Life in Houston

What do you really know about Houston? Many people who have never been to Houston have preconceived notions about the city that are... well, just plain wrong.

With more than four million inhabitants from a variety of cultures, Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States. And the city’s modern industries, lush vegetation, and thriving intellectual and cultural environment are a far cry from the "cow town" image often associated with Houston.

Houston is an international city that is a leader in the arts, education, and health care. The same vision and entrepreneurial spirit that made Houston the energy capital of the world has given rise to global companies in a wide array of industries.

Toss out any images of dusty, flat plains, because Houston is full of trees and boasts 20,000 acres of parks, public green space, and open water. Filling your free time will be a breeze, since the city offers an abundance of recreational activities, restaurants, shopping, cultural performances, entertainment, and sporting events. When considering factors such as cost of living, jobs, education, climate, crime, arts, and recreation, Places Rated Almanac ranked Houston as the eighth best city in America in which to live.