Bellaire was founded in 1908 as the Home Rule City. Four miles southwest of Houston, this small community offers the perfect combination of quiet, small-town America and the convenience of big city attractions. Local community members take pride in their city, enjoying annual celebrations such as Christmas with “snow” in the park and a 4th of July parade that’s classic small-town America. The community also takes great pride in Bellaire High School.

This flagship school of the Houston Independent School District consistently graduates high numbers of National Merit Finalists. It’s a magnet school for foreign languages and is known for both its International Baccalaureate Program and for producing state-champion baseball teams. Houston’s Southwest region has 13 unique neighborhoods, but many share similar qualities making for wonderful places to live. Major shopping and entertainment venues, including the Galleria, Reliant Center, Six Flags over Texas, and other amenities, mix with history, charm, and neighborly ties of the Southwest Houston communities to create a top-tier quality of life.

The charms of Bellaire are enhanced by easy access to Houston, with world-class arts and entertainment, professional sports teams, exceptional medical care, more than a dozen colleges and universities, and expanding job and business opportunities.

Reprinted, with permission of the publisher, from 50 FABULOUS GAY-FRIENDLY PLACES TO LIVE (www.FabCities.com) © 2005 Gregory A. Kompes. Published by Career Press, Franklin Lakes, NJ. 800-227-3371. All rights reserved.