Midtown/Montrose (Houston, Baytown, Richmond: apartment complexes, homes, neighborhoods)

[theSteevo]

Is there much difference in the neighborhood feel of these areas? Researching apartment complexes in Montrose near Richmond Ave, and in Midtown/Downtown mostly north of Elgin. Is Richmond Ave still considered Montrose or is it now Museum District? Apartment is for a 24 year old, with a car and a commute to the Laporte/Baytown area. Ive read some of the older discussions here and am getting a feel for the area.
Thanks!

[grogers385]

Richmond is Montrose.

[Double L]

I would say Richmond is Midtown but it doesn't matter because that location puts you walking distance from both Montrose and the Museum district.

[txdemo]

Midtown is more like a collection of nice mid rise apartments. Montrose has much more of a neighborhood feel.

[lotophage]

The Museum District is an ambiguous term. Technically anything within a mile and a half of Mecom Fountain is considered the Museum District and that includes part of what people call Montrose, from the Menil and south of that. But commonly people only think of the Museum District as the area south of 59 (69.) Richmond turns into Wheeler as you moved into Midtown. There is some difference in nieghborhood feel, Midtown is less residential, more racous and the people living there tend to be younger. Montrose has some quiet spots, but also has lot of restaurants and bars within walking distance. The Museum Distrcit is primarily residential. But, like Double L said, these are all really sections of the same neighborhood and it's easy to get between them.

[ParaguaneroSwag]

Extremely huge difference. Midtown is just a bunch of nicer apartments with closer proximity to downtown, also a lot of office space. It feels similar to being Downtown.

Montrose is a neighborhood within the Lower Westheimer neighborhood/district, which is one of the hippest neighborhoods there is.

Montrose has gays and hipsters, Lower Westheimer has professionals that enjoy the near Downtown proximity.

[Weatherguy]

Originally Posted by ParaguaneroSwag

Extremely huge difference. Midtown is just a bunch of nicer apartments with closer proximity to downtown, also a lot of office space. It feels similar to being Downtown.

Montrose is a neighborhood within the Lower Westheimer neighborhood/district, which is one of the hippest neighborhoods there is.

Montrose has gays and hipsters, Lower Westheimer has professionals that enjoy the near Downtown proximity.

Most gay people I know are college educated professionals who live all over Houston. There was a time when Montrose was predominantly gay, but my understanding is that this is no longer true. It's a big mix of people, correct?

I don't know much about hipsters, so can't comment on that.

[HookTheBrotherUp]

Midtown = Bars/restaurants and apartments with lots of 20-30 year old residents.
Montrose = Restaurants/Bars and apartments and homes with 20-90 year old residents.

Notice the order of bars and restaurants.

Midtown is closer to downtown. Montrose is closer to culture and parks.

Either place is good, but it depends on what you are looking for. If you want more of an urban lifestyle close to bars, restaurants, parks, museums, then Montrose is probably best (culture). Midtown is also urban, but mostly focused on social activities, not so much culture.

Then there are the areas of Montrose, it is like four corners. Some areas are far removed from the LGBT scene, mostly residential. Then there is that part of Montrose which is what Montrose if known for. I happen to live in East Montrose, which is next to Midtown, very convenient to the rail line, museums, restaurants, and medical center. I am probably being biased, but I think East Montrose is the best for the Bohemian/old Montrose feel and close to all that Midtown offers, as well as the food and cultural scenes. It is also probably the best for walking and easy access to Buffalo Bayou park.

[ParaguaneroSwag]

Originally Posted by Weatherguy

Most gay people I know are college educated professionals who live all over Houston. There was a time when Montrose was predominantly gay, but my understanding is that this is no longer true. It's a big mix of people, correct?

I don't know much about hipsters, so can't comment on that.

Well, it depends on your definition of Montrose. Montrose is a smaller neighborhood than most people think it is, which is North of Westheimer and between Dunylave and Midtown/Downtown. This neighborhood is still the heart of the gay community in Houston. Like most gayborhoods in America (i.e. Chelsea, New York; Boystown, Chicago and even Castro, SF), Montrose is not as predominately gay as it once was, but it is still extremely gay friendly and there are plenty of gay flags flying.

But the confusion between Montrose and Lower Westheimer is the thing. Montrose is only one area of Lower Westheimer. The rest of Lower Westheimer is just a hipster and artsy area.