Houston, Texas

Known for its diversity, thriving economy, and vibrant culture, Houston, Texas, the fourth-largest city in the United States, has a fascinating history and offers a rich tapestry of experiences to its residents and visitors.

The Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson, PLLC is a well known Houston estate planning attorney in Houston with offices on Farm to Market 1960 Road West.

History

Houston was founded on August 30, 1836, by brothers Augustus Chapman Allen and John Kirby Allen. Named after General Sam Houston, the hero of the battle of San Jacinto, the city quickly became a focal point for railway traffic and industry. The discovery of oil in the region in 1901 brought prosperity and rapid growth. Later, the development of the Johnson Space Center in 1961 and the Texas Medical Center solidified Houston’s reputation as a national leader in space and health sciences.

Neighborhoods

Houston’s neighborhoods are as diverse as they are numerous. Here are a few notable ones:

  • Downtown: The heart of the city, Downtown Houston, is home to stunning skyscrapers, professional sports venues, world-class theaters, and the Historic District, with 19th-century architecture and upscale restaurants.
  • Museum District: Hosts 19 museums within a 1.5-mile radius of the Mecom Fountain, including the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Menil Collection.
  • Montrose: Known for its diverse and bohemian atmosphere, Montrose boasts unique shops, eclectic restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and the renowned Rothko Chapel.
  • The Heights: One of the oldest neighborhoods in Houston, The Heights features Victorian architecture, boutique shops, antique stores, and an old-world charm.
NeighborhoodNotable Features
Acres HomesKnown for its music scene, it’s one of the largest urban neighborhoods in Houston.
Addicks/Park TenA residential and commercial district, home to the Energy Corridor.
AliefA large multicultural neighborhood with a strong Vietnamese and Chinese presence.
BellaireOften referred to as the “City of Homes,” it’s known for its residential character.
BraeburnA neighborhood with a variety of educational institutions, from elementary to higher education.
Braeswood PlaceA group of subdivisions providing easy access to the Texas Medical Center and the Village area.
CarverdaleA working-class neighborhood known for its sense of community.
Central SouthwestOffers a suburban environment with a diverse population.
Clear LakeHome to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, it’s one of Houston’s major job centers.
Clinton Park/FidelityA small residential neighborhood near the Houston Ship Channel.
Denver Harbor/Port HoustonCentrally located with a rich history of immigration, offering a diverse community.
DowntownThe central business district of Houston, housing many of the city’s largest companies.
East HoustonResidential neighborhood with large industrial areas along the shipping channel.
East Little York/HomesteadA predominantly residential neighborhood with several parks.
Eastex – JensenA mix of residential, commercial, and industrial zones, reflecting Houston’s development patterns.
EastwoodOne of Houston’s first master-planned subdivisions, it has a collection of historic homes.
EdgebrookA residential neighborhood conveniently located near the Interstate Highway.
El Dorado/Oates PrairieIt’s a mostly residential neighborhood with several commercial areas.
Energy CorridorHome to many global energy companies, hence its name. Also includes many parks and trails.
Fairbanks/Northwest CrossingKnown for its small-town atmosphere while being minutes away from downtown Houston.
Fondren GardensA diverse, mostly residential area with a number of commercial and retail outlets.
Fort Bend HoustonA suburban neighborhood with easy access to the city center and amenities.
Fourth WardOne of the oldest African American communities in Houston, with rich history and culture.
Greater EastwoodKnown for its historic homes and vibrant community.
Greater Fifth WardA neighborhood with a rich history and cultural heritage, currently undergoing significant revitalization efforts.
Greater Fondren SouthwestA large, diverse community with a wide array of housing options and amenities.
Greater GreenspointA dynamic neighborhood with a mix of residential and commercial areas, and home to several Fortune 500 companies.
Greater HeightsKnown for its historic architecture, this neighborhood offers a small-town feel within the city.
Greater Hobby AreaAn area that’s mainly residential but also includes the William P. Hobby Airport.
Greater InwoodA family-friendly neighborhood with an abundance of green spaces and parks.
Greater Third WardA historic neighborhood, now known as a cultural and education hub with Texas Southern University and University of Houston nearby.
Greater UptownA dynamic area with numerous high-rises, shopping districts, and entertainment venues.
Greenway/Upper KirbyOffers an urban blend of residential and commercial properties. Known for trendy shopping, dining, and entertainment venues.
GulftonA diverse neighborhood with a high population density, famous for its many apartment complexes.
Harrisburg/ManchesterA quiet, mostly residential area with a rich history and easy access to the downtown area.
Hidden ValleyA residential community known for its affordable housing and convenient location.
Highland VillageA neighborhood renowned for its high-end shopping center and upscale homes.
HobbyA neighborhood centered around the William P. Hobby Airport, offering quick access to travel facilities.
