Relocating to Houston | Houston at a Glance

Clean lines against cool architecture and spectacular lighting are just a few of the well-thought out details that make the city skyline breathtaking at night.

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Houston at a Glance

As the fourth largest city in the U.S., there’s a lot to know about Houston and the 10-county region, of which it’s a part. In this chapter, you’ll learn about the local geography, its strategic location and port, the city’s founding brothers and highlights covering recreation, family entertainment, dining and shopping. Find out all the reasons why Houston is the best city in which to live, work and play.

The famous expression “everything is bigger in Texas” really applies to Houston and the region. Consider its size – Houston’s Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) covers 10,062 square miles, which is an area slightly smaller than Maryland but larger than Massachusetts (9,241 square miles). But don’t let the region’s size overwhelm you. As with all world-class cities, Houston and the region are comprised of many thousands of distinctive neighborhoods that reflect specific personalities and character.

Often described as welcoming and friendly, Houston was founded in 1836 by two brothers and real estate brokers, John and Augustus Allen. They purchased 6,642 acres of land near Buffalo Bayou for $1.40 per acre to develop the “great interior commercial emporium of Texas.”

The city was incorporated in 1837 and named after the President of the Republic of Texas at the time, former General Sam Houston. General Houston had commanded at the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836, which took place 25 miles east of the city’s establishment.

HOUSTON IS “CAN DO”
From the start, Houston has embraced commerce and a way of doing business that exemplifies a “can do” attitude. Here, it’s not about your social standing or school credentials but whether your ideas have merit and can work. Oftentimes people risked in seeking rewards, so it’s no surprise that the city has become the “energy capital” of the world.

Beyond energy, Houston’s economy has diversified a great deal since the oil downturn in the 70s and 80s. Today, you’ll find active business clusters representing key industry sectors, such as energy and petrochemicals, health care, biotechnology, aerospace and aviation, information technology and nanotechnology.

These industries help explain why Houston is booming while many other cities are falling behind. Recently, Houston and the region have been recognized by the national media and others. Some of these rankings include:

Among Most Affordable Metropolitan Housing Markets – Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey, January 2010

9 of 100 Best Companies To Work For in America– Fortune Magazine, 2010

Ten Best Places to Live, Work, and Play – Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, July 2008
Named Among Fastest Cities – FastCompany, May 1, 2009
Among Best 50 New U.S. Restaurants – Travel + Leisure, May 14, 2009
#10 Most Inventive City in the World – BusinessWeek, April 22, 2009
#3 North American City of the Future – fDi Magazine, April 21, 2009
27 Houston Companies Among 500 Largest Corporations in America – Fortune Magazine, 2009
Largest Building Market – Builder and Hanley Wood Market Intelligence, February 2009
Leader in National Job Growth – Bizjournals Analysis, February 2009

LIVING WELL
A huge advantage to living in Houston is its affordability. Housing is just one example. The average cost of a home in Houston is $215,984, 46 percent below the average of U.S. metro areas with populations exceeding 2 million, according to the first quarter 2008 ACCRA Cost of Living Index. For many relocating from other parts of the U.S., they’re amazed at the choice of neighborhoods and quality of homes from which to select. Unemployment is low and wages are high relative to income, and that’s why the area was rated as the best city for recent college grads last year.

WONDER-FILLED HOUSTON
With more in-depth coverage in other chapters, here’s a sneak peak of not-to-miss aspects of Houston and the region:

