Gay neighborhood houston tx

People who grew up in Houston's Montrose neighborhood yearn its 'sketchier side'

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- People speak Houston is always a city on the strategy, and perhaps no other neighborhood exemplifies it enhanced than Montrose.

When the daystar is down and overnight comes down on the area just outside of downtown, it may notice as if not much has changed. Whether walking or driving, it seems like everyone has somewhere to go.

"I started going to Montrose when I was 17, and I'm now 46," Guy Harrison, a LGBTQ community activist and artistic director of Houston's Deluxe Theater, said. "When I found Montrose, it felt like house. I was like, 'Wow, this feels safe to me.' Growing up in a small town, I didn't have access to people that looked prefer me, that acted enjoy me."

But, the Montrose that embraced a young queer Black man from rural Texas 30 years ago, is far different than the Montrose of today.

Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker remembers the days when the area had a rougher edge.

"I was living in east Montrose in the early 90s," Parker recalls. "We formed the East Montrose Civic Association as we watched the house across the s

Houston Neighborhoods


Houston is made up of many different neighborhoods, each with their own rich history and culture. From Montrose to Downtown, the East Conclusion to Chinatown, there are many distinct places to scout. And only by doing so can you truly know this remarkable city.


Click the map above for additional detail. 

Chinatown

Houston boasts a big and vibrant Asian community, with the second-largest Indochinese population in the Merged States (behind Los Angeles). The city's original Chinatown was actually just east of downtown, but as the people grew it moved with time to this area southwest of the Loop. Today, Chinese shops, restaurants, and cultural centers share blocks with Indian, Pakistani, and Middle Eastern markets. Dig into dim sum at Ocean Palace, savor crawfish or huge crabs at Crawfish & Noodles, or select up fresh fish at the massive Hong Kong City Market. Read more...

Downtown

Houston's downtown has transformed in recent years from a purely commerce-focused CBD to a vibrant, live-work-play neighborhood. You'll find performing arts in the Theater District, a wonderful mix of nightlife and plenty of

Montrose "Gayborhood"

Founded in 1911 by an eccentric oil tycoon, Montrose is Houston’s renowned “gayborhood”, home to our rich and vibrant counterculture movement. Montrose housed an estimated 30-40 queer bars by the late 1970s, and even today stays true to its spirited roots. For those seeking a Houstonian adventure with a little more sparkle than most, Montrose provides plenty of exceptional options.

STAY

Built in 1923 as the palatial confidential residence for Walter W. Fondren, one of the founders of Humble Oil & Refining Business, La Colombe D’Or on Montrose Blvd. is now a swanky boutique hotel. With its hold art gallery and a renowned restaurant to boot, La Colombe is a posh spot and beloved historic landmark that Montrose holds dear. Though its infamous ballroom was recently demolished to make room for a new high-rise, it’s still a coveted destination and highly-sought location that can serve as a weekend getaway or even the perfect venue for a wedding. A little over a mile down the street from La Colombe, where Montrose turns into the Museum District, sits the sumptuous Hotel ZaZa. This Montrose-adjacent luxury hotel has

Houston, TX Gay City Guide: Montrose Mecca

Everything is bigger in Texas and Houston is proof. The largest city in the declare, and fourth largest in the nation, is known for doing things big! For the gay community, Houston does not collapse short on making you experience at home. Read this article for everything you need to know before moving to Houston.

History

Houston, TX (after General Sam Houston, President of The Republic of Texas that won independence from Mexico) was founded in 1836 and incorporated as a municipality almost a year later on June 5, 1837. Houston began as the capital city of The Republic of Texas before being replaced by the current capital of Austin. Residents of Houston are called Houstonians.

Facts and Stats

Houston is located in the southeastern region of Texas, driving distance from the Gulf of Mexico and Galveston Bay. Other major cities are also proximate Houston which is 250 miles south of Dallas, 165 miles east of Austin, 197 miles east of San Antonio, and 88 miles west of the Louisiana border.  In July 2018, Houston had a population of 2,325,502 according to the U.S. Census Bureau and more than 6 million for the greater metro area.

Weather

Located close to