Communities
Even with the oppressive heat and mind-draining humidity for several months of the year, the air-conditioned city of Houston is home to many happy residents. The murmur of compressors fills the evening air all summer and fall as the air-conditioners keep everyone cool; in the winter, this soft background noise is replaced by the growling cycling of heating systems, keeping everyone warm. With the high level of moisture in an extended rainy season, the foliage and flora of this area is lush and tropical, with the Houston Flower Show an annual display of the most splendid nature can stage. There are some elegant neighborhoods in and around Houston with residences bordering on the palatial and the landscaping reminiscent of royal palaces in Europe. Every spring, many of these multi-million dollar homes open up their gardens for the Azalea Trail and the public, for a modest fee, can walk through the gardens and even some of the homes, just for the sheer appreciation of the beauty there and the efforts to make this loveliness available for viewing. The pride in homesteads is a tangible element in Houston, even in the less affluent neighborhoods. There is an inherent friendliness in Houstonians not always apparent elsewhere. A large percentage of people there are exemplary of the word “neighborly.” It’s a nice place to live.