HunterwoodA residential community known for its quiet and serene environment.
IAH AirportAn area that encompasses the George Bush Intercontinental Airport, providing jobs and travel connections.
Independence HeightsHistorically significant as the first incorporated African American municipality in Texas, offering a diverse and tight-knit community.
Kashmere GardensA predominantly residential neighborhood, known for its spacious lots and accessibility to downtown Houston.
KingwoodA large master-planned community often referred to as the “Livable Forest,” offering outdoor recreation with numerous parks and trails.
LangwoodA community known for its affordable mid-20th century homes and proximity to major business and retail areas.
Lawndale/WaysideA neighborhood with a rich history and a diverse community, offering affordable housing options.
Lazy Brook/TimbergroveFeatures large lots, mature trees, and proximity to the popular Heights neighborhood, offering a suburban feel close to urban amenities.
MacGregorA neighborhood notable for its namesake park and proximity to the University of Houston and Texas Southern University.
Magnolia ParkOne of the oldest neighborhoods in Houston, offering a rich history, diverse community, and easy access to the Houston Ship Channel.
Meadowbrook/AllendaleAn affordable community, known for its mid-20th century homes and adjacency to Hobby Airport.
Medical CenterNamed for the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world, housing many hospitals, research institutions, and medical schools.
MemorialAn upscale neighborhood known for its excellent schools, luxury homes, and accessibility to shopping and downtown Houston.
MeyerlandPrimarily a residential neighborhood, known for its strong Jewish community and the Meyerland Plaza shopping center.
MidtownLocated in the heart of Houston, known for its vibrant nightlife, arts scene, and diverse dining options.
MinnetexA largely residential area, offering spacious homesites and proximity to the Houston Sports Park.
MontroseAn eclectic neighborhood known for its vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and diverse community.
Museum ParkHome to many of Houston’s cultural institutions, offering a range of museums and a robust arts scene.
NorthshoreA mixed commercial-residential neighborhood, known for its active civic club and annual community events.
Northside VillageA historical district with a mix of residential, commercial and industrial sites, known for its cultural diversity.
PleasantvilleA historically African-American neighborhood, it was one of the first planned communities in Houston.
Rice MilitaryCentrally located, Rice Military is an upscale residential neighborhood known for its trendy bars and eateries.
River OaksOne of Houston’s most exclusive neighborhoods, famous for its mansions, high-end shopping, and the River Oaks Country Club.
Second WardAn area rich in history and culture, it is one of the four original wards of Houston and home to a vibrant arts scene and historic sites.
SharpstownKnown for its affordable housing and diverse community, it’s home to PlazAmericas shopping mall and several parks.
South Acres/Crestmont ParkA residential neighborhood with numerous parks, offering a suburban feel within city limits.
South Belt/EllingtonHome to Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base and a number of parks, this neighborhood offers both residential and industrial components.
South MainCentrally located, this community is near several notable sites, such as NRG Stadium and the Houston Museum District.
South ParkThis is a predominantly African-American neighborhood in south Houston, known for its strong sense of community.
Spring BranchA large community known for its excellent schools, a rich blend of cultures, and its transition into an arts district.
SunnysideLocated south of downtown Houston, Sunnyside is a historically African-American community.
The Museum DistrictHosting 19 museums within walking distance, it is a culturally rich neighborhood attracting millions of visitors each year.
The WoodlandsThough technically a separate town north of Houston, The Woodlands is often associated with the city. It’s known for its planned communities and outdoor concerts.
Third WardOne of the six historic wards of Houston, it is a significant African-American cultural and business hub.
Trinity/Houston GardensLocated in northeastern Houston, it is a largely residential area with a variety of educational institutions.
Upper KirbyA trendy district with upscale shops, eclectic eateries, and chic cafes. It also hosts the Levy Park, an award-winning green space.
Warehouse DistrictAlso known as the Washington Avenue Arts District, it features a large collection of preserved warehouse buildings now housing a vibrant arts community.
Washington CorridorAn increasingly popular neighborhood with a variety of restaurants, bars, and new townhomes, centered around Washington Avenue.
West OaksA retail-centric neighborhood surrounding the West Oaks Mall and with good access to recreational activities at nearby George Bush Park.
West UniversityOften referred to as “West U,” this is a prestigious neighborhood known for its high-end homes and well-regarded schools.
WestchaseA bustling business district with a high concentration of businesses, including several Fortune 500 companies.
Willow Meadows/WillowbendA neighborhood characterized by its ranch-style homes and its central location, providing easy access to downtown and the Texas Medical Center.
WillowbrookHome to Willowbrook Mall and a variety of retail outlets and restaurants, making it a popular shopping destination.

