Pleasant family areas that are reasonably close to downtown and "urban amenities"

[TallGreengrass]

I’ve met a few Bosniaks that settled in the Houston area. Most were light-haired and light-eyed European looking. The women were educated, worked, drove and none wore the hijab. They lived in different parts of town. Good luck in your search

[lotophage]

You didn't mention anything about needing a single family home or a private yard. 400K for a 3 bedroom 1000+ sqft is doable for condo/high-rise, possibly even a townhouse. Med Center area has lots of children, good access to museums and other amenities. Hijabs are very common in the area.

[jerbear30]

I just moved from Spring Branch to Briar Forest and really love it here. It’s fairly close in as far as suburban areas go, and there are plenty of amenities. As a bonus, the Westpark tollway is a really great way to get into and out of the downtown areas. Briar Forest is basically 77077 and extends north of westheimer to the Buffalo Bayou on the north and is bounded by the 8 on the east and the 6 on the west.

[Saritz]

You might check in 77007 if you don't mind a townhome or patio home. There are some that fit your price range and size requirements. Probably no yard, but walkable to Memorial Park and/or Buffalo Bayou, several restaurants and CVS/Walgreens, depending on exactly where you are. In a car you're 15 minutes max from downtown or the Galleria.

This is more urban, but there are people out walking frequently, especially near the park. It's a diverse area as well, although I haven't seen many women wearing hijabs, I really doubt anyone would take a second look.

I'm sorry you and your wife have been harassed. That is a horrible thing to suffer, and I suffered it myself more than once when I lived in Spain. Anti-American sentiment was strong among certain people who had lived through WWII. It didn't happen often, but when it did it felt awful. There are mean and small-minded people everywhere, even where the majority is cosmopolitan and accepting.