Montrose

Originally planned as an area for development in 1911, Montrose began as farmland intended for neighborhood development for the middle and upper class. By 1926, Houston’s first apartment hotel was built in Montrose, and the 1930s brought many artists to the area. Slow growth continued until 1969 when the area exploded.

Located just southwest of downtown Houston, Montrose is bounded north and south by West Gray and the Southwest Freeway and west and east by South Shepherd and Bagby. An area that was built around public gathering spots and local hangouts for the hippies of the 1970s has long been gentrified. It is now known as one of the most diverse areas in Houston as it is a cultural hotspot in Houston that includes an eccentric culture, trendy restaurants, eclectic art, and plenty of nightlife.

Though much of the area has changed over the years, some things have still remained. Venues such as Rudyard’s, Anderson Fair, and Avant Garden continue to host today’s live music scene. Friends still gather for drinks at West Alabama Icehouse and meet up at Numbers, a nightclub established in 1978. If the night life is not your style, there are plenty of trendy Montrose locations to visit by day. The Menil Collection is a free art museum that houses over 17,000 paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, and books from the personal collection of John and Dominique de Menil. The Museum of Fine Arts is one of the largest museums in the country spanning art from over 6000 years.

If the outdoors is what you crave, Montrose is home to several parks. Located next to the Menil Collection is Menil Park where lots of folks enjoy a picnic under one of the sprawling oak trees. Buffalo Bayou Park offers stunning views of the Houston skyline while it provides ample space to relax, go for a walk, or run around with friends. Buffalo Bayou Park, Midtown Park, and Levy Park offer scenic views, playgrounds, and dog parks.

With so much to do in Montrose, you’ll love calling this area “home.” Surrounded by new restaurants and vintage clothing stores, you’ll find the perfect mix of classic and contemporary. Enjoy an architectural walk through Preservation Houston where you can see local landmarks as well as historic districts. Whether you spend your days working or playing, you’ll love returning home to Montrose… a home to many and welcoming to all.

Montrose is home to many and welcoming to all.