City Guide of Bellaire, Texas

Overview Tab

History: South End Land Company President William Wright Baldwin founded Bellaire in 1908 when he purchased the 9,449 acre ranch. Advertising declared that Bellaire, Texas was named for the area’s gulf breeze, but it may have also been named by Baldwin after Bellaire, Ohio which was a town served by his railroad. By 1910, Bellaire evolved from empty land to a combination of residences and small truck farms with $150,000 in monetary contributions from Baldwin. These small truck farms were dubbed “Westmoreland Farms.” The South End Land Company marketed Bellaire to appeal to midwest farmers and was promoted as both a residential neighborhood as well as an agricultural trading center close to the big city. In 1918 the city official received a general-law city charter and from there Bellaire has grown into a booming suburb.

Location: Bellaire is conveniently situated within close proximity to the Houston, Sugar Land, and Baytown metropolitan areas. It is located right off of Interstate Loop 610, thus Bellaire is minutes away from everything one could possibly need downtown. The city is in the southwest region of Texas, thus it falls under Harris county. Home to over 17,000 residents, Bellaire is surrounded by Houston, West University Place and Southside Place: three of the Texas’ cities with the highest concentration of residential units.

Commutes: When living Bellaire commuting will be quicker and easier because of its short distance to the downtown area as well as other surrounding cities like West University Place and Southside Place. The central accessible highway is Interstate Loop 610, which takes commuters through the inner parts of Houston. Beltway 8 and State Highway 99 are also frequently used options. Over 80% of all residents of Bellaire drive to work, but public transportation is also available if needed through the Bellaire Transit System METRO.

Culture: Bellaire, Texas is close to everything one could possibly need, but far enough away from the big city to have a suburban feel. Bellaire is a friendly and inclusive community filled with a diverse population. Its large amount of residential neighborhoods makes the city truly fit for a family. It is close to a number of malls, quality restaurants, and recreational facilities. No matter the time of year, there are frequent community events and festivals like the 8th Annual Halloween Festival, Crawfish Festival, Annual Veteran’s Picnic, and more.

Local Government:

City Council
The City Council is dedicated to provide a safe, secure, and sanitary community for the residents of Bellaire, Texas. Their duties are to ensure first responders are fully staffed, they participate in community outreach, draft and adopt ordinances, facilitate local business expansion, and more.
Phone: (713) 662-8222
Address: 7008 S. Rice, Bellaire, TX 74401
Email: Council Member – [email protected]

Mayor’s Office
Andrew S. Friedberg was elected as the Mayor of Bellaire in 2015. Friedberg was born and raised in the city and served six years as a Bellaire Councilman. Previously, he was an attorney focusing on oil, gas, and mineral rights and has been involved with the Houston Bar Association as well as the Bellaire Historical Society.
Phone: (740) 676-6539
Address: 3197 Belmont St, Bellaire, OH 43906
Email: [email protected]

Chamber of Commerce
The Bellaire Chamber of Commerce aims to improve the overall welfare of individuals and local businesses residing in the city. There are currently close to 200 members. Meetings are held bi-monthly at 5:15 pm at the Bellaire Health Center.
Phone: (231) 533-6023
Address: 308 E Cayuga St, Bellaire, MI 49615
Email: Rob Joyce, Chamber of Commerce President – [email protected]

Schools Tab

Overview: The city of Bellaire has a plethora of options when it comes to schools. Both public and private institutions are available depending on student and parent preference. For middle, elementary, and high school, students are generally “zoned” to various schools with the Houston Independent School District. Of course students can in place of zoning, elect to enroll in one of the six private schools offered. Within Bellaire itself there are approximately 15 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 5 high schools. In addition, there about 7 different universities/colleges in or surrounding the city. These being the Art Institute of Houston, Houston Baptist University, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Rice University, University of St Thomas, Houston Community College, and Texas Southern University.

