If you’ve never been to Houston or lived here, I bet there’s something you don’t know about my fine city. Growing up here, I never knew any different & it was only when I got older and traveled that I realized that Houston is definitely not the “norm” and most other towns are arranged a little differently. You see, Houston has practically no zoning, unlike all other major cities. There are not residential and commercial areas- it’s pretty much plop down whatever type of building you want anywhere you want. It was financially prosperous for our city to have fewer regulations and restrictions, but it makes for an interesting mix when this town is FULL of manufacturing and big businesses.
That growth, spurred by the oil & gas industry, has made Houston the 4th largest city in the country. But even outside the city limits proper, the sprawl has continued at an amazing pace. Freeways and beltways keep being built & expanded, new stores go up 30+ miles outside of downtown, the traffic gets worse every year & yet people continue to flock here for the economic opportunities.
That’s not to say that Houston is a complete mess, but many subdivisions have deed restrictions that prevent you from turning your home into a business. Still, there are tons of neighborhoods (& golf courses) plopped down right next to massive manufacturing plants. It’s not ideal, but it works & it’s home to millions of people.
The other unusual thing about Houston is that when a developer moves into an area, they simply cut down every tree in sight before building whatever & then planting a few measly little trees when they are done. It’s a terrible and tragic thing, and older neighborhoods are prized around here for their aging trees and green space. This is the super-fancy new medical complex they are finishing up about 25 minutes outside of downtown. All the surrounding neighborhoods are older & the trees provide a nice respite from the commotion of the city.
GOOD NEWS OF THE DAY: Mom is going to help me out with my yearly album since I am so far behind.
I didn’t get to see much of Houston this weekend. I stayed downtown and was pretty impressed with that area. Of course, I DID see about 26.2 other miles of H-Town! Some really cute little neighborhoods!