Loop 610 is often thought to separate the heart of Houston from the rest of the city. While the Inner Loop may be a world all its own, it is home to several communities, each with their own distinct charm and attractions. They are like urban suburbs, separated only by landmarks and street signs.
The Heights: A large community inside of Loop 610’s northwest quadrant, The Heights is populated with families, singles and professionals. From luxurious homes to quaint bungalows, The Heights is close to urban amenities but still feels like a suburb; it is the only Inner Loop community retaining a liquor ban.
Boundaries: 18th street to the west, I-45 to the east, I-10 to the south, Loop 610 to the north
Downtown: From the third tallest skyline in the nation to its underground tunnels, Downtown is in the midst of a rebirth. State-of-the-art sports venues, luxurious hotels, trendy lofts and first-class entertainment venues make Downtown the place to be. Ongoing reconstruction continues to attract individuals seeking the downtown lifestyle and easy access to some of the best performing arts: ballet, opera, theater and the symphony.
Boundaries: U.S. Highway 59 to the east, I-10 to the North, I-45 to the west and south
Texas Medical Center: South of Downtown is the Texas Medical Center, the world’s largest medical district. It includes 45 medicine-related institutions, 13 hospitals, four nursing schools, two specialty institutions and two medical schools. Student housing, town home and condominium developments also fill this area. The area also features Reliant Park, a hub for conventions, sports and family events, and is serviced by Metro Bus and the Red Line Metro rail light system.
Boundaries: Loop 610 to the south, U.S. Highway 288 to the east, Bissonnet Street to the north, Greenbriar Road to the west
Binz: Nestled near the north east corner of the Medical Center, Binz consists of large homes, small apartments and several commercial buildings. During construction of Highway 288, the area was separated from Riverside area in the 1970s.
Boundaries: Almeda Road to the east, U.S. Highway 59 to the north, Main Street to the west, Hermann Park to the south
Midtown: Houston’s second-oldest residential neighborhood, Midtown is filled with young professionals and married 30-something couples. Midtown is overflowing with popular attractions drawing individuals wanting the city’s nightlife. The light rail runs directly through Midtown, along Main Street, and the bus station is conveniently located in this area.
Boundaries: Spur 527 to the west, U.S. Highway 59 to the south and east, I-45 to the north
Montrose: West of Downtown, Montrose is considered a demographically diverse area with great restaurants, bars and shopping. Established in 1911, the area blends older homes with new construction. Mansions, bungalows, town homes and condominiums fill this urban sprawl known for its eccentricity and vibrancy.
Boundaries: U.S. Highway 59 to the south, Allen Parkway to the north, Bagby Street to the east, Dunlavy Road to the west
Museum District: This area is comprised of homes, lush greenery, the Houston Zoo, the Medical Center, distinguished museums and many cultural and artistic venues. It is getting a facelift from constant redevelopment by influential individuals wanting to call this area home.
Boundaries: Almeda Road to the east, Montrose Blvd. and Fannin Street to the west, MacGregor Drive to the south, U.S. Highway 59 to the north
Rice Military: The constant construction of condos and town homes and easy access to restaurants, bars and Memorial Park continues to attract young professionals to Rice Military. The name “Rice” derives from the family who owned the majority of the property and founded Rice University; “Military” is a reference to Camp Logan, a U.S. Army training camp, which is now Memorial Park. In 2007, the area was designated as a City of Houston Historic Preservation District.
Boundaries: Washington Avenue to the north, Memorial Drive to the south, Heights Blvd. to the east, Westcott Street to the west
River Oaks: The real estate values of River Oaks are the highest in the Greater Houston area. Many notable Houstonians reside in this luxurious neighborhood filled with “old money.” Sprawling multi-million dollar mansions are built on expansive lots.
Boundaries: Shepherd Drive to the east, Loop 610 to the west, Westheimer Road to the south, Memorial Park to the north
West University: Near Rice University and Rice Village, West University is home to shopping, bars, restaurants, professionals and families. The neighborhood is constantly revamped by remodeling old cottages or building new, upscale homes. Mainly upper-middle class families occupy this beautiful area known as the “Neighborhood City.”
Boundaries: Kirby Drive to the east, Bellaire to the south, Bissonnet Street and Law Street to the North, Almeda Road to the west
Warehouse District: This industrial area has many new town homes, condos and lofts to accommodate growing demand for an urban lifestyle. As new construction continues Downtown, this area will grow in popularity.
Boundaries: I-45 to the south, Scott Street to the east, U.S. Highway 59 to the west, Buffalo Bayou to the north
