Houston is the largest city in Texas and along the Gulf Coast, and it is characterized by a vibrant culture that emerges from its many neighborhoods and communities. Houston is also home to one of the world’s largest and most sophisticated medical centers, along with world class museums, a robust mixed economy and a thriving food scene.
Inner Houston refers to the communities inside the I-610 Loop, including the Medical Center and the Galleria area. Each is so large and developed that they add to the city’s downtown skyline. The Medical Center is located between I-69 to the north and Highway 288 to the east and is within walking distance to Rice University and the Museum District. The Medical Center is where the city’s prominent hospitals reside, including several top research hospitals, but it’s also a growing neighborhood of its own with high-end residential areas (West University, Rice Village), excellent schools and a variety of entertainment venues and restaurants.
The Galleria area attracts people from all over the world, as it’s an economic hub with major commercial developments. Chief among them is the Galleria itself, which is a 55-year-old mall that spans more than 3 million square feet, making it the largest shopping mall in Texas and one of the 10 largest in the country. Bordered by the 610 Loop to the east, I-10 to the north and I-69 to the south, the Galleria area is centrally located in Houston and is an ideal destination for eating out or finding something to do. It’s also near several well-established and affluent neighborhoods, including the Memorial area and River Oaks.
Outside the 610 Inner Loop, there are several sprawling communities, each with their own distinctive features and amenities. There’s the Meyerland area, Bellaire, Spring Branch, Independence Heights, Pasadena, Missouri City and numerous neighborhoods in north and south Houston outside of the city’s larger traffic loop, Beltway 8.
With a powerful economy, growing population, a vibrant patchwork of cultural influences, along with an impressive mix of restaurants, Houston has something to offer to everyone.
