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Houston’s strong culinary and cultural landscape have captured the attention of national publications. Its economy is robust and its innovation landscape continues to attract businesses. Houston TX also offers world-class research at the Texas Medical Center. Moreover, it boasts the fourth largest museum district in the United States.
History
Two brothers from New York bought 6,642 acres at the headwaters Buffalo Bayou, and named it in honor of General Sam Houston who led the army which won Texas independence from Mexico. By the end of the decade, the city had a Chamber of Commerce, its first newspaper and a bucket brigade to fight fires. Cotton and other commodities were brought to Galveston by oceangoing ships, while river steamships transported the goods to Houston.
After the Arab oil embargo of 1973, the city experienced a population boom as Rust Belt workers sought employment opportunities in the petroleum industry. In the 1960s, NASA opened the Manned Spacecraft Center. This was renamed to the Johnson Space Center by 1973. The Astrodome became the first domed indoor sports arena in the world. Houston’s economy was also diversified by the growth of the biotechnology and health care industries.
Geography
Located on the southeastern coast of Texas, near Trinity Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Houston has an amazing array of geographical features. The city covers an area of 671 square miles and spans three counties; Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery.
The city is built on the gulf coastal plain, which has forested land, marshes, swamps, and prairie. This flat terrain has led to a lot of flooding problems in the past.
Four major bayous run through the city, which is also drained by a comprehensive drainage system. These bayous and tributaries lead to the Houston Ship Channel, which runs past Galveston and into the Gulf of Mexico. The city is home to many cultural landmarks, and it offers a unique opportunity for people from all over the world.
Climate
The subtropical climate of the city has humid and hot summers and mild winters. The flat wetlands and paved coastal prairies around Houston drain slowly, and the area is prone to flooding.
From May to September the wettest part of the year is 4.2 months long, with greater than 30% of days being wet. The dry season lasts 7.8 months, from October to April.
By 2100, the City of Houston is expected to have a warmer climate due to greenhouse gas emission. There will be 22 additional days where temperatures exceed 100degF. The summers are also projected to last 7 extra days. The City of Houston has developed a Climate Action Plan to combat these changes. It includes goals on reducing fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emission.
The 26 Fortune 500 companies that have their headquarters here, as well as the city’s robust port trade, are responsible for its strong economy. The presence of world-class healthcare institutions such as the University of Texas Medical Center also helps the city’s economy.
The job market is diverse, with sectors ranging from leisure and hospitality to construction and energy. The city’s continuous growth fuels a steady flow of jobs and new opportunities for residents.
Despite the recent decline in oil prices, Houston’s unemployment rate has remained relatively low. The city’s economy has been affected by the slowing demand for natural gases.
Culture
Houston is a city with a rich culture, offering a wide range of museums, restaurants and theaters. The city also boasts a lively music scene, with venues that showcase everything from classical chamber music to rap music.
The booming economy of Houston has created a culture of entrepreneurship, and local businesses are now national icons. Houston has a surprisingly liberal political climate for a Bible Belt area, with voters on both sides of the aisle voting in favor of same-sex marriage and other issues.
The city’s makeshift character fosters a creative spirit that is rooted in libertarianism. Art Car Museum is one example, where the folk tradition in the city of transforming cars into sculptures decorated with plastic fruit and crocodile heads can be seen. Racial diversity in the city has also influenced its culture. Many Vietnamese, Chinese and Korean restaurants are located in the city.