About the Community

The City of West University Place is a small town with a big heart.

Location

West University Place is located in the 4th largest metropolitan area in the nation but has managed to retain its small town feel while providing convenient access to an array of big city amenities in the surrounding areas, such as:

  • Bellaire
  • Houston
  • Southside Place

Amenities & Benefits

Just minutes from downtown Houston, the Galleria, and Texas Medical Center, West University Place's location makes it an ideal spot for living, working, and raising a family. West University Place's tree-lined streets, well maintained homes and expansive park system are second to none.

Thriving Community

West University Place continues to thrive as a community due to a number of factors, including:

  • Access to big city amenities
  • Great location
  • Low crime rates
  • Small-town atmosphere
A police officer and a group of young children stand next to a tree

Education

The area's strong educational background, its proximity to Rice University, and the fact that 85% of adults who live in West U have bachelor's degrees are among the reasons West University Place has been recognized for a high quality of life.

Recognition

Over the years, West University Place has earned regional and national recognition.

  • In 1999, Inside Houston Magazine named West University Place the Hottest Neighborhood in their annual Reader's Choice Awards.
  • Business Development Magazine named West University Place as the one of the best small Texas cities to live.
  • In 2007, Forbes named West University Place as a Top Urban Enclave, stating that "the tree-filled, affluent bedroom community is one of the most prized addresses in the Houston area."
  • In 2011, West University Place received multiple accolades from rating entities:
    • CNNMoney named West University Place as the #12 Top Earning Town in America.
    • The Houston Business Journal ranked West University Place #1 in a study of quality of life in the southern United States. The rankings encompass 1,146 cities, towns, villages and other municipalities in 13 southern states.
    • In 2018, West U was ranked one of "America's 50 Best Cities to Live" by 24/7 Wall Street.