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Topics in this section include: History, Location, Business / Industry, Climate

Those who reside in the Clear Lake Area and those who wish they did identify it as a highly desirable place to live and work. Half a century ago, the Clear Lake Area "rested" between Houston and Galveston. But its resting days are over.

The space race led to development of NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC), which for four decades has been the heartbeat of U.S. space research, exploration and discovery. NASA's arrival sent growth surging throughout the Clear Lake Area. Originally centered around NASA, the Clear Lake Area has matured smartly into both a widely diversified business community and a highly desirable place to call home.

The thriving Clear Lake/NASA area, situated midway between Houston and Galveston, encompasses about 125 square miles, bordered on the west by I-45 and the east by Galveston Bay. The nearly 200,000 residents of nine municipalities and unincorporated areas prosper within a highly diversified, balanced economic structure. Its strong base features aerospace, high technology, petrochemical, commercial fishing and boating industries. Tourist attractions and visitor-friendly businesses have promoted a tremendous growth in the hospitality and tourism sector in recent years.

History

The Clear Lake Area holds some of the most interesting and colorful history of any area in the state. There are no fewer than five Indian burial sites around the lake dating from 700 A.D. One is even listed in the national registry of the Archeology Society. Stephen F. Austin colonized the area in 1825, selling land for 12 1/2 cents an acre. General Santa Anna once stayed overnight in a small house on the creek. Some of the state's first Zebu cows were raised here in 1879. You probably know them better by their American name of Brahma. By the early 1920s, the Clear Lake Area boasted some of the state's finest vegetable farms and fruit orchards.

Location

Located between Houston and Galveston, the Clear Lake Area's major highways are Interstate 45 (Gulf Freeway) and Highway 146.

Business/Industry

The Clear Lake Area offers a wide variety of industry. The Johnson Space Center stands at the heart of the Clear Lake Area along with fast-growing Bayport Industrial Complex. Though the space industry remains vital, diversification into other areas grows annually. The area also has the largest and fastest-growing boating market in the country. It is the third largest pleasure boating community in the U.S.

Climate

The area features mild winters. Winter temperatures range from the 40s to the 70s. Summer temperatures range from the 70s to the 90s. Year-round sunshine rules for sporting enthusiasts.

The area encompasses:

CLEAR LAKE CITY - A part of Houston, this community has a unique personality. With an estimated population of 63,500, the community is home to the Johnson Space Center/ NASA, and a master-planned residential community developed by Friendswood Development Corp.

CLEAR LAKE SHORES - An island community of about 1,400 citizens, it offers small town attitudes amid big city conveniences.

EL LAGO - Located on Clear Lake, this residential community is home to about 3,400 citizens.

HOUSTON - The southern tip of Houston extends into the Clear Lake area. Much of the area  north of and including the NASA Johnson Space Center is a part of the City of Houston.

KEMAH - This seaside community is home to about 1,525 residents. Quaint shops, fishing, boating and waterfront dining attract residents and tourists.

LEAGUE CITY - The largest city in the Clear Lake Area, League City has a population of about 52,000. New development and robust growth continue.

NASSAU BAY - Directly across from the Johnson Space Center, Nassau Bay is home to approximately 4,500 residents and several popular retail and entertainment establishments.

PASADENA - Like Houston, a small part of Pasadena extends into the Clear Lake area. 

SEABROOK - An estimated population of 9,500 enjoy the scenic Galveston Bay Waterfront, specialty shops and fresh seafood markets.

TAYLOR LAKE VILLAGE - With about 4,200 residents, Taylor Lake is a -quiet bedroom community with great accessibility to water activities.

WEBSTER - Serving as the gateway to the NASA / Bay Area, this community of almost 8,225 residents is known for its large variety of popular restaurants, shops and affordable hotels.

Residents and visitors appreciate the casual, laid-back atmosphere and amenities offered by 30 Clear Lake Area hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts. Conveniently located on Clear Lake and Galveston Bay, and adjacent to the NASA/Johnson Space Center, the area offers an immense variety of entertainment for travelers and tourists.

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