Keys to the City

Facts & Fundamentals

It is true that things are bigger in Texas, and Houston proves it, holding top honors as the country's largest metropolitan area. It covers 8,778 square miles at an elevation of just 90 feet above sea level. Population of the Bayou City hovers just over 2 million.

Weather

Hot, hotter, and humid are the rules for Houston weather. Although winter days can be quite pleasant, (sunny and mild, 60°), during much of the rest of the year, hot days and warm nights provide the perfect climate for growing lush gardens with tropical flowers and fresh vegetables when the rest of the country is still bathed in cooler temperatures. It rains an average of over three inches per month, and April showers continue falling in May, typically the wettest month of the Houston year.

Coming & Going

Houston is big on air travel, boasting the sixth largest airport system in the world with three main airports. Continental Airlines is headquartered here, offering more than 500 daily flights. George Bush Intercontinental is located north of the city but is easily accessible from the Sam Houston Tollway and I-45. Hobby Airport is smaller and closer to downtown. The economical Express and Texans Super Shuttles run from both airports to various locations throughout the city. For those who prefer to ride the rails, Amtrak serves the metro area.

Driving is an adventure on Houston's multi-laned and looped freeways and tollways. Interstate 10 is undergoing a serious overhaul, slowing things down a bit and making shoulders non-existent. Make sure to build in extra travel time if you're driving during rush hours (7-9am and 4-6pm).

Making Your Way

Houston's spread makes it difficult to walk from place to place, although areas like the recently realized Buffalo Bayou Promenade is a walker's paradise (even at night when special illumination mimics moon phases) that loops along trails without crossing busy streets.
Safe, clean public transportation is provided by Metro, the city's bus and rail service. Eighteen Transit Centers are conveniently located where bus and METRORail riders transfer, and user-friendly route and transfer information is posted at each one. Limited parking is available. The METRORail Red Line is a 7.5-mile light rail service providing access to the Museum District, Hermann and Reliant Parks, the Zoo, and Texas Medical Center.

News & Views

Just the facts ma'am. For reports on the latest local and national events, the daily Houston Chronicle is a reliable source. The Houston Press is a free weekly freebie with the skinny on local politics and culture. Find it at shops, restaurants, bookstores, and coffee houses. Business travelers can get the latest on deals and dealmakers with e-updates from the Houston Business Journal.

Quirks & Curiosities

Houston observes Central Standard Time (one hour earlier than Eastern Standard Time) and Daylight Saving Time (April to October). Central air-conditioning is a given in Houston homes and businesses. People who take a chill easily should carry a light sweater for those times the indoor thermostat dips below their comfort zone.

Be prepared for fast driving on Houston's maze of freeways, interstates, and tollways. Houstonians tend to push the pedal to the metal, navigating their SUVs through heavy traffic in and out of the city.

Getting Your Bearings

Houston Visitors Center, the largest of its kind in the US, is a celebration of Art Deco style at 901 Bagby (entrance faces Walker). It is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm and Sunday from 11am to 4pm. Call 713-437-5556, 800-446-8786, or visit www.visithoustontexas.com.

If you should run into trouble, the emergency number for the police, fire department, or ambulance is 911. For the latest traffic conditions call 713-869-4571.

Common Courtesies

Tipping is not an exact science but is customary if you consider service to your satisfaction. Restaurants consider 15% the standard, unless a gratuity is already included in your bill (usually added automatically for groups of six or more). Bars in Houston typically have a tips tray on the counter for you to show your appreciation.

You can offer taxi and limousine drivers anywhere from 10-20% of the cost of the ride, and a dollar or two for bag handlers and valet parking.

Need to Know – Safety

Houston is relatively safe for a large metropolitan area but does have its share of crime. Use common sense and stay in well-populated areas after dark. Park in well-lit structures and stay as close as possible to the entrance/exit where there is a guardpost. In hotels, keep valuables in the front-desk safe or in the one in your room. In congested shopping areas hold your handbag close and keep wallets in front pockets. Most establishments accept credit and debit cards so you don't have to carry cash when it's not necessary. Dial 911 for police, ambulance, and the fire department.