Houston doesn't have the paparazzi-clogged sidewalks of Sunset Boulevard or the chilly, high-fashion loft vibes of Tribeca. It’s got humidity. It’s got traffic that feels like a personal insult.
Yet, if you’re driving through River Oaks or wandering around a suburban HEB in Spring, you might just bump into a billionaire or an Olympic legend. Honestly, the list of famous people who live in Houston is a lot weirder and more impressive than the "cowboys and oil men" stereotype suggests.
People think stars only come here to visit. That’s wrong. They’re buying sprawling estates, building custom mansions, and—in some cases—buying entire former resorts.
The A-List Residents: Why Houston Still Matters to the Stars
You can't talk about Houston royalty without starting with the Queen. Beyoncé might have a massive $190 million compound in Malibu and an $88 million fortress in Bel-Air, but her roots in the 3rd Ward aren't just for show. While she spends a huge chunk of time on the West Coast, the Knowles-Carter family maintains a presence here. It’s home.
Then there’s the recent, somewhat chaotic arrival of Drake.
The Canadian rapper spent years shouting out Houston in his lyrics, basically treatin' the city like his second home. In late 2024, he finally made it official. He didn't just buy a house; he bought The Inn at Dos Brisas. It’s a $15 million former five-star resort out in Chappell Hill, just a short drive from the city.
He’s got casitas. He’s got a 7,000-bottle wine cellar. He’s got an equestrian center.
👉 See also: Addison Rae and The Kid LAROI: What Really Happened
Basically, he's living out a luxury cowboy fantasy.
Sports Legends and the Suburban Dream
If you’re looking for the most decorated athlete in the city, look toward the northern suburbs. Simone Biles, the literal GOAT of gymnastics, is a Houstonian through and through. She grew up in Spring and has spent the last couple of years building a massive, custom-designed waterfront mansion with her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens.
It’s got the works:
- High ceilings (ironic, given her height)
- A massive game room
- A home theater
- A specialized dog wash station for her pups
She’s often spotted around town, just living a relatively normal life when she isn't busy winning gold medals.
Then you have the Houston Texans roster. As of 2026, guys like Will Anderson Jr. and Nico Collins have cemented themselves as local fixtures. They aren't just passing through; they're the faces of a franchise that has the city buzzing again.
The Business Moguls Hiding in Plain Sight
Houston is a billionaire’s playground. While Austin gets all the "tech bro" headlines, the real, old-school wealth is tucked away in Houston’s leafy pockets.
✨ Don't miss: Game of Thrones Actors: Where the Cast of Westeros Actually Ended Up
Tilman Fertitta is arguably the most visible "famous" person in the city. He owns the Rockets, he owns the Golden Nugget, and he owns Landry’s. If you’ve eaten at a Saltgrass Steak House or Bubba Gump, you’ve given him money. He’s worth somewhere north of $11 billion and is basically the king of Houston hospitality.
Then there’s Kathy Britton, the CEO of Perry Homes. She’s a newer entry into the permanent billionaire club of Houston, proving that the city’s business landscape is still minting massive fortunes.
The Neighborhoods: Where to Actually Find Them
If you’re trying to figure out where these people actually sleep, there are really only five neighborhoods that matter:
- River Oaks: This is the "old money" capital. It was developed in the 1920s and still feels like a different world. Think massive oak trees and houses that look like English manors.
- Memorial Villages: If you want a lot so big you can’t see your neighbors, you go here.
- Tanglewood: Heavily wooded, private, and very quiet. It was a favorite of the late George H.W. Bush.
- West University: Known as "The Neighborhood," it’s popular with high-level professionals and academics.
- The Museum District: A bit more eclectic, where you’ll find the more "artistic" wealthy crowd.
The Hip-Hop Connection: More Than Just Travis Scott
Houston’s rap scene is legendary, and its stars stay loyal. Travis Scott famously keeps a $14 million modern mansion in the city. Even after the controversies of the past few years, he’s still deeply tied to his roots here.
And don't forget the OGs. Bun B isn't just a rapper; he's a culinary icon now with Trill Burgers. You’re just as likely to see him at a food awards ceremony as you are on a stage. Paul Wall and Slim Thug are also very much "around," often seen at Rockets games or local events. They didn't move to LA. They stayed in the 713.
The James Harden Situation
It’s worth noting that "living" in Houston is a fluid concept for some. James Harden was the face of the city for a decade. He even opened a high-end restaurant called Thirteen. However, things got rocky. By 2025/2026, reports surfaced about rent defaults and legal troubles surrounding the restaurant.
🔗 Read more: Is The Weeknd a Christian? The Truth Behind Abel’s Faith and Lyrics
It’s a reminder that even for the ultra-famous, the Houston business scene can be a gamble.
What Most People Get Wrong About Houston Fame
The biggest misconception is that Houston is just a place where people are from.
Yes, Renée Zellweger is from Katy. Jennifer Garner was born here. Jim Parsons (Sheldon from Big Bang Theory) is a proud Houstonian. But most of the "born and bred" stars moved to Hollywood to make it.
The real story in 2026 is the reverse migration.
Like Drake and Joe Rogan (who chose Austin, but sparked the trend), celebrities are realizing that Texas offers a level of privacy and space that California simply can’t match. In Houston, you can own 50 acres and a private pond and still be 30 minutes away from a world-class sushi spot.
Actionable Insights for Celebrity Spotting (Respectfully)
If you're looking to catch a glimpse of the famous people who live in Houston, don't go to the tourist traps.
- Visit River Oaks District: This isn't the neighborhood; it's the shopping center. It’s where you’ll find the Dior and Hermès stores. It's prime territory for seeing athletes and their families.
- Post Oak Hotel: This is Fertitta’s crown jewel. The bar there is a magnet for high-rollers and visiting celebs.
- The Rockets Courtside: It sounds obvious, but the front row of a Rockets game is still the densest concentration of fame in the city on any given Tuesday night.
- Common Bond in West U: You’d be surprised who shows up for a croissant on a Sunday morning.
Houston's celebrity culture is quiet. It's not about being seen; it's about being comfortable. That’s why the stars stay. They can be billionaires or gold medalists at the gym, and most Houstonians will just give them a nod and go back to their own business.
To explore the specific property tax records or neighborhood maps of these elite areas, you can check the Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD) website. For the latest on local sightings and business openings by the stars, following local outlets like Chron or PaperCity remains the best way to stay in the loop.