Pasadena is the second largest city in Harris County, with a population that exceeds 150,000. Of course, the uninterrupted development between Houston and Pasadena, located on the city’s southeast side, means Pasadena feels more like an extension of Houston than a separate place. To the west is I-45 and the 610 Loop. To the north is Highway 225 and to the east and south is Beltway 8, so it is surrounded by major highways that allow for easy access to other parts of the area, including dining and shopping options.
Although now a major residential and commercial hub, Pasadena was an important nexus for the energy industry and for heavy industry from the mid-20th century on. Many major energy and industry employers still have a presence in Pasadena given its proximity to the Houston Ship Channel and numerous refineries.
Pasadena’s neighborhoods are spread out over more than 40 square miles and include Meadowcreek, Parkview, Alta Vista Acres and Edgebrook. There are also a few large communities that border Pasadena and rival it in size, including Deer Park to the east, Galena Park to the north and Friendswood to the south.
The city of Pasadena is only a few miles away from NASA and has a number of diverse and culturally vibrant neighborhoods. And in those vibrant neighborhoods are many interesting shops, entertainment spots and exciting new restaurants bringing new flavors to an area that is already counted among the country’s most respected cities for foodies.
