When you think about Houston, do you envision cowboys and tumbleweeds? Well, forget those ideas. Contrary to these preconceived notions, Houston - the fourth most populous city in the United States - boasts modern industries, a thriving intellectual and cultural environment, lush vegetation and much more. Houston is also the most diverse city in the nation with a great mix of people, culture and industries.
Here are some interesting facts about Houston:
- Over 145 languages are spoken in Houston.
- More than 61% of its residents over the age of 25 hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
- It is the second fastest-growing US city, behind New York.
- The Texas Medical Center located in Houston exceeds 1,344 acres and 7.2 million visits per year. It is the largest medical facility in the world.
- There are more than 6,000 animals of 900 species at the Houston Zoo. It is the second most visited zoo in North America.
- Houston is home to more than 10,000 restaurants, offering an array of cuisines from 70 global countries and American regions.
- Houston Museum District is a treasure chest of 19 museums attracting 8 million visitors per year.
- The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the world’s biggest rodeo with month-long events and 2.5 million attendees every year. It includes live performances, carnivals, games and food courts.
"The cultural diversity in the city is so impressive. Other cities may offer as much to do as Houston, but the extremely low cost of living here means that you can actually take advantage of everything the city has to offer."
Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the United States. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the ethnic makeup of Houston is as follows: Hispanic or Latino: 44.5%, White: 24.1%, Black or African American: 22.1%, and Asian: 6.8%. Houston is home to a large immigrant population, with over 28% of residents being born outside of the United States. Houston's diversity is one of its greatest strengths. It makes Houston a vibrant and exciting city to live, work, and visit.
Houston has a lower cost of living than most of the United States. Houston's living costs are 7.9 percent below the nationwide average and 34.1 percent below the average of the nation's most populous metropolitan areas. Overall, Houston is a very affordable city to live in. This is due to a number of factors, including the city's large size, its diverse economy, and its relatively low taxes. Request a free Houston Relocation Guide from the Greater Houston Partnership to help you plan for your move. Visit our housing page for Cost of Living Calculators and information on Houston neighborhoods.
Houston's economy is the 4th largest in the United States. In terms of the world economy, if Houston were an independent country, it would have the 27th largest economy in the world. The city is home to 24 Fortune 500 companies that contribute significantly to the city's economy. Have you checked out careers at BCM?
In the winter, you may need a light jacket but ice or snow won’t keep you from enjoying the outdoors. With an average temperature year-round of 68 degrees and average rainfall of 46 inches, you can enjoy the outdoors as much as you’d like to.
Entertainment Options
More than 500 institutions are devoted to the performing and visual arts, science and history in Houston. Houston’s Theater District features seven renowned performing arts organizations and many smaller ones. The Houston Museum District is one of the country’s most visited and diverse cultural centers with 19 museums within close proximity. The Houston Zoo receives 2.55 million visitors per year and is among the most-visited zoos in the U.S. The city is also home to many professional and college sports teams. There are also festivals and special events throughout the year.
Houston has more than 11,000 restaurants, which serve every type of cuisine you could think of, including brick-and-mortar establishments and food trucks. In 2020, U.S. News & World Report ranked Houston among the top 10 best foodie cities in the country.
Houston ranks first in total park acreage among U.S. cities with more than one million residents. The city has more than 350 parks and more than 20 green spaces. The Houston Parks and Recreation Department maintains nearly 165 miles of biking and hiking trails that loop within parks or run along streets and bayous.
"I moved from Washington D.C. to Houston. The cost of living here is amazing compared to other big cities. There are lots of outdoor activities and free entertainment and, of course, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the food."
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Visit Houston on YouTube
Hear about Houston from well-known Houstonian celebrities like Jim Parsons from “The Big Bang Theory,” Chandra Wilson from “Grey’s Anatomy,” and celebrated music group ZZ Top in these videos produced by the official visitor’s site for Houston. In addition to videos with these celebrities, this YouTube channel contains a variety of videos about Houston events and things to do in and around the city.
My Houston
Houston's most prominent natives--George Foreman, Lyle Lovett, Jim Parsons, ZZ Top and Chandra Wilson--tour their hometown. Video courtesy of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Texas Medical Center
Baylor’s location in the TMC, the world’s largest life sciences complex, provides unique experiences and resources.
Virtual Tours of Houston
Take virtual tours of Houston's landmarks and attractions available on the website youvisit.com.
