Houston Facts

The City of Houston has a long history starting in 1837.  Known as the Bayou City, Space City, Clutch City, and now the third largest metropolitan city in the country.  Houston is still growing and bringing more jobs and industry each year.  Great news because we have an amazing rich city of diverse people from all around the world.  Learn more with the link below.    The City of Houston is vast in the size of land and the metropolitan Houston area is more expansive when considering it hits 8 counties, 3 loops and over 6 million people as of 2022 according to Macrotrends.net.    Macrotrends.net  states about 100,000 people move to Houston area each year.  The city has grown a lot over the last 185 plus years, and become the most diverse city in the country.   It is home of the first dome stadium, the Eight Wonder of the World (Astrodome) and only city with 4 indoor arenas.

As the city has grown from it's original grounds of Downtown Houston, city officials in 1931 began to talk about a highway system that made life easier to get around this expanding city.  Talks began to pick up steam again around WWII, when it was purposed as a way to transport troops from one end of the city to the other.  At first there was only the North Loop, designated as the "Defense Loop".  Construction was delayed until the 1950's when the West and South portion were added, then in the East portion being added in 1960 completely THE LOOP.  The loop is 38 miles which goes all the way around Houston.  Downtown is of course inside the Loop, but that has a separate tab.  Inside the Loop is sectioned off into the following: Central Inner Loop, Northwest Inner Loop, East End, and South Loop.

Construction first began in 1994, and is still ongoing as you can see from the picture above.  When completed 99 will connected the majority of the Houston Metro area together crossing over, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, Liberty County, Chambers County, Galveston County, and Brazoria County.  The Grand Parkway when completed it will be the longest beltway in the United States.  

Harris County is the largest county in the state of Texas which connects to 7 other counties that include the Houston Metro Area.  Clink the link below to learn more.

Fort Bend County on the southwest side of the Houston Metro area and has several great towns or cities within it.  Sugar Land has been rated one of the best cities to live in the country.  Other cities and towns within Fort Bend are Missouri City, Stafford, Fulshear, Richmond, Rosenberg, Weston Lakes, Needville, Fresno, and a small portion of Houston Metro Area.

Montgomery County to the North of Houston, has one of the best towns in the country with the Woodlands, but also includes Conroe, Magnolia, Oak Ridge North, Shenandoah, Porter, New Caney, Splendora, Willis & Cut and Shoot.  There are some small portions of Houston within Montgomery County, as well as portions in Houston's ETJ.

Galveston was established in 1816 by the French. In the 19th century Galveston was one of the largest ports in the country. Galveston over the last decade has had many new developments of residential and commercial business hitting the island. Galveston County contains several nice towns within it including: Friendswood, Kemah, La Marque, Dickinson, San Leon, Bacliff, League City, Santa Fe, Texas City and the city of Galveston.

Brazoria County is south of Houston off highway 288, extending to Fort Bend County to the west and Galveston County to the east.  Brazoria is much like Galveston and Waller, as they are cities and counties within their boundaries.  Other cities/towns include Pearland, Angleton, Alvin, Clute, West Columbia, Sweeny, Iowa Colony, Manvel, Lake Jackson and Surfside.

Waller County has been growing in population over the last couple of decades.  Only 44 miles from downtown Houston taking highway 290, Waller has become a place for those that want to stay close to Houston, but not too close.  Unlike Fort Bend and Montgomery Counties, Waller County does not extend into any portion of the city of Houston.  Towns in Waller are Katy, Brookshire, Prairie View, Patton Village and Hempstead.

Liberty County is a bit further away to our northeast, but as the city grows more outer rings begin to connect to Houston.  With 99 being completed more and more now Liberty has become a part of an outer ring of Houston.  There are plenty of people that come into Houston from Cleveland and Dayton for work, as they drive home for peace away from the big city.

Chambers County is connected to Houston by way of Baytown which a small portion is within the county, and Harris County.  Chambers county has a few other small towns/cities where their residents commute to Houston for work.  Closest besides Baytown, are Mont Belvieu, Double Bayou, Smith Point, Monroe City, and Anahuac.

The Houston Museum District includes more than 20 different museums, that are dedicated in promoting arts, science, history and culture.  The district is a focal point of the area as it is minutes from our 3 largest universities, Medical Center, Herman Park and Houston Zoo.  On Thursday many of the museums offer free entry, check out their website for all they have to offer.

