Texas Cities and Towns

Article by Merrill Baum
Photography by George Hosek

Texas has a wealth of diversity that is evident in its cities and towns. From the sophisticated, culture of its megalopolises to the small towns that dot the state, each community brings an understanding of history and pride that defines the state.

However, no matter how large or small, most have at least one museum, a rodeo arena nearby, and a gathering place to tell stories, and keep up with current events.

In the Dallas/Fort Worth area you can find markets, convention centers, world class shopping, and is host to major sports teams. Dallas also hosts the State Fair in the fall while Houston hosts the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in the spring.

San Antonio and Austin has major theme parks, cultural and historical areas, and is close to caverns and recreational areas. San Antonio is host the River walk and Austin holds an International Film Festival.

In Waco you'll find the Texas Coliseum, rodeos, conventions, and major events. It provides water recreation on Lake Waco.

 

The melting of nations can be found in the Harlingen area on the border with Mexico, as does Laredo, Del Rio, and El Paso, opening the door to commerce and culture.

The azaleas bloom in the spring bringing visitors to Tyler, a short trip to see the dogwoods bloom at Davy Dogwood Park in Palestine. After the dogwoods, take a ride on the train to Rusk and its authentic 19th Century railroad.

Jefferson provides a look into the past as a living memory of the days when it was the major cotton transporter of east Texas. On the other side of the state in the west, there's Monahans Sand Hills State Park and Guadalupe Mountains . The University of Texas McDonald Observatory can be found in the Fort Davis area. Odessa has a meteorite crater and Marfa features its Ghost Lights. Pack your bags and take a trip to Texas, land of adventure.

Cities & Towns of Central Texas South

Houston Texas has a massively diverse economy, from shipping to manufacturing, banking and finance, all going on within this most welcoming of Texas cities.

Of course, first-time visitors want to know what to do, well, there’s Hermann Park, the Theater District and May 10th, 2008 The Houston Art Car Parade just for starters.

 
HemisFair Park
Kids and adults alike will find San Antonio’s HemisFair Park overflowing with fun activities and exciting adventures, set in a beautiful landscaped surrounding.
Tower of the Americas
The Tower of Americas is one of San Antonio's most popular attractions, locals and visitors alike come to enjoy the stunning views and great food.
 
Riverwalk San Antonio Spanish charm and old world romance merge along San Antonio’s foremost attraction, Paseo Del Rio, the River Walk.
Dallas Arts District
Dallas, Texas, is a metropolis for the arts, culture and world-renowned exhibits found no other place in the world.
 
Baytown, Texas
Nestled between the San Jacinto and Trinity Rivers, this bedroom community is a well kept secret.
Clear Lake
Clear Lake is an extraordinary place to live or visit, a city with much to offer, friendly people, sunny weather and beautiful sunsets.
 
Friendswood
The surrounding area was originally wooded. Friendswood is a suburban community of fine homes, churches, businesses, schools and organizations.
Pearland, Texas
Located 18 miles south of downtown Houston, it's centralized location has made Pearland one of the fastest growing cities in Texas.
 
Sugar Land, Texas
Sugar Land is no longer just a Houston suburb, a population explosion in the late 1990s paved the way for an edgier and trendier Sugar Land.
The Woodlands
Nestled in the forest north of Houston and just minutes from Bush International Airport, The Woodlands offers homes in virtually every style.
 
Conroe Texas
Located north of Houston, Conroe has grown into a major recreational area attracting visitors, businesses, and new residents.
Manvel Texas
An easy 20 minute drive, south of downtown Houston will deliver you to this peaceful refuge.

 
 
Brenham Texas
Midway between Austin and Houston nestled in the rolling hill country of Texas, lies Brenham.
Austin Texas
Austin is loved by residents and visitors alike because of it’s beauty, diversity, mild climate, outdoor lifestyle and excellent city parks.

Cities & Towns of the Upper Texas Coast

Alvin, Texas
Less than a half hour south of Houston at the intersection of Texas highways 6 and 35, you will find the charming community of Alvin.
Angleton
The County seat of Brazoria County is a thriving community that offers the best of both worlds.
 
Bolivar ,Texas
No matter what kind of settling and building goes up on Galveston Island, a short three miles north across the channel the land is wild and rugged.
Freeport
Historic downtown Freeport is being lovingly restored. Located between the banks of the Brazos river and the shores of the Gulf.
 
Galveston, Texas
Galveston is one of the most popular vacation spots in Texas, clean beaches, tropical resorts, dramatic history,  much, much more.
Lake Jackson
Lake Jackson could have been just another company town with row houses along drab streets. Architect and builder Alden B. Dow’s vision,
 
Quintana Texas
A small island village located in Brazoria County near Freeport and Surfside. This quite, peaceful little coastal town attracts visitors from all across Texas and the US.
Surfside Texas
With it's four miles of unspoiled shoreline, Surfside Beach is an outstanding retreat for recreational sporting enthusiast, sun worshipers and nature lovers.

Cities & Towns of East Texas

Lufkin, Texas
There’s good reason Lufkinites were mildly miffed when their sibling to the north latched on to the title of “Capitol of Forest Country.”
Nacogdoches, Texas
The elder city’s quiet appeal is ever present, inviting visitors to reminisce about the days of Texas independence.
 

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