The Texas Medical Center, the world's largest and most dynamic biomedical research complex, is situated in a beautiful area surrounded by parks and quiet residential neighborhoods. The picture at the right shows the Texas Medical Center, with downtown Houston in the background. Houston is the nation's fourth-largest city, with all of the cultural offerings that one can expect in a major city. Because of all these amenities and the low cost of living, Houston has been recognized as the best US city to live in, the second best US city for 20 to 29 year olds, the fifth best city for recent college grads, and the best US city for shopping

Houston is a cultural melting pot, drawing people from throughout the world to visit or work. The international composition of the city adds another exciting dimension to life here. Numerous international events take place throughout the year, and Houston has an unparalleled choice of international cuisine at affordable prices in more than 7000 restaurants.

The museum district, and the Montrose and West University neighborhoods are within a few blocks of the Texas Medical Center. The Museum district is a charming area comprised of the city's four major museums, art galleries, theaters, zoo, a major golf course, and more. Montrose, one of the most quirky, vibrant and diverse residential neighborhoods of Houston, offers a private university, the Menill Collection, and a variety of shopping and dining options. The theater district, located in a few square blocks of downtown Houston, has arenas to showcase the city's theater, dance and music companies, all of international renown. In addition, live music and other night life abound in the many clubs, coffeehouses, restaurants, theaters, etc. Also in downtown is Discovery Green, which features free outdoor concerts and movies and a weekly farmer’s market. In each of these areas, live music and night life are offered by countless clubs, coffeehouses, and restaurants. These areas are accessible by Houston’s light rail line, which runs through the Texas Medical Center, the Museum District, and downtown Houston.

Houston's mild winters mean year-round sporting and recreational events of every kind. Major professional sports leagues are represented by the Astros (baseball), Rockets (basketball), Texans (football), Dynamo (soccer), and Aeros (hockey). City sports leagues also abound. For students and their families, excellent sports facilities equipped with gymnasiums, swimming pools, tennis, racquetball, and squash courts, running tracks, and sports fields are located within the Texas Medical Center.