Houston’s Vibrant Culture and Diverse Population Welcome You to One of the Country’s Friendliest, Fastest-Growing Cities
Strategically located in Texas, Houston offers convenient access to all that the state has to offer. Houstonians make the 4th largest — and most diverse — city in the country still feel like a small town. Locals and transplants will likely challenge you to find a friendlier, more hard-working big city in the United States. This month, we are featuring our Houston office and showing you why we love to live and work in Houston!
Known as the “bayou city,” there are numerous bayous, canals and inland waterways that crisscross through Houston. These waterways provide easy access to the Gulf of Mexico and on to Central America and South America – making Houston one of the most important ports in the hemisphere. Arguably Houston's most iconic waterway, Buffalo Bayou, weaves its way through the center of Houston, into downtown, and ultimately into the Gulf. Along Buffalo Bayou you can find numerous trails, historic sites, paddle boarding opportunities and one of Texas’ largest bat colonies.
Houston’s business-friendly environment matches its rich natural resources. It is home to the largest medical center in the United States, a booming construction and development industry, a fast-growing technology sector, NASA's Space Center Houston, and over 20 Fortune 500 companies. Arguably above all else, Houston is an energy sector hotspot. Between its oil & gas exploration, renewable energy development, and power generation capacities, Houston hails itself as the energy capital of the world.
Phelps opened its first Texas office in this major hub for international business in 1990. Our Houston office features over 20 lawyers that focus on insurance, marine and energy litigation, admiralty, and eminent domain. From our office downtown, you have easy access to what most Houstonians lovingly refer to as "The Tunnels," and spectacular views of Buffalo Bayou, Sam Houston Park, City Hall and other iconic spots.
Houston prides itself on its international population. A quarter of the regions’ 7 million residents were born outside of the United States, making it one of the most ethnically diverse populations in the world. The clearest expression of that diversity is found in Houston's numerous restaurants and shops, as well as its unique festivals and celebrations. In 15 minutes in any direction from downtown, you could visit five countries through local restaurants’ authentic dishes. Ask one of our Houston lawyers what their favorite restaurant is, and odds are you will get a multi-national answer.
We don’t just enjoy the international flavor of Houston, we live it. Phelps’ Houston managing partner, Ivan Rodriguez, moved to Houston from South America. He says, “Houston was the first place in the United States we lived when my family moved here from Colombia. It’s always had a special place in my heart, and I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to move back here in 2007. I’m also proud of the wonderful team we are building here at Phelps’ Houston office.”
Ask any Houstonian when is the best time to visit and the answer will probably be March. Good weather aside, each spring the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo features nearly a month of shows, concerts and events promoting agriculture. This family friendly series of events is a must-do for anyone visiting Houston. It is a source of local pride and highlights the strong roots of Texas’ commitment to the land and its resources. Over 35,000 volunteers make the Rodeo a “signature” Houston event, including some of our very own within Phelps. Pick your pleasure and support Texas youth by attending one of the numerous fundraising events such as the Bar-B-Que cookoff, livestock auction and sales, wine garden, concerts by leading entertainers, and the many live rodeos! This showcase of past and present western heritage will make you want to buy cowboy boots and plant your roots firmly in Houston.
It is easy to see that Houston has effortlessly kept its history in view while progressively advancing in both business and culture. It's no wonder international and domestic companies are moving to Houston. With a focus on technology development, energy and construction, companies are attracted by the diverse population, skilled and multilingual workforce and lower cost of living. With a healthy mix of culture, outdoor adventures, and easy access to not only the state of Texas but really the entire world – Houston is a place you’ll want to hang your hat.