The Galleria shopping mall in Houston is the city’s No. 1 shopping desination and with 375 stores, ranks as the nation’s fourth largest mall.
NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC) was established 50 years ago and has made Houston the hub of aerospace industry. A top family destination is Space Center Houston that hosts visitors from around the world.
Through the pioneering efforts of heart surgeon Dr. Michael Debakey, the Texas Medical Center is one of the world's most renowned medical complexes in the world and serves 5.5 million patients per year.
Get a free tour of the Port of Houston aboard the M/V Sam Houston, which is the only means by which the general public can view port operations. The Port was officially opened to traffic on November 10, 1914 and today ranks first among U.S. ports in volume of foreign tonnage, second in the United States in total tonnage and 14th in the world in total tonnage. A 25-mile (40-kilometer) complex of diversified public and private facilities, the Port includes more than 100 wharves.
The 64-story WilliamsTower is the world's tallest building not located in a central business district. At the base of the tower, a picturesque park surrounds the arc-shaped, 64-foot-tall Water Wall.
Experience the cuisine of many worlds with a choice of more than 7,000 restaurants.
A unique aspect of downtown Houston is its 6.3-mile downtown tunnel system connecting many office buildings and providing a cool way to get around. Along the way, you’ll find a variety of restaurants as well as hairdressers, dentists, gift shops and more.
A true sports destination, Houston is home to the Houston Astros, 2005 Major League Baseball’s National League champions; the Houston Rockets, two-time National Basketball Association champions; the Houston Comets, four-time Women’s National Basketball Association champions; the Houston Aeros, the 2003 American Hockey League champions; the Houston Texans, the National Football League’s newest franchise; the Houston Energy, three-time Women’s Professional Football League champions; and Houston Dynamo, the region’s newest professional soccer franchise and winner of the MLS Cup in 2006 and 2007.
Considered a cultural oasis, Houston is one of only a handful of American cities with permanent ballet, orchestra, opera and theater companies. Its 17-block Theater District located downtown is home to eight performing arts organizations—Houston Symphony, Houston Grand Opera, Houston Ballet, Da Camera, Society for the Performing Arts, Broadway in Houston, Alley Theatre and Theatre Under the Stars. Combined, its facilities offer nearly 13,000 seats.
Wonder where the Old West went? It arrives each February with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™, recognized worldwide as the largest livestock exhibition, world’s richest regular-season rodeo and the Southwest’s premier entertainment event.
No list is complete without noting the Astrodome, which is dubbed the “eighth wonder of the world.” When it opened in 1965, it was the world's first all-weather, multi-purpose domed stadium. While it no longer houses major events, it’s still a venue for concerts and high-school football games.
A state-of-the-art skatepark designed by Gridline is the first world-class in-ground skatepark in the region that also has the largest cradle…a boarder’s dream.
Master-planned communities abound that offer families a total package of great amenities, including community centers with swimming pools, walk paths, excellent school and more.
Public transit is alive and well in Houston. Providing service is the Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO), whose bus fleet includes more than 1,300 buses on 113 routes. There are also 25 Park & Ride lots for commuters throughout the region. Operating from downtown to ReliantPark is METRORail, a 7.5 mile light-rail line.

Great and Green Outdoors
Newcomers to Houston are pleasantly surprised to discover the many trees and green spaces in the region. The area is home to a wide variety of plant life and more birds can be seen within 13 counties than in any other part of the world. GalvestonBay and the Gulf of Mexico are important economic, ecological and recreational resources and outdoor recreation is accessible year around.

Families can enjoy 350 municipal parks and more than 200 open space areas, miles of hike-and-bike trails, numerous community recreation centers with facilities for swimming, baseball, soccer, football, tennis and basketball, and schedules for adult and child participation.

As for golfing, there are plenty of courses throughout the region, including seven municipal 18-hole golf courses, and there are more than 126 private and public golf courses in the area.

In the region, boating and fishing are both popular. ClearLake is considered the “Boating Capital of Texas” and GalvestonBay is a fisherman’s dream. To the north, there is LakeConroe, LakeHouston and LakeLivingston. Fifty miles southeast of downtown there is plenty of fun in the sun on GalvestonIsland. Stay overnight and explore the historic sights and great shopping along The Strand.

Attention, Shoppers
For many in the city visiting the local mall is the best form of entertainment. There’s always plenty of parking, favorite shops are in one place and it’s always climate controlled no matter the weather. There are more than 20 shopping centers located throughout the area usually situated near major highways for easy access.

“Take me to the Galleria” is a request often repeated in Houston. When it first opened in 1970, it set the standard for high-end shopping and remains as Houston’s No. 1 shopping and tourist destination. The venerated shopping mall has solidly established the city as one of the best destinations to get a stylish new wardrobe. Retailers include Neiman Marcus, Cartier, Gucci, two Macy's stores, Tiffany & Co., Saks Fifth Avenue, Ralph Lauren Collection, Louis Vuitton and Houston's only Nordstrom. A city within a city, there’s also an ice skating rink and many exclusive boutiques, including Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Giorgio Armani and Christian Dior. (www.galleriahouston.com).

