The Block at Montrose

Built in 1958 and spread across several low buildings on California Street, The Block at Montrose is the kind of property that has largely vanished from this neighborhood: a two-story, gated, garden-style complex of about sixty units on a residential side street rather than a boulevard. Some interiors have been renovated, and several plans are laid out as townhomes over two levels.

Amenities are modest by current Montrose standards, running to a swimming pool, gated reserved parking, a laundry facility, on-site maintenance and camera-monitored access. So are the rents, which sit well below the boulevard towers a few blocks away, and studio through three-bedroom options make this one of the cheaper ways to find a three-bedroom inside the Loop.

Location is the real asset. California Street is in the middle of walkable Montrose, minutes from the bars and restaurants along Westheimer, with Buffalo Bayou Park to the north and I-69 and I-45 access close by for commuters.