bars and grills. One of the longtime popular destinations in Midtown is Pub Fiction. This popular pub serves up food and drinks and has no shortage of television screens. Residents can also head down the street to the popular Little Woodrow’s, a porch style pub that has TVs both inside and outside.