Notable Attractions

From space exploration and world-class museums to nature and wildlife, Houston offers a variety of attractions:

  • NASA’s Johnson Space Center: Allows visitors to experience space exploration through simulations, exhibits, and tours.
  • Houston Museum of Natural Science: Features a planetarium, an IMAX theater, and a wide array of exhibits covering science, history, and technology.
  • Houston Zoo: Home to over 6,000 animals and located within Hermann Park.
  • Buffalo Bayou Park: Offers biking, hiking, and canoeing experiences in a natural setting, right in the heart of the city.
 

Statistical Data

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2020, Houston had an estimated population of approximately 2.3 million people. The city is diverse, with a significant proportion of its population being Hispanic or Latino. The median household income is around $51,000, and the median age of residents is 33 years.

The Greater Houston metropolitan area, which includes The Woodlands and Sugar Land, has a population of over 6 million people, making it the fifth-largest metropolitan area in the United States.

Known as the “world capital of space exploration” and the “world capital of air conditioning,” Houston is also globally significant in the energy industry, particularly oil and natural gas.

NeighborhoodMap
Acres Homes
Addicks/Park Ten
Alief
Bellaire
Braeburn
Braeswood Place
Carverdale
Central Southwest
Clear Lake
Clinton Park/Fidelity
Denver Harbor/Port Houston
Downtown
East Houston
East Little York/Homestead
Eastex – Jensen
Eastwood
Edgebrook
El Dorado/Oates Prairie
Energy Corridor
Fairbanks/Northwest Crossing
Fondren Gardens
Fort Bend Houston
Fourth Ward
Greater Eastwood
Greater Fifth Ward
Greater Fondren Southwest
Greater Greenspoint
Greater Heights
Greater Hobby Area
Greater Inwood
Greater Third Ward
Greenway/Upper Kirby
Gulfton
Harrisburg/Manchester
Hidden Valley
Highland Village
Hunterwood
IAH Airport
Independence Heights
Kashmere Gardens
Kingwood
Langwood
Lawndale/Wayside
Lazy Brook/Timbergrove
MacGregor
Magnolia Park
Meadowbrook/Allendale
Medical Center
Memorial
Meyerland
Midtown
Minnetex
Montrose
Museum Park
Northshore
Northside Village
Pleasantville
Rice Military
River Oaks
Second Ward
Sharpstown
South Acres/Crestmont Park
South Belt/Ellington
South Main
South Park
Spring Branch
Sunnyside
The Museum District
The Woodlands
Third Ward
Trinity/Houston Gardens
Upper Kirby
Warehouse District
West Oaks
Westchase
Willow Meadows/Willowbend
Willowbrook

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