Southwest Houston facts for kids
Southwest Houston is a large area within Houston, Texas, United States. This region stretches from Texas State Highway 6 in the west, south of the Westpark Tollway, and north of U.S. Route 90. It's a busy and diverse part of the city.
Many housing complexes, including those part of the Section 8 program, are found in Southwest Houston. In 2005, many people who had to leave their homes because of Hurricane Katrina found a new place to live in this area.
The Houston Metropolitan Chamber, which used to be called the Greater Southwest Houston Chamber of Commerce, helps many neighborhoods that are considered part of "Southwest Houston."
Contents
What is the History of Southwest Houston?
Southwest Houston has changed a lot over the years. Between 1980 and 1990, many African-Americans moved from older neighborhoods into parts of Southwest Houston. Some areas saw a big increase, with thousands of African-Americans moving in per square mile. This trend continues today with the New Great Migration, as more African Americans move to the area.
During the same time, many Asian-Americans also moved to Southwest Houston. These included people of Chinese, Indian, and Pakistani heritage. Smaller groups of Cambodian, Filipino, Korean, and Vietnamese Americans also settled there. Because of these movements, Southwest Houston is now one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the Southern United States.
A sad event happened on May 31, 2013, when the Houston Fire Department faced its largest loss of firefighters in one incident. This was the Southwest Inn fire, a huge 5-alarm fire at the Southwest Inn in the Greater Sharpstown area of Southwest Houston. Four firefighters lost their lives, and 13 others were hurt while fighting the blaze.
What Neighborhoods are in Southwest Houston?
Many neighborhoods and communities are considered part of Southwest Houston. The Greater Southwest Houston Chamber of Commerce defines some of these areas:
- Braeswood/Stella Link
- Central Southwest
- Fondren Southwest
- Greenway Plaza
- Gulfton
- Meyerland/South Post Oak
- Reliant Park/South Loop
- Rice Village/Texas Medical Center
- Sharpstown
- Uptown
The Chamber also includes these nearby cities as part of the "Southwest Houston" region:
Other neighborhoods and communities in Houston often seen as part of Southwest Houston include:
- Alief
- Westheimer, Houston
- South Main, Houston
- Energy Corridor
Some communities outside of Houston also refer to themselves as being in "Southwest Houston," like Lakes of Savannah in Brazoria County.
What is the Economy Like in Southwest Houston?
Southwest Houston has a busy economy with many local businesses. For example, the main office for Rice Epicurean Markets is located here. This company set up its headquarters in Southwest Houston in 1960, and its current 16,000 square foot office building opened in 2005.
You can find many stores in the area, including large ones like Walmart and smaller grocery stores. There are also many gas stations. Most businesses in Southwest Houston are not factories or industrial companies; instead, they are smaller businesses that serve the community. Many people who live in Southwest Houston also work in the area.
What Schools are in Southwest Houston?
Education in Southwest Houston is provided by different school districts. Some parts of the area are served by the Houston Independent School District. Other parts fall under the Alief Independent School District. There are also private schools, such as The Imani School, located in Southwest Houston.
Who are Some Famous People from Southwest Houston?
Southwest Houston has been home to several notable people:
- M.J. Khan – He was a member of the Houston City Council.
- Maxo Kream – He is an American hip hop artist.
