The city of Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the United States.
As of 2010, Houston metropolitan area was declared the most racially/ethnically diverse large metropolitan area in the nation, narrowly surpassing the New York metropolitan area.
As an international student, I landed in Houston in 2010 (Happy Texanniversary to me! August 25th) I have been in Houston for nearly 6 years and I still find new and exciting things across the city all the time.
According to the Houston Chronicle, 2012, "We are a little United Nations," Pearland Mayor Tom Reid said. "You go to one of our neighborhoods, and there will be a person from Nigeria living next to somebody from India, living next to somebody from Mexico and somebody from Louisiana." We really are that diverse, and it is this richness and communal understanding that keep bringing more and more people to Houston.
So, if you are new in the area here are a few things you need to check out ASAP.
1. Museum District: The museum district is home to the Museum of Fine Arts, The Museum of Natural Science, The Museum of Health and the Children's Museum of Houston alongside a few very cool art galleries.
2. Houston Murals: a new tendency that has been expanding over the last few years. Houston is decorated with a variety of colorful street art murals to please the hipster in you. They are all over downtown and midtown but The Biscuit Pain Wall in Montrose is one of the main points to visit. Also, you can find a few others in the same area along Westheimer road.
3. Chinatown: In 1870 crowds of curious Houstonians gathered to see the arrival of 250 Chinese laborers who were traveling through the city on their way to work on the railroads. Today Houston has a vibrant Asian community. Chinatown is the place to go for traditional Chinese cuisine, arts, and nick nacks.
4. Space Center: Houston we have a problem! A must-see while in the area. The Space center offers a whole range of "out of this world" attractions for all ages. Educational and entertaining.
5. San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site: The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site includes the location of the Battle of San Jacinto and the USS Texas. It is located off the Houston Ship Channel.
6. Historic Houston Heights Shopping District: Trendy, old style shopping district filled with little boutiques and antique stores full of character. Make the shops down 19th street a priority while in Houston, you won't be disappointed.
7. The university of St.Thomas, Chappel of St.Basil : Located in Montrose area, the university has one of the most impressive catholic churches in the area. The Chappel of St.Basil consists of three basic geometric shapes: a cube for the body of the church, a sphere for the dome and a granite plane connecting these shapes, by intersecting both the dome and the cube. It's minimalistic style and stunning natural light makes it a must see.
Of course, what you decide to see and explore in this magnificent city will always depend on your likes and dislikes. However, I am sure without a shadow of a doubt Houston has something for everybody.
