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Every June, the largest Gay Pride Parade in the American southwest winds its way through the streets of Montrose. As a neighborhood with an artsy community, and decidedly gay reputation, it's fitting that this parade featuring blaring music, flashing lights, and polychromatic floats adorned with half-naked participants would take place here.
Nestled near downtown, the main drag of Montrose is along Westheimer Boulevard, and consists mostly of antique shops dotted with a landscape of coffee bars and small diners. Its geography follows a similar pattern — unique, diverse restaurant cuisines intermixed with low-key shopping options (and the occasional store proclaiming, in bright neon, "Condoms Galore!" are inside).
Montrose is home to the University of St. Thomas, where many new Houston Independent School District teachers complete their certification coursework. Housing in the area is extremely affordable to rent or buy — renting starts at about $1700 a month for a large house, and sales typically begin in the mid to high $100,000s — although safety on the back streets is sometimes questionable.
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—Montrose writeup by Joy Howard
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