Neighborhoods in Houston, Texas
Just as Houston is a city made up of diverse cultures and people, it is also comprised of a diversity of neighborhoods.
Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States and the largest city in Texas. As of 2007, Houston's population stood at 2.2 million. With weather that's pleasant almost year round, it's a perfect fit for outdoor enthusiasts. It is home to five professional sports franchises, Including the Astros, Aeros, Rockets, Texans and two-time MLS Cup soccer champions, the Houston Dynamo. It is one of the only cities in America to maintain professional permanent performing companies in residence. These include the Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet, the Houston Grand Opera and the Alley Theatre.
Downtown
Nearly $5 billion has been spent revitalizing downtown. This includes a light rail to improve accessibility for commuters. With a wide variety of trendy loft spaces and high-rise apartments ranging in price from $90,000 to $750,000, downtown is a perfect fit for the upwardly mobile professional.
Heights
Architectural charm and history abound in the Heights. Founded in 1890, the Heights is made up of a rich tapestry of varied elements. The magnificently landscaped Heights Boulevard provides a great thoroughfare through the heart of the neighborhood. Quiet tree-lined streets and scenic walking and jogging trails add to its ambience.
Midtown
Ensconced between downtown and Houston's famed Museum District is Midtown. Midtown is the perfect place for those who are interested in old meets new. New upscale high-rises, condominiums and apartments co-exist with luxuriously appointed townhomes and classically constructed brick-and-wood structures. Prices start in the neighborhood of $100,000 and top out about $400,000. A variety of architectural styles exist in Midtown; everything from contemporary and Georgian to arts and crafts.
Uptown/Galleria
Uptown/Galleria is the home of some of the fanciest digs in Houston, with its array of chic apartment homes, condominiums and high rises. Prices start at around $200,000 and can continue into the stratosphere. With 375 stores, the Galleria Mall boasts some of the best shopping in the known universe. Stores like Bulgari, Yves Saint Laurent, Giorgio Armani, Gucci and Versace, promise a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
Pearland
If you're looking for a self-contained community, try Pearland. Pearland is not a neighborhood as much as it's a suburb of Houston. Situated south of Houston along State Highway 288, Pearland has most of the amenities of a city. The largest employer is the Pearland Independent School District. The second-largest is Wal-Mart. Since Pearland does not have any industry, most people commute into Houston for work.
The Woodlands
Situated on 28,000 wooded acres North of Houston off Interstate 45, the Woodlands was originally planned as a bedroom community but has enjoyed tremendous growth in the past two decades. The Woodlands experienced growth of more than 90 percent between 1990 and 2000, according to the 2000 census.
