The growth in Houston’s population has put the city on the Forbes list of “One of the Coolest Cities to Live in.” | Valli Chala/The Cougar
Houston’s population is exploding and currently has the second highest growth rate in the country.
According to census data from 2010 (the most recent data available), Houston’s population stands at around 2.1 million people — the largest in the state and the fourth-largest in the nation. In 1850, Houston’s population was approximately 2,396. The city has toppled growth rates from all over the nation and was listed at No. 4 on a list of “One of the Coolest Cities to Live In” by Forbes this year.
Many Houstonians would agree with Forbes, and it seems the rest of the world is catching on. However, many question as to why.
Houston is a boomtown for business and a melting pot of people and cultures that is unlike anywhere else in the nation.
Among other factors, Houston is booming because its employment rate is at an all-time high. Houston has the biggest economy in the state, and was number four in the nation, according to its 2013 GDP ranking.
Finance junior Michael Nguyen said he moved to Houston for the chance to find a job once he graduates.
“Knowing that Houston has the second-most Fortune 500 companies, I knew I’d be making the right decision by going to school in a city in which I can have as much first-hand exposure to employers,” Nguyen said. “Nearly every type of job can be found in Houston.”
Nguyen also said he loves Houston because of its culture. According to the Houston Business Journal, the U.S. Commerce Department said Houston has the fastest growth in foreign visitors.
“People from outside the U.S. come here nearly every day, so people of all ethnicities (and) religions are welcome and embraced as a part of our city’s diverse cultural palette,” Nguyen said. “Nobody is out of place because there’s a community for everyone to join.”
Houston is also home to some of the best universities in the nation and the state. Rice University was ranked #1 in the state by Forbes this year and #18 in the nation. As one of the three tier-one research universities in Texas, UH was ranked in the top 50 American Research Universities and undergrad business schools. Last month, the Princeton Review named UH one of the top 25 Undergraduate Schools for Entrepreneurship Programs for 2015.
“Houston is a city that lays all of its opportunities on a platter; all you have to do is reach and take bite.”
Lincoln Scott, marketing junior
Marketing junior Lincoln Scott said he moved to Houston in order to attend UH’s C.T. Bauer College of Business.
“The C.T. Bauer College of Business (has) the No. 1 rated entrepreneurship program in the nation,” Scott said. “Houston is a city that lays all of its opportunities on a platter; all you have to do is reach and take bite.”
Houston has become a hub for some of the best and most diverse foods in the nation. Cuisine styles from all over the world can be enjoyed by foodies in Houston, from the Fifth Ward to the Woodlands.
“I was always told that the food in Houston is good,” Nguyen said. “I’ve yet to go to a truly bad restaurant in town.”
It’s no wonder, then, that Houston is such a popular place for residents both new and old.
“Houston is a gold mine,” Scott said. “(It) is a springboard to the life you want to live.”
“As one of the three tier-one research universities in Texas, UH was
ranked in the top 50 American Research Universities and undergrad
business schools.”
UH is one of four tier-one research universities In Texas. It’s one of three *public* tier-one research universities in Texas.