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Huntsville, TX

Frequently asked questions

Huntsville, TX

Huntsville is a city in and the county seat of Walker County, Texas, United States. The population was 45,941 as of the 2020 census. It is the center of the Huntsville micropolitan area. Huntsville is in the East Texas Piney Woods on Interstate 45 and is home to Sam Houston State University, Texas State Prison, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Huntsville State Park, and HEARTS Veterans Museum of Texas. 

The city served as the residence of Sam Houston, the first and third president of the Republic of Texas who later represented the state in the U.S. Senate. He is recognized in Huntsville by the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, a statue on Interstate 45, and Sam Houston State University, located in central Huntsville.

Huntsville is located at 30°42′41″N 95°32′54″W (30.711254, −95.548373). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a land area of 35.86 square miles in 2010. At the area code level, the land area covers 559.661 sq. mi. and the water area is 7.786 sq. mi. Huntsville is about 70 miles (110 km) north of Houston. It is part of the Texas Triangle megaregion.

The city got its beginning circa 1836 when Pleasant and Ephraim Gray opened a trading post on the site. Ephraim Gray became the first postmaster in 1837, naming it after his hometown of Huntsville, Alabama.

Huntsville became the home of Sam Houston, who served as President of the Republic of Texas, Governor of the State of Texas, Governor of Tennessee, U.S. Senator, and Tennessee congressman. Houston led the Texas Army in the Battle of San Jacinto, the decisive victory of the Texas Revolution. He has been noted for his life among the Cherokees of Tennessee, and— near the end of his life — for his opposition to the Civil War, a very unpopular position in his day. 

A strong emphasis on health and wellness characterizes Huntsville, offering residents a variety of facilities and initiatives to support a healthy lifestyle. The healthcare landscape is anchored by the Huntsville Memorial Hospital, a cornerstone institution providing comprehensive medical services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Huntsville Recreation and Community Services Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Iron Works Health Club, Snap Fitness, and Anytime Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Huntsville, such as the Eastham-Thomason Park and the Emancipation Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Huntsville, TX are Sam Houston Memorial Museum, Sam Houston National Forest, and Texas Prison Museum.

Population: 49,500 (2024). ZIP codes: 77320, 77340–77344, 77348–77349. Area code: 936. Elevation: 371 ft (113 m). Area: 43.43 sq mi (112.47 km2).

FAQs

What is Huntsville, TX famous for?

Huntsville is perhaps best known as the home of the Texas State Penitentiary. Established in 1848 as the first state prison, it has housed generations of Texans. Hear their stories, and get to know the inner workings of the prison, when you stop by the Texas Prison Museum.

Is Huntsville, TX a good place to live?

Living in Huntsville offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Huntsville, there are a lot of parks. Residents of Huntsville tend to have moderate political views. The public schools in Huntsville are above average.

What is the crime rate in Huntsville, Texas?

The crime rate in Huntsville is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 25 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Huntsville is 1 in 40. Based on FBI crime data, Huntsville is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Texas, Huntsville has a crime rate that is higher than 84% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia 

City of Huntsville

Huntsville Memorial Hospital

Huntsville Recreation and Community Services Department

Iron Works Health Club

Snap Fitness 

Anytime Fitness

Eastham-Thomason Park 

Emancipation Park

Sam Houston Memorial Museum

Sam Houston National Forest

Texas Prison Museum

Tour Texas

Niche

Neighborhoodscout

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