School Districts: The students of Bellaire, Texas, fall under the Houston Independent School District (HISD). As the largest school school district in all of Texas, HISD serves over 215,000 students and employs about 29,000 staff. Thus, students truly have their pick of quality institutions. No matter the grade level or public v. private preference, Bellaire has something for everyone. HISD has been recognized by the Washington Post for schools in the top 10% of the nation, by U.S. News Best High Schools, and has even been awarded a grant of $30 million.

Central
Houston Independent School District
Spring Branch Independent School District
Alief Independent School District
Galena Park Independent School District
North Forest Independent School District

Northwest
Klein Independent School District
Katy Independent School District
Spring Independent School District
Tomball Independent School District

Northeast
Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District
Crosby Independent School District
Humble Independent School District
Sheldon Independent School District
New Caney Independent School District
Aldine Independent School District
Huffman Independent School District
Conroe Independent School District
Cleveland Independent School District
Dayton Independent School District

Southwest
Fort Bend Independent School District
Lamar Consolidated Independent School District

Southeast
Clear Creek Independent School District
Pasadena Independent School District
Channel View Independent School District
Goose Creek Independent School District

Schools:

Elementary Schools
Bellaire elementary schools students are taught based on Texas core curriculum. In total there are about 15 elementary schools within the city limits of Bellaire serving students from kindergarten all the way through 5th grade. Some of the top-rated schools include, but are not limited to, Condit, Horn, Cunningham, Herod, and Braeburn Elementary. Students here are known to perform above average in core subjects. They also have proven to test higher in math, science, and reading when compared to the state average.

Middle Schools
Although there are more middle schools within broader ranges of the Houston Independent School District, Bellaire in particular has three different options. Jane Long Academy, Pershing Middle School, and Pin Oak Middle School. Jane Long Academy actually encompasses middle school and high school. Therefore, students can easily transfer grades without displacement. Pershing Middle is considered a fine arts magnet school, offering students the ability to choose electives like technical theater, dance, creative writing, and more. The final option; Pin Oak Middle, is a foreign language magnet school. Where students can participate in a wide array of clubs and activities while keeping the foundation of their academics concrete.

High Schools
There are 5 different high schools in the Houston Independent School District within the city of Bellaire. Bellaire High, Lamar, Sharpstown, Westbury, and one Episcopal High School. In the case of the larger public schools listed above, bus transportation is provided to and from school. Each of these schools focus on strengthening students educationally, artistically, athletically, and in the case of Episcopal High School even spiritually. Additionally, all offer students the opportunity to enroll in dual-enrollment courses for college credit.

Private Schools
Serving more than 1,700 students, there are 6 private schools in the city of Bellaire. Schools differ on the basis of religion. There are institutions of Jewish, Episcopal, Christian, Lutheran, and Baptist faith. Congregation Brith Shalom (pre-kindergarten-12th), Episcopal High School (9th-12th), One Brook Baptist (3rd-12th), Post Oak School (Kindergarten-12th), Veritas Christian Academy (pre-kindergarten-8th) and Faith Lutheran Day School (pre-kindergarten-kindergarten). The average ratio of students to teachers is 11:1, allowing for a more personal and beneficial learning environment when compared to larger public schools. The biggest school of them all is Episcopal High School with just over 600 students.

Housing Tab

Overview: Bellaire, Texas has two main types of housing available. Single family homes and townhomes are the most prevalent. This is due to the fact that the city is geared towards families and older residents looking to settle out of city life. For homes, prices greatly range depending on the size, location, and neighborhood. The price of Bellaire townhomes average about the same as single family units. Again the cost is reliant upon square footage, location, and neighborhood. Unfortunately, Bellaire does not have any high-rises or apartments available within the city limits. However, if these types of housing are of interest, the Houston area has a variety of different listings.

Housing:

Single Family Homes
The most prevalent types of real estate in Bellaire is single family homes. As stated above prices range from $300,000 to over $1,000,000 based on a variety of different factors. The highest priced homes are usually located within Southside Place north of Bellaire Boulevard. Here residents live the life of luxury with the finest shopping, dining, and amenities. Overall, Bellaire as a neighborhood provides residents with some of the most spacious lot sizes in Texas — averaging approximately 75 feet by 130 feet.

