Midtown is one of Houston's newest inner loop neighborhoods. Well, that's not exactly correct. Truth be told, the area has many historic landmarks. However it has only been within the last five years that it actually defined itself as one of Houston's managed districts. A lot of the area in Midtown was just just empty lots and dilapidated buildings until investors and developers arrived with some vision.
Now, Midtown has defined boundaries and it falls within a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone a.k.a. TIRZ. What exactly is a TIRZ? Good question. According to the Midtown Management District, a TIRZ "is a special district created by the City to help finance the cost of redeveloping an area that would not otherwise attract significant private investment in development in the foreseeable future." These taxes are not levied taxes, either. A portion of the ad valorem taxes are invested back into the district.
A great feature of this neighborhood is the strength and enthusiasm radiating from the community itself. People within this community are involved. Local residents can enjoy events such as Art in the Park where local artists display and sell their art in one of Midtown's beautiful parks. Or Plant and Pedal, a project that fosters improvements through planting flowers and trees.
The list of restaurants in the area is quite impressive: Brennan's, Cyclone Anaya's, Reef, Farrago's, Ibiza and Crave Sushi are just a few. And if one wants a little late night fun, there's Howl at the Moon, Pub Fiction and 13 Celcius.
In sum, Midtown offers one a completely stocked and established residential community close to downtown. For more information about Midtown and everything it offers, visit their website.
