Past or present Houston residents: We need you

One smart Houston resident told me yesterday that his city in the 21st century will be what Philadelphia was to the 18th century, Chicago to the 19th century, and Los Angeles to the 20th century. In scholarly language, this means that Houston will be the paradigmatic American city; in business language, the place to go for better jobs and a better standard of living; in movie language, a place where dreams are made.

I’m planning a WORLD magazine cover story on Houston—which urbanologist Joel Kotkin says will be the next great world city—for our annual cities issue, to be published next March. I’m learning about the city and already seeing that every resident seems to have a different sense of what the city is like. If you live there or have ever lived there, please describe the Houston you know in 50 words or less—and note the neighborhood you live(d) in.

Please comment below, or email me at molasky@worldmag.com.