West University /
Rice Village

The neighborhood known as “West U” offers two square miles of low-key, but high-end, living inside the 610 Loop. The first lots went on the market in 1917, and this affluent, autonomous suburb consistently lands on national “best places to live” lists.

With strong schools, dependable local services, and plenty of gathering spots, West U is where families and social butterflies thrive.

Close to Rice University, West U feels like a small town that happens to be surrounded by one of the largest cities in the country. In 1939, residents resisted attempts to be absorbed into the city of Houston and the municipality has happily maintained its independence ever since.