HEIGHTS: The Heights is one of Houston’s most treasured inner loop neighborhoods. The charm here comes from the Victorian homes and Craftsman style bungalows scattered throughout. Even new construction has to meet specific guidelines to ensure the special charm of the area. At just about any given time you’ll encounter people walking their dogs, riding their bikes or just taking leisurely strolls.

The boundaries of this neighborhood can loosely be considered just inside the north loop, North of I-10, West of Houston Ave. and East of Shepherd.

More information about The Heights can be found here»

Read here about Woodland Heights

MONTROSE: This colorful neighborhood, established in 1911, is about variety. Variety in lifestyles. Variety in architecture. Here you’ll find bungalows, duplexes, fourplexes, modern 3 story town homes and massive Victorian style homes. Some neighborhoods that comprise Montrose are Cherryhurst, Hyde Park, and Emerson to name a few.

Among the many shops and cafes in the area, you’ll also find St. Thomas University and The Menil Museum. And don’t forget the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, home of Houston’s popular Annual Greek Festival.

The boundaries of this neighborhood can loosely be considered East of Taft, West of Shepherd, South of Allen Parkway and North of 59.

WEST UNIVERSITY: This beautiful inner loop neighborhood is located just west of Rice University. It is also just a few minutes from the Medical Center. Nestled within it’s boundaries is The Rice Village comprised of upscale and boutique style retail shops, restaurants, pubs, cafes, music venues and more. Homes here usually start at $300,000

The Boundaries: South of 59 and North of Holcombe/Bellaire map »

For more information about West U and all it has to offer here»

BELLAIRE: This affluent neighborhood is one of Houston’s oldest and spills just outside the loop on the southwest side. Traditional ranch style homes among updated mansions populate this family oriented neighborhood. A city within itself, it prides itself on everything it has to offer.

The Boundaries: It’s complicated. map »

For more information about this neighborhood here»

RIVER OAKS: Houston’s crown jewel, located just minutes from downtown is the most affluent innerloop neighborhood. This community has some of the most beautiful mansions in Houston. Just outside its residential boundaries are upscale restaurants, cafes and retail shopping.

The Boundaries: South of Memorial, West of Shepherd, North of Westheimer and East of Highland Village.

For more information about River Oaks, here »

MIDTOWN: One of Houston's newest inner loop neighborhoods. Well, that's not exactly correct. Truth be told, the area has many historic landmarks. However it has only been within the last five years that it actually defined itself as one of Houston's managed districts. A lot of the area in Midtown was just just empty lots and dilapidated buildings until investors and developers arrived with some vision.

The Boundaries:  It's complicated. map »

See their vision, here »

Six Wards of Houston: Understanding Houston's Ward system is very simple.  Most of the wards have been broken up and renamed into neighborhoods.  Many in Houston still hold a great deal of pride in their wards and have been able to preserve their identity. 

For more information on Houston's six wards,  here »