New Construction
The brunt of new construction is for single family homes. Most of the listings available are on the outskirts of Bellaire, but still within the city limits. Although there a few listings for new construction near Bellaire Boulevard. Be aware that a new home in the city equates to a higher price. Due to Bellaire’s family-oriented mindset, the new construction going up is fairly large. Homes start at about three bedrooms and upwards of 3,000 square feet.

Condominiums & Townhomes
If you are on the search for a property slightly smaller than the size of a single family home, Bellaire townhomes or condos might be a good option. These type of properties start at 1 to 2 bedrooms and go upwards in square footage from there. Properties span throughout the city but the most variety lies near or around Episcopal High School, Bellaire Boulevard, and Bissonnet Street.

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Overview:

Things to Do Tab

Overview: Whether you want to take in the sights of nature, relax at a spa, browse around a museum, or shop the day away, Bellaire has you covered. There are tons of things to do in the city, but the beauty of Bellaire is that you are not limited to the city limits. With quick access to Houston and Downtown everything is within a few minutes away. According to 365 Houston, there are five things in Bellaire that are highly regarded as a“must do.” (1) Bernie’s Burger Bus, a one of a kind restaurant serving up juicy burgers; parmesan, truffle oil french fries; and a creamy cookie butter shake. (2) Enjoy the serenity of nature at Russ Pitman Park, Bellaire’s Nature Discovery Center. (3) Taste the local roast at Dandelion Cafe. (4) Take part in fine-dining at French bistro Costa Brava Bistro, and (5) scroll the spacious gardens of Evelyn’s Park.

Retail & Entertainment

Parks & Recreation
Bellaire has over 10 parks scattered all around the city. Each has pavilions, BBQ pits, open green space, and some even have baseball and tennis courts. If you want to cool off, take a dip in Bellaire’s Town Square Family Aquatic Center and Evergreen/Elaine Wood Therapy Pool.

Shopping
Shop for a special occasion at Magpies Gifts or add to your wardrobe with Think Twice Fashions and Sunshine Resale Shop. If shopping malls are more your speed, the Galleria and Memorial City Mall are both a short driving distance away from Bellaire.

Art & Culture
Watch theater, ballet, opera, and symphonies, at nine of the performing arts organizations situated in the Downtown Theater District. Or opt for the Houston Museum District to browse through the Holocaust Museum, Museum of Natural Science, Museum of Fine Arts, and much, much, more.

Night Life
Bellaire has night life of all sorts — from high-end clubs to bars and pubs. Dance the night away at Proof Rooftop Lounge or Numbers Night Club. Or opt for a relaxed night out at Little Woodrow’s Bellaire, The Ginger Man Houston, and Anvil Bar & Refuge.

Restaurants
With cuisines of all sorts, Bellaire residents have their pick of endless dining options. Wake up with Dandelion Cafe’s delicious roasts, or experience luxury at Costa Brava Bistro, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, and The Capital Grille.

Neighborhoods Tab

Overview: Bellaire has about 30 subdivisions within the city limits. Different neighborhoods will include varied amenities such as: tennis courts, basketball courts, gym, golf courses, etc. But almost all have a community pool and clubhouse. Some subdivisions may offer residents more space, while others might have their houses situated more closely together. All of Bellaire’s neighborhoods are a distance away from downtown, so no matter where you may be located, the city has a consistent small-town, charming feel. A few of the subdivisions Bellaire has to offer include: Bellaire Place, Teas Gardens, Mulberry Manor, Westmoreland Farms, Pin Oak Estates, Carroll Subdivision, Braeburn Country Club Estates, Southdale, Broad Acres, Medinah Place Townhomes, Braeburn Gardens, Richmond Plaza, and Maplewood.

Local Pros Tab