Located at the northeastern corner of the Heights, Montie Beach is the least gentrified and least expensive area in the Greater Heights. With homes dating back to 1890, Montie Beach is the site for a variety of architectural styles. Along the narrow streets, Craftsman style homes sit adjacent to Victorians. In some pockets, 1940s era ranch style homes fill the streets.
Montie Beach Subdivisions
Montie Beach is comprised of several subdivisions including Brooke Smith, Northwood, Oakdale Place, Idlywild, Lizzieton Terrace and Airline Drive Town Homes. Click to enlarge the map.
Though dominated by the Brooke Smith subdivision, Montie Beach is home to several subdivisions developed at different times. These include:
Brooke Smith
Home to Montie Beach's oldest homes, Brooke Smith is a diverse collection of houses. While some properties were built in the late 19th century, construction in the neighborhood swelled in 1920 and continued strong through the mid-1930s. A few homes were built as late as the early 1950s with a resurgence in new construction taking root by the mid 2000s. In recent years builders have sought land in Brooke Smith with a vengeance adding significantly to new construction offerings in recent years. This is one of the driving forces in the dramatic price escalations in Montie Beach. Additionally, Brooke Smith has seen a slew of renovations of existing properties including "to the studs" remodels. The improvements and related gentrification and generally moved northward through the neighborhood.
Oakdale Place
Comprised exclusively of the 1600 block of Walton St, Oakdale Place holds 31 residences. Twenty four of the homes were built in 1950 with a few just before and a few just after. Many properties are still home to their original owners. Less than half have changed hands since 1997 so significant renovations are rare. However, Oakdale Place currently has its first fully remodeled home on the market.
Northwood
Like Oakdale Place, Northwood spans only one block of Montie Beach: the 1600 block of Tabor. However, the 31 properties that line this adjacent street are filled with homes constructed slowly between 1925 until 1962. Together with Oakdale Place, Northwood represents the northern boundary of Montie Beach and price increases that have marked the area as a whole are coming to these subdivisions more slowly.
Lizzieton Terrace
Izzietone Terrace is a square of nearly 50 properties on three blocks at the northeast corner of Montie Beach Park. More than half of the homes were built in 1940 but the earliest, the subdivision's only duplex, was constructed in 1906. Along Northwood there are a few recently constructed homes that show Victorian influences in their exterior architectural style.
Airline Drive Town Homes
Built in 2003 and 2004 by Perry Homes, this community of two story abodes is nestled at the northwest corner of Montie Beach Park. Approximately half of the nearly 90 units still have their original owners. Current prices for these homes range from $250,000 to $300,000 depending upon size and condition.
Idylwild
Adjacent to Lizzieton Terrace and north of Airline Drive Town Homes is the one-block long collection of homes known as Idylwild. Most of the 25 homes were built in or near 1940 and the subdivision is known for modest, siding clad bungalows.
Real Estate in Montie Beach
Click to download the Montie Beach Real Estate Market Activity Report
Prices for Montie Beacu real estate have dramatically increased over the past two years. Last year the average home price was up more than 30% from the prior year. In 2013 that increase was more than 50%! Montie Beach, especially Brooke Smith is a market on fire! These escalating prices are very much driven by dramatic renovations and new construction. However, original condition homes in the neighborhood remain relatively affordable, especially compared to other areas in the Greater Heights.
Living in Montie Beach
The Montie Beach Civic Club represents residents of Brooke Smith, Oakdale Place and Lizzieton Terrace. An active organization, they have recently been advocating for residents to apply for minimum lot sizes. In 2014 they nearly quadrupled the number of blocks with minimum lot size protections representing nearly 30% of the area.
Montie is also home to or very conveniently located to a variety of local shops, restaurants and nightlife. Check out a few of my favorite stops at right or download a printable map of my top picks.
Make a Move
Want to learn more about Montie Beach real estate or start your own search for the perfect home in Houston? I can help you find a home to buy, identify a lender, determine what your home is worth and more.