In the news:
Houston’s strong culinary and cultural landscape have captured the attention of national publications. The economy of Houston TX is robust, and the innovation landscape continues attracting businesses. The Texas Medical Center offers world-class medical research. 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. Oceangoing ships brought cotton and other commodities to Galveston, and river steamships carried the products to Houston.
The city saw a boom in population after the Arab oil embargo, 1973. Workers from the Rust Belt sought jobs 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. Houston TX covers 671 square kilometers and is spread across 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. The Houston Ship Channel is formed by these bayous and their tributaries. It runs from Galveston to 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 city’s subtropical climate has hot and humid summers, and mild winters. Houston’s flat wetlands, paved coastal prairies and other areas drain slowly and are 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 is 7.8 months long, from October to March.
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. To combat these changes, the City has a Climate Action Plan that includes goals for reduced fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions.
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 city’s economy also benefits from the presence of renowned healthcare institutions, including the University of Texas Medical Center.
Job opportunities are diverse. They range from construction to energy and leisure. The city’s constant growth creates new jobs and opportunities for its 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.
Its booming economy has fueled an entrepreneurial culture, and many local businesses have become national icons. Houston’s political climate is surprisingly liberal for a Bible Belt region, with both the left and right voting in favor of same sex marriages and other issues.
The city’s makeshift character fosters a creative spirit that is rooted in libertarianism. One example is the Art Car Museum, which showcases the city’s folk tradition of transforming automobiles into sculptures covered in plastic fruit or adorned with crocodile skulls. Racial diversity in the city has also influenced its culture. The city is known for its Asian cuisine, with many Vietnamese, Chinese, and Korean restaurants.