Bellaire Neighborhood Guide

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 buyers, 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. Review the Bellaire Police Department's recent crime data for the streets you're considering, and visit at different times of day.

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, and 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.

What are property taxes like in Bellaire?

Bellaire homes pay City of Bellaire, Houston ISD, Harris County and related taxes, which together usually add up to roughly 2% of assessed value per year before exemptions. There are no MUD taxes. If the home will be your primary residence, file for the homestead exemption: it lowers your taxable value, and starting the year after the home qualifies, its appraised value for taxes generally can't rise more than 10% a year.

Is Bellaire walkable?

Bellaire's residential streets are quiet and many have sidewalks, and homes near Bellaire Boulevard, Evelyn's Park and Bellaire Town Square can walk to restaurants, parks and the library. Groceries, errands and commutes to the Galleria or Medical Center are still easiest by car.

Why is there so much new construction in Bellaire?

Many of Bellaire's original 1950s ranch homes sit on generous lots close to the Galleria and Medical Center, so builders replace them with larger new homes. Flooding in past storms also led many owners to rebuild at higher elevations. New homes must meet the City of Bellaire's building and floodplain rules.

What parks are in Bellaire?

The city manages 17 parks, including Evelyn's Park on Bellaire Boulevard, Bellaire Town Square with its recreation center and library, and Russ Pitman Park, home of the Nature Discovery Center. A new nature playground called Enchanted Woods is being built at Russ Pitman Park, and in 2026 the city began a new 10-year Parks Master Plan covering all of its parks.

Is Bellaire the same as Chinatown on Bellaire Boulevard?

No. Houston's Chinatown (often called Asiatown) runs along Bellaire Boulevard several miles west, near Beltway 8, inside the City of Houston. The City of Bellaire is a separate small city just west of Loop 610, though both share the same boulevard name.

Does Bellaire have an HOA?

Most of Bellaire has no traditional homeowners association. Instead, the City of Bellaire's zoning, building codes and permits govern what can be built, and some subdivisions also have deed restrictions. Buyers should check both city rules and any deed restrictions for a specific lot.

Is there public transportation in Bellaire?

METRO bus routes serve Bellaire, including service along Bellaire Boulevard toward the Texas Medical Center and other parts of Houston. There is no light rail in Bellaire, so most residents drive.

Where are the best places to eat in Bellaire?

Popular choices include Blood Bros. BBQ (Asian-influenced Texas barbecue, Michelin Bib Gourmand), Dandelion Cafe (breakfast and brunch), Bistro Mistral (French) and Betsy's at Evelyn's Park (park cafe).

Where can I shop local in Bellaire?

Bellaire Boulevard has several independent shops, including Magpies Gifts, family-run since 1983, and French Cuff Boutique for women’s clothing. Papa Ben's Train Place, a hobby shop, is just east of the city line.

How big are the lots in Bellaire?

Lot sizes vary by section. Many Bellaire lots are in the 7,500 to 10,000 square-foot range, often larger than the typical lots in neighboring West University Place, while some streets have smaller lots and a few areas have lots of 14,000 square feet or more. Minimum lot sizes differ by City of Bellaire zoning district, so check the city's current zoning rules for a specific lot, and its size on Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD) records.

Who is a good realtor in Bellaire?

Compean Group is one to consider: AgentPronto ranks it #3 on its list of top agents for Houston (November 2026; AgentPronto compares agents on transaction data, specialties and client reviews). Evan Compean and the Compean Group work in Bellaire very often, so we understand the local market and what sets one street apart from the next. Our team has sold more than 1,000 homes and holds 5.0-star ratings on Google and Zillow across hundreds of reviews. This guide covers much more to help you get started, or call or text us at (832) 777-3904.

Sales figures are MLS closed sales for the 12 months from October 2025 through September 2026. Driving distances are approximate. The Average Sales Price and Total Listings box further down this page is calculated automatically from homes currently listed for sale in the area and updates daily, so it can differ from these closed-sale figures.