Moving to Houston
Houston has one of the youngest, fastest growing, and most diverse populations anywhere in the world. People from across the globe relocate to Houston every year to take advantage of the abundant opportunities the region provides.
- Houston is the most diverse city in the nation with a great mix of people, culture and industries. We are the future of America.
- Houston is fun and affordable giving you access to a great quality of life.
- If you work hard and dream big, anything is possible in Houston.
Video courtesy of Greater Houston Partnership.
This is HOUSTON
Rice is in the heart of the Museum District - next door to the world’s largest medical center, a short train ride to downtown and the nation’s second-largest theater district. Surrounding our campus is a world of opportunity and Rice students have free or discounted access to much of it.
Houston Areas
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"Make a beeline to Houston’s newly resurrected Central Business District. It’s home to pro sports teams like the Astros and Rockets, as well as nationally renowned Houston Theater District. It is home to Alley Theatre, Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera, Houston Symphony, Society for the Performing Arts and Theater Under the Stars.
Head over to the Market Square Park area, where classic bars like La Carafe mix with newcomers like the OKRA Charity Saloon and Pastry War. Catch a show or enjoy a night out at GreenStreet, a four-block, mixed-use entertainment complex. Explore the new Avenida Houston; including the 12-acre Discovery Green, George R. Brown Convention Center, and many new events, restaurants and exciting experiences."
-VisitHoustonDowntown Neighborhoods:
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Bagby Park in Midtown. Photo courtesy of Spenser Harrison.
"Many Houstonians hear the word 'Midtown' and think about bars filled with young people and the close proximity to Downtown Houston. In the last several years, this social oasis has become an activity center with several new developments. With a wide variety of dining, shopping, and nightlife, Midtown is a must-have experience for locals and visitors alike."
-VisitHoustonNeighborhood Resources:
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Shopping in Rice Village. Photo courtesy of Rice Village District.
"Sandwiched between Highway 59 and the 610 Loop, the tree-lined West University area is one of the most sought-after districts in the city. Home to Rice University and the pedestrian-friendly Rice Village Shopping Center, the neighborhood appeals to families and young professionals alike. Swing by the Village for fashion-forward finds at local and nationally-owned boutiques, bites at one of the many restaurants and happy hour sips at the nightlife hot spots along Morningside Boulevard."
-VisitHoustonNeighborhood Resources:
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Miller Outdoor Theater in Hermann Park. Photo courtesy of Miller Outdoor Theater.
"Just southwest of downtown, in the pedestrian-friendly Museum District, more than 8.7 million visitors explore the 19 cultural institutions that make up the tree-lined, culture-filled neighborhood each year. The district is the proud home of the nation’s sixth largest art museum, offering guests 300,000-square-feet of space dedicated to paintings, sculptures, costumes, photography and textiles dating back to the antiquities. Other area highlights include—a vault containing the largest emerald crystal ever recovered in North America, a kid-run city complete with a skyline, government and job roles, plus Houston’s first and only 4D theater."
-VisitHoustonNeighborhood Resources:
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Texas Medical Center, with views of Rice University and downtown Houston.
"Houston is home to the largest concentration of researchers, physicians and medical professionals in the world. The world-renowned Texas Medical Center’s 47+ institutions include esteemed medical facilities and educational icons such as M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, Memorial Hermann Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine. This collective healthcare power-house treats more than 5 million patients annually and employs more than 72,600 people. Immediately adjacent to the Medical Center is NRG Park, the sprawling, multi-venue, events campus that is home to the Houston Texans, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and much more."
-VisitHoustonNeighborhood Resources:
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The Westheimer Curve in Montrose. Photo courtesy of El Real Tex Mex.
"Dare to be different? Anything goes in Montrose. From neon-lit tattoo parlors and 24-hour drive-thrus to tree-covered bungalows and quaint coffee shops. Developed in 1911, the four-square-mile area is a pocket of eccentricity and diversity in the heart of the city. Spend an afternoon perusing one of Montrose’s art galleries, grab a bite at a local café or find one-of-a-kind treasure at the many thrift shops along the Westheimer Curve. And finally, when the day is done, rest assured you’ll find peaceful sleep at one of several Montrose B&Bs."
-VisitHoustonNeighborhood Resources:
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Kirby Ice House, near Greenway Plaza. Photo courtesy of Kirby Ice House.
"Once a forgotten area of town, today Upper Kirby and the adjacent Greenway Plaza area are at the center of Houston's growth. The multi-use West Ave project is the heart of Upper Kirby with its assortment of excellent restaurants and fine boutiques. Rub elbows with the post-work crowd at Oporto Café or Upper Kirby’s Downing Street Pub, where preppy patrons smoke cigars and unwind at the end of a long day. Or enjoy dinner at one of the city's celebrated restaurants Tony's."
-VisitHoustonNeighborhood Resources:
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Buffalo Bayou Park. Photo courtesy of 365 Houston.
