Your Expert Guide

Tanglewood Area: Classic and convenient right outside downtown Houston

Agent Angela Chiang.

Photo courtesy of Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty

There are so many great places to live in Houston that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community.

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As a busy mom of two who is often on the go, Angela Chiang understands the importance of not sitting in traffic. That's why she's extra grateful to live and work in the Tanglewood area of Houston.

"It is a fantastic city-centric area, ultra convenient with something for everyone. The location and charm really draw people in to the area," the real estate agent says. "Whether it be Tanglewood, Briargrove, Broad Oaks, Westhaven Estates, or Briarcroft, people are coming to live here for the excellent location near parks, schools, shopping, dining, and grocery stores. Most people are incredibly busy with jobs and family, so sitting in traffic isn't usually an option."

In her 11 years as an agent with Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty, Chiang has consistently had listings and buyers in the Tanglewood area.

This prime location boasts streets that are lined with gorgeous, mature trees and generous landscaping.

Excellent schools are also nearby, including T.H. Rogers, Duchesne Academy, Kinkaid, Mandarin Immersion Magnet School, Second Baptist, St. Francis Episcopal, St. Martin's, and Briargrove Elementary.

Chiang, who speaks both English and Mandarin Chinese, recently moved to the Tanglewood area with her husband and two young children. Previously, the family had lived in nearby Camp Logan, in the Memorial Park area, for 15 years.

Chiang shared a few of her personal favorites about life in the Tanglewood area. Here's her guide:

Where to eat & drink
"Grabbing lunch that is quick and delicious is key on those days where you don't have the bandwidth to decide the age-old question of 'what should I eat today,'" Chiang says. "Trinity Thai is my go-to lunch spot. They offer online ordering, curbside pickup typically within 10 minutes, friendly service, and some of the best Thai food in the city for $10-$12. Lunch is my opportunity to enjoy my love for spicy food because my kids are at school and I don't have to share!"

Chiang also calls out Kenny and Ziggy's, Buffalo Grille, Uchiko, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Caracol, burger-chan, Roegels Barbecue, Killen's STQ, Chama Gaucha, Craft Pita, and Rocambolesc Gelateria as delicious dining destinations.

"One unique thing that this area offers is six grocery stores in a two-mile radius: Trader Joe's, HEB San Felipe, two Whole Foods Markets, Kroger, and Randalls," offers Chiang.

Where to play
Catch live music at The Rustic or an al-fresco flick at Rooftop Cinema Club, Chiang recommends, or browse all the shops at The Galleria.

For nature and exercise, she gives special notice to The Houstonian, Houston Country Club, Trotter YMCA, and Memorial Park.

What to see
The Christmas lights are especially magical in Tanglewood, says Chiang.

Where to live
"Typical homes in the Tanglewood area are designed by top architects on large lots, lined with towering live oak trees and lush landscaping," the agent says. "From original one-story bungalows to newer construction single-family homes, there are a variety of styles, from traditional, modern, Spanish, English, and more. When describing the neighborhood, the word 'classic' comes to mind."

In addition to the single-family homes, the area also encompasses patio homes, luxury high-rises, and townhomes, providing something for everyone.

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Angela Chiang works and plays in the Tanglewood area. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email angela.chiang@sothebyshomes.com, or call 832-212-1446.

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Rental Report

This Houston 'burb saw 6th biggest drop in rent prices in U.S. in 2026

A new report tracking the price of rent in the biggest U.S. cities has revealed Houston neighbor Katy saw the No. 6 biggest decrease in year-over-year rents nationwide.

SmartAsset's annual report, "Where Rent Increased and Decreased Most – 2026 Study," analyzed the change in average rent costs in the 100 largest U.S. cities from February 2025 to February 2026, and compared them to the typical rent price in 2021.

Katy's typical rent prices have dipped 1.43 percent compared to what they were a year ago, which is more than most other large U.S. cities, the report said. For comparison, elsewhere in the U.S., San Francisco saw the highest one-year increase in rent nationally — with typical rent prices soaring nearly 14 percent.

In February 2025, Katy residents paid an average $1,923 for their monthly rent, which has reduced to $1,896 as of February 2026.

However, the city's rent prices are still up nearly 22 percent since 2021 when the average rental cost $1,554 per month.

Houston rent prices are down 0.97 percent year-over-year, with average monthly rents falling to $1,542. Last year, rent was $15 more expensive per month, but it's still 18.42 percent higher than it was five years ago. The city ranked No. 12 for the biggest decrease in rent prices in the U.S.

Katy and Houston were just two of 21 total U.S. cities where rent has fallen since last year. But across all 100 cities, SmartAsset found typical rent prices grew by an average of 1.73 percent, from $1,810 to $1,843. Combined with a 2.41 percent inflation rate that "exceeded" rent increases, the study said some households saw "extra purchasing power of their biggest monthly expense."

"Still, many hot spots saw rent far outpace annual inflation, some in excess of a 5 percent annual increase," the study said. "These recent trends can reveal housing and job market momentum in a particular locale, along with other contextual insights."

Six other Texas cities had year-over-year decreases in their typical rent prices: Austin, San Antonio, Arlington, Plano, and Spring. Austin had the largest drop in the country, and San Antonio had the fourth biggest decline.

Rent in Austin fell 2.87 percent year-over-year to $1,531 as of February 2026, and San Antonio rent prices dipped 1.72 percent to $1,361.

El Paso was the Texas city with the highest one-year rent hike, with typical rents increasing by 1.36 percent to $1,441.

The top 10 U.S. cities where rent decreased the most since 2025 are:

No. 1 – Austin
No. 2 – Saint Petersburg, Florida
No. 3 – Washington, D.C.
No. 4 – San Antonio
No. 5 – Phoenix
No. 6 – Katy, Texas
No. 7 – Aurora, Colorado
No. 8 – Tampa, Florida
No. 9 – Mesa, Arizona
No. 10 – Chandler, Arizona

rent rent report rent prices real estate smartasset

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Rental Report

This Houston 'burb saw 6th biggest drop in rent prices in U.S. in 2026