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Montrose Houston: Rich and colorful history

By Karin Smallwood

Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Southwest

September 01, 2014 05:12 AM

Montrose Houston

Neighborhood Description

Montrose Houston is rich in history and a unique neighborhood located inside Interstate 610 (aka 610 Loop). As the city continues to grow, Montrose Houston is a very desirable neighborhood due to its location. The neighborhood is minutes to downtown Houston, the Medical Center, Midtown and located two or three miles from major freeways (Interstate 59 and the 610 Loop). Montrose is located in the center of its surrounding neighborhoods; the Museum District, Upper Kirby, Midtown and downtown Houston. A small part of the Montrose area is listed in the National Historic Registry.

The once lively neighborhood known for its artists, musicians, resale shops, the bohemian culture, diners and vintage cottage style homes has slowly faded as new built townhomes, trendy restaurants, high-end boutiques and coffee shops have taken root. Where rent and real estate was once affordable young professionals, families and a few executives have moved into Montrose Houston changing the look and affordability. Although the new homeowners have somewhat changed the feel of the once unique and festive neighborhood, some surrounding areas have been able retain its original character; small garage apartments and not commonly found alleys that lead into garages. Montrose has a demographically diverse mix. However, the neighborhood is primarily residential.

Montrose Houston has historically been a mix of many different architectural styles; garage apartments, apartments, lofts, high-rises, townhomes, wood and brick bungalows and dignified homes. In its forever-changing culture, the Montrose neighborhood has many homes that have been renovated, while other older wood/brick homes have been torn down and replaced with multi-townhomes on the same lot. Many of its trees have been cut down and replaced with concrete driveways with some landscaping.

The nearby River Oaks/West Gray shopping center has amenities such as well-known restaurants, grocery stores, upscale retail and name brand clothing stores to name a few. Where once the smell of fresh bread permeated the area, Mrs. Baird’s Bakery has been replaced with businesses that have taken its place. Much of the original Montrose communities of artists, young adults, the gay men and lesbians residents and second-hand shops have relocated to the Neartown neighborhood.

Today, in the real estate market, the Montrose Houston is unique in its diverse mix of homes. With such diversity, property values are as diverse as the neighborhood itself. With the older homes and some teardown homes, price ranges vary from $200,00 to $400,000 while small townhomes have been priced as low as $150,000. However, new construction townhomes are priced anywhere in the $200,000 - $400,000 range. Yet some sell in the high $400,00 and low $750,000 range. Also, there have been new construction townhomes and penthouse lofts ranging over $1,000,000.

Although the Montrose neighborhood has gone through many changes over the years, it has managed to hold its value. In more recent years, it has not only held its value but also will most likely continue to evolve as both demand for housing and home prices continue its upward trend. Montrose Houston is the heartbeat of Houston for its location and unique personality.

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Montrose Houston Schools

Montrose Houston is located in Harris County, schools are zoned to the Houston Independent District (HISD) and has two zip codes 77006 and 77019.

In zip code 77006: Wilson Montessori

In zip code 77019: River Oaks Elementary, Wharton Elementary School, Gregory-Lincoln Education Center and Carnegie Vanguard High School.

School information should be independently verified.

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Montrose Houston Property Taxes

The following chart provides more information about this neighborhood including property tax rates as of 2013. Source: Houston Association of Realtors.