Houston, Texas, has a population of 2 million people, a land area of 600 square miles, and is the 4th largest city in the United States. Houston’s Gross Area Product is $300 billion dollars, it is a major financial, economic and cultural hub of the US. It is attractive both to tourists, businessmen and homeowners alike. Let’s get to know this city better.

Houston started out as a real estate venture, bought by 2 New York businessmen in hopes of making a big profit. It was named after Sam Houston, an American general from the 1800s. From here, Houston grew to become a center of transportation and trade – it became the central railroad center and the headquarters of the army during the American Civil War. By the 1900s it became a center for shipbuilding and manufacturing. Recently it became the number one from Forbes’s list of “Best Place for Business and Careers."

For homeowners, Houston remains a popular choice due to its temperate climate, nearness to several lakes and famous schools and medical centers. It has also a very diverse culture, with over 90 languages and a cultural makeup of American, Hispanic and Asians. An average home costs around $190,000. Statistics have shown that Houston’s home sales patterns over the last few months indicate an upward trend, hence this will become a very good investment. Currently the Houston home market’s prices are down due to the financial crisis but despite this the outlook is good.

For tourists, Houston can be a very interesting city. H is home to NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, where astronaut launches and training is done. It has also several annual rodeos, art festivals and Greek festivals. Popular sites include the Theatre District, Hermann Park, Williams Waterwall and the Galleria.