Locals say Montrose is one of the most whimsical places in Houston. The neighborhood is within 4 miles of the museum district and the Galleria. Yet it has boutiques it's uniquely known for and distinct galleries, including The Menil Collection — where there are works from Picasso, Mayan etchings in shells and large-scale photography pieces. "It's a very walkable neighborhood. Old, historic homes, new construction, lots of bars. It's an LGBTQI+ mecca. Our oldest gay bars are here, but in addition to that, some of the best restaurants are in this area," says Henrry Pu of Nan & Co Properties, who specializes in both Houston and Galveston. Not only this, Montrose is just south of the Buffalo Bayou, an expansive green space.
"Someone moving from Austin would easily transition to this neighborhood. It is comparable in terms of feeling and vibe," says Zuleima Cossio of Nan & Co Properties, who specializes in the same markets as Pu.
Montrose is home to some of Houston's oldest and most popular bars and clubs.
Montrose is an ecclectic neighborhood where cultures collide to create something beautiful.
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Montrose's vintage stores, trendy restaurants and bars
Westheimer Road, which flows west to the Galleria, is a hub for niche shopping and dining. Residents can hunt for vintage clothing and houseware at Out of the Closet, while Leopard Lounge is a kitschy spot known for its vintage apparel. March is one of the neighborhood's upscale dining options, serving Mediterranean-tasting menus in a sleek dining room. Wild, the neon-decorated local dispensary, serves coffee, craft cocktails and specialty food items infused with CBD and THC. Sweetgreen sells plant-forward protein bowls and hearty salads. Montrose Collective is a modern mall featuring some of the best restaurants in Houston, including Uchi for sushi. The open-air Montrose Market is held every Sunday. Whole Foods is on Westheimer for groceries.
But the neighborhood as a whole overflows with options and it's known for its bars. "Most of Montrose's bars are built within old houses," Pu says. "Boheme is a famous one." Locals gather there for drag brunch on Sundays and in the evenings for drinks.
Delight is fresh salads at Montrose's Sweetgreen, offering vibrant flavors.
Discover vintage gems at Montrose's Leopard Lounge thrift store.
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Artsy bungalows mix with new construction in Montrose
Montrose's residential areas are equally eclectic. "People continue to live here for many years, even when they get a new bar or restaurant next door to their house," Pu says. He adds that while historic homes are protected from being torn down, there's still space for new construction. Contemporary townhouses and condos settle down the street from traditional single-family homes.
The neighborhood's streets are compact versus wide and winding, with large trees creating a proper canopy. Some of the most popular homes are the 1920s and 1930s bungalows featuring columned front porches and tight lots. Some properties have been completely redone, while others are ready for a refresh. Those looking for more space can find Tudor or Colonial Revival estates from the same era scattered throughout the area.
Entry points here are in the high $100,000s to $500,000s for modest condos. Penthouses range from the $900,000s to over a million. Townhouses are typically from the high $400,000s to 800,000s. Most single-family homes range from the high $700,000s to over $2 million. There are also multiplexes in Montrose that are within a similar price range. "A lot of people own them to rent them out," says Ariel Villarreal, a native Houstonian and Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty.
Older brownstones are link to the rich history of Montrose.
Bungalow style homes are nice options for Montrose residents looking for something smaller.
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Recreational opportunities abound, from parks to fishing in Montrose
"The Minel Collection was donated to the city, so it's always free. There's also a great park there where people do yoga, picnic and even take sound baths," says William Finnorn, a Realtor with Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty who lives in Montrose. Along the neighborhood's northern border, Buffalo Bayou Park sits along a 2-plus mile stretch of the Buffalo Bayou. The rolling green space features a nature-themed play area, a dog park and waterside trails.
Less than 2 miles south, Hermann Park's more than 400 acres is popular for its 18-hole golf course, fishing at McGovern Lake and for the exotic animals at the Houston Zoo. According to Cossio, the amount of greenery in Houston surprises people. "You see a lot of people running and being active. People coming from places like Colorado won't miss out on the outdoorsy feeling," she says.
Buffalo Bayou Park is a beloved destination in the heart of Houston.
Covered benches at Buffalo Bayou Park in Midtown, TX.
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A walkable community with easy access to downtown Houston
Sidewalks and bike lanes make Montrose super pedestrian-friendly. "There was a guy famous for roller skating and singing and dancing through Montrose. He was always there, doing his thing," Villarreal says. The neighborhood is centrally located in the Inner Loop, meaning residents are minutes from Interstate 610 and downtown Houston. It's also immediately north of I-69. The local transportation system, the METRO, provides bus service to the neighborhood. The Texas Medical Center is about 3 miles south, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport is within 20 miles.
