Moving to Montrose - Crime? (Houston, Sugar Land: apartments, condos, high crime)

[dpatel46]

My girlfriend and I are about to purchase a townhome in the Montrose area, specifically on Colquitt between Woodhead and Driscoll (between Richmond, West Alabama, Shepard, Dunlavy) and wanted to get a feel for how the crime was in the area. I've checked out the HPD crime stats and it seems like there have been many incidents in the area such as Assault, Burglaries, Auto Thefts..etc. However, certain websites list this area as a high crime risk area. For those that live in the area..how bad really is it? Are the streets walkable at night? Can I go for a jog on the weekend without getting mugged? I actually grew up in Sugar Land, but have been living in Boston (in the city) for the last 6 years and now I'm moving back. Also is there a park close by that we would be able to walk to? And finally any good restaurants, bars, shops that are safe to walk to?

[crbcrbrgv]

Is she your girlfriend or is she your "beard"? In all seriousness, Montrose is a great place to live and I would say has about an average amount of crime for a neighborhood in the loop. The more money you have the more likely you are to become a victim of a burglary unless of course you live in a gated complex. If you are the least bit homophobic, I would recommend living elsewhere. Geez you are from the area I guess you wouldn't be moving there if you were.

[Poltracker]

I lived on West Main around the corner from there for about 20 years (just moved recently). The crime in that area really tends to be a lot of petty crime but a nuisance none the less. Biggest problems are getting your car broken into and things getting stolen off your patio or out of your yard. Always park your car in the garage (especially overnight, days not much of a problem) and do not leave anything on your patio/yard except plants, lawn furniture, and inexpensive stuff. Never leave your bike out for more than a short while whether or not it is chained. My car was broken into at least 7 times while parked on the street in front of my unit, bike stolen (it was only out for three hours) and other misc. stuff.

Admittedly, the area has gotten a bit better since they tore down some of the bad apartments on Dunlavy and ones on Woodhead and put in condos, but there are still problems (ie the gang fight at the park on Dunlavy).

[lucky_bamboo]

My sister and her husband live near UST. Their car had been broken into twice in as many years before they got a townhouse with a garage. You will definitely want to watch out for petty crime. Don’t leave stuff lying around, always park your car and bike in the garage.

I don’t know about parks, but there is tons of shopping and restaurants in that whole Shepherd-Richmond area. Since you grew up in Sugarland, you probably know that Houston isn’t as walkable as many other cities (traffic, heat, etc.), but there are definitely many great options close by that location. I think it's a great part of the city if you want to be close to everything.

[montrossian]

Yeah, there's not extensive crime but you have to keep your eyes open in Montrose. There are plenty of transients and desperate homeless people wandering the area, and I have witnessed burglaries in broad daylight, but I don't feel threatened living here. Montrose is an awesome area, and it is no more dangerous than any other major city, with groovy vibes and plenty of urban culture.

[westres1]

You wont get mugged...my friend in Montrose on mandell and Richmond runs everyday and is fine. They have had bikes taken from their garage...but they left it open by acciednt. Other than that nothing. They walk to the Harp,and the two Mexican places, and Lucky burger and the dog park all the time.

[J-CityRelo]

I am just north of there in Montrose, I've been here for a couple months and haven't witnessed any crime. I've been warned by neighbors to always close the garage because things will be stolen. If you live in the city in Boston and are used to city living and normal precautions then you'll be fine. I always see plenty of joggers and people on bikes, even at night. There are lots of great restaurants and places to go in Montrose, some of my favs are brasil, empire cafe, hugo's, anvil etc. You'd be able to walk to them from where you are. Check out walkscore.com, it really helped me when I first moved here.