T he meteoric boom that created Houston was envisioned in 1836 by the Allen brothers, two real estate brokers who first bought then sold the land that is now called Houston. The Houston of the 1990's is a city of contrasts. It is home to NASA's Johnson space center, has the busiest port in the United States and is in the forefront of medical technology. The Astrodome was the first covered stadium in the world. Theater Under the Stars, The Museum District and many art collections.
Transportation is facilitated by two airports, one on either side of the city.
The freeway system is accessible from all parts of town and has contra-flow lanes for rush hour as well as park and ride facilities. Master planned communities have formed all around Houston. The most popular include First Colony, Avalon, New Territory, Pecan Grove and Lake Olympia. In the Southwest area, The Woodlands, Kingwood and 1960 areas in the north, Clear Lake in the south and Cinco Ranch and Katy in the west. These areas are very popular with families and offer pools, tennis courts, parks, trails, sports fields, lakes and golf courses.