State Representative Ellen Cohen—Ellen Cohen is the State Representative for District 134, which includes Bellaire, West University, River Oaks and parts of Meyerland and Montrose.

District 134 has a population of more than 132,500 individuals and includes a large concentration of lawyers, judges, business leaders, doctors and teachers. Over 66% of the populace holds at least one college degree. District 134 is home to 27 public and private schools and universities, including Rice University, Bellaire High School, and Lamar High School. More than 50 civic associations are encompassed within the district along with numerous parks, biking and jogging trails. Three cities – Bellaire, Southside Place, and West University — and the Texas Medical Center round out the District. More on District 134 »

Afton Oaks • Bellaire • Braeswood • Memorial Park/Rice Military • Meyerland • Montrose • Rice University • River Oaks • Southside Place • Texas Medical Center • West University Place

Afton Oaks

Located on the western edge of District 134, Afton Oaks is situated between the Galleria and Highland Village. Residents of this small community enjoy close access to many of the cultural, professional, and retail centers of Houston. The nearby Greenway Plaza business center is considered one of Houston’s premier master planned developments.

Bellaire

Founded in 1908, the City of Bellaire’s population numbers more than 15,600 people. A primarily residential area on the southwest corner of District 134, Bellaire has sometimes been called the “City of Homes.” Bellaire has more than ten schools, including the top-rated Bellaire High School, and a well-educated populace with over 70% having at least one college degree.

Braeswood

Braeswood consists of many subdivisions in the southeast portion of District 134: Ayrshire, Braes Heights, Braes Oaks, Braes Manor, Braes Terrace, Emerald Forest, Knollwood Village, Old Braeswood, Southern Oaks and Woodside. One of the District’s most active civic associations, Braeswood Place Homeowners Association, founded in 1951, protects the property value of the 2,200+ homes located in this neighborhood. In addition, many healthcare workers reside in Braeswood because of the close proximity to the Texas Medical Center.

Memorial Park/Rice Military

Memorial Park is one of the largest parks in the United States. Located inside the 610 Loop, the park includes more than 1,400 acres and offers jogging, swimming, tennis, and an 18-hole golf course which is Texas’s top-rated municipal golf course. The park is adjacent to the Crestwood, Rice Military and Camp Logan Neighborhoods. Numerous civic organizations and non-profits surround the area, including the Rice Military Civic Club, the Crestwood Glen Cove Civic Association, and the Memorial Park Conservancy.

The southern portion of the Washington Avenue corridor is in District 134. The corridor extends from the western edge of downtown on the east to Loop 610 on the west. Once known for its corner stores and small businesses, tree lined streets, front yards and porches, the area now includes a fast-growing restaurant and music scene.

Meyerland

Meyerland, which is partially located in District 134, was developed in 1955 out of what were once rice fields. Now home to more than 2,300 residents, the area includes the famed Meyerland Shopping Plaza.

Montrose

In 2009, the American Planning Association (APA) named Montrose as one of the ten “great neighborhoods” in the United States. The APA described the area located partially in District 134 as “eclectic and urbane . . . a fusion of architectural styles, land uses, and people.” They also noted the thriving art, museum, and cultural scene, the early 20th century character with 1/3 of the city’s historic districts, as well as the fact that Montrose has been the center of Houston’s gay and lesbian community since the 1970s.

Rice University

With a motto of “Unconventional Wisdom,” Rice University is one of the premier Houston schools and is a top tier university. Rice is ranked as the 17th best college in the nation by US News and World Report, and educates roughly 3,000 undergraduates and over 2,000 graduate students a year.

River Oaks

River Oaks is located by Buffalo Bayou and Memorial Park and is in the geographic center of Houston. This residential garden suburb was developed in the 1920s, and was such a success that it was named as a national model for community planning. River Oaks is now one of the wealthiest communities in Texas and houses many successful professionals and active civic organizations such as the River Oaks Property Owners Inc.

Southside Place

Southside Place has just over 1,500 residents, its own mayor, city manager, five council members, a police chief, a Police Department and a volunteer fire department. In 2009, the city celebrated its 75th anniversary.

Texas Medical Center

The Texas Medical Center (TMC) is the largest concentration of medical facilities in the world and is comprised of 47 member institutions with 72,000 employees primarily focusing on patient care, education and research. Spanning 29.6 million gross square feet, TMC is equivalent to the 13th largest business district in the United States. In 2008, the Texas Medical Center had 5.1 million patient visits.

West University Place

Developed in 1917, the City of West University Place is comprised of over 5,000 households and is near the center of District 134. Home to the West University Little League, whose senior division became the World Series Champions in 2009, this city with a small-town atmosphere and access to big city amenities, has been touted by Inside Houston Magazine and Business Development Magazine as a great place to live.