Northside

where to live in houston north downtown

Northside

Northside, or Near Northside, this part of town is undergoing a serious transition with gentrification between the traditionally Hispanic neighborhoods and trendy af businesses. Basically, what EaDo was a few years ago, then Washington Corridor before that, it’s a mix of bungalows, apartment complexes and brand-spanken-new townhomes.

Don’t hold the “up-and-coming” thing against the Northside. It’s a great place to live — still pretty cheap we think. It’s also a great locale if you’re commuting north for work, since you’re right off I-45 but still in a trendy spot. Also, you’re just minutes from Downtown and you can sorta claim that hood too.

We’re kinda creative in our definition of this neighborhood, but essentially anything you’ll find in this Northside guide is located north of I-10, south of 6-10, east of Main Street and west of 59 (more or less).

Where You Need to Go

  • Best Wall: #PolkaDotWall by Shelbi Nicole
  • Best Street Art: Warehousing District by St. Arnold’s on Opelousas St.
  • Best Downtown View: Hogan Street Bridge over I-45
  • Best Running Trail: White Oak Bayou – free 5K first Sunday of the month
  • Best Workout: Citizen Pilates
  • Best Volleyball: Sideline Sports Bar
  • Best Concert Venue: White Oak Music Hallcatch a concert or yoga outside!
  • Best Chill Music Venue: Last Concert Café — you might recognize it from the Visit Houston campaign in the airport?
  • Best Yoga: Black Swan Yoga at Raven Tower
  • Best Late Night Snack: Spanish Tortilla’s – open 24/7
  • Best Donut: Shipley’s –headquarters located here!
  • Best Coffee: Uncle Bean’s — has a drive through!
  • Best Breakfast: Morningstar
  • Best Patio: D&T Drive Inn
  • Best Quirky Coffee Shop: El Gato Coffeehouse & Cat Cottage – find lots of cats here!
  • Best Gelato: Dolce Vita
  • Best Taco: Laredo Taqueria — lines are worth the wait!
  • Best Brunch: Edison & Patton
  • Best Margs: Fiesta en Guadalajara
  • Best Brewery: St. Arnold’s – Houston’s oldest brewery, getting bigger and better each day!

Catch this bright wall near the Quitman Metro Rail stop!

What You Need to Know

The METRO Rail Red Line runs up Main Street and is a convenient spot to get into Downtown. Be careful walking around at night, but it’s definitely a viable commute option if you work or play downtown.

Safety in general is something to think about in any transitioning neighborhood. Just stay alert and aware of what you’re leaving visible in your car.

Also going with gentrification: Be considerate of the residents. This whole lawsuit thing was/is happening over WOMH and it’s loud concerts — the venue is about a step away from a neighborhood.

Just can’t get enough? Here’s everything we’ve written about Northside.