The Houston Medical Center is the top place for medicine in the world. The center piece of the medical center is MD Anderson Cancer Center and contains 54 medicine institutions, more than 20 hospitals, 8 specialty institutions, along with 8 academic and research institutions, 4 medical schools, 7 nursing schools, 2 pharmacy schools and a dental school. Thousands of people come from around the world each year to have their medical needs met. Visit the website below to learn more.

Hermann Park, donated by George Hermann to the City of Houston in 1914, consists of 445 acres in the heart of Houston. The Park serves over six million annual visitors, most of whom come from the Park’s surrounding neighborhoods, which represent a diverse cross-section of the City’s population. Beyond that majority, visitors come from across Houston as well as from outside the city limits.  Herman Park Convancy- Founded in 1992 as Friends of Hermann Park, Hermann Park Conservancy is a nonprofit citizens’ organization dedicated to the stewardship and improvement of Hermann Park – today and for generations to come. Through a public-private partnership with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, the Conservancy has raised over $125 million for improvement projects in Hermann Park, one of Houston’s most historic and popular greenspaces.

The Houston Zoo has been around for over 100 years, opening in 1922.  It  is committed to being a leader in the global effort to save animals in the wild. They are home to over 4,300 permanent residents (our animals).  They provide the highest standard in animal care. Every time you visit the Zoo, you're helping them save animals in the wild. They collaborating with 52 organizations in 17 countries around the world to save wildlife.  Throughout the year they offer special events, like Zoo Lights, during the holiday season, and benefits for members.  Check out their website.

West University Place or West U to cut it short got it's name because of how close the community is to Rice University. West U is yet another great small city within Houston's boundaries Hooper. West U today is still one of the best urban communities inside Houston. Learn more with the link below.

Southside Place is obviously not the largest area of town yet it is a very affluent area of Houston, south of West University along Bellaire Boulevard west of Edloe St.  Even though a very small area the community is in the top 15 in wealth for the State of Texas.

University Area consist of Third Ward, and the MacGregor Park areas that wraps around Riverside Terrace.  Even though Houston has more than a dozen colleges and universities, the two largest are in this area, University of Houston and Texas Southern University.  Located right outside of downtown Houston, off I-45 South and 288 the location has been prime for redevelopment.  With the expansion of U of H, much of the area has brought a younger population and gentrification of the area with more mixed use development, town-homes on many of the vacant lots, as well as old homes being torn down and replaced with 2 to 4 stories stand alone  

Third Ward is one of the oldest parts of the city, being one of the first political subdivisions or "Ward" created in 1936.  This area is a part of the revitalization of inner city of Houston.  Over the last two decades the area has taken on new life with much of the area being redeveloped with new homes, and mixed use buildings.  Check out homes for sale in the area.

 MacGregor Place is an older subdivisions near the U of H and TSU campus’ that were developed after the end of World War II, near MacGregor Park. The two subdivisions together make up this area and with the revitalization of the University area this is one of the part of Houston that is becoming more desirable to live in inside the city limits.  The proximity to Downtown and Medical Center make it a great place for younger people to be able to afford city living.  

Riverside Terrace is an affluent neighborhood off 288 wedged into the University Area.  There are over 20 sections of Riverside Terrace, and many of the lots individually restricted.  The first section was platted in  1924.  Much of this area is being gentrified since the turn of the century.  The lots that had restriction expire, have gone through a redevelopment with town-homes.  Many of the lots are large and have beautiful mansions, and estate homes.

Braeswood Place is a combination of several subdivisions like the MacGregor area. Ayrshire, Braes Heights, Braes Oaks, Braes Manor, Braes Terrace, Emerald Forest, and Southern Oaks make up this area of Houston right inside the loop south of West U and Southside Place. In the 1990’s the creation of the Stella Link Redevelopment Association (SLRA) began to make big changes to the community that had gone down in the 80’s because of crime and drugs. The SLRA put together a master plan working with the city to improve area by purchased rundown apartment complexes and commercial buildings as well as putting in place new restrictions to protect property values. Then Tropical Storm Allison in June of 2001 hit and flooded over 20% of the area. This lead for a quicker movement away from the 1940 and 50’s homes and the building of  two-story Colonial, Tudor and Stucco homes with increased size.  

