Houston is the fourth most populous city and the single most diverse in the states. While not the most beautiful city in any of the 50 states, there's a little bit of something here for everyone. Whether you love it or hate it, it'll always be home to you. Below you'll find the true joys and struggles of being a Houstonian.
1. You've spent at least half of your lifetime in traffic.
Okay, maybe this is an exaggeration, but it definitely seems to be the case. Chances are if you set out to go anywhere during rush hour, you won't arrive at your destination for a good hour.
2. You'll never live to see the day that all construction is complete.
I can't remember the last time I drove anywhere and didn't see any orange barrels or road work signs. I'm pretty sure I'll be dead before they finish inner city and freeway construction.
3. Learning to drive on big scary freeways has made you a pro.
Houston freeways are a work of art, but they are a bit daunting. If you're anything like me, learning to drive on the freeways consisted of a few close calls and a lot of tears and panic attacks. But now? Easy peasy.
4. And you actually know what a "feeder road" is.
The road you use to access and merge on the freeway? Yep, that's a feeder - not a service road, not a frontage road.
5. You're not even sure how big Houston actually is, because it just keeps growing.
I'm just not sure how much room we have to spare anymore. And it's no wonder that half the items on this list have something to do with roads, driving, and traffic.
6. High gas prices are viewed as a good thing.
High gas prices make my wallet cry a little bit, but since Houston is the Energy Capital of the world, you know everyone here is prospering when the prices are high.
7. And our Medical Center is the best in the nation.
Besides creating thousands of jobs, people from all around the nation come seeking top-notch healthcare for themselves or their loved ones.
8. People from the suburbs will always claim they're "from Houston."
We've all experienced this before. You meet someone in one of your lectures "from Houston" and when you ask what part, they name some suburb like Sugarland or Atascosita. Just no.
9. Speaking of which... You can tell a lot about a person just from their area code.
This one sounds a bit snobby, but it is true. If someone's area code is 713 or 832, they're safe. But a 281 area code? Straight out of a Houston suburb. And 346? Unheard of.
10. And you automatically hate Dallas.
I don't even know why I hate Dallas (or the Cowboys), I just do. I think it's programmed in all of us from the very start.
11. We have our own brand of music.
Home of chopped and screwed, city of the purple sprite. Houston rap holds a special place in your heart, and you'll always know whose phone number 281-330-8004 is.
12. Even Beyonce is from Houston!
I don't care who you are - Beyonce will always slay, and her music will always be catchy. You can't deny it.
13. You look forward to March every year.
Real cowboys competing in the livestock show, great country music performances, anything you can imagine deep fried - from oreos to nutella, even butter. And of course the carnival... Meet at G-Force!
14. Blank walls inspire creativity.
These gorgeous murals serve as tourist attractions, backdrops for photo shoots, and most importantly, remind us of how creative and amazing our city really is.