Below is a list of other major shopping areas listed by general geographic location.

— Downtown
The Shops at Houston Center (www.houstoncenter.com) has 60 stores and restaurants and connects to downtown via the Downtown Tunnel System with its more than six miles of underground space.

Houston Pavilions (www.houstonpavilions.com), a $170 million mixed-use development downtown with retail shops – clothing, books, accessories and a variety of dining options.

— Central
The Montrose district is an area bordered by Allen Parkway, U.S. 59, Bagby Street and Shepherd Drive. Here the theme is eclectic, bordering on funky. Second-hand stores with unique offerings are a draw.

Near RiceUniversity, the TexasMedicalCenter and the Museum District is Rice Village, one of Houston’s oldest shopping districts. Within 12 city blocks you’ll find more than 325 boutiques, family-owned businesses and big-name stores.

South of the 610 is Harwin Drive, Houston’s equivalent to Orchard Street, offers rows of shops specializing in bargains, especially on jewelry, perfumes and accessories.

Along Kirby Drive and Westheimer Road, you’ll find the Upper Kirby District that offers a tasteful selection of restaurant bookstores and shops.

A few miles from downtown is the River Oaks Shopping Center, considered the oldest shopping center in Texas and the second oldest in the nation. The entire, multi-block center is original art-deco style and still maintains its elegance. Located here is Houston’s oldest movie theater and more than 60 shops for home and wardrobe and of course eateries.

Situated in a cluster not far from the Galleria are several interesting shopping stops. There is the Post Oak shopping district along Post Oak Boulevard between Westheimer Road and Loop 610. There’s also is the Centre at Post Oak on the corner of Westheimer Road and Post Oak Boulevard. Across from the Centre is a shopping center anchored by The Container Store, and other retail stores in between. At 1800 Post Oak Boulevard is The Pavilion on Post Oak, which features more than 20 of Houston’s most elegant shops such as Hermès of Paris and Esther Wolf. South of the Galleria on Westheimer Road is the very popular Highland Village Shopping Center, another of Houston’s oldest places to shop till you drop. Here you’ll find many trendy chains, including Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma. A local boutique carrying exclusive designer clothes is Tootsie’s.

With the feel of Tuscany, UptownPark at the corner of Post Oak Boulevard and Loop 610 offers upscale shops, boutiques and cafés. Men, women and babies can find the perfect outfit.

— West
Memorial City Mall (www.memorialcitymall.com) with a new Macy’s flagship store, Sears, Target and Dillard’s.

CITYCENTRE is a thoughtfully planned and meticulously executed self-contained community of sophisticated retail, elegant dining, Class-A office space, 22 corporate penthouse residences, luxurious brownstones and lofts, upscale apartments and the 244-room Hotel Sorella, a world-class hospitality and conference facility. Surrounded by European-style open-air plazas and beautifully designed green spaces, CITYCENTRE is also home to Life Time Athletic, a state-of-the-art urban fitness facility and spa, and Studio Movie Grill, a nine-screen premier cinema. (www.citycentrehouston.com)

— North
Twenty miles of north of Houston, which is only minutes from the center of town, is Old Town Spring, a must visit if you love antiques and old-world charm. Located near the original rail yards built in the 1900s by Great Northern Railroad, the more than 150 Victorian-style shops offer antiques, collectibles, clothing and accessories for home and gifts (www.oldtownspringtx.com).

Thirty miles north of Houston is the master-planned community of The Woodlands and home to great shopping in the area, including The Woodlands Mall (www.woodlandsmall.com) that features Macy’s, Dillard’s, Sears and JCPenney along with many boutiques including Sephora, Forever 21 and Ann Taylor. Nearby is Market Street on Six Pines Drive with many retail shops such as Tony Bahamas and Borders Books and numerous dining establishments and entertainment opportunities. The area provides a scenic village where visitors can shop-and-stroll. (www.town-center.com).