Knollwood Village is located on the southwest side inside the 610 Loop, and has ten sections which were developed in the 1950’s and 60’s. At the time of building it was considered the outskirts of Houston before the 610 Loop. When the original homes were built they were between 1700-2400 square feet.  Today the neighborhood has gone through a transition to nicer larger homes, much like Braeswood Place and neighboring inner city town of Bellaire. The majority of the original homes that still exist have been renovated with current kitchen updates and fresh bathroom design.  

East End Revitalization area of town is a part of EADO together with Magnolia Park, Second Ward and Pecan Park.  When the baseball stadium was added to downtown it extended on the other side of highway 59/69, which later brought the addition of Shell Energy Stadium home of the Houston Dynamo.  The next thing that came was the bars with live music, entertainment venues, restaurants, apartments in walking distance. This area has plenty of mixed use buildings as well as new apartments, residential warehouses, town-homes, and old homes.

Magnolia Park is a part of the revitalization of the east end.  This area was first populated in the early part of the 20th century, around 1913.   Because of proximity to downtown this area has gone through a transition with addition of town-homes, and more restaurants and bars.

Second Ward is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, established in 1840.  It is located south of I-10 on the east side of I-45.  It is a neighborhood that is taking on new life and undergoing a transition as the proximity to downtown is making it a place for younger adults to find a place to call home.

Pecan Park is a large neighborhood that consist of over 30 small additions/subdivisions, with Pecan Park begin the largest in the area, giving its name.   The area was once a pecan orchard, going back to the late 1800's, and was developed by Magnolia Park Land Company in 1926.  This area also has been brought back to life with the resurgence of Houston's Downtown.

Denver Harbor area was first settle in 1891.  The area consist of approximately 885 acres, and was once 4 separate platted subdivisions; Denver, Harbor, Harbordale and Liberty Heights, now the area is known as Denver Harbor.  The City of Houston annexed the area in 1929.    It is located north of the ship channel and along the industrial area of Clinton Drive.

Eastwood lots were first placed up for sale in 1912, and was one of the first master planned subdivision in Houston by William A. Wilson, that developed much of the city in the early twentieth century.

Lawndale/Wayside is a collection of neighborhoods which still reflect the area’s origins  as a prestigious east side neighborhood. At  that time, the municipal Wortham Golf Center was the City’s first country club, what is now the Houston Country Club (established  in 1908). The adjacent heavily wooded  Country Club and Idylwood neighbor hoods have remained attractive. The areas  of Forest Hill and Mason Park are shady,  middle class havens with curving streets  and large lots. The presence of wooded  preserves such as the large Forest Park  Cemetery, Villa De Matel convent, Mason  Park and Wortham Golf Center have helped  to maintain the area's beauty. The entire  neighborhood is within the Greater East End  Management District. 

  Houston Country Club founded in 1908 by William M. Rice, Jr., also the founded of Rice University. It first began as a 9 hole course that was built on 45 acres, leased from the aforementioned Rice University. It was then purchased and developed on 152 acres with 18 hole course on the southeast part of Houston. 

Mason Park created in 1928 as a suburban destination as it was an amazing 5 miles away from downtown. It was originally only a 32 acre tract of land until an additional 70 acres were donated in 1930 by Dora Porter Mason, widow of John Thomas Mason, who the park is now named after. Mason Park is one of the few parks that is connected with MacGregor Park, Memorial Park, Woodland Park, and Sam Houston’s Park by the bayous that travel through the city. The park is back by East Lawndale Civic Association which has much of the credit on the continued development of the park. 

 Garden Oaks was established in 1937, and between Yale Blvd and Ella Blvd north of the 610 Loop, and east of Oak Forest. Garden Oaks first sections were large lots, some over a 1/4 of an acre. Much of the older homes have been replaced when the neighborhood began to transition at the beginning of the 21th century. This community is only minutes from downtown, Galleria and Memorial Park, along with award winning schools, plenty of parks, places to eat and drink.  

 Established in 1947, Oak Forest is one of the largest communities in the Houston city limits. Oak Forest in on the north side of the 610 Loop, beginning around Ella on the east and bordered by on the west by the bayou. Over the last decade the older sections of the neighborhood have been transitioning from the original small homes to much larger homes that are selling for over a million dollars. The community is filled with parks, good schools, and lots of restaurants and bars within minutes. 