While commuters can take the highway, Cossio prefers a different route. "I always take Allen Parkway or Memorial downtown. It's a beautiful drive because you see all the greenery surrounding us and the skyline. Especially during golden hour."
Top-rated schools in the Houston Independent School District
Public schools are through the Houston Independent School District. Kids in kindergarten through eighth grade may attend the neighborhood's Baker Montessori School, which earns an A-minus on Niche. From there, many filter into Lamar High School, which earns a B-plus and is an International Baccalaureate World School offering students the opportunity to earn college credit through advanced courses. Montrose is home to the University of St. Thomas and is 2 miles from Rice University.
Lanier Middle School is a highly sought after school in the Montrose area.
Overview of Baker Montessori School.
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Weather in Houston can be extreme
Houston is known for its extremes, from storms that cause power outages to hurricanes and floods. Parts of Montrose are prone to flooding, including Montrose Boulevard, which was underwater in May 2024 after torrential rainfall. The CAP Index Crime Score in Montrose is 6 out of 10, higher than the national average of 4.
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On average, homes in Montrose, Houston sell after 47 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Montrose, Houston over the last 12 months is $652,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
1930s charmer located in the picturesque Temple Terrace, just a short stroll to Buffalo Bayou Park. Perched on a hilltop, the home boasts a covered front porch that reflects its era, alongside a modernized kitchen that seamlessly connects to a formal dining area, which serves as the heart of the home. The layout includes a cozy living room and a den, while the second floor features a primary
Charming 1928 Bungalow, recently renovated and featuring an impressive swimming pool, with travertine pavers all-around the house. Located minutes from downtown and the medical center in the heart of historic Montrose. Short walking-distance to dozens of Houston's finest restaurants and shops, the neighborhood features new streets/boulevards and friendly neighbors. The home is thoughtfully
Bespoke elegance from the 2024 GHBA Custom Builder of the Year, Fifty Seventh & 7th Luxury Homes. Come home to refined comfort and impeccable design in the beating heart of the city. Exceptional materials combine with unrivaled craftsmanship in this remarkable showcase home. Four bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths over four stories, in addition to a second-floor balcony, home office, and a
Step into timeless charm with this classic duplex nestled in one of the area's most sought-after neighborhoods- Winlow Place. Each unit offers generous living spaces with warm, inviting interiors and thoughtfully designed layouts. Period details such as elegant archways and hardwood floors blend seamlessly with modern updates, creating a perfect balance of charm and contemporary comfort. Ideal
Welcome to 302 Drew St, a stunning neoclassic 1930's Single-Family home with 3 beds, 2 baths, and 2200 sq ft of living space. This beautifully renovated property features a den, front and upper balconies, a side porch, and a rear deck. Enjoy wood floors, a modern kitchen with concrete counters and gas range, and an executive bath with a walk-in shower. The oversized 2-car detached garage includes
Rare find in beloved Montrose! You can't beat this location--walk to shops, restaurants and everything that gives Montrose its signature vibe. This beautiful home is full of natural light and charm with fresh stucco (replaced in 2021) and a warm, inviting feel throughout. The gorgeous kitchen is truly the heart of the home — one-of-a-kind, spacious, and perfect for gathering. Off the main foyer,
For lease furnished architectural delight with textures and lines to spark interest at every turn, this three-story townhome is just steps away from Cherryhurst Park. Enjoy a beautiful remodeled kitchen with fridge and upgraded bathrooms, 2 story ceiling in the living room. 1 bedroom on 1 st floor with private bathroom and premier bedroom on the 3rd floor with private bathroom, 2nd floor features
This beautifully updated one-bedroom, one-bath garage apartment offers comfort and convenience in the heart of Montrose. Enjoy a spacious bedroom with an oversized closet, a generously sized kitchen with ample cabinet space, and a large living room with stylish laminate flooring. Freshly painted throughout and equipped with central A/C and heat for year-round comfort. Located just minutes from
Experience the best of Montrose living with this 2-bedroom apartment. Located in the heart of the neighborhood. Montrose offers an unparalleled experience. This vibrant neighborhood is known for its cultural diversity, trendy restaurants, art galleries, and unique shops. With Highway 59 nearby, you'll have quick and convenient access to explore all that Houston has to offer.Step into the
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