Bellaire Neighborhood Guide
The "City of Homes," with its own city services minutes from the Galleria and Medical Center
FamiliesNewer homesOwn city servicesParksClose-in commute
Living in Bellaire
Bellaire is an independent city of about 3.6 square miles in southwest Houston, known as the "City of Homes." Founded in 1908 by William Wright Baldwin and incorporated in 1918, it has its own police, fire, parks and city services while sitting minutes from the Galleria and the Texas Medical Center.
Much like West University Place, Bellaire has seen many original ranch homes replaced by larger two-story homes, and it's popular with families who want newer single-family homes, Houston ISD schools such as Bellaire High School and an easy commute.
Why buyers choose Bellaire
- City services. Its own police and fire departments, public works and well-kept parks.
- Schools. Houston ISD schools, including Bellaire High School, plus many private schools nearby.
- Location. About 3 miles to the Galleria, 4 to the Texas Medical Center and 8 to Downtown, with quick access to Loop 610 and I-69.
- Newer homes. Many homes were built in the last 25 years with modern layouts, garages and yards.
- Parks. Evelyn's Park, Bellaire Town Square and neighborhood parks and pools.
What's in and near Bellaire
- Bellaire High School and other Houston ISD campuses
- Evelyn's Park and Bellaire Town Square
- The Galleria and Uptown
- The Texas Medical Center and Rice Village
- Chinatown and the Bellaire Boulevard dining corridor to the west
Getting around
| The Galleria | 2.9 mi |
| Texas Medical Center | 3.8 mi |
| Downtown Houston | 8.4 mi |
| Hobby Airport | 16.9 mi |
| Bush Intercontinental Airport | 30.0 mi |
Driving distances from central Bellaire.
Homes in Bellaire
Mostly single-family homes, from original 1950s ranch homes on larger lots to newer two-story homes built over the past 25 years, plus a handful of townhomes and patio homes. Bellaire has its own building rules and permits, so check with the city before buying to rebuild or add on.
Bellaire questions buyers ask
Is Bellaire part of Houston?
No. Bellaire is a separate city of about 3.6 square miles surrounded by Houston in Harris County, with its own city government, police and fire departments.
Is Bellaire a good place to live?
For many families, yes: newer single-family homes, its own city services, Houston ISD schools such as Bellaire High School and a short drive to the Galleria and Medical Center. Prices are high for the area, and flood risk varies by street.
Is Bellaire safe?
Bellaire has its own police department and mostly residential streets. Review recent Bellaire Police Department crime data and visit at different times of day before you buy.
How much do homes cost in Bellaire?
In the 12 months through September 2026, 209 homes sold in Bellaire on the MLS at a typical (median) price around $1.24 million and an average near $1.21 million. Original ranch homes on larger lots sell for less than new construction.
Does Bellaire flood?
Parts of Bellaire have flooded in major storms, including Hurricane Harvey in 2017, while other streets stayed dry, so risk varies block to block. Check the FEMA flood zone, ask for an elevation certificate and flood history, and get a flood insurance quote during your option period.
What schools serve Bellaire?
Bellaire is in Houston ISD. Bellaire High School is one of the district's best-known high schools, and zoned elementary and middle schools depend on the address.
What ZIP code is Bellaire, Texas?
Most of the City of Bellaire is in ZIP code 77401. Some nearby Houston addresses use "Bellaire" in their name, so confirm the city and ZIP code for a specific property.
How far is Bellaire from the Galleria and the Medical Center?
About 2.9 miles to the Galleria, 3.8 miles to the Texas Medical Center and 8.4 miles to Downtown by car.
Is Bellaire or West University Place better?
Both are small independent cities with their own services and Houston ISD schools. West U sits closer to Rice and the Medical Center with a median sale price near $1.8 million, while Bellaire is a bit larger and closer to the Galleria, with a median near $1.24 million over the last year.
What is there to do in Bellaire?
Evelyn's Park, Bellaire Town Square with its library and recreation center, local restaurants along Bellaire Boulevard and Rice Avenue, and the Galleria a few minutes away.
Sales figures are MLS closed sales for the 12 months from October 2025 through September 2026, as shown in the Market Trends chart on this page. Driving distances are approximate.
Free guide, coming soon
The Bellaire Neighborhood Guide (PDF)
A short buyer's guide with the average price and price range, 5- and 10-year appreciation, months of inventory, distances to major attractions, dining, nightlife, and what sets Bellaire apart from other close-in neighborhoods.
Request a copy or call (832) 777-3904.
Buying or selling in Bellaire? Evan Compean and the Compean Group team have handled 1,000+ sales in 15 years.
Call (832) 777-3904Send us a messageLISTINGS
RECENTLY SOLD
$3,590,000
Single Family Home
4002 Marquette ST, West University Place, TX 77005
EARLY NOVEMBER 2026 COMPLETION. NEW PROGRESS PICTURES. 7,500 sq ft oversized corner lot. Amazing home by Princeton Build...
Listed by Compean Group
$299,000
Single Family Home
12902 Sandri LN, Houston, TX 77077
Freshly painted inside, this inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in Houston's Energy Corridor offers comfortable single-stor...
Listed by Compean Group
$465,000
Single Family Home
1110 W Gardner ST, Houston, TX 77009
Located in sought-after Norhill, this 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offers a prime Heights location and plenty of potential to ...
Listed by Compean Group
Market Trends
