I lived in Montrose a few years ago, just a couple of minutes from this new home actually. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it is an ideal place to raise a family. Kids at a young age cannot be left unsupervised so either I or another adult was always with them. We took them to the Dunlavy splash pad park several times a week. Unlike the parks in the burbs, the city parks are always full of kids- in a good way, not crowded, but just enough for kids to have interaction with each other. Taking turns, playing on the same base, sharing toys, watching others play.

As our boys grew older, they joined the Neartown Little Leaugue which is about the best thing in America! It kicks off with a parade from the HEB on W. Alabama and goes alllll the waaay to the NLL field- all of a half mile- with balloons, horns, and much fanfare, and includes the mayor of Houston throwing the first pitch. I mean how many of you have a photo of your kid in his baseball uniform with the mayor?  One of my favorite memories is the kids learning how to ride a bike at Rice U parking lot- Chris/ alma mater, and then going on family bike rides the Buffalo Bayou with the Houston skyline as our backdrop.

They just had such a rich childhood - in the most diverse community weve ever lived. The voting lines were almost 50/50, Poe Elementary has the most languages spoken in HISD, all kinds of active places of worship.  There are families, couples, singles. High-end restaurants and bars, and kid-friendly eateries. And all kinds of homes too: old bungalows, new townhouses, grand mansions... and then there are people without homes, which did not bother me one bit. In fact, I am glad we didnt have to travel to witness homelessness. Which brings me to the non-profits all around: The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, the Womens Club of Houston...

We went to the the area amenities so often that we were members of everything: the Childrens Museum, the Houston Zoo, the Museum of Natural Science, the Health Museum, the Fire Truck Museum... and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston had free Thursdays and kids activities during the summer.   The Menil is free, and the campus is so green and zen.  Theres a good-sized farmers market on first Saturdays, not to mention all the festivities:  the Greek Fest, the Art Fest, the Children’s Festival... and the Rodeo!

My friends and family opined that Montrose is for singles or young couples, and though that may be true, it was a great place for our family, and still is a terrific place for many of our dear friends. In fact, although weve move away, I still come into Montrose all the time: for work and to be with friends. Because thats what matters most: the relationships we have with others and our community. Everyone knows Montrose is a skip away from TMC, universities, and museums; thereby attracting doctors and professors, lawyers and athletes. We met so many interesting people, people full of kindness and acceptance; we have made life-long friends. For us, initially it was the proximity to downtown and the schools nearby that was the attraction. Then when it came time to move, we found it was difficult to leave, and we missed Montrose more than we expected. All in all, it is my hope that sharing my experience on Montrose living as a wife, mom, and community member has given more insight and a better appreciation for Houston inner-loop living.

Thanks for reading,

Houston Living with Lia