Central- Inner Loop is the area surrounded by the structure of freeways that encircle Houston. The innermost highway is Interstate 610, forming approximately a 10-mile loop around the downtown area. The districts and neighborhoods that fall within this area are generally classified as the Inner Loop. This area traditionally marks the border between the inner city of Houston and the suburbs. It is inner the two Houston beltways, the other being the Texas Beltway 8 (Sam Houston Toll way).

Central - Inner Loop provides an extreme variety in Real Estate, housing costs and style is available in the area within Loop 610. The area contains some of the city's most desired and high-end neighborhoods because of their proximity to downtown, the Texas Medical Center, Hermann Park and the Museum District. Tree-lined streets are a mainstay and many of the city's finer restaurants are within the inner loop. Central - Inner Loop Houston real estate include single family homes range from wood-frame bungalows to stately mansions, many newly remodeled multi family homes, to a variety of town homes and condominiums.

The Central - Inner Loop also refers to many distinct and unique neighborhoods, both residential and commercial: Downtown, the Heights, Montrose, River Oaks, the Medical Center, West University and Bellaire. The Real Estate of these sections of the Inner Loop is made up of a mixture of older, mature neighborhoods as well as new construction. Historical buildings, museums, and cultural institutions contrast with large sports arenas and extensive medical facilities. Sophisticated shops and retails stores combine with restaurants offer the best in cuisine. Each one of the above neighborhoods offer a unique style. For example the Montrose neighborhood is considered one of the most attractive areas of Houston, with renovated mansions, bungalows with wide porches and cozy cottages lining shady boulevards. It is an area made for pedestrians (unusual in Houston), where people can walk and cycle easily. Central - Inner Loop in Downtown Houston is rapidly developing and attracting more residents than ever. Many types of dwellings are on the market - condo units, lofts, efficiencies, penthouses, and luxury apartments are attracting new residents. Both business and culture is at your fingertips. The Houston Theater District, located in the northern downtown area, is home to Houston's eight performing arts organizations, and is the second largest performing arts district in the country.

The dynamics of Central - Inner Loop have changed considerably since 1998, thanks to some major new developments along with the restoration and revitalization of older buildings into residential properties, entertainment venues and imaginative workspaces. All of this has created an exciting and livable environment and drawn more and more people into the area.

During the 1980s, Central - Inner Loop Houston's resident population increased from approximately 1,200 to 1,400. By 2001, the downtown area had added almost another 1,000 urban dwellers specifically due to loft renovation projects.