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Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States, yet it often feels very different from cities like New York or Chicago.
Its skyline is impressive, but comparatively more spread out and less dense, reflecting the city’s overall structure: expansive, decentralized, and built around movement rather than vertical concentration.

With a population of over 2.3 million people, and more than 7 million in the greater metropolitan area, Houston is one of the largest urban regions in North America—often underestimated by first-time visitors.

Geography & Location

Houston is located in southeastern Texas, close to the Gulf of Mexico.
The coastal city of Galveston lies roughly 50 miles (80 km) south and is the closest access point to the sea.

Distances to other major cities underline how large Texas really is:

• Austin – approx. 165 miles (265 km)
• San Antonio – approx. 200 miles (320 km)
• Dallas – approx. 240 miles (385 km)
• New Orleans – approx. 350 miles (560 km)

These distances make it clear why Houston—and Texas in general—is deeply car-oriented and organized around highways rather than compact urban centers.

A Short History of Houston

Houston was founded in 1836 and named after Sam Houston, a key figure in Texas history.
That same year, the decisive Battle of San Jacinto took place just east of today’s city, where Texan forces defeated the Mexican army.

This victory led to Texas gaining independence from Mexico and later becoming part of the United States in 1845.
Before that, the region had been Mexican territory, a fact that still strongly influences Houston’s culture today.

The importance of this moment is reflected in the San Jacinto Monument, built near the battlefield.
At over 560 feet (171 meters), it is the tallest monument in the world, underscoring how central this event is to Texas identity.

A statue of Sam Houston can also be found north of the city in Huntsville, marking his lasting significance.

Culture & Diversity

Houston is one of the most international and diverse cities in the United States.
Its proximity to Mexico, combined with decades of global migration, has shaped a city that feels open, multilingual, and culturally layered.

Mexican and Latin American influences are especially visible—reflected in food, language, and everyday life—but Houston’s identity extends far beyond a single cultural narrative.

A Greener City Than Expected

Many first-time visitors expect Texas to look dry, flat, and desert-like—an image shaped largely by films and stereotypes.
Houston challenges that expectation immediately.

The city is surprisingly green, with trees, bayous, and parks woven throughout residential areas.
Rather than desert landscapes, much of Houston feels lush, humid, and subtropical.

Downtown: Weekday vs. Weekend

Downtown Houston changes character depending on the day:

• Weekdays are dominated by office life and commuter traffic, with streets filling during morning and evening rush hours.
• Weekends feel noticeably louder and more event-driven, especially in the evenings, as sports, concerts, and nightlife take over parts of the city.

This contrast reinforces Houston’s rhythm: a working city during the week, and a destination-driven city on weekends.

A first time in Houston is less about landmarks and more about understanding scale, distance, and diversity.
The city reveals itself gradually—through its neighborhoods, its history, and the way everyday life adapts to size rather than density.

Houston does not try to impress at first glance.
Instead, it grows on you as its layers begin to connect.