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... more »

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Houston at a Glance