Montrose

 

West-central Houston gets a dose of the bohemian in Montrose. Tucked between Midtown and Upper Kirby, Montrose is bordered by the Buffalo Bayou to the north and Interstate 69 to the south. This neighborhood is recognized nationally for its foodie culture and hipster eateries, LGBT community, and art galleries. Properties here range in style from grand mansions to Craftsman bungalows, many of which are historic homes. From street art to shopping, and live music to eclectic dining menus, creativity runs free here in Montrose. 

 

 

► Vibrant nightlife

► Street art on every corner

► Homes with character

► Diverse neighbors

 

The community in Montrose comes from all walks of life. No matter who you are or where you come from, this fun and welcoming environment feels like home. The neighborhood has historically been a solace for counterculture movements, and today it attracts artists, musicians, and chefs from across the globe. Montrose was a hub for the LGBT community in the 1980s, and although the community has since flourished in other Houston neighborhoods, this area remains the epicenter.

 

 

Montrose’s Westheimer Road is fully stocked with irresistible restaurants and vintage shopping. Peruse retro fashion at Lo-Fi Vintage, sift through antiques at BJ Oldie’s Antique Shop, and browse curated clothing selections at Emerson Rose (and don’t forget to take an Instagram photo in front of their massive mural outside!).

 

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, choose from any of this culinary corridor’s unbeatable restaurants. Stop by Boheme, where thin-crust pizza meets artsy cocktails. Sitting on their patio with a handcrafted Moscow mule makes any day feel like a vacation, and you won’t want to miss out on their weekend drag show brunches. On Fairview Street, Riel’s stylish bistro menu boasts Gulf Coast-inspired cuisine with indulgent ingredients, such as oysters Moscow, caviar, and tamarind barbecue snow crab. Nobie’s combines seasonal ingredients from local sources to craft fun American dishes with a wide selection of vegan options. Their hearty dishes like rabbit risotto, potato and cabbage pierogies, and chicken dinner feel like home-cooked dinner without the fuss.

 

 

Montrose is Houston’s most walkable neighborhood, making it extraordinarily easy to get out on the town. This area is largely recognized for its dedication to the arts, so it’s no surprise that there are a number of art collections to browse.

 

The Menil Collection, which opened to the public in 1987, is a privately curated selection of over 17,000 pieces including paintings, sculptures, rare books, and photographs. The museum’s diverse collection includes pieces from the 20th century from artists like Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and Cy Twombly.

 

Rothko Chapel doubles as both a place of worship and an incredible art installation. The chapel was designed by John and Dominique de Menil, French-born Houstonians, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. Inside, fourteen elaborate color-hued black murals were painted by Mark Rothko, giving the chapel its name. This space is regarded as being particularly meditative, a place of worship for all and excluding none. In addition to Rothko’s murals, the grounds are adorned with a Barrett Newman sculpture surrounded by a reflecting pool.

 

 

For families looking to move to Montrose, education is of incredible importance. Fortunately, Montrose offers some of the city’s finest arts education options and a selection of high-ranking public and private schools, including:

 

► High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, 9-12

► Lamar High School, 9-12

► The Harris School, Pre-K-6