Houston/Neartown

Neartown is a general name for the lively area that encompasses the neighborhoods just west of Downtown. It is bounded by I-69/US-59 to the south, I-45 to the east, and Allen Parkway (adjacent to Buffalo Bayou Park) to the north. The western boundary is approximately Shepherd Drive.

Understand
Both a street name and a neighborhood, Montrose is Houston's longtime home to a large portion of its LGBT community. Due mainly to gentrification, Montrose has slowly transformed from a quirky, artsy, affordable cluster of 1920s bungalows to a more upscale, commercial, artsy neighborhood (although there are still plenty of quirkiness and bungalows!). Montrose is one of the few places in the city where walking is common, but with an August average afternoon high temperature of 92 °F with 54% humidity, one might find a car the better solution during the summer.

Midtown experienced serious redevelopment in the 1990s and is now home to many of Houston's young professionals, newer restaurants and bars/clubs. The nightlife here is hip and very vibrant.

Do




Buy
Walk along Westheimer Blvd between Montrose Blvd. and Shepherd Dr. and browse the fashion resale shops, antique stores, and variety of eateries and watering holes. Empire Cafe is a popular brunch spot for local residents. Cafe Brasil serves salads, pizzas, coffees, alcoholic beverages in more in an urban European style cafe.

In reality, 'true' lower Westheimer embodies the now run down section of Westheimer between Montrose and Bagby (i.e., downtown).



Budget