Houston is the biggest city in the Lone Star state of Texas and the fourth largest in the US. Its population hovers roughly around 1.9M people and the city spans more than 550 square miles. Houston and its surrounding areas are best known for being an oil town and make up the sixth-largest metropolitan area in the U.S., with a population base of over than 5 million people. Named after General Sam Houston in June 5, 1837 the town hit pay-dirt when in 1901 oil was discovered in city limits. Of course now, Houston's economic base is broader including energy, space, and technology industries. Did you know that no other city except New York is home to more Fortune 500 companies? Houston's Port handles a massive volume of international waterborne tonnage is #2 in total cargo received and shipped. Houston is a beautiful (albeit hot!) southern, multicultural city, with a large and growing international community. Popular neighborhoods include: Downtown, South Side, Texas Medical Center, Southwest, Fondren, Meyerland, Sharpstown, Westbury, Midtown, Uptown, Galleria, Museum District, First Ward, Second Ward, Third Ward, Fourth Ward, Fifth Ward, Sixth Ward, Greenway Plaza and Montrose.