When I moved to Houston from Boston, I knew little about Texas’ largest city beyond Astros fandom and petroleum companies. I was quickly captivated by Bayou City. After enduring New England winters, I welcomed afternoons on my patio in a t-shirt in February. Houston’s warm hospitality likely stems from its incredible diversity: people arrive from across the country and around the globe, bringing cultures, perspectives and, most importantly, food. From craft barbecue and family-run Vietnamese eateries to fine dining that rivals New York and Los Angeles, Houston’s culinary scene is a major draw. I haven’t abandoned my loyalty to the Sox, but I’m certainly happy to be in Texas.
With expansive room to grow, business-friendly policies and a robust job market, Houston’s economy is expanding rapidly. While the city remains synonymous with oil and gas, its business landscape includes blue-chip firms like Hewlett-Packard and Sysco alongside innovative startups such as Solugen and Iovista. Houston’s leadership in healthcare and research is undeniable: institutions like Rice University, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and Texas Children’s Hospital make the city a national hub for medical advancement.
To better understand recent changes across Houston, I spoke with Tony Buzbee, a prominent attorney, former mayoral candidate and a well-known local figure. Over a bowl of chorizo-spiked queso at Ninfa’s, a beloved Tex-Mex institution, Buzbee discussed improvements to the city’s infrastructure, airports and neighborhoods. He has a keen sense of Houston’s evolving landscape.
Geographically, Houston is immense — large enough to encompass Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City combined, with room left over. That scale has shaped Houston into a car-dependent city, and Buzbee emphasized the ongoing projects aimed at improving roads and commutes. “Almost 400 people relocate to Houston each day; and at the rate we’re growing, there will always be major projects to improve the commuter system,” he said.
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One major effort is a $9 billion project to renovate and expand the North Houston Highway. Rolled out in phases, the upgrades aim to ease rush-hour congestion and make the commuter system more resilient to flooding — a critical priority since Hurricane Harvey in 2017. As someone who appreciates extensive public transit, I occasionally miss Boston’s metro system, but efficient highways and lower gas prices make driving in Houston practical.
Buzbee, who travels frequently, praised Houston’s two major airports — George Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby — for their dining options. He called Houston “a foodie city through and through,” noting that many of his favorite local restaurants have airport outposts. For a preflight meal at Bush Intercontinental, Buzbee recommends Pappas Bar-B-Q, known for tender brisket and bourbon‑spiked banana pudding. Airport travel should become smoother soon: Bush Intercontinental will open the Mickey Leland International Terminal in late 2024 or early 2025, consolidating international flights into one modernized section of the airport.
Before leaving Ninfa’s — the chili- and cumin-scented haven of molten cheese, fresh tortillas and Slurpee-style margaritas — Buzbee shared a few favorite spots and activities. “Explore the Heights neighborhood,” he suggested. “The leafy streets and historic homes make for great strolls, and the dining scene is outstanding.” On weekend nights, the Heights comes alive with patio bars and popular restaurants filled with alfresco diners and lively crowds. Heights Bier Garten and Eight Row Flint are local favorites, offering spacious indoor-outdoor experiences and a vibrant social scene.
SCENIC DRIVES
Buzbee also recommended a few scenic drives for a break from urban life. A convenient getaway is Galveston Island, a historic beach town on the Gulf of Mexico about an hour from downtown Houston. “Take I-45 South,” he advised. “The route is lovely as you pass Texas City and the cityscape gives way to sandy shores.” Another picturesque area is the River Oaks District, Houston’s upscale neighborhood known for elegant homes and manicured streets. Whether you drive slowly to admire the architecture or stroll through the neighborhood, River Oaks offers a refined and peaceful side of the city worth experiencing.