  Jersey Village was a subdivision platted in 1954, and incorporated in 1956.  It is located west of Beltway 8 and on the north side of 290, east of Jones and south of Fallbrook.  Jersey Village is a small city within the boundaries of the City of Houston, much like Bellaire.  It has been able to maintain great schools and quality of life for their residents keep resale values of homes steady.  Visit the website below to learn more.

Bridgeland is a master planned community developed by the Howard Hughes Corporation in 2008, north of Katy and south of 290, east of highway 99.  This community offers everything for a family.  Check out their website for all the details.

 Cyfair or Cypress Fairbanks is one of the largest communities in the ETJ of the city of Houston and includes the city of Jersey Village.  Cyfair is also one of the fast growing areas in the country with over 100,000 students in Cyfair ISD.   Check out all there is to know about Cypress Fairbank area with a click to the Chambers of Commerce for Cyfair.

  Fairfield was Houston's first master planned community by the Friendswood Development Company in 1988, and is going strong 35 years later.  Fairfield has grown what is now Bridgeland community on the south side highway 290.  With expansion of 290 Fairfield is an easier drive into town.  Click the link to learn more about Friendswood and Fairfield.

Located in an area of Northwest Houston, Champion Forest is a lovely neighborhood of tree-lined roads. Protected in part by the Champions Forest Homeowners Association, the neighborhood retains is value and character through preservation of its natural bird sanctuary designated in 1980. This beautiful area was built with community in mind.

Beginning as 900 acres of farmland, Don Hand of Greenwood Properties led the effort to develop the area into the now desirable subdivision that exists. Resting around Champion Drive, Champion Forest offers easy access to all manner of restaurants, retail, and outdoor venues making it easy to separate home and work. Beyond Champion Forest, US 249, Interstate 45, and two toll roads provide routes to the Greater Houston area. A twenty-three-mile drive will lead you to downtown Houston where you can experience historical spots, museums, and various sports venues.

Today, homeowners in Champion Forest reside in a variety of homes including traditional-style homes, patio homes, and larger estate homes. Most offer spacious designs with high ceilings and stylish interiors located on large lots draped in mature trees. Residents enjoy community groups which include book clubs, a civic association, gardening, and wine tasting to name a few. The Champion Forest Women’s Club is a service organization offering support to schools and charities in and around the neighborhood.

Enjoy the great outdoors in the surrounding areas of Champion Forest. Spend a day in nature at Cypress Forest Park, Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve, or Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Enjoy one of the many nearby parks or visit the Fallen Warriors Memorial honoring Texas men and women who gave their lives to protect our country.

Tomball once known as the Peck community renamed in 1907, after Thomas Henry Ball who had a major part in the development of the Port of Houston. Tomball is just north of Waller. Like Waller, Tomball has gone through a growth spurt over the last decade or so. Click the link to see what else there is to be known about Tomball.

Settegast was first developed in 1892 by German immigrants William J. and Julius J. Settegast, who had become interested in land speculation back in 1872.  Settegast was further developed as a planned community in the 1940s, and had streets and lots that were platted during the same decade

Independence Heights was established in 1905, and is an area just north of the 610 Loop up to 40th Street, between Yale Street and Airline Drive.  This part of Houston has gone through a transformation over the last few years.  Many of the old homes have been torn down and replaced with traditional homes, as well as many inexpensive luxury town-homes.  The proximity to downtown and the Heights make it a place for many young professionals to purchase property with ability to stay close to bars and restaurants.

Acres Homes

  Aldine is located on the north side of Houston in parts of the ETJ, and near George Bush International Airport.   The area gets its name from a local farm back in the late 19th century.

Spring is a great section of Houston on the north side which includes Old Town Spring. Old Town Spring is a fun place for shopping and walking while looking to collect those nick knacks around the house or for a gift. Visit Mercer Botanic Gardens which is always a nice walk.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport is a top notch airport built in 1969, originally named Houston Intercontinental Airport. Renamed in 1997, it is the second busiest airport in Texas. Tips in travel. Make sure to schedule parking. Join Clear to get through TSA quickly. It cost a little, but worth it. Enjoy your trip.