— South
Shopping in Galveston centers around the charming Strand National Historic Landmark District, which is comprised of 26 square blocks and offers more than 100 shops, restaurants and art galleries. Nestled within The Strand District, is the Post Office Street Arts and Entertainment District, which includes Gallery Row, a must-see for shoppers seeking art, antiques and collectibles.

Southeast of Houston and on the way to Galveston is Kemah, once a sleepy fishing village that now boasts a 30-acre waterfront theme park site devoted to waterfront dining, attractions and shopping. The specialty shops include Christmas at Kemah (with Christmas ornaments, gifts and home decor), Kemah Outfitters and The Toy Crossing, a children’s store.

Debuted in summer 2008, the Pearland Town Center offers open air shopping with loft apartments above. Located in Pearland, a nearby suburb south of Houston, the town center is 718,000 square of shopping with anchor stores Dillard's, Macy's, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, and Sports Authority.

Antiques
No matter how old the item, Houstonians love antiques – whether incorporating older pieces into a contemporary setting or maintaining a purist, period look. Among the many area antique malls are Carolyn Thompson’s Antique Center of Houston (www.antiquecenteroftexas.com) and Market Place (www.themarketplacehouston.com). Other treasures can be found in individual galleries. The Antique Pavilion on Westheimer Road is an up-scale, multi-vendor shop that features thousands of antiques from the small to the monumental. The Pavilion is also home to the largest collection of English Staffordshire animals and figurines in Houston and its’ dealers are considered to be the foremost authority in their fields.

Just north of Kemah in Old Seabrook is a shopping district that boasts dozens of interesting shops and cozy tearooms, all within walking distance of one another. The second Saturday of each month Seabrook has a “Back Bay Market” offering unusual and interesting merchandise.

Outlet Malls and Discount Stores
Houston’s newest outlet mall opened in 2008. Houston Premium Outlets is located approximately 30 miles northwest of downtown off of US 290. It’s guaranteed to attract many who seek chic looks at a discount. Among the 120 stores include Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Burberry, BCBG Max Azria, Calvin Klein, Coach, Cole Haan, Elie Tahari, Kate Spade, Kenneth Cole, Michael Kors, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger and more. (www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=77)

Katy Mills Mall (www.katymills.com), located 25 miles west of downtown on Interstate 10, opened in 1999 as a place to eat, shop and play. This 1.3-million-square-foot shopping and entertainment complex houses more than 200 of the best names in manufacturer and retail outlets, off-price retailers and unique specialty stores. Major stores include Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Bed Bath & Beyond, Books-A-Million, Burlington Coat Factory, Marshalls, Off 5th Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet, Old Navy, Old West Warehouse, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store and Sun & Ski Sports.

In addition, Conroe Outlet Center (www.conroeoutletcenter.com), north of Houston on Interstate 45, has 60 top-name and designer stores (e.g., Tommy Hilfiger and Liz Claiborne), unique one-of-a-kind shops and special seasonal outlet stores.

Factory Stores of America, between Houston and Galveston located on Interstate 45, offers more than 40 outlet stores.

Flea Markets
Shopping flea markets is a popular weekend activity, and not all are outdoors. For example, Trading Fair II near Reliant Stadium is an indoor flea market open each Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with 400 dealers.

Traders Village Houston (www.tradersvillage.com) takes up 105 acres in northwest Houston at 7979 N. Eldridge Pkwy., making this the largest flea market on the TexasGulfCoast.

The Houston Flea Market, located at 6116 Southwest Freeway at Westpark Drive, sits on 14 acres and is another of the largest and most popular flea markets in the area.

Groceries, Food and Wine
The main grocery stores scattered around town are Randall’s, Kroger’s, Fiesta, Wal-Mart and H-E-B. For international flavor, Fiesta carries a vast selection of food products from other countries. For those hard-to-find ingredients, Whole Foods Market and Central Market feature a wider than normal selection from which to choose. Rice Epicurean, the oldest family-owned supermarket chain in Houston, is known for its meat department and gourmet deli selections. Known for its expansive selection of wines, spirits, beers, liqueurs and cigars, Spec’s Wines, Spirits and Finer Foods operates many locations around the Houston area. (www.specsonline.com)