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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 that decade, the city was home to a Chamber of Commerce and its first newspaper, as well as a bucket brigade for fighting 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. The city covers an area of 671 square miles and spans three counties; Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery.
The city is located on the Gulf coastal plain which includes forested land and marshes. In the past, this flat terrain caused flooding.
Four bayous are located in the city. It is also drained through a complex 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 Change
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 lasts 7.8 months, from October to April.
Due to greenhouse gas emissions, by 2100 the City of Houston’s climate is expected to be warmer with 22 more days exceeding 100degF and summers 7 days longer. 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 city’s strong economy is bolstered by the 26 Fortune 500 companies headquartered here and its robust port trades. 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.
Houston’s unemployment has remained low despite the recent drop in oil prices. However, the city’s economic expansion has been impacted by slowing global demand for natural gas.
Culture
Houston is a city with a rich culture, offering a wide range of museums, restaurants and theaters. Houston has a vibrant music scene that includes everything from classical music to rap.
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. 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. The city’s racial diversity has shaped its culture as well. Many Vietnamese, Chinese and Korean restaurants are located in the city.