Humble, TX

Located near Houston in northeastern Harris County, Humble (pronounced "umble") is home to a population of about 15,000. The city was named for Pleasant Smith Humble, who settled in the area just prior to the Civil War. Today it is home to a culturally diverse population and a growing economy.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

The first settlers moved to Humble in the early 19th century. The area became a center for commercial activity because of the vast timber in the region. C.O. Bender built a large sawmill and Humble became a crossroads for transporting lumber.

In 1902, shallow oil production began in Humble and the city became a tent city overflowing with people. Oil discoveries mounted and by 1905, the Humble oil field was the largest oil-producing field in Texas. The Humble Oil and Refining Company (now Exxon Co. USA) was formed by local entrepreneurs.

As oil production declined, land owners turned to truck farming, dairy farming and lumbering. The town of Humble was incorporated in 1933 and it remained a quiet city until 1969, when Houston Intercontinental Airport opened.

To meet the needs of the growing population, Humble became a retail center and is now considered the commercial and economic hub of Northeast Harris County. Humble is now home to a state-of-the-art hospital, a spacious mall, and a civic center.

Humble's largest employers include Northeast Medical Center, Humble ISD, WalMart, Lawler Foods, and Target.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Most of the population in Humble is urban. The neighborhoods and districts of Humble accommodate around 5,900 houses, out of which more than 5,400 are occupied. Of the occupied houses, more than 2,400 are owner-occupied while renters occupy around 3,000 houses.

Humble is a fairly walkable city. A lot of places, such as grocery shops, movie theaters, drug stores, schools, restaurants and fitness centers are at a short distance from the center of the city.

FOR VISITORS

• Civic Center: The Humble Civic Center offers prime space for conventions and special events. The facility boasts an 18,000 square-foot ballroom, a 3,000 square-foot special events room, a covered expo building, a 5,000 seat arena, and numerous meeting rooms. Located just five minutes from Bush Intercontinental Airport, and a short drive from numerous shopping and dining facilities, the Civic Center has become a popular location for meetings and events.
• Deerbrook Mall: Deerbrook Mall is Humble's premier destination for shopping. Housing numerous stores, a movie theater, and a variety of eateries, this shopping center is a favorite stop for tourists and businesspeople in town for conventions at the Civic Center.
• Humble Historical Museum: Located on Main Street, the Humble Historical Museum houses a collection of oil field equipment, home furnishings, clothing, and farming tools from the community's early days. It also features historic photographs from the area.
• Old MacDonald's Farm: Old MacDonald's farm is a favorite family attraction. Children can enjoy the farm's 12 petting zoos, which feature farm animals such as goats, sheep, cows, and pigs, as well as exotic animals such as deer, llamas, emus, and a wallaby. The farm also offers pony and train rides, playgrounds, volleyball courts, an Indian Village, and a swimming pool.

FAMILY FUN

• Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens: Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens spans 300 acres of woods. It is home to the region's largest collection of native and cultivated plants. Visitors can enjoy the scenic view along Cypress Creek, observe the beaver pond, take a canoe ride, or get some exercise on one of the park's many trails. The park also includes a playground, pavilion, picnic area, tea house, and visitor center. It is a favorite location for bird watching.
• Tour 18 Golf Course: Tour 18 Golf Course is a public course serving the Humble community. The course is made up of reproductions of 18 famous holes from golf history, including holes that have determined the outcomes of major national golf tournaments.
• Humble Family Skate Center: The Humble Family Skate Center has been a favorite family recreation spot for more than 30 years. The facility features a roller skating rink and concessions. It offers skating lessons, parties, and special events throughout the year.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

• Lake Houston Performing Arts Center: The Lake Houston Performing Arts Center offers classes in dance, musical theater, tumbling, and voice/piano. It is home to the Ettes Dance Company, a competition dance team known for its high level of performance.
• Houston Arts and Culture: Humble residents and visitors also have access to the much larger Houston arts scene, which is just a short drive a way. Houston-area arts and cultural events include the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, the Contemporary Arts Museum, the Houston Symphony, and the Houston Ballet.

EVENTS

Humble Good Oil Days: Held in April, Humble's Good Oil Days festival is an annual event celebrating the city's days as a major oil producer. The family-friendly festival includes food, art, and special activities for children. It is held on Main Street in downtown Humble.

LOCAL MEDIA

Two radio stations broadcast from the city of Humble: KSBJ 89.3-FM and KGOL 1180-AM.

EDUCATION

Humble is not home to any institutions of higher education. The city's students do not have far to travel, however, to attend college. Nearby Houston colleges and universities include:

• North Harris Montgomery Community College District
• San Jacinto College North-Campus
• Houston Community College System
• The University of Texas Health Science Center
• The University of Houston (University Park and Downtown branches)

SPORTS TEAMS

Although Humble has no professional sports teams of its own, residents and tourists alike can enjoy a number of sporting events that are just a short drive away in Houston. Houston's professional sports teams include the following:

• The Houston Astros (Major League Baseball)
• The Houston Aeros (American Hockey League)
• The Houston Texans (National Football League)
• The Houston Rockets (National Basketball Association)