The University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics

Living in Houston

Texas Medical Center

The Texas medical Center, the world's largest and most dynamic biomedical research complex, is situated in a beautiful area surrounded by parks and quiet residential neighborhoods. The medical center lies south of downtown Houston, removed from the bustle of the nation's fourth-largest city, yet close enough to take advantage of its many cultural offerings. Houston is a cultural melting pot, drawing people from throughout the world to visit or work. The international composition of the city adds another exciting dimension of life here because of the numerous international events offered throughout the year, and the unparalleled choice of international cuisine at affordable prices in the more than 7000 restaurants. Because of all these amenities and the low cost of living, Houston has been recognized as the best US city to live in

Joggers enjoying a mild winter's run

Houston's mild winters means year-round sporting and recreational events of every kind. Major professional sports leagues are represented by the Astros (baseball), Rockets (basketball), Texans (football), Dynamo (soccer), and Aeros (hockey). City sports leagues also abound. For students and their families, excellent sports facilities equipped with gymnasiums, swimming pools, tennis, racquetball, and squash courts, running tracks, and sports fields exist within the Texas Medical Center.

A few blocks from the Texas Medical Center is the museum district, a charming area comprised of the city's four major museums, art galleries, theaters, private universities, zoo, a major golf course, and more.

Houston Ballet

Photo by Jann Whaley, provided by The Houston Ballet

The theater district, located in a few square blocks of downtown houston, has arenas to showcase the city's permanent dance, symphony, theater, and opera companies. all of international renown. In addition, live music and other night life abound in the many theaters, restaurants, clubs, coffeehouses, etc.

Numerous parks and recreational spots are located near Houston, including beautiful lakes and woodlands to the north and splendid beaches along the Texas Gulf Coast to the south. In addition, the houston area is home of NASA's Johnson Space Center, "mission control" for America's manned space flight. Within a 3-hours' drive are the exciting and beautiful cities of Austin and San Antonio, and the Scenic Texas Hill Country, a splendid region composed of extensive hills, forests, lakes, and rivers as well as historical towns and villages.