"A glittering, fresh-faced crowd swarms this eclectic mix of luxurious lounges, honky tonks, wine bars and some of the most-loved restaurants in the city. The strip, which stretches east from Memorial Park to Downtown, recently experienced a resurgence, as dilapidated properties were torn down and replaced with townhouses, mixed-use developments, and high-energy hot spots. After the sun goes down, catch a seat on The Wave—Houston’s first ‘jitney’ shuttle. The taxi-bus concept enables riders to enjoy a fixed-route, fixed-rate shuttle within the Washington Avenue District, Midtown and the Heights."
-VisitHoustonNeighborhood Resources:
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Historic Ninfa's on Navigation - credited as launching the national fajita craze back in the 1970s. Photo courtesy of Visit Houston.
"Once home to Houston's Chinatown, East Downtown, or EaDo, offers a diverse mix of ethnic grocery marts and restaurants, bars and nightclubs and art galleries. Located within walking distance of the George R. Brown Convention Center and the heart of Downtown Houston, this vibrant neighborhood continues to grow and attract new residents and business tenants. The new Dynamo soccer stadium anchors additional parks, restaurants and nightlife and a new MetroRail Green Line gives you convenient access to Houston's Downtown and Midtown neighborhoods."
-VisitHoustonNeighborhood Resources:
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Historic Houston Heights. Photo courtesy of Houston Heights Association.
"Northwest of Downtown sits a section of historic neighborhoods that date back to the late 1800s. Residents once flocked to the area to escape the big city, but today it’s home to diverse Houstonians that are drawn to its rich and character-filled architecture, mom and pop-type shops and funky restaurants. Find something you never knew you wanted at one of 19th Street’s quaint boutiques. Thrift stores, antique havens, and cafes prove to be popular at the Heights-strip. Stop by for the 'First Saturday Arts Market' on the first Saturday of each month for live music, crafts, plants and artwork."
-VisitHoustonNeighborhood Resources:
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Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. Photo courtesy of Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens.
"Nestled between The Galleria and Montrose neighborhoods, is the shaded oasis of River Oaks. The luxurious area brings foodies, shoppers, and visitors for food, activities, and gorgeous, mansion-filled neighborhoods."
-VisitHoustonNeighborhood Resources:
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Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park in Uptown. Photo courtesy of Uptown Houston.
"Shiny chrome rings suspended above intersections welcome visitors to Houston's shopping premier shopping district. The Galleria is a fashionista's paradise. More than 700 retailers, fine dining, sports, and hotels sit within two square miles. Inside Texas' largest shopping mall, the Galleria, more than 375 stores, two hotels, an ice rink and endless food options make it a popular destination. For an alfresco experience, follow Post Oak Boulevard north to Uptown Park, where well-heeled boutiques fill the Italian-inspired shopping villa, or drive (just inside the Loop) to Highland Village, where national-brand restaurants and retailers mix with locally owned shops."
-VisitHoustonNeighborhood Resources:
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Chinatown
Teo-Chew Temple. Photo courtesy of Pavel Kaplun/Kreativstudio.
"Houston boasts a large and vibrant Asian community, with the second-largest Indochinese population in the United States (behind Los Angeles). The first Chinatown was established east of Downtown, but today the southwest area of the city has emerged as the thriving international district. Here, Chinese shops, restaurants, and cultural centers share blocks with Indian, Pakistani, and Middle Eastern markets. Dig into dim sum at Ocean Palace, savor a steaming bowl of vermicelli soup at Tan Tan, or pick up fresh fish at the massive Hong Kong City Market. For bargain shopping, explore Harwin Drive, where countless strip malls offer discount perfumes, cell phones, and everything else under the sun."
-VisitHoustonMemorial & Energy Corridor
"West Houston-a hotbed for business and development-is quickly emerging as one of the most thriving neighborhoods in the city. In recent years, the area has ushered in new hotels, an expansion of Memorial City Mall and a remodel of Town & Country Village. It's also welcomed the arrival of CityCentre-a pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use development that's situated at the I-10 and Beltway 8 interchange. The 37-acre expanse, especially popular with Energy Corridor residents and those working in the nearby West Houston Medical Center, brings together casual and fine dining, shopping, retail, office space, and residential living."
-VisitHoustonClear Lake & NASA, Kemah, Seabrook
Kemah Boardwalk. Photo courtesy of Visit Houston.
"Just 25 minutes from Downtown Houston on the shores of Galveston Bay you'll find the communities of Clear Lake Bay, Kemah and Seabrook. Known for great seafood restaurants, sailing and other water activities, the Bay Area is often called the "Boating Capital of Texas." Visit the Kemah Boardwalk for amusement rides, shopping and waterfront dining. Head over to Space Center Houston to see NASA's Mission Control and learn what it's like to be an astronaut. Or experience the region's natural beauty on the trails at Armand Bayou Nature Center."
