Houston is a city of surprises
That's a good thing. It's cosmopolitan but country-friendly. It's known for its strong business climate but offers relatively low-cost living. It's a great melting pot of people (90 languages are spoken here) who enjoy the entertainment, food and culture that diversity brings. And it's home to cool and sometimes quirky people who get out and have fun even when the weather is anything but.
Fun facts about Houston
Houston demographics
Housing affordability and cost comparisons with other cities
New communities and developments map
Relocating to Houston? Request a FREE print edition of the Houston Chronicle's 2008 Relocation Guide
Industry and arts
This dynamic, bighearted city has thrived ever since its founding in 1836, be it with cotton, railroads, timber, energy, technology, space exploration or medical research. But the city's energy extends beyond business. It's a major center for the arts with a 17-block Theater District downtown and the lovely, tree-lined Museum District near Rice University. Houston is home to numerous colleges and universities, about 550 parks and green spaces, the renowned Texas Medical Center (Texas size at almost 1,000 acres) and permanent companies in ballet, opera, symphony and theater.
Houston electricity choices
Energy industry news, space news
Arts, museums and attractions
TAKS testing, public schools, private and parochial
Higher education -- colleges and universities
Texas Medical Center and area hospitals
Houstonians love their sports
Loyal fans flock to watch the Rockets, Astros, Texans, Comets, Aeros and the No. 1-ranked Dynamo, as well as their favorite college teams. Then they head out to run, bike, fish, hunt or go boating or to the beach. Houston's moderate climate allows for year-round golfing, gardening and bird-watching.
Pro sports stadiums seating charts
Golf courses
Gardening tips for newbies from Houston Gardening
Bars and clubs, dining and entertainment
Hip clubs flourish downtown, in Midtown and across the city. Eating out (we have more than 10,000 eateries) and shopping are at the top of our list. Then there's the rodeo, one of the biggest in the world, which gives Houstonians a chance to put on cowboy boots and "Go Texan" for three weeks every year.
Chron.com dining, music, bars & clubs and entertainment
Ultimate Houston: The best restaurants, shopping and attractions as picked by the Chronicle and readers.
Houston Rodeo
Attractions and getaways
There's much to see and do in Houston, but when you're ready to head out for the day or the weekend, you have additional options. Go south toward Galveston for all kinds of fun water and beach activities. Detour en route to see the Saturn V rocket at Johnson Space center. Pack a picnic or camping gear and head north to the forest country of East Texas, or drive northwest and explore the charming towns and rolling hills of Central Texas.
Tips for getting around the city
Galveston Island Convention and Visitors Bureau
Space Center Houston
Chron.com Travel Texas
Houston history
The nation's fourth-largest city, Houston got its start in 1836 when two brothers, Augustus and John Kirby Allen, founded a tent town at the point where Buffalo and White Oak bayous meet. That downtown spot today is called Allen's Landing. The transplanted New York real estate speculators recognized a good location. Buffalo Bayou was later widened to become the 50-mile-long Houston Ship channel, giving landlocked Houston a route to the Gulf of Mexico. It's now the nation's No. 1 port in international tonnage.
Bayou City History blog
Houstondowntown.com
Houston... It's worth it
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