Bellaire, Texas

Bellaire is a small, incorporated city located within the confines of Houston. It was developed in 1908 as a farming community with six miles of prairie separating it from Houston. Today it is bisected by one arm of the 610 Loop around Houston. Because Bellaire incorporated in 1918, it was not annexed by Houston as that city expanded. All the land surrounding Bellaire was annexed, however, making it impossible for the small city to expand. Today, the city, with its approximately 17,000 residents, encompasses only 3.6 square miles of land.

Bellaire established home-rule in 1949, forming a council-manager type of government consisting of a mayor and city council. The city has its own fire department, police department and municipal court.

Houston Independent School District serves Bellaire, zoning elementary schoolchildren to Paul Horn Academy, Condit Elementary School, or Lovett Elementary School. Middle School students attend either Pershing or Pin Oak Middle School. High school students attend Bellaire High School. There are also several private schools in or adjacent to Bellaire, mostly associated with church denominations.

Bellaire is known as “The City of Homes” for its mostly residential character. It does have high-rise office buildings within the city limits along I-610, but the majority of residents (estimated at 96%) commute to surrounding areas for work.

There are a few shopping centers located in Bellaire, including Bellaire Boulevard Center, Town Center and Rice Bellaire Shopping Center. Bellaire also enjoys easy access to some of the Houston area’s premier shopping with The Galleria, known for its upscale boutiques, only a ten-minute drive away. 

There is a plethora of dining and entertainment opportunities in and near Bellaire. Favorite dining options include The 401 Table and Tap featuring pub-type meals and some fusion dishes, and Rossa Room Speakeasy with a small selection of hors d'oeuvres and desserts, and a large wine and cocktail menu. There are many other choices in Bellaire and the eateries of the Galleria are just a short drive away. 

For entertainment, there are beautiful parks featuring hiking trails, playgrounds, swimming pools and sports fields. Nature Discovery is a nature center offering programs for both children and adults. There are several Escape Rooms a short drive away from Bellaire. In Bellaire, Palace Social offers bowling, arcade games and a diner. Regal Edwards Greenway Grand Palace is the nearest movie theater to Bellaire. Of course, The Houston Space Center and the museums of Houston are within reach by car.

Bellaire offers small town community support, small city living, and big city amenities. It’s the best of all worlds.