-VisitHouston- 365 Things: 5 Must-Do Things Near NASA & Space Center Houston
- 365 Things: 5 Must-Do Things Near Clear Lake
- 365 Things: 5 Must-Do Things in Kemah
Galveston Island
Galveston at night. Photo courtesy of Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier.
"Galveston Island’s temperate weather and Gulf breezes make the historic beach town a must-visit destination less than an hour from Houston."
-VisitHoustonPearland
Sri Meenakshi Temple (photo courtesy of Sri Meenakshi Devasthanam).
"As the fastest growing city in the Houston region, Pearland has everything you’re looking for in a community – affordable housing, outstanding schools, safe neighborhoods and superb quality of life.
With millions of square feet of retail, office and residential construction completed in the past 10 years, Pearland is on its way to becoming the next major employment center in the Houston region. Our close proximity to Houston, just a short 20 minute drive to downtown, allows you to experience all the city has to offer including professional sports, world-class cultural amenities and recreation."
-City of PearlandSugar Land
Sugar Land Town Square. Photo courtesy of Visit Sugar Land.
"Just twenty minutes southwest of downtown Houston. Sugar Land serves up big city amenities with small town hospitality. Whether it's a piece of history, on-trend shopping or hours of family fun, Sugar Land offers something sweet for everyone."
-Visit Sugar LandThe Woodlands
The Woodlands Waterway. Photo courtesy of The Woodlands Entertainment District.
"Named by Travel + Leisure magazine as one of America’s “Coolest Suburbs Worth a Visit,” The Woodlands offers vacationing families and business travelers more than 11 million square feet of shopping, dining, hospitality and entertainment.
Located only 30 minutes north of Houston, The Woodlands is home to four-diamond hotels, world-renowned shopping, award-winning restaurants, fun nightspots, golf, nature trails and more—all nestled among 28,000 acres of forest preserve."
-VisitHouston
Housing & Relocation Resources for Rice Business Students
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Reviews and advice from current Rice Business Students: Housing Guide 2022
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Rice University is pleased to offer housing to incoming first-year graduate students at two university-managed properties - both located within a mile of campus.
- Rent includes internet, basic cable at RGA and internet cable or online streaming TV at RVA and utilities (electricity not included)
- Furnished apartments with full size beds, chair/desk and chest of drawers
- Shuttles to campus every 15 - 20 minutes during weekdays
- Shopping shuttle on weekends
- Planned social events and activities
For more information, please visit the Graduate Student Housing website. Please use the Menu in the upper right corner to access the content about housing application, amenities and resources.
Rice Village Apartments
Rice Village Apartments (2410 Shakespeare St, Houston, TX 77030) is a four-story complex featuring a modern design and just opened in the spring of 2009. It is conveniently located on Shakespeare Street adjacent to the ever so popular Rice Village. The location can provide extra benefits to the residents without a car because the Rice Village showcases over 300 shops, boutiques, and restaurants. This distinctive community protects important green space and trees in this attractive neighborhood. There is a resident herb garden and fruit trees throughout. Each unit offers appliances certified by Energy Star to conserve energy and protect the environment, giving residents lower electricity bills. The laundry machines alert you via email when your laundry is done. Disability accommodations are also provided. You will find the value of making the Rice Village Apartments your home, by offering affordable and unique floor plans within a prestigious area of Houston.
Rice Graduate Apartments
Rice Graduate Apartments (1515 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005) is a garden style complex located on Bissonnet in the Houston Museum District only seconds away from Rice Campus. With ease you can visit the Museum of Fine Arts, Contemporary Arts Museum, Museum of Natural Science, Children’s Museum, Health Museum, and the Holocaust Museum. The Houston Zoo is also conveniently located in close proximity to the Graduate Apartments. This community was designed with you, the Rice University graduate student, in mind. We offer you the space you need to have success in your academic pursuits. Besides the large room you have in your apartment you will also find; a computer room, two study rooms, a television lounge, clubhouse, and two courtyards. When you make Rice Graduate Apartments your home, besides the obvious advantages: quick and easy access to campus and access to community resources, studies show that students living near campus actually have a better opportunity for growth and success.
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We have compiled a list of realtors and apartment locator services who can help students find housing in the Houston area. Please feel free to reach out to any of the real estate professionals listed below:
Name: Brandi Downey (Rice MBA '11)
Company: DiverseCity Realty
Phone: 281-727-0919
Email: Brandi@diversecity.usName: Amanda Boos
Company: Apartment Living Locators
Office: 713-703-6734
Email: aboos0731@aol.comName: Sachin Chowdhry
Company: Roger Martin Properties
Phone: 832-646-0250
Email: sachin@rogermartin.comName: Deja Land
Company: Deja Land Realty
Phone: 713-585-5017
Email: deja@deja.land