The Inner Loop refers to many distinct and unique neighborhoods, both residential and commercial: Downtown, the Heights, Montrose, River Oaks, the Medical Center, West University and Bellaire. The Loop is made up of a mixture of older, mature neighborhoods as well as new construction. Historical buildings, museums, and cultural institutions contrast with large sports arenas and extensive medical facilities. Sophisticated shops and retails stores combine with restaurants offer the best in cuisine.
The Downtown area is rapidly developing and attracting more residents than ever. Many types of dwellings are on the market – condo units, lofts, efficiencies, penthouses, and luxury apartments are attracting new residents. Both business and culture is at your fingertips. The Houston Theater District, located in the northern downtown area, is home to Houston's eight performing arts organizations, and is the second largest performing arts district in the country.
A one hundred year old neighborhood known as The Heights is full of lovely old Victorian homes many of which have been renovated and still exude Southern charm. The Heights is only a short commute to downtown. The Heights is the highest locale in the Houston area.
The Montrose area is characterized by brick buildings and bungalows from the 1900’s as well as those built in the early part of this century. The nationally-known Museum District is found in the southern portion of Montrose along with unique boutiques, galleries, restaurants and clubs. The District contains over 16 institutions, Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo and the Miller Outdoor Theatre. It is a colorful area where residents can enjoy art galleries and historical homes as well as have easy access to downtown.
West University is an area around the Texas Medical Center and just west of Rice University where many types of living accommodations are mixed together in neighborhoods, many of which feel like a village. One area is known for its abundance of oak trees. The older homes are those stout well-built structures from the 1920’s. The general feel is traditional but newer structures are also found. The Medical Center is Houston’s largest employer, and so much acreage is also devoted to commercial property. The location and traditional quality of the West University area as well as the presence of the medical and educational establishments make West University a continually growing neighborhood.
River Oaks, Houston’s most exclusive neighborhood of approximately1600 residents, is characterized by large estates, beautifully landscaped homes, and very large properties. The architectural style is the 1920’s elegance. River Oaks is the wealthiest neighborhood in Texas, which many celebrities and political figures call home. It is close to the large shopping mall, the Galleria, and the Downtown area.
The attractive tree-lined streets and the old neighborhood quality make Bellaire appealing, and real estate valuable. Most of Bellaire’s homes, built in the 1950’s ranch home style, are undergoing renovation or are being replaced by newer homes, many of which are brick or stucco. Bellaire is a family-oriented community, with great schools and numerous parks, which enhance its appeal to residents who want both a safe residential area and access to downtown amenities.
LOCATION
The term “Inner Loop” springs from the structure of the freeways that encircle Houston. The innermost highway is Interstate 610, forming approximately a 10-mile loop around the downtown area. The districts and neighborhoods that fall within this area are generally classified as the Inner Loop.
TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORTS
The automobile is the favored means of transportation for commuters and travelers in the metropolitan and outlying residential areas; hence, the existence of a well-developed, and constantly upgraded, network of beltways and highways. In addition the METRORAIL, a 7.5-mile light rail opened in early 2004, and Amtrak provides both passenger and commercial service through Houston. METRO provides Park and Ride services as well as intercity regional bus routes. The Port of Houston is the nation’s third largest ocean port. The George Bush Intercontinental Airport, William P. Hobby, and Ellington Field all provide convenient air service to the general Houston area. Hooks Airport, a private facility with full capabilities for corporate aircraft, is also located here.
BRIEF HISTORY
The history of the Inner Loop is also the history of Houston itself.
In 1836 the Allen Brothers, John Kirby, and Augustus Chapman co-founded Houston. In 1900 oil was discovered in Texas, which started a new industry, and during the 1920’s the Texas oil boom attracted many people to the area. In 1902 the construction of the Houston Ship Channel was begun and in 1914 the Channel was opened. In 1937 the first airport was opened, which later became known as the William P. Hobby Airport. In 1963 the Manned Spacecraft Center opened, which later became known at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. In 1969 the George Bush Intercontinental Airport opened to the public.
Today Houston has 5 million people. Houston is world renowned for its energy industry aeronautics industry and ship channel. The Port of Houston is one of the busiest ports in the United States. Houston is considered one of the most desirable cities to relocate, and the trend toward continued develoment and growth promises to continue.
ABOUT EDUCATION
The area in and around Houston also has many excellent community colleges, four-year colleges and universities. North Harris Montgomery Community College District has a FT enrollment of 14,000, Houston Community College System serves 21,140 students, The University Of Texas Health Science Center has a FT enrollment of 2,595, University Of Houston-Downtown serves a student population of 6,236, University of St. Thomas, FT enrollment: 2,541, Rice University has a FT enrollment of 4,158, and the University of Houston-University Park serves a FT student body of 25,479.
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